mooline

Hi all,

Although I see other threads on the interior temps on various ships, my question is specific to Empress and her common areas.

Would you recommend a light sweater for MDR/Chops/other common areas? Packing space is of course limited, so don't want to bring it if it isn't necessary. I know I won't need it when in port. And I do realize that cool vs warm is a subjective thing... ;)

Thanks for all replies.

You can get glasses of ice water from ANY bar or eating venue (or, from your cabin!)....so refilling bottles isn't really needed! Just ask for a glass of ice water when you want one!

Thanks so much for the reply. I understand that we can get glasses of water, but are so accustomed to having a bottle of water with us wherever we go. Just trying to plan ahead. Appreciate the reply and reminder. :)

Awesome, thank you so much. Really appreciate the quick reply, the great suggestions and wonderful endorsement of the Empress.

Hi all,

The only thing I love more than greeting sunrise on a cruise is greeting sunrise on a cruise with my coffee in hand. Looking forward to doing that on my upcoming Empress sailing.

We're in an OS and judging from he photos I've seen, it looks like there is an in-room coffeemaker. Yay! Can someone tell me what kind of coffee packs it takes? They appear to be the single cup filter packs with the plastic tray, but I can't tell for certain. Also, if you know, will the room steward provide us with as many packs as we need, or just a couple per day.

Also in the photos that I've found of the suite, I see small bottled waters in addition to the tagged Evian bottles . Are bottles of water provided for suite guests on Empress? We're happy to drink water from the dispensers, just wonder if we need to bring our own containers, or if there will be bottles to refill.

Any help is much appreciated - and I will lift a cup of coffee in your honor on day 1. :)

Thanks so much!

Greetings,

Would love to hear from any who have recently sailed Empress and have had a massage. I know how the cruise line spa system works, and understand that the massage therapists cycle on and off the ships, but I'd love to get a general idea of current level of quality among the massage staff on Empress.

Thinking about booking a couples massage on the day of our wedding anniversary, which falls during our cruise in June. It's very pricey, and I totally get the fact that I'll pay a premium for spa services on the ship. However, if we get a good quality massage, I won't mind paying the comparatively high price.

Thanks for any info you can give.

Thank you so much! Your generosity in sharing your trip as it happens is greatly appreciated!

Cruising to Cuba on Empress in late June, first time RCCL. Quick Q about free beverages: your photo showed Lemonade, Iced Tea and 2 sugar frees- those are available at no charge? And those cookies - please tell me more! We are not elites, but we are booked in an OS.

Will be following you this week!

I just got off the Empress this morning and all I can say is if you're in a JS, you're really not. The rooms are the exact same size a a regular balcony room but double the price. We had 3 drawers, yes 3, in the whole suite. The shower was a joke. It was a 2 ft X 2 ft. X2 ft. triangle of a shower with a curtain. Cuba was excellent but not our room.

Hi Surf, thanks for the info - would love to hear your feedback on Cuba, so please do keep me posted if you write a review on the RCCL board or on the Cuba board.

I'm sorry to hear about your room. Hopefully, it didn't have a major impact on your ability to enjoy the trip. It is disappointing when we have certain expectations and the experience falls short - especially when on a long-awaited vacation.

We're in an OS and I know it will be smaller than what we've experienced on other ships, but assume it will have at least some space to enjoy.

Thanks again for taking the time to reply.

Awesome review, as others have said very concise yet informative. I love your positive perspective. Thank you!

Interested to learn, if I understood correctly, that there is actually a bus ride as part of the walking tour? We're doing the Havana overnight and booked for the walking tour on day 1, with Best of Havana on Day 2. Based on what you know, would that be redundant?

Also, our walking tour begins at 2:30 and includes at 6:30 pm. Is that too late to shop?

Thanks again for your review, and for answering all of the questions that other excited cruisers have!

For others, they are pragmatic and prefer to avoid discussing politics/political history to just enjoy their lives in the best manner they can, or for other reasons

 

Also, on the flip side, this so-called "minimal influence from foreign corporations or companies" may be romantic to you, but it is a strong negative for the Cuban people, who often face shortages of building materials and household furnishings/items. Should they keep their present lifestyle because you think it is quaint?

And personally, after a week or so in Cuba, this generally-non-fast-food fan wouldn't mind a nice juicy BEEF hamburger, whether I have to look at the golden arches on some street corner or not. And many Cubans I've spoken to can't wait for the day.

Vida, thank you for your perspective.

I believe my choice of words may not have been the best. By "history", I did not mean political history, per se, instead I was referring more to the overall the cultural, architectural and anthropological, starting centuries ago We won't be "shocked", since we don't have specific opinions to validate. We're both interested to learn and discover.

The lack of foreign investment is not something we're romanticizing, nor is it a statement against corporate America, rather it's simply one of the attributes that makes Cuba different, thus appealing especially given its proximity to America.

My post was simply an honest reply to the original poster who asked others for the reasons why they would go to Cuba.

Wonderful, any perk is a great perk. We'll be happy no matter what. After all, we're cruising! :)

Thanks to all for the quick replies!

Hello, Cuba cruisers,

Interested to hear from anyone who has recently been to Havana. Is the air quality particularly bad?

I have not seen that mentioned in any posts within the boards for the cruise lines serving Cuba. However, in one thread within this board, a poster said:

Curious to understand just how bad it is. We are booked to go and that would not change, however I'd be prepared with eye drops and inhaler if many who have been to the island indicate that it would be beneficial.

Many thanks!

I'm just curious as to what it is about Cuba that will have people paying outrageous prices to go there.

Thank you for starting this interesting dialogue! It's intriguing to read all the different perspectives.

To respond to your question, we booked a Cuba cruise for several reasons.

Neither of us is of Cuban descent, but my husband has always been keenly interested in the history that the island holds, and has wanted to visit it for some time.

As others have said, it is one of the few countries that is still strongly steeped in its own culture with minimal influence from foreign corporations or companies.

It's an easy cruise - we live within driving distance to the embarkation port.

We wanted a "different" way to celebrate a wedding anniversary.

We're pretty easy to please and tend to go with the flow, so we're happy to enjoy this different kind of trip, even though we might encounter some curve balls (smaller/older ship, lines for immigration in Havana, bureaucracy, etc).

Certainly we could have purchased a less expensive cruise and had a great time, but the principal reasons are we have enjoyed every cruise we've taken, and Cuba is of particular interest, so combining the two made sense for us.

Hope this helps!

Thank you for posting this question, we are also interested.

Have already booked an OS for our Cuba overnight sailing. While the perks don't matter all that much - we just like the space and privacy of a suite - we do wonder if there might be an ability to get a reservation at Chops, which appears to be sold out for most of the dates/times we'd prefer. No big deal if not, just curious.

We did read that suite pax are offered a breakfast in the specialty restaurant, Chops. Could someone confirm that?

We also read that, in lieu of a Concierge Lounge, suite pax on Empress receive credit for 3 drinks per day. However, we saw a different post that implied that suite pax are invited to reception for frequent RCCL cruisers. Is that true, and if so is it just a one-day think or is it offered each day? Knowing the answers to these questions would help us decide whether or not to pre-purchase a couple of bottles of wine to enjoy on our balcony during the trip.

We're first timers on Royal, so appreciate all of the inside info that we can get.

Thanks in advance!

Thank you so much for this wonderful series of reviews! Your pics are phenomenal, thank you so much for sharing those. Looking forward to our 6/26 cruise, and it will be our first time on Royal.

I just came back from NCL out of Barcelona. We stayed 3 nights pre cruise and 1 night post at the Renaissance on Pau Claris. It is a wonderful location! Easy, easy stroll to Las Ramblas, one street over from Paseo de Gracia and the amazing architecture there (including Gaudi), close to great restaurants and shops, etc. it was quiet and very comfortable.

I don't like noise at night, so being on Las Ramblas wouldn't work for me, but as Pet Nit Noy said, some people like the "vibe." A great spot for Tapas off Las Ramblas is the bar area at Cuines Santa Caterina, in the Santa Caterina Marketplace. Have the Red Berries "Lasagna" for dessert. Mmmmm!

Just one caution on the afternoon tour: you may encounter larger crowds. Not sure of that, but I can say, by the time we left (around 11:30 am) many (many) were arriving.

I also have to put in a plug for a private tour guide we used for 2 days pre cruise in Barcelona. Nancy Daum Dailey of Enchanting Barcelona Tours was fantastic. She's an American (from Maryland) living in Barcelona. I believe she can also provide private guided tours of Montserrat. We had already booked the ship's tour well in advance of our visit, otherwise I'd definitely have used her. Her website is http://www.enchantingbarcelonatours.com

Private touring isn't cheap, but you receive a wonderful, personalized experience. This said, if expenses are an issue, I'm sure the public tour that sonvoltken6 describes is perfectly fine. I saw the buses in Plaza Catalunya, easy to find. The important thing is to get to Montserrat and take it all in! :)

We might be doing the Granada/Alhambra tour through the ship as well. Can you tell me how they worked the Alhambra visit? I was looking at the timed ticket information and was wondering if the whole group stayed together to visit each area or where you left to wander on your own? Thanks

Hi bearette,

The ship's Alhambra tour was great, we all stayed together the entire time and there didn't appear to be any "hurry" to comply with specific area admission times. We had to show our admission tickets several times at different gates. Maybe there is no time restriction for certain tour companies?

Where there were sights that involved lots of walking, the tour guide was very gracious to find comfortable sitting areas for any who preferred to wait. By the way, The Alhambra had many visitors when we were there, but we never felt crowded. The place is enormous!

Have fun!

We just returned from NCL's 9 day Morocco and Canaries cruise. Great cruise, by the way, and I posted a long review on NCL's board. But we were so, so impressed with Monserrat that I just have to share the enthusiasm!

We booked the ship's tour as a post-cruise excursion. Didn't know much about the sight, but the description sounded interesting and we liked the option for a transfer back to the hotel. Basically, it was "something to do" on our last day.

As the bus made it's way up the mountain, we knew we were in for a treat! In addition to the incredible vistas, mesmerizing grounds and amazing architecture, we were in awe of the fact that this is not just a monastery, it's a small community.

Everyone talks about the Black Madonna, and yes, visiting her is a moving experience. But Monserrat is so much more. Stand in front of the Basilica and take in the intricate carvings on the building. Marvel at the funicular, which rises nearly perpendicular to dizzying heights. Look around, and take in the lovely landscaping.

Most of all, be sure to see the image in one of the small chapels inside the Basilica, to the left as you enter ( I believe it's the 3rd one down.). The recessed image of head, hands and feet is a contemporary depiction of Christ on the cross. Look at it as you walk across the room. The entire head appears to move, continuing to look directly at you. It's not just the eyes that seem to move (as happens in some paintings) but the whole head!! Wow....

Our ship tour was fantastic. The guide, Pilar, was wonderful. We arrived so early as to be the first tour bus there. Save for a handful of individual tourists, we had the place to ourselves. By the time we left about 2+ hours later, lines (especially for the Black Madonna) were snaking around the building and there were at least 20 buses in the lot (plus cars too numerous to count.)

Another reason to visit early: the Basilica housing the Black Madonna closes daily at 10:30 for mass. Arrive too late and you'll miss out.

If there is any way you can squeeze in a trip to Monserrat during your visit to Barcelona, do it -and go early. It was the highlight of our entire trip, and may be yours, too.

Mooline, how did you get the opportunity to upgrade? We are staying at the Renaissance after our cruise in May, and that upgrade sounds like a great deal! I don't remember seeing anything about an upgrade on the Marriott website.

Thanks!

AAL, it was offered on the Marriott website when I clicked "Reward Nights." If you don't see it, suggest calling the Marriott Rewards line and asking. It could be a seasonal offer, but never hurts to ask. In case you need the information, our dates of stay were 10/23-26 and again on 11/4.

Hoping for a positive outcome for you!

Hi bear, I have all of the "guts" of the Dailies, so let me search them. Yes, there are several photo specials. I'll see what I can find for you.

Here you go:

Day after "dress up or not" night: Free duplicate 8x10 or 6x8 with each one purchased

All cruise: Buy 4 photos, get 5th free

All cruise: Purchase NCL Spirit wooden frame, get 50% off cost of 8x10 or 6x8 photo

All cruise: Purchase 2GB thumb drive for $29.95 and get all digital files of purchased photos. (Presumably you don't get digitals of "all photos", only those you purchase.)

Unadvertised special: We bought our embarkation photo and 2 dinner photos. The rep gave us a special embarkation photo showing the ship, route map, Captain's photo and our photo, plus she threw in a photo magnet. We started a "file" early in the cruise (had them put away all of our photos in one folder) and bought the photos on the last day. The photo staff is very nice, so visiting them regularly to put our photos in the file was a very nice experience.

Hope this helps!

Do you happen to know or have the photo specials offered as well? We tend to spend most of our money on pictures.

Hi bear, I have all of the "guts" of the Dailies, so let me search them. Yes, there are several photo specials. I'll see what I can find for you.

I don't think it was a bad day tbh. I'd say his favourite passtime involves a mirror...

 

What did you think of his sidekick JJ? He reminded me of a gang member from Westside Story.

 

The rest of the crew are great though :D

Haha!! You are so correct on all counts. The rest of the crew on the Spirit was indeed awesome!

Yup, entirely up to you. If you care to dress up, you can. The suit jacket is not required, even in the most formal dining room.

I tried to convince my husband not to bother with the jacket, but he wanted to bring it. He did end up wearing it 2 nights of our 9 night cruise. And he looked quite handsome, I must say! :)

You'll have to tell me what was so bad about Casablanca now!!

As with most ports, different people have different experiences. We enjoyed Casablanca, because it was so different from anything we've seen before. The Hassan II Mosque is an incredible structure, especially when viewed from the inside. Driving around the city (in our ship's excursion minibus) gave us a glimpse into the culture of the city, and a tour of the beautiful coastline, as well as the wealthier and poorer areas - true life, which we wanted to see. And we thoroughly enjoyed Rick's Café, even though some describe it as a tourist trap.

I've put together a little album of our photos from Casablanca. As I said in my review, the "Exclusive Casablanca and Rick's" ship's excursion that we took was wonderful.

https://plus.google.com/photos/111530851320989466447/albums/5944715268029992081

Hi Spicy,

Not sure if all are the same, but you'll find the price list for the Spirit's Mandara Spa in this link, which contains Freestyle Dailies, Spa prices and the Gym schedule from the Spirit: https://plus.google.com/photos/111530851320989466447/albums/5944674756093261905

It's the 3rd to last document posted. Hope this helps!