DeputyDawg46

Check all your electronics you plan on taking and making sure they are 100v-240v.  If they are this range then consider taking a couple of adapters for 100v to 220v.  You will not need a transformer if you can use the adapter if your item is 110v-240v.  You probably will not find a 110v outlet in most European hotels.  Cruise ships generally have a 110v outlet.  There are adapters that have USB outlets to plug in iphones, etc.

Check with your cell service to see what plans they have for talk/data in Europe.  Make sure your cells have the WiFi Calling turned on before you leave the US. With the cell in airplane mode anywhere in the world that you have WiFi you can use WiFi Calling as if you were at home.  No extra cost except for the WiFi, fi not free, and a lot of places have it for free.  Even some cities provide it as a free service throughout the town.

If you want a map program I recommend Organic Maps.  Its a free app and the maps and usage are free.  Download the maps where you have WiFi, like at home, of all the maps and locations you will be at.  You can use the maps and app without cell service or WiFi.  Just download the maps via WiFi before you leave, or at a WiFi service in Europe.  You can mark spots like your hotel, attractions, and such where it then can be used to guide you there, like from point A to B.  If you download maps where you are paying for data it can be expensive.

If you plan on using public transit systems or going to any attractions anywhere download their app prior to leaving the US and create an account.  You can check routes and cost and even buy tickets for the family.  Sometimes at a reduced cost and skip lines. Great for major attractions.

DDawg

5 minutes ago, OCSC Mike said:

 

It can literally be any time up until your sail date.

Not a big issue. I'm on the TA and the cruise after this one to Norway with same selected room.  For 2 days I figured I could handle anything with a GTY.  When I get on I'll check and see if my room which is the same before and after this 2 day cruise will be available.  Thanks.

On 4/12/2024 at 1:54 PM, miyanc said:

...  The last numbers are the room. 

I am checked in and I tried this for the Anthem 10-12 May 24 cruise but no room assigned yet.  How close before they assign rooms?

DDawg

My last 5 RCL cruises since 1 Nov did not have cartons of milk anymore.  I was told they cannot get them in cartons anymore.  May be a temporary situation.  Generally white and chocolate milk are available in containers in the morning in the WJ.  Getting chocolate throughout the day is a challenge.  White milk is available in a pitcher by the water and ice machines in the WJ.  Generally, when I eat in CK or Chops for breakfast I just ask for milk and they bring me a glass.  I carry a drink container on board and fill it up at breakfast with my choice of milk and put it in my fridge.  Good for at least a day.  But check your fridge and ask for a new one if not cool at all.  My experience is they don't replace bad fridges unless someone complains.

2 hours ago, leisuretraveler223 said:

 

Fascinating study in how absolutely miserable most people on these forums are that we are now on page four of people offering their unsolicited pontifications and indignity.😅

"miserable"....if you can't handle the answer don't ask the question or comment on it!

4 hours ago, leisuretraveler223 said:

 

....  above the speed limit, correct?

Big difference between a traffic "violation or infraction" and possible a Class A Felony, depending on country.

7 hours ago, alwayscruisetime said:

 Debating on bringing full-face snorkel masks and whether to choose hard-soled water shoes or more flexible.  

 

 

I've snorkeled both places and always wear water shoes and use a full-faced snorkel mask.  Enjoy.

DDawg

If you swapped keys and they each have a credit card on file for a different room then that could be a problem when they charged anything.  Of course an extra room key swap and use the original key for charging could solve that.  Never had to do this so other folks may have a better solution if GS can't make the change.

Recently on the Jewell on a TA we missed Reykjavik due to weather.  Spent an extra night in Akureyri, I think it was.  Got nothing back for the missed port.  Guess they used it for the extra night at the other port. It even's out.

DDawg

2 minutes ago, gamecock411 said:

I'm in this same position with a cruise in October.   Not sure if 14 year old granddaughter can go.  Called  RCCL 3 times on Saturday.   First person said no problem,  just no refund  (except taxes and fees).  2nd person said we'd be charged an extra $2500 as they would have to rebook just me and my husband.   3rd time I called,  we were told just to let her be a no show.  Go figure. 

Mine is same for October and within 60 days.  Not sure why they'd charge you $2200 unless you change rooms/categories based on current prices.  Port Fees/Taxes were a gimmie but figured the base price is history.  One person mentioned I'd probably not get the extra double points which I understand.  Not a problem as got over 1300.  Seams like no show most logical route.  I may end up with 3 cruises (got 2 now) in Oct so might run into you as some point. Good luck.

DDawg

Am within 60 days of cruise and room mate has to cancel for reasons beyond insurance.  Since that persons money is forfeited is it better to cancel them from the room or just have them be a no show on embarkation day?  I suspect if  they cancel there will be no refund/FCC. If I try to use a DP340 as a solo it would be based on the current rate which is over $1000 than originally paid.  I'm thinking just call it a no show and I would get double points at some point after the cruise.  Thoughts?

TIA

DDawg

Found this on the net.  Might help.  Think they're Round Trip prices.

1 hour ago, Another_Critic said:

To clarify, it's the charge card setup for the onboard account.

Yes

Didn't read the other 21 pages of comments but based on Subject my vote is to bring back the 2x cleaning a day!

Would not pay.  The stewards do am amazing job of making these but I always tell them on the first day to not make any for me, thus saving time and towels maintenance.

DDawg

I have been on 10-12 cruise thus far in 2023 and find the quality and quantity in the MDR to be lacking.  There are more items in the area of pot pies, casseroles, very spicy, and items never heard of.  No way to find a non spicy pork chop in the MDR after 4 weeks B2B on the same ship.  But there are some very hard working servers who try very hard amid the issues.

Food quality 7/10.  Service 9/10.  Menu selection 3/10.

But no doubt am not going hungry and no need to take it out on the staff.

DDawg

I have been on the Wonder 3 times and never did it on that ship.  But I have done it on other ships with no problem.

I book on board and pay balance by calling.  Normally if I pay on line I do not get a zero balance receipt sent so I call, pay, and request receipt to email at same time.

They rotate so you never know who you'll get.  Most are not too vulgar.  There are some that spend most of the time trying to convince you that it is okay for them to be gay and the jokes are centered around that lifestyle.  To each his own.  You can always get up and leave.  But like someone pointed out they generally have at least one General comedy show in the theater that is family friendly...most of the time...

DDawg

5 hours ago, lenquixote66 said:

We have yet to use a ships laundry. We have been cruising since 1973

 

Nonstop??  🤗  Hummmm!! 🙄

Seams like every ship I've been on in the last six months, and I do one or two a month, the WiFi has had problems.  On one cruise I've had an access point right outside my room and the service was poor.  IT had no clue what to do.  Just got off the Explorer and it would drop from one floor to the next or walking from the WJ to the spa.  WiFi calling has been spotty at best.  I find the IT guys are poorly equipped to understand and provide solutions.

I do 15-20 cruises a year and outside of one Pinnacle get together we had for a specific celebration on the Bridge there has been no tours for D+ or Pinnacles that I've seen.  LA's always say maybe someday but have not seen any lately.

DDawg

I used to request and get an extra Iceberg salad every night of the cruise in MDR on all my cruises, but the last two cruises in the past month they have refused to do it anymore.  They say no more special food orders if not on menu.  Reflected this in the survey.

Looking for Hotel Recommendations in Southampton, UK, in the May timeframe. Decent, clean, and possibly free breakfast. Would like to be able to walk in the area. No need for car park. Needing for a couple nights in between cruises.

TIA

DDawg

On 12/10/2022 at 6:08 AM, PhillyFan33579 said:

Sort of surprised that a lot of experienced cruisers would do a B2B without having the same cabin booked for both (or more) cruises. Having the same cabin is my first rule when booking a B2B. 

I had 4 B2B next summer and had the same room.  RCCL came along and changed ships and each week we are now in a different room.  Not a happy camper. Trying to find the same room for 4 cruises after the cruise is booked is impossible.