Proseknitic

Just off the Legend after the Trans-atlantic. Testing without charge on boarding (I boarded in BCN). Testing provided without charge in Gibraltar (required for the ship to dock). 

We were charged in Barbados - Antigen testing was $69 and PCR was $89. The US was accepting the antigen test, Canada was requiring the PCR. Testing was available both the day before docking and very early that morning as well.

Do check the current entry requirements. They changed for the US again on 6 Dec requiring testing within ONE CALENDAR DAY (not 24 hours) which can be a challenge if you are transiting on the way to somewhere else.... In my case, flight delays due to weather (origin to Barbados flight) meant that I arrived in Toronto after the US customs had closed for the night. To avoid having to find and pay for another test, I had to stay in the airport.... not a particularly fun time

-Holly

19 hours ago, Biker19 said:

You could slum it into the DL for the coffee. 

Oh, I do! But  not having to hike to the other end of the ship is occasionally appealing...

I looked at it - then added in the cost of the deposit (about $8k/non-refundable + insurance). I can do a lot of cruising for that amount. Plus, 270 days at sea is a bit much. I can guarantee that something will happen in my family over the course of 9 months that will cause me to cut the cruise short. 

I am mostly interested in the first leg (and have no interest in the last leg) of the cruise.  

Having sailed on the Serenade multiple times, it is one of my favorite ships... and given other circumstances, I might be tempted.

-Holly

1 minute ago, WeMissSeaView said:

I was also on the Ovation.  NFL Monday night football, Thursday night Football and Sunday night football along with Saturday night college football made it imposable to carry on a conversation.  We all moved over to the Diamond Lounge to talk.  Not an ideal location for an evening lounge.

And the only reason that worked was because of the low number of people on the ship. I am thinking this is going to be a serious issue on the long haul repositioning cruises (trans-Atlantic, trans-Pacific) if they don't make a better choice for lounge locations. Music hall makes sense for staffing as the same staff can serve both the DL and the temp PL. But with the numbers of people on the long cruises..... and vouchers, while useful, don't help on the "making new friends" front.

-Holly

(remembering a Legends of the Seas TA where there were FIVE passengers who ere NOT C&A members. Needless to say, all the lounges were relocated due to volumes of people)

Seriously? I find the best benefit is the free wifi. Originally it was on "all your devices" but now is limited to one at a time. It still is a significant money saver. 

I am not a line skipper, and never have been. Also have not seen my pin in years, but have no issue with others wearing theirs. 

I miss the CL lounge, but vouchers letting me get my coffees anywhere more than makes up for it.

-Holly

I have gotten upgrades in the past - even when I specifically said NO UPGRADES (lost a wonderful rear balcony I had booked on first day opening). I am much happier with the RoyalUp (which other lines have been using for years) as it means that I won't lose the cabin that I specifically booked. And, as most of the time I am traveling solo, participating in bidding for a higher category just isn't economically smart. (I would rather cruise more frequently)

-Holly

(your mileage may vary)

Experience on the Ovation last month (final Alaska sailing in Oct) - the lounge dedicated to Pinnacles for a few hours in the evening was the Music Hall. It was so loud from the activities (sports programs on the large screen on the lower level) you could not hear yourself think, much less talk to anyone else.  Given the location next to the Diamond Lounge, that proved to be a much more comfortable location. 

Even in the lounges, the "drink coupons" were used. 

Economically, for the ship's budget this makes a lot of sense as it limits the amount spent on alcohol. 

Also of note - the coffee machine was manned from morning to mid-evening then emptied so those of us who might want a latte at an insane hour couldn't self serve...

-Holly

Attended the "event" on the Ovation in Oct (final Alaskan Cruise). No blocks presented (and there were ones owed), new Pinnacles introduced (taking the number on ship from 22->27) and a huge amount of advertising for new ships and more cruises. Overall, not terribly impressed, but at least non-alcoholic beverages were on all the waitstaff's trays so that I didn't have to special order something to drink. 

Over the years, with one exception, I have enjoyed this particular event more on the smaller ships than the large ones. Maybe because the crowds were smaller?

-Holly

I was on that last cruise. The crew said that most would be headed home over the last week. Ship is now at pretty much minimal staffing. Plan was to hang out till it was decided "what was next" since the Jan/Feb cruises out of Australia now have been cancelled. 

I had really been hoping they would consider a few cruises out of San Francisco. No offense to Princess, but the options here are pretty limited.

-Holly

3 hours ago, loman said:

What was the latest self assist time , as i dont have to rush to the airport , but prefer to keep the luggage with me . Thanks in advance. 

I walked off the Ovation in Seattle at the absolute end of the line without problems in Oct. Of course, it was the last cruise for the ship and they were not boarding passengers. I would expect that you would need to clear the ship about the time they have the last luggage tag scheduled to depart. YMMV.

-Holly

that explains it. My documentation only has 6 pages....

Also on the cruise. I took the Light Rail in to Seattle yesterday. Can't beat $3 vs Lyft/Uber/Taxi.

It wasn't anywhere on the documentation, and calling Royal received no answer. However, called the Port and the Ovation will be at Pier 91. Nice to know....

3 hours ago, long4acruise said:

It was listed in the Guest contract documentation - Pier 91, the  address and directions from the airport.  I believe it was on the last few pages, just prior to or after the luggage tags.

Of course we didn't receive that until 1-2 days prior to our sail date.

Actually - I just rechecked all the documentation and emails Royal sent me. Nothing. It did say Parking D was free. But if you don't know Seattle's Cruise terminals - that means absolutely nothing...

I made the ship. And now out to hunt down some supper....

0-H-0

Also on the cruise. I took the Light Rail in to Seattle yesterday. Can't beat $3 vs Lyft/Uber/Taxi.

It wasn't anywhere on the documentation, and calling Royal received no answer. However, called the Port and the Ovation will be at Pier 91. Nice to know....

I am willing to play any role they want. Including spending five glorious days in my balcony with room service (note, my home is crowded with people. This is my vacation...

-Holly

This has been an interesting discussion. With today’s use of social media and cameras on phones there is a lot of documentation that can occur without your knowledge. A friend would not be trying to “out” you but I can easily amagine someone taking a picture and posting it. Followed by someone forwarding it on, especially if one of us isn’t looking exactly professional due to hair/facial hair/beard. Followed by someone else asking questions. Heck, there are police departmenets that patrol YouTube and Facebook.

Since 2001 and increased security concerns, the regs have changed especially with security concerns.

V/r

-Holly

Who leaves the Dress Mess hanging in the closet

Back from the Quest for a couple of weeks and have let things sort themselves out in my mind. I think this particular trip type of expedition finds travelers who either LOVE the experience or are saying "why did I spend all my money for this?" I fall into the second category. The staff was fine, good, competent and friendly. The food was a severe disappointment. Breakfast was fine, lunch usually was ok and dinner whenever served was frankly inedible. Fish overcooked to the point where it was rubber, limp vegetables and complete lack of any reasonable amount of protein for vegetarians. (Yes, I expect coconut veg curry to have more veg than onion and mushroom and have a flavor other than brown).

Ship - It is new, comfortable. But there is only one lounge which is used for everything which means that there is no place quiet on the ship indoors to sit, read or quietly talk with others. The outdoor areas are only usable if the weather is good (not raining, no wind).

The Cruise Director equivalent didn't know when to stop talking which meant that we were always late into dinner (may well have contributed to the poor food - beautifully plated mind you but overcooked and tasteless). I expected adult - what I got was a "Good Morning campers" approach. Greetings and shouted responses are for religious services and kindergarten. My fellow passengers were perhaps the most educated group I have ever had the pleasure to travel with; we did't need programs that catered to the three families traveling and featuring their offspring in presentations. The Naturalists were good as was the photographer. I enjoyed the snorkeling and the supporting dive teams.

Mind you, I understand where the expensive of the trip goes - transportation and staff salaries. Not a problem, But as someone who normally arranges her own tours and expeditions I found buses with 30-40 people at times irritating.

Lastly, and most importantly for me, as is apparently the custom with many of the small ships - you can't lock your cabin except from the inside. I travel with expensive camera equipment. My insurance company, when asked said that if anything happened they would not cover it as they would feel that neither the ship nor I had taken proper precautions to secure it.

The Celebrity Xpedition is the same size and has cabin keys.... The food was outstanding, the naturalists extremely good and all beverages were included when we were on her in the Galapagos.

Lindblad was interesting. But not worth the money from my point of view. There were several couples who had been on 20+ Lindblad cruises and would never put a foot on a larger ship. I guess I prefer a bit more space, good food and personal flexibility.

-Holly

pictures on www.hollydoyne.net with dates 18-25 Fen 2018

getting really close to 100 cruises. But first the rest of my Spring Training AZ break....

In the Galapagoes, Lindblad furnished snorkel equipment and wet suits. I have not been on Quest yet but would expect it to be equipped.

Currently on the Quest. Masks, snorkels, fins, wetsuits, zodiacs - they have them all. As well as standup paddle boards and kayaks.

-Holly

The food? Meh. But the snorkling today was great

Well, I will be able to perhaps answer this question next week. We board her on Sunday, 18 Feb for the Belize to Tikal run. My husband signed us up (Cal Alumni Association trip) so we will be in a subgroup of 15.

I normally post daily to my own blog if internet is at all available. If the bandwidth sucks or is terribly expensive I hold off on the photos.

Have never sailed with Lindblad. But my personal cruise experience spans five rivers and a goodly number of ocean voyages [85+]. This seven days on ship is pretty short for me.

Any specific questions? Like mine - diving and snorkeling are mentioned but absolutely nothing about equipment (provided? Bring your own ?)

- Holly

http://Www.hollydoyne.net

Past cruiser of Princess, Celebrity, RCCL, NCL, Costa, MSC, Phoenix, Windstar, P&O, Crystal, Ponant

Good to see this thread helping others.

 

Yes, Frankfurt USO now closed, but Ramstein still is open.

 

Great stuff all around.

Thought I would mention the LAX USO. across the street from Terminal 2 (cross the street @ the light in front of Terminal 1) which accepts retirees on a SpaceA basis.

Spent a great 6 hours there earlier this month while waiting to check in/drop luggage after a cruise.

-Holly

Who really appreciated access to electrical outlets; avoiding a dead phone is good.

I wore my mess dress on a Princess cruise to Norway out of England and my wife still complains that no one even noticed her (not true, she looked phenomenal -- I saw all those old guys eyeing her!). Most folks guessed I was RAF (I'm USAF). That was 21 years ago and I just tried on my cumberbum and it is only a little snug. I was double checking on wearing it now that I'm retired and have concluded it is not a real issue (regs say the service dress is fine, but don't mention the mess dress). Good to hear positive experiences.

The only thing you really have to do is check the USAF's CURRENT policy on uniforms if you want to wear it on a ship. A lot has changed in the last 20 years. That is - when it is and isn't allowable to wear (the USAF has one of the strictest policies about uniform wear outside the US) and whether or not you can comply with appearance standards.

If you can, then enjoy wearing your uniform , short hair and a clean shaven face with pride.

-Holly

who has decided to admire her dress mess in the closet rather than on ship. It still fits, but takes up way too much suitcase space....

Hi, Holly! :)

Crossing paths again!

-Holly

Granduer in Aug

Rhapsody Sept/Oct/Nov4

Brilliance next spring....

Thanks for the advise. I will track down my new cabin attendant before turnover day. With seven sea days in a row before I hit Ft. Lauderdale, I should be able to find the time :). I'm moving quite a distance and down two floors, but I'm moving from a 2 person center hump to a 3 person corner aft, so really no room to complain :D!

Besides the cabin attendant - it is the floor supervisors who really enforce the rules. Some ships are more reasonable than others. If I am on for several cruises, I also make a point of meeting them. It can make a real difference. Rules are that you don't get access to a different cabin prior to cabin opening. Exceptions are made often, but not always.

-Holly

who figures Grandma was right. Application of honey and sweetness works most of the time. Vinegar gets everyone......

I will be on the Oasis soon with final payment due on August 25 and would like to redeem 75,000 points for the companion fare. However, I am not sure if I make the final payment then redeem points before the sail date for a credit on my payment or do I contact RCL now before the final payment to redeem the points and then pay the balance due. I would appreciate any helpful info.

You are extremely smart to start working on this more than a month out from final payment. I have found more than one "exclusion" regarding either ship or time period in the fine print.

It can also be extremely challenging to check out of the site (45 minutes wasted one day before giving up).

There are also some other exclusions (which may include but not be limited to 1) exclusions from BOGO 2) invalidation of C&A Balcony and above discount... The value of the discount may also be prorated by days of the cruise....

-Holly

who the fine print gives headaches...

.....what no pokeman?..........:rolleyes:

Totally off topic - but I watched a couple of teens at an A's game last week trying to figure out how to get onto the playing field to capture the Pokemons in left field....

-Holly

Baseball as a substitute for cruising? Nah, but is more entertaining that watching muster drills....

Just curious, is there any way to find out how to spot him? :) We were on the Empress earlier this month, and we heard he was onboard, but we didn't have any idea what he looked like.

go to the welcome back part. He will be there.....

-Holly

FYI -

Since you are changing cabins, you are likely NOT going to be able to go to your new cabin until the cabins open. As everyone has said, your cabin attendant will move your things for you. If you have anything in the safe - let your cabin attendant know. You can either take it with you or they will coordinate with the new cabin attendant for you to go to the new cabin, put your things in the safe prior to leaving the ship. If you are not heading off the ship more that to clear customs, make sure you have with your what you will need for the day. Going to your cabin only happens during the day IF you are staying in the same cabin

-Holly

been there, done that more than 20 times on 9 difference RCCL ships. Your old cabin attendant knows you, the new one doesn't. And who always tips a bit extra in cash to whomever is moving my stuff.