wikoffclan

2 hours ago, Eli_6 said:

That is cool!  Thanks for sharing.  I had counted the days of the cruise, though...so I still need to book a cruise. Actually, I only need 13 days (the 12 day cruise plus 1 day) to be platinum but the shortest cruise I can book out of Galveston is 4 days. 

 

Honestly, though, some of our best cruises have been the 4 day weekend cruises out of Galveston.  We don't have to fly, leave out half-way through the day on Thursday and get back on Monday morning.  Only have to miss two days of work.  Only problem is everyone else likes these cruises, too...   

I'm doing the same thing to reach Diamond on Royal. If I'd been able to cruise the multiple times that were canceled due to Covid, I'd be there by now. Hopping on a 4 day out of NOLA so we can sail Diamond for our December cruise.  I'm with you! Enjoy!!

22 hours ago, Eli_6 said:

Plus, we need an extra cruise to make platinum (number of days) on our 12-day Europe sailing coming up next summer...and given the tender issues last summer, I would really like to be Platinum for that cruise.  

One nice perk that I found out about recently --- Carnival will give you the new status at the beginning of the cruise IF you will reach the number of required days During the cruise. SO... if you're only a few days away from Platinum at the beginning of your 12 day Europe sailing, you will be Platinum (and given a Platinum S&S card) at the beginning of that cruise. Cool, Huh!

On 10/20/2022 at 10:57 AM, Ex-Airbalancer said:

Not everyone has time to go on every cruise news site 🙄

I have make rhubarb muffins 😁

the last picking of the year for us 

 

OMG!! Love the rhubarb. My Mom would freeze the strawberries in June and make a Strawberry-Rhubarb pie for my birthday in September. Thanks for the delicious and Very special memory!!

1 hour ago, twoontheisle said:

That’s interesting. We were on a T/A to Amsterdam in Spring of 2022 and there were several people we knew who made arrangements to get off the ship on the two prior ports…..because it was “closer to their final destination”. 

Had this experience on a TA on Voyager several years ago to Barcelona. The man we spoke to was "home" when we reached the Azores. He just had to make arrangements/ask permission to disembark in advance.

The post following yours with the official "quote" appears to be slightly old - in the midst of Covid regulations. Things have changed. It never hurts to ask.

30 minutes ago, coooolman said:

I am cruising with my grandkids and my wife wants me to get one near the kids splash zone does anyone know if that is an option or are they on the deck above

Which ship?

7 minutes ago, Algebralovr said:

They will likely allow the second cabin to be booked as an adjacent room.  Matter of either calling your TA to arrange, or calling a CVP.  There are enough adjacent rooms with the shared entry to make it less of an issue.  

Agreed but... the OP seems to think they can do AI for both adults and Cruise Only for the kid. Only option would be to have a parent and child booked in one room (AI or CO) and the other parent in the other room (probably AI). Just trying to clarify what the OP is thinking.

32 minutes ago, SusieV said:

With the exception of very very rare kids sail free promotions, age isn't a factor in price.

 

My 13 year old really wants his own cabin on our next cruise. So he's going to cost double, although at least we can book his cabin Simply Sail.

I hate to state the obvious but... No 13 year old is allowed to book a cabin by himself. Am I  missing something?

9 minutes ago, Zuluboudreaux said:

Valor and Glory are on different schedules. I am not aware of them being in port the same day.
Valor departs on Saturday, Monday and Thursdays.

Glory is on a 7 day rotation starting & ending on Sundays.

You may need to check your dates?

I think you may need an overnight hotel room between cruises.

If you are correct and getting off one ship and on to the other, the port can handle 2 ships side by side.  No other cruise line operating at this time in NOLA.

Though I agree that Valor and Glory operate on different schedules, there are other cruise lines in NOLA - NCL, Royal and Viking River. A S2S on Carnival on the same day would not be possible. Perhaps the OP is cruising 2 separate lines? Royal and NCL use Julia St. Terminal, Carnival uses Erato. Within walking distance of each other.

Last month (9/10/22 sailing on Valor) we were docked in Cozumel across from Carnival Paradise. Valor was waiting for late arrivals, team of security on the pier, crowds on both ships watching for pier runners. People leisurely strolling onto Paradise.

Two people come Racing down the pier, hair flying, bags waving, people cheering as they jump on the gangway of the Valor. No more than 15 seconds later, the 2 come sheepishly down the gangway of Valor and stroll over to board Paradise. Now That was Funny!

5 minutes ago, cruise cutie7519 said:

Thank you guys. This one is a short cruise only 4 days. How many formal nights will we have? I forgot to ask that as well. 

Maybe one "cruise elegant" night, but no lobster, in the MDR. Dress code not strictly enforced. MDR menu is Much shorter - fewer selections for both appetizers and mains (but you can still order multiples of each). Fries at Guy's burgers changed (frozen?). Bacon in the buffet (possibly) every other day. Banana and chocolate milk shortage. Any perks (for Gold, Platinum, etc.) not delivered - have to track them down. No printed Fun Times unless you ask. Most info is on the Hub app - no wifi package required. Same for menus in the MDR. Photographers don't seem to be as pushy as in the past. Stateroom servicing once per day - you'll be asked if you prefer morning or evening. Stewards are crazy overextended, staff is stretched thin, BUT --- all are the same cheerful, helpful, wonderful crew we've always enjoyed - the best ever! Enjoy!!

On 10/4/2022 at 6:41 PM, gloriason said:

I'm getting the same message.  The only thing I could figure may be happening is that I just recently booked this cruise and perhaps my reservation is not in the system yet?

I was finally able to access the Royal Up online process by downloading the FireFox browser. Would not work with either Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge. Installed the FireFox app on my phone and was able to see the offers. (Radiance OTS - 11/3/22) $40/pp for Ocean view, $55/pp for Spacious Ocean view, $60/pp Ultra Spacious Ocean View (Family cabin), $85/pp Ocean View Balcony and $100/pp Spacious Ocean View Balcony.

Sailing solo and have to pay for 2, so I think I'll just stick with my Interior and enjoy the peace and darkness 🤣 I can usually find some quiet reading nook on most ships. I basically booked this trip to get my last few points to get to Diamond before my husband and I sail in December. Darn Covid interfered in that department.

2 hours ago, DaKahuna said:

 

 As @Tulsacokersaid, on Celebrity the "Elite Happy Hour" consist of free drinks, from the Captains Club Happy Hour drink list.  Here is the list.

 

Shore due love me some Rose Whine!🤣

I'm looking for info, experiences and opinions on these 2 "activities". Brunch is $49. Chef's Table is $94. I can't find any info on the menu for the Brunch and have seen several different menus for the Chef's Table. Your input is appreciated. Thanks! (Ship - Radiance OTS. Date - 11/3/22)

(BTW -- I"m sailing solo this time, so looking at the opportunity to meet people as well)

59 minutes ago, gloriason said:

I'm getting the same message.  The only thing I could figure may be happening is that I just recently booked this cruise and perhaps my reservation is not in the system yet?

I booked mine back in April. Maybe I need to just wait one more day? Just odd. Or maybe I need to wait for an email. Would be nice to upgrade from an inside, but I'll be happy with what I've got even if it doesn't happen. After all... I'll be on a cruise!!

I'm seeing these posts that state Royal Up was available more up to 60 days out. My request continues to say: 

Please ensure your sailing is within the next 30 days
Please ensure there are no errors in the information you entered

I sail Nov. 3rd and all info (name and Reservation number) is correct. Any ideas/suggestions what may be going wrong? I did book direct with Royal --- no TA.

For a port-intensive itinerary, IMHO the ship is secondary. For an itinerary heavy on sea days, I might choose the ship as the destination. I sailed Odyssey this past April and was blown away by the shows and entertainment. BUT my favorite Royal ship was the Empress. So who am I to judge!

On 9/26/2022 at 12:54 PM, lovecruzin said:

We recently used Midwilshuttle from San Pedro to LAX. I imagine they also pick up at LAX. It was a shuttle van large enough for 4-6 we booked a private transfer. It was $85 to the airport.

They were on time and very responsive.

https://www.midwilshuttle.com

Thank you for the referral. Just requested a quote --- LAX to the Crown Plaza San Pedro

14 minutes ago, Another_Critic said:

You can't schedule shows (if applicable) until you're onboard and connected to the ship's WiFi.

True. But definitely something to be aware of

23 hours ago, travelgarn said:

I just booked Independence OTS that leaves out Monday 10/3.  This is my first cruise on RCCL. New to Royal but not new to cruising - my 28th overall.  I have been reading as much as possible! I've purchased UDP and soda package.  We don't drink alcohol.  Check in is done. Trying to absorb as much information as possible before I pull out the suitcases to pack. 🤗

Try downloading the app and then scheduling shows, etc. It's a bit of a learning curve. A little different from Carnival and not quite as intuitive.

Have a backpack with wheels and a retractable handle. Soda in the backpack (or other necessities) and 2 bottles of wine in the side pockets with a bungee cord wrapped around. Gets lots of looks --- but works like a charm.

I had a similar solo rate for a Dec. four day cruise out of NOLA. Had to cancel before final payment so was only out the $100 deposit, but still disappointed. I haven't had any offers even close to that since then... and I look Often! Grab it if it fits your schedule. You won't see anything lower.

I received a casino offer email earlier today for Luminosa sailings in Australia. But when I clicked on it, it said "Oh Snap" no itineraries match your request. Now in looking at both Carnival.com and Carnival.au, only Splendor and Spirit are listed. No Carnival Luminosa in the ship list. Odd...

We haven't been supplied with the customs forms or asked to declare our purchases for the past few years (even pre-Covid). Multiple ports (NOLA, Port Canaveral, Port Everglades, Galveston, Miami) have face recognition passport/border control - sail (pardon the pun) right through. Didn't even have dogs sniffing bags at NOLA last month. Even an expensive watch purchase in April didn't trigger a duty inquiry. YMMV

(BTW - carry on whatever, when there's a crowd re-boarding at a port, place bags through the scanner and then just keep walking.)

4 hours ago, OrcaGirl said:

I'm taking this post-cruise excursion in late October and will report back if no one beats me to it.

Looking forward to your report back on this "excursion". My sister and I are signed up for this as well in December. Our flights are next morning, staying in a hotel close to the airport overnight and figured this was a good way to spend some time in LA. Haven't been there in years and she's never been. Hoping it's an interesting tour. Let us know!

20 hours ago, dlh015 said:

Log into the cruise planner , then right under Mange Reservation is a blue square box Plan My Cruise...click on it then scroll down to More To Explore...there is a slider under the pics...move it right to show Onboard Activities...Glass class is there...

Thank You! I found it! Your help is much appreciated. The Celebrity site is not the most intuitive or user friendly. Found it and signed up. Thanks again!