Vision (?'s) Anyone just get back? HELP

[pagnegirl]

Sorry, seems like some off the wall questions. We are on the June 11th Northern Europe cruise. Traveling w/a large family.

They all want to know, most important; (LOL) Is the outside pool full?????

Can kids go in the inside pool?

If you were in this area, (Norway to France to UK) how were the Seas?, how was the weather while on the ship? Did you ever sit on your balcony or too cold? People by the pool?

Also, if anyone was in a Jr. Suite did they have a make-up mirror, blow dryer, soaps and shampoo. I'm assuming yes, they have had that before, but with some cut backs I'm just not sure.

When did you board? How was the food? staff? casino?

**IF ANYONE CAME FROM NORWAY TO BOARD, HOW DID YOU GET FROM HOTEL TO THE PORT, TAXI? IF SO, HOW MUCH? HOW LONG OF A RIDE?

 

**IF you flew into oslo (by chance), did you take the flytoget to downtown Oslo, is it easy to find at the airport? How much? Do they take Visa? Are there ATM's all over downtown Oslo? We are staying at the Radisson Blu Plaza (big tall blue hotel) night prior, anyone know if it's nice?

Wow, lot of questions. Any help I'd appreciate! *I'm the families cruise director!

 

 

THANKS TONS!!!

[pagnegirl]

Also, how were the formal nights? Did anyone dress up? I read a lot of people don't anymore.

Any thing fun to do on sea days?

[welshrich]

Also, how were the formal nights? Did anyone dress up? I read a lot of people don't anymore.

Any thing fun to do on sea days?

 

 

Hi. We were on the April 29th cruise, in spite of it being an overnight port stop the people who were onboard made the most of it and we did see a few tux's at the captains welcome, we wore a shirt and tie because it was just a short cruise and with airline luggage restrictions we wanted to keep the weight down. The solarium pool does have signs saying its for adults only, although as the solarium cafe was in there we did see children in the area.

[pagnegirl]

Thanks for your help anyone else know the above ?'s, I'd really really appreciate it!

[nydiana]

We were on the May 15 Baltic cruise on Vision.

The outside pool is (was) full.

The seas (at least in the Baltic) were relatively calm. We sat on our Balcony a few times, though it was a little cool. There were frequently people on the pool deck, though I don't really remember anyone in the pool.

Our JS had a blow dryer, shampoo, and make up mirror.

[kruzkid]

Pagnegirl, what are the ages of your group? I'm hoping I wont be alone!

[Girl_from_Ipanema]

I just got back from a Vision cruise today, so I will try to answer your questions...

 

It was cold and rainy, the outside pool was a ghost town except for people in the hot tub.

 

The Solarium pool is 16+

 

The seas were very choppy from Copenhagen to Bergen, but fine the rest of the time.

 

It was very cold and most people seemed to stay inside. The weather in Copenhagen today is lovely, so maybe you'll have better luck.

 

I boarded at 12:30, rooms were ready at 2PM.

 

The menus were not the same as the "fleetwide" ones I've seen posted on this site. They were much worse and the quality and selection of food was not very good. Actually, I can say that aside from breakfast, the food was straight up bad to the point that my waiter asked me to remember when filling out my satisfaction survey that he only serves the food, he doesn't make the food. I had not complained about the food to the waiter, so I think that speaks for itself.

 

I am a vegetarian, so my options were very limited, but my travel companion is not a vegetarian and was also underwhelmed with the selection and quality of the food. For the most part, the dinner served in the Windjammer is the same as what's served in MDR, minus a few garnishes.

 

I saw one tux on formal night and maybe 3 gowns, people did not go all out.

 

We had 2 sea days during the cruise, and there weren't many activities... a couple of line dance classes, some trivia, scrapbooking and jewelry making classes ($$), a port talk, a clown act where the chef challenged the cruise director to making a cake and of course hers was horrible. There was a lot of music, but I definitely expected more organized activities.

 

Hope this helps you.

[danne]

Pagnegirl-

 

We were on the Vision's Baltic cruise from May 15th to the 22nd. Hope this helps:

 

The outside pool and 4 hot tubs were always full. The pool temperature outside was approx. 86 degrees each day and the Solarium pool was approx. 89 degrees (according to the Cruise Compass). Children and a few brave adults swam in the outside pool. It was actually pretty nice as long as you didn't get out (LOL)! Many of the children used the outdoor hot tubs which were not as hot as normal--I'm assuming for the children's safety. We had 2 beautiful days when we lounged by the outdoor pool in swimsuits. The other days were too chilly. The chairs were full on those days enjoying the beautiful weather and band! We watched security kick a two kids (approx. ages- 7 and 10) out of the Solarium pool one day, but in all honesty, they were being naughty. I think there are specific times when children can utilize the indoor pool, but I don't have children so I'm really not sure. I've seen well behaved children swim in the indoor pool on numerous other cruises and no one seemed to mind.

 

You should absolutely have all of those amenities in your Jr. Suite. If, by chance, you don't, simply ask your room attendant and they'll find some for you--even if you're in an inside room. They are always so wonderful!

 

We were able to board right at 11:00 in Copenhagen. The staff was wonderful! We tipped everyone above and beyond the recommended amount because of the fabulous service. They were very helpful and organized. Much more so than our 12 night December/Christmas cruise.

 

The food...Ugh! Well, I hate to tell you this, but it was the worst food we've ever had on a Royal Caribbean ship (and we're almost Diamond Plus). Dinner in the MDR was always wonderful with the exception of the desserts. The breakfast in the Windjammer was also good. The lunch/snack is really where we ran into a problem in both the Windjammer and Solarium. In fairness we didn't try room service or the Dining Room for lunch. Honestly though, it didn't even matter. We didn't go hungry or anything and we didn't gain as much weight as we usually do (another plus). It did not impact our time in the least. It was one of our favorite cruises!

 

I'm probably the worst person to ask about clothing choice/formal nights. I wear a cocktail dress or formal gown every night and my husband always brings his tux. I just love to dress up! There were 2 formal nights. It was a combination of everything from formal to casual. Some people feel strongly about dressing up for formal night, others (like us) love to, but don't mind if others choose to go more casual.

 

D'anne

[Sirkeline]

Sorry, seems like some off the wall questions. We are on the June 11th Northern Europe cruise. Traveling w/a large family.

They all want to know, most important; (LOL) Is the outside pool full?????

Can kids go in the inside pool?

If you were in this area, (Norway to France to UK) how were the Seas?, how was the weather while on the ship? Did you ever sit on your balcony or too cold? People by the pool?

Also, if anyone was in a Jr. Suite did they have a make-up mirror, blow dryer, soaps and shampoo. I'm assuming yes, they have had that before, but with some cut backs I'm just not sure.

When did you board? How was the food? staff? casino?

**IF ANYONE CAME FROM NORWAY TO BOARD, HOW DID YOU GET FROM HOTEL TO THE PORT, TAXI? IF SO, HOW MUCH? HOW LONG OF A RIDE?

 

**IF you flew into oslo (by chance), did you take the flytoget to downtown Oslo, is it easy to find at the airport? How much? Do they take Visa? Are there ATM's all over downtown Oslo? We are staying at the Radisson Blu Plaza (big tall blue hotel) night prior, anyone know if it's nice?

Wow, lot of questions. Any help I'd appreciate! *I'm the families cruise director!

 

 

THANKS TONS!!!

 

 

Take the "FLYTOGET" its easy to find and fast. When you get of the train its about 5 minutes walk to the hotel (indoors) They do accept all major creditcards.

There are ATM all over Oslo, and take a taxi from the hotel to port.

The Radisson Blue Plaza is a good and central hotel. Walking distance to everything.

Have a nice stay in Oslo:)

[juried]

Hi,

Great question.... I do not know about pools, kids, but the weather channel has a great app for any smart phone.

There is also a currency conversion app (I took a photo of the most recent conversion on my phone so I will not have to download it every time.)

We are staying at the Scandic Ederkoppen (sp) which looks to be very close to your hotel. I was told that it was about 35 miles from the airport.

I opted to hire a driver through limores ( a New York based company) it was pricey just for the 2 of us but probably worth a try for a large group by van.

Also call your hotel and see if they offer or can suggest a shuttle service.

 

We are flying out of Newark tonight to Oslo for 2 back to back cruises on the Vision, June 6 and June 11.

Might I suggest you sign your group up for the Meet and Mingle for the June 11 cruise?

 

https://secure.royalcaribbean.com/ccEntry.do

I think your large group might just put us near the mark for an official meeting.

Safe travels,

Terry