Recent Splendor Cruise - Random Thoughts

[Maraprince]

Yes, I love the "bargaining" at the ports. I always look forward to that. If it is a very poor area, I generally don't.

 

The Caribbean ports are the best for bargains from local (not big stores like Diamonds International) stores that are usually family owned. They tend to get a lot of repeat business and recommendations from passengers who have visited them and then told their friends/families back home. Also, they will send you a Christmas card and even a small catalog that you can order from.

 

MARAPRINCE

[beshears]

Maraprince, you are right about the Christmas cards. I did not go to Diamonds International, but a smaller jeweler years ago, and bought a nice diamond ring. I "may" have been taken for my money, as I have not taken it to my jeweler to have it appraised.;) It is a beautiful diamond ring, and I paid a good price for it, but I like the way it looks, so that is all that matters, and yes, I receive a Christmas card from them every year.

[Vitamin_Sea]

Yes, I love the "bargaining" at the ports. I always look forward to that. If it is a very poor area, I generally don't.

 

Its all about the haggle!

 

Locals expect it and built it in there price already :eek:

[Maraprince]

Maraprince, you are right about the Christmas cards. I did not go to Diamonds International, but a smaller jeweler years ago, and bought a nice diamond ring. I "may" have been taken for my money, as I have not taken it to my jeweler to have it appraised.;) It is a beautiful diamond ring, and I paid a good price for it, but I like the way it looks, so that is all that matters, and yes, I receive a Christmas card from them every year.

 

While I hope your ring choice is a good one, I can tell you that I, along with others, would not keep going back and bringing new customers with us if we did not feel we were getting good value for our money. The Caribbean has always featured new styles/settings and stones before you see them back at home. They do sizing while you wait often at no additional cost and they do not charge any local sales tax. Often, you will get a discount if you pay some or all in cash because they do not have to pay the credit card transaction fee charged by the banks. Try doing that at home!

 

Just because Diamonds Int'l is big and all over the place, you are not always getting the best price or the best quality. There's a price point that they will not go past regards of how you pay. Also, their items are massed produced.

With the family owned businesses, you can bargain and be assured that 3,000 or more people do not have the same ring that you do! These local businesses can buy "parcels" of stones at below cost and then set them into rings, earrings, etc.

 

I was lucky to win an unset stone on a cruise (first time ever!) and took it with me on a later cruise to find a setting in St. Thomas. Well, the process is very interesting. First you look at a setting that mirrors the shape of your stone. Then they take out the stone in the setting and try yours in it. If it is a good fit, it will take them about 1/2 or less to change out the stone and size the ring to fit. What you pay for the sizing and the setting depends on how much gold/silver has to be added to size it and for the setting itself. All in all, it is as close to doing a custom design as you can get at a fraction of the cost! Try doing that at DI!:)

 

Enjoy your ring.:D:D:D:D

 

MARAPRINCE

[Nessa55]

I think you are likely in the minority with you position on bathrobes. I have been to many spas who encourage the use of robes as well but it certainly doesn't mean that I get in line to eat in a restaurant (yes, the buffet is a restaurant) on a ship with one on. It's just tacky and I don't get why people do things like that on cruises.

 

I just had to weigh in on this as it is one of my pet peeves in any situation where there is food being served. I don't care about pajamas or robes in any other setting except where my food is concerned. I see this not only on the cruise ships but also in hotels. Yes, we are all on vacation and should be allowed to let our hair down so to speak but it is just nasty to get out of bed, put your robe on top of your pajamas (and in some cases not even a robe) and come to have breakfast or lunch or dinner. Absolutely not appropriate for any eating venue. Yes, I am one of those people who like the other poster would have spoke up on it.

[emergencymedic]

Loved your commentary! I have seen some of those same people on cruises I have taken, what a coincidence (lol).

I'll be on the Splendor on July 27 2015.

 

Thanks Again

[Florings]

I just had to weigh in on this as it is one of my pet peeves in any situation where there is food being served. I don't care about pajamas or robes in any other setting except where my food is concerned. I see this not only on the cruise ships but also in hotels. Yes, we are all on vacation and should be allowed to let our hair down so to speak but it is just nasty to get out of bed, put your robe on top of your pajamas (and in some cases not even a robe) and come to have breakfast or lunch or dinner. Absolutely not appropriate for any eating venue. Yes, I am one of those people who like the other poster would have spoke up on it.

 

I completely agree. PJ's and robes have no place in any food venue. If you want to stay comfy in your bedtime clothing, there is always the room service option. It is just as easy to throw on a pair of shorts and t-shirt or a sundress to go into the restaurants/buffets.

Edited July 13, 2016 by Florings

[MsVulcan]

First , thanks to the poor guy throwing a fit at embarkation because he kept insisting to everyone he should be able to board first due to his " handicap ". As the first group of Diamond/Platinum guests were being escorted aboard , he just shoved his way into the line , all the while hobbling and barely able to walk with the assistance of his wife and a cane. Everyone just sort of stepped to the side, not wanting to be the one to complain. Of course , 1 hr later we see this same guy charging to the front of the Buffet line , walking perfectly fine , no limp , no hunched over , and miraculously , thanks to the healing powers of being aboard ship , no cane. We saw this same thing repeated as he charged through for a good seat in the showroom , and also boarding the tender for Half Moon. Later in the week as he was bounding up the stairs I mentioned to him that I was glad he seemed to be feeling better and he just gave me the " look ".

 

That reminds me of a guy at the airport when I was taking a red-eye from Denver to San Juan for a cruise. He was pushing around an empty wheelchair all evening, then right before the gate agents arrived he moved it up in front of them and plopped his butt in it so he could board first! He was giving everyone this stupid grin as we all got on the plane after him. I just laughed and thought, "we all still land at the same time." I love noticing people and how they act. Usually doesn't upset me, and it sure keeps me entertained!

[ABQrobin]

LOL

 

Yes, there is a person with a cane for every cruise, they are so feeble until they hit the ship, then you see them everywhere walking like normal.

 

Bathrobes, another pet peeve for me, too. Every cruise, somebody down in the Lido buffet line wearing it. It is posted on the ship, bathrobes are for room only, guess they can't read either.

[Zeta3]

Pajamas and robes in the lido would have been a serious upgrade from the bare feet and bathing suits that were the normal outfit of the day/night for many on the Sensation

[wlc108]

I completely agree. PJ's and robes have no place in any food venue. If you want to stay comfy in your bedtime clothing, there is always the room service option. It is just as easy to throw on a pair of shorts and t-shirt or a sundress to go into the restaurants/buffets.

 

How'd you manage to resurrect this zombie thread from last year? I'm honestly just curious if pajamas or something are in the 'news' now and caused you to search for it :)

[Florings]

How'd you manage to resurrect this zombie thread from last year? I'm honestly just curious if pajamas or something are in the 'news' now and caused you to search for it :)

 

LOL....I didn't even realize it was for 2015!! I was just doing Splendor search since I'm sailing on her in October. Funny that I didn't notice...