tfred

anyone can go there. We like it - away from the noise. A few loungers have cushions as well.

food is very good. The specialty variety restaurants are excellent. Italian, French and Asian and they are great. The MDR is pretty good but no better than Celebrity in reality. Luminae is excellent but the food choices are what they are Beverage package is weak but they were allowing pax to bring on just about anything they wanted to drink without being confiscated - including hard liquor

I know its Trip Advisor, but the 9 reviews over there are miserable. Actually one is a glowing review - probably an employee. Inexperienced staff, low selection of options on food. General disorganization We are looking at a summer 2024 cruise- reviews would have to really shape up for the kind of money they are asking

it isn't the only dining option - you can go to the MDR Food is wildly subjective. Food in Luminae is "inventive" so if you are the "I know what I like" or "I only eat what I eat" then Luminae is going to be a problem. We like it but you have to be a "foodie" The Luminae menu isn't 14 pages long with Chicken Parm and Baked Ziti on the menu. There are the everyday items Chicken, Steaks and salmon plus the kids menu.

I have tried BC line to see about upgrade from veranda - 30 - 45 minutes on hold - just gave up after trying for a week free is free so I am not unhappy, but the phone support needs work. also - the rep doesnt show up on my iPhone app. Printed the express pass but would be nice to see it on the app

does anyone have a direct contact number for Blue Chip? we have a BC cruise in a few weeks and I am looking at upgrade options - which I discussed with the BC rep when I first made the reservation. He said try closer to sail date Tried going through the regular number and being transferred but the hold time was over 30 minutes with no pickup. I tried email a few days ago with no reply.

Depends on what you want to do and how close to the beach you want to be. Marriott Harbor Beach is a great choice for a good experience. There are plenty of almost convenient hotels in FFL

I, and my SIL, both renewed passports this summer. In both cases expedited took 3 weeks or so I would get it done that way

I wouldn't be waking off at 830 for an 1130 flight given what is going on these days

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-11177011/Gwyneth-Paltrow-Turning-50-breeze-compared-40.html sept cruise ex Barcelona

my dilemma as well. "Better " cameras are with DSLR types or pocket (mostly) small cameras DSLRs are bigger than I would like to carry around. Pocket cameras these days are $1000 (with 5 year old technology) and I dont shoot enough year round to justify one. The Sony RX100 mk 7 is very attractive but is $1200. Nope We spent a month in Europe recently and I have to tell you that the pictures off my iPhone 13 pro are really good. Certainly good enough to make a Shutterfly photo book with full frame double page 11x24 prints in them. I was actually shocked (and I worked for Fujifilm for 25 years) What is lacking is low light capabilities on the iPhone There is a limit on low light and noise that it can handle. Its close though. Also battery life is suspect when you are on vacation and using the phone for pictures, GPS and calls. Have to bring along a power bank charger

we did the Johnny Walker tasting on Apex in July. Enjoyable. Preprinted placemats with some whisky info on them. The presenters were pretty good. If this was an option I would do this instead 4 different types Blue, Platinum, XR and King George. The KG (at $500 bottle) was a treat that most wouldn't get on their own.

Double the rate compared to early December. Admitted it is a big number but it is a New Years Eve cruise

Luminae is dining, not a diner. They are preparing less items better. Inventive is the word I would use. If you are in the “I only like what I like “ crowd then Luminae may not be for you. Enjoy the suite and Retreat and go eat in the MDRs as necessary. We always enjoyed the Luminae menu every night. You can always ask for sauce on the side, the everyday items or the kids menu at night.

it would probably be the packing/unpacking that would put me off here. That is one of the reasons we like cruise ships weather will be cool(er) not hot. Maybe some rain along the way. we have done that stretch of river BSL-AMS (with the now defunct Crystal) and loved it The Viking rooms are smaller than you think. Mark one out on your floor at home. You would have to be an efficient packer before you leave "oh just bring it" would not be a phrase you would use You could easily spend a week in Paris on its own (if you haven't been there before). If this is a return trip, then fine, otherwise you would want to extend the Paris stay by more than a few days

I have never been wild about most of the big boat Med cruises just because of where they dock in relation to where you want to visit. Everything is a 2-3 hour bus ride away which doesn't sound like any fun. We were in Aix en Provence a few weeks ago on our own. There were no shortage of cruise pax wandering around on a guided tour (MSC). I dont know your budget but I would look at smaller boats that can go to smaller ports

Blu does have somewhat of a twist to it. It isn't weird but they do some fun things. We like it and the actual room itself as it is more intimate than the MDR. If you are a "I know what I like and only eat that" then I would not spend the extra money on AQ and stay in a regular cabin.