Bit of a blog – Navigator of the Seas – E Caribbean – 8 nights – 26th November 2011

[luvmykidsluv2cruise]

I've been reading this blog as we are going on the Navigator in mid-January. I just have to say that I don't understand why one would make it a week's long mission to complain. Things happen and people just have to adjust. We were scheduled to go on a Princess cruise right after dry dock for renovations. The ship was not ready when we showed up and the lines got very long. After awhile, they bused us to a convention center to wait until the ship was cleared for passengers. They were even asking for passengers to give up their cruise for a refund and free cruise in the future because they needed cabins for the workers that still needed to complete work while the ship was sailing. The casino, as well as an additional restaurant, was not opened the whole trip because it was not complete. Once the ship was ready for boarding, it was a mad dash to the pier and the lines were sooooooo long (in San Juan). We ended getting on the ship after 8:00 p.m. when we originally showed up at the pier around 11:00 in the morning. It was an experience and something to talk about, but once we were on the ship, it was behind us. It was not my week long mission to berate the employees or demand acknowledgement. That, in my opinion, is a waste of my time. The people that had to endure the lines are not going to get a free cruise or anything for the inconvenience, so why make it a huge issue. There are too many other things to enjoy on a cruise and it is not worth the time to make a big deal about something, that may or may not have been in the cruise line's control. If I have to wait in line to get on the cruise, it won't be the first time and it probably won't be the last. Let it go. Just my opinion.

I have to say that I agree with you. We went on Liberty of the Seas in January after it came out of drydock as well. We waited in line for 3 hours with 3 young kids. It was not pleasant but thats how it goes sometimes.

But Linda I do appreciate you taking the time to blog and this is your blog so you can do with it as you please.

Enjoy the rest of your cruise.

Triena

[qsuzi]

So it's no big deal that people collapsed or fainted, those with chronic pain had level 10 pain for hours, and/or those with health or other issues had great difficulty? We all expect some wait, some lines, etc. but the situation as described is different. If some just don't get it or acknowledge it is a real issue for some, then I really am dismayed by the lack of understanding and compassion.

[micruiser2002]

I said this before and I am going to say it again. The cruise documentation says boarding is 1:30pm. If you arrive 3 hours before the documentation time then you should expect a wait. If not that is great but I do not think you can blame RCI if there is. I also do not understand why someone who has chronic pain then would stay there and wait? Why not just get into one of the cabs that is dropping off other guests and go back to their hotel or go to a mall?

[critterchick]

I said this before and I am going to say it again. The cruise documentation says boarding is 1:30pm. If you arrive 3 hours before the documentation time then you should expect a wait. If not that is great but I do not think you can blame RCI if there is. I also do not understand why someone who has chronic pain then would stay there and wait? Why not just get into one of the cabs that is dropping off other guests and go back to their hotel or go to a mall?

 

As I recall, the photo of that horrible line was taken around 1:30pm. Those who arrived early got the better deal than those who read their cruise documentation.

 

We're sailing NV at the end of the month and I don't think that anything will have changed at the port. So far we've been booted from Labadee (Allure will be there and apparently whoever did the schedule didn't notice) and now will be tendering instead of docked in St. Thomas (that will be about at 25 minute ride, judging from the tenders we saw coming from QM 2 last year). And embark/debark will likely be a mess. I will fuss a bit about all of it, roll with the punches, enjoy the ship and the ports, report back on it, get slammed by those who think that I should silently take whatever RCI and the port authorities dish out and get on with my life.:)

 

OP, I appreciate your keeping us updated.

[Ander026]

As I recall, the photo of that horrible line was taken around 1:30pm. Those who arrived early got the better deal than those who read their cruise documentation.

 

We're sailing NV at the end of the month and I don't think that anything will have changed at the port. So far we've been booted from Labadee (Allure will be there and apparently whoever did the schedule didn't notice) and now will be tendering instead of docked in St. Thomas (that will be about at 25 minute ride, judging from the tenders we saw coming from QM 2 last year). And embark/debark will likely be a mess. I will fuss a bit about all of it, roll with the punches, enjoy the ship and the ports, report back on it, get slammed by those who think that I should silently take whatever RCI and the port authorities dish out and get on with my life.:)

 

OP, I appreciate your keeping us updated.

 

I feel your pain about Laberdee. We were supposed to go the same day the Allure did. Hopeing to get some good pics of her. Then RCCI realized and changed our schedule around and we now end with Day 6 at Coco Cay. I think that they did not fully plan out the Navigator when she returned Stateside since if you look at past planning books she is supposed to be overseas this time of year. Since she brought her back with a late announcement back in April all of our itinerarys have to be adjusted and we get the ugly terminal at FLL

[qsuzi]

I said this before and I am going to say it again. The cruise documentation says boarding is 1:30pm. If you arrive 3 hours before the documentation time then you should expect a wait. If not that is great but I do not think you can blame RCI if there is. I also do not understand why someone who has chronic pain then would stay there and wait? Why not just get into one of the cabs that is dropping off other guests and go back to their hotel or go to a mall?

RCI and cruisers all learn from this experience. Many cruisers know that most embarkations start well before the 1:30 pm official embarkation time and many have found that going earlier provides a smoother embarkation than going on 1:30pm. Once the event raises your chronic pain, it usually takes many hours or much longer to go back down. Riding in a car or taxi is one of the most difficult things for individuals with back pain and/or those that have had back surgery. So actually the back and forth several times in a taxi is not the best recourse depending. What I read was that many Meet and Mingle cruisers and others stated that this was the worst embarkation they have ever experienced. As described, this was not a routine delay many of us have experienced as cruisers.

[micruiser2002]

I understand that the picture was at 1:30 with the line, but that is the issue. Those people had been standing there for 2 or more hours because they assumed they would be able to get on early. We have not heard yet how fast the line moved once they were allowed to open the ship. I would probably bet that within an hour of opening the line was probably way smaller.

[tigger-ttfn]

I've been reading this blog as we are going on the Navigator in mid-January. I just have to say that I don't understand why one would make it a week's long mission to complain. Things happen and people just have to adjust. We were scheduled to go on a Princess cruise right after dry dock for renovations. The ship was not ready when we showed up and the lines got very long. After awhile, they bused us to a convention center to wait until the ship was cleared for passengers. They were even asking for passengers to give up their cruise for a refund and free cruise in the future because they needed cabins for the workers that still needed to complete work while the ship was sailing. The casino, as well as an additional restaurant, was not opened the whole trip because it was not complete. Once the ship was ready for boarding, it was a mad dash to the pier and the lines were sooooooo long (in San Juan). We ended getting on the ship after 8:00 p.m. when we originally showed up at the pier around 11:00 in the morning. It was an experience and something to talk about, but once we were on the ship, it was behind us. It was not my week long mission to berate the employees or demand acknowledgement. That, in my opinion, is a waste of my time. The people that had to endure the lines are not going to get a free cruise or anything for the inconvenience, so why make it a huge issue. There are too many other things to enjoy on a cruise and it is not worth the time to make a big deal about something, that may or may not have been in the cruise line's control. If I have to wait in line to get on the cruise, it won't be the first time and it probably won't be the last. Let it go. Just my opinion.

I totally agree. I payed for a good time and I'm going to have it. Move on. IT's not RCC that needs to hear the gripe, it's the port authority and those on the cruise should handle it when they get back. Don't let it spoil the cruise.

[qsuzi]

I hear what you are saying Micruiser and others. Looking forward to being back on the Voyager class next month. Safe travels to those traveling soon.

[micruiser2002]

The funny thing is I will be boarding Navigator Dec 10 so I guess I will get first hand taste of how bad it is. I sailed her last year in December but I cannot remember which terminal we were at.

[NorbertsNiece]

I don't have time here to go into the embarkation story (running out of credit) but quickly to respond to a few posts.... the queue did NOT clear quickly once embarkation started, check in starts at 11 regardless of what it states in cruise documentation, and trying to help out others get answers has not spoilt my holiday one jot. in fact I will be praising the GS personnel who have been supportive this week.

[NorbertsNiece]

It felt a bit strange to see the view this morning. I’m not sure what I was expecting but it wasn’t a metropolis. Mixed in with the modern architecture I can discern different styles, colours and attitude.

 

 

As I descend the gangway someone behind me is whistling a tune from ‘West Side Story’; I guess that’s inevitable. I make it a task to find 100s of flowers in full bloom (I fail by the way).

 

I meet up with some friends and we jump on the free tram that is passing. We hop off at a couple of stops and hop back on another a while later…. a lovely way to get the feel of a place. Initially I had been concerned at being alone but honestly after a while there was really no need and we parted company.

 

I had printed off a walking tour prior to leaving home and followed the first part. It was great having the pictures of the various sites to refer to; I felt reassured that I was on the right track.

 

I relished in reading about the history of the town and headed for the jail, passing remnants of the original city wall. To view the cells in a back courtyard of the prison was awesome in the true sense.

 

 

I continued the tour becoming increasingly concerned at how hot it was becoming and also conscious of the need to be back at the ship for all aboard 130pm. The cobbled streets are charming; the colourful houses and courtyards shielded from the heat by trees whose names I don’t know; skinny cats lazy about; I’m reminded of somewhere in Europe… not quite sure where.

 

I go into the Cathedral which is simple and serene. There is a stunning Madonna and child. I don’t know its origin but the sculpture (if that is what it is) is magnificent. Following the route I am irresistibly drawn into Ben and Jerry’s for my traditional holiday serving of chocolate and coffee ice cream (long story).

 

I am directed to a totem pole. I have a lot of research to do on my return home.

 

 

I can see Fort Murro in the distance and there is a trolley soon to depart from there.

 

 

I squeeze on board when it reaches the stop and head back to the ship. Traffic is heavy and I jump off further down the line and walk the rest of the way back past vendors selling ‘nearly’ Yves St Laurent handbags.

I wish I could have spent more time here. It’s a vibrant place and I had no time at all to wander much of the Old Town. I did spy the Bacardi distillery across the bay. Will have to come back.

 

 

I have a swim and then try to nap in the solarium but that proves to be impossible; the ship’s horn on sailaway, passers by stopping to ask me about my poolside bag and the sound of the belly flop competition from the main pool; I give up and go for a stroll. That is when I noticed the drinks being set up courtesy of RCCL as per my previous post.

 

I head back to my room then decide not to bother with the nap and instead head for another couple of trivia rounds. At least as the token Brit on the team I can come up with random answers such as the record label the Beatles were signed to before ‘Apple’ was created.

[wassup4565]

Linda, many thanks again for this fine opportunity to join you in your travels. So glad you were too hot in San Juan, as we are feeling the cold here in Ottawa, Canada this week. But next week I'll be where you are, on the Navigator, warm, I hope!

 

And thank you for raising the concerns with RCI about boarding. It may make things better for the next people (that's us). Cheers! Hope you enjoyed that free drinkie.

[critterchick]

I understand that the picture was at 1:30 with the line, but that is the issue. Those people had been standing there for 2 or more hours because they assumed they would be able to get on early. We have not heard yet how fast the line moved once they were allowed to open the ship. I would probably bet that within an hour of opening the line was probably way smaller.

 

We don't know that they had been standing there for 2 or more hours. For all we know they had all gotten there within 30 minutes of one another.

 

When we arrived at PE to board Liberty on 11/12 (first cruise after her TA), ther was no line to enter the building at noon. We were checked in immediately and waited about an hour to board. By then (one hour, not two), the line wrapped around the building and doubled back on itself.

 

Yes, the documents say boarding at 2:00. But if 3500+ passengers all arrived at 2:00, there would still be a massive queue and they probably wouldn't be able to process everybody in time for the TSA deadline of 90 minutes prior to sailing. So if people don't arrive early, there's a whole lotta trouble in River City.

 

Every cruise line I've sailed on a boarding time in their documents. And on almost every cruise I've ever taken boarding has started hours prior to that time. To let the cruiseline point to that clause in the documents for any cruise where embarkation is fouled up is just letting them off the hook for allowing the port to treat their customers badly. IMO RCI needs to have a serious talk with their port agents. Although it seems to be a worldwide problem. See, e.g. San Juan.

[pspercy]

"random answers such as the record label the Beatles were signed to before ‘Apple’ was created."

 

Parlophone, IIRC.

[BillB48]

"random answers such as the record label the Beatles were signed to before ‘Apple’ was created."

 

Parlophone, IIRC.

 

I think that's it! I was going through every combination of "parliament" that I could think of. My not yet DW actually had one of those albums.... hmmm, if I only knew where it was. Challenging questions such as this should be reserved for times when I'm more awake!

[Radio]

It felt a bit strange to see the view this morning. I’m not sure what I was expecting but it wasn’t a metropolis. Mixed in with the modern architecture I can discern different styles, colours and attitude. >snip<

 

Wow. . I am really enjoying you "LIVE" post! I love all of the details that you are providing. It sounds like you are have a great time. . .

 

Thanks for posting this report. . .

 

 

Radio

;);)

[will773]

It's a shame you weren't able to spend more time in San Juan! Maybe next time! ;)

[Ocean Boy]

I totally agree. I payed for a good time and I'm going to have it. Move on. IT's not RCC that needs to hear the gripe, it's the port authority and those on the cruise should handle it when they get back. Don't let it spoil the cruise.

 

Do you really think that individual complaints from cruisers to the port authority carries more weight than RCI having discussions witrh the port authority? My contract is with RCI. They brought their ship to Port Everglades and THEY can deal with the port authority.

[Ocean Boy]

It's a shame you weren't able to spend more time in San Juan! Maybe next time! ;)

 

I really dislike the short stops in San Juan. It is a port of call that is deserving of a full day.

[travelbuddies]

Do you really think that individual complaints from cruisers to the port authority carries more weight than RCI having discussions witrh the port authority? My contract is with RCI. They brought their ship to Port Everglades and THEY can deal with the port authority.

 

Anyone unhappy with cruising out of FLL don't book future cruises leaving from that port again. You can bet RCI and the Port Authority get the message loud and clear when it effects their bottom line $$$.

 

I must say I will miss the lady with the big hat at the Miami port RCI check in. You gotta love a person that starts off their day with a great sense of humour. :D

[travelbuddies]

Yikes, someone posted on my roll call there will be 7 ships in Port Everglades on Dec 4Th. We are boarding the Navigator when you are disembarking.

 

I'll give a big wave to everyone in a pink boa.

 

Thanks to your blog Linda, I will definitely come prepared and have added a few more things to my carry on to keep me comfortable. I've been very fortunate over the last decade boarding at 11AM I've never had to wait and the Windjammer has been ready and prepared to greet us. It's been fun reading your blog as I await my cruise. I appreciate that you used your shipboard Internet minutes sharing with us. Have a safe trip back to the UK and a Happy Holiday!

 

Susan

[GSuitesailing]

I really dislike the short stops in San Juan. It is a port of call that is deserving of a full day.

 

 

I couldn't agree more!

[Ocean Boy]

Anyone unhappy with cruising out of FLL don't book future cruises leaving from that port again. You can bet RCI and the Port Authority get the message loud and clear when it effects their bottom line $$$.

 

I must say I will miss the lady with the big hat at the Miami port RCI check in. You gotta love a person that starts off their day with a great sense of humour. :D

 

OMG, I forgot all about her! Is makes such a great impression when your first contact with an RCI employee is someone who seems to love her job so much!

[LuckiStac13*Majesty*]

Anyone unhappy with cruising out of FLL don't book future cruises leaving from that port again. You can bet RCI and the Port Authority get the message loud and clear when it effects their bottom line $$$.

 

I must say I will miss the lady with the big hat at the Miami port RCI check in. You gotta love a person that starts off their day with a great sense of humour. :D

 

Ha ha!! I miss her too!