trixiegal

I second BCBG. Also, I like Bloomingdale's and Lord & Taylor formal and evening wear selections. Great mix of moderate to expensive designer clothing for special occasions. They carry 00-14 in women's sizing.

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I've been shopping there for years and really love the dress selection. Very flattering and they lean toward a bit trendier than Ann Taylor but less gaudy than Cache. Quality is similar, though. They also have fantastic accessories, like jewelry and sunglasses.

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I'm curious, does NCL only use the Power Catamaran?

Also, I have to tell you the same thing you get from many posters on CC- your daughter is absolutely gorgeous and seems like a little ball if sunshine. My own DD is 18 now but she was always so loving and adventurous on vacations when she was growing up. Never scared to get on roller coasters and she loved the water, just like my DS who overcame a phobia at 6 and now stays wet! They grow up so fast ad it's great you are carefully documenting these special family moments. My DD is off to college in another state in one month, so that was one reason I squeezed in the last-minute Breeze cruise. I still can't believe I have one child in college! I miss my little princess!

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Had a feeling that may happen, especially bc they are giving you the runaround with your issue. Least they could've done is put a hold on the payment because you paid it all upfront while it is being investigated. Was your issue escalated to a supervisor? I've been in the hospitality and retail industry for over 20 years, so I know that your issue will only be taken seriously if you go to the top. Refuse to speak to anyone but a supervisor even if they say they can assist you. They are trained to diffuse the situation and not escalate it. Demand that a supervisor gets on the phone (nicely, of course) or calls you back immediately.

I totally empathize with your situation, and as stated in an earlier post, I also book last-minute cruises in the summer. Don't expect compassion or even basic reading comprehension on CC from some posters. As we know, on many online forums, people jump to conclusions and push their own agendas despite what YOU wrote or even asked for help. You don't have to explain yourself and your personal needs or choices to anyone outside of your family. I just can't with the arrogance of some supposedly knowledgeable posters. Flame away! I'm ready...

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I had a problem with RCCL after sailing on them for a few years and even getting married on one of their ships. All I can say, is their customer service didn't resolve the issue and actually compelled me to stop cruising altogether for many years because I was so ticked off at losing so much $ on a terrible cabin. Yep, that god-awful sewage smell everyone nonchalantly discusses like that's normal. Sorry, not taking air-freshened with me after I paid a cruise line $3000. Crazy.

I tried Carnival on a very last-minute cruise last summer and got an amazing deal. Same this year so summer deals can be found. Booked a month out and got a Lido balcony for less than I paid for the OV last year. More than 50% off what I paid for a tiny balcony cabin on Explorer...

I'm not saying I'll never go on RCCL again bc those Oasis class ships look out-of-this-world. I just remember being so frustrated with RCCL and their lack of resolution to my issue. Good luck to the OP! I would've transferred my $, too. They are a corporation above all no matter how much the loyalists love their cruises and you also have to protect your interests.

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I'd strongly recommend the Breeze based on my experience sailing her last week. May not be all the bells and whistles of RCCL but you will be paying 50% less. The value you get for the $$$ is fantastic and the service is awesome. The Breeze knocked the wind out of me and I can't wait to go back on her. Tons of dining options on a sparkling and immaculate ship. The Lido buffet has a cool layout with more than enough seating spread throughout, along with a fun Caribbean theme. No gaudy decor at all. The Dream is also very nice but didn't have sushi, Guy's burgers or Blue Iguana Cantina. The adults-only Serenity was also a bit bigger on the Breeze.

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So funny with threads like these that posters totally ignore the OP's request for positive day of embarkation flight stories. She already indicated she can't change her plans, so why waste time with the horror stories?

I'm planning on taking an early morning flight the same day for a September cruise. There are 4 flights I can take afterwards in case of any delays. I've flown SWA for years (not Air Tran) and not had any major delays. In fact, they usually land early at my destination points.

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I agree Lulu. That is why although I have zero interest in cabin crawls and slot pulls, I realize others like that. Only if people get too pushy for me to join stuff like that do I stop posting on a rollcall.

 

 

Another thing brought up by a different post; (not yours)I see no reason why a person starting a rollcall should be "leader". I started a couple myself and I never wanted that as I know others can do a better job. On the other hand that does not mean another person should just take over with organizing if they come to a roll call and see no one is organizing or the "leader" is doing a poor job. They should offer and ask. For Caribbean cruises I do not think you necessarily need a leader until you are under 3 months out. To be honest, it is better if different people take different "jobs" such as one person organizing slot pulls, another cabin crawl, and another gift exchange,etc. The meet and greet is more successful and more are satisfied when that is done.

Who do you ask if the OP hasn't checked in for weeks? I guess I'd be considered the one who took over on my last roll call with only a few weeks until sailing. People were asking for a M&G but no answer from the OP. I put a list of those who indicated interest together and asked for input. It was a collaborative effort for the most part but OP didn't join in, even after posting again. I can only guess she got offended but I tried to welcome her into the fold. Not my fault she dropped the ball and we were all posting regularly. I honestly felt uncomfortable being considered the leader but I get very impatient with just waiting around and not taking action. Otherwise, it wouldn't have happened.

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DD says the water was 6 or 7 feet deep around the water toys, because she couldn't stand up when her brother wanted her to help hoist him up onto the pyramid. I didn't go that far out.

I forgot to add they also offer water cycles for a small fee, along with snorkeling equipment. I didn't see any motorized water activities.

Another side note, be prepared for very aggressive "hosts" when you get onto the island. They yelled at all of us to take a photo next to the Isla de Pasion sign even though we were drenched and claimed it was mandatory. When I refused, a woman attempted to bully me until I nicely told her I would have a word with Carnival's Shore Excursions staff as soon as I got back onboard about their over-the-top sales tactics. When she saw I wasn't backing down, she changed her tune. We never even looked at those photos.

Do the prices vary according the cruise?

 

 

 

I ask because I have just received a promotional flyer from Princess for next year where it quotes 10 US Dollars for half a day.

 

 

 

I would be interested at that price:)

Where did you get that promo rate, if you don't mind me asking?

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We just went last week while on the Carnival Breeze, but we took the Twister to Isla de Pasion. It only took 20-25 minutes to get there that way. Keep in mind, it's a very fun and intense ride but you will get soaking wet.

The poster is correct that the food and drinks were only okay. We got in line for lunch early bc I had read it gets very long. It's all you can eat. My son had the chicken nuggets and said they were pretty good.

The beach and water are gorgeous. We could see clear to the bottom and they had water toys available for no charge, including a trampoline. They also had water hammocks. The kayaks are available for an additional fee. We didn't get a chance to use them.

The time is short but we made the best of it, even enduring a 30-minute storm. It was actually fun to stay in the warm water instead of getting drenched in cold, pouring rain.

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So the decor and linen is not different on the Dream's spa balconies? They were different on the Breeze because I had a regular balcony and saw the spa balcony rooms. Room size looked the same.

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I would do it! I'm just off the Breeze and got the spa pass for a week. I was on a forward Lido balcony so I cut through deck 11 to get to the spa elevator. Peeked into the rooms when they were being cleaned and they were very nice with upgraded decor and linens. Nice to be close to Serenity, too. Very quiet and peaceful on those floors.

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I've read that these things are free, but if you wanted to use anything else in the spa, it would cost. I will try to figure out where I found that at :)

 

 

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Just got off the Breeze on Saturday and they aren't free. As I stated in my post above, $40/day pp or $119/ week pp or you can do a couples pass(me and DD did) for $209/week total. Totally worth it if you make the time to go almost every day on the ship.

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Do you have to pay a fee to use the Steam room and Sauna in the cloud 9 spa?

$40/day or $119 for the week

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Just got off the Breeze and brunch was served in Blush, the aft main dining room.

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Just got back from 6 days on the Breeze, 6/29-7/5. Paid $650 pp total taxes, fees, grats for triple occupancy for an 8E forward (close to lobby elevators) balcony on the Lido deck. Awesome last-minute VIFP and Friends & Family booking with a great PVP. Was initially paying MORE for deck 8 in an 8C aft balcony. Couldn't have been happier with my cabin. Fantastic steward, amazing anytime dining waiters and incredible ship. Can't wait to go back on the Breeze! Maybe in a spa balcony the next time.

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Check the Arundel Mills area right off 100, 95 and 295. There is a huge outlet shopping mall, with tons of restaurants like Olive Garden, Red Lobster, Longhorn, Chevy's, Friday's, etc. And also, the casino is open 24 hours and has a Cheesecake Factory that's open until 2 am most nights.

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Those dresses are gorgeous @jennbrooke!

I also ordered my and DD's dresses online for our last cruise and had fantastic luck. They were a hit and we had many, many compliments. Will post pics in the next reply.

My sister is obsessed with selling things on eBay so I'll have to take a look. I just hate sending things back if they don't fit.

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I like this idea now that my kids are older. Their dad has been gone for several years and I don't really get along withy family since my parents are also gone. I love bring on a nice cruise with happy people so why not during the holiday season? All of those pics are beautiful.

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Just got off the Carnival Breeze today and didn't want to get off. Spent late last night after MDR packing carry on bags, checking sign and sail, cashing out casino $$ and planning my next day in MIA. Definitely like leaving later in the day after disembarking so I don't feel like it all ended so quickly.

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The eyes...the accent... <3

 

He was a nice guy!

Omgosh! Me and DD are head over heels for him on the Breeze!

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Ok. I cannot figure out how to do the "multi-quote" thing on here......

It will take some time to thank everyone, individually.

Thank you all for the well wishes.

I am dancing right along with all others that are under 10 days.

Cannot wait to be back on the Breeze.

She is gorgeous.

Lido Balcony. Uggghhhh. What more could a girl ask for?

 

Wishing you all happy sails.:D:D:D:D

We have a Lido balcony, too! Leaving tomorrow so I'll make sure she's good and ready for you when we get back next Saturday!

Dancing to "Wanna be Startin' Somethin'" right now! Lmbo

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I vote gomjstrans.com for $13 pp. We'll be using them for the 2nd time on Sunday.

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Absolutely stunning! You will be drop-dead gorgeous!

Thanks for turning me on to this website. I can let my friends and clients know all about it. Too bad I didn't know it existed before I dropped almost $400 on DD's prom dress...

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