madmarti

bring back smoking on the balconies

better single supplement prices:confused:

Thanks to all of you. Keep the info coming. I love to hear all of it. be well, madmarti:)

I'll be sailing on Rhapsody in Aug., 2014 to Alaska. Not much info about this ship or cruise on these boards. Our meet and mingle roll call consists of only 3 of us so far, pretty slow. Any info would be appreciated. thanks in advance, madmarti:rolleyes:

MPoole3, sounds great, you'll love it. Being from New York, the weather here, today is bad, lots of rain and wind. Tomorrow, Thanksgiving it is supposed to clear up a bit, but be very windy. We are seeing on the news, for the last few days, may be too windy for some of the balloons to be coming down the parade route. So, dress warmly and have a great time, I am jealous, be well, madmarti:D

Sinny, I'll miss you. Your review was great, especially the pictures. When do you return home? I'll be on the Rhapsody next Aug. 22 to Alaska and because of your review, I can't wait. Thanks, again and safe trip home for all of you. madmarti:)

Sinny, thanks for the great review and pictures. The scenery, ship and food makes me feel like I am there with you guys. Looking forward to some more of the same. madmarti:D

Chuck L., thanks for the insight. I have been looking on trip advisor to find out what I can. I did see the Grand Hotel and also to buy the fudge. It is suppose to be a 10 day trip, taking a bus from Long Island, stopping in Pittsburgh and someplace else. I don't have the details, yet, but I did know about taking the ferry and no autos. I am still looking at cruises, they all appeal to me but I can't take the leap, yet. I think the Michigan trip will probably be my first, without Hank. Be well, stay in touch, madmarti

I haven't been on the boards for a while, until, today. Chuck and Shirley I am so glad you found me. It is so nice to hear from someone from a past cruise. Thanks for all of the nice things you said and for your sympathies. Hope you are both well. I am reminded that you are from Michigan. Our church is sponsoring a trip to Macinak Island, this summer and I was thinking about that. What do you think? Again, it was so nice to hear from you, Madmarti:)

Yes, Andrew, it is good to hear about a solo cruise from another perspective. I was recently widowed in Nov. 2012. I surprised myself even thinking about going on a cruise by myself. Do's and don'ts keep popping into my head, so of course I can't make a decision. As much as I feel the need to get away, I can't get myself to go ahead with it. Madmarti:eek:

Thanks for the info, QTMichele, that sounds easy enough! I think I am going to pass because deniuh, said no Donkey on board:eek:

I didn't know that you had to make a reservation for the character breakfast. We are going without any kids but I really wanted to see Donkey! How does this work? madmarti:rolleyes:

Hey, sheepdogz79, you are so right. I hear Celebrity has some beautiful ships, 90% non smoking.:eek:

I don't know why, but the guide was with the driver when they picked us up at our hotel. She stayed with us the whole time. We even talked into having lunch with us, that was nice because we could sit and talk. Her name was Catherine and she really gave us a full day. Romeinlimo is very accomodating, they will give you the best. We also used them for Florence and Tuscany and Naples. In Naples they took us to Pompeii, a cameo factory where we saw them actually carving a cameo, the Amalfi coast, which was breathtaking, we had pizza in Sorrento. You must use them, it is a experience you will remember for the rest of your life. my email marthalb@optonline if you have any other questions. madmarti:D

How many threads are going to be devoted to this topic? It goes on and on and on!!! We all do research when we are looking for a cruise, research the cruise lines that have the most restricted rules on smoking. Obviously, the cruise lines make just as much or more money booking smokers than nonsmokers. :rolleyes:

royalcruz, there is so much info on this thread it is very confusing. I am thinking that flying Southwest our of Islip to Ft. Lauderdale is more cost effective than booking flight through cruise line. If we book on our own I want to fly in the day before the cruise. We are not looking for anything fancy, just good location, dinner, on premises and breakfast before we leave for the port. Also, smoking permitted if possible. Any suggestions? madmarti:rolleyes:

We were on a cruise of Italy, last June. We used Romeinlimo because of the advice we got here on Cruise Critic. We were not sorry. We had Catherine as our tour guide in Rome, which was a full day and we saw everything, she was very knowlegable. We had Gian for Tuscany and Florence. We had Carmine for Naples, the Amalfi Coast. Jany arranged it all. When we got closer to the cruise, I added people I met here on Cruise Critic. It was no problem and it cut down the cost. We did tip on top of the actual cost, they all deserved it. They were all full days and we saw everything and more. You won't be sorry, book them.;)

We had the exact same experience with romeinlimo with the exact same people. Would also recommend them in a heartbeat. We paid in euro travelers checks and cash, they take both, exactly what is quoted to you when you book. No hidden costs. I hope some day I will be able to use them again. Madmarti

;)On our last cruise, we brought New York Yankee baseball hats for the waiter and the assistant waiter. They loved them, and wore them the rest of the night in the dining room. Trying to think of something to bring this time, June. madmarti