petesweet

Finally, the last three slides. Yes, I know, this is dragging out the review, but I thought I was pretty convincing with this little trick up my sleeve. I was making Morgan an offer he could NOT refuse.

 

 

And as they say, "The rest is history!"

Absolutely delightful! What a neat couple you are!!

Kathy

Still questionable about the Charleston

Please don't let that worry you. Definitely not a biggie!

Kathy

Of the fantasy class my favorite is the fantasy herself. The main reason her i like her is she has decor easy on the eyes unlike her sisters. Charleston isnt as bad as some would have you believe imho. It is just a ver very different setup then most ports. You are shuttled to the cruise terminal in buses from the parking garages. But everybody has an opinion so this in mine lol.

A very big plus is the free handicap parking in Charleston.

I went from the Allure (largest cruise ship) to the Fantasy, and I still enjoyed it very much. We have been on the Fantasy numerous times. Not my favorite cruise, but it was very enjoyable.:)

Happy sails.

Kathy

I did it in March on the Allure when it was free and won't do it again on my upcoming oasis cruise. IMO it definitely is not worth $10 pp or whatever the charge is now. It was fun and cute to get pics with the characters but I would not pay for this experience. There are opportunities during the cruise to meet the characters around the ship.

I didn't know they had started charging for it. It was fun on the Oasis, but I would definitely NOT pay for it.

Happy sails.

Kathy

To me and just to me the Oasis ships have the poorest itinerary of all ships. It would be a no brainer if they went somewhere a little better. Do I take a ship to somewhere that I don't really want to go to experience the awesomeness of an Oasis ship?

That would be my vote!!

Kathy

Sometimes we book for ship, sometimes for itinerary, but mostly for price.

I second that!:D

But if you have never tried Oasis or Allure, I suggest you go that route. They are incredible!

Happy sails.

Kathy

Just tip your steward. He is hiring any assistants you may see to increase the number of rooms he covers, and pays them. Your auto tip takes care of that of you are confused.

Very helpful response. Thank you!

Happy sails.:)

Kathy

I think the towel folder needs an extra tip because we want an abundance of the little cuties and often times the steward is not the towel animal folder. So I always personally deliver a $20 to that person.

What a perfect place to ask my question!!

One thing that has always bothered me about Carnival is the sheer number of crew members in your personal "circle." There is the room steward and also a morning assistant and an afternoon assistant. Then there is the waiter and two assistants.

I always go on a cruise expecting to give extra tips. I don't have a lot of money, but I appreciate the pampering I get. But who to tip?

Thanks for any insight.

Kathy

We liked the VCL also, went there a couple times every cruise but it seemed so under utilized . Empty a lot of the time. While I don't like the fact that they are eliminating it from the ship I understand them wanting to make better use of the space.

While I can understand the business logic of removing the VCL, it is the underutilization of the venue that gives it the appeal, IMO.

Glad I was able to enjoy it on the Oasis and Allure before it was removed.

Kathy

 

Now RCCL is slowly doing away with the very thing we have loved most about their ships...the Viking Crown Lounge with it's magnificent views of the scenery and ocean!!! We are VERY disappointed with the direction RCCL and X are going.

The Viking Crown Lounge is my "place to go." What has been put in its place? Have the other Royal ships done the same thing with this marvelous venue?

Kathy

OMG - this post had me laughing so hard I literally (and I do mean "literally") was crying. I am so happy I work from home or else any co-workers I shared an office with would have thought I had finally lost it :eek:

 

For anyone who might have missed the entire post, it's #261.

 

Petesweet - if we ever cross paths on a ship, please remind me of this post.... you deserve a drink on me for the great laugh :D

 

Melissa

I was surprised to see this comment resurrected. Glad you enjoyed one of my favorite stories!!

Happy sails.

Kathy

If you are Diamond level on RCI, you qualify for Elite status on Celebrity.:)

Kathy

I strongly disagree with this statement in general. Although there are some elements about cruising that are similar across cruise lines, I consider the differences to be pretty substantial. It's like saying that a stay at the Hampton Inn is similar to a stay at the Westin because both deliver a place to sleep, food, a pool, gym, and parking.

 

Whether someone NOTICES the differences is a completely different matter. If you're someone who is satisfied with the more basic needs, then yes, all cruise lines will seem similar because all of them deliver the most basic needs well. But if you're someone more discerning and detail oriented, the differences become more apparent.

 

For example, when we sailed on Holland America last year, initially I didn't think that the differences were that noticeable either. I kept asking myself "Where's this "Signature of Excellence" that they talk about??" That is, until my well traveled, very discerning, 74 year old mother started pointing out the white gloved service, the room service delivered in china, the laundry wrapped in tissue paper and gold foil and delivered in a wicker basket, the daily fresh flowers in the cabin and throughout the ship, the full dining room menu available in-cabin, the quality of the linens, the added throw blankets for balcony use, the fully stocked library, the non-intrusive announcements, and even the brand of china used in the main dining room.

 

This list consisted of things that I didn't care much for, but for those that care, the differences are HUGE. Same goes with other cruise lines. Even though I often read how Carnival and Royal are so similar, I consider the differences between these two cruise lines to be huge. But I do care about the things that make these two different. Others may not.

Very well said. Thank you. Me? It doesn't take much to please me, but I can truly enjoy the finer things too. (I still have HAL to look forward to sometime.)

Kathy

I'll be happy for the crew mostly, but also for the guests, when the serving staff no longer have to do the song and dance routine. The servers work far too hard for far too many hours to also have to suffer the indignity of bring required to sing to the guests.

I was always embarrassed for the staff. Glad it is being eased out.

Kathy

Email me plez: k y t c u r r y a t a o l d o t c o m (no spaces)

Thanks. You've got mail.:)

Kathy

Your first cruise! How wonderful! Prepare to be astounded.

I love the Serenade, and I believe you will, too.

You might want to bring an insulated cup to refill at one of the drink stations so you can carry your favorite with you. And I refill my water bottle (just please be sure to pour from a glass rather than directly from the spigot).

Personally, I think the coffee is just fine - although I need to water it down a bit.

Happy sails!:)

Kathy

Oasis Day 4 Falmouth' date=' Jamaica

 

 

As stated earlier we decided on a private tour for this port. We had complete control of our time. We could stop for pictures or do a drive by. It was our choice. We even stopped one time at a grocery store for water, snacks and any sundry items we needed for the rest of our cruise.

 

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Would you mind sharing the cost? Also website address?

Your lovely review has something for everyone. Thank you for taking the time to do this. I love the Oasis and the Allure.:)

Happy sails.

Kathy

I'm sorry to hear this and pray he is kept comfortable as he continues to fight against this virus. {{{HUGS}}}

Thanks. His family has been called to be with him now. We are praying for him.

Kathy

Not sure how many people realize what can happen with these viruses. My niece developed a severely low platelet count when she contracted Dengue Fever in PR. They hospitalized her overnight in case she started bleeding...could treat her with a platelet transfusion. I have never heard of this currently escalating viral outbreak. One good thing is mosquitos are most present early and late and ship tours are generally mid day.

The father of a friend of ours in Miami is at the point of death right now because of this recent virus.

I suppose it is like the flu - worse for older people.

Kathy

I cannot remember getting bit by a mesquite on any cruise including Costa Rica and an rain Forrest excursion. I won't be worried.

I, too, am one of the lucky ones that mosquitoes do not like at all!

Kathy

Carnival is already warning passengers. It was on the front of the Fun Times last week when the Breeze stopped in Dominican Republic.

 

We did not get off the ship at that port but I am pretty sure I got it anyway-likely in Miami where I got many mosquito bites and the only place I didn't use my DEET.

Given the topic of this thread, I had to laugh (I have a perverted sense of humor - sorry) at the quotation on your signature line. Seems as though the mosquitoes are following your advice.:eek:

Seriously, though, we are connected with a mission station in Haiti, and two South Carolina team members contracted the disease before returning to the States. The doctor definitely diagnosed it and advised them to stay indoors when mosquitoes are out so as not to infect more mosquitoes and thus spread the disease.

They have been suffering the effects for weeks now. The wife said she cannot carry a bowl from the counter to the table with just one hand - must take it in both hands. They are both very weak. It stays with you (or at least it is still with them).

One Haitian who contracted it is on his SECOND bout, which he said is far worse than the first. I would get medical advice before assuming that you are safe from this disease just because you were afflicted once. Just a word of caution.

Happy sails.

Kathy

The BOGOHO for 2015/16 sailings was originally scheduled to expire on 5/31, but they extended it to 7/15. The BOGOHO for 2014 cruises expired on 6/30.

Thanks. Don't know what I was temporarily thinking. I knew that. I'll just wait for the next big sale.

By the way, it's funny how people were grousing about the fact that BOGOHO was not really a good deal. Different story now.:)

Yup, BOGO is definitely gone now. Sniff, sniff. I'm gonna miss it. :) Current total for B1 balcony for Oct. 31, 2015 Oasis is $2765 for 2 with D+ balcony discount.

I thought BOGO was going to continue for the 2015 and 2016 sailings - just stop for this year. Guess I was wrong? (I missed the boat, you might say.:()

Kathy

Kathy,

Here is a picture. It is just a plastic expandable cord with a latch on one end and a ring on the other. We just went in the casino the first day onboard and the attendants will give them to you free and punch a hole in your sign and sail card and put the ring thru it too.

 

 

Thanks. That's great!

Kathy