basenji56

I always book a north facing veranda. Because I don't want the sun all day. If you like the sun, book a south facing veranda. If I want the sun, I will go on the pool deck.

That would unfairly affect the entire dining staff for a corporate decision. But I do agree that making a comment in the survey is the way to go--as well as complaining to guest services. I also think that threads like this can make a difference. People who disagree are free to scroll past. I don't drink so could care less about what liquors are available. But if you pay for the premium package and see that they are substituting rotgut for Jack Daniels, I think you have a right to complain.

Well, then that tells you the value of cruisers raising concerns about problems. If people don't complain, nothing will improve. Remember-these are companies that are obsessed with getting a 10 of 10 rating from their customers.

They say they offer it. How do we know they aren’t lying? Why should someone with gluten issues believe them if they lie about other foods?

If they promise gluten free, is it a pinky promise if they lie?

I think that people complain on these boards because they want things to change back to the way they were promised they would be. I doubt decision makers for the cruise lines read these boards but stranger things have happened. I love half and half in my coffee. Would I cancel a Royal cruise because they lied about half and half being in the labeled carafes? Probably not. But it does make me wonder as far as other things promised.

The name of the board is Cruise CRITIC not Cruise Groupie.

I don't drink alcohol so couldn't tell you. Sparkling and still water is included. On Viking River, I thought the included excursions were very good. On Viking Ocean, the included excursions in the Caribbean were often mediocre--panoramic bus tours with one or two stops.

If you have a second cruise booked, you are said to be able to reduce the final payment date to six months. But, I agree--final payment more than six months in advance is ridiculous. As long as people accept it, Viking will require it.

Return fees? I think they are increasing the taxes and fees. My price went up from $114 to $191 in taxes on a six day cruise with one port in the Bahamas.

It comes down to the price point too. In my experience, Viking Ocean is at least twice as expensive as Celebrity for a roughly equivalent veranda. Maybe even more than that. But it also includes some things that are not included on Celebrity since beer/wine at meals is included and you also get one included excursion in each port. Internet is also included as is sparkling water and specialty coffees all day long.

Yes. And I prefer Oceania. Although Viking Ocean is comparable and has a better spa.

I booked with Crystal for next Christmas. Looking forward to it. Viking is a step up from Celebrity. The Viking spa is exceptional. Specialty dining is included. One excursion per port is included. I find the Viking buffet is superior to Celebrity. Breakfast in the dining room on Viking is better than Celebrity. Dinner is probably better but the difference is not as great.

Royal ships are so different. I would never sail on Enchantment of the Seas while I love Oasis and Quantum class ships. I find Quantum class to be similar to Celebrity Solstice class. Which Royal ships have you sailed on?

How is the hotel?

carnival drunken brawl at DuckDuckGo

I don't mind young as long as not kids. Drunken brawlers I can do without. (Carnival, I am looking at you.)

I had no idea white flour was in such short supply these days! Maybe its tied up in Ukraine?

Sorry to hear that the pizza was mediocre. I remember Princess pizza as being among the (few) highlights when I sailed several years ago.

Interesting. Median age is around 44. I wonder how this compares to Carnival?

I would pay up to $300 for two on a seven-day cruise to upgrade to Blu. No more. On an excursion heavy cruise, Persian Garden is not worth much unless you like to go during the evenings. Blu is nice but not as good as the specialty restaurants.

It was available on Reflection earlier this month.

I see three TAs from Rome and eight from Barcelona.

My points showed up in my account today--along with my three go green points. However, and this is important for all solos, they only gave me thirty points instead of the sixty I was entitled to as a solo paying for a regular veranda. Call Captains Club and they should be able to fix it.

Yes. Got survey within 24 hours