nina_930

I imagine there will lots of offers to upsell.  Figuring they are not sailing at full capacity, they have the wiggle room and will take every chance to make some extra money.  

I see that there was updates for YTD.  Has anyone mentioned anything about the seating arrangements for set dinning times?  I'm curious if we are going to be seated with other parties or by ourselves (2 top).  

Not to get off topic of cell phones but...I am surprised that they are not showing the video in the waiting room prior to boarding.  We are all sitting there twiddling out thumbs.  After check-in, they can have you sit in a room, watch it, then scan your card.  That way people have no choice but to pay attention instead of letting it play while unpacking or playing on their phone.

Everything said above.  I've never had the soot either.  Was on one cruise that we felt the vibrations coming/going into port, but it was only for a few minutes and I was actually glad one day that it woke me up because I love coming into port.  I've tried to get the higher decks to avoid this, but be aware of what's above you as well.  The vibrations didn't outweigh the views and the sounds of the wake for me though.  

I saw a program discussing the things that may or may not be sticking around after Covid.  One of the things that was stated was that there would be an app for the fun times instead of the paper ones.  The app is convenient,  but I love the paper ones.  Has anyone heard any truth to this?  Just curious.

We have booked a cruise for the end of September.  Crossing fingers that we will be safely cruising by then.  I am worried about hurricanes.  I was in NY when Sandy whipped through and cruise passengers in Jersey were screwed because where they parked got flooded.  We were also in Charleston last year and had to deal with flooding with just a rain storm, obviously not as bad as a hurricane.  But, because of the flooding we saw I'm thinking it floods pretty easily there.  Is this just me being paranoid or is this just the risk I have to be willing to take during hurricane season.  If there is a risk, is there a hotel that is less of a risk than others?  I know...I'm not as paranoid as I sound, but would like to prevent my car having water damage.  TIA!

3 hours ago, CruiserBruce said:

 

Curious what the "Room Mate" in the thread title means?

That's the name of the hotel.  Like Hilton or Marriot.

Has anyone stayed here and if so, do you recommend it.  I searched in this forum and only one topic came up so I'm curious if it's a good hotel?  We are just staying one night and wanted an ocean view.  TIA!

Does anyone know where I can find the freesyle dailies for the 11 day cruise?  I tried searching and cant locate any.  TIA!

I love the aft balconies, but from the pictures I see it almost looks like you don't really have a view unless you are standing by the rail.  Is this the case of is it just how it looks in 2D?

I am booking for my mom (73) and myself.  Neither of us has been to Hawaii before.  I am just curious from people who have done the cruisetour route before what were your thoughts?  How was the hotel?  How was the tours?  Would you book it again or book it independently if you were to go back and do it again?  I am pretty comfortable booking things on my own, but would rather not have the hassle of renting a car.  I'd appreciate any pros/cons you encountered.  Thanks in advance!

They all have only cabins below and above, so there won't be any direct noise from venues on any of those decks. We just got off last week and had an AFT facing balcony on 12 and we were able to hear the music from H2O since it is an outside venue, so that's something to consider location wise (aft/mid/front). I would look at the specifics of the individual cabins to compare the balcony sizes. Depending on where you are they are sized differently.

I was on the Escape last week and we went to see Choir of Man. I just had to share and say it was the highlight of the week. These guys are so much fun! Before they even start the actual show they are out on stage pouring beers for the audience and chatting with people, just having fun. The show makes you feel like you've know them forever and are a regular at their pub down at the corner. Their musical talent is second to none and their ability to entertain is spot on. The most fun I've had in a long time!

They are in the Supper Club, so there is an up-charge to see them. but it does include dinner and free beer. Appetizer: Crab and Salmon cake, Main Course: Bangers and Mash, Dessert: bread pudding with strawberries and cream. My take on the food is that the appetizer, desert and mash potatoes were really good. I'm not much of a sausage person really, but they were mild tasting and the skin was not thick so I thought they were OK. The man at the next table was served pasta and sauce, so I guess if you ask they will replace it.

I am sure with the talent these guys have, they will be on the main stage soon enough. But you should see them in the Supper Club while they are there, because it will be a different vibe. Trust me, it's worth the extra money!

If you uses the spa, there are usually specials offered for sea day services. And, I think a lot of people enjoy the pool more because it is much less crowded.

How about renting a Twizy? I don't know the first thing about them, but I've seen posts on them. It's another option if they don't have to be returned by 7.

I was watching some youtube videos and it seems like they stop at some point. Does anyone know where they stop. Also, is there a set time they come or is it periodically throughout the night? TIA!

It depends on the time of the show. I just checked ours and the 6:00 show has a charge but the 8:30 show is still $0.

I'm on that cruise. I'll be sure to take pictures of the freestyle daily.

That would be awesome! You're the best, thanks!

Thanks everyone. I thought she left last Sunday. Also my apologies for the long post above, I posted it to the wrong thread.

I found this on another thread and thought it was great for people who are not familiar with NY to know what they are looking at when we sail off.

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2549447

NEW YORK HARBOR HIGHLIGHTS:

For those who have not yet sailed from N.Y. :

One of this trips highlights are the views of the N.Y.C. skyline and N.J. shoreline during the 1 hour journey down the Hudson river and through N.Y. Harbor.

Right from port you will see the USS Intrepid aircraft carrier and Growler submarine. As we pull out, look towards the aft (rear) to see the GeorgeWashington Bridge then on port (left) side the Empire State building and the Chrysler building and the new One57, the tallest, thinnest, richest condo building in the western world. With the 96th floor selling for $95 million it is 150 feet taller than the Empire State building.

Looking ahead port side the new Freedom Tower is in view along with the waterfront 10 story glassWinter Garden Atrium which was the first building to be completely restored after 9/11.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winter_Garden_Atrium

Once we near the southern tip of Manhattan and Battery park, you want to be on starboard (right) side to see The Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal, a large brick building with a clock tower on the Jersey shoreline. Now a historic site, it was once home to the B & O, Reading, and Pennsylvania RR companies. This will be just passed the tall buildings and the Colgate ground clock on the Jersey side. Check out its history.http://njcu.edu/programs/jchistory/P...ages/CRRNJ.htm

Next will be Ellis Island and The Statue of Liberty, the most beautiful and photographed woman in the world, get those cameras ready!

After we pass Lady Liberty and with binoculars you may be able to spot the 9/11 Teardrop Memorial at Harbor View Park, Bayonne N.J. http://www.911monument.com/

Now, for the grand finale, especially if you have kids, get up to the Freestyle Sundeck (deck 15 on the Gem class or 18 on Breakaway class) for the passage under the Varranzano Narrows Bridge, the longest suspension bridge in the United States boasting 60 ft. longer than the Golden Gate Bridge and our gateway to the Atlantic ocean.

Last notable site past the bridge is the famous Coney Island amusement park and boardwalk, home to the original cyclone roller coaster and the fourth of July's Nathans hot dog eating contest.

Bumping this up since she is now sailing to Bermuda. :)

I don't know how recent this website is, but I imagine the menus wouldn't change much in the specialty restaurants. http://www.beyondships.com/cruiseships.html

Yes. I just got off the Conquest 2 weeks ago and they have separate flyers with the specials. I can't remember all of them, but I know I took advantage of one of the massage specials, a 75 minute spa for the price of 55 minute. I could have the minutes wrong, but you get the gist. I saved like $45. And they had 20% off the next service when you book one service. They also had the package deals with foot massage, scalp massage, facial...yada yada for one price.

Bingo usually costs $20-$40 depending on how many cards you get.

Just came back yesterday. They had self assist for 6:30. I took Carnival's shuttle to FLL which I don't recommend if you are trying to catch a flight. Even though you are off the ship early, they waited for a lot of people to get on the bus. It was like 1/2 hour easily. Anyway, the bus left about 7:10/15 and I was checking in to Southwest at about 7:30ish. My flight was 10:30 and I had plenty of time.

That being said, everything went smoothly. The ship could have been late, debarkation could have had issues...yada yada. I would defiantly take a cab though, they were lined up waiting at that time in the morning.