compman9

On 5/11/2024 at 1:30 AM, FoleyExploring said:

Hello! On the off chance that you see this @compman9 We are in EXACTLY the same position for a repositioning cruise. Our Schengen time runs out when we are on sea days from the last port to the USA. 

 

Did you run into any issues? What was your experience?

Hi

We got off at Cartegena and visited with the border police, then the border officials. Eventually their boss came out and explained it is all done on an electronic manifest.

The day you leave or enter Europe, whether passports are stamped does not matter, is the day it stops/starts recording your Schengen days.

No loyalty scheme should ever decrease benefits. 

They should always add more.

If there is no room in the lounges, add another lounge.

This is not rocket science.

Just off the Symphony - The list above is correct

The best Scotch is the Glenllivet (quite easily)

I was on the OP's cruise, and just to let you all know, I am really quite likely to down if there ever was an emergency

I heard the signal, and walked towards the restrooms where my wife was. She came out running, as were all the other passengers by now. She asked where her purse was, and I said, "dunno."

We rushed back to the bar to collect her purse, and on seeing my full drink, I asked whether she thought I should take it, "just in case."

Just in case what, I really don't know, but as a Brit I would guess, it means just in case I couldn't finish it!

At about this time, someone came on the tannoy to say it was a false alarm. There were very few people about - presumably already at their muster stations.

As I said, mostly likely to drown right here...

...But at least I would have finished my drink.

For those saying, "well don't book a gty, then" that is very unhelpful and more than a little obnoxious given that the difference in price between gtys and chosen rooms can run to hundreds these days.

Modern-day marketing for these massive billion-dollar corporations live and die by their small print, which is a sad indictment of our times. And it has not always been the case. Pre and post-war years saw incredible bend-over-backwards customer service levels.

The word "guarantee" should not be used in any contract (small print or not) unless it is guaranteed. Especially in Royal's case, where the choice is marketed as max flexibility without mention of the risk.

On 11/18/2023 at 4:44 PM, Itried4498 said:

Many groceries ate priced less in the UK these days than the US (sans fresh meat and produce, which is also generally far inferior in the UK).  However, big US supermarkets typically offer better promotions — you can often score a family size bag of Lay’s (Walker’s) for $2, for example.  Sometimes you may have to buy two or more to get that price.  
 

 

Hard to imagine the strict UK or EU food standards would mean any foodstuffs in the UK would be inferior to the US. Especially when it comes to animal welfare and additives

I am still onboard.

The story circulating is an elderly man who has dementia and after an argument with his wife, he jumped.

Fortunately he was rescued, okay, and removed in Valencia.

Symphony is the [joint] best ship at sea

Odyssey has very special Diamond + and above perks

No surprise.

The loss of grandeur in cruising, the loss of formality, the loss of class.

Cruising has been cheapened, so cruising gets cheapness.

18 hours ago, shopaholic6 said:

If you can remember the ship and dates you can look on Shipmate - go to ‘Explore’, then ‘Ships’ and pick your cruise line, ship, then click ‘Itineraries’ and sailing date, it will tell you the itinerary. 😎 not sure how far it goes back though

Thanks for that, I'll try this

Was talking to DW. Okay, I say talking, I mean debating. Okay, I say talking, I mean arguing, LOL.

We appear to have conflicting views on where we have been and some of the countries we have visited.

I contacted RCI to ask for previous cruise history info, but they don't have it going back as far as I would like.

Is there any way I can find out where I have been on past cruises?

The rules, and what should be the rules, are two different things. And it seems from this thread, most have their opinion on what they believe the rules should be.

My two cents worth:

Points should be based on fare (full fare, full points), unless sharing a cabin. Then, they should get the senior points person's benefits for that cruise.

When a minor turns 18, they should have whatever points they have accumulated based on the full fare, full points principle. 

I also believe 340 and 520 should become legitimate tiers, and Pinnacle should be relegated by a new tier at 980 points.

On 3/28/2023 at 7:21 PM, little britain said:

My friend in Singapore told me last April 2022, that there was someone from Singapore who did nothing but travel on those cruise to no where trips on Spectrum, solo in a suite and got to Pinnacle within the year -  the double points promo helped. 

Almost certainly the same guy - Mr Fu, apparently

3 and 4 dayers with the odd 9 dayer thrown in

Something I would like to know is if you book a long period, will Royal offer any additional perks, like more internet etc?

A Chinese Malaysian guy on the Spectrum is on his seventh month aboard. Suite on his own, casino every night. 

According to the Diamond Lounge concierge, he books as he goes along, and hasn't decided when he's getting off yet. Got to Pinnacle in six months, apparently. 

Must be the quickest anyone has got there, surely?

3 hours ago, PompeySailor said:

The drink package is not worth it 

 

I know how to drink for free on every cruise.

 

Sone think it’s a myth, others doubt it

and to some it is a secret only to be shared with fellow drinkers 

 

Happy Days!

I'm a drinker. I'ma drinker. Tell me 😁

7 hours ago, John&LaLa said:

 

On Oasis ships, the Central Park balconies ending in 29 have a double wide balcony.

 

On Oasis and Allure you can sometimes access the old DL balcony over Boleros. Great views for parades. Not sute if newer ships have that

 

Again on Oasis ships, you can find a little balcony at deck 9 elevator banks overlooking Central Park

Ending in 29, you say. . .

Great booking tip 😊

1 hour ago, John&LaLa said:

 

Freedom Class😉

Yeah, that one - You must have some best kepts, you'd like to share ?

This one is just for Diamond Plussers

Spectrum has no Diamond Lounge so they can use the Silver suite lounge and its restaurant for breakfast, lunch and dinner (Diamonds can also use it for dinner)

Any others apart from the Cow Butt Room in Indy class?

I live in a port four days before the end of a transatlantic on the Oasis that I am looking at booking.

Will I be allowed to take my suitcase off to drop them home early?

The cruise ends four days later, which I could manage with hand luggage (which would make my flight home cheaper)

😀

Been on both.

The Celebrity Reflection is so much better than the Jewel, it's not really a comparison. Oasis class is another matter, but the Jewel is from a different era.

Just received confirmation of a Royal Up.

Have gone from an interior to an unobstructed balcony for minimum bid of $20 each.

Very happy, as wasn't really bothered which is why I tried the minimum.

15 hours ago, kernow said:

As you are from the UK you may want to try Antonio.Paradiso@msccruises.co.uk. Antonio is the managing director of the UK office, we've met him a couple of times on Virtuosa (where he regularly sails incognito) and he always seems very open to genuine problems.

Many thanks. I sent my letter off to Mr Onorato over a week ago, and have not received a reply, soI have now sent it to Mr Paradiso

Memory might be playing tricks, but am sure we have been given a free bag of laundry between back to backs before. Although they were seven dayers.

I know they don't provide a Diamond+ laundry bag on three/four day cruises, but might they provide a free bag on a back to back three/four dayer?

9 hours ago, John&LaLa said:

 

Folks seem to think the 4/5/6 vouchers was a massive improvement. 

 

Sorry

American folks, maybe. 

Brits and Aussies like a drink.

Seven would be about right for DW and I 😉