njguy_south

No, not something new and NOT allowed. I cruised as a single in a Retreat level suite and was not permitted a guest, even though on most days (on this particular cruise on the Millennium) no one was in the retreat except me! No biggie, as I knew the rules going in, and fully accepted to “no guests” policy.

I didn’t realize that the new Crystal had guarantee. I’ve looked, but found I can either book or I am waitlisted. If you could direct me to some of their guarantee cruises/cabins, it would be appreciated.

Perhaps (just perhaps) if you are on the waitlist and a solo cabin does not open, but a double cabin is not sold, they will give that to you for the same price (if waitlisted), rather than lose your cash and sail with an empty cabin that brings no revenue. (Sort of like what other cruise lines call "guarantee," which could mean a big upgrade over the cabin you booked (or not, of course). I am certain they will not sail with empty cabins if there are people on a waitlist.

I cannot remember, did the "single" cabins always have the bar area, with glasses on the wall? I don't remember that. (Nice change!) And I like the new look of the bathrooms. Does anyone know if the "spirits from set menu" includes Beefeater (or what gin)? Thanks for sharing!!

Just sailed Carnival to Greenland in August. The MDR host would not even talk to you unless you used your CCL phone APP to make a reservation. And even using it, the APP would inform you that your table would be ready in 10 mins., but would keep upping the time to 45 mins., etc. (Once we put in at 5:30, told 10 mins., but it kept upping the wait time until we finally got in at 8 pm.) This happened every evening, and the ship was not completely full. And when we entered the MDR, many tables were completely empty! Also, one lunch all 3 courses were served at once. When I asked why, I was told that is how they serve it. That evening, the waiter (great staff member) stated that all of our courses had come at once, but he would serve them separately. However, each course served was COLD, not even tepid. Only a few days into our 14 day cruise, we booked the Steakhouse for the rest of the cruise.

Yes, I want to do an overnight, but wanted feedback on other's experience specifically with Azamara tours to Cairo and Luxor, before I go private.

Has anyone booked shore excursions through Azamara in either Cairo or Luxor? I am curious your review of those specific ports, as purchased through the cruise line. What general type of transportation did they use? Were the tours rushed? How many were on the tours? Did you get to enjoy being at the ancient sites? Thanks!

For my mother's 80th birthday, in Rome we stayed at the Residenza Paolo VI. It is technically part of the Vatican, and they will stamp your passport, as you are actually staying on Vatican territory! On the rooftop terrace, we could see the pope (Pope Francis) standing in his window for the Sunday Angelis. The hotel was great, food was good, and the views were fabulous. PLUS you could walk right across the street to St. Peter's. Loved it!!

True. But these reports weren't in the rumor mill. I read it on the BBC, which is supposed to be a vetted news outlet!

Well, Cape May County’s 800,000 swell is at any given day June through August, over 10 million over the summer. Yet we embrace the 6.6 billion they bring to oit county each year. If Amsterdam can do with the cash tourism brings …

All of the complaints some places (not on our board but in the cities) are making about tourism is simply amazing. I live at the Jersey Shore (Cape May County). We love -- LOVE -- our peninsula and the beaches in the off season, when the entire county has about 95,000 residents. In the summer months, this swells to over 800,000, people. You cannot drive or get anywhere as a local, especially from Thurs through Monday. However -- and it is a BIG HOWEVER -- that tourism is our economy. It affords us what we have on the off season. These large cities (like Amsterdam, Barcelona, and Venice, to name 3 big complainers) will not be able to support their tourism industry with locals and limited tourists. I have been in Rome so many times during the week after Easter; few tourists there then; I never once saw a line for St. Peter's or the Colosseum. I once went in August and OH MY, the line at the Colosseum was 3 hours long!! I had never seen that in the 10+ off seasons I had been there before (and often spending about a week). Without the tourist, Amsterdam will NOT be able to support their museums or other tourist sites, which the locals probably hardly visit. The locals built the Red Light District and allowed abundant use of pot smoking, and now BooHoo, they don't like it when others want to enjoy it. Close your doors to tourists, and go the way of Venice, which is losing its local population as each year passes. Without the tourist dollar, places -- even like my Cape May County -- would become a wasteland.

My Chase card is not offering me any discount on Carnival. Still, the AARP is worth it for anyone over 50 and an AARP member, but who don't have a card offering the discount.

We were crossing from New York one time, and the ship increased speed to get closer to Lands End because of a medical emergency. We were at Land End by early sinner time and soon docked in Southampton, the night before our scheduled arrival. (Of course, we all stayed onboard until the following morning — except for the patient.)

Yes, and my tour is $450 for one (even double, $900), and I am certain adding another (so 2 people), they don’t charge double. And I won’t be on a group tour at the guide/driver’s mercy and command.

Yes, but not $1,245.

Hi. I am booked for an Oct/Nov 2024 Azamara Cruise, stopping in Safaga for 2 days. I looked at the itinerary above, and it seems limited in what is to be seen for the amount of money. I contacted two reputable companies, each of which will provide a private tour for ONE person (me) to/from the ship, overnight in Luxor, and visiting a whole list of sites (all included in the fare), including: Karnak Temple Luxor Temple Hatshepsut's Temple Valley of the Kings (including Tomb of Tut) Colossi of Memnon It will include the private car, drive/tour guide, and 5-star hotel for the evening. Plus I get to control where I go or don't go (like skipping the shopping). All for $460. The ships tour seems more expensive, considering it is a group tour? I am also thinking of using them when in Alexandria to see Cairo.

Well, I was able to snag an outside cabin today!!!! Obstructed view, but sunlight, none the less!

For many years my mother (in a wheelchair) travelled with me. The QM2 is a difficult ship for people with mobility issues (either in or out of a chair). First, you cannot get to the Pool Terrace on Deck 8 if you cannot walk or haul your wheelchair up a significant flight of stairs -- or hope that someone is available to let you through The Veranda Restaurant. (You can imagine the looks someone in a wheelchair receives when dressed for sitting by the pool, but having to wheel through the restaurant during lunch! I have been there AND I have seen that.) Than forget an easy trip to the Queen's Room. It is like trekking The Odyssey. (Although one can push through the upper level of the Britannia. Then, trek to the front of Deck 8 on the port side (where our cabin once was) and realize you are met with a stair case near the beauty salon, trying to get to the forward elevators to the Commodore's Club. One then needs to turn around, go to the next "crossing," and back down the hallway on the starboard side toward the library. (And then once need to hope that boxes and such aren't being store on that ramp -- as they often are, which requires you to move them or ask for help.) It is a grand ship to navigate if you are mobile.

I know she no longer sails, but has anyone stayed on the QE2 as a hotel in Dubai? I know this would be a question in the Ports discussion, but since it is specifically about the QE2, I thought some on this board might have a better answer. I have a cruise ending there in Nov. 2023, and would like to stay on her again. What is the area like where she is docked? Can I get easy ground transportation to other sites in Dubai? Or would you recommend visiting the ship, but staying elsewhere in Dubai? Thanks!!!

I am looking at using Cairo Top Tours for private tours from Alexandria to Cairo and then from Safaga to Luxor. My cruise (Oct. 2024) does one full-day stop in Alexandria (leaving the next day at Noon, so no overnight in Cairo). The ship also does 2 full days in Safaga (overnight until 6 pm the next day). My questions are: 1) Has anyone used Cairo Top Tours? And what is your review? 2) Thoughts on doing an overnight excursion to Luxor, giving me 2 full days for that area, including the Tomb of King Tut? Thanks

Hi. To continue to conversation a bit further, what are your thoughts on staying at the airport (such as at the Sofitel)? I am flying in the day before, have been to Athens, and am boarding an 18 day cruise with LOTS of walking in each port in Egypt and around the Red Sea. Was thinking the Athens stop would be to rest after the flight and to acclimate to the time change. Has anyone stayed at the Sofitel Athens Airport before?

I decided to book the inside cabin, as I really want this cruise. Maybe an outside will open, but I can be happy with the inside. Thanks to all of you for your help in my decision!

Yes, you buy the AARP Carnival gift cards (electronic version) online for 10% off $500 cards (cost $450) and $100 cards (cost $90). You need to purchase the online, electronic version of these denominations. (Other denominations are available, but are real cards. You need electronic cards, with their immediate numbers, etc. to use online when checking out with Carnival.) Any amount left on the card can be used onboard for ANY purchase, even in the stores. These cards can be used to purchase the cruise itself, shore excursions, dining, drinks packages, even tips. (I have used them for all of those things.) Once you join AARP, it is under AARP Awards.

Hi, all. I am looking to book the 18-night "Ancient Trade Routes" (Oct. 26 -- Nov. 13, 2024) as a single. I waited too long and the only cabin I can book (other than an suite) is an inside or a veranda plus (VP). I don't think the VP is worth the extra $4,000, considering I am also in the Discoverer Tier. My concern is the inside. I have not sailed an inside cabin since my first Transatlantic many years ago. How luck do you think I might be to score at least at outside (even if Cat. 05) between now and final payment? I may need to invest in a wall hanging (material) with a picture of a balcony and ocean to clip to the end wall to give me the impression of an outside cabin!! (lol)

Did our PowerUp Points always show when we log in and link to "My Cruise and Points" and click Points History. I though it only showed previous cruises, but now is showing PUP earned!