tcruisin77

On the Gem last week I ordered Starbucks on embarkation (approx. noon) and debarkation day (they were open until 8:30am) using my package. I paid only port charges for both. I was wondering about that last purchase since my folio had already been emailed. But when I checked my final credit card charge, it was $1.20 more than the “final” folio so I was only charged port tax. 

I’ve never seen an opportunity to book times for Splash; it’s always been first come first served until they reach capacity.  If it’s a cruise with lots of little passengers, there may be a line that forms approx. 20 minutes prior to opening.  

I’d pick the same deck as the lounge. While staff will carry things back to your cabin for you, we would bring our own drinks/snacks back and being on the same deck was very convenient. I’d also vote for as much time at Ocean Cay as possible. 

We pre-purchased a Fun Pass on the app and made our bowling reservation through the YC concierge. You could also go to the desk across from the bowling lanes on deck 7 to make reservations, but I would go early on in your cruise to have more options. 1 hour was $50. There are no bowling shoes and few bowling balls to pick from, but we enjoyed the experience. The same desk on deck 7 is where you will purchase 4D and F1 as well. 

We returned to FLL airport. I would try calling them to see if they can add a stop at your hotel. If not, but this is an extra step, you could get dropped off at the airport then take advantage of your hotel’s airport shuttle. 

We lost one day at sea. We were also slated to port in Miami but will now dock in Port Canaveral. 

We are sailing on the cruise before this one. We got changed from an 8 night to a 7 😩

The steaks we ordered at Cagney’s were just okay. The other courses were excellent, though. Le Bistro was our favorite all around. 

2 hours ago, mica178 said:

Love Ercan! 

And Fabiana; they were both so nice to our family last month

Never used those. Perhaps they are for crew. The public forward elevators are more midship. 

It was in operation on our Thanksgiving cruise last November. 

We stayed at a Ft. Lauderdale hotel and had SAS transportation take us back and forth to Miami cruise port. $15 per person each way. Comfortable vehicle with plenty of room for luggage and our driver was safe. It is not private and will make stops at multiple hotels and cruise terminals. We would use them again. 

There are no connecting insides on the Pearl. We booked 2 connecting oceanview cabins and were very happy with the extra storage, bathroom, and ability to spread out. 

Yes, it definitely fills up and they will turn families away once they reach capacity. A line begins forming before opening time. Plan to get there 15-20 minutes before the doors open if your child really wants to go. I can’t remember the exact times they were open (and it was never open for drop off on port days) but I want to say it was available for 2 morning hours, break for lunch, 2 afternoon hours, break, then evening hours.  Search for recent Dailies that may show the times. 

Hello, it did operate, weather permitting, during Thanksgiving Week 2022. 

Our Asst. Butler provided me with a whole carton of almond milk (I had originally asked for oatmilk) to keep in our fridge to use with the Nespresso machine.  Not sure if there was no oatmilk on board or if this was just an easier find, but I’m okay with either so I didn’t ask. 

Don’t do it! We brought the hole puncher last summer for our cards on the Pearl. We then had to proceed to a crowded Guest Services to get new ones. The key will not open your door once punched. Since then, we use the lanyard with clear pouch or I just keep it in my wristlet. Have a great trip!

Same for us on the Pearl in April. 

When we got off the Pearl in Bermuda, there was a table set up. We had to give our cabin number and it and the number of towels we took was recorded. When we returned to the ship, there was a bin to place the used towels in, but no one recording what cabin returned them. I was a little concerned, but nothing ever came about from it. Have a wonderful trip! 

We just returned from an April 7th cruise on the Pearl. No traditional muster drill; just scan your key card at your station once you embark. 

A List was the only bar I could find that made the Aviation cocktail. It’s a like it or not botanically flavored martini that was my evening drink of choice on our last trip. 

Is Brendo still a waiter in the YC?  He was my 7 year old’s favorite part of the trip!  Her annual back in school ”What I Did on Summer Vacation” writing piece was all about him, their special handshake and his magic tricks. Forget the pool, the gelato, or water slides, it was all about her “best friend Brendo”!  

We stayed at the Courtyard Dania. There was a free shuttle from the airport to the hotel. We arrived after a day of travel at 3:30. Relaxed a bit then walked through the parking lot to eat a sit down meal at the Bass Pro Shop restaurant…Islamorada, I think. After walking around the store (we don’t have one very close by at home) we walked back to the hotel and just chillaxed in our room. No one opted for the pool but there is one. Had a continental breakfast voucher with our room rate so had a quick bite, knowing we’d be eating well on the ship. Then used SAS transportation to take us to the Miami port. Used the same company to return to FLL a week later. Only suggestion I’d make is request a room away from the elevators and at the end of the hall.  

I liked using the app for the dailies while onboard. 

Aperol Spritz