KCCruisin'
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Just back home from the Carnival Valor, so I posted a new video
Thank you for posting!
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Morning all,
Just had my first evening meal on Adventure in Chops.
The service from the waiting staff was exceptional. The food was appalling.
I had the Tuna Tartar to start and it was very bland with a load of mashed avocado that tasted weird.
I left most of it and the waiter didn't seem suprised.
For my main I went for the grande seafood tower. (additional $19 surcharge on top of chops entry price).
Worst seafood I've tasted, the crab claws were tasteless - as were the clams, shrimp, mussels and lobster.
I tried one of everything but the last straw was the jumbo shrimp hadn't been deveined.
The sauces that came with the seafood was weird tasting too, taco/Marie rose/tartare (the tartare and Marie rose tasted the same but one was pink and one was white).
I raised the issue that it all tasted bland and as if it was frozen and just left to defrost and the waitress assured me it was all boiled up fresh.
As I had left pretty much the entire meal the waiter kindly knocked 10% off my bill, $1.90 off! Woohoo lol
I tipped the waiter $10...after all he didn't cook that crap.
Giovannis tonight...I hope to god that's better or I'll be on a liquid diet on this vacation.
You are right about the food in Chops. I just got off LOS and we had the 3 night dining package. I wouldn't do either Sabor, Chops or Giovanni's Table again. The Windjammer has better tasting food and there's no surcharge. The staff is fabulous in all the venues. The MDR was inedible.
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I posted this in the Royal Caribbean page, but I thought I'd share it here as well. I know people go between lines, not everyone is brand loyal. I kept notes on my phone while we were on our 8-night RCI cruise on the Indy. We left from Southampton, cruised to Oslo, Bruges, Hamburg, and Le Havre. It was my husband, myself, and our 13 year old son in room 8536. We've been on several cruises, mostly Carnival. So cruising in general is nothing new to us. We're not necessarily loyal to Carnival, it's just been the cruises we've mostly chosen because we cruise with friends. So yes, we're used to them, and there are things we like about them, but we found things we liked about RCI as well. As always, this is subjective, just our opinion, and for our cruise.
RCI Pros -
* We had great interaction with several crew members, we did trivia several times, had some good laughs, etc.. (James, Jarrod)
* Our son loved having the flowrider and the rock climbing wall
* We enjoyed the speed of service in the MDR. We had YTD dining and had made 6:15 reservations for every night we'd be at sea. We happened to still be back on the ship to eat on board as well when we were in port. We liked that you could reserve your same table for every night as well, so we had Natalia & Yanyan every night except once - they were great!! But I felt that we weren't rushed, or that the waitstaff wasn't overworked either. It was paced just right.
* Good room service
* The room layout was a little nicer, because there's actual space between the bed and the balcony doors. Enough that we could move the small coffee table over there, instead of the middle of the room.
* I liked that the hair dryer wasn't bolted down inside the drawer
* I liked how the vanity mirror in the bathroom had one side that opened, with shelves inside. As well as small cabinets on each side of the desk mirror with shelves too. Nice for storing sunglasses, batteries, etc...
* I really liked that there wasn't any receipt signing when getting sodas. I ended up getting the soda package, since 1 soda was $3+!!
That is a rip off, IMO, but I figured at the $10/day price, I would drink at least 3, which I did. They even seemed to think our son had it too, so a couple of times they brought him sodas at dinner and never charged us. * It was nice to have the bar right by the Windjammer buffet
* My husband liked the variety of sauces available. Yes, some of those are very British, so it made sense they were offered.
* It was good that there were 2 outlets on the desk in the room. We fried our power cord thing before we left, so it was good to have 2 outlets.
* Embarkation was very smooth and easy. We walked over around 11 a.m. from our hotel, deck 8 was supposed to be on at noon, and we were actually walking on by 11:45.
* The gentlemen working at the front of the Windjammer was always happy & singing, and reminding people to use the hand sanitizer before using the buffet. Unfortunately, we both still got a cold while on board. Luckily, not too bad, or too long.
RCI Cons -
* It's nice that Carnival has bathrobes in the room without asking. And while I list it as a con, it's partially a pro as well since when we asked for them, our room steward brought us 3, so included one for our teenage son.
* No movie channel/limited channels. I know, we should be out on the ship doing things. But our port days were very long, so our sea days were needed to recover. And we're not really drinkers, we don't go to the bars/clubs, so late at night, we like to just watch some TV. Carnival has a movie channel (1 regular, 1 kids movie) that runs a new 2 hour movie for 24 hours, changing every night at midnight.
* Several shows we wanted to watch were in Spanish
*Not a fan of the nickle & dime concept. We actually spoke with our cruisers who also aren't a fan of this. Paying for Johnny Rockets, the ice cream shop, the cupcake thing, etc... We didn't do any of the specialty dining for this reason either, although I recognize that all the lines charge for that experience. We live in a city with a large amount of steakhouses, so not something I want to pay for on a cruise.
* Did NOT like the bunk bed/pull down bed being above our bed! Our son climbed up there the first night and said "no way!" It makes too much noise and is somewhat a claustrophobic feeling. And then I hit my head on it the first night. He ended up being way more comfortable on the sofa.
* We felt that the cleaning carts were always in the hallways, the vacuum cleaners, etc... And yet it didn't appear as though our floor was every vacuumed. I also recognize that the ship is due for drydock - it needs it. It has a definite old appearance in many ways.
* The elevators were very slow and odd! They would skip floors. I heard other people complain about it as well.
* The Windjammer always seemed much more crowded and smaller. We often had a hard time finding a seat for just the 2 of us.
* Miss the self serve ice cream. I know they have the one machine, but I don't like cones, so it would be nice to have the dishes at least.
* The muster drill felt much more disorganized and long. They had a lot of people crammed into the one lounge and there was a guy hand writing room numbers on a little scrap of paper. I did like our last cruise on the Magic where they scanned everyone's card upon entering the theater.
* Left dirty plates in the hallways.
I'll have some other things that I'll put into my full review about the cruise itself. These were just all the pros & cons I had on my list. I thought it might be helpful for those who haven't been on one, but the other, of these lines. We did enjoy our cruise, we had a mostly good time. The ship is in definite need of a scrub down and sprucing up. I didn't feel that we saw that many people out and about cleaning, I felt I saw more on the Carnival ships we were on. But, we also didn't spend as much time on the decks like we do on a Caribbean.
I also want to add in the cons that Royal doesn't have the beach towels in the staterooms for your convenience. You have to go check them out in our case, on deck 11 on LOS.
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a week from today, LOS here I come!
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MCS have responded to inform me "there is currently a ongoing issue with guests trying to view bookings online" and "it is a technical issue the IT team is working hard to recify".
I've replied that the website is pretty bad on a good day so on a bad day it's appalling. I don't want to call anyone, I just want to view my booking and/or Voyager Club account. We travel imminently but according to MCS I don't have a booking!
I've also pointed out that it's a poor reflection on their usual high service standards and if they are investing heavily in a new fleet, with the aim to increase their market share, it will be pointless if the website isn't fit for purpose and customers can't actually book with ease or manage a booking online.
I don't understand why their site is so bad, this is not new technology they need to ask somebody how to fix it.
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What a wonder and well thought out review! I was laughing most of the time because of your sense of humor. Love the photos as well. Thank you!
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Good morning Cruise Critic friends,
We do appreciate your input and monitor Cruise Critic closely. Your comments have been passed along to see what we can do to better improve our website and online support.
Recently our policy has changed regarding booking excursions and special services online. Originally you must have this completed and any changes or cancellations must be done 9 days prior to sailing; however, it has just changed to 4 days now. This is to allow guests to make any adjustments and become more guest friendly.
Again we appreciate your input and will continue to improve our website and online support.
Sincerely,
MSC Cruises USA
Wow, this was in 2011, it's 2017 and their website is still messed up. I just don't get it. I'm thinking about canceling my booking because I can't manage my booking in the comfort of my home and can't even chat with them without a long wait. Geez, they better get it together if they want to wow the American consumer.
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Loved the video thanks for sharing and I subscribed to your youtube channel to keep up with your adventures. We will be sailing on Seaside in December of 2017.
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I'm an experienced cruiser with 40 cruises under my belt, and had pretty much decided that Norwegian Cruise Line was my line of choice. That is, until I found out about the MSC Seaside!
You see, the two things I really like about Norwegian Cruise Line were the Haven Spa Suites that have a romantic Jacuzzi-for-two inside the room... and a few ships with Deluxe Owner's Suites that have a private Jacuzzi on the balcony. But NCL prices have been steadily creeping up over the last couple of years. Two years ago, it was possible to book a Haven Spa Suite for about $5000 (per couple) but these days it's closer to $7000. And the Deluxe Owner's Suite runs somewhere in the neighborhood of $1600 per night... or more, of course, in the summer or during holidays.
MSC wasn't really on my radar screen until a friend alerted me that not only is MSC trying to make a play for American cruise passengers by offering some rock-bottom pricing these days... but also that the upcoming new flagship, MSC Seaside, has a relatively-affordable category of cabins that have whirlpool tubs out on the balcony. That really got my attention... so I spent some time learning all about the MSC Seaside, and quickly concluded that I absolutely must book a cruise on this ship!
I could type out the full story of all the interesting things I discovered about the MSC Seaside, including all about that very interesting cabin category featuring a private whirlpool tub on the balcony... but I thought it would be a lot more interesting if I made a video about it instead, using some artist renderings, computer video renderings, and the deck plans... all provided by MSC.
So, if you have about 13 minutes to learn what I find so fascinating about the MSC Seaside... take a look at this video:
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Or, better yet, watch it in HD on YouTube by clicking this link:
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All that money spent on Technology onboard the ships but cannot get their website sorted out!
Omg, that is so true, their website is completely jacked and why? I am booked on the Christmas sailing in December. I can't wait!
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I see this is a pretty old thread and I'm wondering if anything as changed. We have traveling companions aboard the LOS in July. We booked a balcony and they have a GS. We were wondering if we linked out reservations, could we take advantage of priority check in?
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I have booked both directly through cruise company websites and used TA's. Personally, I don't see any advantages to turning over the booking to a TA, maybe I haven't found a good one, yet. A case in point, I recently booked a cruise through a travel agent and I'm paying the exact same amount as was listed on Royal's website. They did throw in a $25.00 obc, but that just offset the service fee they charged. They claim to watch out for price drops and upgrades, but I'll probably have to bring it to their attention first. If you have a great travel agent that you are happy with, keep them :)
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I would like some clarity on that question, too. We will be on Liberty of the seas and I was under the impression that there was a flat fee regardless of what you ordered.
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Thank you!! I will definitely look into that. We are driving to the port from Arkansas.
If you sign up for email alerts on their website, they send you offers for discounts; I think it's generally $5 off and you can reserve your spot online, too.
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What two days did the elegant nights fall on?
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I would think, like movies and music if you download it beforehand, you should be able to listen to it. Is there an option to download it just stream?
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I too have posed this question in the forums. I have two of the Belkin travel surge protectors that I've taken on all my previous cruises and have never had any issues with them being confiscated or questioned about from the room stewards. However, I know that rules and safety regulations change as a result of something happening or as a precaution; I get it. So, after reading the forums and doing to research online, I stumbled across this at Big Lots. This is exactly what I was looking for to replace my Belkin that not only has the 3 plugs, but two USB chargers. Here it is on Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/Stanley-30024-POWERMAX-USB-White/dp/B00ZX05C5K
The packaging on the back specifically says that it's NOT a surge protector. I will be taking the packaging, with this information, on my next cruise just in case there is any question about whether or not it's surge protected.
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We just did the Breeze and they scanned our cards as we entered one of the dinning rooms or lounges whichever you are assigned to. Now this was our 30 something cruise so we know the drill but I feel it's inadequate for people new to cruising or to those who don't pay attention. The panic that would come over everyone is to be expected and I would feel better knowing exactly where my life boat is and it's not in the dinning room. Not bringing your life jacket is another thing, now I hate carrying that thing and I hate it around my neck but I have at least experienced putting it on, how many of the newbies have and have they paid enough attention to do it (I mean those who are sitting there with their phones out and their drink in front of them). Just my opinions.
I agree with this wholeheartedly. If something did happen and the passengers had to evalcuate, they would be suing the cruise line because they weren't aware if their muster stations or how to put on the life jacket. Go to the muster, look at where you muster station will be located (information is also located on the back of your stateroom door). Safety and knowledge is crucial on the high seas and it's for our own good to be aware.
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Too many people are confusing "fire resistant" with "fire retardant". All over-the-door organizers, to one degree or another, are fire retardant. The only way one would be fire resistant is if it was made from steel or asbestos.
Thanks for your response, it is confusing.
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I have been looking on Amazon for a fire resistant over the shoe hanger for my upcoming cruise. Does anyone have a brand and/or link they can provide for purchasing a compliant one for Carnival?
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Once your specific cabin category is sold out you are out of luck for any future price drops. The base price for our cabin dropped one time below what we paid for it, but as there were only a handful of rooms in our specific category which were all booked, we were out of luck. Once sold out your room category won't even show on the Carnivals fare viewer, which is a good indication that you are no longer eligible for OBC due to price drops. Rooms do open back up though, so keep checking. And good news.. you know you paid the absolute lowest price for that cabin. We booked a year out for the upcoming cruise, only have $50 OBC due to a book your room and get OBC sale they were having, but the rooms are going for $200 more than we paid right now.. we did good.
Now if prices are dropping, watch the prices for types of rooms above yours too. While we did not get OBC because are specific category was sold out - on one cruise the balconies dropped to $20 more than we paid for our interior. I called in, paid $20 and was moved immediately into a balcony room.
Thanks got posting this caveat about the rooms in a higher category. I will be watching for those cabins in a higher category that are going for less than what we paid for our category.
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Hi.
Is it correct I cannot take part in any new deals if my cabin category is sold out?
Not sailing until February 2018 but my Havana Cabana Suite category is sold out since only four on ship. Probably should not have booked ES if I really thought about it.
Anyway, with new promotion I can get $50 OBC but there are no HC suites left so no deal. Is that correct?
Thanks so much!
I would say no, because you have to meet the criteria for ES price drops which include the same cabin category on the exact ship, sailing date and cabin occupancy. I'm in the same situation right now on the Breeze. I have booked an aft extended balcony category cabin and none of the promotions have affected my category (8M); guess they are sold out.
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Hi.
Is it correct I cannot take part in any new deals if my cabin category is sold out?
Not sailing until February 2018 but my Havana Cabana Suite category is sold out since only four on ship. Probably should not have booked ES if I really thought about it.
Anyway, with new promotion I can get $50 OBC but there are no HC suites left so no deal. Is that correct?
Thanks so much!
I would say yes that's correct, because you have to meet the criteria for ES price drops which include the same cabin category on the exact ship, sailing date and cabin occupancy. I'm in the same situation right now on the Breeze. I have booked an aft extended balcony category cabin and none of the promotions have affected my category (8M); guess they are sold out.
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Think I might have found a couple that are cool, and don't have surge protection, but do have USB ports. The description doesn't say anything about surge protection in these, but if anyone has more info, it would be helpful!
Thank you for the links, I'm still concerned with these because one of the great benefits of my present Belkin surge protector is the 3 prong plug is rotatable and can fit any outlet regardless of it's position. I wish there was some way to know this for certain and I don't see anything in the description.
Everything... Norwegian ENCORE! Launch Nov 2019
in Norwegian Cruise Line
Posted
Can't wait to see that live report 🙂