derrick22

Ocean cruises do not have as high a rate set and I've always paid in American dollars. Ocean cruises have a better staff to passenger ratio and offer more service.

I don't know when the last time you ocean cruised but in March the suggested gratuity was $12 a day and is increasing to $12.95 in July (Royal Carribbean)

Also we found that service was lacking in many areas.

I don't have a problem tipping for good service.

On Indy last year we went to a cocktail making class in the Champagne Bar - does anyone know if Quantum does this in some other bar? Or not at all?

I remember reading about a Martini making class in the 270.

I didn't attend on the Quantum but did attend on Explorer last year.

The smoking area on deck 5 is semi enclosed and has nice big chairs to lounge in.

The smoking area on deck 14 is port side of the outdoor pool.

A bar is never far from any where on the ship.

I can confirm that the diamond drinks work in all of the restaurants.

Truthfully I didn't run into a no.

I didn't try in the theater since all of the shows I attended were after 8:30 pm.

Enjoy

Thanks for posting.

Lines? Did you have reservations?

We board next Sunday and I can't wait.

Throwing my two cents in.

I have had the card since 2006 and have traveled twice for free for the two of us.

I have enough to travel again but can't use the points on Quantum so for the first time I redeemed points for OBC.

I use the card for everything and pay it off every month.

I haven't tried to redeem with any sales.

I am pleased with the card.

Turning points in for a cruise gives a return of over 2%.

Truthfully I haven't research any new cards in a while.

For me, a cruise is the total vacation package....... there's entertainment, pools, food, games, spas, casino, bars, and so much more all within walking distance. And, new places to see and experience most every day, how can you beat that? :D

I couldn't have said it any better.

I don't have to plan where our meals are, or where we are going to sleep or be entertained.

Someone makes my bed and cleans the bathroom.

Best part is sitting on balcony with the cheese plate watching the sea go by.

We cruise every spring break and take land trips every summer.

I teach so May, June and September were out of the question. I heard about the mosquito's in August so July it was.

Weather was perfect. My DH was in shorts for two weeks except for the glacier landing.

I would go back in a heart beat but planned the trip as if I only had one time to do it.

Check out the Alaska port call forum as it is filled with a wealth of information.

On our Alaska cruise years ago the washy washy person wore a different crazy hat every day.

Made it interesting and memorable.

Our youngest son will be two months shy of 21 when we cruise. He would like to enjoy a few drinks while on board. A glass of wine at dinner and a beer or two by the pool. How strict are they on enforcement?

He won't be able to buy any drinks himself as his sea pass will note that he is under drinking age.

If you purchase a drink and give it to him and get caught you could be removed from the ship.

You agreed to these rules.

He will be able to drink in port.

Do the OBC you receive on your visa have a expiration date?:confused: Thanks Lisa

You receive points, not OBC, for purchases which expire after 5 years.

OBC is only one of the ways that you can use the points.

I have traveled twice to the Caribbean with my DH and paid less than $100 for 7 days.

Interesting how different the diamond lounge is from ship to ship.

First diamond cruise was on Allure. Nightly event was held in a large lounge with hors d'oeuvres and any drink you wanted including beer.

Next year on the Explorer event was held in a small lounge with peanuts and only wine was free. DH had to pay for beer.

Never tried to take drinks out of the room because I knew the rules.

Did see people take drinks out of the lounge on Explorer and nothing was said.

Next up is Quantum in March with the new 3 drinks loaded on to sea pass.

Curious to see what happens in the lounge.

We sail March 29th and entertainment also opened up yesterday.

All reservations are now made!

Martini tasting on the Explorer last year.

Interesting.

We have 10:45 - 11:15 as our boarding time for March 29th.

I believe that is the earliest time.

Yeah, I encountered that #%*€%¥ of a left turn last month. :rolleyes:

 

I have already decided that NEXT month I will go straight and turn around in the shopping center.

 

;)

Please post back how that works.

I leave in March.

Thanks

Denise

Thanks for posting the different views.

My DS and his friend are staying in one.

I don't think there are any hotels that offer a pier shuttle. :confused:

I've searched and couldn't find any.

You would think that with a new terminal and a year round cruise ship that some hotels would offer that service.

I was always under the thought that why should I pay for for a meal when I already paid for the complimentary one.

Friends always went and raved. So we bit the bullet and went to Chops.

WOW what a difference. The food and service is great.

We make sure that we go every cruise.

Last cruise we took friends who thought like us and they had the same impression.

Giovanni's is also excellent.

This coming cruise we have two reservations booked. :)

Enjoy

I typed in royal IQ into the search and it was the first thing that popped up.

The RCCI logo came up.

The file is large, over 40 mb.

I can't wait to use the app in March.

They won't have Lipton. DW was brought up on that stuff and they never have it.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

They had Lipton up until two years ago.:(

I drink what they have on board but not happy.

I believe you can order cheese in the gift catalog before you leave for your cruise.

Thanks. I was hoping not to pay $32 for it.:(

None in WJ

Thanks

You will be fine with a 12:30 flight. Even gathering your luggage at the port.

The airport is only two miles from the port.

Enjoy

I've searched and can't find anything.

I've always enjoyed the international cheese plate sitting on the balcony watching the sea go by.

I understand that there is a charge for that now. :(

I know that I can get the fruit in the windjammer but I don't ever recall seeing cheese and crackers anywhere.

Maybe the diamond lounge?

Does anyone know of a place on board to get some cheese and crackers?

My DH thinks I'm nuts because I told him that I was going to bring my own. :o

Thanks in advance for any help.

Denise