docandbabe

Hi, we are Don & Erica (docandbabe) and are sailing on the Monarch Empress on May 13, 2018 out of Budapest on the Danube to Vilshofen, DE. Anyone else sailing on this date???

That is interesting about dual voltage as I just read that it is just 220V. Do you have personal experience with the Monarch Empress on this?:o

The voltage is 220V

Is there a roll call for the Monarch Empress?

We are here in Buenos Aires and getting ready to board the sdip for a great all around South America disembarking in San Diego! :cool:

I am bummed that there are no longer launderettes on the Zaandam (and likely others). I guess they got taken off due to problems with fires on other lines. We had counted on using them and now we will fall prey to the $20/bag for laundry and often an undetermined return time!!!:loudcry:

No need for a tour agency. This is an easy DIY.

I actually did a full comparison of DIY vs. 01Argentina. This was for two nights and three days. The pricing came out about the same for airfare, airport pickups, lodging, and tours of the Argentinian side of the falls and the rain forest. I didn't want to go to the Brazilian side as another rather expensive visa is required to do it. I booked with 01 Argentina and have received ALL of my vouchers including my plane tickets . Very easy and they let me pick my hotel

I know I posted this before, but didn't get any specifics - thought maybe someone different would see this and respond.

We are staying in cabin 8171 Millenium, has anyone stayed in that cabin or close by? Any thoughts, pictures, good location, etc??

Whatever information you can provide, would be appreciated. Thank you :)

Hi, Jim & Julie,

We are on your same cruise and in your "Connections" group. We have room 8120 and specifically chose it as it is between floors so that we won't get noise, etc. from areas of the ship that may be "common" (pools, etc.). While we have not been in your room (8171), we were on the Infinity (the Millie's sister ship) for a transit through the Panama Canal in November, 2009. We had room 7136 then (and loved it!!!) and these rooms are somewhat larger. It is my belief that your room will be great. Come by some time for a drink! ;)

I can't tell you how much I am appreciating your pictures and their overall quality. Having been on this cruise about one year ago (but we went from Ft. Lauderdale westward), they bring back many great memories! I particularly liked your picture of the Martini Bar as we tended to meet a group of folks there almost EVERY night (and my bar bill showed it!!!). The bartender was a true showman!!!

We are booked on the Infinity's sister ship, the Millennium, for a southern Caribbean cruise embarking on 2/25/2011. Can't wait!

Don

Could you tell me your camera settings (f-stop and speed) for the shots at the shows. Since you aren't supposed to use a flash, I assume adjusting the settings is the only way you can take the photos (unless, of course, it works on the automatic setting).

Don

I know it is actually over, but our BEST port was Puntarenas. Why? That is where we took our best "tour" AND on our own. We zip lined over 11 waterfalls and 25 zip lines. Unbelievable!!! We even rode 1/2 Arabian horses up to the top of the canopy to being our "adventure." Just the best. See it on http://finca-daniel.com. Say hello to Barbara and Dietmar if you take it. They're the best!

What did you guys do there?

Don & Erica

What camera settings do you use to get the shows without using a flash?

Don

Your pictures of the cliff divers in Acapulco are FABULOUS! I took some in the fall of 2009 on our cruise through the Panama Canal and they are no where near the quality of yours. Of course, I only have a little point and shoot ($150) and not a really good camera like yours (I think about $800!). Since I have some good lenses for my old analog Minolta that will now fit on the Sony a-series cameras, I am thinking about buying a new Sony digital SLR (maybe an a-230) when I go to St. Maarten in February at Boolchards. Do you have any experience with Sony DSLR cameras; and any recommendations?

Don

So, I see that you have cruised on Carnival a lot. How does Celebrity compare. I am sure that many would like your review of that comparison.

I was on the Infinity on the same cruise but went from Ft. Lauderdale to San Diego. We had a TERRIFIC time and love Celebrity; so much so that we are sailing on her sister ship, the Millennium, in February to the southern Caribbean.

Don (the "doc" of docandbabe)

After checking our room out we headed for the dreaded lifeboat drill. I have to admit that I am very glad they don't make us go out on deck anymore and stand while the drill takes place. For this cruise, we headed for the Celebrity Theater to watch the drill.

 

 

After this, we met our friends in the Constellation Lounge for the sail away. Of course, it was dark and you could not really see that much however on this night, the moon lit up the sky.

 

Here we are enjoying a few more drinks and watching the journey begin as we set sail for Cabo San Lucas.

 

After sail away, we decided to go and see the Welcome Aboard show at 7 pm. We had the 8:30 dinner seating so we had the time to see this. Once again, I must mention that I was very impressed with the shows on the Infinity. The entertainment team did a great job. The opening show was an introduction of things to come. Tonight's show featured the Celebrity Orchestra, Adage artists Charlie and Viola, who did some amazing acrobats, The Acappella Group On Tap, and the Infinity production cast. This was a very exciting and faced pace show. It really did set the stage for things to come. Here are a few pictures from that show.

 

How'd you get the pics of the performances as I thought you weren't supposed to take pictures at the venue?

Don