Race Watcher

Ride along is a must.

Crew shortage. There are a lot of substitutes being used. 
 

We are having a great time. 

On Allure now. Samba opened 1/1. 

I was disappointed with the customer service at Optum.  I ordered test kits on 12/22.  Delivery was to be 12/23-24.  No tests came.  I called 12/26 the person could not help and had no idea of when delivery would be coming.  They said it was a weekend and there was no one in the warehouse.  I called 12/27 11:00 am eastern.  The person apologized and asked when I needed the test.  I explained I was leaving at 6am on the 29th .  She said there was nothing she could do the tests were not shipped.  Offered a refund.  12/28 1:30pm I get home and the tests were on the front porch.  I would have slept a lot better had I known they were in route.  This was not a good experience with Optum.

P.S.  Negative

All the Alaska cruises did not stop at any foreign ports this year.  Seattle to Alaska and back.  

I ordered kits 5pm 12/22.  Just received E-Mail they have been shipped.  Est. Delivery 12/24.

We spoke with another passenger on our last cruise and they mentioned that they asked the cabin steward if they needed anything.  They mentioned the steward like Coke Cola.  The passenger left cans of unopened in the room.  We asked our steward and he asked for bottles of water.  We are not big drinkers and we get our drink vouchers.  At the end of the evening we would get bottles of water and leave them in the room.  He was so very happy with our thoughtfulness.  We also tip in cash at the end of our trip.  It doesn't take much to make us feel good.

We just stayed at the Hilton at the marina over July 4th weekend.  There was major renovation taking place in the lobby area.  Very disappointed with housekeeping and pool area cleanliness.  I might have just hit the hotel on at a bad time.  

Yes. We have docked and allowed to leave. 

Just now leaving St. Thomas after medical emergency was taken from ship. The Granduer.

I am on Granduer. We were denied entry to St. Thomas on are way to Dominica after a short medical disembarked of 1 person. 

7 hours ago, Milwaukee Eight said:

Concierge dings a bell at 30 minutes prior to HH and announces all but Suites must leave until an hour or so after HH starts.  Remaining guests must show SeaPass. Only Suites have access during this time. This ensures the majority of Suites have access and a seat if desired. Typically, what we see, many D+/P get to the lounge very early before HH. I have even seen them saving seats (chair hogs). I was sternly told by a D+ on a cruise that those seats were reserved. The group rotated the chair hog nightly.
 

Easy to manage  

I got shot down on this program 7 pages ago.  I have already been in the overflow area in the diamond lounge on the Granduer relaxing when HH was beginning asked to show my sea pass.  That worked with no issues,  few left.  A much larger area to police then the CL.  Very easy to manage. 

To not be able to enter the CL is disappointing.  I enjoy sitting in the morning with a coffee in a quiet setting.  There are very few people and the few that are there are doing the same I am doing during this time.  Sitting and relaxing.  Some knitting some reading, others just reflecting on the day.  To not allow D+ to enter when these venues in my opinion are under utilized for 21 hours a day .  If there was some way D+ were permitted to use the lounge during the non happy hour times would be a benefit that I would like.  They can have the lounge for the 3 or 3 1/2 hours for the cocktail hours which quit a few people here have said rarely attend.

With no DL is there specialty coffee offered? 

My wife asked me for years to cruise.  I was self employed and did not find time to go. In 2013 she finally got me to go on the sea day before we got home I told her to book the next cruise and we have not stopped I love it.  We have been on the Grandeur 7 times and enjoy that ship.  So I guess I'm with you "Hooked".

I have been using the steam option on board for my tux, sport coats and dresses the last few cruises I have been on.  Upon arrival of my luggage I ask our steward to have them steamed.  They have been back by dinner the next day and at a reasonable charge.  Makes it easier to pack and no worry on bringing the steamer on board.

Site back up.

Uber $25 plus change one way.

We had a terrible time with MTD on the Jewel our last cruise. We always book MTD prior to sail. Go to the dining room 1st night reservation has us table for 4 linked with another room. Table for 2 reservation was made. They never fixed the problem. Every night something else. Very disappointed.

I just got off Jewel 5/20 with 5am arrival. In my opinion a 8 am train departure would be cutting very close. We were # 23 for leaving the ship and walked out of the baggage claim area at 9am.

Midnight buffet.

I sign in at around 3 PM and get until 3 PM the next day. We sign on separately on different days. I have convinced myself I get more this way. 4 days. I use this on sea days. In port I can always find wi-fi if needed.

Just returned home from Grandeur. Absolutely great trip. Best weather we have had in Bermuda. On the way home raced tropical depression 8. Captain went around the storm.

We have been on Granduer 3 times.

Temp control was no problem in room. Be patient when changing temp. It takes awhile to adjust room temp.

On our latest trip we arrived at port at 1PM. No lines or waiting parking or boarding. In the past we got there earlier and had some wait.

We have not been on a 5 day for lobster however we went to Giovanni's and had a wonderful surf and turf dinner. Complimentary Champagne. Worth the price.

Drinks are $10 I had a double Grey Goose it was $22 with 18% gratuity included in that price. I have not had beer or wine. Just do the math.

I went to my first murder mystery on the Liberty. We had a lot of fun and a nice dinner. We usually use the main dining room the specialty restaurant was a nice change. I did not guess the killer.