Travelwiser13

Thanks for the answers. Well, I could bring small container of white vinegar to run through machine in case coffee residual flavor. That will cure it. I was thinking I needed to bring my own tea as it was and I always have to bring some creamer because it seems they don't have mine often. Yes, I'm one of those at times who will kill a good cup of tea with some cream. Not all the time and not with every flavor of tea.

Thank you! You also helped me as I was trying to decide the same thing.

Not a coffee fan but a tea fan. So my question is do they have a set up so us tea drinkers can do so? Some do. Thanks for any replies.

There was a travel alert issued April 5, 2016 for Colombia as a whole -

https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/alertswarnings/colombia-travel-warning.html

I'm wondering, after seeing ya'll have been still traveling through Cartagena, how safe you've really been feeling in general? After reading this I'm feeling a little skiddish about this port especially bring my kids, though they are young adults. I think if I had seen this alert prior to booking I'd have probably not chosen this particular cruise. Just seems things have been escalating lately?:confused:

At the time it was something that was mentioned. No one discussed they had it done for them. I don't know that it's even mentioned on here until now by you, which thank you for the information. Again, if they didn't need it it is something they could just throw out and was small like single use.

I hope, like others, that this thread helps others too. I know some will do what they want anyway and some will take heed. I just hope also that what ever is done others will respond with civility because sometimes it's not and the whole point of this community is for sharing and advise, which I've gleaned tons of.

If we don't make others feel welcome then we aren't doing our jobs. I'm not preaching, just leaving my opinion. I'm not a seasoned cruiser by any means but I know that feeling when someone responds unkind. I don't want to be that person. Thank you for your questions and responses. :)

I'm hoping that was a reply for others to see because you'll notice in mine that I didn't end up doing that. I have useful items kind the laundry soap and certainly LOTS of money! The monkeys we explained they could give away to a child besides theirs if they choose of throw away. We have nothing else to "clutter" up their tiny space.

Our lollipop trees were a hit though. However, we won't be repeating it again. We're not even decorating our for this time. It became more of a hassle then it was worth sadly.

I created this thread almost two years ago. Interesting someone posted a response to it now.

However, having long sailed now and about to go again in the spring I can report in what I did do.

We mostly did give far and above tips. Their base rate as per guidelines but then a generous start tip the day we embarked and almost daily more. We left SMALL (2) boxes each of laundry soap and dryer sheets. We also had brought mascot very small hanging monkeys that Velcro their arms so they can easily hang from anywhere. At the end we left them with a note that they could keep or gift to their children (ours had) or gift to another person of their choosing. They were very inexpensive so if they ended up thrown out then it's ok too but these were small enough and able to be to placed virtually anywhere.

Something else we did unrelated to the staff is left "lollipops" randomly in potted trees right outside the elevators at different levels each night for kids or adults. Thereby creating "lollipop trees"to create a little bit of magic. We did it late at night so it seems like they "bloomed" overnight.

Thank you for the clarification. Now I have another question since more has been added to this thread and my answered question.

Can anyone tell me what the typical menu might look like for E-day lunch? Also what would the Pinnacle breakfast look like as opposed to the normal MDR breakfast?

I do very much appreciate these answers.

Having never been on HAL before or in a Neptune vs having been in JR suites, I've read the standard amenities afforded to Neptune. Am I missing anything? Is there any particular perks that aren't straightforward that will come with having chosen it? We are 1 star mariners, though apparently I should have more but for some reason they are not recognizing other sailings on CC. Does anyone know how I might get that fixed?

I'm sorry you feel it is more junk. It was suggested to bring something from your home town. There is much stuff from mine as it's very popular but I'd consider most of it junk too and they'd have no room. Pins have long bin something people collect and actively trade. I've never seen the ones like I did here.

It was, after all, just a suggestion. Like a menu item, it's free to be taken or left. :)

I've seen all the threads and suggestions for the staff but I have one that I just found and think it's potentially really neat and small.

Amazon has either beads (can go on a necklace or bracelet) or lapel pins (better choice for collecting in my opinion) that have your town's area code and such.

For example, I choose my actual town (not releasing here) and 2 random towns- Boise, ID and Scranton, PA. Try it for yourself and look at the results. Put in the search box for all departments (if you don't want to use drop down for jewelery) " Boise, ID lapel pin". View results!

Can you imagine if we all started doing this? Not only could they collect these small pins that don't take up much space but they could either trade them, trade duplicates among themselves or even start sending them home to their kids or families if they have some.

Just an idea I spun off of some of yours (and I'm still using some of yours too).

Enjoy!

The last time I was in St Thomas I was on Carnival lines and there was a small little place right off the pier to the right that housed butterflies. In fact they had an excursion to it. This time I'm on HAL and of course they don't and I don't see any threads listing it. Did the place go out of business? Did the butterflies get infected or something? I know we had to go through big plastic doorways to protect them and make sure we didn't have any on us as well.

I'd love to go back there again if they are still around. I'm not even sure if HAL docks at that pier (in town where there is a bunch of shopping).

Does anyone know?