kitty52

We have cruised on large ships in the past and we are considering a Viking cruise to Tromso, Bergen etc. Can anyone tell me the dining options on board Viking Sky i.e. can you dine anytime and can you have a table for 2 if you wish. Although we don't mind mixing with other passengers generally we usually like to have dinner by ourselves.

Is there a guest coin operated laundry onboard?

Thank you. First time cruising with Holland America but thought it should be okay.

Thought I had posted re hairdryers but can't now find it now. Was wondering how good the hairdryers were on Masdaam however on looking at the cabins it would appear they are quite good?? Also are hair straighteners allowed on Masdaam and do you have to pack them in your checked luggage?

I cruised from New Orleans in March 2013. I enjoyed the city and would like to cruise from New Orleans again in the future. Just make sure you don't book your cruise during Mardi Gras.

 

If you spend a night there (I spent two nights), go to Bourbon Street. It really is an interesting place ...

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you have the time, visit the river front. Next time I am in New Orleans I am going to spend at least a half a day there.

 

Thanks for the pics. Yes we intended to do a few nights in New Orleans and yes we would avoid Mardi Gras. Which cruise line did you sail with as that really was my questions - although it was a bit vague!! Can only see cruises from NCL and RCL - also Carnival but I don't fancy them somehow.

Just on the preference side of things I would go with RCI... I used to cruise with NCL and liked them when I did, but I now prefer Royal. This winter season will be the last for RCI as their schedule for next winter does not include any NOLA departures. As far as pros and cons of sailing out of NOLA, I really don't know of any particular cons... What I do love is the sail down the Mississippi to the Gulf, I really enjoy it.

Yes I noticed that there was only about one cruise with RCL. Don't know anything about NCL. Would you still cruise with NCL if that was the only option and what would you say are the differences between the two.

We are thinking about taking a cruise next year from New Orleans. I have looked at Royal Caribbean and Norwegian. We have cruised before with RC but not Norwegian. Does anyone have any advice as to the pros and cons of a cruise from New Orleans. Thanks

Well nice to know I sparked off a good old debate!!! Interesting reading.

We have always tipped in the speciality restaurants onboard and given extra to our cabin steward. We have also given extra to a waitress in one of the bars on board a ship, which we frequented regularly, who knew exactly what we wanted to drink when she saw us. That to me was service and deserved tipping. I agree about the one penny. We have done that in the UK - not a penny - but a small insignificant amount - very rarely - if the service has been really poor.

While the tipping percentage is around double in the US from UK we accept the "norm" and pay up. You have a choice when visiting other countries either pay or don't go - as simple as that!!

Thanks. We always tip porters etc. however from the UK just wanted to know the norm. Different in restaurants etc when we know what is expected just unsure re porters, bell boys etc. Hope we don't get wet luggage then!!!!

As search function has disappeared how much is the norm for tipping porters at Everglades? From UK so like to know norm.

What about the small clothes steamers, are they allowed?

Posted a lengthy reply this morning but it has got lost in cyberspace I think. I also enquired about Yellow Fever with this cruise as sometimes you require a YF certificate to enter a country if you have already been to a country with YF. However I understand that you don't need it for this cruise.

I am a nurse from UK and also on the cruise on March 4th. No anti malarials are required as the places visited either have low or no risk and there is no need to take anti malarials. Please use an insect repellent though and one with DEET 50% - you will get this in Boots. Please note that YF mosquitos bite during the day and malaria mosquitos between dusk and dawn so I would use the insect spray during the day although you should be okay while sailing.

As far as Hep A and Hep B vaccinations go. Hep A comes from contaminated food and water i.e. poor hygiene and Hep B from blood products e.g. if you were to have any surgical procedure or blood transfusion etc. Hep A I think is good to have as a traveller however you can also pick up other gastro infections just as easily. Hep B is really risk based and personally as a passenger on a cruise ship I wouldn't bother - it is 3 vaccinations anyway. Please note this my personal opinion and if you are concerned then contact your GP practice or visit http://www.fitfortravel.co.uk

Hope this helps

While we are on about hair. How good are the hairdryers on the Coral? I find that some of the wall mounted hairdryers take so long to dry.

We will be doing the same although not on that date. Are there plenty of taxis available at the port or do you have to book in advance? Thanks

We are cruising with Princess for the first time on 4 March - Panama Canal. Getting close now. Can't wait - we are from UK and weather abysmal here. Rain, rain and more rain. A couple of questions re formal nights.

Does anyone know what nights will be the formal nights?

Also do people dress up if they are going to any of the speciality restaurants

instead of the MDR on the formal evenings? Thanks

I have also checked out sailing date 4th March on Coral - 11 day Panama Canal and it also is coming up with that information but have heard nothing about a cancellation. Has anyone heard anything?

Ignore my comments about the cameras. I was reading this with my iphone so didn't scroll back. It is obvious the make of the camera DOH!!!!

What great photos and reviews. We are going on 4 March. Was concerned about Cartagena as we thought we could take a taxi to the fortress, then take another taxi into old town and taxi back to ship. Could we do this safely? The travel mayhem worries me - how long is the taxi ride to fortress or old town?

I'm afraid we are part of the mutineers or riff raff going ashore at Panama Canal but won't hold this against you!!!!! We decided we wanted to see Panama City as heard Colon isn't ip to much.

Can't wait for the rest of your review on other ports and hope your health has improved. Skipped a bit on your dual cameras as concentrated on the others. What make is your camera as your photos are terrific?

Thanks for that. No treks into the jungle!!! Just wanted to check that you didn't need a certificate to get into some of the countries. Plenty of mozzy killer will be packed.

We are going on partial transit Panama Canal in March. Can anyone tell me if you require a Yellow Fever Certificate for this cruise?

Thanks for that info.

We are cruising for first time with Princess. Are you allowed to take wine on board on first day at embarkation. Also can you take water aboard.

Thanks.

Can I book speciality dining online prior to cruise. Have been able to do this in the past with Celebrity and RCL but first time cruising with Princess

We are cruising on Coral Princess in March. Never been with Princess before. Can you book the Speciality Dining restaurants online as you do excursions etc. Have been able to do this in the past with Celebrity and RCL but can't see an option for this.