valleyvillage

11 minutes ago, mitsugirly said:

What does a "privacy balcony" mean?

It's actually PrivaSea and it's the enclosed balcony type. 

"Most vanilla extracts sold in Mexico are still artificial. Unwitting tourists who bring a bottle home often are buying not only fake vanilla, but also, by the FDA’s reckoning, cancer-causing ingredients." Cook's Blog. Make sure you're getting the good stuff! I stick to Nielsen-Massey and buy it from Amazon. It's the best I have found. And, yes...very expensive. But you know what you're getting.

It's really good. They are little grilled cheese croutons.

2 hours ago, adam_s_allen said:

For the most part I agree. People are going to complain either way. Some of the additional costs are ridiculous though if you ask me. Such as charging extra for certain menu items in the specialty restaurants. 

We just sailed Joy and there were no extra charges for any menu items in the specialty restaurants. Is this a new thing?

They will make you a grilled cheese if you ask for it. 

Had them several times on Joy, always asked for them well done and they were always wonderful!

Coco's is really fun! I went twice for a simple plain crepe and they were happy to make it. I'm sure they will make you a plain milkshake if you ask. 

On 10/29/2019 at 5:50 AM, Soxfan4ever said:

I’ve read posts where people cram as much as they can into a bag.

Yes, and if you bring some duct tape to close the bag and roll clothes tightly you can get a lot in there!

5 hours ago, Rsavtechcruise said:

Just curious why would you walk past the aft elevators that are less crowed to go all the way forward elevators that are more crowed due to more being fwd ( observation lounge buffet and theater )

 

just curious

Also, only half of the elevators go up to deck 17 for some reason that's above my pay grade. I think it's the bank on the Starboard side. You'll know if you get in the wrong one because there is no "17" to press!

I have not heard of one, but it would need a gyroscope. Check this out, it's cool!

I think CC forgot to put the ice water line in the what is included paragraph. In call center lingo we used to call that "event creation!:"

I think this is the problem (https://www.cruisecritic.com/reviews/review.cfm?ShipID=481)

Not included with your cruise fare:

•  Gratuities ($14.99 per person, per day or $17.99 per person, per day for those staying in suites)
•  Automatic beverage and spa tips (20 percent for both)
•  Ice water, tea (including iced tea), coffee and select juices in the buffet
•  Cirque Dreams dinner shows
•  Spa treatments and most fitness classes
•  Shore excursions
•  Wi-Fi
•  Late night (after 10:30 p.m.) group babysitting
•  Activities including, but not limited to, wine and whiskey tastings, bowling at O'Sheehan's, arcade games and bingo
•  Photos and artwork

2 hours ago, pcakes122 said:

 

I agree it's personal preference, but I have to add that I'm one of those who consider tipping in advance as an insult as well as a bribe. (The implication being that if I don't tip you in advance you will provide lousy or minimum service and/or you are only motivated by money so let me wave some cash in front of you.)  Either that or it comes across (in my opinion) as a lack of travel experience/tipping culture.  Like "Ummm, never been in any kind of a fancy place before, do I tip you now? 😂

 

For the past few years I have cruised exclusively in suites or Haven when on NCL and I can honestly say that, while some butlers are better than others, I have never had bad service (I don't tip upfront.)  Every person that I've encountered seemed motivated to do a great job just because that is their work ethic.

I'm with you! The only time we ever tipped in advance was when we had the same concierge just a few weeks later and were so happy to see him we felt like giving him a hug and his tip. He was cute, he said oh my! Thank you for my early present!

We agree, never have had bad service. Some better than others but so subjective. I have learned from CC to go straight to concierge if there is a serious issue, but have never had to do that. 

Bon Voyages to ALL!

It is not necessary to tip in advance. Some here feel that is more like a bribe. Of course, it is all up to you! The best advice I ever had was to just wait and enjoy the cruise and about two or three days before the cruise ends you will have a good idea of who to tip and how much. It's so subjective! The most important thing? Enjoy your cruise!

I am going to pretend like the OP is asking for thoughts on the two and to compare and contrast. Mainly I would then say that the PC cruise is more like a cruise and Hawaii is more like a luxurious sight seeing trip with not a lot of actual cruising. YMMV

Restaurants located on the Waterfront: La Cucina, Cagney’s, Moderno, Ocean Blue, and Dolce Gelato
Bars located on the Waterfront: Sugarcane Mojito Bar,   Sid Norman's Pour House

4 minutes ago, disneylover89 said:

Does anyone know if there are vending machines past port security in the Seattle terminal?

When I was there last month I did not see any.

Sun was our first Panama Canal cruise ship and we loved her. Especially the mini-suite. This layout is unique to the Sun and has a walk-in closet that leads to the bathtub, which is actually nicer than the tubs in the suites of some ships.

Love the spa, even the smaller spa on the Star, without all the extras. Bliss spa was amazing! Oddly, when we were on the Joy which does not have a Thermal Spa, I didn't miss it and didn't miss not spending the extra. BUT, if it's there, I gotta have it!

Nita, we are going to miss you! 

Beer Belliy and Boss Lady are my new favorite fun couple!

Here are some non-discounted examples of prices (subject to change) for spa treatments, salon services and fitness classes:

• Standard facial: $119 (50 minutes)
• Swedish massage: $119 (50 minutes), $165 (75 minutes)
• Deep tissue massage: $179 (75 minutes)
• Couples Swedish massage: $249 (50 minutes)
• Teeth whitening: $149
• Express shave (men): $45 (30 minutes)
• Shampoo, cut and style: from $59
• Hair color: from $69
• Manicure with hand ritual: $45
• Pedicure with sole ritual: $65

21. Items brought on board the vessel and not supplied by the Company containing any kind of heating element, such as but not limited to: immersion heaters, heating blankets, clothing irons, water heaters, coffee machines with heating/hot plates, etc.

It would appear to be a banned item.

They are still listed on the deck plan.