pris993

3 hours ago, navybankerteacher said:

Generally agree --except for notion of movement in rough waters.   Because forward cabins are never over the bow - often 100 or more feet aft, while aft facing cabins are as far aft as possible, the effect of ships pitch are as likely to be felt in aft as in forward cabins. 

I am sure you are right, have heard folks say they did not want to be forward because of the fear of wave action, guess from what you are saying this is a false fear.   Know we never experienced anything that was bad even in a storm.   Thanks for the info.

1 hour ago, Hlitner said:

DW and I actually prefer cabins forward of the forward elevators.  Having cruised extensively for about 50 years we are well aware of the stability offered by more central cabins (especially on lower decks) and the popularity of aft cabins (which we strongly dislike).  Most cruisers do not like forward cabins because they will have more movement if in rough waters.  So why do we like cabins up near the bow?  Consider that the main engines of any ship are arrayed around mid-ship.  On some ships, living over the engines can result is some annoying vibration but most modern ships have done a good job isolating engine noise and vibration.  The center of the ship is where you will have the most foot traffic (in the corridors) and you will generally pay the highest prices.  Some folks love the aft cabins, but these can suffer from a "shimmy" due to their location near the props. vibration from the props and cavitation, and possible soot on the balconies (which can ruin swim wear and clothes.  

 

Meanwhile, forward of the forward elevators you have much less foot traffic since most of the eating venues are aft.  There are also very few major mechanical systems on the forward quarter of the ship (with the exception of the bow thrusters) so we generally find the forward cabins very quiet except when the thrusters are in use.  Keep in mind that thrusters are only used when entering ports/docking and debarking.  Up front you might also hear the anchor chain if the ship is dropping or raising its anchor, but that does not generally happen during sleep time.

 

Hank

Agree Hank, we booked in the same location for years.  Only recently with my DH 90, he does not like to walk so far are we booking mid forward, more toward the mid.    Only noise I recall in the forward location is if we were in a storm, would hear the waves slapping the ship at night, but never found wave action more than we could deal with comfortably on new ships.  

On 10/11/2022 at 3:34 AM, Sancho_proudfoot said:

I've been watching some really fun Flashmob videos, at weddings, in shopping malls and so on, then I thought " wouldn't a passenger Flashmob on a quiet sea day be fun?"

 

I seem to recall on previous  cruises there would be a passenger choir, or a performance (like Thriller). So, with the connivance and assistance of the CD, you could gather some passengers who can sing well, have a few rehearsals somewhere out of the way, then at, say, 3.00pm on a sea day, get the music playing and (seemingly) random passengers start singing ("One Day More" from Les Mis is a good one)

No, I prefer the peace and quiet.

19 hours ago, Drew B 58 said:

What are some opinions you hold when it comes to cruising that you think may be pretty far outside the mainstream?

 

I’ll start.  Cabin location matters way more to me than cabin type.  I’d definitely choose an interior cabin in the location/deck that I prefer over a balcony cabin elsewhere, even if the price was the same!

One constant for us is a balcony if a mini suite not available mid ship. We always pay for the cabin we want and do not want any upgrade.    In the past 10+ years, we no longer prefer the MDR, buffet or Crown Grill works for us.  Rather pay extra fees in Crown Grill then tip extra in MDR to get food we like by ordering off menu.  Usually, can find something appealing in the buffet if we don't go to Crown Grill.   Have found the buffet is more pleasant, when it first opens, then noisy MDR, plus we can enjoy a view and sunset in the buffet.  We also prefer our own company and don't want to share our table, at any meal with folks other than our traveling companions.  

no, not on the 60 plus cruise on 9 different lines. 

Sorry for your loss, God bless you and your family.

On 10/18/2022 at 2:31 PM, catarazzi said:

Thank you for this suggestion. I wonder if they’d include it on the buffet for others to enjoy. I hope you’re looking forward to the cruise as much as we are!

It has been my experience in the past if special request was made in the MDR it is just for the table making the request.  If they had similar requests from more than one table maybe, they would do more.  I have cruised on New Year's only once before some time ago, did not eat at buffet at that time. 

2 minutes ago, pris993 said:

Think "spam" and all-time favorite served in a wide variety of ways in Hawaii.   BBQ pig also comes to mind.

 

Food is not the only way a traveler can experience new culture and traditions.   My DH is a Sephardic Jew he does not explore new foods when traveling.   I enjoy doing so.   (Not sure why web site decided this comment needs to be in "red")?

Oh, I guess system corrected and went back to black and white type?? LOL

2 hours ago, riffatsea said:

It's interesting to me that many cruisers don't see travel as a way to experience new customs/traditions and instead want to bring their home experiences along on the trip.

I wonder what a Hawaiian new years tradition might be?

I doubt a stay at a Hawaiian hotel would offer collards and black eyed peas

 

Think "spam" and all-time favorite served in a wide variety of ways in Hawaii.   BBQ pig also comes to mind.

Food is not the only way a traveler can experience new culture and traditions.   My DH is a Sephardic Jew he does not explore new foods when traveling.   I enjoy doing so.   (Not sure why web site decided this comment needs to be in "red")?

2 hours ago, Itchy&Scratchy said:

come on. They are super-duper busy getting the special holiday menu ready for thousands of people, and you want them to cook something completely different by special request? What if the other, say,  thousand passengers also have their special requests put in for that night?

I always find it amazing folks feel crew too busy - if you ask well in advance, not a problem. Not everyone is the same, some folks happy with the menu, some not.   I have 31 cruises with Princess, my dh for years made special requests in MDR.   Head waiter would come to him and check out what he wanted; it is part of their outstanding service.    If you are afraid to ask, you never find out.  If they can't do it, they will tell you.  Never hurts to ask.  We even ask for things we want in the buffet, if not out, if they have what we want and can get it they do.  The chef has even cooked something special with an advance request in the buffet.   We always tip extra and often on the spot in the buffet.   We appreciate the service provided. 

If this was very important to you, I would print out a recipe, to show the head waiter or chef, when you make a special request in MDR in advance.  Princess use to be very attention to special requests, if they had ingredients on board they just might whip something up.  Can't hurt to ask, may do for your table in MDR.  Need to ask ahead of New Year's Day.    Recipe may help them know what you are talking about.  I am on the same cruise, not from the south so have not idea of what you're talking about. 

On 10/14/2022 at 4:26 PM, StrawberryHill said:

Coral is the BEST      Island was second until Princess butchered it   Not Ruby / Crown / ? is second best

I did 15 days on Coral, missed Crown Grill, we eat at the buffet all 15 days, which was fine.  We don't do MDR anymore, either buffet or Crown Grill.  I like the Grand, Ruby, good to hear you like the Crown.  I hear it is being transferred to my home port of San Francisco in 2023.  Have something to look forward too, since I am not a fan of the Royal, which is here now. 

On 10/14/2022 at 6:02 AM, Honolulu Blue said:

Cruise.blog did an article on stuff that's disappearing on (some) cruises at https://cruise.blog/2022/10/nostalgic-cruise-traditions-being-phased-out .

It's a good article, well worth reading and dodging the landmines, IMHO.  Here are the items that were mentioned:

 

• Midnight buffets
• Chocolate buffet
• Intricate ice carvings and demonstrations
• Cruise recap video
• Themed menus every night
• Chocolates on your pillow
• In-person muster drills
• Rooms with portholes
• Printing every photo taken
• Printed daily cruise schedules

 

No poll this time, I'll just ask straight out:  Which of these "traditions" do you miss most?  Which ones don't you miss at all?

 

I guess I'll start.  I will miss the daily schedules most when they go.  I've actually gotten full ones on the cruises I've taken since the pandemic, but I've heard of reductions in this area and I'm sure they will affect me eventually.  Much as the Chief doesn't like to hear it, I don't think the in-person muster drills are coming back any time soon, and that's fine with me.

So far on Princess you can still get printed schedules on request.  I with you, still want them.  The in-person muster drill I can easily do without. 

4 hours ago, wowzz said:

When we book cruises in the UK, the fares quoted are inclusive of all taxes, port charges etc.

Makes life so much easier, and it makes comparing costs for different itineraries very simple.

Any reason why the same pricing policy is not used in the US ?

In the US, when you book a cruise, fare and taxes/port charges are shown, total fare includes both, which is paid as part of final payment.  Sometimes taxes/port charges go up or down.  Cruise either add new charges to on board account or give passengers a credit.   I think this works out well.

10 hours ago, CruizinSusan70 said:

Ever hear about a new fangled thing called a DVR?

Yes and not something I do. 

9 hours ago, LHT28 said:

or just stay at the Hilton in the airport   no need for  a taxi

https://www.miahotel.com/location

That is another option, recall last time I checked very expensive but worth checking out. 

I fly American, have flown out of Miami to San Francisco, after getting off a ship on a transatlantic a few years ago.  

There is a Hilton hotel, Miami Hilton is near the airport, you might consider staying there to relax before departing for the airport.   Do arrange for a taxi early to get you to the airport because since near the airport sometimes takes a while to get a taxi.  Hotel does not have a shuttle. 

Other tip I can offer is check your flight for gate info, so you know where to have a taxi drop you at the airport, American has many gates at Miami.  

If you go to the airport early, American does allow passengers from cruise ships, to check luggage early but you can't check in for your flight early, must wait for time termed for check in.    Ask where you go to simply check in luggage if you choose this option.  

Yes, in the beginning we booked with a TA, all we had was the brochure... seemed to work out fine.

It is probably a year since I wore a mask, except if going to a medical establishment, here in California.  Only other exception was on the Ruby cruise in February.  I feel for people wearing masks all day working on or off the ships.   I live in an apartment building so come in contact with others there, shopping and going about daily life.  I have never had Covid, vaccinated and have 2 boosters.  Try to be careful but one never knows.  Life goes on.  

On 10/14/2022 at 11:44 AM, DCThunder said:

They'll show the entire series, and unless ratings improve, never produce another edition.

good maybe then the Amazing Race will have a better time slot, 10 pm is late.

Yes, my two favorite ships are the Grand and the Ruby.

Best part of the show is seeing the ports we have visited many times over the years.  Basically the show is a cross between the Bachelor and the old Love Boat, so not really impressed with the format but better than politics on TV.

3 hours ago, Markanddonna said:

That's correct.  I asked our attendant about that. He said they were to report things like excessive tissue use, a person staying in their cabin too much, etc. We asked when we saw security at someone's door and a sickly woman answered.  Interesting what you observe just walking by!

LOL, my dh has dementia, he uses a lot of tissue, he also spends lots of time in the cabin... nothing new here.  Now that the cabin stewards needs him out of the cabin to service it, he leaves for a bit. 

I have skipped the MDR now for some years, prefer the Crown Grill or buffet.  Can't go wrong at either. 

I have done a few Halloween cruises.   Waiters and staff usually dress up in the MDR.   Often there is a party at the disco late at night.  One of the fun ones I attended was on a cruise in middle east, passengers used bed sheet to dress as mummies, since we just left Egypt.  As you can see lots of decorative pumpkins on display.  Have fun, you can dress up or down whatever floats your boat.