cantgetin

At other ports, we could disembark about 30 minutes after the ship arrived. Of course. there can always be exceptions for emergencies. Yes, if the ship arrives early and all the needed processes are completed, you might be able to get off early, but not likely. Good luck with talking to Sailor Services shoreside. They only know what their computers say.

I didn't have a problem with the system for the shows on the TA. I didn't like it a bit for the VHS or Zumba classes. I don't want to get up, dressed for the class, line up 30+ minutes early, and maybe not get in.

Normally 7:30 or a bit later. The earliest sign up time for those NOT self-disembarking is usually 8:00.

The helicopter was Portuguese Coast Guard.

Bottom line, if you will use the thermal suite passes and the moet, it is worth the cost. Otherwise, the juices, etc. can be purchased on their own and won't add up to $250. We have DBE, which includes priority boarding...so no benefit there. The cocktail party, is not anything great. The juices be purchased with bar tab...which might be part of your booking. Yes, 2 spa passes = $158. Bottle of Moet = $105. Cold pressed juice (from carton) $10-13 each. Munchies (there are lots of others available on the ship) you can't buy these exact ones. Cocktail party...drinks about $10-13 each and the ones you purchase separately are better. I wouldn't spend the money, but I don't like the Moet.

Sorry.....those 23 hours days were getting to me. But I did handle the serious things like bacon and waffles.

Another cruiser posted some photos of the helicopter....we were asleep.

There are many sites that list complete menus, such as the one listed above. On our cruises, there have been nightly specials in The Galley and often 1-3 special items in the restaurants. In addition, The Galley has multiple daily specials at lunch--check the different stations. A hint--if you want the dessert special at dinner, have your server reserve one when you order your main meal. If you wait till dessert time, it is often "all gone."

Or hit The Dock for some munchies.....

The ships are almost identical. This video will give you an excellent idea what to expect. NO KIDS, tips included, all dining included other than a few specialty upgrade items clearly listed on the menu (don't bother, the included stuff is great)

While the statement says "coffee," I can attest that specialty teas and hot chocolate continue to be included. I sent one laundry bag in my name and one in the other name in my cabin....and they each had laundry from both. You are right they they can't differentiate. The bag was more than enough for a week, but I loved sending it the last possible day before disembarkation and bringing things home clean. THat means laundry is not on todays "must do" list.

It is served during breakfast hours.

No explanation. Each time I asked for medium, they put a fresh burger on the grill rather than using one that was already cooking....and what I got was definitely better than what happened without the specification.

DBE is now per qualified person. The 2 free beverages are specialty coffee, tea, or hot chocolate, all wth no alcohol added. THey are free at Grounds Club and all restaurants. They start when you board on embarkation day and end when you get off the ship. And...we had 2 people with DBE in the cabin. On the 14 night that ended today, we sent laundry twice at no charge. SO nice to com home with almost everything clean.

We have been able to specify "medium", so I don't see why you couldn't ask for "well done." THey cook it when you order.

Once....good, but way too much food for me.

Yeah, the "potato bar" was difficult as the servers didn't know what some of the toppings were, and as always, they needed to put the topping on or beside the potato (not like a bar where you get the potato and fix it yourself. It was slow, especially at the beginning and there was really no good way to order that item with a server as the servers didn't know what the options were. The only smart thing I did was to get what I wanted and what my cabin mate wanted at the same time rather than each of us getting in the line. My burger today took maybe 3 minutes....not bad at all.

Basically the above. Richard tends to hang out on Richard's Rooftop or private spaces with his entourage other than scheduled appearances. Same for other top level people in the company. Personally, I'd prefer double the cruise nights to a single cruise with a "name," but others have different opinions.

I am currently on Valiant. We have the option of going to the stations or taking a seat and flipping up the flag. Service with the flag is very prompt.

The ones last week were so "crispy" that they were crumbly. When touched with a fork, they crumbled to little pieces. The ones yesterday were moist inside, a little crispy outside.. But we each have our own likes and dislikes.....

got it...on the last day and several others.

The word is that we are making better time than previously informed and will be arriving at Malaga earlier than anticipated. The final work on the bacon in RD--ate there this morning. I asked if it was possible to have the bacon without pepper. She asked if I wanted crispy or "plain." I said I liked the sweet stuff crispy, but with little or no pepper.....and that was exactly what I got. And the waffles were back to normal, not the super crispy/crumbly of last time, leading me to believe that last time they were just over-cooked. Overall, MUCH better experience this morning.

That change was more than 6 months ago....shortly before our previous cruise. whatever....I think we are dropping most of our loot at the spa this time.

The shops on VV are....just peculiar. I'm on board now and they are even more odd than normal. They have about 3 styles of t-shirts and some hoodies along with a very limited selection of notepads, tote bags, etc. in the Logo shop. It is half the size it used to be and really didn't have anything. On my first sailings, they at least had some interesting t-shirts and gift items. Most of the other shops are quite expensive and just not interesting. There are 2 designer purse shops, a store with very limited ladies clothing and high end perfume and makeup, a store with men's clothing, and a little area with some swimwear and misc. And there is the "sundries" shop with drug store stuff, hammocks, some computer stuff, etc....but overall not stuff that I'd be buying.

Sorry my info is out of date then.