Lori Dobson

Hrllo All,

For anyone who recently sailed the Volendam, is the Thalasso pool in the thermal suite an actual pool or just a hot tub? I know you can book access to the thermal suite for the entire cruise but I have tried to look it up without sucess on the HAL website - can you book this in advance or do you have to wait until you get on-board? Many thanks for your insights!

Hello Fellow CC Members,

Looking for advice from cruises who have recently visited Russia. We have a 3 day excursion booked - if you went on an excursion, how did you tip? In Dollars, Eruros, or Rubles? How much did you tip - a percentage of the tour price, or a specific amount per day? Thanks for the help!

LOL! :loudcry:

I had a similar experience during a secondary screen flying home from Rome last year. The guy spent enough time "down there" that I wondered if I should give him my phone number.

I mean, I'm flattered but it's not a weapon!

Hey, you might have been hiding an AK-47 in there... :');p

Of all the security checks I have been through, the one that stands out the most is the big German woman (i forget which airport) who selected me for "extra" screening. She took her time about it - and there was lots of squeezing. In my upper region (I'm a C/D cup). And the smile on her face while she did it.

I should have been offerred a cigarette afterwards.

On a recent cruise on O out of Venice, we took our bags over to the port at about 9AM and checked them in - went out for the next several hours and enjoyed Venice - went back and boarded at about 4PM (lovely, not another person waiting!) and got a snack at the Terrace Grill before we went out for sail away. Doing another cruise out of Stockholm in September and plan on doing the same thing.

Helplessly hoping her harlequin hovers nearby

Awaiting a word

Gasping at glimpses of gentle true spirit he runs

Wishing he could fly

Only to trip at the sound of goodbye

 

Wordlessly watching he waits by the window and wonders

At the empty place inside

Heartlessly helping himself to her bad dreams he worries

Did he hear a good-bye?

Or even hello?

Love that song....

Just as an FYI, there is a huge difference between you voluntarily viewing those types of things and being forcefully subjected to them against your will. Just thought you might like to know.

Oh, I wish CC had a "like" button....

Not really the "Worst" but comical - when visiting the Sistine Chapel inside the Vatican in Rome, they tell you Numerous times NO PHOTOS allowed in the Chapel - there are signs everywhere, too. I was sitting on the bench against the wall of the room just gazing in awe at the ceiling while this idiot woman and her camera were right in front of me, just clicking away. I whispered to her... "Ma'am - they do not allow you to take photos in here". She said back to me - and I am NOT making this up... "Oh, it's OK, I'm not Catholic".

I know what you mean. Just booked a cruise on HAL for January, Singapore to Hong Kong - price for an Ocean view, air included, for 2 people is $4,742. The exact same O cruise at the same time would be $14,598. I love O - I am booked with them for a Baltic cruise in September - and wish I could cruise on them exclusively but my travel funds won't allow it. I know the product O offers is much better but .... at least I will see the same places! My TA told me it's like comparing apples and oranges and in some ways she is right - but I just can't justify (or afford) an additional $10K.

Thanks very much everyone for the replies. I will just get them on the ship - seems the most convenient and cost effective way. Sincerely appreciate everyone taking the time to assist me.

Hello Fellow CC'ers,

Just booked a January 2018 cruise on the Volendam and two countries it visits on the itinerary - Cambodia and Vietnam - require Visas for US Citizens. Wondering what everyone else's experience is with this - I think I have read somewhere that you can obtain the Visas on the ship for both countries or you can obtain them yourself pre-cruise - has anyone had experience with this and can give me some idea about which is the better way to go cost wise?

Thanks in advance for any assistance.

Yes for leaving the ship in Lima.... however, your planning the trip to Cuso.... like every one else, dealing wit a day lay over and 11K elevation..... but wait there is a much better plan cheaper and healthier. Fly to Cuso....but take the 30 min cab to Olantambo 4000 ft lower at 6000..... there the train runs every 2 hours to Agua Calente which has good hotels no altitude problem. Not staying in Cuso ! :o Now by 3pm you will be at the foot of Machu Pichu... buy your tickets for the first bus up the mountain, to watch the dawn with about 30 people. ( Later at 10 am the train shows up from Cuso with 200+) Relax linger toe full day and explore after the Cuso people leave at 2pm, you will have the place to your self, watch the sunset and take the bus down the mt to your hotel... Next morning take the train to Olantambo and Taxi back to airport... :D This gives you 8-9 hours at Machu Pichu rather than 3-4.... Avoids the altitude and is cheaper. If you really want to see cuso... you can take a cab from the airport on your return...( its no garden spot) Better to enjoy what you came for...Machu Pichu instead of spending 2 days in Cuso waiting to get there.;p

I respectfully disagree. We spent 3 days in Cusco and loved it - it is a charming town with lots to see - beautiful churches, great restaurants and a fantastic market. We took the train to Agua Calente in the morning, spent the day at M.P. and also got to explore the market and took the train back that evening. Cusco is definitely worth seeing in its own right.

Why must everything be for everybody? Would you send vegetarian friends to a steakhouse because the fries, onion rings and desserts were good? :confused:

 

There is so much wonderful food available on Oceania that it is silly to make an issue of this.

 

People who don't like French food skip Jacques, those that dislike Asian take a pass on Red Ginger. That is what choice is about.

 

In La Reserve, the focus is on wine, so if wine is not your thing, skip it, and graciously leave that place open for someone who will enjoy the complete experience.

*Note* La Reserve only holds 48 per evening, and isn't open every night. Reservations are VERY limited.

Would you deny someone colorblind or without a sense of smell the sight of a large field of colorful, fragrant flowers? Is not everyone entitled to this experience, even if they would not enjoy one small part of it to the full extent of someone else? Pinotlover's original reply to me: keepthe seat open for other cruisers that enjoy such venues. This to me is telling me I should not have the opportunity to be there since I am not a wine fanatic. If I took offense, that is my opinion and my right to do so.

Peace! I wish no quarrel with anyone. You are correct, this is what choice is all about - and I should have the same choice and not made to feel as if I should not just because of a lack of wine fanaticism. I want to enjoy my vacation and wish the same joy to all of you.

sorry I will disagree with you here

if someone likes the food menu & is willing to pay the fee then I say go for it

 

 

If I was on Lori's cruise I would join her she can have my food except dessert ;) & I will drink her wine

 

to each his own

 

 

I will leave the Martinis to you & Stan :halo:

Thanks so much for your understanding.

I did a solo river cruise last year on Viking (Budapest to Passau) and absolutely loved it. Made friends with everyone I met and hung out with several of them in port. Viking sends me print ads - seemingly every other day - and I got one that had a really low single supplement, which is why I was able to go. With sailings that they are having trouble filling the ship, this will sometime be the case - so keep an eye on the mailings you get or have your TA scout out some good solo deals for you. I have my TA on the lookout for another river or ocean cruise for me when she spots one. Happy sailing! :)

Especially if you can manage to book it with non refundable OBC that you otherwise might not know how to spend, This won't be easy as you would have to book it onboard and usually LR is sold out by then - but you never know.

I thought of that too - great idea. We do have the OBC so I will see if there are any spots left when we get onboard. I really love some of the menu choices although some think I am not worthy of taking the spaces since I am not a wine connoisseur...

If you want to go & enjoy the food just pay the fee and enjoy

 

I have heard of non drinkers going & enjoying the different menus

 

 

Lyn

Thank you Lyn.

Lori;

 

The venue is about pairing wines and food. Even though the food is excellent, I would advise you to save your money and keep the seat open for other cruisers that enjoy such venues. You will be served maybe one dessert wine, such as your Moscato. Most of the wines are dry reds and dry whites.

Well, it is a shame that I can't just go for the excellent food and just sip at the wine - I should definitely give up the seats I might use for someone more worthy of appreciating different fine wines. :rolleyes: Thanks for setting me straight.

I cruised on the Marina about 2 years ago and did not get to experience La Reserve - although I am sailing on her in September 2017 and wanted to try La Reserve, I have seen two people now refer to La Reserve as a "wine venue" and not a restaurant, per se. My husband and I are not serious drinkers and even less educated about wine - I have about 1 glass a month, if that - and I do not enjoy many different wines (I like moscato, for the most part). I do, however, really enjoy a good meal! Would going to La Reserve be a waste of time for us?

Just befriend someone in a fancy suite, get an invitation to their place for pre-dinner cocktails, and steal their towels.

So simple.

:') Love it! :')

Had an extended aft a few years ago, on the Splendor, I think - we had a CC cabin crawl and fit about 20 people out there with no problem. Loved it! :)

Not totally a pre-cruise ritual, but I always touch the outside of the ship the first time I walk onto it. I do the same with planes when I am boarding.

Same thing here! :D

LOL I've seen plenty of heavy petting on Serenity deck at night and years ago on the Miracle my cousin and I were walking around on one of the top decks at night and saw a couple in the ACT on a lounger out in the open and in front of the windows of the gym (it was closed though). It happens!! Not that big of a deal and it never bothered me. I just keep it moving!! We're all on vacation. *shrug* And I've never heard of security stepping in and detaining anyone because they were getting busy. I'd think if anything that just provides entertainment for them on the cameras. LOL

I think If I came across someone on an open public deck "in the act", I'd be tempted to stand there and loudly critique their performance. Maybe call out for a waiter to bring me popcorn and a drink. :evilsmile:

We have been on Carnival several times, Holland America, and Celebrity and enjoyed them all very much. Just did a cruise on Oceana for the first time last year and really loved it - some differences were :

Smaller ship which means a smaller passenger count, much easier/quicker to get on and off the ship.

No lines at buffet and much smaller crowds anywhere in general. People seemed more relaxed - no cutting in line at the buffet or taking huge, heaped plates of food and leaving most of it on the table.

Specialty restaurants were fabulous and didn't cost extra.

Biggest differences - and to me - the best: No one constantly trying to take your picture or sell you something, relaxed atmosphere all around, casual dress code for the entire cruise, great European itineraries.

Having said that, I still love Carnival and will happily cruise with them in the future.

Be very careful buying jewelry on any cruise. I bought a rather expensive piece from one of the on-board shops on a cruise - got all the "guarantee that it will appraise for double" and all that jazz from the ship. Got it appraised when I got back home and they said it was far less valuable than the price I bought it for. Tried to get my guarantee enforced - next thing I know, the guy who appraised it when I got back called me and told me he was "mistaken" and "didn't take into account the quality of the workmanship" or some such bull. Did the cruise line call him and strong-arm him or something? Who knows. Moral of the story - shop with your eyes open. Buy it if you love it but don't expect the "guarantee" to be real or enforceable - and you just might be paying too much.