Oakman58

I would love to know why Royal Caribbean decided not to finalize its contract with the National Park Service for Glacier Bay. I mean really, Glacier Bay is not only a spectacular national park, it's also recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

This was cabin 12174 with the bed by the balcony. BTW, I haven't heard anyone mention this lately but the back on the couch swings open to provide more storage. I didn't like the wave wall, I thought it made the cabin feel smaller than it was.

I will definitely be checking this out. Thanks for the info.

So glad to read the positive comments for an older ship. I prefer ships that are the size of the Spirit or slightly larger. Carnival has a history of using their oldest ships in Mobile. I thought the price was right when I booked the 8 day cruise.

Have a great trip.

I’ve been thinking about taking a cruise out of Mobile AL for more than 15 years and it looks like I will finally do it. I’ve booked a cruise on the Spirit for February for the Western Caribbean. I like the design of the ship. What I didn’t like about the Conquest Class ships is the “you can’t get there from here” design of deck 3. The Spirit doesn’t have this. Here's a picture I took of the Carnival Holiday leaving Mobile Bay and heading into the Gulf of Mexico.

That my friend is where you are 100% wrong. The right lawyer would have no problem getting satisfaction.

I loved the eggs benedict that I ordered many mornings on our Diamond Princess cruise to Hawaii. For lunch one day I decided to get a chili dog from the Trident Grill. I had to wonder who in their right mind would call this a chili dog?

Personally if this happened to me I would already have a lawyer looking into my options.

The switch to Coke was welcomed by my wife. Her favorite drink is Rum and Coke and she detested Rum and Pepsi.

The only rub I have with Princess is that the standard balcony cabins only have a place to sit for one person. The chair by the desk is the only seat in the room. When we ordered a room service breakfast I had to drag a chair in from the balcony.

We used NCL air one time and decided never again, and that was pre-Covid.

Every one of us tip, this thread is about over-tipping.

Currently they do offer a $100 OBC per stateroom for active military and veterans. On their website it's under Cruise Deals and you have to scroll down until you find it.

The toilet will be on one side of the cabin and the shower will be on the other side with path into the living area in the middle. Both areas are enclosed with frosted glass so you can see the silhouette of the person inside. The washbasin is actually in the cabin area. It’s a sight and sound experience.

On my last few cruises with NCL the cruise director was very low profile. On Carnival, and even my Princess cruise this January, the cruise director seemed to be everywhere and always had time to talk to passengers.

While the Epic is my least favorite ship, I'm sure as a first-time cruiser you will have a great time on the Epic. The bathroom is unique but there is a curtain for privacy that can be pulled between the bathroom and the rest of the cabin. The water slides are fun, and she definitely should go down the toilet bowl slide. The climbing wall can be a challenge too, and make sure she checks out the teen club.

Others will probably disagree with me, but for a first time cruiser to Alaska I think it's a mistake not going to Glacier Bay National Park. My advice is to choose a different cruise line.

I'm hoping when YVRteacher gets back to Los Angeles she can finish this report. I was bummed when I read she ran out of WiFi minutes. I'm really enjoying her report.

Excellent review. Thank you for taking the time to write it and include all those photos.

So are you saying if you don't tip at the port they won't put your bag on the ship?

I'm enjoying your report and I'm sorry to read you had such a negative experience at your dinner with the officers.

It's funny, reading this thread you would think the majority of cruisers tip when they get a drink. Yet I have RARELY seen anyone tipping at a bar or restaurant. Of course I'm never in the Haven so...

So of all these good folks that tip an extra dollar or two, I take it for granted that you also tip 30% or more at your local bar and grill.

Thank you for taking the time to give us an update.