scamper

For future reference this site, cruisedeckplans.com, has user taken pictures of many of the lines and ships. Unfortunately, there were no pics of this particular room as the site is dependant on users to post their pics . There are also pics of public areas, plus many people also post their YouTube vids on the site.

This is something they need to take up with their government. But I would be willing to bet if they did take it up with their government, it will tell them to go pound sand. Were anyone in a place I visited to say something disparaging to me, I'd tell them they need to dismantle their port.

Nail head, meet hammer. However... The whole purpose of "service" is so you DON'T have to do it yourself. To me, one of the best parts of having a concierge and/or butler is having someone do "it" for me so I can spend my time relaxing and enjoying myself. If a person doesn't utilize the services of the concierge, then they shouldn't tip them. I can't tell you how many hotels I have stayed in that offered a concierge that I did not utilize, or, for that matter, lay eyes on. Didn't bother me not to tip them.

Absofrickin'lutely! I've used this site for years and have occasionally read posts where a passenger's butler said he or she would "be too busy" to attend to requests. While I have never had that experience myself, if I were to hear that from a butler my immediate response would be, "Then perhaps you have chosen the wrong career path. I suggest you consider something in the food service industry."

Unless European laws are different from US laws, as long as they are on the flight from Stockholm they won't remove bags at the connecting point if they misconnect. They don't in the US, anyway.

The airline I worked for had a warehouse in Pittsburgh where they took unclaimed/undeliverable baggage. Bags were sent there after a period of time in the hopes that they could still be matched with the owner. We took a "field trip" there not long after I started with the company. The sheer number of bags there was jaw-dropping. After a period of a few months, the airline sold unclaimed bags and contents and donated the proceeds to charity. I cannot recommend travel insurance more forcefully. I live by the old American Express slogan...I "Don't leave home without it."

Minimum connecting times are based on the idea that all inbound and outbound flights are on time. Having worked for an airline for many years I can tell you that that is the exception far more often than the rule. No way I would accept that booking. Charles de Gaulle is not one of the most user friendly airports in the world, especially for connecting passengers. If it were me, and I had to connect in Europe, I would go through Amsterdam. PS, and not to go off topic, but if you have to make this connection, there is a better than even chance your bags won't make the flight. Don't pack anything in checked bags that you can't live without, or can't be replaced at Target or WalMart. I still think about the putz I had to deal with one time who packed his car/house keys in his checked bag. Oy. 🙄

The second bedroom is waaaaaaaaaaaaaay too small for two adults. Unless, of course, they are small adults. Two children or one adult would be fine.

I believe the OP to be a reasonable person, and certainly didn't express disappointment about anything I thought would be kind of silly. The OP has a valid point with not being able to get clear information about the boarding/departure delay. When delays occur, especially in places where there (at least by what I understand) wasn't a lot of room in a sheltered area where people were waiting, all shipboard and ground personnel need to be told specifics regarding the delay. I believe most people would be at least a bit more understanding if something is going on that's outside the line's or ship's control. To state that various people gave more than one reason for the delay seems to me more of a rumor mill thing than actual facts. If the lack of accurate information dissemination results in rumors or just guesses, I would have to be a concerned about accurate information in the event of a shipwide emergency. Of course a very late departure is going to affect scheduling and I am not surprised if the delay caused port cancellations. I am just amazed that there was nothing to do but sit in a room and read. I understand that all activities are not to everyone's taste, and everyone has a sea or port day preference, but there had to be much more to do on the ship than stay in the room. Maybe NCL has overstated what there is plenty aboard their ships to keep people entertained.

It's funny that you bring this up. Years ago when my parents were alive and my sister and I moved to another state, I made a comment to sis that I thought food at mom and dad's tasted better. My sister agreed. Mom could (and did) cook the exact same meal at my sister's place but it just didn't taste the same. We mentioned that to mom one time and she thought we were nuts.

This question might take some thought, but I have made some random searches on various cruises/ships on the website and it seems when The Yacht Club is very close to being sold out the only accomodations that are available are immediately adjacent to either the Yacht Club lounge or restaurant. It's hard to determine by the deck plan if the door to that public room right is next to the door to the stateroom. That would be an issue for me due to the possible noise factor. Also, I can't help but wonder if, even with both doors closed, chatter and other sounds can be heard through the common wall. The fact that on a couple of these random bookings the only room(s) that is/are available are right next to the lounge or restaurant indicate to me that these are not desirable locations.

I look as much to the size of the suite when booking higher categories as anything, considering the fare charged. If I am forking out $300 to $500+ per person/per day on a mass market line (which I consider Cunard to be, although with a bit more oomph) I'd better have a room of at the very least 400 square feet. To me, that doesn't look any bigger than a deluxe veranda on a lot of ships.

Not to go off topic, but educate me: does the extra special relationship between Delta/KLM/Air France provide full MQM/MQS/MQD (especially MQD) when booking through any carrier's site, or just on Delta (for Medallions)? I'm a lowly silver and I'd like to keep it since Delta raised qualifications for higher levels and I don't travel that much. I also know that sometimes the earnings have as much to do with whichever carrier's metal you fly on. I also use ita matrix to check fares and oftentimes the fare differences are extremely wide.

That is a Princess Grille suite??? Admittedly, I have never seen one, but that looks sad! This is where Post-It notes come in handy. "Keep ya mitts off my clothes!"

Absolutely correct! The great thing about the Grilles is the fact that if you give the galley 24 hours notice, they can put together anything you want. Provided, of course, that they have the ingredients on the "chip." 😉 Years ago when I bought a copy of "The Last Dinner on the Titanic" there was an amazing recipe for Filet Mignons Lili served with Pommes Anna. On a QM 2 crossing, I took the recipe to the maitre d' and when he returned after taking it to the chef the answer was, "We can do it!" It was just as outstanding as when I made it.

Your comment reminds me of the alleged last words of Oscar Wilde. "Either that dreadful wall paper goes, or I do." While I agree that the paper is a bit too busy for my taste, I think the rest of it is rather subdued. Could be worse. Could be Las Vegas at sea like Carnival.

And just to point out how true this can be, Google "Titanic." 😁

I tried searching this topic, but either I don't know what I am doing or there is no info on the topic. We sail Saturday on Brilliance and they are offering thermal spa passes. My experience with thermal spas is exclusive to Holland America. What I need to know is, do they have the "thermal" pool on Brilliance like HAL ships have or do they just offer the heated loungers, steam, sauna, and showers? The pools on HAL are fantastic and my sister claims that there is something in the order that soothes her dry skin. I did some research but nothing was mentioned about pools on Brilliance in the spa. Thanks.

LOL...which works out to $30 a day. Maybe if the advertise it like that they hope people can't do simple math and think they are getting a deal if they park at the weekly price.

I hate when people are limited to ordering what the cruise line offers. If I can take them on board myself I am much happier.

They feed them in steerage??? Who knew?

Frankly, I am disappointed that many, if not most or all, lines are going back to the traditional muster drill. Primarily because crowding onto an open deck in 90F+ Florida temperatures and humidity sucks. But, it definitely won't kill me and if that is what is required, so be it. It is what it is. If I don't like it, I can charter a boat or, as someone mentioned upthread, spend my money in hotels and resorts. I don't need to see or hear the crew unless they are calling row like they used to do. As long as I know where my assigned boat is, I'm good--I'll worry about hearing or seeing the crew in the event that boats are needed to get us off ship.

To each, his own. ☺️ Employees are offered nothing (or very little) in the way of discounts in Ireland. Regardless of our relationship, I feel confident he knows what he's talking about. I am very happy you're pleased with your products.

Trust me...a departure is happily in the works.

I look forward to the day when I can look through all the threads I'm interested in and not find a rude or snarky comment anywhere. Guess I'll be holding my breath on that one. As someone has pointed out upthread, there is plenty of "old" and pre-Covid information out there that no longer applies. Personally, I enjoy talking about my Yacht Club experiences, and I can't really add anything to what has already be outlined. I will say that I am flummoxed when people say they have no idea what the butler is for or how to use same. We find plenty for them to do, including setting up for small cocktail parties that we have on some nights as well as bringing requested snacks, beverages, and meals to our suites. We've had a butler take clothing for last minute pressing (on his offer), repair a shoe, etc. We tip over and above when we have utilized "extra" services and are happy to oblige. Finally, MSC YC is, dollar for dollar, the best product I have experienced on a mainstream line. Comparatively, NCL's The Haven is overpriced and many of their rooms are tiny in comparison. I'll "do" The Haven again when MSC has nothing to interest me.