Justin_Case

It was a warm summer night and a lively group of guests. I didn't mind. They were having a great time.

This was 8/30/23 on a Mediterranean sailing. I was in L301.

There are pros and cons to L301 and L302. The pro is the location, if you like being near the pools, bar and outdoor entertainment. The con is the location, being near the pools, bar and outdoor entertainment. Honestly though, I think the noise issues would vary by itinerary and guests on board.

My friend was in L301 and I was in L302 last August/September for a 21 day Med Cruise. She ended up moving cabins due to being a light sleeper. I stuck it out for the duration. When there's a DJ and exuberant party atmosphere by the pool, you will hear it inside your cabin.

The good thing is most of the parties with DJs or live music are only 45 minutes long. In my experience, the latest one ended at 10:50 p.m. During that time, you might be like me - one night I put on a bathrobe and went to watch everyone having a good time. Or you might be like my friend and request a room reassignment. Several large groups of rather loud guests did congregate by the elevator a few times, but I just turned the volume up on my TV until they left.

So it comes down to personal preference, time of year (summer will be more festive than winter sailings), etc.

Whatever you choose to do, enjoy your cruise!

Ok, so we just offloaded 30 very healthy looking crew members from Ruby to Royal. 😊

Hello beautiful. 

1 hour ago, RogueRamblers said:

He said they were transferring crew members to another Princess ship.

Royal Princess is currently docked in Ensenada. 

1 hour ago, iamaqt2 said:

What reason was given for the additional stop if you don't mind my asking?

Have Dog will probably know; I didn't hear that announcement and don't want to speculate. We were just told the casino will close at 9:30 and reopen about 30 minutes after we leave Ensenada.

We're making a previously unscheduled stop in or near Ensenada tonight.

Currently on the Ruby. I came onboard for a rest and have only been in my aft cabin and buffet.

From my limited observation so far, mostly of the buffet, people are respectfully wearing masks except while eating and drinking.

I haven't heard how many are onboard but there's not been a problem with distancing and the elevators have been empty when they arrive.

My travel companion spent hours in the casino last night and also witnessed masking, with the exception of one possibly drunk lady 🙃. 

Will be venturing out later to other areas of the ship.

Getting ready to drive over to board Ruby in a few hours. My previous experiences on her Oct 31 and Dec 6 were positive. Appreciated the crew's diligence during those cruises. 

I had reservations about embarking today, but I'm a loner anyway and won't be mingling very much.

My travel companion did want to book the Captain's Table but her contact on board advised it wasn't being held. That could be precautions, or it could be because of low demand due to reduced capacity.

I absolutely tip extra for these hard working employees. For one, pre-paid gratuities are included in Princess Perks, so that's not out of my pocket. Also, they are trying to financially recover from the very long pause of operations.

On my 10/31/21 Ruby Princess sailing, it showed the amount paid Princess paid for crew incentives was something like $118 for a 7 day cruise. For my 10 day in December, it's $155 and January's 10 day is $145. None of these amounts seem like a lot to be spread out to employees who are providing a stress-free respite away from the real world.

I make sure to take a stack of $1's and $5's, as well as twenties for the cabin steward. I tip(ped) my room steward at the start and end of the cruise; for every beverage delivered to me whether it's in the casino, poolside or to my cabin; for every room service delivery; and for the table servers in the buffet. If I dined in the dining rooms or ordered at a bar, I'd tip the staff there as well.

Of course, it's up to every individual cruiser if they want to or not, just adding my $1 to $20 (two cents goes nowhere) since the question was asked.

Happy cruising!

This cruise lost ports due to the hurricane, then to the winter storm, now to the medevac... what a disappointment for the passengers from where it started out.

This! And also passengers have been unable to use the water slides and rope course on this cruise.

The January 5 - 19 14 day Breakaway itinerary originally included 8 port stops. After the hurricanes, the itinerary was revised and 3 ports eliminated. After winter storm Grayson, sailaway was delayed to the 6th and only once onboard did they learn the Aruba overnight was cancelled. After the Medivac, the Aruba 1/2 day was also cancelled.

I've kept track since I was booked on this cruise up until the last hour before we were leaving to the airport:

originally: NYC; San Juan, PR; Tortola, BVI; St Thomas, USVI; Philipsburg, St Marteen; Roseau, Dominica; Bridgetown, Barbados; Castries, St Lucia; St Johns, Antigua; NYC.

revised: NYC; Oranjestad, Aruba overnight + 1/2 day; Willemstad, Curacao; Bridgetown, Barbados; Castries, St. Lucia; St Johns, Antigua; NYC.

re-revised: NYC; Aruba 1/2 day; Curacao; Barbados; St Lucia; Antigua; NYC.

re-re-revised: NYC; Curacao; Barbados; St Lucia; Antigua; NYC.

 

I'm fully aware it's 25% off the fare we paid toward "that cruise which shall not be named."

 

Here's the gist:

 

"As a genuine indication of our concern and as a gesture of goodwill for your understanding, we have arranged for a future cruise credit of 25% of your cruise fare paid. ."

 

Please, we didn't ask for any compensation, so we're thrilled. If you're not happy, please don't derail my question. Thanks!

 

You've had a great attitude about "that one." Nice to see that you're pleased with their offer :D.

Not enough time to get there

 

 

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Thank you for the reply. I didn't realize evacs like that affected the itinerary.

Someone on FB posted that they put out a call for blood donations, so it must have been very serious. Hopefully the person is okay!!!

Between the leaving a day late and the 2 sick passengers no Aruba tomorrow.

Why wouldn't they make the 1/2 day scheduled stop in Aruba tomorrow?

Boy that cruise can't catch a break. 1st the delay departure from NY, now this.

Whats next? bad enough the Breakaway took a beating during the storm :o

Not just that, but the original itinerary for this 14 night cruise included 8 port stops. After the hurricanes, that was reduced to 5. After the bombnado, the new overnight in Aruba was removed, and that wasn't announced until pax were onboard for the new January 6 departure.

(original itinerary: NYC; San Juan, PR; Tortola, BVI; St Thomas, USVI; Philipsburg, St Marteen; Roseau, Dominica; Bridgetown, Barbados; Castries, St. Lucia; St. Johns, Antigua; NYC).

(revised itinerary: NYC; Oranjestad, Aruba overnight + 1/2 day; Willemstad, Curacao; Bridgetown, Barbados; Castries, St. Lucia; St Johns, Antigua; NYC).

(re-revised itinerary: NYC; Oranjestad, Aruba 1/2 day only; Willemstad, Curacao; Bridgetown, Barbados; Castries, St. Lucia; St Johns, Antigua; NYC).

I do hope the passengers medi-vac'd today are okay. Would the 2nd one only be to accompany the first one who needed medical attention?

This is awesome information! Thank you so much! I will definitely look into the helicopter ride in Kauai!

I agree, this was awesome of you to provide your experiences!

I'm also on the Jewel cruise and looking for things to do. I've read Frommer's, read other guides and forums, watched You Tube videos, etc but sometimes it's best to hear from fellow CC members about how they spent their time at a port. :)

As we all know as of November (2015), those of us who smoke have lost precious real estate. For those who have cruised since the switch could you please list the vessel name and areas where you found it permitted to smoke. No need to post the obvious spots like the garden villas or cigar bar, post of your dislikes of smoking are also not welcome, this thread is to help us all get along not pick another great CC debate.

*

Just a friendly reminder of the OP's intention.

It gets tiring.....since I booked my cruise(s) the amount of changes have been staggering.

 

Two increases of the DSC, room services charge, increase in the gratuities automatically added to your bill for drinks or food. Restaurants charging by the piece. Main Dinning room food available for a cost.

 

Hell they tried telling people that they could not take food to your room at the same time as they added the $7 fee for room service.

 

I have never sailed NCL before and at this point I'm not sure I will again...I will wait until the two cruises are over to make my decision...

 

OP have a great cruise...and ignore the trained seals who spout off.....

You make an excellent point, one that illustrates what guests who made their cruise plans well in advance (2014/early 2015) have been dealt this year.

Not one or two changes to their initial reservation, but at least 6! :eek:

Good, honest review, Chris! I've only gone so far as to make notes about it, but plan to post one about this cruise, too.

Here I just want to add on to your casino staff comment. We were disappointed in the attitudes of the executive casino host, Clarissa, and the handsome young male casino host.

At the moment I can only recall his name started with an A, but that's all right because names or introductions didn't seem important to them, even for regular CAS players.

Anyway, thanks for sharing your review!

I was just on the Getaway. They have numerous bars so it was never a problem getting a cocktail.

Also just sailed her on the 12 day ending November 12.

I did a search based on what i was told while on board - that it was going to be a HIGH security private event involving top business and entertainment figures.

In fact, before leaving the Haven, we saw top military brass types doing security analysis in the suites and on the balconies.

We were told the casino would be closed, even though they were sailing out to international waters, and that the butlers had the time off as they were bringing in their own wait staffs.

Anyway, its called Summit At Sea (SAS). Speakers and performers include Google's Eric Schmidt, Martha Stewart, John Legend, Harry Belafonte and many more.

Wish i had stowed away :D.

On Getaway, there is a small smoking section for Haven guests on Deck 17 forward.

It's nice ... if the guest(s) can walk up a flight of stairs since there is no elevator to D17.

It will be headed to Brazil for the Olympics. Floating hotel.

 

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That's exciting! Will it be joined by other cruise ships for this purpose?

If you are directly under my cabin you will be very happy. . .

 

 

Radio

;);)

 

.

Doing the happy dance over here!

Thanks for the reply :D