sharod

Just got off the phone with Hampton. I'm going to book tomorrow when I wake up since I'm at work and the internet is squirrly.

 

Make sure that you make your shuttle reservations ASAP. I believe that is handled by their sister hotel, the Hilton, which is just across the parking lot. Hampton can transfer you over to the correct dept. Hilton also has a nice restaurant on property.

Hampton Inn and Suites on Staten Island is where we stayed last year. Wonderful hotel, large parking lot, great breakfast, clean/free shuttle.

 

I would stay there again in a heartbeat!

Definitely a "feel good" video. Loved it!!!

A flourless cake? Never heard of it? What's in it if not flour? :eek:

 

Well, not flour ;)

 

Semi-sweet chocolate, butter, eggs, salt, sugar. That's the basics. And it is delicious!!!!

Portofino's flourless chocolate cake.

 

Is that a bad thing?

 

For me, yes. I would expect the cruise line to respect smokers and non-smokers, and treat everyone in a friendly manner. I have not cruised since the new policy went into effect, but will be on the Grandeur in 2 weeks. I have never had an issue before, and I would hope I never do.

 

I totally respect everyone's right to not be exposed to the smoke. I truly mean that. But I would be nice to have a comfortable place for people that do smoke, to be able to enjoy their cigarette/cigar, ecig.

 

I have read several reports of the smoking areas not having the ashtrays emptied. As a smoker, I would like a place to go that is properly maintained and clean of overflowing cigarette butts. I don't believe that is too much to ask. A place that doesn't interfere with people that want to avoid the smoke.

Just to clear up some confusion, this is a Hogs of the High Seas cruise. I have never been on one, but it is a larger group. They DO NOT bring their bikes on board. From the little that I know, there may be some times that some venues are reserved for this group for bike related activities.

 

For people mentioning seeing bikers with their motorcycles on board, that is a totally different cruise. No connection what so ever. I was part of that type of cruise last April. That cruise is limited to about 30 motorcycles. The only venue ever shut down was Maharajah's Lounge, twice, and it was for a short period of time.

 

 

I did do a review, if anyone wants to see what goes on :)

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1839973

6pm is the discount arm of Zappos. They do charge shipping/returns but the prices are cheap if you find what you want. I've purchased from them quite a bit.

 

6pm has changed their shipping, standard shipping (5-10 business days) is now FREE!!!!

 

Love 6pm. Have gotten some great shoes and deals from them :)

We stayed at the Hampton Inn and Suites on Staten Island last year. VERY nice hotel. Free parking and shuttle to the port. Not sure which direction you are coming from, so don't know if this will be your best option.

 

Here is a thread that I posted a few pics on. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1853176&highlight=hampton

My experience on the Allure was wonderful. Never felt crowded.

 

The only time we experienced lines/crowds worth mentioning, was going to/leaving shows. Even then, they were not that bad.

 

The worst line we experienced, disembarking.

 

For being the largest cruise ship out there, it is VERY easy to navigate. Just thought that was worth mentioning!!!

Summertime fave...Bobbi Brown's Beach!

 

 

Sent from my KFTT using Tapatalk HD

 

I would love to try that one. I stopped by Macy's a few weeks back to sample it, only to find out they don't carry it in the store :(. Right now I have Estee Lauder's Bronze Goddess perfume and body oil. One of my favorites for summer!!

 

My favs are, in no particular order

 

D&G Light Blue

Estee Lauder Modern Muse (I only have a few samples, need to purchase)

Marc Jacob's Daisy

Coach Poppy

Coach Love

Calvin Klein Euphoria

You have me quite worried.

What if we hate it? Is the ship really old and yucky? I thought it was just refurbished in 2012? What if the entertainment stinks? Do-wop music? You have got to be kidding.

Are the interior cabins just like closets?

Now I am really undecided!

Does anyone have interior photos of the Grandeur? And these small bathrooms?

 

When are you planning on sailing??? Hubby and I will be on the Grandeur the end of this month. This will be the first cruise NOT having a balcony!! AND we are on deck 2, but have an ocean view.

 

I plan on doing a review with photos.

 

OP, thank you for posting this review!!!

Those are very cute.:) Does the thong part rub against your toes?

Or are they comfy?

 

No rubbing! They are the only pair of thong sandals that I currently own. I am all about comfort :) But they have to be cute too :p

I love these Minnetonka Bocca sandals. I bought a pair, realized how comfy they were, and bought a second pair in a different color!! I have worn them all day with no issues.

 

Id hate not to take the word of a D+ member as gospel but I would be really surprised if the staff gets a list of those who remove gratuities.

 

Im not doubting you. I have just not read that before on here.

 

I do know that they get a list of people who pre-paid, but not sure if they know when people remove the tips.

 

We did MTD on the Allure. I thought the tips only including the dining room team. I did not realize it included the room steward. Not long into the cruise I was passing my steward outside my cabin door. I handed him his tip money, as I like to hand it personally. He walked to his cart, came back to me to hand my money back. He told me that I had pre-paid. I played it cool like I knew that :cool:, and told him that it was extra. Seriously, he was worth every cent!

 

FTR, I have almost always tipped over the recommended amount. Sometimes well over. We have always had outstanding room stewards and dining room teams, money and filling out the comment card is the best way to say, "Thank you"!!!

It's 5:30 am and their still on vacation.... I called two days ago and the representative said their computers were slow, but I didn't ask why.

 

I just logged on fine. I guess keep trying!!

Depends on where you look.

 

Here, it is not prohibited

http://www.royalcaribbean.com/beforeyouboard/whatToKnow/whatToPack.do

 

Here it is prohibited

http://www.royalcaribbean.com/customersupport/faq/details.do?pagename=frequently_asked_questions&pnav=5&pnav=2&faqType=faq&faqSubjectId=333&faqSubjectName=Onboard+Policies&faqId=2608

 

People have reported taking them, no problem. I have also heard of people having them confiscated.

OP, just wondering, did you notify your credit card company of your travel plans? Maybe it was flagged for possible fraud. Just a thought :)

Not worth it. Hubby bought the chain and wore it on his wrist. The finish wore off and it looked terrible. Granted, he wore it all the time, never took it off. Definitely would not purchase again.

Same dress code as traditional dining :)

Hubby and I took our Harley on the Explorer last April. Just saw a facebook post from the TA that handles this. He says to watch WSMV/NBC channel 4 this evening. "There is so much crap being said by the media I want to bring it all to a head and let the truth be told. Watch NBC News for my update." Should be good!!!!

 

Now the interview will be delayed until Thursday due to delay in getting home.

The Explorer always carries motorcycles on her longer cruises. Usually around 30. A travel agent arranges it. They seem to have a great time.

 

Hubby and I took our Harley on the Explorer last April. Just saw a facebook post from the TA that handles this. He says to watch WSMV/NBC channel 4 this evening. "There is so much crap being said by the media I want to bring it all to a head and let the truth be told. Watch NBC News for my update." Should be good!!!!

We cruised on the Explorer last year, leaving April 18th, first port was Bermuda. The weather was beautiful and warm, but the water temp at this time of year is still quite chilly.

Here is a link to show you some of the past water temps in Bermuda.

[URL]http://www.bermuda4u.com/essential/climate/sea-temperature/[/URL]

Oh, and cruising out of Bayonne, NJ was quite windy and cool. Everyone had jackets on. As soon as we passed under the bridge, most people went back inside.

Following along :) as we will be sailing the Grandeur the end of March.

 

Also staying on deck 2, ocean view. First cruise not having a balcony. Well, other than last year when my employer took the staff on a Carnival CTN. We had an ocean view. But that was only for 2 nights. Had an awesome time though :D!!!

Could be a cost cutting move, that cake costs $5 a slice (they buy it from here).

 

Sweet Street, they make awesome desserts!!!! I have had their peanut butter pie numerous times and it was outstanding! I live fairly close to them and have considered riding there and bringing some desserts home.

 

I will have to see if they carry any of their desserts on my upcoming cruise on the Grandeur.