scottie99

Interesting, we bid considerably more than the minimum for several suites but we’re unsuccessful. We also got reciprocal benefits by being RCCL Diamond Plus, but paid in full via TA. As it turned out, we were more than happy with our XL Asda Terrace, 14326A, very quiet and a super attendant

We dined at the Wake on Friday. Service was slow and my food, steak, potato, mushrooms all arrived lukewarm. As we had waited so long, I didn’t send it back. That night, getting back to our cabin, I completed the short survey sent via the App and mentioned these things. I was amazed next night when we were sitting in Pink Agave that a restaurant manager approached us, confirmed our cabin number and proceeded to discuss our comments on the previous evening. They had obviously gone to some trouble to seek us out. She invited us back to the Wake but that didn’t work well us visiting Gunbae last night

As OP, to conclude “Saltgate”, we have found salt on the table on about 30% of venues, and the Dock the only place that couldn’t get it easily. We had a lovely day in Toulon yesterday, just walking around and lunching in a waterside restaurant. Dinner was in Razzle Dazzle and we thought the lamb was very good. We are currently in Marina de Carrara and decided to stay on the ship and chill. We would have liked to visit Cinque Terra but it was an 8 hour trip involving buses and ferries. We thought that was too long. The age demographic on the ship is not as young as we expected. The ship itself looks amazing, the staff outstanding. Every time you engage with them, they burst into a smile. The jury is still out on the entertainment though. We kinda miss the production shows that other lines provide. Also I wonder why they pitch their shops so high end. It would be interesting to know when they last sold a $16.5K pre owned Rolex. Happy to answer any questions.

We boarded Valiant Lady yesterday in Barcelona. Being Deep Blue from RCCL diamond plus meant from getting out of taxi took less than 20mins. Our upgrade bids had not been accepted so we are in XL Sea Terrace on deck 14. Cabin is very quiet. Room Steward is extremely pleasant and helpful. One of our cases did not arrive, so I messaged through the App and was asked to attend Guest Services. I was asked about alcohol in my bag. I explained I had only one bottle of wine. The attendant asked me to open my case to show him which I did. He apologised and all was good. As I discussed before, we were concerned about the firmness of the bed. Through the App, again I requested mattress topper. The cabin steward attended in minutes, explained he did not have any but put 2 quilts under the bed sheet which helped slightly. We had lunch in the Dock and then dinner in Extra Virgin. My wife’s sea bass was excellent, my medium steak was ok but not warm enough. We asked for salt in the Wake only to be told none was available. The server did offer to go to the kitchen to get some but we declined. Again in Extra Virgin there was no salt or pepper on the table and we had to request them. We must be Philistines asking for a little salt on our food these days! We enjoyed the Misbehave Show. It is certainly different to any previous cruise show!

Just on board. We have dinner reservations but want to see above show. Can you attend show only? Or if you book, is your restaurant reservation automatically cancelled or do you do that separately?

I have an upgrade bid pending but asked how much if I paid for the upgrade. They quoted £8500 pounds!

I called Virgin to ask if we could reserve a topper only to be told they don’t do them at all!

Just watched a review video on You Tube and they mentioned how incredibly hard the mattresses were. They said a mattress topper was absolutely essentially and, even at that only helped a little. Are they really so firm?

What are the timings of the health declaration? Do we have to wait to 24 hours before departure? We fly out to Barcelona at 11am on day prior to cruise and I wondered if we can do it at say, 8am before we leave home.

Please excuse me, we are only a week away and mind working overtime. I have booked my dining ( not totally happy with times) but not any shows. I take it we do that on board? Is that something we have to do quickly on boarding or can we do it at leisure? Any tips/advice would be gratefully appreciated

Will Scarlet Night be relevant to us, a senior, young at heart couple? What is it all about? Is it a dance party on deck? Does everyone get involved or are there other activities at the same time? And the dress code, is it anything 100 % scarlet? What is suitable?

Now today, I can’t access the app at all. I have tried on phone and iPad, but no joy

It just occurred to me ( and after 50+ cruises, it should have previously!) that our TA have not sent us tags for getting bags to cabin. Have I missed an option on the App to print these? Thanks

We are in XL Sea Terrace a week on Su (24th) Will the cabin steward set up the bed as singles if requested?

My wife doesn’t have the App ( she doesn’t really embrace modern technology!) I have tried to find how to do her health declaration on my App but can’t find how/where to do this. Can anyone guide me?

I have had trouble logging into the app all day. I got in at one point this morning but tonight it’s saying there is a problem. Anyone having similar problems?

Please excuse the questions but as cruise gets nearer, my mind is active. I realise tips are included in the fare, but do you still tip ? I am thinking cabin stewards, room service, waiting staff, casino staff. I have been on quite a few “ tips included “ lines eg Regent, Azamara , even RCL when I have prepaid tips, and I have found tips are always accepted, and sometimes expected.

Off on our first VV cruise on Valiant, 2 weeks tomorrow. We seem to qualify for Deep Blue Extras because of our Diamond Plus status with RCL. Am I reading correctly that we qualify for free Moët and Chandon for first “Shake for Champagne “ order? Surely I’m mistaken, that’s too good to be true!

We are on Valiant Lady in the Med in 2 weeks time. Do the guys widely wear shorts at dinner each night? ( from a older guy, more used to NCL, RCCL etc!)

We received the offer to bid on upgrades about 2 months ago for Valiant Lady on 24 September which we duly did. Have heard nothing since. Is that bad news? Or is there still a chance of success? Thanks

We are in 14326A. In 3 weeks time You now have me worried

Anyone else get the upgrade bid offer invite on above sailing? Did you bid?

Walter, Thank you so much for taking the time to write such a detailed reply. Such great advice which I will certainly follow. I have booked a different restaurant for 6 nights with a repeat at Extra Virgin. ( maybe change that to Razzle Dazzle! So many booking slots were full ,the choice was mostly 18.30 or 20.30. I have opted for earlier slot in most instances. As an aside, we came off a Rhine river cruise on Sunday last,- never been so bored in my life, so looking forward to some fun on VV.

Our restaurants are available to book from tomorrow for our Valiant Lady cruise on 24 September. We are seniors but enjoy a bit of entertainment. Is there a time that would be best recommended for booking restaurants that would allow us to experience a reasonable amount of entertainment? Experienced cruisers, first time VV. Any restaurant recommendations very appreciated. ( or any tips) thanks Matt

Thanks for insight. However, I watched a you tube video showing same cabin on Scarlet Lady which shows a hammock. Absence of noise from night club etc is much more important to us though