Gardener5b

I totally overlooked that dessert was included. That makes it an even better deal! Thank you.

Thanks for the suggestion--I'm not a sushi eater either but enjoy ramen and appetizers. I'll check out the a la carte pricing.

There is currently a good sale price for lunch at Izumi on a few of my upcoming cruises. Per the menu, you can choose 1 small plate and 2 large plates. Does anyone know if they'll let you order 2 small and 1 large plate instead? Thanks!

I'm so sorry for your loss. Joebob was 16--what wonderful caregivers you were for that beautiful boy.

And your two are absolutely adorable (and such good caregivers!)

+3 My thoughts and prayers for you and everyone affected by this terrible war.

On Serenade last month, we had morning service as our room steward requested. But each evening he'd stop briefly to see if we needed more ice or towels. We often switched our damp towels for a fresh set. Took just a few minutes of his time, and we didn't need any additional services.

Oldest: Song of Norway Newest: Freedom Favorite: Any of the Radiance class

We love the smaller ships. Just recently did a 12 night on Serenade and it was a great cruise. Vision is a lovely ship--we've sailed on her twice. Our room steward preferred to service our cabin in the morning, which was fine. But he checked in with us in the evening to see if we needed ice or clean towels. The app is OK for seeing events around the ship. If you prefer a paper Cruise planner, you can either scan the QR code near guest services (looks much like the paper copy) or ask your room steward for a paper copy. I'm a fairly picky eater, but we thought the MDR selections were fine. Our meals were always delivered warm, and we were able to request anything additional we needed. Service was awesome.

We have a transatlantic booked for 11/24. Within the past 5 days, we've had 2 price drops totaling almost $1000. It pays to keep checking.

We were on the Serenade repositioning cruise in September. We both came down with COVID halfway through the cruise. We were advised to leave our meal trays out in the hall. Many other trays were there (not sure if they were quarantined or not). Dishes were picked up really quickly; it appears they had workers scanning the hallways frequently for dishes. Never more than 30 minutes before pick ups.

Near Guest Services (where the Cruise Compass used to reside), there is a QR code to scan, and it will bring up a Cruise Compass that looks like the printed variety. Our room steward offered us one night, also, so you may wish to ask for a physical copy from your steward.

Day before disembarking, our passports were collected. We were instructed to keep our luggage with us. On day of disembarkation, we were to remain in our cabin until someone came to escort us to one of the lounges, where all quarantined passengers were gathered. We were able to manage our own luggage, but there were workers helping move luggage for those that couldn't manage. Once in the lounge, we had our passports returned. All luggage except carry-ons were taken down to the pier by luggage cart. Once we were given clearance to leave, we were escorted via elevator to the gangway. Our luggage was out on the pier. It was not a terribly long distance to taxis/ride shares. We were in the lounge for probably 45-60 minutes as everyone gathered, and they waited for all other passengers to disembark. Most people handled it really well, and all but one or two passengers were masked as we waited.

Serenade; the TPA-BOS repositioning cruise.

We also had Beach Club booked, but it was not meant to be. Maybe next time.

We were just on the TPA-Boston repositioning cruise. We caught a sale for $79/pp for the Beach Club. Current prices are crazy!!

@Sea Dog Maybe keep a mask in your pocket for when you need to use the elevator. The elevators were way overcrowded on our cruise; it might provide a bit of protection.

Thankfully we were able to stay in our balcony cabin. I'm not sure they are doing quarantine cabins any more. I'm guessing someone could break the rules and leave their cabin, but we wouldn't even consider such a thing. Oddly enough, my DH was told he could leave the cabin after I was diagnosed and he was asymptomatic. We chose not do that, as it didn't seem like sound advice. We were allowed to order from MDR for lunch/dinner (but not breakfast for some reason). My DH had the refreshment package so we got lots of water and soda delivered with meals. I was also given internet for the remainder of the cruise (my DH already had the internet package). We masked when meals were delivered or when our cabin steward brought ice/towels. We certainly didn't want to spread to anyone else!!

Unfortunately my DH cannot do more than one flight of steps, so we tried to avoid overly-crowded elevators and wait for one that was less crowded. Not sure it helped 😞

It appeared maybe about 20 cabins (double occupancy). I'm guessing many more may have had it and not reported to medical, based upon the coughing, etc. we heard early on during the cruise. We always travel with Covid tests and appropriate meds just in case. I was grateful we were offered Paxlovid-- I declined due to mild symptoms, but my husband is at higher risk. He had virtually no symptoms once he started on Paxlovid.

First half of the cruise was great! We did a ship excursion on Grand Cayman that we really enjoyed (thankfully well air-conditioned coaches). We stayed on the ship in Aruba. I was so bummed to miss Coco Cay (for the 3rd time!!).

I'm guessing Boston does not have facial recognition, and they were trying to avoid face-to-face contact with CBP for COVID passengers.

We were on the TPA - Boston repositioning cruise, and both came down with COVID. While we needed to be escorted separately off of the ship, there were helpers for those that needed help with luggage from their cabin, and all luggage was taken down to the pier ahead of our departure from the lounge we gathered in. So sorry that didn't happen for @Jimbo Our passports were collected the day before departure, and handed back to us at disembarkation so we could be escorted directly off of the ship.

@Lionesss Congratulations on quitting smoking 12 years ago. You should be so proud of that accomplishment. My husband and I had barely started dating when I came down with walking pneumonia. He was a 2 pack a day smoker (an IT guy who smoked and drank endless cups of coffee). He stopped smoking around me because I was so ill, and never started up again. We've been married almost 34 years, and that was one of the best gifts he could have ever given me.

It's been bad enough here that outdoor activities have been cancelled. You can actually smell the smoke, and definitely feel it in your eyes/throat.