Onessa

We have typically tipped the counselors who were with the age group my DD was in. Whether they all "share" or what I do not know. Amount varies by the level of service we have recieved. In some cases DD has sprent more time in the kids club than on other cruises. In more than one case a counselor has really gone "above and beyond" and we increased our tip.

DD is now 18YO so the rates I used don't really apply anymore :) -- but I based it upon what I'd spend for 1hr of babysitting back home, that amount per day, per kid.

I know that there are lots of differing ideas out there -- that was what made sense to me at the time. A lot of folks do no tip at all, that is your purogitive!

I have been on Mariner of the Seas when there have been about 1300 Harley owners on ship of about 3500.

 

They were a nice and friendly group, so we were okay. They did though occupy some public areas that did create some restriction of using lounges/etc. For most part, they reserved areas in non-prime times and THAT works for me.

I live near Milwaukee and was downtown the Saturday of Labor Day weekend - during the height of the HOG festival. I have always found Harley owners very nice.

When I was collecting money for my DD's marching band trip while the band was performing in parades - I found the little old ladies and the motorcycle folks to be the most generous!

A couple of years ago there were many complaints about perhaps one of the most innocuous groups you could have on a cruise, the American Girl Dolls. I remember people were furious because the girls were sitting in the buffet with their dolls next to them taking up seats and doing the same in the theater. Apparently the parents thought this was all fun.

My $ 0.02 worth ( Canadian $$ even..! )

 

Specific names/activities/affiliations related to group(s) on a certain sailing ought to remain confidential.

But the presence of group(s) occupying 30%+++ of total berth capacity ought to be clearly disclosed as,by the very nature of such group(s), at this level, one can safely presume the public areas will suffer more than minimal impact enough to amend and hinder the ''normal/as advertised/as promised'' use of such areas ( MDR, main show longe, lounge XYZ, etc.etc...). That possibility must be disclosed to the ''independant'' paying guests so they are aware that this may not be a ''standard'' sailing

,based on ''normal'' expectations.

IMO, it is the cruise line's responsability to advise its clientele in the scenario suggested above...as much as it is the cruise line's right to sollicit and service groups business.

If a disclosure protocol is established and followed, then the buying public will make an informed decision....by choice ( which carries the responability of dealing with the consequences if it turns out to be a bad one).

I think if Celebrity intends to block off public areas of the ship for a particular group or groups consistently, and for long periods of time, then they have an obligation to so inform all of their passengers before final payment. I don't think it is necessary or appropriate for them to give any specific information about what group it is, provided the activities of the group would not interfere with the common activities of the general passengers. Everyone on that ship is paying for use of the entire ship (save for the advertised 'for a price' areas). Occasional private parties? No problem. Consistently blocking off public areas for long periods of time, or allowing/encouraging activities disruptive to the general cruising public, or giving one group of passengers priority access to prime dining times and so on, is not right and not fair. Everyone has the right to get the entirety of what they are paying for.

Both well-reasoned opinions.

We were on a "Pampered Chef" reward cruise and there was only one evening (out of 7) when the large lounge was closed for a private party. The rest of the group activities were "invisible" to the rest of us. It was the most U12YO cruisers that the Radiance had every had, but the AO staff was prepared and our then 8YO DD had a blast (did not effect her cruise).

If lounges and the pool area and the shows, etc -- will be reserved for the group throughout the cruise; the other pax deserve to know.

I love the mashed potatoes since I never make them except at Thanksgiving and then I'm too busy to eat them. I'm the only one in the house right now who likes them so it isn't worth the effort to make. . .

On-board we spend very little - we pre-pay tips and any ship's sponsored excursions. None of us drink soda any longer, DH will have an occassional beer, but that is generally at a local micro-brew or brew pub when we are in port. We may buy a bottle of wine for dinner, but it generally takes two to three dinners to finish it off. So pp/pd on-board (exclusive of tips) <$10.

On-shore, we will often do excursions as DIY (or DI"O" :)). Generally $10-20 pp/pd for public transportation or taxi. And a similar amount for lunch and/or snacks. We will spluge on one "big" excursion (private tour in Ephasis or private group in St. Petersburg, or driver in Amalfi, etc.) which will be $200pp (+ or -). Our souvenier shopping is generally low-key as well - gravitating toward locally made fine crafts.

We've really become low-key on our last few cruises. No beverages, pre-paid tips, no on-board charges. Our last two cruises we've had NO charges to our seapass. Makes reconcilliation of the credit card a bit easier!

Mistakes may happen, but the hastle of dealing with them really makes me question whether I want to spend any money on-board!

Part of the problem is sometimes the business is too quick to reward the complainer. . . People make mistakes and when they are willing to correct them, I am fine with that. I don't expect to be given something free or feel entitled to be given something to fix the situation. Good customer service is someone recognizing and fixing the situation without me complaining that I should be rewarded beyond having the situation fixed.

I know how difficult it is to make a go in many businesses - I think consumers owe it to the business owner to let them know when things are not quite right rather than have them lose me as a customer. I've taken to unanomously leaving notes or comments on web sites because I don't want a coupon for a free meal or whatever when I'm just trying to make management aware of a situation.

We travel for the itinerary - so we've cruised a number of lines and do the occassional "land" trip as well. Not sure what our status might actually be and we've used few-to-none of the associated perks over the years.

We smile, we like talking to other pax, we enjoy ourselves -- what more do you really need. I seriously doubt that I will ever, ever see anyone I meet on a cruise again, so why should I care that you were or were not impressed by my level?

...hey get couple time..leave kids, babes at home....you deserve it and once you try it you will know you have trully had a holiday...

DD and her cousins never cared for Disney - none of them have ever been into the princess thing, and the kids room tends to be a free-for-all (lots of ages mixed together). DD in particular has always been "creeped out" by the people in large costumes, and when she was little we had to avoid them. But if your kids are into Disney and like the parks and stuff -- it could be a better fit for you and yours.

We tend to go with the smaller RCCI ships -- the 3-9YO set seem to really like their Adventure Ocean. The counselors maintain good order, the activities are geared to each age group. For the under 3YO group, there are not too many activities open to them. I'm not sure if you meant two-thirds (9M) or 2-to-3YO. If you can wait until younger one is 3YO; RCCI can be a great option.

Would you really take your children to a lounge at home???

My DH is from a tiny town, and the bar is the local gathering spot -- we have a cabin up there and my DD has accompanied us there her whole life. DH is 63YO and having endured spending time at a bar during his childhood still managed to become a fully functioning member of society. Neither he nor any of his four brothers have ever had any dependency on alcohol or other substances and the one brother is an airline pilot who passes regular random screenings for drugs and alcohol.

DD is 18 - a senior in high school -- no drugs/no alcohol (she is an athelete and also gets random drug tests). Perfect GPA with multiple AP and college classes (GPA of 4.425 out of 4.0). No gothe clothes or tatoos or multiple piercings even (not that outward appearances are that important or anything). So far, she has been able to "survive" having spent a couple of evenings a month in "bars" throughout the summer and fall. And many evenings during the summer, we may build a bon fire on the beach so she and her cousins and friends will be out playing in the sand, while only feet away adults may be drinking a beer :eek:

If anything, seeing some adults drinking moderately is a good thing. Seeing how stupid someone who has drunk too much can act is also a good learning experience. Socalizing with other people, is definately a good thing. Spending time with your extended family is good.

These aren't biker bars (although some of the nicest people I've ever met are bikers -- it is more the stereo-typical repulation of biker bar I'm going for here). These are not strip joints. These aren't singles bars. The lounges on ships that are not specifically "adults only" are no better or worse place to sit and converse and maybe play a game than anywhere else.

My DD is a bit of an introvert, but was a daycare kid and liked structured activities. She was never a fan of the Disney Kid's program, but always looked forward to RCCI, X, and NCL's.

When she was in the kid's program age, we did make certain that she attended the first night - as others explained, making friends that first night was always key.

We also never presented the kids club as "day care" "fun school" "babysitting" etc. It is an area exclusive to kids, for kids. If you indicate that you think that she is "too mature" for the activities, or present it in any way that she thinks that she is being dumped off there so you and your spouse can do grown-up stuff; she will resist.

Each night has a theme (pirates, aliens, pajama, etc.) There are craft activities, games (some physical others not), the staff can reserve areas (Johnny Rockets, golf, skating rink, etc.) for kids outings. DD has had tours of the galley and of the bridge on some of our cruises. The staff tends to be pretty fun.

Whether your DD may like the program depends partially upon what she likes to do; but the staff, the other kids, the weather, your attitude, and a hundred other things will factor into it. If she goes in thinking it will be "boring" it probably will be.

Once your kid turns 12YO they go up to the teen club and all bets are off. Teens don't like the structured programs and it is really all who they meet up with and hang out with.

the first "d" in DH, DD, DS, etc. I generally consider as "dear" or "darling" - but in some cases "darn" (or other equivelents) may be substituted! Depends upon the "H"

Styles have changed a bit in 18 years, so if you have a more contempory styled suit, you may be a bit more comfortable in that. That being said, if your tux is classic enough, there is no reason not to continue to wear it for formal nights.

Fact: most religions (e.g. Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism) don't recognize Christmas as they believe it is an ancient Christian festival. Considering where most of the crew come from, I would guess that for the majority of them Christmas is not a holiday they celebrate. . . Why force your religious or secular beliefs on them?

My workplace is very diverse -- many from India, Turkey, Eastern Europe. As a result we have folks with Jewish, Hindu, Islam, Western-rites Christains, Eastern-rites Christains, Buddists.

• When my Catholic boss treated the department to a holiday-themed breakfast, the Buddist and Hindus participated.
  
• When the lead contractor from India got together with his Hindi friends at work and put on a "pig out" (his words) for Holi. I participated (even bringing in a curried carrot slaw from a recipe I had gotten from a former co-worker).
  
• I was not "offended" when I got a plastic Easter egg filled with milk chocolates -- I am Eastern Orthodox and that year Pascha (Orthodox Easter) was celebrated three weeks later.
  
• Growing up a German-Irish Catholic in a Dutch Catholic town - I appreciated my friends tradition of putting out a wooden shoe for St.Nick even though I put up a stocking for him. I still make construction paper stockings and put in a candy cane for the folks on my team for St.Nick's day even though in this part of the country NO ONE celebrates St.Nick's day.
  
• The Brits, South Africans, and the Costa Rican who were our tablemates two years back on our Med cruise over American Thanksgiving -- gamely tried the special Thanksgiving dinner and asked us all sorts of questions about the holiday.
  

One of the reasons many of us travel is to experience new things and different cultures. Sharing my traditions with others may make them better appreciate my culture. A holiday greeting and a small token is not an outragous gesture. It is a small kindess that most folks in the hospitality industry will likely appreciate in the spirit in which it is given.

DD is 18 but still in high school. We plan trips so we can actually spend time together. Otherwise our lives are so busy it is difficult to connect. Different strokes for different folks.

When she is 19YO she will be 5+ hours away at school, and we have a trip planned for her holiday break because we'll be looking for some family time.

If your DD still lives with or very near you and you see her regularly, as others have stated, this might be a good thing for both of you. If she is ok with not going with you, you should not feel guilty or bad about traveling without her. Your trip and planning for her upcoming trip will give you lots to talk about!

Parenting is a balancing act - teaching the skills your child will need as they transition to adulthood while keeping them safe.

Placing your child into a perfect bubble world where no one but you can have contact with him, where no harm can come to him, may keep your child "safe" but it will also stunt his emotional and intellectual growth.

We all know this. Knowing it is a balancing act is easy -- practicing this balance is what is hard. And what worked for me, for my kid; may not work for you or for your kid.

The important part is that we are actively thinking about this. Rather than digging in your heels, open yourself up to what others have said on this thread and take a good long look at your parenting styles and rules and at your kid(s) and honestly decide whether your style and your kids' needs are in synch.

First time we were away over Christmas, I got a "pop up" tree (basically a garland wrapped over a collapsible cone shaped frame. ours is 4.5 feet tall and has a bottom diameter of abour a foot across.

It weighs about 2lbs. and requires no tools to assemble. coupled with a strand of battery powered lights and it is a festive (although not terribly authentic) addition to our cabin. It collapes back down for transport (it comes with a box, but I put it in a cloth case for easier packing.

I got mine years ago (and still use the same one) at a specialty store, but I saw something similar at Target.

From a market research perspective, their list does not seem logical - and I doubt its value because of that. They should have a list that is a bit more comprehensive and clearly mutually exclusive. An example that is pretty simplistic would be more along the lines of this (just quick and dirty):

• White collar - non-management
  
• Low to Middle management
  
• Exec management
  
• Blue Collar / trades
  
• Admin/clerical
  
• Health Care
  
• Professional (non-Health Care)
  
• Technical
  
• Sales/Sales Marketing
  
• Education
  
• Small business owner or other self-employed
  
• Retired
  
• Student
  
• Homemaker
  
• Other
  
• Prefer not to answer
  

And then in the instructions, indicate that the user should select the option that most closely reflects their current occupation and that if they hold multiple jobs, the one the more closely relate to.

Their categories would vary based upon their purpose for the research. Is it primarily to determine advertising choices, or more for deciding among promotions, or for deciding what might be good to put on their next ship.

I agree with the OP that their listing is so strange as to be a bit comical. Perhaps their listing does align with their purpose, but if it does, I cannot imagine what that purpose may be :D

DD is now 18YO - but we did her first Med trip the summer before she was 5YO and her first AK cruise was the next spring. She was always a great traveler and she enjoyed both.

The Med trip was different than previous Italian trips DH and I had done pre-kid. But we all enjoyed it. The Europeans tend to be a bit more relaxed at their historical sites so it was not real tense -- places to run around and stuff helped.

The AK trip was more "outdoorsy" we hiked and did the helecopter up to the glacier and stuff. Also a good time. The cruise past the glacier part was pretty dull for her. The kids program had a break during part of it and; hey, face it, what 5YO reall cares about ice breaking off and falling into the water far away? Her daycare had a window that faced a river and big pieces of ice, floating in the water, were old news to her :) She wasn't "into" trains and so her interest the White Fang RR trip was short-lived (she read a book and we played a portable board game for 98% of it).

We've done several more European cruises over the years, one more AK cruise. As she has matured, her interest-level has increased and what-all we do has changed; but they have all been great trips

The on-board experience was similar.

There are no waterslides or a kids buffet on Royal Caribbean ships. Although they have great things, they don't have those. That's why the previous poster said you'll have to compromise.

RCCI ships with "Adventure Beach" facilities (water slide)

• Adventure of the Seas
  
• Radiance of the Seas
  
• Explorer of the Seas
  
• Jewel of the Seas
  
• Serenade of the Seas
  
• Brilliance of the Seas
  
• Voyager of the Seas
  

H2O Zones (water park, with interactive geysers shooting out from colorful, climbable creations, plus water guns, pools, and waterfalls)

• Liberty
  
• Mariner
  
• Freedom
  
• Independence
  
• Navigator
  
• Allure
  
• Oasis
  
• Quantum
  

All ships have climbing walls. Some have other younger-kid friendly features such as ice skating, roller blading, carnival style rides, etc. Look at the Family section for the ship you are looking at.

Even though we normally do "on our own" sightseeing and we've done two Baltic cruises with stops in St.Petersburg, that is still one place I would not want to try on-my-own. I would suggest a private tour or a small independent group. We've done both (five in a car with a driver/tour guide) and a small bus with 13 of us with separate driver and tour guide. I'd avoid the large bus tours.

The tour takes care of:

1) VISA

2) language barriers

3) pre-purchase tickets

4) priority entrance

5) all the driving

With a small group, you can tailor your trip. And if you want to be able to slip in some shopping, the guide can arrange for something better than the tourist trap places near the pier.

As to other typical Baltic ports, do your research prior to the trip and you should be able to handle those ports on your own.

I haven't read all of the posts...intentionally. . . . .

Same here. Three years old at the time so I don't remember anything. . . .

I was 3 -- I don't remember JFK or the assassination. I think if a person is old enough to remember this it's like other events/tragedies in more recent times. You will always remember where you were and what you were doing when it happened.

I too was three. While I do not remember where I was when he was shot, I do have vivid memories of expecting to watch Captain Kangaroo on TV, but instead the funeral was on. I remember the "horsey" (the riderless horse").

We always wrote to Santa to tell him that we were going to be away from home for Christmas and he managed to find us for a few smaller gifts and yet leave the bigger stuff at our house to open when we got home. We are Orthodox and still celebate the more "holy" Christmas using the old calendar so it is nice to be on-board for our secular celebration.

The ship is decorated beautifully and the holiday meals are always special. Santa always manages to fit in a visit. We tend toward non-caribbean/non-beach vacations