marne001

I last sailed PCL prior the pandemonium.  There was a $3 delivery fee for food delivered from the Sanctuary menu.  I do not know about OceanReady food delivery from non-Sanctuary food offerings as the Sanctuary menu is pretty extensive and satisfied me.  Try the beet sandwich, it was great.

Marne, the Cruisin' Fool

On 11/23/2023 at 9:54 AM, lstone19 said:

 

I always find these comments interesting as they suppose that it is the ship, a collection of inanimate steel and other materials, that is making the decisions rather than the ship's company. A ship is only as good as  its leadership. With the right senior leadership, any ship can be great; with the wrong senior leadership, any ship can be bad.

 

We've been on four cruises on Regal Princess. The first two, less than five month apart, with the same captain and much of the same other hotel department leaders, were great. The last two, well after those first two, with the same different captain for both and almost entirely different hotel department leaders who were largely invisible, had noticeable issues even before we left the embarkation port. It is the leaders that determine if a cruise will be good or bad, not the ship itself.

Absolutely agree.  If I may add, while the Captain (Master of the vessel) is in charge, the Hotel Manager is a great influence on all food plus tidying up the staterooms.  Lastly, the length of service of the on board crew seems to make or break the experience.  On a previous sailing, the majority of the crew had been on the vessel over six (6) month and worked seemlessly together.  In the MDR I noticed communication without a word, just a point or facial expression from the wait person to the assistant wait person really got things done.  I always first check in at the MDR before visiting my stateroom to see where my table is located, then ask for the most seasoned service team.  That trio elevates my dining experience.  If I cannot score a seasoned and trained team, I just do a "bang band", which is grazing at more than one restaurant.  For example, get a nibble whilst dressing from room service.  Next wine at Vines, grab 1-2 tapas, followed by a dash through the buffet grabbing something and dining by the pool.  Makes it fun and the best of a situation.

Marne, the Cruisin' Fool

Sailing since 1967 where I caught the 'cruise virus'. 

There is no cure, only treatment - another cruise.

The worst day at sea beats the best day on land.

My last PCL sailing was long before 'rona.  I stumbled upon first night in the buffet's "seafood extravaganza".  Mountains of crab legs.  Booked again several months later and it was mountains of decent sized boiled shrimp.  ONLY times I ever had dinner in the buffet.

Sailing soon on the Regal...any idea if this persists or the pop up crab shack changed things?

Does CCL offer its Spa clients time in the thermal suites?

I am buying a day pass and my friend is having a spa day.  Want to know if she gets time in the thermal area.

Thanks

22 minutes ago, wsurrette2424 said:

You said the suite price was less $$$ than the two cabins... how much less?  If it's close to the price of the cheers package, I'd just go with the upgraded cabin and buy cheers for both of you and just not use the second cheers package.

 

Plus... if you are a *big* drinker... the second package eliminates your 15 drink/day limit!

 

Win win, I'd say.

 

Gusman

Dear Gusman,

Thanks for the reply.  I have heard of the exemption fairy myth to be far more elusive that the free upgrade fairy! 

Your suggestion is exactly what I will do, along with my friend who does not drink, toting a bottle of wine (hehe, for me).  Not smuggling.

I learned from my 30 year CCL PVP, the decision to exempt one pax on Cheers! is made once we are onboard.

The Cheers! plan has been discussed alot!

I heard myths about getting an exemption from one of the >18 year old cabin companions due to a medical reason.  A friend and I are planning our next cruise.  We are contemplating two solo cabins so one (cat 1A) can enjoy Cheers! and the other can enjoy her balcony, albeit alcohol free.  OR we can share a suite (actually less in this situation).  OK, I like to drink!  My friend cannot drink most sodas or adult drinks and avoids caffeine due to a medical condition.  Spoke to my PVP, a 30 year CCL veteran, who informed it is a decision made once we are on the ship.  Yikes!  Gamble with my ethanol intake????

Does anyone have experience getting the onboard exemption to both adults sharing a cabin to the Cheers! mandate of both purchasing this program?

Thanks a bunch and praise GOD we are sailin' again,

Marne, the Cruisin' Fool

The worst day at sea is better than the best day on land.

I was infected with the cruisin' virus in 1967, whilst aboard the SS Delta del Sud. 

Sadly, there is no cure for the cruise virus, only treatment, another cruise!

On 11/23/2021 at 12:26 PM, marne001 said:

Will a "Asymptomatic PCR Test" work?  This is also free at Quest Diagnostics.

 

On 8/12/2021 at 1:15 PM, Jasalth said:

Yes their wait times can be long, and even they admit it. But, the closest rapid back up test place is about a 45 min drive each way from my house, and costs $75pp, so 6 tests for $173 with shipping even if I have to have a device "waiting" for 2 hours to get the test done, seems like a no brainer for us! When I can do it at home and finish packing and getting everything ready to go while waiting I will take it! Now.. if I was using it to get back into the US I would feel differently because who wants to waste time ON vacation! 

 

To the testing facility -- HIRE MORE PEOPLE!!!!

IF, a business knows their service is slow, why not put a few more out of work Americans TO WORK????

Has anyone been successful in getting the covid test done at a pharmacy?

Will a "Asymptomatic PCR Test" work?  This is also free at Quest Diagnostics.

They both smell good,  love the lemongrass!

However, the shampoo has sodium lauryl sulfate, which is a harsh detergent and we'll dry your hair out. I always bring my own shampoo but I love their body gel.

On 8/27/2021 at 9:16 AM, Embem said:

I bought the thermal suite/thalasso therapy pool pass for myself and my husband for our December Cruise on the Breeze. I have been told that the thermal suite on the Breeze is one of the best for Carnival, so I really wanted to make a point to try it! This will be my first time in the thermal suites on any ship, so I do have some questions that hopefully someone can help me out with!

 

I know the thermal suite is basically like a set of fancy saunas with the heated loungers, so it will be warm/hot, but what type of temperature is the thalasso pool? Is it cool/cold to refresh yourself after the heated rooms or is it warm like a hot tub? I am from the midwest where we take a sauna or sit in a hot tub and then roll in the snow afterwards, so this info seems almost critical to me 🤣

 

Also - are there any restrictions to what I can bring in with me to the thermal rooms? In my mind, I like the idea of packing a sheet mask in my luggage and then popping it on while I lay on the heated loungers or even sipping on a margarita while I steam. 

 

Finally - does anyone have any spa words of wisdom? I am really looking forward to this, and would love to hear your experiences with the thermal suite on Carnival! 

Although the room is warm,  the the lasso therapy pool will be comfortable.

On 8/1/2021 at 1:49 PM, TNcruising02 said:

The sugar straws are fine for the first 15 minutes, but then they start wilting.  I usually take a long time to finish a frozen drink, so the sugar straws don't hold up.  I never understood the issue with straws as long as they were disposed of properly.   I've never seen anyone throw one over the side of a ship.

They recycle plastic bottles...I bring my own box of straws...

Marne, the Cruisin' Fool

On 7/19/2021 at 1:14 PM, hgalls56 said:

1.  

🙂

Your post was exactly what I needed to hear.  Thank you. 

I am looking for MDR menus from Breeze. We are booking 3 premium dinners and would hate to miss some of our favourite dishes. 

Again loved your spirit in the post. 

I will be on The Dream in January.  Due to CCL cancelling a trip in 2020 due to 'rona, I get a whopping $300 OBC.  I booked a trip solo.  As I had breakfast with a friend, she asked to join.  Great going solo-wake early or late, walk around the cabin naked (without any laughter or shrieks). Turn in early or party with those late ole cows-solo life is fun.  But traveling with a friend is fun, too.  Back to my question, will my $300 OBC for missing my 2020 birthday cruise (waa, waa, waa) does it remain ALL MINE or will CCL divide it between us both?  My stockholder OBC has never been divided.

Thanks!

Marne, the Cruisin' Fool

On 7/6/2021 at 4:52 PM, tring said:

Can someone please remind me how long before a cruise we can apply for share benefit?  We are on a Princess cruise departing 22nd October this year and have just paid the balance.  Is it too early to apply yet?  

fax it asap, but my experience was prior to 'rona.

On 7/27/2021 at 8:39 PM, wemjam said:

After a horrendous day at work today, one final thought for the night before bed as I contemplate the days, hours, minutes and seconds until I set foot on the Sunrise in a coupe weeks.

 

So for the first time we now have Cheers on all 4 of our cruises this year!  Since I have the extra drinks to play with due to the great price we got, I would like to try out some new things (not so worried if I hate it, since I will never get close to 15 drinks a day so I can always discard one or two if they aren't my cup of tea after trying it).

 

I drink for flavor and don't like when the alcohol is really strong - ya you know the froufrou drinks.  The drinks I know I like are Strawberry Daquiri, Pina Colada, Miami Vice, a Good Margarita, and recently tried Banana Daquiri on Carnival and that was tasty.  My new all time favorite though is the Tiramisu on board - so yummy.  So this gives you some idea of my taste buds.

 

Any suggestions would be welcome please on what I should try along these lines.  Looking forward to exploring!

 

 

Good for you Wemjam!

I thought I had bookmarked this site, but cannot find it.  It covered most cruise lines, but especially had greater detail, with photos, of Princess vessels.

Anyone know of the website?

TIA

On 10/16/2019 at 3:03 PM, Pooh72 said:

I just returned from my 5 day cruise on the Carnival Dream.  I am attaching the Fun Times and other documents that were distributed during my cruise. I hope this will help others get an idea of the daily activities that are planned on this trip.

Day 1 - Galveston.pdf 1.72 MB · 160 downloads Day 2 - 1st Sea Day.pdf 1.88 MB · 132 downloads Day 3 - Cozumel.pdf 1.7 MB · 93 downloads Day 4 - Progreso.pdf 1.7 MB · 75 downloads Day 5 - 2nd Sea Day.pdf 1.76 MB · 86 downloads Camp Ocean (2-5) Activity Schedule.pdf 1.13 MB · 28 downloads Entertainment Schedule.pdf 404.48 kB · 69 downloads TABC Letter.pdf 374.6 kB · 42 downloads Alchemy Create Your Own.pdf 75.56 kB · 55 downloads Debarkation Information.pdf 881.85 kB · 38 downloads Good To Know.pdf 1.69 MB · 57 downloads Laundry Service Pricing.pdf 407.38 kB · 17 downloads Priority Debarkation Letter.pdf 374.71 kB · 31 downloads Room Service Breakfast Tag.pdf 310.83 kB · 54 downloads VIFP Party Invite.pdf 167.57 kB · 53 downloads VIFP Platinum Letter.pdf 464.29 kB · 31 downloads

Wow, great job posting these files. 

Thank you. 

On October 18, 2019 at 7:38 PM, CGTNORMANDIE said:

Hi Marne,

 

You were on the Fairsky II which was a new ship when you sailed on her...and was later sold to Princess.  

On October 19, 2019 at 5:09 PM, rkacruiser said:

 

 

Great research CGTNORMANDIE!  I never knew that there had been a Fairsky I.  Thanks for the information!

On October 19, 2019 at 5:09 PM, rkacruiser said:

 

 

Great research CGTNORMANDIE!  I never knew that there had been a Fairsky I.  Thanks for the information!

On October 19, 2019 at 5:09 PM, rkacruiser said:

 

 

Great research CGTNORMANDIE!  I never knew that there had been a Fairsky I.  Thanks for the information!

On October 19, 2019 at 5:09 PM, rkacruiser said:

 

 

Great research CGTNORMANDIE!  I never knew that there had been a Fairsky I.  Thanks for the information!

My picture was taken with the vessel behind me by my BFF and the name painted on it was "SKY PRINCESS".  I will post the photo when I can find it...Harvey made us move and photos are mostly still boxed.

On ‎10‎/‎4‎/‎2019 at 7:15 PM, CGTNORMANDIE said:

RKA is correct.  Fairwind and Fairsea were the two ships in American service in 1977.  Fairsky did not appear until the 1984...and was sold to Princess when Princess bought Sitmar in 1988 and was renamed Sky Princess.  I believe Leon was transferred from Fairwind to Fairsea or vice versa.  

Related, but does not address your question...I was on the Sky Princess in 1990 and it was wonderful.  A true ocean liner experience and the last steam ship operated under Princess in North America.

Ahh, I am showing my age!  I hope you find all you seek regarding your request.

Have a blessed evening,

Marne

On December 16, 2018 at 12:45 PM, c-leg5 said:

 

Which pier - we dont walk through Dufry. Is this Puerta Maya?

On January 11, 2019 at 4:32 PM, c-leg5 said:

 

Deleted -Wrong post.

 Carnival pier. It is one of the longest piers I've ever seen, followed by a long store full of slow-moving people and a lot of boxed merchandise with vendors trying to stop you talk to you and ultimately sell you some of their products. I have no interest, we don't have enough time in Cozumel to do half the stuff we want to do. I resent forcing us to walk through a carnival  owned set of vendors taking time away from me. Once through the store you have to walk through the open air area but I don't mind that because I can walk fast. 

Hi Everybody!!!

Might one of you vast and unpaid cruise researchers have the flyer which is placed in your stateroom near the end of the cruise which is used to order duty free liquor for delivery to your cabin the last night of your cruise?

Thank you and have a blessed day!

Marne the Cruisin' Fool

On February 11, 2019 at 1:53 PM, n6uqqq said:

 

That must have made for some very warm and discolored water

and I thought only I wondered the same thing. Haha

In December 2018 I sat through a 2 hour presentation of resorts.  Cruises were an afterthought IMHO.  When I checked the prices against a sample I downloaded from the cruise line AND the big (biggest cruise company) websites, each time GEVC was considerable OVER.  After the preso and three rounds of thumb screwing, err I mean friendly marking discussions were over I was given the coupon to book my FOUR day cruise.  Per the cruise line website the fees were just over $50 per person (double room=$100 total), yet GEVC's literature indicated $100 down and $198 each or $399 for both of us.  Hmmm.

Anybody sat through a three (after 3 rounds of squished thumbs) hour preso and been able to sail for "FREE"?  If so, please share your experience.

This might have sounded a bit terse, but GEVC folks were nice to me during my three hours for the 40 booked preso. In fact, they lowered the price from ELEVEN thousand dollars to join, to NINE, then SEVEN-FIVE-TWO (with limitations), so they must have liked me! :)

IF you visit resorts, this may be something you are interested me.  I just want to cruise, so it did not make sense for us.  Please let me know your experiences with GEVC.

On ‎12‎/‎16‎/‎2018 at 11:49 AM, Pyrate13 said:

Gila Monsters???😋 😉 I believe you might mean Iguanas🦎. I do agree that store is annoying. Same thing in Mahogany Bay Roatan but the store is not as big.

There are gila monsters on Cozumel, nothing like an iguana, on the southeast (near lighthouse) side of the island.  They are on the rocks along the southernmost portion of the wild side of the island.  They are poisonous, but are not interested in humans.  I have seen them from the rent car sunning themselves on the rock formations east of the lighthouse.  I would not walk up to one and they are set back > 50 feet from the road.

At least in Roatan, you can maneuver around folks and the store is smaller.