mrp4352

Make sure you're not over or under Boleros. I was over them on my cruise and I could understand the words of the songs in my stateroom.  I will say, the band was great!  But it was too loud in my stateroom.  Loved the Empress and am looking forward to sailing on her next year!

3 hours ago, Merion_Mom said:

From one experience on the Enchantment, never book a cabin directly under Boleros. 😳

And I would echo with, never book a cabin directly over Boleros, either.  And after that experience, it goes hand in hand with my, never book an inside gty stateroom again, rule!  That said - the sound quality of the amplification system in Boleros is impressive! :-) 

We did this in January and did not get any souvenir items.  I have to admit, we laughed when we booked it - we're from Texas and know how to make guac.  However, the food/beverage inclusions made this a less expensive option to full dinner at Sabor.  We had a great time - enjoyed the food and drinks!

Hi! From what I've been able to piece together, the private journey is more expensive, but I'll get a more personalized tour experience.  Although with the private car, that still does allow for some personalization on the tour.  I think I'm going to have to really chew on this...

Sure!

Here’s the Private Journeys link: http://www.royalcaribbean.com/privatejourneys/request/

And here’s the details from the private car excursion through Royal: 

HIGHLIGHTS

• Customized Guided Tour: Choose your own itinerary and explore the city on a private small-group tour alongside an English-speaking guide. 
• Independent Exploration: Visit distinguished museums, see stunning Russian Orthodox cathedrals, shop for souvenirs, or enjoy a tasty lunch (time permitting).
• Private Escort: Sightsee around the city as you ride in the comfort of a private vehicle.

Thanks!

Hello!

I’ve been researching excursions and have found both private car/van excursions on the cruise planner and a separate link to Private Journeys, which honestly sounds like the same thing as the excursions.  Can someone help me understand the difference between them? If it helps, I’m looking to use one or the other in St Petersburg next year.

Thanks!

Michelle

Enjoying the blog! I'm taking a Baltic on Jewel next year and really enjoying the insights!

1 hour ago, Merion_Mom said:

I just received an email from RC telling me that they are cancelling Bar Harbor on my Canada/New England cruise.  Instead, we are getting two days in Portland.  Um.........they are a couple of hours apart BY CAR - surely we could have one day in Bar Harbor and one day in Portland without otherwise upsetting the schedule?!?!?!?

 

Without knowing when you're going, the issue may be caused by Bar Harbor being a tender port...

We did the Mexican Cooking, Tasting and Beach Break in January and it is hands-down the best excursion I've taken in the Caribbean! The staff is fantastic, we cooked a delicious 3-course meal and the beach was beautiful (although a bit crowded). 

Try to ride Northstar at Sunset - SPECTACULAR views!!

Ship - Anthem

Deck - 9 

Stateroom # - 9510

Stateroom Category – Specious Ocean View

Starboard or Port Side - Starboard

Quiet Stateroom? (With comments on problems) – Yes!

Was stateroom a connecting stateroom? - No

Balcony View - Give comments on view, noting if location of any obstructions was an issue. – N/X

Balcony Size? Normal or oversized for class? -

Was wind a problem? -

If an aft cabin, was soot a problem? -N/A

Any specific problems with this cabin? - No, although some might have an issue with the shaking caused by the thrusters when docking/undocking

Any other comments? - This is a wonderful, oversized stateroom with lots of storage!  We figured out that the small table under the mirror was movable and placed it in the porthole so we could enjoy playing games and have a spectacular view.  I would take this stateroom over a balcony room - especially in a scenery intensive itinerary.  

Thanks! I was just coming back to provide that link, too (which I also provided to my TA since she sent me the form to fax in originally....)

Thanks!

I faxed my paperwork in on the 2nd and haven't heard anything. Am I not being patient enough?

Thanks!

Michelle

I enjoyed the Empress last year. My big issue was the room placement - it just reminded me that I really do care about my room placement and guarantee isn't always worth the savings. The staff was lovely and I enjoyed the ship!

I booked that room for next year. I didn't find any reviews - but there are a couple of good reviews of 9110 here on Cruise Critic - it's the mirror cabin on the other corner. Hope this helps!

Check your cruise personalizer regularly - the all-inclusive photo package will sometimes go on sale. For my Emerald cruise (the May 13th r/t out of Vancouver) I was able to snag the all-inclusive photo package prior to the cruise for about $100; much less than the on-board price.

I hope they have the Creme Anglaise gelato for you! WOW!!

May I ask when you are cruising?

Thank you! We're cruising the Emerald Princess this May after being priced out of Disney. I've tried NCL and Royal, but they haven't been the right fit. You've given me hope that we may have found our new go-to line!

Thanks Gotta Cruise Again! I just purchased my photo package at the $99 price!

We are going on the Emerald in May - we will be going to both Sitka and Glacier Bay.

Sitka was the sole reason behind our choice to cruise the Emerald in May! I love that port!

I ask for lime in my non-Coke beverages. It adds another flavor that makes it work for me.

I haven't done it through Princess, but I did the same excursion through Disney twice. It's a must do for our cruise next year. The flight is spectacular and you're pretty much guaranteed a bear sighting. The food is really good and the short hike that's available is easy and fun.

After having sailed both on different cruises, we found Endicott Arm to be the more lovely of the two, in part because we were able to get closer to the glacier. (although both are gorgeous) Also, the naturalist on board (DCL) commented that it was his preferred trip, too.

Thank you!!