foodsvcmgr

Sadly true and many times the ones served in the specialty restaurants aren’t much better either.

Interestingly the decline in steak houses has been from the low to mid range, i.e. Ponderosa, Bonanza, up to the Outback level. Meanwhile the higher end such as Fleming’s, Morton’s, Ruth’s Chris, etc. have proliferated. None of us are right or wrong in our preferences, in general I think the cruise lines balance fairly well between classics and the au courant.

I think as long as some of the old traditional food options remain most people should be satisfied. It can’t all be the latest trendy presentations. Despite decades as a Food & Beverage Director I’ll take traditional basic steak any day. New flavor profiles are interesting but often one and done.

In the past subject to availability people were allowed to change from early to late TD and vice versa, also open to fixed. I’m sure if there is space, changes would still be allowed for those who are unhappy with their initial selection.

Excellent news, I had been holding out hope that they would reinstate the TD option. Now I will consider Princess again going forward.

Certainly a step in the right direction. Now just put a classical duo on each ship and we’ll be good to go…

Where I live in New Jersey there were passing clouds but I think they added some interest to the photos. Maximum coverage here was 85%. Looking forward to clear skies and totality in Iceland for 2026.

We were on this cruise January 20th aboard C. Eclipse and it was full. These itineraries are very popular due to the very short season which is dictated by weather in the Antarctic region as well as penguins in Falklands and Argentina returning to sea by March. Highly recommend this itinerary if you get a chance to go.

That’s what I was afraid of, will keep closely monitoring reports before I make final payment decisions on these. Thanks.

So in the current scheme of things, would Rotterdam 12 nights Panama and 13 nights Westerdam transpacific to Tokyo be considered worthy of upgraded food or entertainment offerings? Or not of sufficient duration to get anything beyond the 7 day base level described here?

I think the talking issue is best determined if the performance is truly designed to be background music such as in an atrium vs whether it is intended to be a show in a dedicated lounge. The difficulty with Explorers Lounge is the proximity of the open corridor leading to the MDR.

Thank you, something to consider for sure.

Take a 15 minute cab from Curacao port to Blue Bay. Beautiful beach with small entry fee that includes chairs and umbrella. Food and bar onsite. Ask the driver to take a three minute diversion to see the nearby pond loaded with flamingoes. Arrange your pickup time with the same cab.

Yes that was the cruise, 3 nights to Nassau. Here is Leonardo dockside in the Bahamas.

It’s not just Alaska but frequently Europe as well. If you watch the fares closely it’s possible to get a comparable cabin on Cunard for considerably less than Princess, Celebrity, and Holland America. To me that’s an opportunity not to be missed.

It makes no sense that Cunard discontinued mailing out luggage tags when they continue to print and send a personalized booklet a few weeks before sailing. It’s somewhat useless and is quickly looked over and thrown away whereas the tags would be quite helpful.

QM2 will be overnighting in Reykjavik on her eclipse itinerary so I expect Cunard may offer tailored experiences both aboard and ashore. In Iceland totality will be considerably earlier at 5:45 (1745) in the afternoon.

I think picking the right ship and itinerary on Carnival will yield a more traditional result, not the rough clientele and drunken party experience that some of their shorter cruises are infamous for. Thanks for the report and glad you enjoyed.

1978 Italian Line “Leonardo da Vinci”.

I truly don’t understand how or why having some sort of classical music is that difficult for HAL to provide. Celebrity, Princess, and Cunard all offer it, if it was cost prohibitive they would not.

I believe it will be some time before Cunard release any more specific details of these eclipse sailings. It appears the intent currently is to be tied up in the respective ports during the event. I would expect some eclipse related programming and speakers, distribution of eclipse viewing cardboard glasses to those who need them, possibly a themed event of some sort. They may also tailor some excursions specific for the eclipse and optimal viewing. Beyond any of that not sure what else could be offered, the primary thing is that they are taking you as close as possible to totality.

Victoria you are correct, I meant the latter with its iconic steeple.

I think a great photo op location would be at the ancient lighthouse there. Unobstructed for close ups of the eclipse and some very interesting wider views working the tower into the shot. I’m going to try something similar with the Reykjavik cathedral.

I hope this can be expanded to include most, if not all, itineraries. Or that at least HAL will make clear exactly what sailings will include classical music up front, not keep your fingers crossed and wait till you get onboard…..

We sailed T/A in Deck 13 Club cabin in 2018 and had no movement issues of concern even when the outer decks were closed off for a while in rough seas.