vickiw0318

I am looking at the website and see many other cabins available in that class.  (Vancouver to Hawaii in September of 2020.)  Please check again.    The Serenade is one of my favorite ships and I think you would find it quite comparable to Celebrity.

I have, by the way, stayed in 9594 for 8 days on the Jewel of the Seas (the Serenade's twin sister).  I did not hear noise from the Centrum, nor was I bothered by noise from the adjoining cabin.  This cabin is just inside the hallway and somehow this makes a difference.

I used a shuttle through Airport Shuttles dot com.  The cost for just one person in September of 2016 was 39 Euros.  Very easy, very quick.

I have done it with dessert as well - especially back in the day when Portofino offered those oh so yummy slices of flourless chocolate cake.

I have had 9644 - a little farther towards the aft, but still on the hump.  Again, no issues with noise and traffic.

I have never ordered one in the MDR, but I watched a tablemate on the Mariner last December order it three nights in a row.  She was quite obviously a fan.

I have a personal preference for St. Martaan over St. Thomas.  I like strolling the shopping street in Phillipsburg and the fact that it's easy to rent beach chairs right there in town. 

Now, the rest of the itineraries - that's a problem.  I like them both.  The island groups are totally different - hilly/mountainous for the first two, great beaches and shopping in Aruba and fun exploring Willemstad in Curacao.  You've got a great problem!

I have had center aft balconies and corner aft balconies.  I like the corners better - more of a panoramic view.  I would definitely move to 8168.

You know, back in the day when alcoholic beverages decided that they didn't like me any more, I thought that was a pretty rotten deal.  Now, with all the beverage package "do I buy, do I not buy" goings on, I find myself grateful to have one less cruising issue.  Who knew? 🙂

You forgot a very important fact.  Royal Caribbean will be giving every woman a $50 luggage allowance to pay for the extra suitcase that will be required to bring the ball gowns and the extra petticoats.

1 hour ago, Host Clarea said:

 

We were on that cruise too.  I remember because Enchantment was in dry dock in Freeport.  They were also adding satellite antennas to Indy on boarding day.

I remember having the pleasure of meeting you and your lovely wife at a Cruise Critic sailaway gathering.  

On 1/26/2014 at 8:53 PM, bilyclub said:

On the Indy in December of 2012 Nassau overbooked ships and we diverted to Grand Bahama. Everybody was kind of happy to be heading to a different port until we arrived. A sea day probably would have been better. The only upside was the view of the ships being worked on in the dry docks.

I was on this cruise.  ('twas back in the days of Diamonds in December.)  It was the Indy's first time to the port and my first time to experience the a welcome with the fireboats and the wonderful water spraying display.  The people working in the port area were on top of the seawall dancing us into port.  It was quite a joyous occasion.   With very little time to book activities, there weren't a lot of choices, so I just walked the port area.  As has been said, this was pretty lackluster.

Anyway, all that to say that I am happy to hear that there is going to be a development that will bring more opportunities for those that welcomed us so warmly.

I know that the Majesty is probably out, but should plans change and you are able to fly in the day before, look at the OVs on Deck 9.   These are larger cabins than the others.   The problem is that the views, for the most part, are obstructed by the lifeboats.  If you search this forum though, you'll be able to find a list of those cabins that have better views through gaps in the lifeboats.

Just wanted to remind everyone of the old trick to deal with the shower curtains.  Take clothespins and affix them to the bottom of the curtain.  They weigh it down and keep it within the confines of the shower.  

9338.  Center hump, Deck 9 and not under the Royal Suite.  However, for my next cruise on the Indy, I am booked in 7714 which is an aft junior suite.   I am headed to uncertain weather and like that it's a covered balcony with a lounger.  I can wrap up and still enjoy the aft views (even I have to look through the superstructure). 

If an outstanding balcony is really what you are looking for, go for 7708 or 7408.  Small cabin, but amazing balcony.  Some obstruction, but since they are on the corners, there's not as much.  Just search Youtube for pictures.  

(I am not a grand suite fan since I don't being under the pool deck.)

There is also a Community Board (usually near the Customer Service counter) where passengers can post messages about wanting fellow bridge players, mahjong players, Friends of Bill gatherings, etc.  If you can't find anyone on your roll call, don't despair.  Just try plan B and post a message when you get on board.

I have been fortunate enough to cruise in suites on Oasis class ships before the new suite perks program.  My last cruise on the Allure was in a balcony cabin.  There was a difference.  I had a good cruise, but I did miss the suite experience.  Would I book a non-suite cabin again?  Yes.  It's fine and it's where I am now.  The other sure is nice though.

As someone who has "settled" for 8168 many times, I say go for it!

See the post about the number of towels in taxis.  I'll add the number of wet, sandy towels left on the beaches before the policy went into effect.  I also remember a post made after an inaugural cruise years ago when the poster mentioned taking towels home to friends as gifts.  More power to Carnival if they are able to continue their user friendly policy.

I used the Schiphol Hotel Shuttle last September and would do so again.  Easy to find just outside the airport.  I even got in early and they were able to take me into town early.

I should hide something, shouldn't I?  I have left a gift for someone who was going to have my cabin immediately afterwards, but I have never contrived to hide something to be found weeks ahead.  I have friends who have though. I will see if they have any useful hints.

The Vision itself does not have walk-in closets on its aft balconies, but the Enchantment (which is a vision class ship) does have walk-in closets in her two corner afts on Deck 7.

Hi, Faye.  I have 7714 for the 5/18 and 5/25 cruises.  I promise to take good care of it for you!

There should be toiletries, but I can't guarantee the brand.  There will be shampoo, conditioner, lotion and shower gel (that I use as bubble bath).

So, so hope you enjoy your first cruise.

Some of the bars even have non-alcoholic drink menus.  Just ask.  I have seen them at the Schooner Bars especially.  There are some really fun combos.  My go to at bars with frozen drinks are virgin lava flows - half strawberry daquiri mix and half pina colada mix.

LOL.  I remember my first cruise back when I could fly with two large suitcases and a carryon and I brought different clothes for both formal nights and three (announced in advance) theme nights.  I think I had different outfits for daytime each day and a multitude of swimsuits.  

So, that's no more.  I always dress to show respect for all in the main dining room even though I may no longer be sparkling to the degree I did back then.

On most ships, you will find the closet on one side of and the door to the bathroom on the other side of the small entry hall you walk into when you open the door into your cabin.   The closet access isn't facing the actual cabin area like it is on Oasis class ships.