gcornell

I found the advertised sales are just gimmicks and have gotten the best deal during non sales. Repriced my 24 Japan Cruise (2 cabins) 8 times. Never during a sale. Started at $18k. Got it down to $12k. Now it’s back at $20k ten months out.

I’m sure you know already, but booking privately saves money but is risky. For example, yesterday we were supposed to stop in the Westman Islands but due to wind and seas we couldn’t. Booking the ATV excursion privately would have saved $300 but it’s not refundable without 48 hours notice.

We very much enjoyed it and was extra nice because it was just my family. I reread the CC guidelines and I think it’s okay to share as it’s not for a cruise company. We used Artistica Tours. I communicated with them through what’s app and they were very responsive and accommodating. Came out to about $1,300 for the 4 of us. We visited: Jökulsárlón – Glacial Lagoon Jökulsárlón – Diamonds Beach Stokksnes – Vestrahorn Höfn

Could be right. I met a lady that had a massage at the spa today and she said it was great but the hard sell of products was awful. Long story short, she was very uncomfortable with their persistence despite saying no several times. They finally offered her a “special” and said once she leaves the spa the offer is void. She was pretty upset.

I met with the excursion manager just a short while ago. They were getting hammered with complaints and many were really nasty (I felt bad for them) so I simply explained that we felt this was a poor customer experience and he has already passed along the feedback to corporate.

We are told the vendor raised prices several times in the last few months. I spent the morning googling and making some calls and was able to secure a private tour to Glacier Bay and Diamond Beach tomorrow so my kids aren’t too disappointed. Meeting with the Shore Excursions Manager at 6 today.

Of course. Glacier snow truck and snow mobiles. Djupivogur, Iceland 10 VATNAJÖKULL ADVENTURE (DJU-E) Start time: 08:30 AM - End time: 04:30 PM

Interesting you say that because, as with our previous trips, the way they speak to guests is condescending and dismissive.

Interesting. I did not know that. Thank you

I just asked to speak to the Concierge Manager and was told he was busy and I should make an appointment which I assume would be after it’s officially cancelled.

Currently on the Spirit in Iceland. We’ve already covered the nonsense with the changes to excluded and included but just had a conversation that was unreal. The Shore Concierge just told us that our excursion on Wednesday is being cancelled unless all 18 guests agree to pay an additional $400 each as the “price went up”. Speechless.

I get wanting to save the earth, but I am often confused by the choices made. I’m currently on Silver Seas in Iceland where everyone is pleased they give use reusable water bottles and paper straws. However, the air temp is in the 50s at best and the large pool and hot tubs are well over 90f and few use them. When I asked why the pool is heated they said guests complain if it’s too cold. The amount of energy required to heat them is astronomical. 🤔

We enjoyed them. Pyramids are man made and we found them mesmerizing.

I’m looking at mine now. They appear the exact same as the last blue(?) ones. Stainless steel, wood cap and single wall I believe. I feel like they do a good job insulating plus they aren’t very big so I’d imagine the beverage would be long gone before it got undrinkable.

When I travel to new places I want to do everything at least once especially since I bring my teens along and want them to experience the world to form their own opinions. We arrived at Blue Lagoon at 8am and it was almost empty and very enjoyable. We left at Noon and it was a madhouse. At least 100x more people. That would have completely changed the experience.

To add. Also I think SS adds to the confusion by labeling it “Formal Optional” evenings. Sure it’s optional but only if you eat in certain restaurants and besides that stay in your cabin before or after. So calling it optional isn’t very accurate. To each their own but we always enjoy the panorama before dinner. p.s. I’m on now and have no issue with the dress code.

Thanks. Agreed. I booked about a year out and got a great rate on Booking.com. They still had rooms available as of last week but were about 25% higher than when I booked.

Also I highly recommend the Alda Hotel. Right in the heart of downtown and a true 4 star property in terms of rooms, amenities, bedding, lobby and service.

Lots of confusion and lack of info on current boarding times so wanted to share. Just boarded the Spirit in Iceland today. Final papers said boarding at 2pm. We got to the pier at 12:10, checked in and we eating lunch by 12:20.

All good points. I dislike wearing a jacket and ties aren’t required but I’ll make the small sacrifice and throw one on to ensure I make my wife happy and we can fully enjoy and take advantage of all the venues. I am one of those that walks in with it and leaves it on back of chair even for restroom trips but I am still following the rules.

Endless threads on this with lots of opinions but I’ll just share be facts. Bring long pants, sport jacket and collared shirt. Even a polo. Even if you choose to dine in the casual restaurants on formal night the lounges still require a jacket before and after to enter.

Exactly. Can’t imagine why anyone would chose to be a kid. I skipped right over those years. I sure most on here did too judging by the comments. 😜

What I enjoy as well is it’s always the wives asking for their husbands. My wife wouldn’t have to ask as she would refuse to dine with me if I couldn’t follow the rules. 😂 p.s. I would love to wear shorts but when in Rome…

My favorite part of every one of these threads… “but they are designer jeans”. Have you seen the $20k jeans that Blake Lively wears? 😂

Same but when I chose a different state of residency the option returned.