bdever

15 hours ago, CineGraphic said:

Our flight on Level/Iberia just landed, and we cleared immigration in less than 5 minutes. The flight was fine. Great crew, ok food. Premium Economy is the way to go….loads of legroom.

 

Exactly! Was able to stretch out and actually sleep 😴 for 5+ hours 

3 hours ago, cantgetin said:

People who love Iberia need to do some YouTube, CC, etc. reviews of their experiences,  What is available makes it sound quite awful.

True that. I’m the only one I know who loves it. Honestly it was the only time I’ve been able to sleep on a plane. I will do one in May when I come back from BCN to LAX. 

On 10/22/2023 at 9:48 AM, CineGraphic said:

A week from today, we'll be boarding the Valiant Lady in Barcelona for her 14 day sailing back to the states.

The Happenings Cast is a new one, and they officially start today.

VV Insider: Valiant Lady’s Sixth Happenings Cast In Rehearsal For 22 October Debut

 

The ship's schedule is a busy one with lots of guest entertainers.

I've looked a few of them up on Youtube, and I'm excited. There will plenty of good music and comedy on board.

Valiant Lady Daily Program

 

We will not be sailing full.

Current availability shows a handful of insides,160+ Sea Terraces, and 60+ Central Sea Terraces.

 

With a huge big soccer match scheduled for the day before departure, we've heard of a few people with long-standing AirB&B reservations in which the hosts have been trying to get them to cancel their bookings so they can re-book the spaces at much higher rates.

 

We booked our hotel room over a year ago, and the rates sky-rocketed once the soccer match was announced.

 

Pam & I are heading out on Wednesday, on a flight out of Boston that was half the price of flying out of our hometown, Atlanta.

I can't help it, I love a good bargain.

The airline, Level, is owned by the same group that owns British Airways, Iberia, Aer Lingus and Vueling.

Their Premium Economy seats are the same size as US-domestic first class.

Life is too short, and my waistline's too big to spend 7 hours crammed into a basic economy seat. Why be miserable!?

 

Here's a review of Level's Premium Economy from earlier this year: https://youtu.be/FXLbJhhmh8M

 

 

We're looking forward to meeting everyone on board.

Please feel free to contribute to the thread in your downtime.

LOVE ❤️ Level/Iberia premium economy! I have an Iberia Chase Visa that I earn avios on and triple the avios for Level flights! Level/Iberia offers DIRECT flights from & to BCN & LAX. On the 2 flights booked with Level my premium eco seat cost less than $900 (bulkhead) for my one way direct flight! I’m on the Scarlet Lady TA from MIA to BCN in April and can’t wait 😜 booked my Level flight in June for that one. Booked Royal Caribbean for my November 24 TA from Barcelona to Port Canaveral. First time on RCL but I booked for the itinerary & price.

12 hours ago, Roneill76 said:

The house band usually plays 1 hour of latin music on each sailing. Its fun but it's not a true latin band. I think that is greatly missed on a cruise leaving from Miami.

 

Wow, that’s so sad… 1 whole friggin hour out of Shakira’s new home port no less. Shameless. 

4 hours ago, dazadelaide said:

 

If you think vaping is bad, you won't believe what your breathing in from the ships funnel.💨

 

Yes but funnel smoke isn't blowing in my face from 8 inches away

I think the person posting this was trying to make the distinction between breathing fuel exhaust and water vapor. 

Great idea about the alarm ⏰ 

What do you mean when you say the dock has no seat’s remaining? This concerns me as I have a TA booked for next year and another 8 day coming up in November which will be my first VV cruise. On both sailings I specifically chose cabins close to the dock for easy access. 

Thanks Walter & Jon, do you know if it is listed on the schedule or do I need to check every night by showing up in person?

The only thing that would top my interest would be a live salsa band but I suspect I’m out of luck so if I need to show up every night I will be willing. 

What is this event? 
Does it cost extra?

Does it require reservations?

Is it offered every night/only once/multiple nights?

When does it start & end?

34 minutes ago, BlerkOne said:

Pretty sure they have two kinds of bacon.

 

Surprised you didn't mention the Princess loyalty program counts either sea days OR cruises and gives solo cruisers double credit. 8 solo cruises of any length on Princess can get you to their highest status.

Thanks Blerk,

I’m a Princess new by so I had no idea about 2 kinds of bacon or the rewards. 
 

I love it! Thanks for sharing the knowledge 😊

On 11/9/2022 at 12:56 PM, Raysgirl said:

I never thought I would say this, but after 15 Carnival cruises I am trying another cruise line.    We have been on 3 Carnival cruises since the restart and even though we enjoyed ourselves (a cruise is what you make of it) we are very disappointed with all the cut backs and poor service.   We knew there would be staffing issues when they first restarted and had to get back in the groove, but at this point things should be back to normal.  I think they are putting all their focus on the new ships and just leaving the older ones behind.  We have encountered slow bar services, slow dining room service with cold food and so so entertainment. Now they are nickel and diming you with their increases for things on the ship and an extra charge if you order 3 entrees.   I know 3 entrees sounds like a lot, but look at the portions they give you, they are not very big.  I have not totally given up on Carnival, I have 2 cruises currently booked, 1 for 2023 and 1 for 2024  (I just cancelled another one for 2023 to try the other cruise line) but I would like to see if the other cruise lines are experiencing the same issue.  Is anyone else disappointed on how things are going?

I feel the exact same way. I have 12 cruises with Carnival and after a transatlantic on Enchanted Princess last month I just can’t justify sailing with carnival anymore. Before Enchanted I never sailed another cruise line except Carnival and I’m only gold status with Carnival so status is not a factor. For $2,300 final price for solo sailing in a sideways interior cabin on lido deck and 100.00 OBC - this not only was for a 14 days cruise, it included drink package, WiFi (which was nonexistent for 7 days of the crossing) and gratuities. All the little things on Princess that are included made me realize that Princess is actually more value.

Gigi’s Pizzeria is open for dinner at no additional cost and they have a full menu for a 4 course meal. The international cafe is open 24 hours a day and serves sandwiches, pastries, pot pies, and soup. The MDR is open for lunch, the sanctuary is available for $20 each afternoon complete with afternoon tea service, table cloths on tables in MDRs at all times, complimentary room service 24 hours a day with great options, paper hangers for cabin doors for ordering room service breakfast & hot breakfast sandwich at no additional charge, if you want a stronger drink no problem/ bartenders will make you a double that counts as two drinks on your package, thick padded cushions & blankets put on deck loungers for movies under the stars, & hot popcorn & snacks offered for no additional charge, buffet stations are fully stocked and open all at the same time, specialty dining is cheaper at $18-$39 per person, there were a total of 11 hot tubs and 4 pools with one being adults only. Ordering food & drinks on the Medallion app to be delivered to you anywhere on the ship not only worked and was convenient, it was complimentary! The Medallion itself was a beautiful bracelet that opened my cabin door, a ledge in the shower so you can shave your legs, turn down service twice a day. That’s all I can think of off the top of my head but that alone was an eye opener. I have a deposit on a 2024 carnival sailing that I’m going to say goodbye to in leu of a 2024 transatlantic on Virgin Voyages - 15 days in a balcony for about what I paid with Princess. When I looked at carnival’s TA for next year it was going to cost $4K all in. When other lines are offering more & better quality for less money it doesn’t make sense to stick with Carnival. Oh, Princess also had bacon every day. Although I didn’t know before boarding but they were also offering unlimited thermal spa packages for $199 for the length of the voyage. 

On 7/8/2022 at 12:27 PM, HealthCraig said:

I know, I know. The title sounds so pathetic, but I just got off a 4 night cruise on RCI Independence. It was my first solo cruise. I want to preface by saying I had fun and would do it again. However, the longer I was on board, the more lonely I felt. Again, I know that sounds pathetic. I’m not the type of person who’s afraid to talk to strangers, but I did have a hard time trying to make conversation. It seemed everyone around me were with family and/or friends, which is what I expected. I even went to different mingling activities, all of which were duds. No one showed. So, what are some tips you all suggest to combat the weird feeling of being alone while surrounded by thousands of people? I’ve got another solo cruise coming up in a few months and now I’m nervous if this happening again. 

Hi Craig, this happened to me recently. Sailed many times sola on Carnival but took a dream transatlantic to Portugal/Spain on Princess. First time on Princess and OMG … way older crowd in general and people my age with family. Worst of all first 7 days at sea and no internet! So I was stuck in my headspace and it was awful! I love trans Atlantics now and I’m hooked! That’s the big plus! Lesson learned - never sailing a transatlantic off season again on Princess! I don’t want to do Carnival anymore but that means as a solo sailor I really have to pay attention to the cruise line demographic, time of year, length of sailing, itinerary. Next TA is on Virgin Voyages! 

On 1/27/2023 at 8:52 PM, Saint Greg said:

I know he has a lot of friends!

Hi Greg! Nice to see you here…

Dancing is in my soul and my body is on borrowed time.

9 minutes ago, Colorado Coasty said:

Why do I get the feeling that you are putting us on?😉

I’m not sure what you mean and I did not want to make any assumptions about your initial comment or read it the wrong way to reply to it the wrong way 

1 hour ago, Colorado Coasty said:

Maybe you should reconsider cruising as a form of relaxation.😁

Maybe Princess should reconsider including dancing in the Sanctuary 😃

Sanctuary day 2 is a hard no as well - Menengue at 1:15. Thank God for JourneyViews.

The JourneysView is up!!!!! I just realized you have to scroll down too Lol!!!!! Looks like 3rd sea day for sanctuary is definitely a no go since there is a martini 🍸 demo at 12:15!!!! I’m beyond the beyond right now folks!! I’m a kid in the candy 🍭 store!!! I have already bookmarked several activities! I tried to make reservations for dinner at 6:40 pm on night 1 since the singles and solo mixer happens at 6-6:30 that night but the app errored out. I’m going to try to reserve all the nights at 6:40 pm instead and see if it will let me do it that way instead. So excited 😆 you folks know what I’ll be doing all day today!!!!

3 minutes ago, snoozecrooze said:

I am not OP but I've been in these sideways cabins before. If you really value floor space over a larger bed, have the beds split apart. It makes the room feel so much larger than it really is. And you can also use the second bed for "not sleeping purposes" (like snacking, laying some clothes on it, etc.). 

What a clever idea 💡 thank you 🙏🏻 & to the OP for your magnificent contribution! I love ❤️ this little gem 💎 

On 2/8/2023 at 8:06 AM, Jadn13 said:

If the beds are separated, these cabins are fine. I have been in a couple Enchanted Interiors and I can see how the beds being together would be an issue. I travel with my Mom and have no issues And the sideways cabins are our new favorite…more shelving. 

Going on my first solo cruise in an interior on Enchanted sideways in March 9 and was wondering if you would recommend for a solo cruiser to have the beds split apart for more space as well???? Or is this just a recommendation for a shared cabin?

I’m 48 years old, single. My rheumatoid arthritis measures off the charts, I have scoliosis in my spine and osteoporosis of the spine as well. I’m not too keen on getting a metal rod inserted up my back to keep my spine straight and thankfully I’m not into too bad shape yet but nothing girl is going to keep me from living this life and making memories while I still have a chance to do it. Go on that cruise. 

40 minutes ago, Cruise Raider said:

I can only answer what my experience has been when I traveled solo. 
I made reservations for dinner for 6:30 PM every night.  I dined alone as is what still very much in the period of lockdowns for CoVid. I prefer the midship dining rooms over the other one in the very aft.  They seated me promptly every night on a bench type seat, which is usually where solo travelers are seated.  You will be lucky to get a seat by the window as everyone seems to want those.  I appreciated the same table as my waiter really spoiled me.  Dinner took about 45 minutes, as I don’t tend to have dessert or coffee/tea after dinner.  you are allowed to let them know what pace you wish to keep for your dining.  
if you are willing to share a table with others, the availability of being seated goes way up for you.  However, be aware that dining times will be increased based at the number of others at your table.  

If you have Club Class dining, you can go according to your own schedule, though, without any reservations.  We did get a window seat every time when we were in the club class mini suites, without even requesting one.  

The timing of the shows in the theater are pretty consistently at 7:30 and 9:30 PM.  There are game shows and events usually held at 8:30 PM in either the Explorers Lounge or Princess Live, too.  
There is usually live music in Crooners after dinner, in the piazza at different times through the day, in the Explorer's Lounge at 9:30 PM, up by the pool some days, the wheelhouse Bar in the evenings, club Fusion or the Vista Lounge on most evenings.  The Vista Lounge or Club Fusion will also have some trivia games, comedians, etc at night.  
 

I think you’d be pretty safe planning your dinner between 5:30 and 6:00 PM if you wish to dine alone and get a seat at the first show.  
 

I actually like going to the specialty restaurants on the first formal night.  I never see anything on the MDR menu that is totally thrilling on that night.  Be sure to let them know in the MDR when you won’t be attending dinner there as they are apt to save the table for you when you do show up.  
you can still dress to the nines if you prefer or you can go smart casual for the specialty restaurants. If your cruise is fully packed, you may not even be able to get reservations. The same goes for the sanctuary.  So, don’t be too disappointed if you can’t.  There are still a lot of great places to eat.   Don’t miss going to the sit down pizzeria (Alfredo’s or GiGis), too .. it’s so good and you don’t need a reservation there.  The expanded room service menu is also great … we oftentimes will skip dinner completely, especially if they are showing a National sporting event in one or more of the venues.  Then, we will order a pizza ($3 fee) and a couple of Caesar salads to wherever we are seated.  Yummmmmm!   
 

The events such as crafting, lessons, classes, lectures are rarely scheduled during the height of the dinner hours .. 5:30 to 7:30.  
 

if by chance, you purchase the premium package with your booking, you will have seats reserved for you in the theater if you arrive at least. 15 minutes before the start of the shows … that may be for the production shows only but we will not know until to,row when they roll out the new features of that package.  
 

sometimes things you wish to do will overlap because they do have a lot activities and shows going on in different venues.  What you don’t do one day, you may be able to catch up with it on another day or even another cruise.  
 

 

What nights are formal - there are 3 total.

 
6 PM it is for dinner! Thank you!

I don’t dine with strangers- never danced with Covid, so I need a solo table. Bench seats hurt my back. Maybe I can bring a pillow from my cabin to accommodate my back?

2 hours ago, ldubs said:

 

IMO, it is very easy to get into "overthinking" mode.  Keep in mind much of the discussions here are people expressing their personal preferences, not hard & fast rules that must be followed.   Enjoy!  

No I don’t think so. The impression I was definitively left with is that if you did not prebook MDR you were made to wait to be seated a very long time and the wait could impact your evening plans. 

Thanks, there’s this whole discussion on whether to prebook dinner in the MDR and it’s adding so much stress and not knowing the daily activities is adding to the stress. 

I know I can’t book the sanctuary until on board but it would have been nice to know the schedule once I was on board so I could quickly blurt out the days like ralphy who wants a red rider bb gun