Joseph2017China

You don't need to give any extra tip. The amount you already tipped, prepaid, is a customary amount, for the cruise industry (Note, I said, the cruise industry, which is international, not the USA).

There is only one brand of water, and is made up of H2O. However, some water, is pulled from springs with little or no filters, but it does pick up local minerals, which changes the taste from nothing to a small taste. Some water, is processed water, from a city source, which often times still comes from the earth, put had additives in it. Those additives are than removed, and bottled, so it is more processed. It has minerals in it that add to a taste. Water is not like a soda brand, coke or pepsi. It is just water, and the additives are mostly natural. Main reason for getting bottles or cans is it is commonly believed to be safer, than city water, or processed water on the ship. I personally like it in bottles because of convenience, and I use them to carry off the ship. However, I also drink the ships water.

You self tested on day one, and was positive? So you did not get it on the ship but someplace else. Did you test because you felt sick or just did it on day one because you wanted to?

That was fast. Saw some older reviews....and they were good. The 3 day on the Olympia is just a part of the trip...My app shows that the cruise line could arrange a taxi, but no details on it. Heck, most items on the app have no details, or pictures. Anyone gone on the ship, purchased a "cake" or got a cheese plate, or a specialty meal, and what was it like. This is an anniversary going on the honeymoon ship, but full well know it is really different now. What about any excussions from the ship, in particular those that include dinner and entertainment.

So, we know this is a unique two ship company, but looks to have some interesting trips, but has very little info posted with recent experiences. I booked on it because I wanted to go on the old "Song of America" as a surprise trip, and did book it. But finding certain info on the experience, and what to do and not to do is really hard. So, this is an open, question and answer thread for all trips in 2023 regardless of sail date so that info can be shared. First question I have - is it better to take a taxi from Athens hotel if staying a few days, or is there hotel recommendations at the port? I don't want to have a boring evening.

I don't give a tip, and I get them everytime also!

Because this is a discussion, and I have an opinion? Aren't opinions two sided? Or is that not allowed? Isn't that an issue now that an opinion that does not line with one's own opinion, is not valid? So, I have an opinion, and I state it, whether you like it or not.

That was my point. One free item (the internet) and the rest are free items that everyone gets.

Why do people actually ask this question still? As an adult, I will wear adult clothes and not shorts, t-shirt and baseball cap. Does not matter if in the Caribbean, or in Europe.

Remember this is a government office, so nothing will ever makes sense. 1. When the envelope is received, it is opened, logged, scanned and checks cashed. 2. Each one is different 3. Goes into a random pool of items to be processed. 4. Employee takes an item.....from their pool, which might be different from another pool. 5. They "approve" the passport, and the info is sent to the printer plant. 6. The other documents goes to a mail room and gets it's own life until processed (mailed). 7. The pool of info, can be delayed because that person went on vacation, went on sick days, or is just plain slow. Maybe it is the office location. Maybe it is the weather. 8. Expediated only means that once received and approved, it only than is expediated (overnight instead of 3 days)

It is like buying the Key. You have one item that is really good - that is the lunch - and everything else you get is free. So how much do you want to pay for lunch? Yes, I did it, but the price was about $49.00 at the time, and I liked it. But the prices now? no way.

so if the crewmember was insulted for such a "low" tip, does that mean the poster first removed the tips, than gave $15? Because if tips were left on, than $15 is in addition to the tips already received and why would anyone be insulted for getting more? I often leave an extra $20 for people. Is that an insult to do? Or should I just not leave any because it is a low amount? The number 1 and the number 7 can easily be confused on paper. So, it was an easy mistake. I'm not sure what all the other discussions are about, but the poster needs to call RCCL and find out what they can do, to fix it. They can't do it here.

I'm not sure if this is a question, or to start a brand new covid/vaccine discussion. If you are bringing your cards and I would assume tucked into your passport, than why are you asking about a back-up to it? The only back-up is a photo.

Carry you drink cup is like putting a lanyard around and walking with it in port......like a badge of honor. No, you don't need your cup to get a soda at any bar. I have a collection of cups, still wrapped. I don't think we ever carried them.

Well, I never leave anything of value just sitting on my chair when l leave. That includes my smartphone, or my overpriced beverage. Smart phones are not much use for someone else since they are locked if you try to open it too many times, and the owner can also lock it, and even erase it. I personally think the adult beverage is worth more money to steal.

I learned a long time ago that an angry customer is usually failing to give all the facts. Not that this is a legit issue, but there are always more facts left out. Don't be quick to judge the poster, or the cruise line unless you know everything.

I have been exposed weekly to covid without knowing it. Like most people also. That is why we vaccine ourselves. Unless you test positive, you don't have it, and being exposed happens daily. Continue on with your plans and have a great vacation.

I'm going on "Song of America" next year, now known as Celestyal Olympia. If anyone thinks the Vision class is small........than check this out. Plus it will be my second time on this ship. Been on every class of ship, and every class has a purpose. My large suite on this ship, is barely the size of a JS on others.

I believe with 5 Oasis ships, the need for design changes are important to cover, such things as weather. You can't have all 5 ships in sunny and hot weather. Wonder of the Seas was designed for colder areas, which I appreciate the variances. Right now, some ships were left "stranded" since the Asian market is way behind the rest of the world, with the acceptance of Covid, is now a disease to live with. They just started allowing ships to go to other countries. It will be another year before we see the Asian markets open more fully. We also seeing International travel rebounding slowly, which will now make ships like Wonder more attractive to others. Don't be too surprised that when this ship, leaves Florida next, it does not return for a long time.

my wife's is in her back-pack, it is a travel size and a battery, and they have never asked for removal. Although her wheelchair spare batter is often looked at, but it is just a minor inconvenience for safety

I booked for September finally. At one point, it was full payment on webpage. But than it allowed me to put $300.00 down. I had to call them for a question/fix an item, and they actually told me that they did not know it was possible to only put down $300 but if you did not book, try again to see.

Think your question is why there are two GTY choices, and I think the answer is it is simply a programming issue. If the two prices are not the same, pick the lowest price.

GTY is a gamble, to save money, and have done it 2 times, and both times, had no complaints. One time, I had the room 1 week prior.

I'm not allowed to contribute to a Covid discussion per Cruise Critic but what a business owner makes their employees do, is not really a concern of mine unless it affects my enjoyment.

Just to point out, discounts are earned for the individual, and if this becomes widespread, like the sharing of drink packages, it could become a distant memory.