happy cruzer

In the good old days, there was smoking allowed in the cabins and balconies.   The formal dress code was enforced as well as the informal dress code.  The cabins were smaller.  The pools and decks were simpler.  There was the buffet and the dining room with assigned seating and they had limited hours.  No drink packages.  The entertainment was the big shows twice per night, some strings or big band music, and the disco at night.

Don't think a cruise line can exist that has not changed in some way from the very traditional model.

19 minutes ago, KforKitty said:

The first time we ate at La Cucina on the SDP our server informed us we could have one from antipasti/soup/salad, one pasta, one pizza or second course and a dessert.  With the lovely fresh bread it was a lot of food and we took our desserts to go.

 

Catherine

 

 

Thanks for the report.  Well a pizza or the second choice is good to know, I would have thought pasta or pizza.  Now I know, thanks.

The terms and conditions do not mention the sides.  Anyone care to share their experience on ordering sides?  one, two, or more allowed?

Also the terms and conditions list Italian as one of the Specialty restaurants which could be La Cucina.  Anyone use the SDP there?  The menu is not organized into apps, soup, salads, entrees, deserts instead antipasta/suppa/insalate, pasta, pizza, secundo, and dolci.  The NCL website also states which seems to disagree with the T&C about sharing:

Definitely come to La Cucina with a hearty appetite. Our classic Italian dishes come in large portions, which are perfect for sharing.

Yes, can ask at the restaurant before ordering, put would like to know what people have recently experienced there?

Thanks.

On 12/3/2023 at 1:16 PM, Mum2Mercury said:

It's made me reexamine my thoughts on tipping: 

- We just had an increase ... last year?  And now this second increase so soon.  

- Coupled with a reduction in cabin service.  

- It's not $14/week.  It's $14/week for every member of your party.  

 

Yes, straw that broke the camel's back is the right phrase.  

 

I'll never stiff the crew -- I'm not one of the people pretending it's okay not to tip at all -- but I'm wondering how to proceed fairly without being a chump, and I never thought I'd think this way.  

Good points.

Addition of tips to the Unlimited Dining Package caused  reexamination.  Still trying to figure out what makes sense.

What if you never download a photo?  And the checkin is stuck at 72%?

Can you just go to the port and checkin?  We probably will show up at NOLA at 11:30 or 12.

All information appreciated.

On 9/21/2023 at 1:07 PM, happy cruzer said:

Thanks for sharing about the corkage fee.

 

For what it matters, we prefer to pay a reasonable fee like $15, and have the wine served properly in the restaurant; can do that on all the major lines.  So far have not ever carried a "large" glass to a dining room.  Will have to consider what to do on Virgin.

Here's report.

We carried on 5 bottles.  Took 4 to restaurants.  Was charged the $25 corkage fee each night  except one night when we ordered a bottle of white wine to go with appetizers then switched to the bottle we carried on for the main course.  They did save our white wine for the next night and retrieved it for us from a different restaurant.  The $75 came out of bar loot.

On 10/25/2023 at 10:08 AM, MarkWiltonM said:

We just took our first VV cruise, on Scarlet Lady, a couple of weeks ago. Loved the inclusiveness of the guests and cruise. It was very multiracial and lots of LGBTQ+. That was a huge plus. 

 

We thought the food in the restaurants was the best of any cruise line we've been on with the exception of Crystal, and right up there with Crystal. Better than Oceania. Way better than Celebrity and HAL. However, we got bored quickly of the food in the Galley with the exception of the ramen. Tacos were meh. Sandwiches okay. Burgers okay. Nothing special. Didn't like the pizza either in the pizza place. Loved loved loved loved loved the Mediterranean food at the Dock and Dockhouse. Really: very good. And room service menu/food/service: stellar. 

 

That said, we won't cruise VV again because while the interiors were gorgeous the exterior decks were hideous and there was nowhere comfortable for us to sit outside, except on the "promenade" on Deck 7, outside The Grounds Club, which seemed like an afterthought. We felt trapped inside. Also far too much of the seating even indoors was very low. Good for slouching but terrible for posture. Food served at low "coffee tables" in some places. We're in our 60s so this would probably not be as much a problem for younger folk, and the average age on our cruise was probably 35-40. The room was also uncomfortable. Low bed with hard mattress and the pillows were too thick and very lumpy. The towels in the itty-bitty bathroom were worn and hospital-quality. No body lotion supplied in the stateroom (confirmed with Sailor Services) and the necessities shop was sold out, of course. Had to buy a $28 bottle of L'Occitane de Provence body lotion from another shop.

 

But the food and service in The Wake, Extra Virgin, Razzle Dazzle, and Pink Agave (listed in order of preference) were phenomenal. We'll miss that. Wish other cruise lines would get their food act together.   

We agreed with the main points of this review.  We were on Valiant Lady.

Agree that seating is low in most places.  Only sea views for non rockstars  are limited - no forward viewing.  Did love the Dock and area behind the Galley.  There is a bit of a promenade deck with shuffleboard.

Additionally,  The APP is OK when it works.  The daily sheet is OK.  Neither really lists/described all that was going on in an attractive format; some of the other lines do a better job of getting you interested in a particular activity. 

Crew is friendly and interactive.  Actual service is the same standard that we have enjoyed on other lines.

Bimini is the best "private" beach day compared to other lines.

Yes, we really enjoyed our cruise and look forward to another sometime but did not become total converts to Virgin Voyages "only".  Great that there are so many options.

On 11/27/2023 at 6:38 AM, CruisingWalter said:

 

It was honestly no different than any other sailing. Popular classes fill up fast, many people are no-shows so you can just show up and probably get in. Dining reservations were not much different. No problem being a walk-up if you were willing to eat later in the evening. 

 

We were in a group of about 30 with many first time Virgins. Everyone remarked how it didn't feel like a sold out ship. The ship is much larger than it needs to be for 2770 passengers so you have a lot of public space to move around. And when you don't have 2000 people queuing up for one big dining room, the dining crowds are spread out throughout the ship. 

 

The most popular location on our 8 night sailing was the Social Club. That place was hopping all day and night with folks playing games, game challenges, Karaoke and more. It was incredible how many folks were just relaxing playing games and making new friends. 

Your report helped set our expectations.  We were on the week after you.  Thank you.

Agree that "on the rocks" was crowded.  Lots of folks standing and sitting on the floor.  They need more seating.

The restaurants seemed to accommodate changes well, we only did one.

Shows booked up but seemed to have enough to handle most of the waitlist at the door.

Exercise classes all booked up early ( our APP and many other's was down until about 4pm) then had to be reloaded twice more on the first night.  All classes stayed sold out the entire cruise.  Did not try to walk up.  Not interested in getting dressed and excited about a class to only possibly get in. 

Also the weight area was crowded most mornings from 8 to 11.  One day every machine was in use with people waiting.  That happens on other lines the first sea day but later not so much.  Outdoor areas for working out and the running trail were used but not crowed.

Just a small snapshot.

On 11/25/2023 at 4:23 PM, dx052 said:

I am on the Valiant Lady as we speak as well and communication from the food hall staff in the Galley to the guests have been none existent regarding the way they are serving the food, surely they could advise passengers when they enter the Galley to take a seat and someone will be along to take your order as they would in a restuarant, from what have seen I am not sure they are organized enough to run efficiently. Takes them 20 minutes just to clear a table, they are slow and seem like they lack motivation. Somethings not right but I can't put my finger on it yet & it's not only myself that have been left disappointed other people have said the same thing. 

We were on the same cruise.  Agree no verbal communication about the Galley or really about anything - just read on the APP or signs which works if your APP is working (ours was very hit or miss the first day) or if you are in front of signage :).

One of us likes cereal and fruit for breakfast.  That took going to the cereal/milk area then the fruit area then the salad area for walnuts.  That was similar to other cruise lines buffet.  One of us like other things and table service was nice just had to adjust to the process - figure out what to order by viewing the items including specials, place order, wait about 10 minutes, enjoy...

All employees wanted to please and were friendly in our experience.

Hello,  We received what seems to be a generic important information email for our cruise in one month on the Breakaway.  It has alot of links to the NCL website.  Is this normal?  Doesn't seem to be anything but a CYA about covid and need to have travel docs like a passport.

Is there anything else needed besides a passport?

Thanks.

On 3/11/2023 at 11:39 AM, mitsugirly said:

Has anyone done this tour before? It talks about going into the lagoon and having the opportunity of seeing the manatee's grazing in area. Just wondering what you thought of the tour and did you actually see manatee's?

Did you get an answer? or perhaps visit?  There is an 8:30 and a 10:30 tour available on my NCL cruise.  Is one better than the other to see manatees?

Thanks.

12 hours ago, conandrob240 said:

Scarlet was almost full on 11/5. We sailed 1/2 full on Valiant last year. Didn’t feel any substantial difference. Other than ease of getting/changing dining reservations. It holds capacity well

What about getting reservations for shows or classes?

Not getting into events/dining would be a substantial difference IMHO.

Thanks for the reports.

Would be nice to know the full story.  Will we ever?

Have never seen a report of someone banned for attempting to carry on any item.  So I think there must be more?

Reviews that complain about things like the rock climbing walls, flow riders, etc. always lose me.  Those things are in addition to the traditional venues.  Things do change and sometimes go missing - that could be worth a moan.  But having additional new items even that have a few associated don't really affect the rest of the cruise.

Love the big ships with lots to see including people watching on the "play things".  But do realize that someday mobility issues or personal preferences may mean changing to smaller ships.

To answer your question about sabor, we love it, especially fish tacos.  We do not enjoy velveta style queso so just goes to prove food is subjective.  The servers normally recommend items that we will try.

thanks for the review, we try harmony in the spring.

Just another view, there are some families that dress up for Christmas brunch/ dinner.  Personally I would choose another spot to wear pjs, but I am sure you could get away with it.

Just do some research.  There is big variety of ear plugs. Search on concert ear plugs.  The ones we like filter some frequencies and db level yet let a normal conversation happen.

Or choose to try and change the environment on ship and other places.

7 hours ago, Carnevale said:

Not all of us find ear protection comfortable and those using hearing aids can’t be expected to use ear protection.  I do not think it is in any way unreasonable to expect Princess to maintain a more moderate sound level especially in venues close to eateries and bars when conversations are a normal occurrence.

Ok.  I now understand your choice and expectation.

My choice is to use "concert" style earplugs that filter noise and allows for conversations.  Plus it comes with a carry case so I can have it whenever I like.  Don't have to bother trying to get someone to turn down the noise.

We just keep it simple.  Follow the guidelines that the host/ organisers punlish.  Everything else feels like rationalisation.

So how do you “see” the special?  On a board?  Or displayed on a plate somewhere?

thanks

23 hours ago, happy cruzer said:

Yep.  Easy solution.  Go online and find ear plugs that fit your needs.

 

Loud music, etc, has been an issue for a VERY long time.  Carry your ear plugs and it's one less thing to worry about.  We selected the kine that blocks most noise but still allows you to hear normal conversation.  Change yourself vs. trying to change the world.

So why do you resist using ear protection?  Yo will not have to get action from anyone else?  Just curious to know what the objection is?

On 11/4/2023 at 6:34 PM, Nora86 said:

I have sensory issues that lead to seizures so I just carry ear plugs all the time. Muffled so I can enjoy 🙂

Yep.  Easy solution.  Go online and find ear plugs that fit your needs.

Loud music, etc, has been an issue for a VERY long time.  Carry your ear plugs and it's one less thing to worry about.  We selected the kine that blocks most noise but still allows you to hear normal conversation.  Change yourself vs. trying to change the world.

On 11/4/2023 at 7:59 AM, cantgetin said:

Ordering on the tablet in the room is generally better than on the app.  Then you wait for the phone call about what they don't have available and would you like to substitute something.

As above, I don't thing Ship Eats serves anywhere except your cabin, and if you try that tab on the app it always gives an error message.

Just saw in the app the reference to the band and delivery anywhere.  Very annoying.  Thank you for pointing out to use the tablet for room service (doesn’t seem to be sea eats at this time)

Thanks for all the details.  Good to know that even though delivered in a pouch that you get pretty good utensils vs. all plastic.

Is the full menu available 24 hours?  i.e. could you have steak or a sandwich for breakfast?

Thanks for the info about delivery outside of the room.  When I searched this site, someone reported that because you wear the band they can deliver to you anywhere.  Maybe for the future?

Hi,

We don't often do room service so maybe those who do will share how it works on Virgin?

For breakfast do you order the night before?  How is the food delivered with plates and silverware?  Beverages in papercups?

Have you ordered Ship Eats to be delivered other spots on the ship?

Generally how long does it take to arrive?

How was the food?

And the hot question - What about tipping?

Any other pointers appreciated.  Thanks.