Baron Barracuda

On 9/19/2024 at 1:27 PM, Lizofwisconsin said:

Thanks Rob and Janet,

Our credits for onboard booking were non refundable.

We didn't pay for gratuities till the end, and did use those nonrefundable credits-- it's just that 3 shore excursions for 2 people were hundreds of dollars more than the nonrefundable credits.

Wasn't that hundreds of dollars difference between the cost of the excursions and the non-refundable obc refunded?

7 hours ago, Cruisenbooze69 said:

A high ranking official…just saying…they have no law enforcement right now…the UN is involved…bringing tourists is reckless

So, you joined last week and have a total of 8 posts on multiple threads each of which is a negative comment on Labadee.   Why the fear mongering?  Doubt you've ever been there.

While we have tended to focus on RCL's total debt level they have done a good job of refinancing their pandemic era debt some of which originally carried double digit yields.  Dropping from 7.25% to 5.65% on $1.5B saves them $24 million in annual interest expense.  

Have been bringing CPAP for many years.  Always fill out special needs form but usually have to remind steward to bring water and extension cord.  Always keep a 9' extension cord like the one pictured above in my cpap bag.  Never a problem.  It provides a couple of extra outlets if needed.

Several years ago we experienced a long delay boarding Reflection after she arrived from Europe and was preparing to commence her summer season in the Caribbean.  As Orator states entire crew had to clear customs.  Not sure whether disembarking passengers were delayed.  Had the impression enhanced CBP scrutiny was a one time thing for ships relocating to a US homeport and did not apply to ships merely passing through.

39 minutes ago, taglovestocruise said:

Not a inch of gold but a 20 dollar watch from a sale in the Promenade. Stopped working a week or so after returning home. No big deal but my wife said next cruise she would try to return it. One year later, different ship and no receipt no problem they just said pick any 20 dollar watch. 

We used to cruise on Royal every August when kids were growing up.  Would buy dd one every year for her birthday.   Began at $5, price later rose to $10.  They would last just a year before battery gave out.  Timing worked out well.  Now she's in her 30's and still buys similar in Walmart for $20.

Here's another one

Royal Caribbean cruise ships will begin stopping in Haiti again (msn.com)

Haven't been on Anthem for a while but distinctly remember hw or rm getting on the mike EVERY night as we tried to enjoy our meal singing off key and begging for 10's for his hard working staff.  Very annoying.  Stopped by our table one night to solicit 10's and I told him he was currently down to a 9 and every night he kept it up we would take away another point.  Didn't help.  Wrote him up in the survey.

Also, dw spent six sea days taking kitchen table cooking classes (which used up our obc).  Enjoyed them tremendously.  She also did the long one in San Diego where they went ashore with chef shopping for ingredients and later enjoyed a five hour gourmet meal.

Be aware that all travel insurance policies are not created equal.  The devil is in the details as far as things like:  is coverage primary or secondary, who decides where treatment will take place and what procedures are covered, and how they manage transport home.  Suggest everyone visit CC's travel insurance forum which has lots of useful information.  Also, recommend contacting an agency that deals with multiple insurers and can help select the right policy for you.  Two that are highly recommended on CC are Insuremytrip and Squaremouth.

We were on the Star last Nov / Dec and didn't find 33 days too long at all.  Weather at that time of year can be iffy as you're on the cusp of rainy season.  Seas weren't too bad for us but the following two 18 day Hawaii sailings had it kind of rough.  We really enjoyed the several themed parties Viking threw with local native foods and entertainment.  Pretty much stuck with the included excursions which were fine for us.  Attending afternoon tea each afternoon provided an opportunity to connect with a number of interesting folks.  Ship was only 87% full (possibly because it included Thanksgiving and returned just before Christmas) and price was heavily discounted toward the end with some paying as little as $4kpp. Heartily recommend.

What is your itinerary?

A point that's seldom mentioned in these threads is how the number of crew participating in the tip pool has increased in recent years.  Prior to pre-paid service charges we were simply left envelopes for our hw, w, aw & cs.  A notice recommended amounts for each but what went into the envelope was totally our call.  This resulted in a meritocracy where those who provided exemplary service likely received fatter envelopes than those who simply went through the motions.  Now, all receive basically the same amount (before any extras we provide) plus a portion of the daily charge has been re-directed to laundry, kitchen and other non-customer facing crew who presumably had been totally on salary in the past, meaning their total compensation was built into our cruise fare.  The result is X has sneakily held down cruise fares by shifting some base pay to service charge which is excluded from advertised price.

2 hours ago, OneSixtyToOne said:

The 824 indicates an August 2024 promotion. The previous code contained 724. The new one should contain 924.

 

 

FD724 which included $500 or $1k discount plus double past guest and $25 deposit was more generous than FD824.  FD924 doesn't work for my sailings

Good anywhere but you can't make reservation prior to embarkation.  Once aboard suggest you book quickly as time slots and even entire venues can sell out.

2 hours ago, deec said:

Although time was spent in London recently,  I highly recommend the pre-extension of Grand Homes, Gardens and Gin...you stay in Oxford and do day trips...it was wonderful!

Others obviously agree as it's sold out for our sailing as is the 2 night London extension.

You may find VO receptive.  They have 8 new ships on order and will need to develop new itineraries for them

Thanks.  Knew I could count on the Viking community.  We always, always, always fly in a day early however considering taking a chance on this sailing because flights arrive early in AM and ship doesn't actually sail until following day.  DW was just in London last month ahead of a sailing from Southampton so isn't looking to spend additional time there.  Might however consider an overnight stay in Greenwich

We'll be sailing from London / Greenwich next May on the Sky and are beginning to look at flights.  We’re not using Viking Air and would appreciate the experience of those who have sailed from Greenwich.  From NY we can fly non-stop into either LHR or LGW.  Is one a better choice than the other?  Once there VO has offered us transfers at $40pp which seems significantly cheaper than Uber or black car.   How early do shuttles begin running and with what frequency?  UAL flies into LHR pretty much hourly and I was hoping to find that sweet spot of arriving early, but not too early and not having a long wait for shuttle.  At least at the end of our journey in NY 43 days later dd will hopefully be waiting for us at pier (if not it will be a long walk home).

Elegance extended to mdr.  Remember being on Century right after she debuted.  Tablemates were couple with two teenage sons.  Boys caught too much sun and left mdr before entrees were served.  Mom asked waiter if he would cover their plates so she could take back to cabin.  No problem with plates but he refused to allow her remove mdr silverware saying he was accountable for every piece.  Then, sterling.  Today, stainless.

Years ago DW used to enjoy both the chocolate and grand Marnier soufflés in mdr  would be elated if they have returned.  Now, how about flaming cherries jubilee and crepes prepared tableside?

Back in the day (circa 2000 for us) dining in the Ocean Liners Restaurants was a three hour gourmet experience.  Somewhat comparable to what Chefs Table is today but definitely well above Murano's and Tuscan Grille.  

Remember years ago Park West being kicked off Royal and X due to heavy customer dissatisfaction.  Complaints included inflated appraisals and non-delivery.  BBB reported several lawsuits.  Apparently they've weaseled their way back aboard ship.

Years ago dd won a piece of "art" at one of their auctions.  After auction went to pick it up but was told it was actually at warehouse ashore and framing and shipping cost would be over $100.  Said she didn't need it framed but was told shipping would still be around $50.  DD said forget it. 

Not sure Tor attracted many new customers last night.  Said Viking was for old folks with money who are tired of sailing with their kids and grandkids.  Judge for yourself:

https://www.cnbc.com/2024/08/22/viking-ceo-explains-the-cruise-companys-baby-boomer-niche.html

3 hours ago, Newcruiser215 said:

I’m on the same sailing and was also disappointed when I got that email. I read on a roll call for a September 25’ sailing, that Labadee was added in lieu of Puerto Plata. I am curious why the same wasn’t done here. 

Sadly, due to the unrest in Haiti have no idea if or when Labadee will return as a port of call.  International peacekeepers were promised but most haven't arrived.  Situation could persist for months or years