MaisonRose

On 3/28/2024 at 7:13 PM, Crowbait said:

We are slated to sail on the Legend out of Baltimore to Barcelona on April 15th.  I am already looking at flight and hotel options in Norfolk. In the event that flights are exorbitant, did someone say that there is a train that goes from BWI to Norfork? Anyone have any details about that?

Yes, I put that in. But the notice that I got from Carnival today says that they will have bus transport to Norfolk on the 15th. You must sign up but they haven’t issued the specifics yet.

we’re also getting $100 OBC per cabin.

On 3/26/2024 at 7:55 AM, sparks1093 said:

Ah, thank you.

Actually the Eastern Shore of Maryland to the mainland, Annapolis & the west.

Chesapeake Bay Bridge Rt. 50.

2 hours ago, Pyxie said:

 

And I actually think it is *more* worth it because you can pay for 1 less day (and I can wait until day 2 to drink). Maybe I'm just cheap lol.

I’ll bet they SELL drinks on that first day…n’est pas?

1 hour ago, OBX-Cruisers said:

DON'T go on I95.  We have done that trip often from the Outer Banks and NEVER go on I95 around Washington

Boy do I agree. I95 is a nightmare from the Pentagon past Fredricksburg, Va.  From where we live we use the inner beltway going east to Central Ave. exit and pick up  US 301 S (yes, there are some traffic lights in built up areas) and over the bridge into Dahlgren Virginia. Cheap gas along the road after entering Va.  At Port Royal turn L onto RTÉ 17 passing Tappahannock, etc. You won’t believe how quiet this route is, and just before meeting US 64 NORFOLK there are plenty of services. You can then take the tunnel at Hampton leading to Norfolk.

Our daughter lives in Hampton and this route from where we live in Frederick takes four hours (less from Baltimore).

Bonne Route.

Susan

9 hours ago, cruzinismyname said:

We will be on the April 7 Spirit transitional cruise through the Panama Canal and I am getting conflicting answers on this. Does anyone know the answers on this cruise that starts in Tampa Bay and ends in Seattle? Stops are Grand Cayman, Cartagena Columbia, Puntarenas Costa Rica and Cabo.

I learned way back to wear a real wrist watch to keep track of the time. It’s much easier than adjusting your phone.

On 2/26/2024 at 2:04 PM, salty dingo said:

After reading the 2023 CCL annual report, I noticed the section on shareholder benefits has been deleted. In the 2022 annual report, the benefit is described on page 5.

 

It seems the Shareholder Benefit is kaput for sailings after July 31, 2024.

 

Previously I had requested shareholder credit for my 2025 cruises and was told I needed to wait and see if the benefit was repeated for the next year. Looks like I'm out of luck!

 

Anyone heard anything about this change?

If this is true, I’m free to sell that stock. I bought at $50 a share and at least I’ll get a tax deduction next year for Losses.

I’d like to purchase wi fi for the April 15th transatlantic out of Baltimore. What’s your reaction? Lately we’ve been on very new ships which had impressive Internet. Legend’ though possibly lovely, might be behind on technical installation (I’m worrying).

Thanks..Susan

2 minutes ago, MaisonRose said:

The Hotel Continental was our first Barcelona Hotel years ago and hands down the worst one. There are lots of choices and although prices are going up each year there are plenty of bargains there. In November we stayed in Hotel ONIX LICEO at the sea end of La Rambla and although the little street was a tiny bit shabby the hotel was quite nice and reasonable. I’ll stay there gain.

 

Adding that close to Placa Catalunya is Hotel Grandia.

On 12/6/2023 at 1:01 PM, wendyatpml said:

Can anyione rcommend a hotel for a 3 night stay?  Does anyone know anything about Hotel Continental?  We have stayed in Hotel Jazz but want to stay somewhere new.

The Hotel Continental was our first Barcelona Hotel years ago and hands down the worst one. There are lots of choices and although prices are going up each year there are plenty of bargains there. In November we stayed in Hotel ONIX LICEO at the sea end of La Rambla and although the little street was a tiny bit shabby the hotel was quite nice and reasonable. I’ll stay there gain.

On 2/2/2024 at 9:10 AM, Bollycats said:

It's usually every sea day in the MDR around 3PM or so. You can get the free Lipton or upgrade to one of their better options. (I had the Cheers package so I got the tea for free, this time I'll bring my own since I won't have the Cheers package) You get your own pot of water and LOTS of food options. 

That looks very nice; thank you.

On 11/18/2023 at 5:59 PM, Number12 said:

I don't get what the benefit is of downloading another app.  I just submitted my request via email and received credit in about 3 days.

The info they ask for is scary: how do we know that Stockperks is secure?

why do they ask our earnings?

On 1/30/2024 at 11:30 AM, firefly333 said:

Hang in there. It's going to come back. Imo. 

 

I think sometime Thursday rcl has earnings and always good. People seem to love these new mega ships. It probably will help the rest of the cruiselines with a bump.

 

I'd buy more ccl if I wasnt already holding so much. I have faith. I've read a few articles which seem like naive non cruisers comparing 5 years? Not a mention of the cruiselines being shut down. Sometimes you just have to have faith those talking heads are just looking at charts and have 0 information like cruisers do. 

I paid over $50 a share, I’ll sell them to you half price 🤓  seriously I’m pleased with the OBC that I’ve gotten but it sure was bad timing. It’s time to buy stock imho.

I didn’t know that a request for OBC could be turned down.

Susan

I’m surprised to hear that Carnival has a Tea time (yea!) I’m really picky & this is my first Carnival cruise: Transatlantic on the Legend, April 15 from Baltimore.

So, tell me more.

What time?
Is it every day?

Or is Tea on every Sea Day?

Are you seated in the MDR?
Is the tea delivered prepared and ready to pour?

(Or do they pass around tea bags to put into not-so-boiling water?)

Has anyone ever requested a tea kettle for their cabin? (In Dec. NCL Prima actually delivered one at my request.)

Several TAs ago we crossed on the Queen Mary and the TEA was the only reason I would sail Cunard again (it was that good).

Thank you for indulging me this one peculiarity of mine.

Cheers,

Susan

On 7/11/2023 at 5:38 PM, ontheweb said:

???????

Cabin  OV   deck 5   cabin 5778   
There were noises (fast rolling carts but not very loud) we were under the Casino.

with the TV going we heard nothing.

On 12/2/2023 at 12:24 PM, Slyfox16 said:

On the Prima in a BB cabin is there a coffee maker, or a Sharps container in the bathroom? Are there pay laundry machines that you can use?

Just off: we asked our steward & got a small drip coffee machine & supplies. There is a sharps container, red, on the shelf below the bathroom counter. The bathroom is really really nice: great glass enclosed shower.

It’s been my experience that catching a cab (especially if you have at least one companion) is not only cost effective but time saving as well. Several times I’ve hired a cab for a day for under €100 and often just to the Placa Cataluna at the far end of Las Ramblas or simply to the seaside end from whence (whence? Really?) we walk up Ramblas to Catalunya, stopping on the left side near Liceo at the Bouqueria market. Wonderful food stalls where indeed the taste of Espana awaits you. Crossing the major circle of Cataluna head for Passia deGracia with its high end shopping and a few blocks up on the left side, the famous Gaudi apartments: really a treat of imaginative architecture (do your homework and Google Gaudi to see if you are interested in Art Nouveau design

And here’s a discovery I made and pass this on to those who just want a leisurely look at something special..or have already visited the major sites.

Back to Placa Catalunya & restart up the Passia de Gracia on the right side & in a block or two you will see on your right a little alley leading to the massive, iron clad 19th C  foodie haven

>el nacional barcelona<  Google it.

You’re Welcome.

Be sure to visit the restrooms.

Also if you are a reader, I recommend SHADOW OF THE WIND by Carlos Ruiz Zafon.

 Another site if you love stained glass windows is to tour the Acadamy of Music (Palau de la Musica).

Can you tell that I love this wonderful European city? It’s in a category all to itself.

Bon Voyage,

Susan

About tea: there’s hot water and then there’s HOT WATER and MSC SEASIDE WINS THAT ONE. They have a temperature controlled server and I never saw a steam flower on the top of the cup (indulge me, I realize that it’s picky). A proper cuppa is important to some of us.

…..reply

would much prefer loose leaf tea, especially Lapsang , but alas, I understand that's a pipe dream onboard. Real cream would be nice too. I'll stick to my Tea Forte teas in my stateroom and the occasional tea in the thermal suite. 
 

I think that’s a solid plan. 
And I’ll check out the Thermal Suite, too. Tea brands IMHO really shine depending on the water you’re using and for example at home in Md. Bigelow is my brand while here in France (calcium laden water) I use Lord Nelson. But the water must boil. I’ve never had tea at Starbucks so that…well, the fact is that tea isn’t going to ruin my happiness to be sailing across the sea!

Thank you. I have given GF notice  when booking. I’ll go to the MDR after boarding & check out the situation.

The worst GF help was on the Queen Mary, the best on RCL so far.

i think basically the situation continues to improve (along with the staff’s attitude.) I will definitely write it up in this form.

About tea: there’s hot water and then there’s HOT WATER and MSC SEASIDE WINS THAT ONE. They have a temperature controlled server and I never saw a steam flower on the top of the cup (indulge me, I realize that it’s picky). A proper cuppa is important to some of us.

I’m hoping some erstwhile NCL enthusiast out there can give me a picture of Gluten Free dining on Prima. I’m two weeks from boarding. I’ve had experience on other lines and for example have missed Gluten Free soups and crackers.

Other food questions

Does Sweet n Low  (pink packets) exist?
What brand of tea bags?  Buffet:  Is the hot water for tea hot enough?

…of course it isn’t overwhelming to bring these items if I must.

If you order room service for  just a pot of coffee in the morning, is there the service charge?

Thanks for helping: this is my second NCL CRUISE but the last time GF wasn’t an issue.

2 minutes ago, MaisonRose said:

It just occurred to me to use an Air Tag.

oh boy, then he would need to use an iPhone app to find the Air Tag. He can’t of course….

However Air Tags are great for finding a kid or a husband, I should think.

(I lost my luggage off the Eurostar last July…a hapless passenger took it by mistake & it took 3 weeks to get it back) so Air Tags are my go-to item this year.

On 11/5/2023 at 4:51 AM, complawyer said:

hey, smitheroo. please dont ever, ever put your cabin number  on your key card. (hopefully you were only joking about that) if not, and i dont even know you and we'll probably never meet, but i would personally send you magnets, door decorations or any other type of identifiable items, so you can find your cabin, and keep you safe. if you lose or misplace your card, anyone finding it, now has access to your cabin. 

 

of course, you can always leave a trail of bread crumbs (lol)

It just occurred to me to use an Air Tag.

11 hours ago, breadandbutter said:

Get over it, its just a fun thing to do

Again, visually impaired passenger needs a prompt.

19 hours ago, SoloAlaska said:

Perfect thank you so much. I’ll still keep it small and subtle but won’t worry too much then.

We must mark our door..or my visually impaired husband might very well try your door! 

On 6/16/2023 at 10:02 PM, Obobru said:

Sounds like a couple of issues happened like the ports and because you had arrived in a bad mood from your flight issue you found fault with almost everything. The delay boarding was most likely a customs/immigration search on the ship they have been doing more in Southampton. The missed port and delayed port isn't ideal but you just sat in your room stewing away making it worse for yourself. 

 

Unfortunately this is how many humans react including myself, off to a bad start it's hard to get into the mood and have fun. My partner always pulls me back saying we can't change it so let's find what we can do and make the best of it. 

 

I am sure you will find a new cruise line you prefer, we are not loyal to any which I find is the best way as loads of cruise lines do similar itineraries.

 

Could be. I am scheduled for thé Prima TA in two weeks and have jaded expectations. My choices were the GEM from Rome or Prima from BCN and the latter is much simpler for my location. But I am writing to say that on my only NCL TA from NYC a few years ago the Epic cancelled Three of Four ports on the coastline approaching Amsterdam. They gave us a big reduction on a rebooking to use by the end of the year! I don’t do cruises that frequently so the comp was meaningless. I know this is just bitterness but I think NCL is a bit loosely goosey at cancelling ports. Has anyone’s else been victim to such a situation?

Thanks for your posts, together we can get a real picture of how cruise companies operate.

Susan

1 hour ago, ChiefMateJRK said:

You botched the quote there, but no harm.  I have a totally inflexible attitude.  I'm going to be comfortable on my holiday and nobody is going to make me wear pants, shoes, etc.  Sweats and slippers gets me into any venue on the ship.  That said, NCL meets my needs just fine, so that's why I sail on NCL.😎

I discovered a magic finger at the end of my arm! It was an attempt to move a sentence in my paragraph and it slipped into your comments. I was  wondering how to fix it, so apologies are given.