Jump to content

keishashadow

Members
  • Posts

    3,056
  • Joined

Everything posted by keishashadow

  1. Hey, I resemble that remark. 🤨 It’s actually a given there, tshirts, pins & often pricey Dooney & Burke or coach mini back packs/crossbody bags to the left & right. In my mind, it equates to those whom wear player jerseys to sporting events…yeah, I wear them too as that sort of garb is both event appropriate and fun Never heard of this practice on RCCL. Time to order some ducks. GD will have a ball hiding some on our summer cruise as they have a tricked out jeep and she always shares when they are gifted with one
  2. thanks. Unfamiliar with that area, would this be a public lot on the beach or the hotel’s lot? On a few islands we’ve made arrangements for taxi driver to come back at a certain time. Never on st Thomas. Usually wind up sharing a safari/multi person type vehicle there that slowly fills up or, the resort adjacent would summon a cab
  3. RCCL AoS docks late, 1:30 pm, at Crown Bay our upcoming sailing looking for closest beach we can reach on our own, via cab, for a 2 -3 hours important to have easy transport back to ship Usually do Magens bay or ferry to St John. Don’t think we have enough time to do them justice. Is Emerald Beach a good option for 2 adults, just want to swim, flop & grab a couple of drinks believe there’s a hotel there that I hope would be good for finding a cab at end of day. any suggestions?
  4. Last ship we were on didn’t have baileys. Made do with Frangelico & cream for my morning coffee treat at suggestion of server Even without a drink package in hand, one fun thing while cruising I do enjoy is to try drinks far different than those basic ones I typically enjoy at home. Especially the over the top frozen ones on the pool deck 🙂
  5. and vice-a-versa re women taking care to make their partner happy! it’s unspoken give & take, along with little acts of kindness toward each other, that add up to a long and happy relationship (and many stress free cruises) that is quite the novel take on cruise planning
  6. Yes, have checked in & out at their front desk multiple times when cruising. Not recently tho. Note/you can’t charge back to the room in that case make sure to bring a CC to Atlantis, most places didn’t accept cash our last visit. Well, Except casino slots lol I’d book online, making sure to price out all the various discount rates. lastly, would email then & get written conf they are still offering the included day passes to Atlantis
  7. Looking at the menus for upcoming cruise, there are nights I’d prefer to the skip the entree entirely and have 2 (or 3 appetizers such as salad, soup and escargot or shrimp), then skip directly to dessert. Wonder if it’s even worth asking if they could accommodate that request now? Last thing I want to do is over stress the waitstaff. I’m sure they have their hands full explaining the new rules to guests.
  8. Nice for those that live near airports offering the service. At least for week or so trips at those prices versus checking another bag. Always good to have options Out of curiosity did just double check the ‘international’ one near us, it doesn’t offer thst service curious tho as to security, assume they’d put the bags thru TSA level of inspection before accepting
  9. Those ideas would be options to consider, however neither offered at either of my area airports ‘Wasteful’ strikes me as a rather subjective term. In my universe it surely doesn’t apply to taking at least one checked bag (preferably one per person) for any vacation travel over a 3 or 4 days. Unless there is a washer & dryer unit in my room, I’ll go as far to classify it as a non-negotiable need, not a want. for those that prefer to pack light, ‘carry on’!
  10. No major issues with any of our RCCL sailings, thus far lol. After reading several uncomplimentary threads re the Independence, appears we may be in the minority here but, enjoyed the Independence enough to rebook her for 3 day this summer. Oasis our current favorite. Love the layout of the solariums on that class. Covid cancelled our sailing on the Allure, thrilled to work it in this November if only for four nights.
  11. Had no idea, thanks for posting. So, in theory, I could laminate that pic they returned with the passport and take off the ship with the sea pass. No worries about losing DL.
  12. Not necessarily… In many of the larger northern cities in the US, parking is at a distinct premium (both spaces & price) at the airport proper. Ours is infamous for lousy shuttle service from the long term lot. Not about to walk a mile+ lugging a suitcase to reach the terminal It’s not unusual to find big clusters of offsite parking garages & surface lots, solely for flyers, located several miles away from large airports. Since our home airport is a good 15 miles out of the city & in a rural area, it’s no more than 10 min or so shuttle run from them, even if a good 7 from the airport. However, you do have to wait for said shuttle outside at all of them. Below zero and wind from being up high = it’s c-o-l-d. We do have packable down coats specifically for travel. Still, they take up room in the luggage. I do swear by compression bags to help the cause when packing. Our outer wear comes off as soon as we hit the airport & into a checked bag it goes. FA friend mentioned they get a kick out of guests who look like the pillsbury dough boy when boarding flights. Her theory, they are trying save $ on paying for a carryon roller lol. Lastly, we never fly into port the day of a cruise. It’s nice to start trip out stress free and enjoy the port city. Have had one too many flights delayed or cancelled outright in the last 3 years. That winter gear comes along for the ride. Sorry to veer OT here, back to topic at hand… my thots on the longshoremen: as OT described, that sounds quite heavy-handed. However, most travelers realize it’s generally considered customary in the US to tip everyone who touches a suitcase. My DH also overtips (land and sea), we’ve both moonlighted in tip-able positions in the service industry way back in the day and enjoy paying it forward now…just how we roll
  13. I’m of the to each their own, just couldn’t resist pulling out the mom joke.
  14. Somewhere, his mother is cringing over the thot of her child wearing dirty underwear…what if he got in an accident? 🤪 I admit to often just wearing a insulated vest & gloves in harsh weather when I’m driving, etc. It’s the outdoor wait for the shuttle back to our car @ the airport, usually late at night, when I appreciate a warm coat…especially after my blood has thinned out from the warmer climes. That first blast of icy air is a real jolt lol
  15. Other than summer travel, when you fly from the north, your travel clothing needs are decidedly different. I’m surely not going to dress down from my at-home norm on a cruise. Do limit myself on shoes & sandals. Have learned to pack lightweight clothing, often jersey style material that packs well & is lightweight. The mr travels a bit lighter, mixes & matches separates. However, I seriously cannot imagine the thot of not putting on clean underwear every day. 🤢
  16. Was a bit disappointed the KSF program didn’t apply to any of the shorter cruises I’ve priced, ones many families tend to patronize in FL as an add on to their land vacations. My vote: DCL as #1 and CCL #2 (their kids’ clubs are ranked surprisingly high. my kids & GC would patronize them when “bored” on sea days over the years. We couldn’t run to the adult pool area quick enough 🙂 I’ve been in cabins on various lines that are wildly outdated as to cabin decor, often having some rust issues. The mr who served in the navy just laughs, says it comes with the territory. However, never landed in any cabin I’d consider dirty, on any cruise line & I’m that person who travels with Clorox wipes, predating the pandemic. If I did notice a glaring issue, I’d immediately bring it to the attention of housekeeping and expect resolution. Wonder if people stay mum & let it be a deal breaker instead of letting them address it? You travel enough, there will be problems, it’s how they respond to make it right that determines if I give them another chance. Lots of providers out their vying for our business. as for those “vested” in a particular travel brand… if you feel you are not getting a great experience; where is the value in continuing to patronize a brand? If it’s all about the perks you feel have been hard-earned, then you need to weigh them carefully as a whole going forward. What’s the point of being disgruntled on a vacation? interesting to read the comments from some of those passengers in the higher reward groups, many who indicate their rather frugal spending habits when onboard the cruise. Reminds me of comments re Disney from their annual pass holders/vacation club members . Many of them also feel greatly devalued by recent changes by the provider. Frequent visitors typically spend less per diem on the extras vs those who may just book once a year or less. I get it, travel providers are struggling. They need to rely more on that sort of increased discretionary spending, over & above the base elements of a vacation, to keep the lights on and the stockholders happy. That said, I do think the OP drastically overpaid for the cruise in question. That’s her business, no shade there. Surely, as an experienced cruiser, she didn’t think it through as to the likely demographics of her fellow passengers during spring break. No idea if she priced out other options that might be a good fit for her needs. I’m sure she will approach planning the next vacation differently. That said, I’m knowingly doing the same thing this July on IOS too, as needing to work with planned land trip with GD. 🥴 However, I’m going into it with my eyes wide open. Paying thru the nose & anticipate it’s going to be a zoo, ship full of kids near 4th of July holiday.
  17. Personal preference, don’t like drinking out of a can. Want water in part to take off ship in port. Wonder if you can elect to not accept canned vs bottled water if that’s what’s delivered to stateroom?
  18. There’s an interesting phenom you often see exhibited by those on vacation, whether land or sea. Can strike even those that are normally upstanding & level-headed when at home. Variation of any/all: *I’ve been cooped up due to the pandemic, *I deserve special treatment cause I’m: diamond, platinum, annual pass, stockholder, you name it. Not to be confused with whatever perks are extended to reward the faithful. *I spent a crap ton of money on this trip, going to grab the gusto all leading up to: I’m going to do whatever the hell I want, because it’s my vacation”. AKA: fellow passengers & travel provider be dammed school of thot. Parents, teach your children well, as that sort of attitude surely filters down to one’s spawn. On the other hand… Kids will be kids, that’s when you put on the emergency brake. Otherwise, you may encounter being called to task down the road for their actions. Even the most responsible kids can slip a bit into behaviors they would never normally exhibit (both at home & on vacation), especially if peer pressure is heightened. If you don’t believe that, you are deluding yourself. IMO, ultimately, It’s how kids respond to being corrected and learn to accept responsibility for their actions that counts. until those who act out are held to account, there is no incentive for change. OT: Granted, have hunkered down from cruising for nearly 3 years, however, I am wondering where are the security guards that used to be visibly patrolling on the ships? TBH, I had always hoped there were plainclothes ones milling about too.
  19. I have a nine, three & four night insides booked on RCCL for this year. Had thot to upgrade to balcony (as was always our usual pre pandemic) after final payment when prices dropped…silly me. Appears there is still a lot of pent up demand, especially for the shorter cruises when the kiddos are out of school. The pp rate for us & 12 yo GD on the three night in July on IOS is now approx $2,200 for an inside. I booked it for $1,800 a few months ago, had thot it would surely drop in price.🤯 The surrounding weeks options are just as pricey. For just the mr & me: I’m paying the same amount of money on a 9 night for early May as the July short cruise. Note, I’ve booked that same time frame in the past, nowhere near that astronomical pricing. Could be the coco cay waterpark that is also driving up the cost. Caught a great rate for a four night on the allure in November around $900 🙂
  20. Any recent reviews of Salt Life Tour’s excursion to Dickinson Bay? cruising early May. Not sure if there is lobster season in Antigua Recent reviews On TA (& a couple of tour sellers seem mostly positive), with some demerits for their repurposed van. I’ve been in worse in the islands, not a deal breaker $65 pp via senior disc to Dickinson beach (believe the ‘bikini beach bar’ is located next to Sandals) Price includes lounger, umbrella, a rum punch and lobster lunch on the beach (which I’ve been promising the mr for years) realize it could be more $ than on our own, thinking in the same ballpark. Regardless, last port, would be nice to just show up. Usually, do beaches on our own Was initially going to head to beachLimerz on Ft James beach, based upon a video review here. Change in ownership and recent reviews have me seriously rethinking it. Also, it seems pricer for that elusive lobster Appreciate any input & other recommendations that would fit our needs. Note: not one to put labels upon others, would like to think we don’t fall into the dreaded T’erds 🥴 category I’ve seen referenced multiple times here.🤪 However, we are indeed looking for a casual beach bar with decent (tasting & priced) grilled lobster. One that also will provide loungers & umbrella in some fashion…included or a beach vendor. An umbrella is an absolute must for us
  21. Last time we went with them, they had it scheduled so we saw one big one come in and another take off.
  22. Treat to hear they are still offering a top notch tour, thanks!
  23. Last time in St M, years ago, selected Bernard’s for Adventure Island Tour 2. Thot it a great overview of the island and lot of fun. Just booked it for May. Any recent reviews? Noticed the confirmation came from “Junglebee” but, does reference Bernard’s in it.
  24. Just read this in RCCL blog in comments??? https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2015/09/29/everything-about-the-flowrider-royal-caribbean-ships Doesn’t sound quite ‘right’ to me, thinking perhaps some sour grapes. “We just came back from the cruise on Freedom of the Seas (Apr 2022). it was a complete disappointment for us to discover, that ONLY boogie boarding (knee-boarding) is available for free on that FlowRider feature. It is not disclosed anywhere on their website or the RC app, but stand-up surfing is allowed for free ONLY for the advanced riders. If you are a beginner or an intermediate - you're required to book a private lesson for an additional $552! False advertising at it's best! We only found out about that while on the cruise, you're not made aware of that prior to sailing. My son picked this cruise specifically because of the FlowRider and was completely denied doing stand-up surfing unless we book a private lesson. Needless to say he was left very, very upset.”
×
×
  • Create New...