halfvass

I just read the Scenic is set up for handicaps.  Does anyone else have comments or knowledge about this?  I can walk some but not long distances.  My disability is my lungs not my legs.  I have a 3-wheel scooter and it worked fine in Egypt in the Valley of the Kings!  People were staring but the Pharaohs  didn't seem to mind!😂

Thanks for any input.

We had a B2B booked just last week through the Celebrity Blue Chip club.  It was Apex out of Greece.  They let us book it.  Then called a week later and said we had to cancel one.  Of course we by then had air, etc booked.  They sited the CDC and offered no compensation for cancelled plans.  They sited a 7 day limit but one of the Apex's sailing was 8 days!  Go figure.  It is just something they are hiding behind.  HAL, RC, and NCL, all in Europe, are allowing B2B.  We are not pleased with the way we were treated but it doesn't look like there is any recourse.  So, we will get on NCL Jade for the second week out of Athens.  We love Celebrity but this move baffles me.  We are now turning to American Airlines for an indulgence!😒

But excited to get back to Cruising!  Thank you Greece for opening up!  May 14 seems to be the date for that.

Fair winds everyone!

Thank you for the replies! I've ordered the Alaska By Cruise Ship book, should have it on Monday. And, the more I search online, the more I'm convinced that I do want just a cruise - maybe a land/sea option in the future. We live near Seattle, so don't have to worry about flights. And, I have to take it in May 2018. These restrictions will help me narrow down my choices.

Has anyone been on a cruise on the MS Zaandam before? I wouldn't mind less "entertainment", but also want to make sure that if I were to choose the 14-day cruise that there's enough to do on the ship.

Also - the ever popular question - balcony or no balcony? I don't think I could do an inside...I guess knowing an average price to the port excursions would be helpful (any good websites to check out?). Trying to weigh the cost/benefits here of an upgraded room vs. wanting to go do/see things in the ports.

Wow - I hope to one day be a seasoned traveler and not have so many questions! :)

We were on the Zaandam 2 years ago. We have done many cruises on many ships and lines. But the Zaandam is our favorite ship, our favorite Captain, and, our favorite itinerary--around the Horn. Trust us, you will not lack for things to do and, because it is smallish, you meet more people. Hope this help!

Travel on! Deb

I have some size large dresses if anyone's interested. Wore them a few years ago on my cruise & one new w/tags. Sadly, I now need 20/22. Have been looking for a dress for my cruise in a month.

 

 

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Hi Christina. I would be interested in some large dresses if they would fit size 12/14.

Have you tried eBay for a dress? I had had success there and only buy from sellers who allow returns.

Let me know if you want to post the dresses, get my email or what.

Thanks!

Debbie

The gown is a bit small for size L. I usually wear size 8 or M. If you click on this link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/mpell/collections/ .Then click on 2013 World Voyage you will see a picture of me wearing the gown. I also have a size M. If you are size S.

 

Marie

Thanks for the answer Marie. Unfortunately I am usually a 12 or 14. You have exquisite taste in clothes. I know everyone appreciates your style and your unequaled generosity.

Debbie

[ATTACH]320792[/ATTACH]

 

One of Marie's lovely dresses that I've decided I just don't like it on me :(

So it needs to find another home .

 

Size Large designer Nicole Bakti

 

The picture doesn't do justice to the actual dress!

 

 

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Hi,

Beautiful dress. What size would "large" fit? Thanks!

Debbie

We're on a Venice to Istanbul cruise, the penultimate port being Kusadasi. We stay on post-cruise in Turkey and need a visa, but am not sure what date of entry I need to give, the date we are in Kusadasi ( june 19) or our Istanbul disembarkation date (june 21)? Some from our RC have put in the date for the first port, but we come back onboard that evening, does it make a difference? Thanks for your input!

It won't matter which date you put as it is good for 90 days. However, legally, you won't need it until you disembark in Istanbul on June 21 and stay on land. Being in a Turkish port on a cruise ship does not necessitate a visa nor do day trips ashore.

Deb

I was given to understand that we will need a visa due to the fact we are stAying 2extra nights in Istanbul after our cruise ends. It also appears that since the visa is for a 90 day period, I must wait until 90 days prior to our arrival in IST before I can apply for the visa on the official website. Does all this seem accurate to you, JohnBull. (BTW, I love your input!)

I'm not JohnBull but I will go ahead and answer. Yes, you will need the visa if you go back to Istanbul to do a land stay. (Are you going back there from Athens?)

You put in the date the visa is to start. You can go ahead and do it now; it becomes active on the date you specify. My is valid for 90 days beginning June 9 because that is when I arrive in Istanbul and that is what I put in my application.

From their website:

Do I need to enter Turkey on the exact date specified in my application?

No. The validity period of your e-Visa begins from the date specified in your application. You can enter Turkey on any date within this period.

Hope this helps.

Deb

Sorry to resurrect this topic again but I'm still slightly confused about the need to obtain a tourist Visa in Turkey. In June our ship visits 2 ports in Turkey before ending with an overnight stay in Istanbul. It appears from reading prior posts and information on the US website a Visa is not required when on shore excursions. When transferring from the ship for the flight home is a Visa necessary for an exit out of Turkey?:confused:

 

Pat

If you only spend time on the ship or on their cruise excursions, then you do not need a visa. However, if you are staying ashore you will.

This is from the Turkish Embassy website:

\

I will be visiting Turkey on a cruise ship. Do I need to get a visa?

While you do need to have a passport when traveling overseas, special arrangements are made by the large cruise lines to facilitate their passengers’ shore excursions. These special arrangements eliminate the potential for loss or theft of passengers’ passports while shopping and touring, and eliminate the need for passengers to obtain individual visitor visas from Turkey. U.S. citizens do typically need an e-visa to enter Turkey, but cruise ship passengers are permitted to come ashore without a visa for day visits by special arrangements.

In short, you may visit Turkey on the day trip from your cruise ship without being in possession of your passport. You may, however, want to carry a photocopy of your passport with you when your passport is being kept for safekeeping by the cruise lines.

Deb

Hello Ladies, Here is my picture in the BEAUTIFUL green gown that Marie had sent to me for our St. Paddy's Day cruise. I got so many compliments & loved wearing it, so thank you again Marie for being so generous.

Oh my. You both look fabulous. You're doing St. Paddy's even down to the ring! I'm green with envy! ;) Where does Marie find all of these lovely gowns?

Debbie

I'm not known for my great dress sense or my extensive wardrobe, but found that black evening pants and a couple of dressy tops which would easily roll up were fine for dinner. During the day, I tended to just wear what I would wear at home.

 

I must admit that the title of your post made me smile, Debbie, as I was tempted to reply "preferably", but that's just my deviant sens of humour!

 

Enjoy your cruise and don't worry, I'm sure you'll look good.

 

Cheers,

 

Sue

TeeHee! You Aussies and your sense of humor--it is great! I do see it and believe you me, no one would want to see this 61 year old without clothes!

Thanks! I knew you guys would come through with great info!

See you on board.

Debbie

First, I apologize if I am rehashing things that have been covered. I did a search but didn't find anything really germane.

I will soon have my first cruise with Azamara. I have done about 32 cruises on an assortment of ships/lines. (RC, HAL, Princess, Carnival, MSC, Celebrity, Cunard)

I am wondering how I should dress aboard Azamara. I know it is less formal. Can someone give me some specifics?

Thanks for your help. Yes, I see some of you (mostly guys) rolling their eyes but this is an important topic for we women!:rolleyes:

Thanks!

Debbie

I don't see anything wrong with your booking. The cat Q room went down to $449 February 25-27 which is $898 + $87.06 port taxes for a total of $985.06. This appears to have been a published rate on the RCL web site at 200%.

 

I would call C&A directly and ask them about it. They should be a better resource for you than the main RCL number. They should take the time to look closely at your reservation to determine if there are any codes attached to it that would prevent you from getting the SH benefit.

 

Please post back about the results. I've never had any issues getting the SH benefit on a generally available rate published on the RCL web site.

Well, 138east, RCL diagrees! It has been officially denied. Below is the non-responsive answer I got from Investor Relations. I asked for "specifics" about the denial. I got none. Just more boilerplate that should be void for vagueness!:mad: As I stated earlier, the way it is now written, they can deny the credit in almost any case.

Reservation 2922631 has been booked on a rate that is not combinable with the shareholder onboard credit offer.

We would like to remind you that since January 1, 2009 the shareholder benefit cannot be used in conjunction with reservations that already include onboard credits, "dollars off/wave" promotions, loyalty offers, upgrade offers, Future Cruise Certificates/Passages purchased onboard after January 1, 2009, chartered sailings, certain group sailings, certain price programs and/or bookings on a reduced rate or travel agent/inter-line rate. The option to choose between the shareholder credit and the other offer is available to you. *Please note the terms and conditions reflected in the shareholder letter of our annual report or you can review our program FAQ's on our website at http://www.rclinvestor.com. The shareholder onboard credit offer is applied to all qualified reservations with valid proof of shareholder ownership.

As a loyal guest and shareholder, you are very important to us. Please understand in order for us to continue to be a good investment for you, we need to consider how applying multiple discounts and/or offers can affect our profitability, especially in these economic times. This is why we are unable to combine these offers. We hope you can understand how, in the long run, these business decisions end up benefiting all our shareholders.

Ms Vass, we apologize for any inconvenience and we look forward to seeing onboard the Liberty of the Seas.

Please feel free to contact us if you have any further questions.

"

Gery,

You have some beautiful things. That one in the picture with your Grandson is to die for. Wish I was that size! How generous of you! Great bunch of ladies on here. I should have some to post in a couple of months when I move and do a closet clean-out. So glad I found this forum.

Debbie

There's no problem posting what you paid and your cabin category. I am also a solo cruiser. It's possible that you got a reduce single supplement and that's the reason you were denied the SH benefit which would be a change in policy. What is your C&A level?

I paid $985.06. It is a Q category inside. And there was no reduction for single; it was twice the going rate for an inside. My C&A level is Emerald. Diamond after this cruise!

I'm really interested in this question. Could you provide more details? Did you book directly through RCCL? What cabin category did you book and exactly how much did you pay as a base price?

 

I use the shareholder benefit all the time and have never had a problem when the rate was published on the RCCL web site. I have had TA OBC offers removed because they were less than the SH benefit, but once that was done I have always gotten the SH benefit.

I booked directly with RC, via phone, after looking online. This is my first cruise solo. My late DH and I had 33 together, not all RC, but many were, and we had no problem in the past getting the credit. I booked the cheapest inside cabin since I am paying double. It was a good price but prices often are on TAs as the sail date gets closer. I originally applied a C&A certificate for $115 to the price but, on the advice of someone on these boards, I took it off before applying for the SH benefit. My cruise is 13 days so the SH benefit would be $200.

I have emailed Investor Relations for a more specific answer as to why the benefit was denied. I will post that when I hear back. IMO, I think they are looking at every way to deny the benefit and have knowingly made the wording vague! We'll see. Not sure if I can put the total I paid on here. If someone tells me it is allowed I will do that.

Meanwhile, I am steaming in sunny Ft. Lauderdale!

Debbie

Another common perk that cannot be combined with the shareholder benefit is OBC from booking on board or OBC from a WOW sale.

I have no OBC. That's why I want to find out what they're basing it on. Is it any time we get a good price on a cruise we lose the shareholder credit? That is what it is beginning to sound like. If so, they can manipulate that any way they want!

Hi everyone. Well, I just was turned down for the SH credit on my upcoming 13 day TA. And I had taken off my Crown & Anchor $115 saving certificate to avoid the denial. Someone on these boards advised me to do that. So, I have written to investor relations asking for specifics. I mentioned CC and the anger and confusion on the boards here! We'll see what they say.

Debbie

You're welcome. Enjoy your cruise! I love TAs. I am getting ready to do an eastbound one to visit family in Coventry.

I would not worry about being too warm in the UK in Oct/Nov. And, depending where you are disembarking, maybe you only need warm clothing. Polyester doesn't wrinkle, is lightweight, and we all know that it keeps you warm!

You might try knit jeans also. Many places have them now. Comfortable and not nearly as bulky as regular denim jeans.

Debbie

So are you saying that you cannot get a Visa in person at the airport when this takes affect in April?

We were able to get our visa at Ataturk Airport in Istanbul when we got off the plane. This was a couple of years ago. A little bit of a line but not bad. Back then it only cost $10.

I have several Sherpani bags but my favorite is one that has a pocket on the back that has a zipper on the bottom, too, so that you can slide that whole pocket over the handles of a wheeled carry-on. Have used it for many things where the little crossbody bags wouldn't work. Sorry can't remember name right now but found it on e-bay.

Is this the one that you're remembering? http://www.rei.com/pix/common/pixel.gif And did it work well as a carry-on?

Thanks!

Debbie

Starting Monday you can get an inside cabin for just $489 and you could also get a shareholder OBC of $200 with that.

 

http://www.creative.rccl.com/Sales/Royal/Multi_Dest/Special_Offers/rci_sales_event.pdf

I just booked an inside a couple of days ago and got it for $449. Then I found that I had a Crown and Anchor coupon for $115 and they took that off. Now we'll see if I get the shareholder credit.:rolleyes:

BTW, this is the first cruise I am doing by myself. My DH passed away last year. We had done 32 cruises together. I have been trying to find the Roll Call thread for this cruise but am having no luck. Is there one?

Excited and a little scared . . .

Debbie