kgm0612

We sailed on the Radiance in August and it was the first time in 6 RC cruises that we ever saw the bartenders do a measured pour. I complained the second day at the pool bar and after that, had no issues.

Karen

It may help if you tell us when you're cruising.

Karen

Of all the ports we have visited, Caribbean & Med, we did not like Marseille at all and after reading the above responses, we will be sure to skip Cagliari the next time.

Karen

A great way to see Barcelona is on the Hop on Hop off tour buses. We spent three days in the city prior to our Mediterranean cruise and found the bus to be quite informative.

Karen

They did have Marlboro Menthol last month on the Radiance. 2 cartons for $60.00. I did see Benson & Hedges, not sure about Newports, and no Winstons.

Karen

Here's my suggestion based on our land/cruise tour through Royal Caribbean July 30-August 11th 2017.

Don't overpack like We did!! Fortunately for us, the entire vacation was warm (80's) and sunny so we didn't need half the cold weather items we packed.

Each hotel we stayed in during the land portion had self service laundry facilities. I purchased travel size Tide detergents (99cents at Walmart) and packed some fabric softener sheets. I did laundry on the evening before heading to our next destination.

You will have a wonderful time!

Karen

We always cash tip the bar servers at least an extra buck per order. Not only are they carrying our drinks to us, but usually they are some of the most charming people on the ship, we always have a few who learn our names and drink preferences.!

Totally agree! By the second or third day the servers/bartenders know your name and your drink.

Karen

The first cruise my husband and I ever took was on Carnival's Celebration, 7-day Eastern Caribbean, back in 1989. We paid close to $1700 for the two of us in an inside cabin. A lot of money for a couple married for seven years with two small children, but worth it! Food & entertainment back then was fabulous. Kool & The Gang played by the pool.

We have cruised five other times on Carnival, six on Royal Caribbean and twice on Norwegian since then. All great memories!

Karen

I have never departed from Galveston, but from Florida ports, I've arrived at the terminal between 11/11:30 and was on the ship within a half hour.

Have a wonderful cruise!

Karen

We dress for the late seating and head back to the cabin to change into comfortable clothing & flip flops afterwards.

Karen

No FOX news on Radiance's Alaskan cruise last month.

Karen

Wait, so there's not even the dispenser in the shower with shampoo and shower gel anymore? Or is it just the conditioner that's not there anymore? I'm not brand loyal when it comes to hair products, so I don't usually bring any and wonder if I need to now.

There was a shampoo/shower gel dispenser in our bathroom on the Radiance last month. I always bring shampoo, conditioner and a bar of soap.

Also, there was NO surcharge for continental breakfast and or just a carafe of coffee.

Karen

No Rita's on Radiance last month and no word as to what was going to take its place.

Karen

I always have a 3-plug adapter that I leave packed in my suitcase. We use it to charge our cell phones and the I-pad.

Karen

When we took our first cruise back in 1989, along with five others after that, it was with Carnival. We usually sailed on the newest ship in their fleet. Loved everything!

We then took a cruise with friends on Royal and loved it even more. Food and service was a step up from Carnival, in our opinion. I will say we've noticed a change in food quality and service over the last eight years, but Royal remains our cruise line of choice.

We've also sailed twice with Norwegian and found it's just not for us.

Karen

Absolutely LOVED the Serenade when I cruised on her 7 or 8 years ago. Would not hesitate to sail on her again!

Karen

$60.00 for two cartons of Marlboro Menthol onboard Radiance. Much cheaper than the ports while in Alaska.

Not sure where you're cruising, but the ports in the Caribbean are usually much cheaper than on the ship.

Karen

So now the next question would be the costs of the tours you took would be helpful for budget purpose. Thanks

I have the excursions & pricing from our cruise in August through Royal that may give you an idea (give or take) of the cost through the cruise line.

Prices are per adult and rounded up. Hope this helps some who are interested.

Scenic Mountain Ascent & ZipRider. $140.00

Whale Watching & ZipRider Combo $296.00

Whales, Wildlife & Brown Bear Search $274.00

Hoonah Sightseeing & Tribal Dance $85.00

ATV & ZipRider Combo. $285.00

ATV Expedition $192.00

Advanced Kayak Adventure. $208.00

Kayak Adventure $131.00

Back Country Jeep Adventure. $186.00

Alaska's Wilderness Kitchen $80.00

Halibut Fishing $300.00

Karen

I waited until the month before our Alaska sailing (August) on Radiance. Royal kept sending me emails regarding booking drink packages and specialty restaurants. I ended up paying $54 a day for the Deluxe Beverage package and Voom one device package, compared to $55 a day they were asking for just the beverage package.

Karen

We stayed at Tryp Apolo in Barcelona, a Wyndham property. Great location and a short walking distance from tourist locations. We booked by phone through Wyndham directly. Staff was very friendly and rooms were comfortable.

Karen

My niece was on the Allure's September 3rd extended sailing due to Irma. There were originaly 4 adults booked in one balcony cabin on deck 8. She went down to guest services on Tuesday and asked if there was a cabin available and there was. Two of them were able to move down the hall on deck 8 at no additional charge. Needless to say, she was very happy!

Karen

We've been on many cruises and have flown from the east coast (RI) to Seattle and Puerto Rico to board the ship. We usually fly in a day or two prior to sailing. When we did the Alaskan cruise last month, we spent two days in Seattle before our 7-day cruise. We spent one night in Puerto Rico before our 9-day cruise.

Karen

I've nothing to add here but that I have been a USAA member since I started driving very long ago, we have homeowners, auto, personal property, have had renters and other insurances in the past with them and I feel really dumb that I never thought about them for travel insurance, glad I saw this thread! We've used another company that we've been happy with but we've also been very happy with USAA for everything else. Thanks!

Same with us. Never knew they offered travel insurance but will look into it the next time we cruise.

Karen

If it only takes a few weeks, I'll renew it before we go.

 

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I'd give it more than a few weeks. We mailed both our passports out on a Monday from our post office. My husband received his new one the following Thursday. However, mine took six weeks!

Neither of our old passports came back with holes punched in them as the other posted said there's had.

Karen

Nina,

I've been pumping almost 15 years and have always had a Medtronic Pump. I contacted them about a month prior to my cruise and they sent me out a loaner, which I had to give my credit card number in the event that I didn't return it. Two years later I was due for a new pump and Medtronics wasn't offering much for a trade-in (less than $500), so I kept it as a back up.

Karen