erby2283

On 12/3/2023 at 8:17 PM, PoorNC said:

We’ve been cruising since 1986 and this is the first issue we’ve run into.  If you cruise without insurance you need to be willing to accept the loss.  And you are correct - you would need “cancel for any reason” since other policies don’t cover sick pets (just booked a cruise for 2025 and was looking into policies but haven’t bought any insurance yet).  😀

I'm sure you know this but if you do want CFAR insurance it does need to be purchased within a certain number of days after your initial deposit - like 14 days - so if it's something you're thinking about getting, may not have too long to decide.  I've always had at least one dog with cancer (or recovering from cancer) almost every time I cruise since 2009 so for me it's a no brainer.  I hate spending the money up front but peace of mind is worth the price. Hopefully it's not needed. 🙂 

I actually didn't think the price was that bad (although I did get an ocean view balcony on Icon with three in a room for $1100 p/p back when bookings were first released). If anyone has been wanting or thinking about wanting to book Icon (or complaining about the prices of Icon), now is your time to book Star! I did a mock booking for Star with three in a ocean view balcony and it came to around $1700 per person. I will admit that's a bit steep for me and I probably wouldn't book at that rate either but it is still cheaper than what can be found on Icon today! Book early - you can always cancel. I don't usually book mega-ships but I am celebrating a birthday milestone next year with two best-friends and so we decided to go big and have a good time! 

16 hours ago, cruisemom42 said:

Enjoy your return trip!

Thank you. Planning is half the fun, right? 

I sailed Vision in 2019 in the Mediterranean and loved it. Lovely crew.

I just want to thank @Eremita85 @Lloyd555 and all the others who have kept us updated with pictures and videos. This is probably the first time I have kept up with a thread about the building of a new cruise ship.  I work for a heavy highway civil construction consulting firm and we schedule roadway projects and I just cannot imagine what the CPM (critical path method) schedule looks like when trying to build a cruise ship. Truly an amazing feat! 

On 11/26/2023 at 12:48 PM, euro cruiser said:

It would be such a shame to be in Rome and not see at least something, even if it's only for a day.  No time in Rome is ever wasted.

I agree.  We stopped in Rome for day on my first and only cruise to Europe in 2019. I booked an all day tour that was wonderful but long (10 hours) and I barely felt like I scratched the surface of what to see. When you only get a little time and each location (except for the Vatican where our tour was a couple hours), it leaves you wishing you had more time at each place.

Soooo, for my big 5-0 next year, I booked a cruise out of Rome! Airfare, however, dictated schedule bc I was able to find round-trip non-stop for $913 on AA so we arrive early on a Wed and our cruise leaves on Friday.  But still, that leaves us 2.5 days to see the sites I really want to go back and see again!

As many stated, you just never really know.  I am cruising in May out of Miami and in Sept out of Rome.  I stalk prices every day.  I was able to get non-stop to Rome soon after tickets were released for $913 round-trip on American Airlines.

However, I am still waiting to purchase my round-trip to Miami bc non-stop has been steadily over over $500+ (to both FLL and MIA) - except for Spirit - which like you, I wouldn't take.  I also have the option of taking Allegiant but they don't fly back to CLT the day my cruise gets back in town so the added expense of a hotel for the night would negate any airline savings.  I still have time and would be willing to book a one-stop via Orlando if I have to in order to save some money but I'd prefer not to.  Still plenty of time to decide.....

Someone asked earlier but I didn't see a reply - does anyone know if Giovanni's has gluten free options? I checked online and the in the description for Giovanni's it reads:

• Please inform your waiter if you have any food allergies, intolerances or dietary needs.

However, the other restaurants specifically state: 

• Gluten-free, lactose-free, and vegetarian options available. Ask your waiter.

Therefore, it leads me to believe Giovanni's doesn't have gluten-free options since they don't specifically mention gluten-free in their description. Has anyone received a gluten-free meal or know if Giovanni's offers gluten-free options.  Would love to book a lunch $14.99 p/p  for our party - but not if one in the party won't be able to eat...lol.

Just read all your updates.  Sound like everyone is staying on top of things! Good job everyone!

@JustUs275 Sorry your legs are bothering you.  Hope it's temporary and goes away soon.

1 hour ago, Cloverpk said:

Last evening I canceled the beverage package and rebooked along with the zipline at labadee. Received and email “that didn’t go as planned”. Tried again today and received the same email stating it wasn’t booked. Would I need to call to try and book? 

That was happening to me last night. Thought it was on their end….until I remembered my credit card renewed and I had a new CVV number. SMH. 

update: nevermind. Finally got both emails. One the cancellation and one “well that didn’t go as planned.”  Lol

Is it taking awhile for people to get their confirmation emails? I did try and cancel and rebook the refreshment package and it showed my obc on my account. But “apply credit” button is greyed out when I try to click on it after entering an amount to use. Still I thought it processed but when I log on through the web instead of from the app, it’s still showing in my cart (but can’t apply the credit). I also still haven’t gotten an email regarding my cancellation of the package - which I know I did bc it let me add it to my name. 

If I booked the refreshment package and applied an onboard credit, if I cancel and repurchase at the lower rate, anyone know how long before the OBC shows back up in my account? If at all? Any chance I can immediately apply it again when I purchase now? Thanks in advance for the answers. 

44 minutes ago, SoloAlaska said:

Honestly it took me a prescription to finally make a dent in my weight loss. I was a classic yo-yo we’re I would loose 10-15 pounds and then put it all back on and more. I’m at almost 35 pounds lost in just over 4 months. I couldn’t do that if I didn’t have all the knowledge from before plus the support of the meds. Everyone’s body is different so do what works for you and feel no judgement if you need that extra help. 
 

Have you tried an alternative to diet soda? I know it’s a hard one to break the habit but the side drinkers I know that gave it up found it much easier to loose weight after.
 

You don’t need to eat salad to loose weight. The benefit to salad is it fills your stomach. My favorite “fill me up” food is a home made soup using home made bone stock, lots of protein, lots of veggies, good seasoning, and a small amount of whole grains. It’s easy to make each batch unique by switching the protein (I usually use chicken or pork) and switching what type of veggies you use. I try to avoid veggies high on the glycemic index except in moderation. Freezing portions is something that really helps me save on cooking time and I always try to have some at hand so I can have it when I get home instead of picking up fast food on the way etc.

 

Being healthy is so much more than our weight. Being active, toning our muscles, and having good mental health is all so important, it’s great that you already have been so consistent on going to the gym.

35 pounds is fantastic! That's about the amount I want to lose. I'm not against medication to help but  my deductible is $2,750 so I'd have to pay every bit of that before anything would be covered.  However, I may take a go at it when my physical rolls around next year. Between my migraine meds and this, I'd probably hit that deductible in one month and then everything would be free until the new health insurance year. 🙂

I enjoy soups too - but I wouldn't have the willpower to not add potatoes or pasta...lol. 

As for the soda, it's always been my ONE vice in life. I've never had an alcoholic drink, I never smoked, etc... but soda, soda is what I always want to drink.  I've never been able to cut it out completely, but when I try, I make deals with myself (drink 2 yeti's of water and then you can have a diet soda) and when i do that, I'm so full from the water that I usually end up only drinking 1-2 a day. Like you, I have heard so many people say cutting out the soda was key for them. I wish I could - slow poison is what my grandma used to call it. I just need to get stronger about making choices...nothing changes if nothing changes. 

18 hours ago, Jan_In_Maine said:

Erby2283 - Welcome to the group  -  I find that if I log everything that I've eaten and the number of calories that usually works (a little) - plus the exercise.  Sometimes we don't lose weight much, but we end up losing inches.  

 

Keep coming back each week ... we are all here to support each other.  Jan 

Thanks for the welcome. My family keeps saying you may not be losing but you're definitely healthier exercising/working out.

18 hours ago, SoloAlaska said:

Welcome Erby. This is an awesome little group full of support and understanding. Being a picky eater who likes variety must be really difficult when trying to make changes. 

Thank you. It's extremely hard. Just eat a salad...how can I do that when I don't like lettuce, tomato, cucumbers, cheese, dressings, etc.  LOL  Did I mention I was picky? 🙂

15 hours ago, Izena said:

Welcome Erby.   We are a supportive group.   Everyone seems to take a different approach.  It does help to have the accountability of weighing.    This  has been an awkward year for me health wise - trying to remain positive  -  it does help to keep track of what you’re eating whether is carbs, calories or points.     

Thank you.  I have tried to log foods in the past but then I stop when I forget.  I've even tried products like Noom or myfitnesspal, carb manager, Numi.....  I just really think every woman is different and until we find what it is that works best for our bodies, it will be hard to be successful.

I did pick up some ingredients to make a tea that's supposed to help stimulate fat burning and aid in digestion, etc.  Going a little bit outside my comfort zone bc I don't like lemon flavor and the tea contains water, ginger, lemon, cinnamon and a tad of honey.  I figure I'll try it - can't be worse than the stuff I had to swallow for my colonoscopy prep....LOL.

Hi everyone - wanted to jump in on the conversation and introduce myself.  When I booked my May Icon cruise last November, I said I wanted to lose about 30 pounds.  I had just had my hip replaced (at 48) and was just able to get back into walking and exercising.  Here we are a year later and I've lost....oh....about 3 lbs.... smh.

I go the gym and work out 2-3 times a week for the last 3 months - lost nada.  Was swimming before that - lost nada.  

Not gonna lie, as an Italian, I am a carb junkie.  I did well on low carb a few years ago but I am so darn picky that it's just not sustainable for me. I get tired of eating the same thing and as picky as I am - it's not much. I also drink a lot of diet soda so I'm sure that doesn't help.  Still not going to give up and hope to be able to lose some weight before May - I still have time...but then again the holidays are coming up.

I agree - love your google sheets! I usually use trip it but I love your google sheets! I searched through their templates but didn't see any I liked as much as yours...but couldn't find the one you used either...

There is a tour company called Sandra's (something - google sandras tour santorini) that offers tours that bypass the cable cars in both directions. However, someone on our cruise boards recently did her tour and said the beginning of the tour was pure chaos - not being able to find the guide, and people walking around aimlessly not knowing where to go.  So it cut into their tour time.  She sent an email to the tour company and the tour company replied that she is trying to work on the situation.  Hopefully we get some better reviews in the next few months. Is chaos during the beginning of a tour better than a 2+ hours wait at the cable car? That is the question. 

When I cruise in 2019, we were advised that tender tickets would be passed out an hour before we docked (I think that would have made it 6 am).  But I needed to be on the first tender to make a private excursion, so we were the first ones in line at 5 am and given a ticket close to 6.  Then went back to the room and finished getting ready until they started calling for for Tender Ticket #1! 

1 hour ago, ninjacat123 said:

BTW, I heard back from Sandra of Sandras Cruise Tours!  Her email stated:

 

HI I have been working with the operator on this and am still doing so, soon as I get an update I will send email to all guests

 

Thank You

Sandra Oleary

709 691 2750

 

I'm thinking she is trying to fix the beginning of the tour.  That would make a huge difference!

Glad she responded - she has 10 months to get it fixed - well 9 I guess so I can make my decision....lol

I’m right there with ya. Been before and can’t find anything so really want to do. Plus we leave at 3pm so it doesn’t leave much time to venture to St John. 

3 hours ago, ninjacat123 said:

So, I discussed it with Craig and this is what we would do if we were on another cruise that had Santorini as a port...Wake up at least by 5:00am and if no one is coordinating the line up with post its, we would do it.  Get on the first tender to the Old Port.  There was no line for the cable cars when we got off the first tender.  Get up to Fira via the cable cars. Wander around, get some pics, eat a gyro, buy souvenirs, have a glass of wine at a restaurant with a view (The Vine was great with a wonderful view, but you had to order lunch to sit at a table, we sat at the bar) then get back to the cable cars and head back down to the Old Port by noon.  We spoke with a woman from our cruise who did this and she said she didn't wait for the cable cars. This would be the cheapest (6 euro each way) and hopefully the least stressful. Yeah, you don't see Oia but it was so crowded there it didn't feel as special as I thought it would.  My 2 cents.  Now, if we were spending the night in Santorini we could do a lot more.  But that's another trip😉

My only concern is that two other ships arrive  an hour before us and three more of us arrive at 8. So I would already be worried the line to the cable car would be getting long from these other two ships arriving before us. 
 

Also, if it’s just some random person organizing the sticky notes for tender tickets, do people really listen to that person? I mean what’s to keep some people from saying that they’re not going to take your number or follow the numbering system bc you’re not affiliated with the ship? 

Thanks for taking the time to write up your synopsis.  I was still weighing the Carnival excursions versus Sandra's but if a tour company can't even respond, I doubt they really care about their customer service.  There is a guy on our sailing who is a TA and selling tours that he is putting together and I'm just shocked at the prices he is charging.  He advised about a private tour in Santorini which bypasses the cable cars but the price - $179 each - and most of his tours are like 4-6 hours.  I guess I'll just stick to my Carnival Cruise excursion - even though we may have to head back way earlier than we'd want, I'm not interested in dealing with the fiasco of Sandra's Tours - unless I read more posts between now and Sept that things have improved! I can find other private tours way more affordable than what the cruise line and this guy is offering and they have great reviews!

On my one previous trip to the Mediterranean, we were lucky to have an overnight in Venice.  It was great to enjoy Venice in the day and night - and to just wander with no plans. I LOVED Venice and wish we were going back this time but it's not meant to be.  

4 minutes ago, not-enough-cruising said:

Thank you. I am well aware the published position statement on the topic. 
 

Behind the scenes personnel, as I stated above, are not tipped positions. My cruise fare covers their salary. 

No worries - I have the same opinion as mentioned earlier - you do you and I'll do me. 

Unless we have worked for a cruise line, I don't think we can so for sure where their salary comes from. Maybe they're guaranteed a rate and the cruise line hopes  the auto-tips cover those salaries and if not, they pitch in the rest???? Who knows for sure?  I personally leave the auto-tips on and prefer to tip my steward, and dining staff additionally according to service. It's the cruise lines being greedy, not their staff who leave their families for months at time - many work for weeks at a time without a day off.  So if a little extra money can help and I have it, more than happy to do it. I'm never one to push my ideals and values on others - it's just what I choose to do. 🙂

7 minutes ago, not-enough-cruising said:

Since win are laundry staff and dishwashers, tipped positions? 
 

Clean linen and clean flat ware are the bare minimum expected for my exorbitant cruise fare
 

"As a way to reward our crew members for their outstanding service, gratuities are shared among dining, bar & culinary services staff, stateroom attendants and other hotel services teams who work behind the scenes to enhance the cruise experience."  

Do these tips not also pay for the "behind the scenes" crew that you don't see or wouldn't necessarily think to tip? Like the laundry crew, or buffet staff? Just a serious question.