thetwoofus1

We took the early train to Seward and shuttled to the 6 hour Kenai Fjords Whale watching tour.  The train people took our luggage to the boat company.   After the Whale watching they had a shuttle to take us to the port.  Everything was really smooth.  Both the train and whale tour are FANTASTIC!!

Jim

We did the Glacier Winds tour also.  FANTASTIC!!  Saw mother and baby humpback.  Baby was so close to boat it bumped the motor.  I believe they have the go-pro video on their website.  There wer 8 of us on the tour.

JIm

We were on Navigator in August.  The Ice Show was FANTASTIC, we saw it twice.  The Navigator of the Seas Orchestra, an 8 piece group, backed the performers in the Theater.  They also played in Boleros and The Star Lounge.  They did shows from different styles, including big band classics, 70's horn bands, (Chicago, BS&T).  Very professional and talented musicans.  Probably the BEST ship band we have heard.

Jim

On 8/19/2022 at 7:47 PM, taylortime05 said:

We’ll be on the Radiance for a northbound Alaska cruise next Friday.  How’s their dining room?  Is it worth getting a seat by the table for 5:30 dinner?  It should definitely still be light outside.  

Absolutely!!  Northbound I would request Starboard.

JIm

Diamond drinks pretty much include anything either with or without alcohol.  We have gotten virgin pina coladas, strawberry dacquiris etc and Heineken 0 as diamond drinks.  Had on left one night and got a can of coke to take back to our stateroom.

When we turned Diamond we dropped our usual refreshment package and purchased the soda package instead at quite a savings.  Also bought a 24 pack of bottled water.

Jim

On both August 22nd and August 26 Navigator cruises out of Los Angeles, the Main Dining Room had a brunch on sea days instead of Breakfast and Lunch.  It was from 9:00 to 1:00PM with a combination of items from the breakfast and lunch menu's.  

Any other ships doing this?  We were on Liberty in July and Radiance in June and they didn't have a brunch.

We thought it worked out well.

Jim

31 minutes ago, aururab said:

Would it be good for the young kids?

Check out the website.  I think he has some swim/snorkel activities.

 Just search Thenford Grey.

Jim

We did a very informative tour of St. Kitts with a private tour by Thenford Grey.  That was in Jan. of 2020.  

Check out his website to see if one of his many customizable tours would work for you.

We will definitely do this tour again on return trip to St. Kitts in 2023.

Jim

Just a note about Alaska.

We just returned from a 7 day southern itinerary on Radiance of the Seas.  I know Radiance is a much smaller ship without a lot of bells and whistles, howerver the views from almost anywhere inside the ship are marvelous.  We traveled from Seward to Vancouver with a different port every day.  We were much more interested in the ports and the scenery of Alaska than any ship amenities.  

The ship was more like a motel for this voyage.  

Jim

               My son also has trouble backing a boat.  Guess I should have taken the conn!

JIm

On 5/12/2022 at 3:05 PM, neverbeenhere said:

They use local boats. 

18 hours ago, binro01 said:

Here is a quick YouTube Short video I made using the tender boat getting back from Catalina Island

 

 

Thanks for the info.

Jim

How did the tendering go at Catalina Island?  Lifeboats?

Thanks

Jim

We were a party of 6 that stayed at the Hilton Marina.  Our room overlooked Port Everglades.  We were up at 5:00AM to watch Harmony sail into port.  They also have a nice outside Tike Bar with great food. The Hotel had a shuttle that was $5.00 per person.

With 6 people and lots of luggage I used Larry's Limo to pick us up at the airport.

Both the Hotel and the Limo service were a bit pricey, however everything was really smooth.

Jim

I think the address is:     rcldining@rccl.com

Jim

Serenade is available on the app. and Radiance is now also available.  It came on line the middle of last week for our Alaska cruise in June.

Jim

For me, especially with kids, I would select Odyssey.  Lots more for all ages to do.

Jim

We are sailing this June from Seward to Vancouver.

Jim

21 hours ago, Ourusualbeach said:

You will have to go through the TA.  It does not affect their commission. 

Thanks for the info.

Jim

Will a TA be able to split the FCC between guests or do I have to go through RCC?   Does a FCC affect the commission of a TA?

Thanks 

Jim

Yes.  When we were there 8 people were permitted. 

Jim

12 minutes ago, Fa-Li said:

Bumping this to see if I can indulge my ocd planning.  We have a bungalow booked for our upcoming Explorer cruise in a couple of weeks. 

 

Wondering:  *is it the same attendant all day or multiple runners?  I want to make sure we have enough cash for tips

                       *Is there a way, perhaps once on board, to request a specific bungalow number?  Opinions on if there is a preferred                               bungalow?

                        * DH will need to meet up for a snorkel excursion late morning.  How much time should he allow to get back to (I                                   assume) the main docking area?

 

TIA for any recent input!  I know it will be a great day, I just like to have all my ducks in a row!

 

Yes, we had the same attendant all day.  There are 8 bungalows available on a first come basis, so get there early.  We were off the ship as soon as we could.   4-5-6 are away from the traffic areas and are the preferred bungalows.   8 is next to where the ferry docks and 1 is next to the public part of the beach.  If he has to meet by the dock for the snorkel excursion give 20 minutes to half hour.  There are trams that run part of the way.  If you are the only ship in port it will be easy to get around. 

Enjoy the bungalow.  It is REALLY nice. 

Jim

Just off Serenade.  No freestyle machines.  All bars will fill your Souvenir Beverage Cup or serve you a glass of soda.  They have Coke products. 

Jim

7 hours ago, cruisefun77 said:

I have a port side balcony on Harmony of the Seas for Western Caribbean itinerary.  What will be my view at each port..... Falmouth Jamaica, Cozumel Mexico, and Labadee Haiti..  I enjoy seeing the ports and want to make sure I'm on the best side.  TIA

We were on the same itinerary July of 2018.  Harmony docked on the starboard side for all three ports.  

Jim

On our July 20th cruise on Harmony our CD said there were almost 6700 passengers.  I think that is a tad over 100%!!  We really only noticed it at the elevators.  One of our waiters told us they were able to handle all of the passengers because they had a large enough crew, (over 2200), and the crew was REALLY experienced. 

Jim

My 10 year old grandson had a blast.  His 40 year old father, not so much.  As stated lots of upper body strength required.  TIP:  Wear aqua shoes to get some extra grip!!  Bare feet REALLY make it difficult!!

Jim