bob brown

That has always been my experience. If I get used to a particular coffee over say, a two week period, then any other source of coffee just doesn't taste "right". And not just coffee...any other food that my taste gets accustomed to.... I agree that "french press coffee" tastes the best. The automatic machines, such as found in the Studio Lounge, are a reasonably close second best, since they more or less use the french press method of brewing each cup individually...

Hurtigruten has been sold and has been divided into its historical coastal operations and expedition cruises… I tried copying and pasting the link to its press release, but it wouldn’t paste…

So, if there are many, why not accommodate them? That would make them happy, and free up more spots for those who wish to dine later. Wouldn’t that be good for everyone, and good for business? IIRC, NCL has open dining in its main dining rooms that early. (It also has a 24 hour restaurant with a more limited menu for those who like to dine very late).

In my experience, there are always “early birds”, who are anxious to be first to enter any venue—restaurant, theater, clubs, shorex, everything, and will line up long before doors open. As others have said, when the doors do open, the line moves fast, and if you just wait 10 or 15 minutes after entry time, you won’t have any problem being seated. The only advantage of lining up early, is the chance to choose a desired location, if that is important to you.

Thanks…I’ve only been on the R (Insignia), so far. Allura, next year.

I had a tentative reservation booked on board, when I took a closer look at the itinerary map, and decided to cancel. What changed my mind, was I noticed a dotted line between Grand Rivers, KY, and Paducah. This means you travel that segment on a shore excursion bus. The boat turns between the Tennessee and Cumberland Rivers at Grand Rivers. So you do not get to cruise the portion of the Tennessee between its confluence with the Cumberland, and with its confluence with the Ohio. Apparently, they don’t want to have to backtrack over that distance, which might add a lot of time to the voyage. It is probably not a big deal to most people, but it would bother me personally, in my quest to cover all the rivers. I guess I’ll have to do them on separate cruise to or from St. Louis or Memphis…🤷‍♂️

On some longer itineraries, there may be more Oceania Club members than they can accommodate at a single party. In such cases, they will divide into two dates. Those holding “elite status”, (Platinum and above), may attend both dates, if they desire. During the party, all drinks are complimentary, even if you don’t have a drink package. This is only in the party, in the Insignia Lounge, and unlike the Captain’s party, not in the other bars. And it ends when the party ends, usually around 6:30 or so.

Same currently.

I am sbout to choose this cruise on board… Looking for help in deciding whether to choose the more traditional style American Splendor, or the more modern American Symphony. Any input would be appreciated!🙂

Good points. I am on my first Pearl Seas cruise, and the experienced crew is absolutely wonderful. They are both a very happy cohesive bunch, while at the same time display the proper decorum I am used to experiencing on most ocean cruise ships. I have not sailed ACL as yet, but have been on the former AQV three times. Difference is very evident. The young, American crews are nowhere near as cohesive, some are obviously not happy in their jobs, not trained in proper service protocols. While many are friendly, sometimes overly so, and will speak to you more like a “buddy”, than as a customer.🤷‍♂️

You’re probably correct. The clientele of the “high end” lines in general are well-traveled, sophisticated individuals that are probably too wise to fall for the chicanery, and the cruise lines don’t want to risk alienating them…

We all spend our last night aboard, while docked at QC, but the next cruise sails later in the same day, most of us disembarks…

Here’s a new case to ponder… I am currently aboard Pearl Seas Cruises, Pearl Mist, (registered in the Marshall Islands), on a two week Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway cruise from Milwaukee to Quebec City. A few of our passengers are continuing on the next cruise, from Quebec City to Portland. I view this B2B as a clear PVSA violation, and asked the Purser if they indeed sell it, and they said that since “it’s two separate cruises, it’s okay.”🤔

Like every other business decision the cruise lines make, it is all about the bottom line. They balance the additional money they earn with promoting these vendors, against what they may lose from some disgruntled customers with buyer’s remorse, and choose accordingly…🤷‍♂️

I realise that not many passengers would want to do such a strange itinerary, but maybe just enough to fill a smaller cruise ship.