copnlpn2

I've always prepaid tips anyhow...

Many of us would love to collect 14k charms from each of the ships we've sailed on...so much so that we've written letters and left numerous comments, but as yet...no charms have been forthcoming.

 

 

On one of my Navigator cruises, I did come across (and quickly bought!) a 14k yellow gold necklace with diamonds in the exact shape of RCCL's anchor logo. I saw it quite by accident in the ship's jewelry store...there were also a matching pair of cuff links and a pair of matching earring, but they were in white gold and actually looked "clunky."

 

Everyone who's seen my necklace wants one but they just don't seem to be sold anymore. Every once in a while I'll come across a pair of the earrings or the cuff links on a cruise, but as I said, I didn't find them very attractive so I passed them up.

I don't dress to impress, but I do try to dress as to not offend...

Can anyone tell me if Vintages is still offering the wine pairing dinner...if I recall properly, the cost was somewhere around $50 and included a five-course meal with wines paired to each course...

And are they still offering the past cooking class in one of the specialty restaurants? I had a great time at both events and want to do both again, if they are available.

If you haven't been on the Freedom before, you are in for a treat! What a delightful ship, with a marvelous crew!

I've always wanted to but the medication (blood thinners) I take makes it's financially impractical. In order to get any tattoo, I have to stop by oral meds and go on Lovenox shots for three to four weeks, at a rate of $500 per week!:eek::eek:

 

Doesn't stop me from wishing I had one, though!

Thanks for your delightful photos and cruise review. My only regret is that you didn't visit Kohunich ruins...that site is the most recently discovered and is much larger and more pristine than Tulum. When I last visited there, archeologists were still working to unearth additional sections of the ruins. And I can't praise our guide enough - by the time we left, I felt like I had grown up in the Mayan culture!!!!! Maybe you can visit there on a future trip!:)

SailingCpl - I booked the 9/23/12 sailing on the Freedom as a solo cruiser, but just a few days ago a good friend of mine decided to join me. What Freedom sailing were you referring to???

I hope Rahul enjoys his vacation! He deserves it, but I sure hope it's over and he's back on the Freedom when I sail Sept. 23. I don't care which venue he's working in, just so he's there!:)

So am I reading this correctly...Rahul will be on vacation when I sail on the Freedom Sept. 23???? If that's the case, it's a real disappointment to me! I've always been impressed with his service, personality and memory of past cruisers from one sailing to another.

I "borrowed" this info about grand suite perks from a previous post by "karen s". I loved the times I've stayed in a grand suite...I'm sure you will too!

 

Here's Karen's list of perks...there are other wonderful touches too, such as a super entertainment center, surround sound with Bose speakers, more storage space than you'll ever fill, and a doorbell!

 

Use of the Concierge Lounge

Spa Bathrobes for use onboard

Upgraded amenities for the bathroom

Continental breakfast served in the lounge daily from 8:00 am to 10:00 am Hors d’oeuvres, petit fours and complimentary bar setup served in the lounge every evening in the Concierge Lounge from 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM.

Daily menus displayed and pre-ordering availability for your dinner wine

Full Dining Room room-service privilege (available when Dining Room is open)

Reservations for any of our specialty restaurants, sports activities, Explorations, salon and spa services, etc.

Arrangements for private parties

Limited VIP lounge chair set-up near the pool bar area

Port & Shopping advice

Business services such as faxing, copies, etc.

Priority tendering upon request

Cocktail party hosted by the Captain (invitations will be sent)

Reserved VIP seats for production shows and ice shows (please show Cruise Director’s staff your gold Sea Pass card at the entrance).

Reserved private seating during breakfast and lunch at the Windjammer Café in the Portofino’s dining area from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm (please see your service personnel for directions).

 

Judy, yes, there is a coffee pot and tea pot with a nice selection of teas to choose from. If you don't like your coffee strong enough to hold up a spoon, I recommend bringing some of your favorite coffee and filters to use instead.

Haven't cruised with Captain Tor before...sorry Captain Rob won't be at the helm but I'm sure Captain Tor will do an admirable job!:):)

The Best Western Oceanfront Hotel has several buildings and the beach is right behind them...there is a Publix across the street...the last time I was there, there were a couple of restaurants on the same side of the street and a couple more across the street. The hotel serves a decent breakfast and has a heated pool. The Cocoa Beach Shuttle is taking us to/from the hotel to the port for $4 per person.

 

Bequia, please correct me if things have changed since I was at BW last summer. I'll be back to the BW myself in October and report with more accuracy when I return....

 

Edited to ask: I'm sorry...my information is about the BW at Cocoa Beach...is that the one being referred to in the above post? If not, please disregard my post!

I always stay at the Sleep Inn in Dania...and will do so again in December! Always get a great room, good service, timely shuttles and a pretty nice breakfast!

 

Across the street from the Inn is a Publix and three or four restaurants that I like to frequent...especially the Mexican restaurant which served great food!!!!

Pom - as you can see from my sig, I've put a lot of years and sea miles on since I posted the info you quoted. I'm 62 now and try to cruise about 3-4 times a year.

 

I've been single a long time but have yet to do a solo cruise (it's definitely on my bucket list, maybe for this fall!). In my "old" post, I mentioned cruising with my family on a couple of occasions. Prior to my Mariner cruise, I started posting on that sailing's Meet & Mingle thread then met and formed friendships that are still strong today with several other cruisers.

 

One of those friends introduced me to another woman whose husband is disabled and doesn't like to do "beach" cruises. She loves to cruise (he has no objection because he likes to hunt, ect.), but, like me, she needed a cabin. We bit the bullet, booked a cruise together having never met, and now we frequently cruise together, even though she lives clear across the country in Texas.

 

I guess what I'm trying to say is...put yourself out there, chat here on CC with other cruisers or invite a female relative or friend to join you on a cruise. You'll begin to meet other women who would love to share a cabin and soon you'll have a host of sailing companions!

 

Let me know how things go for you! Please don't give up and forgo cruising...talk cruising with everyone you see or talk to...I'm sure the results will be positive! Good luck!

Ah, I must have missed something in that other thread...the poster must have been referring to JR on either the Allure or Oasis. Didn't think I'd heard of breakfast being served at JR on the NOS, for instance...

 

Thanks for the info!

I was just reading another thread where a poster mentioned having breakfast, at no cost, at Johnny Rockets.

 

Is this possible? If so, what time frame is breakfast served, what's offered to eat and is it really "free"?

Bison - thanks so much! I think that may be the name of the place the taxi driver took us to. I'll do some digging and see what I can come up with...

 

Edit - found it. Super thanks!

 

http://www.floridaswapshop.com/swap.html

Bequia - a couple of years ago while awaiting our return flight out of Fort Lauderdale, we hailed a taxi with the intentions of wasting a couple hours at the Galleria Mall.

 

The taxi driver instead talked us into being taken to a huge outdoor/indoor "flea market" that was sooooo much fun! It took several minutes to get there (it was the opposite direction from the Galleria, I think) and I seem to remember something like an old outdoor movie screen at the entrance.

 

We were very leery of the driver and his suggestion, but the day being one of our most memorable and favorite vacation days! But for the life of me, I cannot remember the name of the place! I'd love to tell friends about it so they to can check it out. (I recall the fresh produce section was amazing and filled with food items I'd either only read about or didn't know existed. And the fresh flowers for sale - ah, what a treat for the senses!

 

Do you know the name of the place I'm talking about?

We're flying into Fort Lauderdale this Saturday and will be spending the night at the Sea Club Resort on Fort Lauderdale Boulevard, just across from the beach. Is a taxi the only/best way to get from the airport to the resort?

 

Last year we stayed at a hotel located behind the Sea Club. Our taxi driver couldn't find the address, despite us giving him accurate directions. We ended up paying nearly $40 for what should have been a $20-25 taxi ride:mad:.

 

If there's a better way to get to/from the hotel than a taxi, can you please tell me? I don't want a repeat of last year's rip-off!

It's great news (for me) to hear that indoor temps on RCCL's ships are warmer than they've been on my previous cruises! Maybe now I can enjoy my dinner without wishing I had a comforter wrapped around my body!!!!!!!:eek:

The only "bad" times I've ever had on a cruise were directly related to the sub-zero A/C (to me) inside some ships or particular areas of ships. Because I'm very cold-natured, I actually begin to hurt/ache/sick when I get too cold...so now I always pack some pretty wraps, jackets, sweaters, etc., to wear whenever I get too cold.

 

Lots of folks find the cold temps to be refreshing, but I'm not one of them. Give me the sunshine and high 90's out on deck anytime!:)

Happy Independence Day, Everyone! I just wanted to touch base and see what's happening on "our" thread...

 

It's slowly (too slowly!) approaching sailaway for my Dad and me - he needs the break and I just need a cruise!:) I'm super pleased to be a "senior" because I was able to snag a Junior Suite for us at a great price.

 

I guess having a few grey hairs helps keep more green in your pocket, hey?

 

Will check in again soon....

Anna,

Australia! My adventuring have not yet taken me to your part of the world. My best friend and her new husband honeymooned in Australia a few years back. Loved the people and the land and have promised to return someday.

 

I'm looking forward to posting here with others my "age." There's always some hint or another we can share to make cruising a more memorable experience for all "mature" cruisers!

 

Hope everyone had a great weekend!

I too check on this thread and am sorry to see so few posts. I started cruising with RCCL several years ago and am always happy to share my experiences with other cruisers - especially folks around my age (60).

 

My mother (78) just passed away two weeks ago and Dad (83) and I are going to "get away" for awhile on a short cruise in August.

 

I have yet to cruise solo, but that's definitely on my "to-do" list. I always enjoy cruising with family and friends, but at least one time I want to come and go as I please, when I please. I may be disappointed, but I won't know until I've tried.

 

BTW - I passed up a land/air trip to Scotland (Dad wanted to treat) in favor of a cruise. Guess that tells you how much I love being onboard a ship!

Momofmeg - I wish RCCL had something like that available....