DoulaAnn

I know you didn't ask, but another issue with those cabins (we booked one for a long cruise that had a lot of sea days and was in warm weather most of the time) is the closets. They are MUCH smaller and less efficient that a regular penthouse room. We've had 7128 before, and though it doesn't have the wrap-around balcony with the views of the wake (and an added bonus of having shade most/all of the time), we found it wonderful and would do it again. Pictures on here and comments pretty spot-on.

Oops, my bad. Should have been "on the website". I had been told they were working on an app that was to come out this year, but I'm not holding my breath. If it's as challenging to use as the website, I'm not sure I want it.

Wow. That seems like a lot for such a small room. I didn't think it was a wine pairing dinner that i saw, but maybe it was.

On Vista, there was an area in Polo, I think, that was private and could accommodate a group of 8 (maybe 10, I forget). Don't know if there was any upcharge for it or not. Just saw groups using it.

We also noticed that the newly renovated Riviera has the same "issue" -- only thing I found that was magnetized was the hall door (maybe the bathroom, too --- don't remember). I loved what my magnets let me do on the walls. I was able to make most of it work on the door -- shore excursion tickets, that day's Currents, restaurant reservations, other reservations. Still missed the old version.

We had the room next to the bridge on one of the ships and were told in advance that the officers coming going might be a noise issue. We never heard them. And the laundry was across the hall and no issues there.

We were on Vista in June, 2023 and didn't notice any noise issues. As for a clock, there is no nightstand clock, but there is one on the phone. Since the nightstand clock was virtually unseeable, the phone one is just as good. Someone mentioned the theater seating and stage. I don't remember it being much if any different that Marina or Riviera. We didn't go to the Aquamar dining area, but thought Ember was quite good. Not the fanciest by far, but good food and great atmosphere. Some don't like the fact they took out Jacques, but some of us found it our least favorite restaurant. My only real issue with the layout of the ship is that access to the rear elevators was eliminated by the addition of Ember. Going up to deck 6 and then up wasn't a big deal, though. If one is using a scooter/wheelchair or unable to climb one flight of stairs, I can see it would be a hassle to have to use the front elevators and then (if their room was at the back of the ship) have to either transfer to the rear elevators or go down their hallway quite a ways.

Book your guaranteed reservations as early as you can on the app in order to have a chance to get the times you want. I think the level of stateroom dictates when you can start booking. After you are onboard, go to the dining reservations desk (there may be quite a line the first day) and try to get additional ones. If I recall, we were told we had to wait until everyone had a chance to make their guaranteed. (I keep wondering why they didn't do it in advance, but I guess they had a reason).

If I remember correctly, Concierge is the lowest level stateroom that gets the bags. They are (again, if I remember correctly) okay for the beach, although they don't hold much more than just two towels. Someone correct that if I"m off.

Another reason that service doesn't seem what it had been pre-COVID is that getting workers, training them, and then allowing them time to get the hang of whatever they're doing has been a challenge in many industries, especially the service industries. And cruise ships have another thing they have to deal with -- people who hire on thinking this traveling the "world" thing and getting paid to work and travel. Many of those people make it through one contract (usually 3 months, but sometimes longer) and decide that living away from friends/family and not getting to see each and every port because they are working through those times isn't what they really want to do after all. So then, back goes the cruise line, finding someone to hire, training them, getting them comfortable with their role, etc.

Thanks. Out of Reykjavik is what we wanted.

Does anyone have any suggestions for such a tour? Our cruise only has one stop in Iceland, other than starting in Reykjavik. That one port is Isajfjordur, which I'm very aware has a high incidence of port cancellations. We want to get a feel for the whole island, not just the capital.

Laundry service is free for certain levels. Buyer beware -- turnaround is 3 days, not overnight. And, as has been said, wash and fold only. For this reason, we always use the self-server laundry (have to time it well, as at times all the machines are occupied).

Were the BTB cruised booked separately or as a grand cruise? If not B2B (just one cruise -- we have a tour booked that is 5 separate cruises), it only counts as one cruise -- you get several credits for it, based on the length. So, depends on your circumstances.

We've found it challenging on most of our recent cruises on O. Getting to it, getting it to submit, etc. Going to the Internet guy is very worthwhile, but there's frequently a line to see him/her. O DOES care about the surveys. When I've expressed concerns, I've gotten written or phoned feedback fairly quickly. My DH and I always start with the positives we've experience on the cruise, and then talk about the disappointments factually and offer a possible solution if we have one. This seems to have been very effective.

We had a PH room on Vista and had both Bulgari and Aqua di Palma in there. AdP was very nice, too.

GDR is available for those continuing on, but if I recall correctly, it closes at 1:00. We were running late from our excursion and got there at 1:10 -- no cajoling them into letting us in. Just FYI.

I put an AirTag in my suitcase on our last cruise and was glad I did. I was one of those canceled in Newark by FAA issues. The next day, my luggage (and my husband's) went to my home airport without me. When I arrived at baggage services to retrieve our luggage, they "couldn't find" either of ours, so they took me back into the area. I found his immediately but not mine. They kept saying "maybe it's still in transit". I had been watching my "Find My" all day and KNEW it was at the airport. When I was in the area, it said my bag was very nearby. Sure enough, they took me to the claims area and the lady took the baggage tag and found it immediately. Without the tag, I'm relatively sure (given the number of people looking for their bags) they would have given up and told me to come back another day.

I keep looking at the bar and Baristas "uniforms" and all I can see is hip-waders. IMHO, they look rather silly. Perhaps in person they'll look better.

My DH didn't think there was any real issue with noise-- guess we have different levels of hearing. For me, the noise was incidental and I loved the location (and the balcony). I rarely sit on the balcony, but those chaises had me out there a LOT more than usual.

I know it was thrusters and I forgot about that, but I'm almost sure it was an anchor as well.

We got the college bowl games on our Dec-Jan cruise this year, but the satellite reception was sort of in and out. Not sure about the NBA finals.

We were in 7128 on Marina, which just like Marina, and the only somewhat con we found is the sound of the anchor being lowered. We loved the extra room, our butler (whom we had had on a previous cruise), the extra room on the deck and the addition of two chaises, as well as the two chairs and a table. The walk-in closet was wonderful (going to miss that on Vista), except during really rough seas (Drake Passage rough) when it kept opening and closing (finally found a trick to keep it from moving so much). We got spoiled very quickly. These go pretty quickly so be prepared.

We put the breakfast request out on the nights we want it the next morning. We write in anything that isn't on the printed form and have never had an issue getting it. I don't know who picks it up at night, but if we have a butler, we get the call. I don't remember whether there was a call if there was no butler, but I do know that the timing isn't as precise as when we have a butler. 7:15-7:30 can mean anything from 7:05 -7:45 with regular room service. Our butler has always had it to us at 7:15 (in the example) with a rare 7:20. Hope this helps.

I think I remember it saying that you can skip the photo, but if you have taken it, you will be able to go through an "express line". I'm waiting to see if that happens. Only a few weeks until the "test" of it. 😄 Enjoy your cruises, everyone.