robthens

On my May Discovery cruise the buffet was self serve. The buffet under "normal" times is not my first dining option. The thought of touching anything on that buffet makes my stomach roll.

“On the Bayou” is one of our favorite shows. Have seen it in the main theater and in Universal Lounge. I would be thrilled to see it again! I was very disappointed on my last cruise in May on the Discovery the production show was cancelled. Some of the performers were ill (covid I'm sure)

When I read through these posts, I felt compelled to put in my $.02, $.20, $2.00+….. I have traveled to over 40 countries including Cuba where the average salary is $24 a month. Yes, I know Cuban housekeepers & restaurant workers have the coveted jobs & the people receive government allotments (1/4 of a chicken, rice, beans, & 4 eggs per person per month & don’t forget powered milk until age 7) Third world country workers in the travel industry are often supporting multigenerational families. The past few years have been especially hard. The pandemic has been hard on all of us. I have always rewarded good service in foreign countries and in the US. Do I donate to local charities with my money and my time? YES Does it make me feel good to give a generous tip when someone does a good job? YES Do I care that they might use my tip money to buy an IPhone? No Do I tip at an “all inclusive”? YES Do I think I get better service by doing it? YES When I cruise, do I give extra to the people that have provided me good service? YES Have I ever not given a tip? Yes In Dublin on a private tour, the driver felt it necessary to tell us “all that was wrong with our US government ” Did we tell him why he wasn’t getting a tip? YES Do I occasionally give a $1.00 thank you tip to the McDonalds Teenager at the drive thru window? Yes …. Just proud they are working & trying to earn money! As a 70+ widow I think if you can afford to go out to eat or take a vacation you should be able to tip!

Ship Discovery Princess Class Royal Class Deck Caribe Stateroom # C739 Category Penthouse Suite Port/Starboard/Bow/Stern Starboard Aft Connects With Cabin # n/a Accessible No Quiet Yes very Balcony Size Enormous, and wraps around the corner, with sliding doors from both the living room and bedroom opening onto the balcony, a small dining table with 2 chairs, and 2 loungers with a small side table. It's partially covered, which is nice for getting out of sun or rain. View Unobstructed Privacy Issues Because balcony is only partially covered, majority of the balcony can be viewed from above Wind A little at times, but not bad at all. Soot None Problems None Comments We loved the enormous balcony, and the separate living area. The bathroom is divided into a large room with double sinks, enormous glassed in shower plus a tub, and a second smaller room with a sink and toilet. Just can't say enough about the amazing bathroom. Top quality bath amenities. Also, there was ample storage, both for hanging clothes, and on shelves and in the many, many drawers all around the cabin. There were also plenty of electrical outlets and charging ports, including in the base of the bedside lamps. Mini fridge was stocked with "Elite" assortment. Ice bucket was filled twice daily as well as fresh fruit basket replenished upon request. In room canapes were available every night. Surprised with chocolate covered strawberries one day and bonbons another. Laundry was picked up each morning and normally back the same day. Bed and pillow choices were very comfortable and linens were changed every day. Room was also serviced twice a day. Private concierge area available for suite passengers. Stocked with beverages, cheeses and amuse-bouche selection. Arrangements were made with concierge to have luggage picked up on the last night and taken to airport and checked in for us.

Just back from Discovery Princess. This was my first time to be in a full suite, which entitled me to Club Class dining. In my opinion if dining is a priority for anyone, Club Class is worth every penny. We had a separate entrance. There was never a wait regardless of the time we arrived. We were personally greeted and escorted to our table. Our party of three was seated at the same table with the same wait staff. Each night the Club Class head waiter came and told us the items that were offered that were not on the menu (one starter and one main) Cocktails and wine were promptly delivered. It was the closest thing to "fine dining" I have every experienced on any cruise. We LOVED it!