Sage

You may also like the Villas. They are a bit more expensive, but they are two story, and have a hot tub and bathroom with shower on the lower level. They too come with Butler service. My family always used to get the cabanas, but when we found the Villas with a bathroom attached, we have never gone back to the cabanas.

There are other places to eat other than Tamarind for lunch. There is the Dutch Restaurant, the Dive In, the Pizza place and Deli as well as the Pinnacle Grill when open for lunch. There are no self serve laundries on board, but I believe they still have the laundry special. I was onboard the ship in March, and was impressed with the different dining venues.

I think that it depends on the days and if there is a tropical system near by. If there isn't a tropical system, I would image it would be like other years where the rain is on and off. Enjoy your cruise.

To be honest, I haven't seen a lot of children in the speciality dining venues. I agree with the the advice to call ship services.

There are several 4 and 5 star mariners, and they priority lines are generally long. Then there are the people that need wheelchair help that are given priority as well. We tend to wait in the line that we are assigned. We are on vacation, and I have all the time in the world.

We did the Hawaii/Alaska cruise years ago and loved it. I'm envious. I cried when it was time to get off. It was on this cruise that my husband and I realized that we loved long cruises. Enjoy your adventure.

Sail I not sure when they will send them to the mainland. I'm not sure if they will have to wait for commercial flights or can take one of the military planes back with the airlifting of critical patients. It's such a tragedy. I'm so glad that I was able to see some of the islands in March. My heart goes out to all those in the hurricanes path, be it in the islands or here in the states.

Yes it is Sheila. So many don't have that option. I know that if Jim was still alive, he would be over there doing what he could to help.

We often stay at the Atlantic Resort and Spa in Ft. Lauderdale. I know that they are up and running, and they are beach front. I believe that most hotels and such have power and not much damage.

I also have some friends in Puerto Rico that are sending their elderly parents to live in the states with other family members. They said that even with a generator and some cooling from the limited fans, it is just too brutal for the elderly if there are other options. We here in Florida, after the horrible deaths at the nursing home, ten in all I believe, understand just how harsh that humid and hot weather can be on the elderly.

I have friends that live on the island, and they drove to their office which usually takes 15 minutes. They said it took over two hours to get there. They had to avoid downed trees, debris in the road, power poles, and had to even drive on the wrong side of the road and on off the road. She said that they were grateful they had a jeep. They did say that the VA hospital there is up and running, and they had enough supplies to last a month. Some patients that are critical may be moved to Miami though.

I agree there is no difference in perks. The only difference is location and the price of the suite. As with most things, you pay for location.

I too think that it will be a long time before St. Thomas, Puerto Rico and the other islands hit so hard will be receiving cruise ships. The port in San Juan is not open, and the priority will be to bring in food, water, generators and medical supplies. I have several friends in Puerto Rico, and several friends the have family still living in Puerto Rico, and they are only concerned with living day to day now. Hopefully, we can get in there with the needed supplies soon. Not every location on the island has had a chance to even be searched due to flooding and impassable roads. My heart and prayers go out to the people on the islands.

We have had a villa twice. The last time we were there was in April. The maximum is 10, and if you get the Butler upgrade, all things will be provided. Everyone in the group checked in as a group, and each filled out the waiver. Our Butler was outstanding. We had plenty of food and drinks, and in April there were 10 guests. You will fill out a form telling them the sizes of fins, and drinks and food everyone prefers if you get the Butler. I have not had the villa or the cabana without a Butler, so I'm not much help there. Any other questions I will be glad to answer.

Sel de Mer is wonderful. We ate there several times on our cruise in March. Remember if you are a 4 star Mariner, you get 50% off the prices.

I have heard that they are very concerned about the buildings that were flooded, as the type of building material can cause rot and collapse once dried. We can only hope that they recover. I know they will be needing our tourist dollars.

The Pinnacle Suite is a wonderful experience. Basically the perks are the same, but you do have all that extra room and the guest bath which really helps when you are entertaining. We were escorted on the ship, and our luggage arrived almost immediately. Of course don't always count on that to happen.

I was on the Koningsdam in March and ate at the Sel de Mer three times. My party enjoyed the restaurant very much. The service was wonderful.

I too think that it depends on what time of the year you leave. We have cruised with a light jacket and maybe a sweatshirt as Copper10-8 has suggested, and it worked just fine. Enjoy your cruise.

I would imagine the smaller ships accommodate the ports and the number of people they are allowing.

When I was on the Koningsdam in March, one of the biggest complaints was there was no library. I like the idea of the library being brought back.

I first saw the nonrefundable cruises in an email I was sent offering great fares and reduced deposits. I was a bit confused, so I'm glad that I came to the boards. At first look, I'm not in favor of this at all.

This past November on the Westerdam, we were met in the pier and were the first ones escorted on the ship. We were taken right to our cabin. It's a nice welcome onboard, and the PS is spacious and very comfortable.

Thank you. My DH had a major stroke a year ago this month, and it has been a long and difficult time. I'm happy to say that he is out of Palliative care and will go into long term until he is able to come home. He is improving, and we are so very grateful.

We have been quiet comfortable in the PS on the Rotterdam. There are four of them I believe. I agree that the light switches can be a problem figuring it out, but just ask the cabin steward to point out the right switches.