marsda

We are in an aft Sky Suite on the Eclipse this January.This is our first suite (although we have had Junior Suite before) with a butler, and I am more curious than excited about the experience. I am wondering about how the hosting of small parties actually works. Is that available for Sky Suites, or just the larger suites? Are there any additional charges for items served at a small party (wine, bar, etc), or is it already included? If you request breakfast served in the room is it like room service being delivered on a tray, or do they set up the table on the balcony or bring in a table to the suite? I am assuming the Sky Suites are the smallest square footage assigned in the suite category. We have 26 cruises completed, but find ourselves feeling like newbies with the suite experience. Any advice is appreciated!

Marsha

Our last 3 trips to Seattle we have used Already There Town Car Service. They are punctual, professional and friendly.. Their rate was $45 from airport to downtown, which is just a little more than a cab, but the service and comfort provided is worth it. I highly recommend them.

If it's your only chance in your life to see Seattle, and you haven't been, go for Seattle. Otherwise, take advantage of the opportunity to explore Nanaimo. Putterdude's description is spot on, and reminds me why I loved the cruise so much that took me to Nanaimo. Enjoy!

Aft balconies on S class ships are not much (if any) bigger than a standard verandah. However, on the M class(specifically Infinity and Millenium) the aft balconies are huge and deep...we had 2 chaise lounges, a full size round dining table and 2 chairs) on Infinity. That alone was worth the cost for Concierge level. Just the extras for C level cabins are not anything to write home about. On an S class I'd go for either AQ or a regular verandah midship near the hump.

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What is the Blue Chip Club?

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The laptop idea is a good one. I plan to bring my tablet (where my NOOK app is located) but hadn't thought of the laptop. And if the weather is too crappy, I imagine a visit to the casino (vs the arcade) would be in order. Shoot...maybe even if the weather ISN'T crappy...just sayin! ;)

Just remember the casino on board is not open while in port. We both take our iPad and load movie rentals on them before leaving home. It works great because your rental time doesn't start until you activate the movie. If you are planning on using internet on your devices, be aware that the connections are tediously slow and access is very expensive. You'll be better off trying to be disconnected for a week. That's the wisest choice, but we haven't been able to do that ourselves! I'm ashamed to admit it, but we just bite the bullet and purchase the package of unlimited minutes for 2 devices. We don't worry about the slow connection that way. However, it's pricey..it was $200 for a week cruise. It only hurts for a little bit when you sign up...

don't worry about the weather... just be flexible. Every cruise makes its own memory... it's up to you to have it be good ones! You're gonna love it!

Anyone had any success recently with Fishermans Wharf area in San Francisco? Been trying for May but getting rejected with almost every bid. Not looking forward to paying in excess of $250 usd (especially as I am using CAD....)

I sometimes forget about Hotwire when I'm not finding anything on Priceline. They have a 4* in Union Square East area (which is not all that far from Fisherman's Wharf) for May 8-9 on sale for $136 right now. On Hotwire just enter "Fisherman's Wharf San Francisco" for the location you are searching. Worth a try if Priceline is not cooperating with your budget. Good Luck!

If the ship offers a tour to Napa I'd feel confident that I would be back in time. We have vacationed in Napa and Sonoma several times, so we didn't feel the experience offered on a tour would be that enjoyable. Most of the tour time is spent travelling on the bus and back. Plus, hitting a winery with that many people at once isn't the best way to experience a tasting. That's just my opinion, because we do not like crowds. I was cruising with my daughter and granddaughter when we were in SF. It was their first time there...so little time to see everything! It was very easy to rent a car: the car rental agency was a short walk from the pier (and a quick cab trip if it's raining, which it was when we left). We immediately left the city and drove up to Muir Woods and had sandwiches in their giftshop/cafe for lunch. We drove back to the city and drove to the Painted Ladies (row of Victorian Houses seen in movies and TV shows like Full House). Then we drove down Snake Hill, parked and walked down it. We drove to Chinatown and planned to park and walk around BUT I didn't count on how much it costs to park your car there. We were seeing prices of $45 to $75 for a couple of hours, so we skipped that. We turned the car in and walked back to the ship via Pier 39, stopping to watch the seals and eat clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl. It was a great day![/quote

 

 

Glad you enjoyed your trip with your family. We included many of your suggestions when we went to San Francisco in the past. We really want to go to Napa and found a private tour to Napa that was highly recommended so we will avoid the bus crowds. Thanks for your input.

I'm trying to convince my husband to do the Pacific Coastal (he didn't go with us before), and I'm making a little progress, though it won't be for 2015. Maybe May 2016. I'm interested in the tour you found. Can you give me the information (name of company or website) of the one you are using? It sounds a lot more appealing going with just a small group...as long as the time constraints are addressed.

Has anyone taken a tour from San Fransico to Napa that they recommend. Just worried about getting back to the ship in time. I've researched tours online but the distance from the cruise pier to the tour is a concern too. We are not interested in renting a car and doing it ourselves. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

If the ship offers a tour to Napa I'd feel confident that I would be back in time. We have vacationed in Napa and Sonoma several times, so we didn't feel the experience offered on a tour would be that enjoyable. Most of the tour time is spent travelling on the bus and back. Plus, hitting a winery with that many people at once isn't the best way to experience a tasting. That's just my opinion, because we do not like crowds. I was cruising with my daughter and granddaughter when we were in SF. It was their first time there...so little time to see everything! It was very easy to rent a car: the car rental agency was a short walk from the pier (and a quick cab trip if it's raining, which it was when we left). We immediately left the city and drove up to Muir Woods and had sandwiches in their giftshop/cafe for lunch. We drove back to the city and drove to the Painted Ladies (row of Victorian Houses seen in movies and TV shows like Full House). Then we drove down Snake Hill, parked and walked down it. We drove to Chinatown and planned to park and walk around BUT I didn't count on how much it costs to park your car there. We were seeing prices of $45 to $75 for a couple of hours, so we skipped that. We turned the car in and walked back to the ship via Pier 39, stopping to watch the seals and eat clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl. It was a great day!

Ya, Monday was a rough day. Found out at work they may be cutting my hours. Then I went to see a neurologist and found out I have a permanent neurological disorder that was caused by one of the meds the doctor had me on. Blah to both.

 

On a happier note, I'm staying strong with a 6 pound loss and hoping for a few more. Cheated last night with pizza and popcorn but didn't gain. HOORAY!!

 

And yes, I agree I think we've been ditched haha. Either that or they all got skinnier and don't need to diet now. :D

I'm still here, but I am not recovering from getting sugar in my system over the holidays. Consequently, I'm still craving and stuffing carbs ... it's not pretty. But I'm still pulling for continued success for you guys! I'll keep trying to jump on the wagon.

Well Christmas was great. Lots of great gifts, yummy food, spent time with family. Total gain over the holidays was 2 pounds sigh. New Year, new eating habits. I have 20 pounds to lose before my next cruise in 2 months. Wish me luck. Happy New Year everyone.

First it was Thanksgiving then a 7 night cruise to Grenada, St Croix, etc, then pre-Christmas celebrations, Christmas, ending with a trip to Dallas for my mother-in-law's 95th birthday bash. Total damage was a gain of 4 lbs. I lost 1.5 lbs just yesterday, so I'm on my way. Got in a good 2.5 mile walk yesterday and no carbs in eating. No New Year's celebration planned other than planning a healthy gourmet meal for us. Next cruise is April 26.... weight loss goal is set, so let the challenge begin! Happy new Year!

Hi everyone, just back from a RC Caribbean cruise and am going through cruise withdrawal, next one isn't until February sigh. I gained quite a bit this cruise but am not too stressed about it, some of it I needed. The day we were supposed to leave I passed out and fell twice, broke a couple ribs, broke a bone in my sternum and split my head open. Went to the hospital and it was because my potassium was dangerously low. Everyone told me to stay home from the cruise but going was a great decision. I lazed around and ate and drank lots and took time to heal. Doing much better since home, still sore but improving. Can't believe Christmas is so close, where did time go?

Your story only reinforces my belief that cruise ships offer the best accommodations for an assisted living facility! I'm so glad it worked out for you. I know you are continuing to take it easy and February will be here before you know it!

Marsha

Weighed in this morning, and I lost 1 lb this past week. That makes 10 lbs lost since Sept 14. I'm very pleased, mainly because I physically feel so much better. I'm cutting down on wheat products and not eating them after 3 pm in the afternoon. I didn't read or hear to do that...it's just from my thoughts on the subject of eating what's good for my body. So far, it works for me. I'm still getting in several 1 hour fast walks in a week. I'm sure it helps my metabolism. David made me buy Snickers to hand out for Halloween (because he knew we would have a lot left over). I didn't even try tasting one, so I'm proud of that too! He took the bag of leftovers and has hidden it somewhere in his office upstairs, I think. Fine with me because I'm an "Out of sight, out of mind" type snack eater. Hope everyone else has had a successful week. This is a "dangerous" time of year eating-wise. My cruise countdown is at 25 days. Carrying on and eating smart....

Marsha

Well, weigh in was yesterday....I lost another .5 lb. I got in 4 walks for the wee @ 2.5-2.8 miles each. I'll continue on the course and hope that something will jumpstart a faster loss ratio! To date, I've lost 7.5 lbs since Sept 14. We leave on our next cruise on Nov 29 (flying into San Juan Puerto Rico on the 28th)

Are you following a certain eating program, Peggy? The weight seems to be coming off quickly for you. I lost .6 of a pound for this week. I was pleased because we spent 3 days in Dallas in a hotel celebrating with David's high school class of 1964 for their 50th reunion. So a loss for the week was still close to a miracle. But even with no special occasions I average .5 to 1 lb a week on Weight Watchers. Doctor says that's perfect, but I'd prefer 2 lbs a week. BTW, I do Weight Watchers online so I have access anywhere, anytime. No meetings instead they have articles to read and forums to participate in discussions, if you want. It's very freeing actually. Congrats to all who noticed progress this week. I don't mind the work as long as I feel a healthy difference.

Very pleased to report that I lost 3 pounds, so I guess there is such a thing as a metabolism boost. :D Everyone should be happy to hear that. Wow, am I ever going to boost my metabolism on the Transatlantic cruise.:rolleyes: So I have lost 14 pounds total in (I think) 10 weeks and a total of 26 pounds since March. Here's hoping I won't have to start over again when I get back next March. I still have 2 weeks left, so hope I lose another pound or two.

You're awesome, Peggy! Great job being super-grandmom with the teen. Sounds like you've got everything under control. I'm still following Weight Watchers eating plan and have lost 7.5 lbs since returning from the last cruise (Sept 14). The difference in following Weight Watchers this time is in preparing everything fresH

Not using processed foods. I even make my own salad dressings! Time consuming, but everything has such a fantastic flavor!

Keep up the good work!

Marsha

I lost a pound this week for a total of 10 pounds in 7 weeks. Not spectacular, but it seems to be what is happening and I will take it. The really good news is that going to the gym and exercising is really causing me to firm up, lose inches, and strengthen my muscles. I feel wonderful! So I think that is what counts.

You're right...that is what counts. Great going! I'm back from our 3 week trip (England, then 14 night northern trans atlantic). I stepped on the scales the first morning back and was surprised I weighed exactly what I did just before we left! I went right back to healthy eating yesterday, weighed this morning, and had dropped 3.5 lbs (I assumed water weight, but it sure helps my attitude!) So, I'm at it again...trying to sort out my schedule so I'm exercising a minimum of 45 minutes a day. But so far, I am just in the thinking stage for that :) Our next cruise is April 26 out of Galveston. Looks like the challenge coming up is the start of Fall and moving into the Holiday season. Glad to hear most of you are succeeding in your healthy plan!

Marsha

From 13-20 April 2014 cruise:

 

$229.95 - unlimited with two devices at any given time

 

$189.95 - unlimited. one device

 

Daily Plan - $59.90 Expires 24 hours from time of purchase. one device.

 

One Hour Plan - $29.95 60 minutes from time of purchase. one device.

 

Three Day Special - Starting noon on Day 4 - $140.95 72 hours. Two devices

 

Available at iCafe stations only - 30 minutes plan - $10.00 Expires 30 minutes after purchase.

We just got off the Navigator day before yesterday (Sun, May 25) and the prices listed above are correct. We started with a one hour plan, which was an epic fail. The connection is notoriously slow and that one hour disappeared in record time. We wound up buying the unlimited with one device on Day 3 and stopped worrying about it. I really wish we would have done the Unlimited with 2 devices. There are no good deals offered, however. It's ridiculous to charge so much for such an inefficient system. But, they didn't hold a gun to my head to buy it either...it was my choice.

We will be looking at all the cruise lines for the best overall package for us, that includes things like perks and status levels etc. We are trying Voyager of the Seas next Feb for a sampler cruise (3 nights) and if we enjoy it, we will certainly be back on RCL in the future.:D

We're sailing on Voyager OTS next Sunday (May 18-25) out of Galveston. Sister ship of Mariner OTS, our favorite ship. I'm hoping the Diamond Lounge on Voyager is a duplicate of the Mariner... we hung out in there more than any other place on board.

good work.

MSC have a couple but mainly we are looking at 2015 itineraries as they quite often repeat the same cruise schedules each year.

Some examples - 7 day med cruise for $969-$1049 AUD with a balcony cabin http://www.msccruises.com.au/au_en/Cruise-Departures/Find-Your-Cruise.aspx?Reg=MED&Port=&DateF=2015-04&Ship=&DateT=2015-04.

Just seems really cheap, it has 5 ports apart from start and finish so only one sea day so the ship itself is really only for meals and sleep.

Anyway we are looking at all options, we prefer X as we will have Elite status but a good itinerary and price will swing us away from X.:D

Mic, Elite with X gives you automatic Diamond status for Royal Caribbean. They have been offering great deals lately and are worth looking into also. We actually prefer the perks on Royal more than X lately. Just sayin'.....

Thank you so much for your reply. Yes, we are new diamond members. I understand that the evening event is specifically free wine. If this is true do they have various choices of red wine?

I'm not sure what you mean by "specifically free wine". We ordered by the varietal we preferred i.e. merlot, cabernet, chardonnay, pinot gris, etc. When we want a better selection (say at dinner) we'll order the wine package for the week or charge directly from the bar. I think it's the same situation with the cocktails ordered...if you want top shelf there is a small charge.

I will be going on a future cruise on this ship and was just wondering if anyone can tell me about the diamond lounge. What are the hours? What specific free wines are there to choose from? And what types of food?

 

Thank You

On our transatlantic on the Mariner of the Seas (sister ship, same layout) we could go into the lounge any time. (your Sea Pass card is programmed to unlock the door for entry). They have hours where the Concierge is on duty to help with any tickets or reservations that you might need. In the mornings they have continental breakfast out in a small buffet serving area. They had a separate area in the Main Dining Room for Diamond for a full breakfast. There is a self serve cappuccino machine in the lounge for complimentary latte, cappuccino, etc. The evening event has hot and cold appetizers in the buffet area and complimentary drinks are served by the waiters. There were so many Diamond and Diamond + members on our TA that they set up the whole event in the Viking Crown Lounge, which is just outside the locked entry door to the Diamond Lounge. During non-eating event times there were usually only 4 or 5 others in the lounge either quietly visiting, reading, and relaxing. The view is wonderful from in there and the couches and wing chairs very comfortable. We took the iPad with downloaded movies on it and a headphone splitter and watched a movie every once in a while in there (on the TA we had 6 days at sea on the crossing, so we hung out a lot in the Diamond Lounge). The Diamond Lounge on the Allure of the Seas was set up completely different and people went in mainly during light breakfast and appetizer time. It was an interior location overlooking the promenade so we didn't visit in there as much. It was a great viewing area for any parades help in the promenade area though. Are you new Diamond members?

WE are on this ship in Sept for the DW's 40th birthday. We also don't drink ( not even pop) so we are planning on taking water on board.

Hope the Fog lifts so you can get out on time!

I'm just now reading through this thread, so forgive me if this has been mentioned. Instead of taking our own water on board, we take the Brita filter sport bottles and just fill them from the tap in the room.it's safe water and tastes normal (for bottled water). We've used it on our last 2 transatlantic cruises. I'm diabetic, but enjoy lemonade also, so I take along the Crystal Light liquid to drop in my ice water (cabin steward always kept the ice bucket filled). We're Diamond, so we have specialty coffees free in the Lounge. I don't miss a beverage package at all.

Tendered at Belize on Navigator last week and at Cayman on Mariner last year. No tickets involved or mentioned.

 

 

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Our last cruise was last fall on Celebrity Solstice, and we had to get tender tickets (and we were Elite status and in Concierge Class). I don't recall ever having to acquire tender tickets on Royal. I hope that is NOT the case; and I don't think it will be.

I have been looking around London tool kit. It does indeed have great info with links to many things including car services. Nothing I have looked into have come close to the price that seabill mentioned.

 

The train does look like it might be fairly simple

 

 

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We are just beginning our search for transfer also. We are on the Aug 31 sailing from Harwich to Boston. We are currently discussing arrangements through this company website:

http://www.internationalfriends.co.uk/london-to-harwich.html

Check out reviews on trip advisor: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g186338-d1557392-Reviews-International_Friends-London_England.html