SoCA6ft5

There's been several posting asking about getting the monthly parking rate at the Los Angeles Cruise Port.  Daily parking is currently $20 a day while monthly parking is $90. Monthly parking sounds like a deal but there are caveats:

• You apply for monthly parking by visiting the staffed toll booths at the Los Angeles Cruise Center parking lot (exit closest to Harbor Blvd). The manager is in the far left booth.
• You must pay for three months in advance plus $25 for the key card ($295). So to break even you would need to park for 15 days over the next 3 months.

Possible but not probable. A 10:45 flight starts boarding at 10:15 and stops boarding ~10:30. Driving from the port to LAX can take from 30 minutes (weekends) to an hour (plus) during the week.  Then depending on the airline the "horseshoe" road at the airport can add 15-45 minutes. So, you would have to get off the ship, claim your luggage, clear customs, and have your transport leave by about 8:00..  Probably as Scottca75 said, "Not a chance." Even if you could, why put yourself through all that stress?

3 hours ago, cfarrow2112 said:

Unfortunately, it's not gonna be as warm in Bermuda as I hoped for.... upper 60s is the latest forecast.

 

 

Our forecast last week was in the 60's as well but we found it to be "t-shirt" weather none-the-less.  It only felt cool after the sun went down.  The times at sea were a whole other thing, however..brr!

I agree with considering a purchase of the 2 meal upgrade for $70.80 each ($69 plus 20% service charge). We just got off the Prima and a typical charge for our meals, had we not had the package, would have been $85 per person. (Onda, Cagney's, Palomar, & Le Bistro). Hasuki may have gone up to $70.80 per person ($59 plus 20%).  Food Republic seemed redundant given a similar experience in the Indulge Food Hall & Nama Sushi.

I agree with JGmf on Cagney's. It was pretty miserable on the Prima. Everything was so messed up-such that the manager offered us a free meal if we would come back. We couldn't face another meal there though.

14 minutes ago, RocketMan275 said:

Love you reasoning.  The stewards are working harder and you're tipping them less?  Shouldn't it be the other way?

 

I would hope that the stewards are getting more in tips than in the past; both in the increased "recommended" daily amount and the fact they are responsible for more cabins.

We just got off the Prima and I think this was the first time we didn't provide an additional tip for the cabin steward. Cabin Attendants (as I guess they're called now) don't seem to have the time to provide anything besides the minimal services required - none of those  "extra touches."  We called for ice on our first night, which the attendant brought, but from then on ice was brought in the morning and was of course melted by the evening when we wanted it.

There were other subtle cuts like only two bath towels rather than the usual four. 

On 1/8/2023 at 2:50 PM, Itried4498 said:

The low monthly rate is frequently mentioned in various blogs, and there’s been oodles of threads on it over the years, but I’ve yet to see a single member successfully book it.  Quite a few posters have contacted the parking operator and were told it was not offered.  Given that parking is now $20/day, it’s hard to believe a monthly pass would be $85.  My best guess is that if the rate exists, it’s for employees and/or local businesses (maybe with a minimum term). 
 

We got off the Princess on Friday.  We also stayed at the DoubleTree - beautiful hotel and we were upgraded to a waterfront suite (Diamond).  The Diamond benefit basically covered a decent dinner.  Not many parking spots in the lot, but we saw security frequently patrol it while unloading our stuff for the night.  Only one shuttle departure was offered but it was fine.

 

Like you, our return was a disaster.  We called the DT and hung up after a 30 minute hold.  Dozens of people were chasing down DT shuttles (there must’ve been three operating) that were dropping off but not picking up (nor were the drivers telling us what to do, they just took off).  I ended up walking - 38 minutes, plus 25 more to get from the hotel and pick my family up (crowded).  I realize there were 3 ships but the DT could’ve prepared this a lot better.  Zero stars for being unprepared.

 

Next time we’ll stay at the crowne plaza.  Just a 10 minute walk - same rate but it included breakfast.

I called Parking Concepts this morning. The operator, who asked if I was going on a cruise, told me that upon entering the lot I needed to go to the staffed exit toll booth and request monthly parking. She said I would be given a form to fill out and after paying the (now) $90 fee I would be issued a key card.

I will try this out on our upcoming May 1 cruise.

Not Free, but Springhill Suites offers a shuttle from MCO for $28 pp.

I also believe on the Odyssey J3s are Quads, J4s are Doubles.  Other than category, price is also determined by availability (how many cabins are left) and location. Midship and higher decks usually come with a higher price.

You definitely deserve the destress time! And sorry you have to put up with people who take their anger out on you.  We appreciate you doing your job well.

Everyone's tastes are different.  For us Wonderland is a "must do" whenever we're on a ship that has one. But we're the type who like to try new dining experiences. YMMV.

Keep in mind a 10:15 flight starts boarding as early as 9:40.  If you're flying out of LAX all the construction tends to back up traffic and as stated the 405 fwy can be a nightmare at times. The only saving grace is Southwest flies out of Terminal 1, the first terminal you come to. 

Can it be done? Maybe.

Will you be stressed? Probably.

Deleted: Old info sorry

I've seen aft facing balconies on other ships referred to as sunset balconies..

According to our shuttle driver, during fall, winter, and spring, Port Everglades tends to get a lot of ships repositioned from routes that mainly operate during the summer months (Alaska, Northern Europe, etc). Once May rolls around these ships leave for their summer routes.  

20 hours ago, mnpurple said:

@SoCA6ft5 Any idea if the spa prices were better then, as opposed to booking ahead?

Same preprinted price list. Daily “specials” did not seem to be at a lower price. 

Epic February 13. 1,400. Ship capacity (double occupancy) 4,100. Empty elevators, spa staff actively trying to recruit customers 5 days into cruise, & restaurants with no waits. 

February 13-20 sailing. Only Burn the Floor & “Headliner” Entertainment. No Priscilla, no Zambooka. 

You can find some Freestyle Dailies where you can check restaurant openings on this thread: 

There's no guarantee your cruise will be the same but you can get some idea.

If you do decide to go to Walt Disney World some things to keep in mind:

• August in the Orlando area is very hot and humid.
• If you want themed dining in the parks, make your reservations 60 days in advance.
• "Themed Dining" carries a price. Our visit this last December average $100+ for two. Many park restaurants are prix fixe at around $59-$89 per person each.
• Currently a one day one park ticket for August 26 is $126 (if not included with your tour).
• If you have visited Disneyland you may enjoy going to EPCOT rather than the Magic Kingdom, which is similar to Disneyland (although larger in size, Magic Kingdom actually has fewer attractions than Disneyland)
• For themed dining locations in the parks I'd recommend: In EPCOT - Space 220 (food & atmosphere) and Coral Reef (atmosphere); In Magic Kingdom - Be Our Guest (pricey) & Jungle Skipper Canteen. 

Hoffman  Happy Travels has a youtube video that follows them taking the test. You might find it useful. Search for:  Using a COVID-19 HOME TEST to Board Our Cruise! | Abbott BinaxNOW Full Process & Experience!

If there is a check mark you should be OK.  Clicking  the side arrow brings you back to a clean entry page in case you want to edit your information.

I would say it really depends on the ship, what's important to you, and how much more than your planned purchases The Key costs. For us on an Oasis class like Harmony we would get The Key mainly for the "VIP seating" at shows. This is because we: A) Like to see all the shows and B) in absence of The Key would line up early to get good seats. The extra cost of The Key (over the internet package we were already going to purchase) was worth it to us, if for nothing else, to not have to line up early for the shows. YWMV

Thanks B113 for posting, I wasn't sure whether the problem was mine or RCI's.  Looks like the problem is still going on - still get the same error message.

This from Matt's Royal Caribbean Blog August 9: 

The cruise line has updated the test requirement policy on its website to say it would allow home/self-tests if there is documentation can be provided from a medical professional that they were supervised.

With this change, the at-home tests that are done in a video conference with a medical professional are acceptable. These tests can be completed in 15-minutes and do not require finding an appointment at a nearby testing center.

All sold out.  That was fast!