d9704011

5 hours ago, clo said:

I understand that. But are they not welcome in the buffet?

No, and I believe you're just attempting to cause a mischief or disturbance.  Those locations are for paying customers and some (cruise company) chosen others to eat, mingle and be seen by/with passengers as part of the experience.

Shipboard life (not just cruising) is not some type of egalitarian, communal living experience.  Discipline, privacy, communications, and a host of other considerations to keep things running smoothly and accomplish business objectives have always been part of the environment.

3 hours ago, pa_snowbird said:

Just curious, what level of medical emergency would warrant a change in itinerary?  Does it have to be life threatening or it’s up to the discretion of the captain?

I wouldn't say that a change to the itinerary is related to the nature of a medical emergency.  It's more about the off-schedule time spent being able to take care of an emergency situation - and in the case of a medical emergency, the ship's doctor will advise on the need for evacuation -  and then, decisions on how to proceed from there.  I expect the captain is in communication with head office operations about all of that.

1 hour ago, Globaliser said:

Actually, yes, some other airlines do.

As you say.... sure!

Air Canada does it for some flights but it's pretty clear that the seats are of the Comfort (Economy) variety and include choose-you-own 'preferred' seats - basically, a little more leg room.  Whether this makes things more comfortable is pretty much a subjective opinion.  For Air Canada, usually the next step up is Premium Economy then Business Class.

No 'scam' at all.  

11 minutes ago, dreamer321 said:

What's funny is I'm booked in an Inside Cabin and Celebrity says it's 0% obstructed rather than 100% obstructed.

That depends.... inside does not have a view, therfore there is nothing to be obstructed.

1 minute ago, Nebr.cruiser said:

I really don't like seeing cabin robes on the pool deck though.  They are so bath-roomy looking

I agree.  I do hope you stay clear of the what's acceptable at formal night threads!

3 minutes ago, aussielozzie18 said:

Good morning.  It’s the last day of Summer in Australia.  Going out with a hot one in Sydney, expecting 35C/95f with a storm moving through in the the evening to cool things down.

What do you call the period between the end of February and about 21 March?

20 minutes ago, doghog said:

I would move. 😉

Yeah, me too.  But I'd prefer not to have it.

12 minutes ago, doghog said:

I don't consider it obstructed. 

I do, minimal but if you happen to be sitting out on the balcony with that pole/beam in front of you,mit would be a bit annoying.

1 hour ago, d9704011 said:

Yes.  I think I will just go ahead and do it.  This will mean a change in our luggage packing strategy.

Done.  I was pleasantly surprised that there was no additional service charge added (18or 20%).

16 minutes ago, Cruise5life said:

My cruise ends in Yokohama Japan.    
 

and it’s cheaper for me to book Narita Airport. 
 

so now I’m just figuring out best and cheapest way to get from port to airport.   
I have plenty of time to make it to the airport.   Flights at 530pm.    

You can take the bus from near Yamashita pier to Haneda then bus from Haneda to Narita:

https://www.keikyu-bus.co.jp/en/airport/h-yamashita/

https://www.airport-bus-alliance.com/limousinebus/result-t.html?airport=羽田空港&area=成田空港&lang=en&frto=1

Alternatively, if price is not too important; take a taxi to Yokohama rail station then Narita Express train.

39 minutes ago, crystalspin said:

Well, it won't go down! And might go up... Buying it now would lock it in. 

Yes.  I think I will just go ahead and do it.  This will mean a change in our luggage packing strategy.

I was thinking about pre-purchasing an unlimited laundry package for next year's 35 day Hawaii/South Pacific cruise on Koningsdam.  The current price is $262.50 for the entire cruise ($7.50 per day), which seems pretty good if a person is planning on sending ou laundry about every second or third day and I am not.  Should I expect the package price to remain the same in case I do decide to purchase it when the cruise rolls around and can anybody confirm that the current cost of a bag of laundry is $35.00?

8 minutes ago, Riversedge said:

Same as if I were choosing to pay big bucks to see shows or concerts every week at home.

Except you're not and you're definitely not doing it on a HAL cruise ship.  I'm not a gambler nor do I get 'free' cruises.  The cruise line obviously has weighed the potential income from gambler activities aagainst what the fare would sell for and decided it's worthwhile to extend the offer.

1 hour ago, PATRLR said:

The reason stated was food safety

It's true.  Over the years, I've tasted any number of hockey pucks and have never had any related gastro-intestinal issues.

Probably, yes.

32 minutes ago, akamai guy said:

Sure am! We have a starboard-side cabin so when we leave the bow is to our right. If our cabin was on port-side, heading the right would take us aft.

I spent plenty of time being lost on the USS Blueridge!

 

I guess you have a balcony or ocean view cabin then.  It would work dandy with a port side interior.

10 minutes ago, akamai guy said:

Alas, this scheme will only work if you have a cabin on the starboard side.

You sure about that?  It kinda depends on where you are standing or imagine where you are standing (viewing from).

4 minutes ago, graphicguy said:

A bribe is a form of extortion

You're right.... ridiculous.

Air fare into MIA be be less expensive than into FLL but the additionalmtravel cost(s) associated with making your way to and from the cruise terminal, and the hassle, just don't add up in my opinion.

You'll probably be arriving in Florida later in the afternoon or in the evening; I'd say you'd be better off coming into FLL and getting a hotel for the night near Port Everglades.

We were on Emerald over Christmas/New Years and used Da Vinci DR.  We had reservations for 5:40 and were usually done abou 6:50 which left enough time to get a good spot in the theatre.  I don't know when your cruise is but as long as it's not a peak travel period the rush to eat and be seated in the theatre ought not be as 'bad' as what we experienced.

23 minutes ago, syesmar said:

What is an acceptable length of time to be away from the lounger enjoying the pool?

Variable... I'd say when the skin on the fingers begins to wrinkle, that's long enough.

You can pretty easily do it onboard.  Presumably, you're disembarking somewhere where you'd expect to have a post-cruise transfer.

6 minutes ago, mncbabu_yahoo said:

The plus package includes 2 free casual dining in sapphire. I thought all 5 dining rooms are included in cruise fare..what is this casual dining?

Alfredo's Pizzeria is casual dining.  The main dining rooms are included in your fare.  

1 hour ago, danogg said:

We booked all our excursions for the South Pacific and just a couple so far for Hawaii.  I’m really finding the Hawaii tours to be over priced and not really anything that catches my eye.  We’re thinking of perhaps renting a car in Honolulu and doing some sightseeing.

Maybe we should move our conversations for 2025 to existing  Roll Call for that cruise.  I very much appreciate reading and seeing comments from all the folks on the current cruise but I don't want to sidetrack them.  Thanks for your commentary and photos @canadianbear  

11 minutes ago, danogg said:

We are on the 2025 sailing.  All the shore excursions have been available on the website and app for several months now.  

I booked three for Hawaii earlier today.  I'll wait a bit for other ports of call.