jchipgcs

I'm wondering if anyone has advice on the parkas for the polar regions.  Are they more US sizes or European (which run small).  And if I pick the wrong size, will they have extras in other sizes I could swap for?

3 hours ago, SAC52 said:

Hi, we are on this cruise & fly in to Venice on the 13th ( BA allowing). We have contacted our hotel re local pharmacies doing tests, there are several. Maybe contact you hotel, some pharmacies are not open Sat & Sun.

Safe travels!  We are going to test here in the US the morning of our flight on the 14th which will put us within the 3 day window.  Chip & Chris from Apollo Beach (Tampa), Florida.  What part of Venice are you staying in?  I'm not sure what the area is called but we're about a 3-4 minute walk to St. Marks Square.

7 minutes ago, tjcox9 said:

Just curious where you got the info on HAL dropping testing for most European itineraries as I've seen nothing other than the three test cruises on Rotterdam in July. On the website, it still lists testing as a requirement in Europe other than the three Rotterdam cruises. Perhaps I have missed something........

You are correct.  For now it's just Rotterdam.  Sorry I didn't go into greater details for what each line is doing specifically.  Things seem to be changing every couple of days.  

5 hours ago, cruiseej said:

Regent just announced they are dropping the requirement for a pre-boarding test, unless required by a local country. Perhaps other cruise lines will drop their testing requirements in the near future.

Viking dropped their requirement a couple of weeks ago.  HAL and NCL just announced dropping it from MOST European itineraries (not Greece).  It's predicated on the departure countries requirements.  But NCL and HAL won't take effect until August 1.  But yes, I think we're seeing a new trend.

I called Seabourn today.  The policy is anytime 3-days or less, not 72 hours from boarding time.  They previously had a 72 hours requirement but it was too cumbersome for guests to calculate out the time changes, specific boarding times so they dropped that.  So for now, as example, I verified that if you had a sailing date of July 17th, testing ANYTIME on the 14th or later will suffice.  

I'm going to give them a ring tomorrow to hear it from the horses mouth.  If I can get one in the US before departing that's my preference.  I'd rather know before I go all the way over for mental health's sake.  LOL  I hope it's "3 Days" so anytime 3 days out vs 72 Hours from embarkation.  Either way, I'll make it work!

For the 3-Day requirement on being Covid tested prior to embarkation is that ANYTIME 3 days before or is it a strict 72 hour before assigned embarkation.

For instance, our Embarkation is 2pm in Venice on July 17th.  We depart the USA at 6:30pm on July 14th. (3 Days Before Embarkation)  If I test the AM of July 14th here in the US, it would be LONGER than 72 hours from embarkation time but still considered "3-Days" prior.  

Any personal experiences on this?

I’m sitting in 14011A as we speak.  There’s a little wobble going on but nothing major.  Kind of relaxing in my opinion.  

23 minutes ago, marazul said:

Sorry guys, that cheap, tacky embroidered shirt is not a Cuban guayabera.  Real cuban guayaberas are dressy, semi-formal shirts that are never embroidered,  only pleated and made of fine Irish linen.  The dressier versions are traditionally white, but black linen is now a more modern look.  Short sleeves and cotton are a more casual version. But never, ever embroidered. (Those are Mexican and Central American variations.) And never silk in the tropics!

Here is what they should look like. 

https://ramonpuig.com/products/supreme-guayabera-long-sleeve-sizes-l

They've changed since the "original".  Today, Cuba's most famous maker of them, who live in Havana, makes short and long and the one he's personally wearing...has embroidery.  They use whatever fabric they can get their hands on as bolts of Irish Linen don't really flow into Cuba.  https://www.heraldextra.com/lifestyles/2011/jun/22/guayaberas-made-for-the-stars-by-havana-artisan/

1 hour ago, lincslady said:

Maybe because men's sandals are essentially casual in style, whereas women's vary from beach wear to very much evening wear?  Most women would certainly opt for a style suitable for the time of day and dress code.

I would be fully willing to bedazzle my man sandals with a few rhinestones.  LOL

4 minutes ago, LMB01 said:

I like you!

I could tell from your comments I liked you too.  Wait.  Are we bonding here?  LOL   Come on my sailing.  I might need backup.  😮

1 hour ago, SLSD said:

Florida, I think, shares a clothing aesthetic with Southern California---very casual.  I'm sure the silk shirts with embroidery are lovely.  They truly fit a particular (upscale) lifestyle in certain locales.  It's just a different way of dressing from what many are used to.  This is not a criticism.  I doubt that the staff on SB is going to turn you away from the MDR if you wear this--in fact, I know they won't.  It's just not what many SB guests picture as appropriate. That is my point.  Not meant to be insulting or snobby.  Just an observation.  We all have our perspectives--and unless SB is specific and stands behind their written dress code, there will be many variations.  

Thanks for the extra comments on that.  It's AOK with me that people have different aesthetics be they regionally or culturally influenced.  I just wanted to know if what I generally wear, that I am comfortable in would work.  If my Tommy Bahama shirt makes them clutch their pearls when I walk in the room.  Well.  I don't really care.  Now can we debate my open toed slide sandals?  🙂  🤷‍♂️

10 minutes ago, SLSD said:

Is this what you are talking about?  We've always called it a Mexican Wedding Shirt:  https://www.cubavera.com/products/camp-collar-embroidered-guayabera-white-cuws8060ds-115?variant=29783244734509&&rmatt=tsid:|cid:17305469486|agid:|tid:|crid:|nw:x|rnd:14927762466533408105|dvc:c|adp:|mt:|loc:1026855&gclid=CjwKCAjwkYGVBhArEiwA4sZLuCUhrMuPhLlOMI7etcJvlTNmb36lNYJX7WBfi9_UuNNV4NQnAPpP-hoCeqQQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

 

We are Texans, from a very warm climate.  We have seen these worn in very casual settings--usually worn by older men. 

 

I want to make it clear that I don't see this topic as a reason to attack each other or get into a snit.  It's just a difference of opinion that can be discussed.   I have never seen these shirts worn to a formal event.  If they are indeed worn, the event is not formal.  

 

Yes, that's a guayabera.  It originated in Cuba but it's popular in Mexico too.  The "Tommy Bahama" ones are an evolution of that called a camp shirt.  The nicer ones are generally silk and some with intricate embroidery.  I've picked up a few in the past, limited edition ones they put out that are quite expensive.  I'm in Florida, so we love them.  No we don't wear them to truly formal things but I tend to avoid truly formal things.  I've told my mother if she wants her funeral in a church that expects me in a suit, I'm not attending.  😇

Ha.  These replies.  Pontificators aside, thanks to those of you who offered sincere, friendly advice.

Thank you @rucrazy and @wesport.  My fears are calmed.  I can suck it up one night on Formal night but just wanted to be sure something "Tommy Bahama" styled would be ok on normal nights.  

On REGULAR dining days in ALL RESTAURANTS for dinner.  Would a guy like this be out of "compliance" dress code wise in any of the dining venues?  It's a summer, hot weather itinerary.  Note.  This is not a "formal night" question.  Just an average dinner night.  

2 hours ago, J18ktleo said:

Having sailed multiple times on all the Celebrity Ships, Azamara, RCCL and Princess with girlfriends the twin beds aren't an issue. 

The beds that split into an L are old school (I remember that on my first cruise in the 80's) and the fact they are limiting the upper cabin/suites to unseparatable beds relegates those of us not sailing with a partner/spouse into the lower catagory cabins and that's not a good marketing tool.

 

Oh, well, will watch for their changes moving forward as I'm sure they'll make quite a few 'tweaks'!

Many of the suites can accommodate 4 but it's with a pull out queen sofa bed.  Not all suites have the 4 guest option, some are only 2 guests.

33 minutes ago, J18ktleo said:

Thank you for this review!

Being a fan of Celebrity and Windstar as my top picks, we were ready to book on VV two weeks ago.  I have a group of 50-60 year old ladies and we sail every year together, thought this would be a fun change for us in 2024.

However, what I found very strange is that they said their beds don't separate?  Considering they market to 'bring your friends' this means everyone has to be a couple? 

We were all prepared to book Rockstar Suites but this along with the fact the deposits are non-refundable was worrisome.

Being from Vegas and enjoying the entertainment on a weekly basis the quality of the shows is all over the map for me, especially since Covid and I understand they have huge challenges with staff.

 

Thank you again for sharing!

They don't separate side by side like most lines but they move them into like an L shape.  See Image.  

Much of what you said resonates with me although I was a fan of the entertainment.  I don't like big production shows, especially when a cruise line tries to condense Cats into 45 minutes, for example.  I liked the raw, un-produced vibe of the VV entertainment from Dual Reality to the Fantom Folktales group singing up top while you lounge on a day bed.  We're all different in our tastes for sure but I found myself going out of my way to catch performances on VV instead of going out of my way to AVOID shows on mainstream lines.  Since you only caught Dual Reality in the Red Room, you probably didn't notice that that space transforms into a traditional theater setting too.  The seats move in a few different configurations.  Puddles the Clown was on our sailing last year and it was in traditional style for his shows.  Puddles for the record...was awesome.

Use Cruise Mapper.  https://www.cruisemapper.com/?imo=9804801

16 minutes ago, Saint Greg said:

Any ship protestors out there or have they given it up?

They have taken to Instagram to express their displeasure.

47 minutes ago, sid_9169 said:

It's cloudy out, but the pool is packed...

 

 

In comparison to what you see at the main pool on other cruise lines...this is dead.  

1 hour ago, cementhands said:

How about dancing opportunities? My wife loves Zumba and line dancing, I practice yoga daily too!
We love to eat well but gotta have the activities to burn it off.

thanks 🙏

I think Zumba would be too mainstream on Virgin.  They DO have a VHS 80's workout.  Think Jane Fonda, Richard Simmons and Olivia Newton-John's "Let's Get Physical" video.  All the instructors are in leg warmers, leotards and short shorts.  I've heard it's a blast.

34 minutes ago, johnnylikely said:

Just came off Princess. It's very interesting comparing. I can see why Virgin came up with the galley concept as the amount of wastage from the buffet is insane. Having said that it was really nice having an array of different dishes from day to day- I really enjoyed that. I can't bare the thought of the galley same ol again lol

I was so addicted to the noodle bowl I didn’t try much else. I didn’t discover the chorizo burrito till the last day which made me sad. So I have a lot more Galley fare to sample. 😂

1 hour ago, LATTELOVE said:

Definitely have to try Virgin Cruises.

Food looks amazing.

 

Is the food at Bimini all inclusive with the cruise?

Are there any other fees to use the facilities there?

Food is included at the Beach Club. Alcohol is additional and you could rent a cabana but there’s no need to.