paross4

Most times when we have been in St. Maarten there was a steel drum band playing in the port area. (Feb 2020 was the last time for sure) Feb 2022 We were there in March of 2022 and sadly, no music of any type.

I agree, you're not getting Robert Greenidge quality that's for sure. 😉

I know you are asking about the WOTS, but I thought I'd answer because you may have a similar experience. We were on the Serenade last week and they had a two-person band called "Island Vibz". They would play island music, Reggae, etc. and throw in a few songs with steel drums. (all done using a synthesizer). So while you got the feel of Caribbean music, it wasn't using real Pans. Still sounded ok though.

That explains things. We were on the Serenade last week and the Activities Manager (Jimena) ran all the shows and events. Nobody told us why, unless we missed the announcement. Hope Jamie is doing ok. It was interesting that on boarding and disembarkation days, they played pre-recorded videos on TV with Jamie. They must have been recorded Christmas week or before, as he was always mentioning that. (In one, he was dressed in an Olaf costume)

We use a cheap, dollar store shower cap to cover the plate. (We only take food from the WJ to our lounge chairs on the deck) It keeps things covered (from airborne nasties if that is a concern) and holds things in place quite well. The cover is tight enough to handle the plate with one hand. And we are careful not to leave the empty plates, utensils, etc. lying around. (We hang on to them until a deck cleanup person walks by and we hand it to them)

Funny you should mention gangsters with violin cases. I dressed as a gangster on a Halloween cruise two months ago. I took my violin case for my "Chicago typewriter" but filled it with candy for the kids (and crew). They loved it. However not many adults understood what the case was for (except one older guy from New York) 😉 Some others thought I was part of the ship's musical staff when I boarded with it.... Sorry to get off topic. For the record, I think personal portable speakers should be kept turned way down low - or not used at all, in a public setting.

Ours have never been checked. (we carry them on in a backpack) Used to take corked wine, but decided it was simpler to bring screw top bottles. (wine snobs, please don't judge us.... 😉 )

I booked a casino "free" cruise recently, but it was not as a prime player. Thus, I can only answer your question on picking the cabin. In my case, I got online and had a ships deck plan open when I called in to book the cruise. The person I dealt with gave me the cabin numbers and I picked the one I wanted based on the location. Not saying that is always how it works, but that was my experience about a month ago. Hope that helps.

Hey thanks! I was in Comm from 1978-82. Some great assignments (Aviano Italy, Langley Va.) with TDY to Germany, Canada and remotes in Italy. I'd go back any time. 😉

Guess they want to be sure there aren't any $18 Deluxe Beverage Packages out there before they spin the site back up. 😉

Thanks, that would be the plan. Appreciate the reply. Have a great Thanksgiving.

Not to hijack this thread....but have a question on the diamond vouchers and DX package. My wife and I will be diamond after our next cruise. If I am diamond and buy the DX beverage package, can I use my 4 vouchers for drinks that I can give to my wife who is not on the DX package? I know I am not allowed to give her a drink that I got via the DX package - and totally agree with that policy. I was thinking that the vouchers are mine to do with as I please. (or hope so) The idea is that she doesn't drink more than 8 a day anyway, so no need for her to get the DX package. She could use our combined daily vouchers instead. I would still get the DX. Thanks for any information provided.

I was wondering how he got them to be "ice cold" in the fridge. 😉

We did it on our Oasis cruise in February 2022. We liked it. We asked in Vintages about the wine tasting as we had not seen it advertised anywhere. Chris and Mila (bartenders in Vintages) told us they do not publish anything about it as they get overwhelmed by people trying to sign up. I advise you to stop by early on the cruise and ask. It sells out. Though the day of our tasting several people who had reservations didn’t show up. Which was good, as we got extra wine and snacks. 😉 Also…. They do several versions. One of just sparkling wine, one of Italian varieties and another that covers a mixture of varieties. Note that this could change from one sailing to another. We did the Italian wine tasting. It was $30 pp if I recall.

I found that the person making them for the MDR on the Harmony does a fairly good job on a dry Bombay Sapphire, up, with 3 olives.