Mary229

Those were popular quite a few years back, it has been a few decades since they disappeared from menus. There were yummy. My father and I used to share one as an entree while others at a real meal.

This is way off topic but here goes - I spent so many nights in hotel rooms that I would search pictures on the internet to see what kind of specific coffee maker and brand of coffee was in a hotel room. It was one of the reasons that I had over 30000 followers on the old TripAdvisor - just the facts, ma’am, 1. Coffee 2. Parking lot security😉

I missed your bin voyage party 🎉. Happy Sailing

I have had so much hope for Oceana since NCLH bought them. NCL was our favorite in our youth and we so wanted to like Oceana. Their lack of customer service and sometimes just downright hostility to customers is unacceptable

You are a pretty fancy lass. When I have been at sea a week any popcorn will do. 😊

Not true anymore. Plenty of Marriott’s now have microwaves and fridges. As a former road warrior I would search for that option in my hotel search and stayed in quite a few Marriott’s with micros.

Your agent needs to take care of any and all payments. Do they have your Mariner number? They will need that to tap the FCD

It is per person with purchase of HIA. I read reports yesterday that Euro airfares are normalizing and coming down, likely due to the wars (IMHO). The 2024 rates I am seeing for recent google flight searches have been much more reasonable.

Sorry I forgot to come back. I could have gotten the $500 air if I had been willing to add the HIA, even with the air subsidy the HIA is not worth it for our needs.

If your travel dates don’t coincide with spring break there should be very few children. It is too soon to predict the future entertainment and even though the music walk is undergoing changes it has been so popular I am sure there will be some incarnation of BB Kings. The HAL crews are superb always. The ships are clean. The K has many modern amenities. The only shortcomings I found on the K was the wait for anytime dining. That can easily overcome by now signing up for fixed dining.

@2LoveBikes I feel your pain. Every post cruise survey I mention what I call the popcorn issue. Why on earth they don't have snacking popcorn on the ships - an inexpensive, healthful snack is beyond me. The Pinnacle ships have the deli serving it but only for evening hours and the other ships USED to have it only on movie theater showings. Sadly the last movie showing I went to this month offered no popcorn. It is just tragic and sad and I definitely feel your pain as I, too, am a dedicated popcorn muncher. Sprinkle some cheese and tabasco and I have a meal. I understand not having a microwave in the room but how about coffee pots in all rooms or at least the availability to rent one as RCCL allows.

On Holland they will hold your table 15 minutes, I have never seen a reason to make a reservation for anytime dining unless I discover a really excellent waiter

Giant cream puff works for me!

There is a large book at guest services. Pick a back up since your first choice may not be available

I clarified that comment in a note to Heidi. It does speak to the health of the industry - whether that health be good or bad. Of course without financials the report is not all encompassing but it does provide interesting data points. Being able to expand into a younger demographic is a promising development, they have a longevity and no preconceived notions. They are also more likely urban raised and more comfortable with the higher population densities of big ships - after all many of them now live in high rises and other multi family domiciles. As to build out I expect them to continue to build large resort ships which deliver the most dollars per transport costs.

We were once on a ranger led hike to see that oldest bristlecone pine in Utah. There were 5 attendees, the two of us - geophysics, two volcanologists, the ranger was a bit intimidated. We all assured him not to worry that we knew nothing about botany and well it could be worse that one of us could be an astrophysicist. After a big laugh the 5th hiker pulled out his Los Alamos ID - sure enough he was an astrophysicist.

As usual it takes a while but you and I find solid agreement. It is all always and ever about cost, they don’t have the luxury of adopting technologies that don’t produce immediate economic benefits.

We sit alone in assigned seating in the evening and we inform our wait staff of our schedule. I have been told I have the table for 2 hours and can be up to 15 minutes late before losing my reservation. Simply informing them of what I intend works well for them also -IF THEY Are Informed. They can set up their other tables, grab some drinks and know exactly when I am coming in, they also know once seated I am not in a hurry. Communication is key. If I intend to sit with others I am on time.

Those port decisions and build outs are economic decisions and will have to be made in the board room. I do believe there is a trend to the destination resort ship. That is what may drive the financial engine that lets us others continue to cruise traditionally. Then again decisions made may end our variety of travel. It is all about the bottom line. Even if it doesn't suit you or me it does not preclude a healthy industry. (As a business person I have always held the firm conviction that each company in a free society is entitled to succeed or fail by their own hand) Private companies are what they are, that is you try to discern and if you use their product you hope for the best. That said I still find it interesting the esteem that is given to stock price. As someone who has successfully maneuvered through the investment labyrinths of Wall Street since my youth I find that concept that Wall Street knows something you and I don't very amusing. Yes, there are individuals who are worth paying attention to but the herd not so much.

They have larger verandas and if in center may have more sqft

I avoid naysayers onboard. I may have criticisms but i write them on a pad and include them in the post cruise survey. Complaining vocally just makes it worse. You can’t imagine how many times I have excused myself to go to the restroom- people must think I have a problem 😊

Although it only covers aft facing rooms it is nevertheless informative

Perhaps if you name the cruise lines of interest you could get more specific advice.

You are exactly right about which country you hold citizenship. Though many US and EU citizens can enjoy the ease of a digital visa that is not the case for all citizenships, regardless of where you reside.

It is a common procedure in South America and, by the way, the one which led to my difficulties. I also want to add to @Charles4515 good advice and add that leaving a copy at home will also help your family and friends aid you if things go awry. Maybe this is overkill for a 7 day Caribbean cruise but if you venture further and longer it becomes more important