lovecruzin

Based on our experience on Eclipse, plan for 3 Chic nights. If there are only 2 just go dressier on another random night 😆

I’m sure X could make it more comfortable for pax but… https://www.seatrade-cruise.com/ports-destinations/new-buenos-aires-check-process-after-storm-damages-cruise-terminal

Tell Jerry the Wilson’s say hello and oooh lala 😃

Is Jerry still the Somm in Luminae? He is one of the better ones, made an effort to find wines we like.

I’ll have to check out Trespass next time we’re in the area. Looks like a great selection of tastings you have planned, although Sattui is an interesting addition with the other more boutique wineries!

If you’re looking for a couple near downtown Napa, WALT does a great Pinot Noir, Robert Craig is also very good. We go to Napa 3-4 times a year, happy to offer any feedback!

We just tasted at Venge last week. Beautiful views, Kirk is a talented winemaker.

The Casino is not port side on EC nor is it on deck 5. Smoking is up one deck near the (port-side) theater entrance.

I meant all ships need a Santos type person who trains the bartenders. he actually won a Diageo competition and one of the drinks on the menu was his creation. X has amazing flair bartenders but not all are true mixologists. Like I said many have moved on..apparently Sudui is one of them.

We last saw him on Solstice in Feb. He was training the bartenders, every ship needs a Santos 😂 Several of our favorite WCB mixologists have moved into management roles or just moved on.

Our only time in a RS we had a bottle of Zacapa XO. $100+ value. Wrapped it carefully and brought it home. We enjoy a nightcap occasionally and fond memories of the cruise 😆

Oops, that is Santos in the picture! But Ralph was one of the mixologists at WCB on Eclipse!

Our experience is they will usually make the previous menu drinks if they have the ingredients and have worked there long enough to know the recipe.

Sadly, Ralph is no longer on board.

Not very. They have more background music at that hour, if any. When are you cruising? Look for the bar server, Made. He is excellent.

That was the case at one time, but now they pour Brugal rum (non Diageo) when they’re out of Zacapa. WCB used to be our hangout but some of the bartenders are just that…not the well trained mixologists of the past. They used to not go off menu but in our recent experience they will.

The Passport bar is also a good place for a drink, if you time it between the loud music later in the evening!

Mer Soleil chard yes and Decoy Cab. Jerry the Somm is great, he will work with you.

If you’re asking about how people dress on the ship, that will vary by cruise line as well.

I was planning to post a glowing review of Opoli. We booked rides LAX to Redondo/Torrance area hotel and from the hotel to Berth 93. Both were perfect, on-time, clean vehicle, better price than Uber or Lyft. Any positive things I had to say about them went completely out the window yesterday. We booked a 9:05am pick up at the port to LGB. I had a notification they were on the way (10 min out) at 8:30. Long story abbreviated…Our driver arrived early, took someone else to LGB, then headed back to pick us up. Based on our phone calls, I’m not sure he was planning to come back. We got in his car (which was old, dusty and dirty) at 9:55 and arrived at LGB at 10:25. Amazingly we made our 11:20 flight. When I reached out to PrimeTime shuttle who apparently owns Opoli I was offered $20 off a future ride. I told them that after 3 rides and spending close to $150 that was an insulting offer. I have suggested Opoli several times on CC, but no more! Thanks for letting me vent!

In many hotels and also a couple times on the ship, we ask to have the AC filter replaced. We had a musty smell on Summit many years ago, they replaced the filthy filter and voila…

Not necessarily impossible, if no delays (6am arrival) then you should be able to be off the ship by 7:45 or 8. The cruise debarking on 11/17 has had the scheduled changed 7am, which could also happen for your cruise. What about BUR or SNA? A bit farther than LAX but maybe better flight times?

Have done it 2 times on Solstice since the restart, I want to say Feb 2023 was the most recent. Great meal and wine. Wish it was offered on EC.

Thanks. Our last time on Luminae on Eclipse the ship was full so this may be a nice change.

I had a confirmation from this email address…went to junk noreply%RCLCOEX@rccl.com