snorklinbarb

The audacity of suggesting gambling?! Some of us could end up in the brig! Did you see what happened with a simple, though apparently financially fruitful, game of LCR over at Carnival? Guest ambassador John Heald had to step up & declare it illegal gambling! Jeesh, wonder how much $ was involved! Actually at least in the past, NCL has even provided space.

Oops, FogFog had posted while I was composing so I hope it's clear I was talking abut the weather! Point well taken about non-ref.OBC whether shareholder or not. Thrilled about the $250. As you correctly state, it can't be used towards Daily Svc Chg - nor the extra $5 grats. left for a specialty - nor casino nor my casino "convenience" fee for room charge. Have used it in the spa (& prices there, like everywhere, have gone up though there are still specials) but on Getaway I ended up shopping! Our 40th is coming up later this month (yes, while I'm on Prima & Bob is recuperating from tomorrow's surgery) so....have never spent so much on a pair of sunglasses in my life and hope he likes them. For me, the 2 for $25 last day sale, lol. With Haven + specialties + Bev. pkg (if you have), you won't need a lot on that score. I use mine to pick up the slack on shorex, after the $50 credit and Lat. disc. Only pre-booked 2 things so will put the N-Ref. OBC towards tours. Tip - I find the bills can get confusing esp. when you're trying to "match up" the shorex with the $50 credit that could be many lines down! Bob had our Escape one marked up like a QB's playbook. What works for me is getting printouts frequently (squinting into the TV a/c) to have a look. For some reason, I'm always "off" with that N-Ref. so keep an eye on that as well. Happy Passover to those observing. Nice story, FogFog.

Can we pls take a group vote on how much pressure to apply for FogFog to change to SunSun? Before Getaway, knowing that Bermuda had presented a problem 3 wks in a row (well, technical for 1 cruise), it didn't take a super psychic to predict we wouldn't be stopping there though nobody on the rc agreed. Just the winds alone. As we boarded, sure enough, "the letter." I also have really wondered about Iceland due to closures like Blue Lagoon and evacuation of the south, ongoing activity & enormous lava flows. Again, normal reaction is, "They can alter excursions." But on Getaway learned a bit more about both ship-used as well as private tour operators & how insurance restrictions can come into play. Blue Lagoon has been closed (still is?) and maybe more spots. Why would I learn this on Getaway? Well on St. Maarten our "3 hour tour" Double Decker bus all around the island became 6 hrs 10 mins. A large oil leak caused bad accident up on the point/hill and a 2nd one down below such that in 1 hr 15 mins we had not traversed from one end of the runway to the other! Sitting on uncushioned seats. Those who vied for the top found themselves in at least 3 good downpours. Tour operator explained how they were in touch with the ship and since it was a 9:20 am shorex we had nothing to worry about. With the "Late 8" in Africa fresh on our minds, a lively discussion flowed since we had nothing to do but sit & wait. Had it been a little later in the day, the ship would have waited for us....unless it were so late they would have to go sooner or later. 2 diabetics in the group found gelato at 2 pm. as we were at a total standstill. Usually the transatlantic crowd taking a northerly crossing is pretty "go with the flow." (or crazy). We'll be waiting for Pearl updates for some clues! Thanks, Henry!

Safe travels tomorrow and see you onboard Prima! Prayers for a speedy recovery for your BIL.

Just off Getaway and ordered rm svc for disembarkation day. Latest they will serve is 8 am on the last day, but they knocked on the door 1/2 hr early. Whether you order just continental and/or a hot item, it's now the same price. Tomato/spinach/cheese omelette fine. Bacon on the side. Juice, coffee. The only mixup was hot choc. ordered with hot milk came in an envelope with a pot of hot water. They definitely want you to use the door hangar order form but I happened to call the night before and they took the order over the phone. Another good choice for something quick is O'Sheehan's where things came out hot and fast. There may be a line but it moved pretty quickly. I didn't check out the American Diner for breakfast (only lunch) but that might be another fast option. Have a great time!

I know this thread is about cookies but, no, didn't see morning danish nor finger sandwiches and assume no late night food. Tray was empty when I thought to look.

So far on Getaway “regular” looking cookies spotted atM and G and casino. Haven’t checked buffet at all.

Searching CC to see what practice on QM2 might be for being offered a comp beverage (tip only). 1 person said free drinks for all slot players, nothing for tables unless pit boss offers to buy a round or such. Another response was slot players receive comp drinks once they've reached a certain points level. If so, how many points to qualify? Do you have to check w/casino host or is there a set procedure in place? Thanks!

Open seating an addition since last sailed QM2. What are experiences with waiting times? Obviously it varies but in general are there lines?

Thanks! If you book in advance for a particular evening and then need to switch to same pop up say a night later, is original price honored or will they charge the extra?

Hi Bird, Priceless comment -as one always looking for shade, I admit I could never be as creative as the Bird! Thanks as always for such an informative rundown on the latest. Enjoy the rest of your cruise!

Really appreciate your review as I'm going on Getaway in a few days and the last time was when she first came out! So things like the magic-dinner show in Illusionarium rang true. Good to know MDQ as good as I remembered it. It'll be good to experience some changes as well. Did you by chance have a M & G and could you share the list of officers from that card? Will definitely check out the musicians you mentioned! Thanks! Was there a house band/Caribbean band?

Got the same info yesterday, OBC down from 100 to $75 for Pearl and it takes 4000 pts to reach Pearl. Since my birthday is in April with 2 cruises booked I also inquired about the birthday free play. That's gone as well.

Marc Spijkerboer | General Manager

Are pop up's common on QM2 transatlantics? Any examples of what a typical pop up might be and what the cost is? What's the best way to find out about these - the daily? This is something new since I was last on Cunard and have only been on QM2. Thanks!