pinkrosesdeb

The OP is in a GS and we have had cookies and water or punch waiting for us several times when in this class

I see someone by the pool in a robe...looks fine to me, a robe is a robe is a robe. Ever heard of a beach robe? Just because YOU call it a bathrobe doesn't mean that is the only thing for which it can be worn. PLEASE just enjoy your cruise. Looks like the person by the pool is enjoying theirs.

First day is usually no problem to walk in. After that, we have had trouble but we have never been to Izumi.

We have found it hard to book Chops or Giovanni's unless you make reservations ahead of time. We met several people who tried to book once onboard and were told all times were booked. I think just walking up might work though because not everyone will show up for their times. Good luck and let us know how it worked for you, please. I always gave up when they said no times available.

janetz, that is the argument we made when trying to dine first night as well but were told emphatically that all early dining was already taken and we should have booked online! First tables would be available at 8:30. I still would suggest booking at least your first night time before boarding one of the big ships...but that's just MHO

Even with a permit you will not be allowed to enter the port with a gun in the car. We were turned away at the gate and also had to go to a police station

The only time we found MTD dining a little challenging was on Oasis. We went to dining room after boarding and we were some of the first in line and were told all reservations before 8:30pm had already been taken. She told us we should have reserved times online prior to boarding. Isn't that supposed to be the perk of MTD...no need to make reservations?! We were lucky enough to have an amazing DL concierge who made 1 phone call and handled things for us. Everything else was great, wait staff, timing etc.

Then I am not sure for what reason we would purchase it. I thought it covered all cancellations.

Would cruise insurance have covered this event? We have never opted in for the insurance but this might make us reconsider. There is always the chance of a last minute illness and we have always just taken our chances. Sorry you missed your cruise.

BillOh, I like your style!

Funny! But, they do tie up. I DON"T have a great body but I flipping don't care what anyone else thinks about it. And, I don't worry about anyone else either. I find it courageous of some of these people who strut their stuff...even though their stuff isn't "model perfect". If you have that kind of confidence (and I wish I did) I say go for it. The funniest thing we ever saw on a cruise was a teenage girl probably 17ish who headed into the windjammer in her bra and underwear...do you think any of the men minded that? She did have a great figure but then she was super young. We also saw men walking into the food stations when she went past, great having entertainment with your meal.

Personally, I wonder why anyone would spend so much of their cruise vacation focusing on what other people wear. We focus on having a good time!

They did not have an omelet station on Brilliance a couple of weeks ago and I have heard of this on several other ships as well. We really enjoy that option but did manage to find great alternatives. Especially like the choices at Park Cafe in the solarium but I don't know if Voyager has that option. You will be able to find great things for breakfast just walk to all the stations before starting to fill your plate.

Food was not incredible, pretty bland but we did not go hungry. Wait staff was great!

We have, however, seen shorts in the MDR on more than one occasion. I know he can do it first night because luggage is not always in the room in time.

The "glamour cruising" prices were also out of reach for a lot of people. Compare what you used to pay to cruise versus what you pay now. Dollar for dollar I believe the cruise experience is much more affordable now that you can decide if you want to pay additional to customize your cruise based on your own needs. I know we can't find a better value on land.

Would like to see St. Lucia and Curacao but we weren't not impressed with Costa Maya and have not heard good things about Bonaire and not fans of Freeport. If you go be sure to post your thoughts.

We did find that area to be pretty noisy but we got used to it. We are sound sleepers though. If you are sensitive to noise it might be a problem.

The other couple won't count towards your 3 bookings. You need to do 3 restaurants on 3 different nights.

I thought most of the selections were actually sausage not hot dog. We didn't try them so can't say but I thought it was more like bratwurst, etc.

Thanks, Clarea, I know we always got that but didn't see it on the list. Not that it would have ruined our cruise...but it does help make it "sweeter"...love the vanilla malts with fries and rings. THEN, we are not allowed to use elevators all cruise.

I think coffee is really hard to make to please everyone. I like super strong coffee, daughter and dh like medium strong, mom likes weak. That is why we bought a keurig because someone was always complaining about the morning coffee. And, it is hard to create your perfect cup onboard because you are at the mercy of the staff. I guess that is why the Diamond plus perk of coffee in the lounge means so much to us. We all make our own. I know it is miserable when you are a big coffee drinker. Hope you can find something that works for the week!

It also looks like we lost any discount or specials at Johnny Rockets. We always enjoy at least 1 lunch there.

spookwife, I am talking about the 60's and it was different then. We took quite a few cruises out of Miami and I know a lot of them were on NCL but once you hit the 3 mile limit the casino opened and you were allowed to drink at 18.

That is what I thought but I also thought at one time the drinking age onboard was 18. When we first started cruising...back in the dark ages :) I was 18 and could go to any bar and order without my parents..who were onboard with me. I know things change and it doesn't seem out of line for it to be 21 but I can see where it would be if you were already allowed to drink in your home state. I say use your best judgment and enjoy your cruise. And, thanks again, to all you cruise critics who keep us informed.