LSEA

Hair mascara is a convenient option. Packaged like eye mascara but in shades that work well for most hair colors. In a pinch, when I notice a stray here or there, I have used regular old mascara too. But I think the products specifically for hair work better. Many options online and our local CVS carries some as well. Works well for fun, temporary highlights too.

How long is your cruise? Is it possible you could take a few days off from some of your supplements? A lot of the reading I have done on supplements suggested you should take a couple days off here and there. I take quite a few myself but when traveling for up to 7 days I pare it down a little. Less to squeeze into a daily organizer.

To be honest, I have no idea what I would have done. That leads me to the conclusion that I have no right judging your actions. It sounds like a sad and disgusting situation, and I am sorry you had to be involved in something like that.

I don't get it? Rural? Did the comedian mean like opposed to urban? If that is what it means then that generalization is far uglier than any outfit I have ever observed on a cruise ship.

What a fun read. Looking forward to following along.

Has anyone else noticed that the OP mentions they are only a couple of days away from sailing?

 

Even under early saver, doesn't it only give you price matches up to 2 days prior to the sail date?

 

The rate they are looking at is probably a last minute, take what cabin is left over, give-away price (great for those who live near the port and for whom vacation time isn't a problem).

 

And few people will be taking advantage of that price so it's not like she'll be surrounded by people paying half of what she did.

I was thinking the same thing. We once sailed with a large group who paid rock bottom prices. They were affiliated with a Senior's center in S. FL that monitored prices and members received notifications about very last minute cruises that retirees could take advantage of. They selected from what was left of the cabins. That's the way it goes.

My answer is no, don't be upset. You enjoyed a lovely cruise. Apparently you have enjoyed many if you are D+. You have adult children who enjoy traveling with you. You have a loving spouse. Considering all of this you have "wealth" beyond many's wildest dreams. Be grateful, move on.

Whether they tell you or not, teachers (my wife included) HATE kids getting pulled out of class for vacations. They are underpaid and their jobs hard enough already without having to worry about catching little Johnny up on missed work or the demands from parents that they put packets of work together ahead of time.

Last night I spoke with my SIL who has been teaching for 20+ years. She said she is happy that families take time to do memorable things together and never has a problem providing what the family needs. She explained to me that over the years she has figured out that kids who have an involved and active family are typically her best students in terms of behavior and achievement.

Thanks everyone for your responses!

 

My kids are not ill (knock on wood). My ped did fill a prescription for them just in case. Before you flame, please know they are not a practice that prescribes for a virus. I know many parents who bring a sick child to the doctor and are not happy unless they walk out with a prescription (even if it won't help). My ped won't do that and I would never ask.

 

Under the following circumstances, they gave the script:

 

Out of country and not certain of what would be available

Lots of strep going around

They know me. I know my kids symptoms. I always diagnose strep even when they don't think they have it. I bring so early.

 

Again, I have no intention of using this. We don't overuse antibiotics. Both of my kids had strep already this winter so I'm hoping whatever is going around they have immunity too.

 

Thanks again!

Sounds like you have a good relationship with your Ped. and are good to go! I'm like you, very cautious about overusing antibiotics, but have a relationship of respect with our pediatrician and have accepted several "just in case" prescriptions. Almost all have gone unused but I appreciate his trust. Hope your family enjoys a great cruise!

I lock only to prevent accidental opening of the bag and the contents spilling out. Locking to prevent theft seems, to me, pointless as most all bags can be opened in a matter of seconds, lock or not. I keep all valuables in my possession.

We were in Miami during the music festival. Did you enjoy? Attendees we spoke to said it was terrific, although they were disappointed that a performer they were looking forward to had to cancel. Horrific about the guard getting trampled. Sounds like some pretty serious injuries. Looking forward to the cruise review!!

Daughter and I cruise occasionally without husband and son. I always take the notarized letter. Have only been asked for it one time. Glad I had it.

Once in a very rare while we will play slots. I would say the biggest winner in the HAL casino is HAL. It sure would be exciting to win though. But not likely given how seldom we gamble. I think about winning the lotto, but then realize I actually need to buy a ticket sometime to win.

OK, at this point I think that gkbiiii is not being serious and just enjoying the attention this thread is getting.

ConSTILation... because we were STILL in the water...

 

give me a break! we all know that the lines give ASTRONOMICAL discounts to fill rooms the last few days before a cruise... folks (like my family) can't just drop kids and jobs and other commitments to take advantage of a discounted cruise on a whim... we book a year in advance and pay full price.... they could give us some sort of incentive to try a "do-over" cruise... they do it every day! so some were not impacted by staying in KeyWest and not traveling to MX? AWESOME! they can forego their incentive.... something tells me though, that all of those saying they aren't owed anything would be the very first in line to get that "gift" if offered!

 

two words: mechanical neglect! we're not talking about weather, civil unrest, oil spill, etc...

how convenient that we were scooted to a naval pier.... press can't get to ship to document...

 

 

lastly, not beating a dead horse... OP states that they went thru proper channels to express dissatisfaction... as did many others - including myself... to no avail! this social medium is protected by free speech (within reason)... some feel it is the only platform from which to possibly be heard... amazing how posts magically disappear from Celebrity facebook page... emails never get answered... phone calls are placed on hold/ignored...

The red emphasis on the text above was added by me. Am I missing something? I see in your signature you are scheduled to be on the Connie in December.

I am not unsympathetic to your disappointment. I will say though that after becoming a more frequent cruiser, I realized just how different it is from a land based vacation, with a whole different list of "what if's". Missing ports happens. The most we have ever gotten was a free glass of champagne with dinner. And I'm no champagne snob (well, maybe a little) but that glass of bubbly couldn't have cost X more than a few cents! Of course we were refunded our port fees but that isn't really compensation.

I

I don't see why there is so much negativity about this man, he seems quite successful in his profession. /QUOTE]

 

By all means, have this fellow represent you. Please come back and let us know how it worked out.

 

I probably missed this info buried in the thread, but what would you consider reasonable compensation?

Super photos. Thanks for sharing.

I really don't understand your logic...a clothing optional charter belongs just as much as any other charter, whether it be bikers, church ladies, gays, or jazz aficionados! HAL is a business, and as a stockholder, I'm glad they book the occasional very lucrative charter. Just because something isn't part of my lifestyle, I don't think I have the right to judge those who have an alternate lifestyle or enjoy different things.

Excellent point from a stockholder point of view. From all reports the passengers on this sailing are everyday folks just like me except they like to sit around the pool sans clothing. It's not for me, I'm too modest and I like clothes too much, but live and let live, no one is being harmed.

When you remove the automatic gratuities your room steward may become angry. When your room steward becomes angry, he may think of ways to get even with you. When he thinks of ways to get even with you he may become creative. When he gets creative, he may see your toothbrush as a good thing to clean the toilet with. When you use your tooth brush that was used to clean the toilet, you get a potty mouth. Don't get a potty mouth, leave your prepaid/automatic tips alone :D !

Not sure that's accurate (maybe though) but it sure is funny.

you can have the best of both worlds...

 

ASSUME that they will give you great service. Leave the auto tips there. IF they did not earn your tips in your opinion, you can remove them or alter them on the last day.

 

This way you are still tipping for good service and have the option to fix it on bad service. (kinda like a money back guarantee. if they dont produce, you get your money back).

 

and this way if you get good service, you have to do nothing about it.

 

Just my opinion

 

Excellent post. Editing to add though that I think it is very rare that service is so bad auto grats need to be reduced. If a passenger has a bad experience or bad service, speak to someone higher up in the chain of authority, they almost always remedy the situation with another crew member who will provide excellent service.

Absolutely tragic. My thoughts are with both families. And the emergency response team from the Breakaway. I'm sure it is a deeply emotional time for them as well, some perhaps parents and missing their own children a little more right now.

" Do the cabin windows open?"

Confession time. I think I wondered this aloud before our first cruise.

I did it!!!!!! deck 7 room 7353....I'm soooo excited..never had a balcony..this is our 3rd cruise!!!!!I hope it is on the right side to see the ports in the mornings, but if not, no big deal...BTW, the 35' extra is the balcony space...duh..lol

Great! $200 is a nice way to try out a balcony. You will enjoy it... how much? Now you will find out and can book accordingly in the future. I was worried though, I was reading through this thread thinking oh no! I hope it isn't gone by the time she calls back.

Bring this thread back after your cruise and let us know what you thought!

I checked my VIFP offers a few days ago. Carnival has called me / left vm / emailed once on Saturday, once yesterday and twice today.

I applaud these actions. I don't want to be cruising (with my daughter, mind you) with known"sex offenders" of any kind, or any other convicted criminals deemed by the government to be unworthy of cruise passage. You commit the crime, you do the time, and you suffer the additional consequences of those crimes. Just because you've served your sentence doesn't mean society welcomes you back with open arms.

Yes, but in reference to the sentence I underlined, please remember you very well may be sailing with an "unknown sex offender" so don't feel like you can let your guard completely down. Cruise ships are no different than any other place where large numbers of people gather. There might be some bad people who just haven't gotten caught yet.