Hlitner

For what it's worth, this is something you hear from fans of many cruise lines. Long time HAL fans have long heralded the crew on that line (mostly Indonesian and Filipino). Crystal fans generally loved their crew. Those of us who have cruised Seabourn have also thought the crew to be amazing (I used to post that Seabourn crew do not have the word "no" in their vocabulary). One other thought. While we pooh poohed this idea that cruise lines all declined due to the Covid shutdown, the loss of many long-time crew members (on every line) has certainly taken a toll. This again takes me back to the new Explora Journeys Line and their first ship (EJ1). Just over 80% of their crew (in passenger areas) were on their first cruise contract during our cruise :). That company decided to recruit most of their staff from high-end luxury resorts (many in Dubai). It was interesting interacting with many of these first-time cruising staff who truly understood service and luxury without having adapted to the culture of working on a ship. More than a few told us they would not work anymore contracts simply because they were homesick (and sometimes seasick). One EJ management person (visiting from the home office in Geneva) told me hiring these resort folks was no accident. The new line wants to create a new culture of a floating-resort rather than a cruise ship. Hank

The "finest food at sea" is really a great topic. Not having experienced O (yet) we cannot know where it fits into the spectrum. But we can toss out, what we think, is our current standard for comparison. We cannot judge the current Crystal since with their bankruptcy and change of ownership is a changed product (that we have yet to experience). But we can say that after 50 years of extensive cruising our best overall cuisine was found on our recent Explora Journey 1 cruise! This new line (with very deep pockets thanks to its MSC backing) has put their major emphasis on food, and it showed, They are also somewhat unique in that they do not have a MDR, but rather 4 separate restaurants (2 of which require reservations) and a small 5th restaurant that features cuisine designed (and sometimes cooked) by a Michelin starred chef. That 5th venue is the only dining venue with an extra fee and it was quite amazing, during our visit, with our meal prepared by Chef Emma Bengtsson, who is the only Michelin 2* female chef in North America. Chef Emma was on our voyage and did prepare our meal (there were only 10 diners) based on our tasting menu at her NYC restaurant called Aquivit! Unlike cruise lines that simply borrow chef names (for which they pay a fee) and some menu items, on EJ1 we actually had the real chef! Many of us on CC could have a lot of fun debating who has the "best food at sea," and we look forward to seeing how O compares. I tossed out our EJ1 experience because it may have been a one-time thing (some doubt they can continue to maintain the standard). And by the way, for Champagne lovers, when we were on EJ1 they featured unlimited Moet and Chandon Champagnes (they had several including the Brut, Rose, and the very unique Ice Imperial). On that line, the Champagne (and other drinks) were unlimited and available all the time (not just at lunch/dinner). For any O fans who might be interested, Explora Journeys does have its "issues" including constantly changing itineraries (sound familiar?). This line will be expanded to 6 ships (all 900 passenger) within the next 5 years. Hank

Very interesting thread. Where to start :). We are O virgins (I hope Mr. Branson forgives me for borrowing this word) with our first O cruise (35 days on the Vista) coming up later this month. Obviously, we know nothing more about O then what we read on these boards (and elsewhere) and will embark on our upcoming journey with an open mind. We love to cruise, have been doing it for 50 years, and have been on an awful lot of cruise lines/ships. I found the posts comparing HAL to O quite interesting. We do know HAL (5* Mariners) and that line has truly declined in many ways. Their decline started before COVID and IMHO accelerated as a result of the COVID shutdown, We have also recently cruised on some other lines (i.e Princess, Seabourn, Explora Journeys) and did not notice a decline (there were some changes). One observation from this O board is that quite a few O fans make excuses for the O of today rather than simply dealing with the NOW. When comparing O to HAL it should be pointed out that HAL is a relatively inexpensive cruise line when compared to O. If one is paying $150 per person/day it is reasonable to expect lesser quality/variety in cuisine than if paying $250+ per person/day. We always keep this in mind whether cruising a lower priced line (i.e. MSC, Princess, HAL) or a luxury line (i.e. Seabourn, Silversea, EJ, etc). What gets left unsaid in many posts is about the "value" of any cruise. Given what we have paid to go on O we would expect it to be superior to lines like HAL and Princess, and not up to the standards we expect on lines like Seabourn. If the Internet is good enough, we will try to post a Live thread during our 5 weeks on the Vista. We will be honest, candid, and back-up what we say with facts. Folks can certainly dispute subjective issues (such as the quality of beef) but "inedible" or "cold" is something that most understand. Speaking of posting "facts," when we did this during a recent 6 week HAL cruise there were the usual cheerleaders that would make excuses or pooh pooh facts. We see that sae attitude with some here on the O board. As a simple example, O is one of the only cruise lines that does not currently have a decent "App." The line is truly behind the times in terms of current technology. O also does not have an online system for "air" options such as what one finds with most CCL and RCI products. Even O fans, such as Flatbush Flyer, suggest that O cruisers call O rather than make dining reservations and book excursions online. In this regard we did ignore Flatbush Flyer and did all or our pre-cruise reservations (12) online and also booked our excursions online. So far, so good. No problems, the system seemed to work, and we did get confirming e-mails. So, we are off to a good start :). No cruise line is "perfect" although we have had some cruises that have come close. Ironically, some of our best overall cruises have been on HAL, but those voyages are far in the past. Seabourn has also given us mostly very positive experiences along with some amazing experiences (caviar in the surf can be quite fun). Hank

Those rules tie into most airline rules (usually 158 centimeters per bag). Hard to imagine that Trenitalia will enforce rules, but who knows...It Is Italy :). Hank

We have done dozens of TAs (over more than 40 years) and we still will often do 2 a year. So lets talk about reality. Regarding prescription med, simply take enough for your trip plus an extra week (just in case you somehow get delayed). Unless you are carrying narcotics, just bring them along in their original containers! In over 50 years of extensive international travel nobody has ever done anything other then a glance at our drugs. Copies of your scripts are fine, but useless outside of your own country, Nobody gives a ^%$$ about your toiletries but they do need to meet the requirements of TSA (the UK is even ore strict). If in doubt, just pack them in your checked luggage. As to packing, we simply pack for a 2 week trip and use the cruise ship's laundry (we get unlimited free laundry on Princess). Regarding the Caribbean Princess, it is our least favorite Princess ship (take a near perfect Grand Class ship and add a few hundred more passengers without increasing the public areas). Have no clue what they will do on your embarkation day (the Lido, Slice, Alfredos, etc will be open). When we embark on Princess, we go directly to Alfredos (or Gigi) to relax and avoid the usual first-day mess in the Lido. Hank

We have cruised on 16 cruise lines (#17 next month) and dozens of ships. The only cruise line were we have consistently had the Lido problem is on HAL! Why? Not sure, but we think it is a combination of things including not enough Lido seating for the size ship, and an older clientele that prefers to plant themselves at breakfast and not move! HAL fans will not admit it, but I also think folks stay in the Lido because there are not activites to draw them out. On ships with more activity/event choices (just about every other line) folks leave the Lido to get to a lecture, an event, etc. For whatever reason it is a norm on HAL ships (we are 5* Mariners) and the ship staff does nothing to discourage the practice. Hank

Hi Neighbor :), We have never rented a car at Honfleur so cannot give any first-hand advice on their rental locations. But yes, we have driven to CDG a few times (and dropped cars). The good news is that since Paris is Northeast of the city, and you are driving down from the north, you do not need to deal with getting around Paris. As you can imagine, the traffic does increase as you near Paris and CDG, but like most large cities, it is all about timing and some luck (that there are no accidents on the autostrade). Life is much easier if you have a working cell phone can use Googlemaps or another map program to guide the way. But it is mostly major highway and there are plenty of signs to the airport. Just like at home, there are also signs to rental car drop locations. Hank

We can agree about Switzerland and have been there many times. But when just wanting to get through a small part of the country on our way to other places. we have no use for a 1 year Vignette. If we plan on spending some time in the country, then no problem. Hank

After our first, and possibly our last EJ cruise, we posted that we would not book any future EJ cruises for several reasons. #1 Was that this company seems to enjoy routinely changing itineraries (such as from Alaska to Europe) with no explanation. #2 The attitude of the customer service folks (on the ship) who have a no-service point of view. We think the EJ folks put much of their emphasis on cuisine and do a pretty good job with this part of their operations. But that is where it ends. The company seems so hell bent on "not being a cruise line" that they have succeeded in that regard. They have this weird attitude that they are an upscale resort, and forget they are a cruise line. And the reality is that their regular suites are not even up to the standards of most of their competition. Until this line gets it act together (we think it will eventually happen) and start putting their customers ahead of their own egos we will not recommend this line to anyone. They need to revamp their attitude of "we are not a cruise line" to "we want to be the best cruise line." And once they market and take bookings for various itineraries, they need to follow through and deliver what they promise. Hank

No, of course they are feeding the crew lobster (cooked to order), prime filets, cut to order prime rib, fresh oysters, etc. ROFL

That really depends on the ship/line. Lido buffets on premium/luxury lines can be quite fantastic.

We think it is a terrific option. As to train strikes, although rare (and usually announced well in advance) the Plan B can be to simply hire a taxi to get you back to Livorno. When doing an overnight off a cruise ship always make sure to tell both the Guest Relations desk folks as well as your own cabin steward. Hank

I thought of wearing White Tie/Tails on our upcoming SS cruise but, after following their dress code thread, figured the message would be lost on some of their fans. Hank

We would not recommend the HoHo here in PV, because it simply does not run often enough to make it reasonable to "hop off." I believe it only runs 4 times a day and you can wait as long as 3 hours for it to return. Also consider that the HoHo costs $20 while a local bus (that can also get you into town, back to the port, etc. only costs about 60 cents ($10 Pesos). For those that want to see the area from a bus, and not get off, it might be a good option. But keep in mind that the most popular streets in PV (such as the Malecon, Olas Altas, and Bacillio Badillo) are not viewable from the bus. The bus route does offer a chance to see some of the areas outside of PV, but most of this is from the main road which does limit the view. Hank

Yep. Even Thomas Keller (now being changed over to a new venue called Solis) does not require "formal." There is also the Colonnade, the outdoor Earth and Ocean, and the Sushi restaurant (only on the larger ships). That being said, a majority of men do wear a jacket although it might just be a blazer. I used to take my Tux on our SB cruises, but stopped when that kind of dress was becoming less common. Now, I generally just bring along a blazer (with no ties). I am not sure of the current 'rules" on the Exploration ships (Pursuit and Venture). They do expect folks to at least be in what many call smart casual. On most nights I will simply wear trousers (shorts are frowned upon after 6) and a long sleeve collared shirt. We find it fascinating (and perhaps revealing) that there are often dress code disagreements on the SS board, sometimes on this board, but seldom a disparaging word (about dress) on the SB board. For a luxury line we have found SB cruisers to be laid back and among the friendliest folks we have met on any cruise line. Looking forward to seeing how the Vista compares. By the way, the new Explora Journeys cruise line (a luxury product) has no formal nights! Hank

With this we completely disagree! If folks want to sit in a chair/lounger for the entire day in a public area (not in a restaurant) why not? Folks are not "entitled" to use a chair/lounger just because they think it is their right! DW and I still remember a time, on Princess or HAL, when we were enjoying breakfast (with another couple) in the Lido. A lady came over to our table and said, "I am sorry, but you need to move so our knitting group can sit at this table." DW politely replied that they were welcome to the table after we had finished our breakfast. The lady was not satisfied and pointed out that her little knitting group always used "their table" in the morning. And no, we did not relinquish the table until we were finished with breakfast. The "knitting group" found another nearby table, but were not happy! Hank

Just a word about caviar on SB. It can be ordered (single or double order) from room service or at any bar (simply ask the bartender or waiter and they will call for an order). In the Restaurant it is seldom to never on the menu, but you can ask your waiter and it can generally be arranged as an off the menu starter. In fact, on our last SB cruise we had friends who had a "standing order" for caviar to be sent to their suite at 4:30pm and another order delivered (nightly) to their dining table in The Restaurant. Agree that SB can be a bit anal about formal nights, but that is only in the Restaurant. They do expect men to wear a jacket (tie not necessary) but true formal-wear has become less common. We have friends, who regularly cruise on SB, and never pay attention to the formal night stuff. They simply dine in other venues (the Restaurant is the only venue that might enforce formal dress rules). Hank

Over the years we have helped folks find laundromats in some European ports (Civitavecchia quickly comes to mind) but I honestly think it makes little sense. Consider that you are paying a lot of money to be on a cruise vacation, have limited time in the ports, and one has a few options when it comes to laundry. 1. Simply pack more clothes! Even if you need to pay the airline for an additional bag, so what! The time you waste messing with laundry in a port if likely more valuable. 2. Just pay the cruise line to launder the few items that you MUST have. A third option was mentioned to us by a lady (on HAL) who had "a thing" about letting anyone launder her unmentionables. Her solution was to bring along all her older items, use them first, and throw them out! She said another benefit was that throwing away those older "unmentionables" lightened up her luggage so she could buy new stuff :). I might add that this lady takes the full world cruise. Hank

I think the OP is simply a victim of their own "unforced error." They booked a post cruise flight that is outside of their own comfort level. They than decided to get off their cruise, one day early, at a different port. That request was denied by the cruise line because of the port's own rules (which is generally by government authority dictate). In this particular case, the cruise line is not the bad guy. The OP wants an early disembarkation in the UK, which is a country known for having some very strict rules (such as requiring a face-to-face with an immigration officer). I would simply advise any cruiser to give a lot of consideration to one's own risk tolerance when making pre or post cruise plans. That is why many experienced cruisers fly-in one or more days early and will often spend at least 1 night post-cruise in a hotel. I do not see where any consumer ombudsman or site is going to be very helpful for the OP. If they are truly unhappy with their post cruise flights they should consider changing them (even if there is a penalty) and consider it a lesson learned. Hank

Sometimes the only option is to cancel the booking and rebook with a different agency/agent. This may or may not involve some financial penalty. Hank

Nope. We are addicted to cruising (and increasingly addicted to the luxury lines) and need our "cruise fix" at least 70 days a year! And we do get restless in years when we spend fewer than 100 days on ships. My warning to young cruisers is that it is truly addicting, and as you grow older and try some of the premium/luxury lines it becomes increasingly difficult to go back to the so-called mass market ships. Give up cruising? Not until at least 1 foot is in the grave. We once cruised on the Prinsendam and helped a fellow passenger celebrate his 102nd birthday. My hero! Hank

Many posters like to say that food is a subjective issue, but the reality is that bad is bad! Many cruisers choose to cruise on the so-called mass market lines (such as NCL) because of the cost, onboard amenities, and price. The cost of food has increased (in a big way), NCL (and some other lines) are encumbered with huge debt-service obligations (partially as a result of the Covid shutdown) and increased labor cost. Many cruise lines have reacted by implementing various cut-backs, intended to reduce their cost, to help increase their ability to pay down debt. These cut-backs are certainly felt in the included eating venues and even some of the extra cost venues. So what can the OP do? I do think the answer is often the traditional "you get what you pay for." There is still excellent food on the so-called Premium and Luxury cruise lines. One can go on lines like Oceania, Explora Journeys, Seabourn, Regent, etc. where they will find the overall cuisine to be far better to what they get on NCL (or other mass market lines). Just consider on Seabourn one can order caviar (even a double portion) whenever they please. On Explora Journeys, one can go to their Lido and usually find lobster (they had 2 kinds), crab legs, fresh shucked oysters, etc. On Oceania one can go to their cafe and order a lobster & filet sandwich at no additional cost. The bad news for the OP is that if they continue to cruise on mass market lines they are likely to get so-so food. In some cases they can have it both ways (mass market ships and good food) by simply dining in the various alternative restaurants....for an additional cost. Hank

Having cruises with 17 different cruise lines, we know that the answer to the OP question varies by cruise line. They each have their own rules. On many lines, the so-called staff, which include entertainers, the folks who work in the shops, photographers, etc. can dine in the Lido buffet. On some ships, these folks are also allowed in the main dining room (with restrictions). In face, Seabourn (a good example) lets many of the staff take their turn "hosting" tables in the dining room (we have dined with many of their staff). As to officers, that also seems to vary. On all of our ships the 3 stripers (and above) can dine in the Lido and on many ships they will have their favorite table which is usually at an out of the way location, On some ships we have seen 2 stripers in the Lido (we know this because we have chatted with a few). We also recall talking to an entertainer (i.e. staff) on a ship who told us they can ONLY dine in the passenger areas (Lido and MDR) and was not permitted to dine in the crew mess. This happened on the new Explora Journey 1. The entertainer, who told us about this policy, was a guest entertainer (singer) who was treated like a passenger in nearly all respects. We eventually became friends and she joined DW and I for a few meals. She even had access to the reservations-only restaurants (there are two). Hank

Having done dozens of crossing (including a few in November) the one lesson we learned is to not rely on anecdotal comments based on a few crossings :). You need to be prepared for just about anything. With good luck it will still be comfortable in Barcelona and you will have a calm crossing with temps getting a bit warmer every day. With bad luck there can be late season hurricanes that will force the Captain to take a more northerly course and keep you in more chilly weather. The old rule applies, bring layers of clothing to handle anything. Hank

I would just add that Rhodes has quite a few excellent beaches, and although we do sometimes enjoy visiting Lindos, that particular beach would not be high on my radar. Lindos has become a poster child for overtourism! In fact, the last time we were on the island we drove over to Lindos and the nearest parking spot was nearly a mile distant! Even tour buses were stuck in the horrid traffic jams that happens around the parking area. The pathways leading up to the ruins at Lindos are a wonderful place to buy "made in China" souvenirs :). I wish I had the refrigerator magnet/key chain concession.