lrskier

On 9/16/2023 at 7:03 PM, Cruisingfun28 said:

Does anyone know if independence of the seas still has the free sauna and steam room access for guys? 

Yes, the Indy has very nice large steam and sauna in the changing rooms.

Yes, the Lounges are extremely popular places at Happy Hour, with empty seats few and not for long!  RCCL Loyalty program is a huge success.  Yes, any level may find an abrupt ending of a benefit when that decision is made.  We were not allowed to use the  CL lounges with the first change to Diamond level, no grandfather clause.  Now as the numbers swell for all ranks, you are sure to see more changes.  I am really surprised that RCCL didn't institute points awarded by $$$ spent and not just nights sailed.  A $60 a night inside cabin is hardly equal to $150 a night balcony but rewards the same.  Only the suites get double!  It seems that Celebrity has some kind of system rewarding type of cabin accommodations or $$$ spent.  Now, for our transatlantic cruise again and the lounge to be held in the Safari Lounge or Crown Lounge to accommodate the hundreds/thousands of Diamond - Pinnacle members doing another fun crossing!!!

See you at Happy Hour, try not to be grumpy and dress right, don't be so tacky folks.. LOLOLOLOL

Which side of ship receives the Sun in the AFternoon on a ta in the fall from UK to Carib?

Interested in a clear response to which side of the ship will experience afternoon sun traveling Westbound from UK to the Caribbean.

We are considering the Panoramic Ocean View cabins on the bow and do NOT wish to have the afternoon sun.

So with that in mind, leaving any other considerations, like clouds and storms, which side GETS the AFTERNOON sun? thanks in advance!

1)Which HOHO bus have you experienced in Lisbon and did you enjoy touring that way?

2)In hiring a Tuk tuk for a tour, Could 3 adults hire one together and how much would you expect to pay for a hay day city tour? or a taxi for that matter? Thanks, we will be there in May this year.

Just had to chime in. So much fun you guys are having with this thread.

Formal night is suggested as are all the attire nights on RCCL, Formal, Smart Casual and Casual or theme dress which you seldom hear about until on board.. LOLOL. There is no dress code. I say the cruise photographers want you to dress up and make a photo and buy it, but you can hardly get a cheaper portrait than this anywhere! They say lots but do little to nothing when others even wear a wife beater or sandals to MDR. It's funny, go to the MDR for lunch in your tank top from the deck and they wrap a table cloth over your shoulders, and they should, put on a shirt and ladies, you can as well since Dolly Parton could be a crump catcher!

What we say to our friends and new cruisers is to Do what your table and friends want to do. If you would like to celebrate in Tux and Gowns, go for it! if you don't want to take a tie or a jacket on the cruise, don't. On longer cruises with travelers who cruise often, we notice the ones that follow the dress suggestions are usually in the big majority. On shorter cruises, often filled with new travelers during the summer, it appears for a much more informal dining room attire among guests. if luggage is a concern, and it is sometime post cruise for us, don't lug clothes that you don't feel with be used through out YOUR vacation. Just be happy, enjoy your cruise, don't worry about the dress of others but see how many new friends you can meet while on board.

Suggested is the key. The only dress code enforcement I have witnessed on board RCCL is when someone come in dining room at noon with a wife beater on, they wrap a table cloth across your shoulders. The table next to us has a youmg man from Europe, married to U S wife and he comes every night in a t shirt to dinner. Formal night the t shirt had a tux design.

You will see it all. From the nice, tailored dress to stuff you wear to a picnic! ! My recommendation is to consult With your cruising friends and do what your table plans. If packing makes fpr limitations do not be concerned or go rent a tux, it is not required. Check the menu out, you might prefer to dine elsewhere that night as well. Have fun but don't lose sleep over this.

Heard from someone that some of the ships are eliminating the steam/sauna facilities as they update them? Has anyone else heard this rumor? Possibility replacing them with The paid Thermal Suites. thanks for your feedback.

On the Reflection this May and we did not join others for independent tours, but there were lots of cruisers on the roll call booking these. So, having been to Naples before and previously taking the train to Pompeii and Herculaneum, we elected to do it on our own, and it was EASY for us. Local Circumvesuviana Trains Linking Naples, Pompeii and Sorrento are easy to catch from the Port and very inexpensive, tickets can be bought at tobacco stand and include Metro as well. At Sorrento you will have immediate access to Hop on Hop off for either Amalfi coast or just to stay in Sorrento area. I am sure an independent tour guide and van can be more tailored to individual desires and much less walking on your part, especially if you have any mobility issues which many cruisers have to deal with. Good luck and enjoy your outing. The coast is beautiful!

Here is a link you might ck out: http://www.rometoolkit.com/naples_visit/naples_circumvesuviana_trains.html

cle-guy, can you get in touch with me for some dialogue on Celebrity crusing. Have done mostly RCCL and would like some insider info on the ships and amenities. ok???

RCCL has great fitness facilities on most all their ships. Also steam, sauna and showers in the changing/locker room for each sex and they are separate for men and women. The newer ships have dropped these amenities and only have the PAID/COED thermal suites/persian gardens. etc.. wondered what the Constellation and the Equinox have for complimentary facilties in regard to wet areas. Thanks for you help..

Bottom line then: If anyone is returning to Texas at a port of entry, TABC will be asking if you are bringing in untaxed alcohol or cigarettes and assessing Texas State Taxes and a service fee, either in CASH or possibly thru the use of a credit card. I don't recall any officials in IAH returning from Mexico; I must be wandering in a daze during travel. that's for a different board

.

Again, Thanks to all for their contributions here for making the Cruise Critic Community an area where "useful information" is available to all, sometimes with comments and opinions added. LOLOLOL

you got to have the last word!!! ha ha ha Bet you a dollar you post back again!!

Reprinted from WeighAnchor's post in Dec 2013, I just got taxed and did not know.

For those, such as myself, who cruise out of Galveston:

The direct link to this release is located here: http://www.tabc.state.tx.us/home/pre...3/20131220.asp

TABC to begin collecting taxes at Texas seaports January 2014.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 20, 2013

The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) will begin collecting personal importation taxes on alcohol and cigarettes from passengers returning from cruises in Galveston in 2014.

On January 4, 2014, cruise travelers disembarking out of the Port of Galveston will need to pay the tax for alcoholic beverages and cigarettes imported into the state that were purchased either on the ship's duty free store or at a foreign port of call. TABC currently operates 20 ports of entry collection facilities along the Texas-Mexico border where the tax is presently collected. During the recent legislative session, the agency was appropriated funding to begin tax collection of imported alcoholic beverages and cigarettes from seaport facilities. The Galveston Port facility will be the first seaport location where this tax will be collected with plans to extend to the Houston-Bayport facility in the fall of 2014.

Section 107.07 of the Alcoholic Beverage Code, in effect for over 40 years, requires that each adult (21 years old and over) importing alcoholic beverages into the state for personal consumption pay the state tax and an administrative fee of $3.00. The law limits personal importation by an adult to once every 30 days with limits of: 1 gallon of distilled spirits, 3 gallons of wine, and 288 ounces of malt beverages (24 12-ounce containers). Persons importing alcoholic beverages must personally accompany the product as it enters the state. For a detailed list of the taxes for both cigarettes and alcoholic beverages go to http://www.tabc.state.tx.us/poe/tax_rates.asp.

Tax collection points staffed with TABC personnel will be situated at both terminals 1 and 2 at the Galveston facility located where patrons come through the U.S. Customs secondary checkpoint. Passengers will be able to pay the taxes with either cash or credit cards.

TABC personnel have worked with Port of Galveston officials to ensure that the tax collection is done efficiently and with limited disruption of port operations and delays to the passengers.

For more information contact:

Karen Smithwick, Ports of Entry Director at 512-739-9801

Carla Rios, Ports of Entry Quality Assurance Analyst at 512-206-3351

Carolyn Beck, Director of Communications at 512-206-3347

For those, such as myself, who cruise out of Galveston:

The direct link to this release is located here: http://www.tabc.state.tx.us/home/pre...3/20131220.asp

TABC to begin collecting taxes at Texas seaports January 2014.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 20, 2013

The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) will begin collecting personal importation taxes on alcohol and cigarettes from passengers returning from cruises in Galveston in 2014.

On January 4, 2014, cruise travelers disembarking out of the Port of Galveston will need to pay the tax for alcoholic beverages and cigarettes imported into the state that were purchased either on the ship's duty free store or at a foreign port of call. TABC currently operates 20 ports of entry collection facilities along the Texas-Mexico border where the tax is presently collected. During the recent legislative session, the agency was appropriated funding to begin tax collection of imported alcoholic beverages and cigarettes from seaport facilities. The Galveston Port facility will be the first seaport location where this tax will be collected with plans to extend to the Houston-Bayport facility in the fall of 2014.

Section 107.07 of the Alcoholic Beverage Code, in effect for over 40 years, requires that each adult (21 years old and over) importing alcoholic beverages into the state for personal consumption pay the state tax and an administrative fee of $3.00. The law limits personal importation by an adult to once every 30 days with limits of: 1 gallon of distilled spirits, 3 gallons of wine, and 288 ounces of malt beverages (24 12-ounce containers). Persons importing alcoholic beverages must personally accompany the product as it enters the state. For a detailed list of the taxes for both cigarettes and alcoholic beverages go to http://www.tabc.state.tx.us/poe/tax_rates.asp.

Tax collection points staffed with TABC personnel will be situated at both terminals 1 and 2 at the Galveston facility located where patrons come through the U.S. Customs secondary checkpoint. Passengers will be able to pay the taxes with either cash or credit cards.

TABC personnel have worked with Port of Galveston officials to ensure that the tax collection is done efficiently and with limited disruption of port operations and delays to the passengers.

For more information contact:

Karen Smithwick, Ports of Entry Director at 512-739-9801

Carla Rios, Ports of Entry Quality Assurance Analyst at 512-206-3351

Carolyn Beck, Director of Communications at 512-206-3347

For those, such as myself, who cruise out of Galveston:

The direct link to this release is located here: http://www.tabc.state.tx.us/home/pre...3/20131220.asp

TABC to begin collecting taxes at Texas seaports January 2014.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 20, 2013

The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) will begin collecting personal importation taxes on alcohol and cigarettes from passengers returning from cruises in Galveston in 2014.

On January 4, 2014, cruise travelers disembarking out of the Port of Galveston will need to pay the tax for alcoholic beverages and cigarettes imported into the state that were purchased either on the ship's duty free store or at a foreign port of call. TABC currently operates 20 ports of entry collection facilities along the Texas-Mexico border where the tax is presently collected. During the recent legislative session, the agency was appropriated funding to begin tax collection of imported alcoholic beverages and cigarettes from seaport facilities. The Galveston Port facility will be the first seaport location where this tax will be collected with plans to extend to the Houston-Bayport facility in the fall of 2014.

Section 107.07 of the Alcoholic Beverage Code, in effect for over 40 years, requires that each adult (21 years old and over) importing alcoholic beverages into the state for personal consumption pay the state tax and an administrative fee of $3.00. The law limits personal importation by an adult to once every 30 days with limits of: 1 gallon of distilled spirits, 3 gallons of wine, and 288 ounces of malt beverages (24 12-ounce containers). Persons importing alcoholic beverages must personally accompany the product as it enters the state. For a detailed list of the taxes for both cigarettes and alcoholic beverages go to http://www.tabc.state.tx.us/poe/tax_rates.asp.

Tax collection points staffed with TABC personnel will be situated at both terminals 1 and 2 at the Galveston facility located where patrons come through the U.S. Customs secondary checkpoint. Passengers will be able to pay the taxes with either cash or credit cards.

TABC personnel have worked with Port of Galveston officials to ensure that the tax collection is done efficiently and with limited disruption of port operations and delays to the passengers.

For more information contact:

Karen Smithwick, Ports of Entry Director at 512-739-9801

Carla Rios, Ports of Entry Quality Assurance Analyst at 512-206-3351

Carolyn Beck, Director of Communications at 512-206-3347

If you notice this is Texas ABC that was directed to BEGIN collecting this tax from Cruise passengers, and Yes, Mexican imports by land have been taxed for years but NO STATE that I have disembarked thru their port have charged Taxes on alcohol and tobacco products. Clearly a move to Raise Revenue for one thing, The State of Texas.

Yes, we used the roads to get there and purchased gasoline and paid taxes for such. We purchased food and goods and paid Sales tax and tourist tax on the meals. Slept in hotel pre-cruise and paid taxes galore as most all states, counties, cities have taxed travelers for several years, drove the speed limits so avoided paying speeding tickets. Will be Returning to M D Anderson for checkup next month and will pay more and will pay for Clinic and Doctor fees not covered by medicare advantage policy, but thank goodness MDA is there for all.

Taxes, tell me who rushes to the front of any line to pay MORE taxes. Not interjecting politics into the discussion but we sure could, for clarification to earlier reply, this has JUST BEGUN this year on cruise passengers and not forever.

My post was to WARN other cruisers that use the forum that this was going to collected on their purchases as they disembarked, News which I appreciate learning on the Cruise Critic. Further posts will be for information and not subjective in nature as I did here and as some of you did to the original post. LOLOLOLOLOL. Flamers!

=time4u2go;43996106]This is nothing new:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1958345

Appreciate your addition to post. It was news to me and that was the reason I posted. Good question, are nonresidents required to pay "consumption" tax when only traveling thru the state. The application of this tax also was not begun universally in Texas but Galveston being singled out months before others, probably grounds for a legal challenge. Does Texas tax other goods purchased outside the state and then brought thru a port of entry?

As posted, this is a first to be taxed for these items by a state on a cruise or flight.

WARNING - TEXAS is now collecting state taxes on you "duty free" purchases of alcohol, beer, wine, liquors with no exemptions and on tobacco purchases, single packs of cigarettes, cigars??. You may have 4 liters exempt from US customs and Texas assess $3.75 per liter, 3.50 fifth or pint, 3.25 half pint or minature. Beer 3.25/6 or 12 pk or 3.5/24 pk. Wine 3.25 fifth.

cigarettes carton = $15.00

pack = $1.50 ea.

Put them inside your carry ons and walk by Texas collectors.

Have never experienced a state duty on duty free purchases. Would appreciate updates from other cruisers/travelers on their current re-entry experience-land, sea or air.

Just back. Do what your party wants to do. You will see Tux to T shirts, Diamonds to denim. We wore nice shorts & Hawaiian style shirts with sandals, then long sleaves on formal night but no jackets or gowns in our luggage.

Hide liquor disembarking. Texas is charging duty! And on smokes if you do..

We love it! Bought a time share from Pueblo Bonito and visit annually now(Cabo too). Thru the Swine Flu and the cartels, the only thing we have noticed is far fewer gringos since the ships don't stop as much and more police being seen on patrols thru out the city. Such a nice city! Cabo never has slowed down.

In America we have become very excited over the reports of the violence in different cities in Mexico and have slowed visiting there. Yet, St Thomas, had a young girl shot and killed on a popular tourist beach, known for drug dealing and the ships didn't stop. USNavy quit St Croix I understand yet ships still stop. Jamaica, oh gosh, the Robberies that happen on cruise tours, and the ship still stops. Cabo San Lucas, a division of southern California, lol, has a shootout of drugs kingpins, then big boy El Chapo is arrested there, but the ships still stop. We all hear about these acts but really, we have the same thing happening DAILY in our own home town and life goes on.

Don't stop enjoying our world, just be cautious and alert EVERYwhere you go, and be safe.

My recommendation is Cactus Juice. NON deet and even is available in sunscreen base. For others Avon Skin so soft has been an old timer. I don't like deet if at all possible, Only use it when i am walking in underbrush and don't want ticks and skeeter bites.. Have fun..

D1 - $1812.. OMG, soon they will be paying you to go!!! no free drinks though. And if you take an inside cabin just a little over $1000 for two with taxes.. Ya'll need to book that ship and come have fun with us!!!!!!

I am cancelling my fall trip from UK, oh yea, i booked both last year, so i can get the price drop this fall. But you know, they probably have already offered the cabins to the Brits for cheap already.. LOLOLOL

Yes, Final payment was 75 days. so as you say, try for upgrade, but alas, the JS have not dropped so my $1000 premium price i paid for a D1 early is just that, a premium price. Friends in the UK paid 2047 for their E2 earlier than i booked our D1, they got free Grat with their booking and now they are in a D1 cabin, a 2950 value if you look at what they charged us.. Cruise ship pricing as no rhyme or reason. cheap early cheap late.

I like the post, don't look after final payment, it only makes you sick to see how much you paid.. Aware of all these things but i had to vent and let anyone know that had not booked a DEAL was there to be had.

Oh, too late for canceling and re-booking either. the deposit was $900 which you lose and Delta Skymiles charges $100 penalty, Oh, $1000 difference.. Now to begin packing for our Celebrity cruise next Thursday, another ship owned by RCCL pricecutters.. LOLOLOL. think it might be time for stock sell as well. You seldom get the Stockhold OBC now with your D+ discount. So if you are on my next cruise, let me buy you a drink on RCCL at happy hour in the lounge.. You know it is just a matter of time before they end that. Once they get that many of us all at that level they'll have to raise the bar or the whole ship will be free drinks.. LOLOLOLOLOL

anyone interested in the LIberty May 1 transatlantic should book their balcony today. A D1 is $1992 with the drink package. We Paid $2946 for it and can NOT get RCCL to honor any kind of credit to us for our early booking and final payment being made after many many cruises with them. Our UK friends paid $2000 with paid grats for a E2 and at least got upgraded today for what i paid $3000. The didn't even offer that to us.

Yes, i am holding many sour grapes at the moment but hope that those of you on the net tonight get a DEAL! Doesn't pay to be Loyal always, does it...

:(

going to make me a stiff drink. Book it Dano!

The service we have received on 99% of our cruises was above and beyond wonderful with only one, a MTD reservation with a has-been waiter that I will imagine will receive what he sows.. That was the only required tip I would have changed along with one other I redirected to the Asst Waiter who out performed the Waiter. I won't even talk about head waiters and why we tip them.. LOLOLOL.

I am more in line with the Brits and the Aussies, build it in to the charges so everyone pays them!!! We had several conversations last week on the TA about tipping and heard so many say they were not going to tip out for whatever WEAK reason. We eat in the WJ, so what, the staff mans it for you as well and then work in the MDR too. We feel it's RCI responsibility to pay a wage to the employees and not ours to support them with tips. We don't tip at home, the change is adequate to leave. We only tip for extra service, not for someone doing their job. and on and on.......

After hearing many of these comments, I elected to remove my auto tips and hand cash to all the servers and attendants that waited on us so that they would KNOW that WE did not stiff them like so many others aboard did I am afraid.

So just make it a required service charge or build it into the amount of the cruise and the staff will be rewarded for their great service without those who don't tip for whatever reason!!! Those of us who want to add to that can then do so when the time is right!!!

It's not just one or two countries who are known for not tipping; it can be anyone from anywhere and when it happens to you, a server, you really feel shafted and then try to wait on the next person who just spent a $100 on booze and wouldn't leave a tip!!! Come on folks, get a life.

done, posted. catharsis !

Great combination. Sail her and enjoy Texas, there is a lot to both of them. Fly in EARLY! Houston, so much to see and do and eat! San Antonio, the River Walk and Alamo. And others just like a laid back stay along the beach somewhere along the coast, if its still there from the last hurricane. Great food, everywhere! Tamales, fried green tomatoes, Gulf shrimp and oysters, Mudbugs in the spring!!! If you haven't enjoyed the place you should experience it at least once(a year).

Galveston has a lot as well and it changes during the year. But don't expect to swim in February or March unless you like a cold dip in the Gulf. And yes, it's not Florida, it's the Texas Gulf Coast with an entirely different look, enjoy!

Haven't booked our cruise on her yet but she was great on the crossing. I understand that she is going to be in Texas all year now too! Enjoy the ports, great diving, Mayan ruins, beach days. Looking forward to Texas and the Navigator. Go Hogs!