ruready

I just had issues loading a $500 egift card (I received as a present) into Cruise Cash.  Read the limit per cruise is $500, but the system kept saying I was over my limit although I had not “purchased” any Cruise Cash.  So called Fun Shops and they could not figure it out, so they are sending me over to some other department to try and resolve. So, I thought maybe it is because we are getting $150 credit from TA.  So, I just was able to process only up to $350 and any incremental more shows I am over the limit.  Maybe this next department can help, but the online system does seem to aggregate the OBC and Cruise Cash as one.  To avoid any hassles, I may just use the remaining $150 for steak house dinner and cruise bar cash.  I’m on a 15 day cruise, so we will definitely be able to use the funds. Our gratuities alone will total about $480, so the $500 in cruise cash and obc should cover that, assuming the OBC can be used for gratuities.  

I will be on the one that leaves Jan 6th and I was on this same ship and similar itinerary in 2022.  Very casual.  We had 3 formal nights (one is called a throwback or something like that).  I would say the average person on formal night looked like they were going to a birthday dinner at the Cheesecake Factory 🙃, with some outliers decked out. 

Do you really save money by purchasing it this way?  I recently saw this pop up as a presale online option a month or two ago (first under in room food and beverage, and now under drinks).  We will be in a 15 day cruise, so I was thinking about it.  

I agree. I see rude people and unruly kids on any type of vacation.  I see it at my local Target from time to time, lol. 😂 

Every year, there are changes to every mass line and I hear the same “disappointed” comments.  Nothing in this industry stays the same.  They would have to increase prices a ton more for things to be added back, but folks already complain about the current prices.  Fortunately no one is forcing any of us to take a cruise vacation on these mass lines.  There are other choices out there that will cater to your respective wants, but you will have to “pay” for it and maybe not take as many cruises.  

Did pull out the suitcases.  Need to get going.  Went to grocery store at 6 am to get food for our bbq today.  Just told my husband that I will go pack and then come back and clean the shrimp.  Been lazy watching the nfl game in Germany.  
 

I’ll be on this trip too.  I need to pull out the suitcases and start packing today as I fly out to Miami tomorrow.  I normally would pack tomorrow but we are going to a play (theater) this evening and then hosting a bbq tomorrow before I fly out in the evening.  

If you can only pick one, which would you pick?  Date we are looking to do a lunch has these 2 options, exclusive of the specialty restaurants.  If it helps, we will be on Serenade of the Seas.  TIA!

Oh wow.  With everything going on in Portland Maine… stay safe!

I went on an 14 day Alaskan cruise this year that started in April and there was even teens on that one and they seemed to enjoy each others company a ton.  I have never been on any mass line cruise without kids, even when sailing when kids are normally in school and on longer itinerary (my last few have been at least 14 days).  I will say the only mass line where I saw limited # of kids was a January Caribbean cruise on Holland America many years ago.  My teen kid always enjoys himself, but he seems to make friends pretty easily.  

They have been diverting parking for a while now (I get a notice ever time I cruise out of that port).  Just not enough parking spaces in their structure anymore.  You can still try, but then you may have to over to convention parking or find an alternate parking spot.  I am fortunate that I live about 30 minutes away from that port and consequently I have someone drop and pick me up.  

If they are going to the Peterson museum, I would suggest the Grove. Then they could meet you there for a late lunch or early dinner and then you guys can Uber back to your hotel together.  If you are into talk shows, you could also try to go to a taping over there, depending on the day.  
 

As others have mentioned, there are no close outlets.  I can only think of the Citadel Outlets in Commerce and that is not really close to me (I do not live too far from LAX - I pass it nearly daily).  

Interesting that you are trying them again since you stated you had a bad experience previously.  Just curious why you came back? 
 

I have not sailed on Royal since 2011, but just booked a cruise for next month on them (just to get my mom out the house).  I have no real reason why I have not sailed on them other than I prefer the cruise lines that more all inclusive vs ala crate mainlines.  

I just saw this for a hop on and off bus I believe for that port too.  It said age not to exceed 75 years old.  I was a bit shocked to see that, for such a “mild” excursion.  Last time I was on Royal was 2011.  Understand it is the third part vendor setting the parameters, but maybe Royal could pick some other vendors.  

15 minutes ago, Debbie42467 said:

Do I understand this correctly?

If I purchase with my cruiseline (NCL $40 more) I board at the pier and if I purchase directly with NPYR I board at their station location?

Is it your experience that those who purchase with their cruiseline fill up all the good seats and leaves the leftover seating for those who purchased directly with NPYR? 

 

TIA

Debbie 🙂 

 

Those that purchased their tickets from the cruise line were first on board (more related to logistics of their tours - probably aboard 10 minutes prior to general boarding).  However it appeared that each excursion were in a distinct car upon the train.  IMO, none of the cars are better than the others as all cars have the same views, going and coming back.  This is how it worked today.  On the way back, you could exit at train depot or closer to where we are docked but both exits are super close to where we are docked.  We purchased train tickets independently and thus we were in a car with those who had done the same, although I believe we all happen to be from the same ship.  Given how early in the season we are and we took the am ride, the train was not full at all.  Everyone could have a 2-seater to themselves. 

29 minutes ago, endoellen said:

That's awesome for you! Hope we have good weather when we are there in 2 weeks.   

Were you at the Railroad dock? Aft or Forward?  It seems the biggest issue is with Railroad Forward,  To best of my knowledge there are 2 other docks that were not affected by the rock slide.

We are at Broadway Dock (vs the Railroad Dock that was/is impacted by the rock slide).    We are the only ship today due to it being so early in the season.  It was nice being able to walk around town without huge crowds.  Most of the shops were open today.  Beyond our tour, we walked into the non touristy part of town and went to their annual rummage sale at their rec center (got a mug, shot glass and gardening book).  Last time we were here, we rented a car and went to Emerald Lake and went dog sledding as well.  

I am in Skagway today and we docked and walked off ship (no tendering or shuttles).  I will say we are docked 1 over from the dock that is impacted by the rock slide.  No issues for us at all and the weather is fantastic today.  

I’m in Skagway today and some folks purchased tickets at the station vs ahead independently or via cruise line.  Walk is very short, with some seating along the way.  You cannot miss the depot.  It’s one of the first things you see when you walk to the town from the cruise dock.  

I have read some of those news articles (mainly on cruisehive), including ones speaking about Vancouver. I think there will be options at the ports, although I picked a few things in advance as I want to make sure there are things my elderly mom can do besides the standard town tour as we have been fortunate enough to have visited Alaska before.  I have stuff booked via cruise line and independently. 

There is an Aloft Hotel in El Segundo.  Not too far from LAX, with a grocery store across the way and in n out burgers within walking distance and you would be in a decent area.   

2 hours ago, Figg1437 said:

Can everyone share what ship you’re on and if they are offering the 1 way tour where you get off and then meet the ship later in Juneau or if they are offering the round trip tour from Juneau?  I’m interested in the one way if possible but can’t find any info on NCL Encore yet … it’s too far out for them to offer shore excursions yet.  So I’m curious which ships are offering it. 

Carnival Miracle, April 23rd sailing.  Neither of the options you mentioned.  We sail around Tracy Arm on May 1st and get off and back on the ship while sailing around Tracy Arm. 

Not sure when you are going, but maybe they will add that as an option later on? I am leaving for an Alaskan cruise in the 23rd and I remember they only added that excursion option for my cruise maybe a month or so ago. This cruise line option is for us to get onto a smaller boat while in/near Tracy Arm and then get back on the ship while still at sea (vs getting back on ship in Juneau).  I did a similar excursion 10 years ago and it was wonderful.  

I plan to do this in an upcoming cruise.  Not sure why the quality would be any different any night, before, during, or after my cruise aside from any potential change in the cooking crew. 

They may think the lumber show too silly (I enjoyed the silliness and my then 6 year old thoroughly enjoyed it).  It was fun for me to see how strong they are, but then again I appreciate the ability to go on any excursion.  I now have a teen too and he would more enjoy active excursions like kayaking, dune buggies, etc.  

Gotcha… then he may also like the Marconi museum, although it would be at least an hour away in Orange County.  I am sure you will have fun no matter what you guys do, as long as the weather cooperates!