mek

It just amazes me that people don't know how to handle a situation where they're not happy with something like this. A simple, "It's been very nice chatting with you, but now we would like some private time" should do the trick and if not, then speak to the head waiter. Why fume about something that you have total control over?

We had that on one of our Royal eastbound TA's and it really was annoying. It screwed up early dinner.

However, you won't have to wait for large group to board the bus before you depart the ship or leave the destination.. If you want to make a potty stop, you won't have to wait in a long line. You most definitely will save time once you arrive and will see more than a Royal excursion. I've taken many private tours in Europe and have never missed the ship, but I understand everyone has a different comfort level with private tours.

Possibly true for those in the UK, but my response was directed to the OP, who is from Canada.

One more thought - have you considered looking into a private excursion and seeing if you can get a small group together on your roll call? Private guides are amazing and know how to avoid long lines.

We were on Allure last month and never once were we approached to buy anything and we were sitting right in front of Sorrento's while we waited for our room. I never thought about it until now, but it never happened on this last cruise.

In my opinion, Amsterdam is the easiest port to sail from. Hotels are not far away and the airport is close. The season is short - suggest you just check prices and see what pops up.

It will be a long trip, but if you think it might be your only chance to go and it's something you want to see it, then I say go for it

My favorite holiday and best day of the year. Happy Turkey Day to everyone.

I had this happen years ago on NCL. We had a 10 nt. Panama Canal booked and they called us with several offers - the best one, which we took, was a 14 nt cruise up the west coast of South America from Santiago through the canal, and ending in Ft Lauderdale including air, which we had not yet booked for the original cruise. The deal was worth several thousand $'s for us to change.

Lots of good things and fun on Carnival. I'm Diamond on Royal and Platinum on Carnival and I have found the ships/passengers to me more similar than not

Where have you been for the past 2 1/2 years? Protocols/testing/vaccination requirements have changed at the speed of light and it really didn't make any difference what they were when someone booked - the cruise lines have the right to change them at any time. Let's all hope nothing goes backwards, but never say never.

Absolutely agree. Too bad the OP has never returned - I always question these one post rants.

Guess it depends on what you consider to be high end. I would never put Booker's or Blanton's in a cocktail, but I use Knob Creek, Elijah Craig in Manhattan's because I think you can taste the difference in something like that.

Last month, French Toast in the Windjammer was ice cold.

So have I - it's almost always because someone has shorts on in the MDR for dinner or during some special events such as wine tasting.

I've never seen Bookers or my favorite for mixed drinks, Knob Creek.

The hollandaise sauce is a little bland for my taste and I always request a runny yolk egg or it will come out hard. It sill isn't bad - just not great.

Seriously this is totally ridiculous - nobody is being prevented to travel to Bar Harbor. They are not banning Americans or anyone else from visiting.

Oh please - not much different than other areas in the US, like Mackinac Island, that have restrictions.

One time I was on X and they had a bourbon tasting event advertised. I went to the bar and asked what they were tasting and it was really pitiful. I like Bookers straight and they told me they never get that or Blanton's either. I like Knob Creek or Elijah Craig in mixed drinks - never see those - occasionally see Woodford's and almost always Maker's Mark.

Just like everyday life. Anytime I go out I'm sure I run into people with colds, flu, covid. Nothing I worry about.

I was on Allure three weeks ago and they didn't seem to have a very good selection of bourbons.

I'm afraid of heights and I have done the cable car in Santorini, but I'm ok if I'm seated. Is there anyway she could just get on the car and close her eyes during the ride?

I've done Alaska 3X with Princess, 1X with Celebrity, and 1X with a line that no longer exists. While I can't give you my opinion of Royal in Alaska, I can tell you that Princess wins hands down from my expreiences. The last time I was up there was the end of September, 2019 and I'm not sure if things have changed, but the food was great with wonderful seafood selections including king crab legs in the MDR. The Princess ships have always had an Alaskan vibe to them and the shore excursions and land extensions are excellent. IMO, the Princess lodges are the best.