goldmom

I would also suggest calling CAS.  Maybe they will let you take over the reservation.  Possibly they may charge you an additional amount to cover the cost of the discount they gave the family member.  If that's the case, it might be worth the additional cost rather than lose everything.

I'm assuming that you don't have trip insurance.

May I ask a silly question?  Why did you rent a car if you're only in the port city overnight?  Did you just rent it for one day or are you using it to drive to the port and park it there?

It seems it would be easier to just arrange a shuttle or taxi to the hotel and port.

Just curious.

2 hours ago, bluefish17 said:

Just off the Prima and we had to call to have the hot tub filled and then drained.

That is not good news.  Hopefully they will be able to follow Viva's lead and get them up and working.  Thanks for the info.

8 minutes ago, vacation44 said:

We had them on the Encore this past February and I struggled getting the hang of opening them without the contents going all over the place.   

Hah.  I agree.  When they first put them out I kept asking where the creamers were.  Took me awhile to realize what they were as we were used to the little cups.

The only place I can think of that might have something is in the Casino.  They sometimes put out little snacks in the evening, it's pretty hit or miss, but might be worth a look.  When I've seen them it's usually around 9pm.

Enjoy

56 minutes ago, Radio said:

I didn't know that you could get liquid "Half and Half" in a pouch . . . Who knew?

 

Radio

 

 

.

That's a relatively new development.  When we were on the Getaway in March they were just changing over to those half & half pouches from the coffee mate cups.

Enjoying your "live".  Thanks for taking us along.

1 minute ago, Mike A said:

The ship going up is the Anthem of the Seas. Since RCCL and Celebrity docks in Bayonne, they will routinely go up do a circle around the Statue of Liberty and then go out to sea. 

Thanks for the explanation.  I never knew that! I was surprised when I saw it was a RCCL ship as I knew they docked in NJ.

Watching the Joy sail away now.  She is passing right next to another cruise ship in the Hudson going the other way.  Don't see that often.  Couldn't tell what ship it is.

How was the parking situation?  Did you park at the pier?  I'm considering driving in for our cruise next month, but don't want to get there and not be able to get parking.

Thanks!

Enjoy!

1 hour ago, UKstages said:

 

if it's the same "kim" i have spoken to over the years, working out of her home office in arizona, she was indeed a delight. (her last name is the same as the first name of a title character in a dickens novel.)

 

 

 

Yes!  That was her.  She was terrific and sounds like there's a lot of us who will miss her.  She was the one who told me I would still get a drink card for drinks in the Casino which we now know is wrong.  Maybe she just got tired of the cut backs to the programs and being limited as to what she could offer!

Another option is the Astronaut's Hall of Fame museum which is outside of Kennedy Space Center, but relatively close.  We were there many years ago and found it fascinating.  You can sit in an actual space capsule.  Boy are they small!  You can probably spend an hour or two there.

Enjoy!

Almost docked.  Hope everyone boarding today has a fabulous cruise.

On another note, does anyone know if the issues with the hot tubs in the Owner's suites was ever fixed?  If anyone sailing today is in one of those cabins, I'd love confirmation of the status.

Thanks!

Looking forward to your review.  We met you many years ago, I think on the Gem.  We gave you a tour of the Haven.

Have a great cruise.  I can't wait for all the info as we'll be on her in a few weeks.

Enjoy!

54 minutes ago, snorklinbarb said:

Yes!  While on ship it seemed weird to get an email to her back "undeliverable" so called CAS.  Asked and a rep said, "No longer working here."  

 

Not a newbie....she had many yrs under her belt!

 

 

I also lost my rep.  She was really great and always tried to work her "magic" for me on pricing.  I had sent an e-mail, but never heard back and it wasn't even returned.  When I called I was told that she now longer worked there.  I had another male rep for years and when he left I worked with my latest one.  I now have a new rep and she's very nice, but I don't really have a relationship with her yet and she isn't quite as generous.  Although that may just be CAS cutting back as she took time to look up everyone sailing with me to see what she could offer.

If we're allowed to say names they were Alan and Kim.

Yes, you can check your carry-ons.  Just make sure they don't have any medications, electronics or anything fragile or valuable.

Enjoy!

All the suites around the Courtyard area have the same size balcony.

Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences.  At least it isn't just me.  Guess I'll just continue to ask nicely if I have a special request, but not really expect anything.

I'm not a fan of the pasta dish.  I even prefer the pasta at the local.  I did ask in the Haven on Getaway if I could have the pasta from the Local (or O'sheenan's) brought to the Haven but was told no.  I've heard of others making special requests for the next night but it didn't work for me even though I asked in advance.

If you put the plate of cookies on your balcony in the sun, they become nice and warm and gooey.

Also, you are not allowed to bring food items back onboard unless they are in the factory sealed packaging.  You should have seen everyone scarfing down their "Holey Donuts" as they wouldn't let us bring them on the ship.

That said, it's not like they are going to frisk you but if they go through the x-ray machine they will catch them. Not that I'm advocating breaking the rules!

I agree, the menu gets a bit boring.  The last time we were on the Joy, the Haven restaurant did offer daily specials for entrees and desserts.  I'm guessing it was just meals that were available in the Main dining rooms but it was nice to have a couple of extra choices.  More recently on the Getaway 10 night cruise there were no specials offered so it must be up to the individual staff on each ship.

54 minutes ago, cruisin4familyfun said:

In early March, during our Getaway cruise, the Haven policy of one lobster tail per person was in place. My husband requested two (no turf) and was informed of the additional charge for the second. No big deal, I requested a lobster tail for myself. I stated that I would be giving it to my hubby. The waiter chuckled and brought out the extra lobster tail on his plate - no extra charge. 🙂 

Our waiter on the Getaway actually suggested doing that.  But it's still really silly as then the filet wasn't eaten, so there was more food waste.  Hopefully they figure out a better way.

56 minutes ago, Sand and Seas said:

 

Sounds confusing.   I would  rather  they just post it on the menu so the server doesn't have  to explain.   

I like a crabcake and lobster  tail.  Will they have to call that an upcharge?  Doesn't make  sense to me.

 

Who knows.  You could probably get the crab cake.  The whole thing is just really ridiculous.  And, not having it printed on the menu puts the poor staff in the position of having to tell the passenger.  Hopefully they will revisit this and remove the upcharge or at least limit passengers to say 2 lobster tails.  We'll see.

We were on the Getaway about a month ago.  I noticed the Haven menu didn't mention the upcharge for the lobster.  When I asked about changing the turf for surf the waiter then said that there was an extra charge.  I hope you're right and they did away with the extra charge, but I wouldn't count on it just because it isn't showing on the menu.

35 minutes ago, PatJim said:

PS. The 2-bedroom suites in Haven proper do have small balconies, but ours is slightly larger, as it extends in front of the master bathroom.  Regardless of size, we always request a lounger with our pre-cruise concierge list, and usually it’s there when we board.

I did the same and the loungers were there when we boarded the last time we were on the Joy.  I figured it's easier for the stewards to move things before the passengers board.

Yes, we are on the May 19th sailing also but on the starboard side.  One of us will have a sea view and the other a Bermuda view!  Either is good to me.

Enjoy!

22 minutes ago, cruiseny4life said:

Is this an indoor "street?" Are there mirrors that make it look longer or is it really that jammed up with people for what appears to be several football fields? 

 

Thanks for trying out McD's! It's always so interesting to see what other countries have. I know some aren't into trying out Americanized fast food, but I find it an interesting meal or two. 

 

Those cherry blossom and sunset photos - phenomenal! Thanks for sharing nature's beauty with us from across the world!

Welcome to Japan.  That is what the streets look like.  I think that's probably inside the train station.  The stations are like underground cities!  Buses in Japan are especially fun, there is literally not even an inch between you and the next person whether you're standing or sitting.  But Japan is a fascinating place and definitely worth a visit!

Loving this review and look forward to following along.