shipgeeks

Yes, it is close walking distance. Nice place.

I've seen more people spill trays holding multiple items than single plates/glasses. Big mess in WJ or wherever it happens.

Our experience was that the formal nights had good participation, followed by white night. Other than that, very few dressed for any theme nights; just normal shipboard attire. The themes mostly referred to the late night party, usually on pool deck.

I did it onboard, by going to the loyalty person while her office was open.

At Baltimore they are strict about time; and there is no priority for D+.

My understanding is that one should file first with one's health insurance (not travel insurance), if it is a medical expense.

We were there twice. We saw food trucks here and there around the island, with burgers, veg burgers, sides, brownies, etc. There was also a buffet around midday, which I'm sure had a much greater variety of foods. No charge for either option. We went back to the ship both times, to change out of our bathing suits and eat on the ship. We did not rent a cabana or any other paid amenity. Had a wonderful time there.

Scotico, I'm still curious about which port this happened at.

We have sailed to the Med three times, with port calls in early May. I wore long pants every time, with just a jersey on the warmest days, or jersey (heavy or light) plus jacket the majority of the time. I had the best luck with layers, if I was going to be out all day; even on a sunny day I was glad to have long sleeves in the morning. Of course, my experience could be totally different from yours! If you will be visiting any cathedrals, you might need to cover your shoulders/arms.

We did four cruises in 2022; have two more booked in 2023, with a third and/or fourth in the Probably stage. Will we keep booking anything that appeals? Yes! We are never devastated if an itinerary changes, and we rarely have to fly to a port. We just love being on a ship.

What port was that?

Have you also considered RC out of Baltimore? That would most likely be on Vision of the Seas, probably 9 nights. That would be our personal preference. We prefer OV over balcony, especially for a cool-weather cruise. Are you looking at a fall sailing?

The posts on the Cunard board made for some interesting reading.

IMO, no preference. You can't see land most of the time while in transit.

No, just burgers, veg burgers, sides, brownies, etc. We haven't eaten at either, but I understand the buffet, with shorter hours than the trucks, has a greater variety of options.

I have to chuckle at the delight people take in gifts. Those of us who are Diamond and above have surely received a lot of tote bags, hats, strawberries, wine, etc., many of which get sent back to the cabin steward or end up in a closet at home with all the others. Are we the only ones who are at a stage in our lives where we want to get rid of things, not acquire more?

And lemonade, iced tea, other juices, milks, breakfast smoothies.......

I had risotto as a main, not appetizer. It was usually the vegetarian selection, as I recall.

We just made our specialty restaurant reservation once we were onboard, by going to the restaurant and speaking to the host there. It was easy.

There is the OJ from the dispensers (free) and there is fresh-squeezed which costs (or in my case, one of my D+ vouchers). A world of difference!

KKB, as noted above, it's hard for anyone to say what would be "best" for you. Some things you might want to consider: Is flying to one place or another, to begin the cruise, better for you? Baltimore, Boston, New York, New Jersey, Brooklyn? Smaller ship, larger ship? Would you like to sail all the way to Montreal or Quebec, or a shorter loop that takes in Boston, Halifax, Saint John, etc.? Are there any ports that you would especially like to visit? More formal (Cunard) or casual (NCL)? Length of cruise?

Nice port, and lots to do and see within walking distance of the ship.

And a lot of positive reviews.

I just learned that RKACruiser passed away recently. I came across a post in Floataway Lounge, noticing that he had not posted for a while, and then was led to the HAL board, where it was confirmed within Navigate the World with Bill & Mary Ann, December 30. His wisdom, and his wide-ranging interests and knowledge, will be missed. I always considered him a true gentleman.

My husband's insistence on taking his tuxedo on every cruise is what keeps me upping my game! No chance I could get away with any kind of casual on those nights. And I do enjoy it.