sunshine002

On 7/5/2021 at 10:29 PM, possum52 said:

I was on a forum recently where this very topic was being discussed re US currency being accepted in Canada. The overall opinion was possibly but usually only close to the border, perhaps in tourist areas and not all over Canada. Also that the Canadian business will get the better of the deal and any change would be given in Canadian currency. Most responders to the question replied that US citizens would be advised to exchange their $US for $CAN rather than trying to use it in Canadian businesses.

On my last trip to Halifax via a cruise many shops were happy to take the US dollar.  But these shops were taking it for the same amount as they charged for the Canadian $.  In Saint John, Canada where the ship docks the vendors prefer US $ and have there prices in $  I insisted that one merchant take my Canadian $ since after all I was in Canada.  When I travel I use local currency or a credit card.  I will admit it was a bit of a problem when my ATM card stopped working when I was visiting OZ.  Lucky I had brought some travelers checks, this was 2001  and used my credit card until I was able to  exchange the checks.

I find it easiest to get local currency once I am in that country.

Oh yes I have 2 cruises booked for 2022 one out of Brisbane and another from Sydney.  We were all assuming when we booked that things would get back to normal.

13 hours ago, Clemson Cruiser said:

Sea day brunch.  More coffee, yes. Paul always gets the attention from staff with the Bayern shirt.  They all love to talk soccer. 

Did they offer any popovers at Brunch?  In the past it was only offered for part of the brunch ,think prior to noon.  One of my favorite items at brunch along with the steak.

There were 2 major shuttle companies that serve pick  up and drop offs in Ft Lauderdale and go to the Port of Miami. They pick up at the airport and nearby hotels.

SAS  https://www.ridesas.com/

Looks like the other QLS is no more.

They used to charge $15pp each way.

I had a PVP for a number of years.  Then one day I called and couldn't reach her.  Then I get the emails from Carnival with someone else's name as my PVP.  I believe mine was let go  In March or April of 2020.

I find with a PVP as with any other situation where you need a service (doctor, work done in the house, Travel agent) some you click with and some you don't. 

I got the name of a recommended PVP (from a fb group) and am very happy with her.

Definitely get one now and see if you are able to  fine one that works for you.

4 hours ago, gtalum said:

Greenland is a long sail from NYC or Boston.  I doubt it will be seen as a viable alternative to Canada cruises.

I did a cruise to Greenland that went to 3 ports in Canada and 3 in Greenland.  I believe we had 2 seadays from Canada to Greenland.  But if they don't stop in Canada I would think  they could do it as a 10 or 11 day cruise.  Would love to go back.

My last cruise was March 8, 2020, got off on March 15 from the Anthem of the Seas.  Found Friday before the cruise that word was out that if you wanted to cancel due to Covid had to do so by 5 or 6 that day.  By the time I found out I had an hour to decide.  Many did cancel and the ship was far from full but had a great cruise.  By midcruise we were hearing about  other ships with COVID and some of the people on the ship for many cruises were not clear if and when they needed to leave the ship.  But in the next day or 2 it was clear everyone would be leaving at the end of the cruise. 

Things got crazy the last night in the dining room with everything getting ready for the pause. My talking to others after the cruise no one that was in a group got sick while on the cruise that we knew of. 

I must say I got in a number of cruises just prior to the pause.  I was on the Anthem for Thanksgiving 2019.  The Oasis the week after I got off the Anthem.  I cruised on Empress of the Seas In Feb 2020, and them the Anthem in March,  So glad I got to Sail the Empress again before she was sold. 

I am so addicted I keep booking and then  finding they are cancelled and then booking more.  Fingers crossed we will be cruising again soon.

Karen

I did a cruise rt from NY to Canada and 3 ports in Greenland (not on RCL) in August 2019.  Loved Greenland, the clean air and the nature beauty had me as soon as I walked off the ship.  I would love to go back.

I think they are talking about the drinks on us program in the casino.  When you have 1500 or 2000 points (depending on the length of the cruise)  the casino host will give you a drinks on us card.  You pick up points when playing the machines in the casino. You can also get the card when playing table game but am unsure what you need to qualify on these games.

It hurt to call Carnival and verify what you get with your casino offer, sometimes they give casino money to play with.

1 hour ago, Janman said:

So if I purchase a 3 device Voom plan, all 3 of us in the cabin can be on 1 device at the same time. We would shut off our cell phone (planning on using wifi in airplane mode) to be able to use iPad? 
Am I better off buying the plan ahead than waiting until day 2 and buying onboard using Diamond discount? What is price of 3 device plan if purchased onboard?

I purchased the 2 device plan and my sister and I were able to be on our devices at the same time.  I also switched from my ipad to my iphone by signing out and then in from one device to the other.  I found it much more reasonable to prebuy the plan since I was getting emails with reduced rates. Once on the ship I found the rate to be higher.  . (I am also Diamond, but wanted to use the internet more than the 24 hours we are given.)  To be honest didn't compare the diamond discount but was happy with the rate I paid.

On 1/24/2020 at 3:48 PM, audcc77 said:

https://20cruisesin2020.com

thank you

I can't find a good link, can someone post a link that works .

thx

Fairfield Inn runs a complimentary shuttle to a local strip shopping center.  It has a few restaurants, a place to buy wine/beer and other local stores.  I am pretty sue that Homeward suites also runs a shuttle.

On 6/7/2019 at 11:39 AM, olemissreb said:

Guess I'm going to have to build in a little extra time to turn in my rental car and get back to the ship then.  Might have to cut one of the Titanic cemeteries. 

This was walking on the Boardwalk, you do hit traffic, but not the kind I am used to lol

I was there last week, from the street as we drove by saw lot of construction still going on.  Last year there were many detours due to all the construction.

I had a scenic ov on the Sunshine, it was amazing. The Grand Scenic even more so. I would say it was the best cabin I have had. Enjoy.

I would choose Ak in May. The first time I went it was the Middle of June and we got to experience the midnight sun. Nothing like having a really long day. There is lots to do, with wonderful wildlife everywhere.

I took the local bus to Nelson's Dockyard. It was very easy and reasonable. The downside was seeing place you might want to stop and take a picture where the bus didn't stop. With a tour you will see more, and stop at the great photo stops.

I have sailed both

MDR Carnival

Shows Royal

Music around ship -Carnival

Cabin Size Carnival

Decor Royal

Staff Cruise Director Carnival

Cabin Stewart Carnival

Casino Carnival (love the comped drinks once you get the drinks on us card)

Didn't care for the Oasis on Royal guess I prefer smaller ships

Public space and pools Royal

Love Guys burgers and the deli on Carnival, opps my clothing keeps shrinking on cruises

Buffet at dinner Royal

Overall Carnival both I still sail both

I stayed at Hyatt House (across the St from the Space Needle) last month and loved it. It was a great location, the room is like a suite with a small kitchen. They had a full breakfast with omelettes to order, with coffee being available at all times. They also offered a complimentary pick up or drop off anywhere within a mile of the hotel. There is also a huge modern supermarket about 6 blocks from the hotel. They also had a lovely rooftop sitting area.

My cabinmate came up with a perfect card. We used a casno players club card that she had 2 of. They are free and you can get as many as you wish. So we each hold on to a card and both will open the safe.

They also come in handy for the Vista where the lights go off in your cabin key isn't in the slot near the door. I did notice on the Vista you created your own passcode for the safe and didn't use a card.

In Saint John the city runs a 2 hour tour on a school bus. You pick it up a few blocks from the terminal. They run one around 10 and another around 12:30 local time. (Saint John is an hour ahead of ship time) I have done this tour twice. Very informative and you see most of the highlights. Both times the drive/tour guide had a great sense of humor and made it a fun 2 hours. They charge around $20 US/ $25 Canadian.

http://discoversaintjohn.com/places/saint-john-transit-city-bus-tour/

I have taken many singles cruises, 40+ and open age group. I always have a great time. The groups range from 75 to 500 with times to meet for breakfast and lunch and activities during sea days. You can do as much or as little as you wish with the group. They have a number of private parties at night with a few having an open bar.

Dining is usually late, with the table assigned to the group having a card with the group name, so you can sit at anyone of the table for the group. There can be tours for the group in port, or you can chose one offered by the cruise line or do as you choose.

Most of those who do them are repeaters, but its never an issue if its your first time.

I have done both and given the choice I will always take early. I find eating late is just too late, many times we don't finish until 9:30 or 10pm. I feel like half the evening is gone.

Enjoy your cruise

If you enjoy wine, bring a bottle (one pp over 21 allowed, in carry on luggage/bag only) with a screw top.

extra memory chips for the camera

Downy crinkle release

a travel outlet to have additional outlets and usb ports

I just noticed that the Sunshine will sail to Bermuda from NYC twice next summer on 4nt cruises. I am tempted by this long weekend getaway and the opportunity to sail from NYC, but do you think this will be the typical party-type cruise that the short cruises from FL seem to attract?

I do the 4 day cruise to Canada once or twice every summer. Always have a great cruise. Looks like I might be going to Bermuda next summer or and do the 5 day to Canada.