peacefulOR

Did the special needs and got the email that said it would be on the bed. Well it was not, the steward was asked and he said he would take care of it. We got a comforter under the sheet, minimally better but the beds on adventure are not good, HARDER THAN ROCKS.

I'm so sorry that it didn't work for you. I don't intend to sail on RCL again until they do something about those horrible beds. I think of all the wonderful sleep I've had on other lines and this was our first time with Royal so very disappointed as well. I understand that they changed the beds across all of the ships:eek:

Rainey

We just got back from the Explorer. I requested mattress toppers at special needs dept. two weeks before. They were about 2" thick, pillow-top pads that matched the mattress. Still firm, but much better! E-mail them prior to your sailing; they're very helpful and confirm that you will have toppers. :p

We're sailing on Friday and already dreading the rock hard beds I've been reading about on here. I requested a mattress topper and now read that they are using comforters instead(doesn't do it). No complaints on the beds on HAL, NCL, or Carnival so what gives? Really have been looking for a cruise line to be loyal to.......

Is it possible to submit a mattress topper request for our cabin prior to our cruise? I've done it with other lines before. If so, what is the process? Or do I need to request ASAP after boarding? We are on LOS in October and I've read countless posts that say the mattresses are terrible. Thanks!

I e-mailed the special needs dept. as Bob suggested and they said that the toppers would be on the beds when we boarded. Seems to be THE most popular request at Royal....

It is absolutely ridiculous to hold your TA responsible for this.

As others have said before, any outcome will depend on what kind of booking you have and when it was made. Enjoy the cruise!

Really, this is one too many posters with high count who are rude and condescending and IN CAPS yet. You are not the only one but the moderators could note that some of you are going too far! Just read that it is her 3rd language as well. You can make a point here but attacking someone who is distressed is not appropriate. Flame on.:eek:

Actually, the responses Bob gave you are as clear as glass. Get the Windex out.:cool:

If you ever get bored with your "day job", please consider a stint as a cruise ship comedian and let us know where you'll be. Not many make me LOL but love your wit!:D

Great news!

Do you happen to know if Captain Sullivan will be on our Explorer 9-23-2016? We're hoping for "the singing captain". Thank you!

Rainey:D

I live in CA. I stared cruising too late to take advantage of living near a RCI cruise port. Since RCI abandoned us here in SoCal I have to fly to catch any Royal ship. :(

Why not join some of us Westcoasters that are tired of flying to Florida and take a RCI cruise from Seattle? Maybe San Francisco for 2 days doesn't appeal to you but the other ports are great too. Or Alaska? Happy sailing wherever you roam.

Hello!

 

Is it crazy to think about renting a car in Astoria and driving to Portland? I know there's a lot of cool things to do in Astoria and we'd probably try to stop by Cannon Beach either the way in or out, but being so close to Portland is super tempting....

According to google maps it's about a 2 hour drive - any idea what rush hour traffic is like?

Appreciate all your help!

I'm with the others, having driven that route from Portland several times. Why not enjoy Cannon Beach (Ecola state park is beautiful and right off 101), maybe some time in Seaside, and save Portland for when you can drive down and overnight, at least? Lots to see and do in Portland!

Michael, the Oasis has just introduced new menus. These are expected to spread to the rest of the fleet. RC has not revealed its timetable for doing this. ;)

Is there any chance that you've heard about a new menu for our September cruise on the Explorer? It seems that we will be shipmates:Dand thought that you might know. Thanks, Rainey

I post this as a warning that NCL is very serious about their new no carry on policy . We are just off an Epic cruise from Barcelona . In this port after the initial check-in and screening there are stores which sell liquids . We boarded the ship but there was a final screening just prior to actually entering. He was very thorough looking for water , sodas etc . This caused an unwelcome further delay .

It sounds like we have to keep informed on a per port basis. I'd so much rather buy it on board (or be allowed 12 pack each). Maybe NCL will resolve this like Carnival did but in the meanwhile.......good luck to those who never thought that they'd be smuggling soft drinks:;)

Hi Rainey, yes, I believe we did see Coke Zero. The 20 ounce bottles are $2 if anyone was wondering.

Thank you so much! Eight sea days before a foreign port with no Coke products:( Smarts when you can't do alcohol either.

We sailed on the Getaway on 7/17, two days after the new beverage policy went into effect. I only drink Diet Coke as my soda/caffeine choice. Was not looking forward to being "deprived" until our first port day. Fortunately while NCL contracts with Pepsi, the Port of Miami does not. In the boarding area is a Coke machine. We bought a few bottles and put them in our backpack. Since we had already been through the screening process we were able to get them on without a problem. This may be an option for the other die hard Coke drinkers.

That's great to hear! Any chance that you noticed Coke Zero? That's my only soda choice so I know what you mean...we're facing 17 days without. Thank you for any info.

Rainey

First off...there is a very commonly held misconception... even here on Cruise Critic, that a travel agency can NOT offer cruises at prices lower than those advertised by the cruise line. This is UTTERLY false. ;)

 

I buy my cruises from a couple of large, well known online travel agencies that almost always offer lower prices than the cruise lines... because they get (sometimes huge) "volume" discounts, and then pass on those savings. :cool:

 

Sometimes those savings are in the form of lower prices, sometimes in the form of added perks (such as free gratuities) sometimes in the form of added OBC. (these savings are OVER AND ABOVE and/or IN ADDITION TO, the perks advertised by the cruise lines. (like big/better/best) :)

 

I am a shareholder of both RCCL and Carnival stock so CAN get that OBC in addition to any OBC/perk offered by the agency. (but any perk/OBC offered by RCCL/Celebrity/Azamara "poisons the well" for the shareholder benefit)

 

Some online agencies often have special sales (usually during holidays... Memorial Day/ Labor Day Christmas/ Thanksgiving/ 4th of July) where they offer EVEN MORE OBC... AND they also have "loyalty OBC" that, when combined, can add up to some fairly impressive amounts even on cruises that are surprisingly low priced. :eek: ;) :D

 

The Pacific Coast Cruise this fall that I referred to, has only a total of $175 OBC. $75 agency and $100 shareholder, booked with NO holiday sale OBC, and no "loyalty" OBC. But still a pretty nice overall deal when the base fare was only $374pp. (taxes and tips extra)

 

The 2017 transatlantic was a lower price... with $150 agency OBC... $100 "sale" OBC...$50 "loyalty" OBC... and $250 shareholder OBC!

Thank you for all the tips! I just returned from a weekend casino stay and I've lerned another way to save money........only bet $5 total when you just don't feel lucky. I'm not a born gambler, at least games of chance. Will watch my 60 day window for TA cruise next April....so far NOT 1 PERK but haven't moved it from NCL. Hope your cruises are many and wonderful, one and all. Rainey

It is possible but you may not have a great deal of time at the British Museum. (I visited it 3 weeks ago)

Don't know where you'll dock but as time is important get cab to Southampton Central Rail Station.(Short ride) To save time it might be a good idea to go to South West Trains web site and buy train tickets in advance: buy a return ticket that allows underground travel in London zones 1&2. It is easy to buy the ticket at the station, either at the ticket office or using machines. The London trains usually leave from platform 1.

Weekdays there are fast trains every half hour at 8.30, 9.00, 9.30 etc. The journey takes about 1hr 30mins and you arrive at London Waterloo station. Follow signs to Underground and take the Northern line (Black) to Tottenham Court Rd. From here the Museum is a short walk, right onto Theobalds Rd then left onto Bloomsbury Rd (Should see signposts to Museum). Underground trip should take less than 15mins then a 10min walk.

If you make the 8.30 you could be at the Museum by 10.30. So you could get over 4hr there.

 

Getting back; Northern line back to Waterloo. plenty of afternoon trains to Southampton. To be sure, the latest train I'd get back would be the 16.06 which gets in to Southampton at 17.22. There are earlier trains and the service is fairly reliable.

London trains usually get in on platform 4. Leave the station from this platform. There is a regular bus service that leaves from outside, that will take you to Town Quay, which might be useful, depending where your ship is docked otherwise it's a short cab ride.

Please check the train details on the South West Trains Web site before you go.

Hope that this helps and that you enjoy the BM!

Thanks for such a detailed answer! Sounds very doable and it's not far to our next port if the unthinkable happens. We did a similar train trip to Rome with no problems and London is so worth it.

We don't want this to stop.

We are trying to get to 4000 posts about this silliness.

I wonder if you would find it silly if they took your favorite alcohol away?

I wonder why so many postings about this family's experience sound a bit hostile? They are fortunate to sail in the Haven but for the huge difference in cost I would expect much better service (and attitude) than they received. We always choose a balcony cabin and have never been treated badly about a late sleeper (the other one). I can't imagine spending an amount close to buying a new economy car and receiving less than steller attitude. I also suspect that the OP knows how to report an employee and was being kind. Just my opinion here.

Just got off Explorer in May...35 night B2B/Transpacific was $1,670pp with $875 OBC. :eek:

 

Two weeks ago I booked a 14 night Transatlantic for April of 2017 for $699pp with $550 OBC. :D

 

Just booked an 8 night Pacific Coast on explorer for $374pp with $175 OBC. :)

 

(like ALL advertised cruises, prices quoted do not include taxes, tips, transfers, hotels, rental cars, or airfare)

 

I think the prices are just fine... never have ANY problem finding great deals. :o

I, for one, am impressed by your OBC. Are you willing to share any tips for acquiring even some of what you do? You are also doing a Pacific Coast on Explorer this fall but $325 MORE in OBC. I've figured out some: loyalty to build credits, shareholder, maybe get a NCL credit card before 2017 TA to pick up $100 OBC. Thank you for any help; I'm still a neophyte. Rainey

lived in Southampton for over 30 years. if anyone needs free, independent info on transport, places to visit, things to do in the area or anything else I'd be happy to give you advice.

Hello, thank you for your kind offer. We are in port from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (must be back by 6 p.m.) and I was hoping to to revisit the British Museum. Is that feasible? Would prefer a train, if possible. Thanks again!

Anybody just off Explorer who has the price list for hair and makeup services? Thanks.

They do special occasion makeup for $75.

This thread mainly points out how cheap people are. :eek:

I guess that you're one of those rare people who doesn't insist on his UBP? Maybe you don't drink anything, lol.

Just a question from someone who never ever thought about bringing his own food or beverages on board of a cruise ship:

 

I would like to understand the "ado" about this issue. Is bringing soda on board of a cruise ship something essential maybe especially for passengers from the US / the Americas?

 

This question is 100 % serious, no joking or teasing. Why would I bring my own beverages onto a cruise ship?

If you read even a few pages of this gigantic thread, you would realize that some people feel that they need certain brands of water or soda to be comfortable, whether medically or psychologically, it doesn't matter. Furthermore, most of us booked our cruise with the consideration that we could bring alternate brands to enhance our enjoyment of our cruises, some of which last 2 weeks or more. It was a plus that NCL would allow us to do so. For me, I've never brought on bottled water or smuggled alcohol but did consider that I could get my Coke Zero.

What I would be curious to know is: How many of the naysayers who can't understand the "need" for water or alternate drinks are that way because no one has affected their Ultimate Beverage Packages which allows them to drink alcohol all day long? Not one post on here has made a derogatory comment about heavy drinkers but many have commented about cheap water/soda drinkers. Personally, we have a few alcoholic drinks a day....not interested in getting our money's worth by drinking more than usual as has been expressed here over and over to justify the UBP?

Why don't we just support each other, whatever camp we are in....and kudos to those who have been supportive when it's not their concern. I agree that there is a small safety issue with bottled beverages as well as a legitimate concern about smugglers. I can live without my preferred soft drink for 8 sea days. And, please, stop thinking that your alcohol is free. It's built in there (balanced by former free restaurants that now charge?). It's not just Americans, either, but we are the largest group on most sailings so the most vocal.

That's not the takeaway that I got after participating in the thread but I'm not going to go count posts for and against.;)

Yep. I've read ALL of the thread as I'm currently housebound and have participated since the beginning as well. I don't know why I looked over here as I haven't sailed Carnival since last year. Currently going Royal and then 16 nights on Norwegian next Spring. It will be interesting to see the changes over the next year.

:rolleyes:

 

I also just called their corporate office @ 1-800-456-7298, spoke to a live person and registered my complaint about the new policy and the high cost of water on board.

 

Even if they do not change anything, at least I tried to do something.

Exactly. Complaining to each other may disseminate information that might prevent some embarkation shock but if you feel strongly about this issue, spend a few minutes (and 47cents,really) to speak out. It's the accumulation of thousands of voices that induce change or, at least, modification. I've called and written as well.

Reading NCL boards not many are mad about this. More cheerleaders over there than here! They charge almost $8 for ANY room service.

Really? I'm on the NCL board and I heartily disagree. There have been news stories, cancellations from long-time clients, letters, e-mails, and phone calls that are knocking the new policy. We don't like the $7.95 room service fee (continental breakfast items still delivered FREE) but the uproar has been about bottled water more than lack of non-alcoholic beverages. Just remember, if a "bad" policy works for one line it spreads. Some of us travel on different lines, not just one.