rjrpar

We sail many lines and prefer the Voyager and Freedom class ships to any we've been on. Royal is usually more expensive than Carnival but you get what you pay for.

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I think you are right about cruising being s good value but your analysis has too many flaws to even discuss.

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Havensight is St. Thomas. Shopping time is impossible to quantify - I'm done in 10 minutes - there are some for whom the entire time in port is insufficient.

Sorry, you're right.

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Agree, go with the local cabs from the port.

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I agree but custom allowances should be considered when comparing to St. Thomas

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On February 21 there will be 5 ships in port with about 15,000 people. We are docking at 09:00 hopefully off the ship by 09:30. Which beach will be the best place to spend a few hours that won't be over run by cruisers. Also about how long would you need to spend on shopping in Phillipsburg.

5 ships are normal in St. Marten midweek, sometimes with 20000 people. Any of the standard beaches will work. I prefer Orient which is about 20-25 minutes from Havensight and 20 from town. You can easily spend 2-3 hrs shopping in town or 1-2 hrs at the port. Tough question because some people shop all day.

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rjrpar: You want to put the fine businessmen and women of the Caribbean out of work?? Nothing is like it was 25 years ago, but people who do their homework can still find deals.And lots of people like to buy things that remind them of the fun time they had on a trip. ;)

I'm trying to make people aware there are risks in buying expensive jewelry in the Caribbean;

something I'm sure you know very well. Nothing to do with putting people out of work.

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If he wants Anerican, Delly Deck in Havensight is like a US diner. It's on TripAdvisor. They sometimes have mashed potatoes on the special. Of course they have french fries all the time.

I wouldn't consider eating in an US type diner while vacationing in the Caribbean. Mashed potatoes on the special menu??? Might as well go back to the ship.

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Jewelry price differences are not the same as 25 years ago. Shop at a reputable dealer near home; the small potential savings do not outweigh the risks.

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because carnival is trying to cater/market as a family friendly cruise line

 

celebrity cruise line is mostly an upscale/luxury cruise line (kinda of) so they are able to offer perks to people who spend the most money. that is why carnival is cheap and celebrity is expensive

 

if you still want similar perks on a budget cruise line, Norwegian Cruise Line currently has a free at see promo where you get similar perks

Let's not pretend Celebrity is a luxury vacation. It is a mass market cruise line, a small step above Carnival. No way near luxury; fair food, nice ships but crowded, decent entertainment, a slightly older clientele but not "uptight"

Have a great cruise

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Pretty surprised that you only got 2 answers on this one.

 

 

 

I was actually curious myself what people's views on this were.

Why? The third post gave the correct answer. How many times do you want to hear the same thing

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Thanks all for your help...I am not wanting to drink this bottle of Port but, wanting to give it to a staff member on the Liberty she has taken care of us for 2 cruises and we have another coming in 39 days. I know it is a wine and I know you can't take a bottle larger than 750 ml was hoping that a smaller bottle would be allowed. So now will have to decide whether I want to try it or not ????

Give her money.

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Why is it so important to know who the CD is? My cruise has never been made better or worse because of who this person was. Most the time I find then to be extremely obnoxious and annoying. Also while were at it, same question about the Matre D. Does it really make that big a difference?

Much of what is discussed on cruise critic is not relevant to most cruisers. Some keep track of hotel directors, room attendants, bartenders, etc. Everyone is different with various amounts of time to spend over analyzing everything about cruising

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Probably won't be too busy with only 2-3 ships in port. I've seen 6 and normally 4-6

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As long the late arrivers are not at my table I don't care, what difference does it make. One could argue that a small stagger in arrival times actually improves service.

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I took my (then) 6 year old to the Steakhouse on the Liberty last year. There was not kids menu so I paid the adult price. We area big "foodie" family, so he has been to many nice restaurants in many different places. He chose all of his own items from the menu and even tried a couple of things he had never had. He was polite and well behaved. The staff was very friendly to him. All in all, he had a great experience. I am not sure why people think the steakhouse should be for adults only. Take your kids. Enjoy the meal. Forget what others say. It is your cruise and your extra dime. :)

I'm happy your 6 year old was well behaved at dinner. I don't agree with your last statement which indicates that as long as you are happy that you don't care about your fellow cruisers- not a becoming attitude.

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it looks she is leaving now

 

its somewhat normal for a ship be delay an hour or two on embarkation day due to a wide range of activity's (longer luggage loading time, time to load additional supply's, last minute guest medical problem, etc)

 

leaving a few hours late usually has no effect on reaching port on time.

Not sure of your definition of "somewhat normal" but we have been on 20+ cruises and have never once left late.

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After booking a cruise for 7 May on the Spender for a six day cruise. I noticed on the Itinerary that we depart at 9:00 PM at night. I called Carnival and they said they had to load more supplies and that is why we are leaving late, plus they said that it would count as a PORT OF CALL ! :confused:: Should be a 5 day cruise .

What difference does it make?

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We never have to wait long on any ship, in our experience guest services is fairly quiet from after we finish dinner (2nd seating) & we settle the account when we are done for the night.

Agree, Voyager no busier than many other ships

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Celebrity is definitely worth trying. Like the poster above said, don't cruise for loyalty perks, not that important

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Sounds like a nightmare to me - 20,000 people!!!!

 

 

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Not unusual for St. Thomas midweek. Crowded but the beaches are still enjoyable I would recommend getting to a beach early.

First, you will love Alaska. The ports can be fun but make sure you see inner Alaska, it is beautiful. I find that all the major cruise lines are similar. People will state differences but they really are minor and won't change the overall experience.

Don't worry too much about being underdressed. Just a pair of slacks and a dress shirt

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Not much to see

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February is a great time to cruise the Caribbean. Always warm and rain, if any, won't last long

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