RoperDK

We really enjoy Coastal Kitchen. We enjoy the atmosphere and views. It is relaxing and beats the heck out of the crowds at other venues on the ship. Our favorite dinner menus are on the filet, lobster and rack of lamb, and veal chop nights. We pop in for either breakfast or lunch most days, also. Specialty dining is a step up in quality, but we just can't eat that much day in and day out. If we cruised more often, perhaps we would get bored with the menus.

I am very sorry for your loss of Jiko.

Capt. Johnny was on our Harmony cruise last week. He told us he would still be there on our next Harmony cruise at the end of September.

FWIW....I prefer the older coffee makers in the suites. I like plain old coffee. You can't make that with these coffee makers. If you like espresso, I guess it is fine. I guess I'm not up to date. Just give me an American cup of coffee with creamer. Very strong coffee doesn't settle well with me. I know people love them, but they just take up counter space for us. Signed, Grumpy Old Fart 😁

Cruising on Harmony 2 times in the next couple of months, both times in full suites. We give a cash tip for all free drinks in the suites lounge, also leave a cash tip after each meal, and tip the concierge at the end of the cruise. Am I missing someone? What about the host/hostess at Coastal Kitchen? I tip the concierge according to service rendered. Always something, but more if they have gone out of their way to help with something. TIA

How are the rooms at the Garden Inn? The property looks nice, but the rooms look small. Do the rooms have a frig and microwave? We are Hilton Diamond members, so usually book with points. We usually stay at the Home2Suites, but want to try a hotel with an on-site restaurant next time.

What if I get caught in the rain? Is the scooter able to get wet?

I am awaiting surgery and using a scooter. Haven't been to St. Martin since the hurricane and covid. Is there a place to get a good lunch and drink at the port? Also, if I don't want to take my scooter, is there a tram at the ship to get me to the port area? TIA

Thanks so much. We are looking for a good bushwacker. I know I can't make it up to Paradise Point right now. Can I get one at Island Flavor? The food looks amazing!

I am having hip replacement after our cruise and decided to rent a scooter. I was just going to stay on the ship, but thought what the heck, why not go exploring. What is near the ship in Crown Bay and is it easy to get around with a scooter? I was curious about Tickles. Would like to have lunch and a drink somewhere. Would it be accessible with a scooter? If I tried to walk there, how far would it be? TIA

Might I ask...which ship?

Our ship docks at Crown Bay.

Having my hip replaced after the cruise and am renting a scooter for the first time. I was just going to stay on the ship, but am wondering how easy it is to use a scooter at the ports. I am not looking to do an excursion, just get some fresh air and maybe lunch and a drink. It appears there is a marina and restaurant nearby in St. Thomas. How scooter friendly is it to get there? Is there anything interesting in St. Martin that is scooter friendly at the dock area? BTW...what happens if it rains on your scooter? 😧 Any suggestions are appreciated.

Is this the suite area buffet? It used to have seafood, lamb, and lots of goodies!

This! When I was on Mardi Gras last fall, they had one guy at the deli during lunch. The line was crazy long with grumpy, hungry cruisers. A plus was that the sandwiches were pre-made. All the worker had to do was heat or serve the sandwiches. He was beyond overwhelmed. Another worker would have made the difference. There were multiple microwaves to heat sandwiches. The result was that I ended up with a half heated soggy Rueben after waiting for 30 minutes. I gave it a pass....covid, staffing, etc. On other ships pre-covid, the deli worked like a machine. It was amazing what they could crank out, and with hot fries to boot. I also don't understand the pizza situation. Several years ago, they had much more variety of pizza (remember the goat cheese and mushroom?!) You didn't have to wait long and hot pies were always cranking out during prime time. I doubt the oven quantity was reduced. Was it staffing or just a plan to make people deal with less and just like it or move on? Why would a company offer more than it needs too? It is a fine line and a lot of people with calculators and degrees are striving to find the right mix. I do miss Carnival of about 5 years or so ago. I definitely miss the goat cheese and mushroom pizza!!!

Yes, Carnival markets to younger families and singles. They have Princess and Hal for the older up market crowd. It is a progression. We are an outlier though. We enjoy Guys and Shag's more than tea time. I enjoy watching people having fun and lots of activities even though I don't participate much anymore. We tried Princess several times and found it more upscale but boring. We have had many enjoyable cruises on Carnival, but for right now, Royal is our go to cruise line. We will check back with Carnival now and then and hopefully will continue to cruise with them. They really are the fun ships!

We've done 25 Carnival cruises in the last 22 years. We have seen many changes over the years. I always try to find a balance between value and amenities. The lido free lunch venues are a positive. Other than that, not much. We have one more Carnival cruise on the Mardi Gras to get our milestone bonus OBC. We were on Mardi Gras last fall. It was a disappointment. Because the ship was such a departure from other ship designs, I am willing to give it another try. I feel Carnival will have appeal to families looking for an inexpensive vacation or others looking for a quick cheap getaway. We don't fit that mold anymore and have enjoyed other cruise lines recently. It is time for us to move on. I do hope that Carnival doesn't go too far. Time will tell.

This is why I tote lysol and clorox wipes! I have a big fear of the dreaded norovirus. I also wash my hands everytime we come back to the cabin and rarely pass a washy washy sink or hand sanitizer station without using it onboard. We went with a large group of friends on a camping trip once. Noro went through the campground. Let me tell you....it wasn't pretty! 😨

I was hoping for testing to go away for longer cruises. Bummer. We are vaxed and boosted and going out of PC so no difference there for us. Wonder why only a few ports allowing unvaxed? Testing the waters?

Yes, you can. Lysol spray is our travel pal. Also, take a "to go" pack of clorox wipes. We've done that for years.

We don't eat at Windjammer every day and will eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner there at some point over a cruise. I feel that newer ships have better choices and quality overall. Breakfast is pretty standard. I usually get an omelet and bacon 😁and am not disappointed. I like that there are always steamed or sauteed veggie offerings at lunch and dinner. I can't eat raw veggies anymore, so my beloved salad bar is out. 😔 My absolute favorite Windjammer offering is....mashed potatoes and gravy! Go figure. It is consistently good. Odd thing is that I don't eat them very often at home.

Hope you have a great cruise! We are on Harmony in a couple of weeks. I noticed that the free evening drinks go until 8. I thought it ended at 7. Can you still get a free drink if you are eating at CK before 8 or do you have to be sitting in the suite lounge portion of the room?

I think that most cruise lines are experiencing staffing shortages and supply issues post Covid. I know Carnival has really pushed the envelope with only once a day cabin service and bartenders and service staff exhausted and overwhelmed. One bartender at a busy bar just doesn't work. One guy making late night pizza with a long line doesn't work. Changing MDR steak night to hamburger steak night doesn't work. My Royal cruises have been better, but we were in suites and there were still signs of things being off. I feel that we are all willing to give a little, expecting that the cruise lines are just starting back up and there are numerous logistic issues to deal with. However, my biggest fear is that things won't go back to normal and we will be expected to deal with these service issues and lesser quality food along with increased prices. Carnival has been edging this way for several years. They lost me as a customer. I hope Royal steps back up when they have the opportunity.

Oasis of The Seas in Oct. 2015. Seven day Western cruise out of Port Canaveral. We weren't new to cruising, our first cruise was in Oct. 1998. We had cruised on several different lines in all different types of ship. It wasn't our first mega ship either, but when we first boarded and walked into the Royal Promenade, all we could say was Wow!!! It truly was a floating resort.

I think that shorts and clean shirt along with sandals are quite acceptable nowadays. It is what it is. My husband has dressed down over time from dockers, polos and loafers to nice golf shorts, polos, and sneakers. No problem so far, even though I would prefer long pants. A grey goose cosmo is my go to drink and they are available at any bar. Enjoy!