shipgeeks

Second and next-to-last.

Consider driving in the day before (esp. in winter) and staying at a hotel or motel that has a park there and shuttle to the port package.

Wear your warm clothes aboard, and be out on deck for departure. It is awesome sailing out, seeing the historic sites, and going under the bridges.

Assuming you will fly to your departure port, you might want to consider Baltimore (BWI), with the cruise on Grandeur of the Seas (RCI).

We like Coral World. By no means can it be compared with a big aquarium that you might have visited at home, but it does have a number of interesting creatures and displays, including an underwater area with windows all around. There is also a semi-submersible nearby. Either or both can be booked as a ship excursion, or independently.

Yes I was asking about RC oasis not Cunard :)

My mistake. I was thinking I was on the general questions section at that time.

It depends on the cruise line. On Cunard you must be dressed according to the dress code in all public areas, for the entire evening. Other lines are less strict than that, but some standards may still apply (ie, no shorts in main dining room).

There have been posts in the past in which cruisers say they flush wipes, feminine hygiene products, and their own brand of toilet paper (brought from home). None of those are compatible with ship toilets, and can affect neighboring cabins as well as one's own. Perhaps this should be stated more clearly in bathrooms, daily planner, etc.

Do any of you know when this season will end? I'm afraid I'm going to miss the end while I'm on my cruise in four weeks. I do not plan to turn on a tv while I'm on a ship!

Another not-to-miss: Being out on deck for the first hour or so of departure, to see the boat traffic, the historic sights, and most especially, going under the bridges. Exciting!

Grandeur has heat. We've done many winter sailings on her, and I'm always comfortable, even in bare-shouldered formalwear. Perhaps something was malfunctioning on Fantasy when you were aboard. I have to say that like many malls, restaurants, etc. ashore, temperatures in public rooms anywhere can be chilly. You can set your cabin thermostat however you wish.

However, do take a jacket (or more) to wear on deck when you sail out of Baltimore. It's awesome looking at the historic sites on shore, and especially watching the ship go under the bridges. Well worth the temporary shivers.

Perhaps this is a silly question but here we go. :)

 

We are looking at the Jan 6 2016 cruise. We just returned from a cruise out of Charleston on the Carnival Fantasy. That is an older ship and has no heat. we froze the first afternoon and evening as is was 42 when we sailed. So, the question is: Does the Grandeur have heat?

 

We live here in Northern VA so I know how cold it can be in January in Baltimore. I hate to be cold! LOL!

TIA!

Grandeur has heat. We've done many winter sailings on her, and I'm always comfortable, even in bare-shouldered formalwear. Perhaps something was malfunctioning on Fantasy when you were aboard. I have to say that like many malls, restaurants, etc. ashore, temperatures in public rooms anywhere can be chilly. You can set your cabin thermostat however you wish.

Yes, it is personal. We prefer window to balcony. More daylight in the cabin, closer to the sea, no railings, walls or ceilings to clutter up the view. I say stick with what you have and see how you like it.

I got a nifty silk scarf, about 26" square, with RCI ships on it. I'd like to wear it on my cruise -- but how? Neck? Ponytail? Purse strap? (Sure, I can do retro preppy.) Any other ideas?

A small snorkeling beach in Bermuda is quite close to the Kings Wharf dock. It's called Snorkel Beach.

I notice that many of the sunscreens/sunblocks say "for kids". Is there any difference? Is there any disadvantage to an adult using them?

At sailaway time, bundle up, go to an upper deck, and watch the first hour or two of sailing out of the Chesapeake. Kids love it, especially when approaching a bridge, where it looks like the ship will never fit under it. Quite exciting and novel.

The one thing I would take, at any age and any size, is a scarf (or three). It just adds that bit of chic, and can be used to cover arms or head if needed.

I can only assume this works during dinner as well as its generally during diamond lounge hours.

 

 

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No, I don't think so. Our message said the vouchers are not valid in MDR nor Windjammer.

I believe the first few cabins (such as yours) have portholes rather than larger windows. Nice being low to the sea, and you won't have noise of passing traffic, nor cabin noise on your forward side.

Nice ship.

It is Enchantment. See the walking bridges above the pool deck, which were added when she was stretched.

Lots of magical moments on Grandeur for us. In 2006 we were aboard her for the first time, and went to the Viking Crown after dinner, hoping to do some dancing. We asked DJ Dan for a Merengue, which he promptly played. Thereafter, every time we went there, we were greeted by a great Merengue (or three).

Now I have to ask: What are range rolls? I have to get some on our April Grandeur cruise.

Good ship.

Some thoughts on waitlisted. We booked our March Grandeur cruise this past December. When we booked early, late, and MTD were all available. When I joined our roll call people who had booked months before us stated they had been waitlisted. I'm thinking that maybe Royal wants people to pay the pre paid gratuities. Money in their pocket sooner. Just a thought............;)

I think it's the other way around. Some people request traditional dining to avoid prepaying gratuities, but in fact have no intention of using it (mentioned regularly on roll calls). The outcome is empty seats in the dining room, and many people like you (and us) who would like to be there.

I just discovered two sites that have Phillip Lim for Target cocktail dresses, NWT and NWOT, for $10 to $30.

They are Seattlegoodwill, and Goodwill_of_oc.

Very cute dress, available in several sizes, and proceeds go to a good charity.

Another thought: Is spray tanning ever available onboard? Seems silly to do it ahead of time, and have it mostly gone by the time we hit shorts weather.

Thanks, everyone.