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Every Thursday, we'll randomly select three cruise reviews to feature here! Plus, we'll send each member a Cruise Critic logo item. We hope they enjoy it!

 

Norwegian Jade Freestyle Cruising at it's best by nauticat

This was our 1st full scale cruise as a couple and our 2nd Cruise Line we had travelled on. Our previous experience was a simple 2 night cruise on the P&O Cruises Arcadia and we wanted something a little more flexible in terms of dining options and a more "casual" approach. The cruise was for my wives 40th Birthday Pre cruise booking & preparation Our booking was made with the Agency Iglu Cruises approx 8 months before the Cruise. This was a pain free process with excellent communication and paid what seemed like a very reasonable offer. Continue reading... Freestyle Cruising at it's best

 

Celebrity Reflection Spring Break Cruise by jonbax

This was our 11th Cruise with Celebrity, and are now Elite members we arrived at Miami port extremely early as the Formula E race was on and celebrity emailed us to get to the ship earlier than normal. we arrived at 10.30am and the port was packed with people leaving the previous cruise aswell as those joining the ship. we checked in quickly and were kept in a holding lounge. we were on the ship by 11.30am and it looked as spick and span as can be. we booked Tuscan and Lawn Club Grill and settled into lunch at Bistro on 5 which serves wonderful savoury and sweet crepes. Continue reading... Spring Break Cruise

 

Norwegian Spirit The Canaries better than the Med in February by rowingmachine

Day one. Barcelona. The flight from Liverpool and subsequent transfer was pretty painless. We were in celebration/guilt mode anyway. When we had booked the cruise, father in law was pretty well, but he fell over 10 days before we were due to leave. It looked unlikely we would be able to go at all. Then on the day before our flight, we felt he had recovered sufficiently for us to leave him in hospital with respite care to follow. NCL offers a coach transfer from the airport to the cruise ship, but it’s a bit of a hike from the terminal to the coach. Continue reading... The Canaries better than the Med in February

 

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Every Thursday, we'll randomly select three cruise reviews to feature here! Plus, we'll send each member a Cruise Critic logo item. We hope they enjoy it!

 

MSC Orchestra GREAT CRUISE ON MSC ORCHESTRA 14TH FEB 2015 by suron

My family and I (son, his wife and my twin grandsons, aged 11) sailed on MSC Orchestra from Dubai around the United Arab Emirates on 14th February. I have travelled many times before with MSC but this was the first ever cruise for my son and his family, who are based in Dubai. I had joined a Roll Call for this cruise and the group met up on the afternoon we boarded and it was so nice to put faces to the names on the Roll Call. Many at the gathering were staying on the ship and then sailing on to Australia reaching Freemantle 33 days later! We all got on so well and met up several times around the ship during the week. Continue reading... GREAT CRUISE ON MSC ORCHESTRA 14TH FEB 2015

 

Thomson Dream Fantastic first time cruise by KatyQ

I have been dying to get back from our cruise to be able to get on here and give a fair review. We read reviews on here just the weekend before we were due to travel and were sick with worry at some of the horror stories. Having been there, seen it, done it please don't be put off by the negative stories. After having spent 2 fantastic weeks on this ship, I can say that I think that the only thing wrong with a Thomson Cruise is some of the rude, unreasonable people on them! So.... Here it is...what I think is a fair and hopefully helpful review. The ship - is an old ship and is dated in its decor and furnishings however it is far from tatty and is in great shape and clean and well maintained. If you want brand new and modern then you need to book a brand new ship. Continue reading... Fantastic first time cruise

 

Costa Serena Some reviewers must have been on a different ship by Jon44

Having read the 2 previous reviews, I find it hard to believe that we were on the same ship. I too have been on dozens of cruises with Cunard, P &O, royal carribean ets and having read some previous reviews! I booked this cruise with some trepidation. I took the view that given the price paid, I was not going to get 5 star service. How wrong I was! Embarkation was fine. having arrived in dubai the previous evening, we booked a hotel a and spent the day in dubai, arriving at the ship around 6pm. We embarked the ship straight away and we're told that cabins would not be available until 8.30pm. Continue reading... Some reviewers must have been on a different ship

 

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Every Thursday, we'll randomly select three cruise reviews to feature here! Plus, we'll send each member a Cruise Critic logo item. We hope they enjoy it!

 

Thomson Dream WELL DONE THOMSON - WE HAD A GREAT TIME by twinturbomike

The Thomson Dream cruise has taken some stick recently so let's try and balance things up a bit. In order that readers can appreciate our comments, they are written on the basis that we were first-time cruisers travelling with a couple who had cruised on newer / larger ships before, the weather was fantastic for the whole two weeks, we did the Mexican Medley and Pride of Panama, we could not dock in Falmouth, Jamaica due to the tides etc (which was completely true as we were awake and watching) and we were given plenty of notice of an itinerary change from San Blas to Santa Marta in Columbia. The comments are based on the thoughts of the four of us, not just the novices! Continue reading... WELL DONE THOMSON - WE HAD A GREAT TIME

 

Marco Polo Northern Lights Cruise by david5812

Well, we did see the Northern lights which was a bonus. The ship is 50 years old this year, but it does not really show its age. The cruise was lovely, food excellent and we had a cabin on deck 2 that was very quiet. The cleanliness of the ship is outstanding, although I got a bit fed up with having my hands sanitised every time I went to the restaurant. Ship's entertainment was excellent with a good show band and dancers. The costumes were gorgeous. The water is eminently drinkable from taps and freely available everywhere, so don't spend an outrageous £2.20 for 70 cl of water. Bar prices seemed OK, but I am not a drinker so cannot be sure. The £5 a day per person gratuity was not my scene so I opted out of it very simply. Continue reading... Northern Lights Cruise

 

Norwegian Jade The amazing Jade never ceases to amaze by Magickpyggie

So where exactly to begin, we booked the cruise at the last minute, and to get all the benefits we had to book it through the US, as we couldn’t get the UDP and the UBP and the OBC and the Suite we wanted through the UK office. We travelled to Rome with British Airways and were very disappointed to learn that they had remodelled the aircraft and effectively all seats were economy, whatever you had booked and paid for. Having lost my walking stick in Rome Airport, and had a comfortable night at the Hilton Garden Inn, we made our way to the ship via ESA Transfers and were soon meeting old friends and discovered our Butler would be Roshan who we had travelled with before. Continue reading... The amazing Jade never ceases to amaze

 

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Hello,

We are travelling on the ncl breakaway next week. With 3 kids under 6, we decided to upgrade to a haven suite for more space.

Has anyone else experienced the haven with little ones?

If so, how was it? We're there any negative attitudes from the other guests?

Thanks

We've sailed on the Pearl in the Haven with our kids a few times and we haven't had any issues. The first time our kids were 2 and 6. The 2 year old wasn't potty trained so no pool for him but my husband and the 6 year old would swim together in the private pool. We took them to Cagney's with us too and no problems. Thankfully we never had any behavior issues in public. I didn't sense any negative attitudes but there may always be someone that thinks kids shouldn't be in such an exclusive area even though they've paid to be there.

 

My advice, you know your kids. Enjoy your vacation like you normally would and have the same courtesy you would for anyone. If they just don't like kids...you can't change that. But enjoy your family time. ;)

http://news.nationalpost.com/2015/03/18/as-many-as-eight-dead-after-shots-fired-near-tunisian-parliament-reports-of-hostages-taken-in-nearby-museum/

 

Others can post other news links as the information emerges.

 

:(

We understand the feelings and concerns this may bring up in cruisers and will keep a discussion here for a few days.

Our news article. http://www.cruisecritic.com/news/news.cfm?ID=6253

 

Our thoughts with those effected.

Our news article. http://www.cruisecritic.com/news/news.cfm?ID=6253

 

Our thoughts are with those effected.

Our News Article. http://www.cruisecritic.com/news/news.cfm?ID=6253

 

Thoughts with everyone effected.

Every Thursday, we'll randomly select three cruise reviews to feature here! Plus, we'll send each member a Cruise Critic logo item. We hope they enjoy it!

 

Queen Mary 2 Singapore to Hong Kong by Cookston

This was my first experience with 'Cunard' and I embarked on this cruise with very mixed feelings after an awful experience on the P&O Azura in 2013 despite being in suite accommodation. That is now in the past and my experience on board this short cruise has restored my faith and love of cruising. My only criticism would be with the customer service team of the company so I will comment briefly on that. Despite booking this cruise some 8 months prior to sailing and requesting first sitting dining due to a diabetic condition, this was never accommodated and written requests were initially ignored and then when I did receive a reply I got the usual 'T&C's' referral. Continue reading... Singapore to Hong Kong

 

Allure of the Seas Unbelievable ship by bergkamp

Cruise 15-22/2/15, middle aged couple from the UK. I am a bit bemused by some of the negative reviews. I totally understand everybody has different wants and needs but to criticise RC for such things as not being able to get into shows and that they charge extra for everything is not really fair. Firstly this ship is unbelievable in size and what is on offer, in your cabin you have on your TV a booking procedure for any show for the forthcoming duration of your cruise, complete that on the first day and there is no problem about reservations. Continue reading... Unbelievable ship

 

Thomson Dream Mayan treasures by Neveragain25

Our first cruise, chosen for its itinerary. We were suprised to meet so many veteran cruisers. We ate in the main dining room in the evening, the service was very good and you could choose to eat on your own or on a shared table, we alternated. The self service restaurant was fine for breakfast and lunch (on the days at sea). Day 2 - at sea Day 3 - Roatan. Ship couldn't get into port becuase it was too windy, so we were tendered in; although at least 2 other cruise ships managed to berth. We hadn't book a trip for this day, just wandered into the town, had a beer in a local seaside shack and then walked up the other way, had our picnic and enjoyed the scenery. Continue reading... Mayan treasures

 

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MSC Orchestra Why so critical of MSC? by Graeme2701

This was the third time that we have sailed with MSC, each time on a different ship and each time with the same verdict. Great. Quite why British reviewers generally slate MSC is beyond me. This is not Royal Caribbean, it is not Cunard, it is not P and O, it is MSC, it is an Italian Line, it has Italians on it. They are not British, they are Italian, they do not eat a full English. They do not queue. They are loud. They do not drink to excess. They push and shove a bit. BUT they do not wear football strips to dinner or breakfast or in fact at any time unless they are under 10. Continue reading...

Why so critical of MSC?

 

Silver Spirit South Pacific on Spirit by coverpoint

My wife and I have cruised 20+ times on various lines - twice before on Silver Spirit. Our TA organised BA flights to LAX and 1 night at the Intercontinental Hotel in Century City. We had transfers arranged and arrived at LA cruise terminal about 12.30 and were checked in and on board by 12.35! After lunch in La Terrazza we were advised that the cabins were ready about 2.30 and luggage arrived soon after. All very painless. We were in a V6 cabin on deck 8 and apart from being too narrow between the bed and the vanity table,it was fine. Continue reading... South Pacific on Spirit

 

Norwegian Epic NCL fly/cruise package by asda

We booked the full package through ncl (flights,hotel,transferes,cruise). There was 3 of us. Me ,my husband and our 23 year old daughter.( she came with us as it was my 50th birthday). Flights on BA and AA all ok except for legroom (can afford first class). Hotel was very nice the Cambrian suites near miami airport. Transfere the following morning to miami port by taxi, checking in for cruise was really smooth. Continue reading... NCL fly/cruise package

 

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Should share the $1500 info with the CPA as well since you have already posted the info in a public forum, where the IRS could see it if they went looking.

The money I started with is in that $1,500. There's no documentation of what I put in versus what I took out so I'm square on that one. NCL documented a $2,336.25 jackpot win and that's what I'm giving the accountant.

 

Thanks again everyone!

] the OP clearly stated she is planning to report the loses up to the point of the $2300 she won and got the W2' date=' she has not other intentions and neither did I suggested to "cheat" the tax law.[/b'][/color]

Yes, I will report the $2,300 in winnings because that was on one spin of the slot machine and it came up on the screen that an attendant needed to come. They cashed out the $2,300 in winnings but my credits that I was playing with stayed on the machine. The other $1,500 I cashed out was in smaller increments when I won on this machine or that.

 

I don't know tax law so I'm only messing with the $2,300 because they documented it. I never usually win so it's never been an issue before. But when I do win a few dollars here and there I don't feel like I need to do anything more than smile and be happy for the small win because I usually lose.

 

Thanks again everyone. :D

Thanks everyone for the responses. I printed that form and will do the notary and send it in if the accountant tells me I should. I'll make sure it's reported but will see if just the correct dollar amount will do. I'm also going to claim losses up to the amount I won. I took four cruises last year and spent a week in Vegas for a conference. I lost more than $2,300. :o

 

I won the $2,300 the first night of a two night cruise to nowhere on the Breakaway last February then won another $1,500 total the next night but in a few separate machines. It was a profitable 2 night cruise. :D

Congrats on your win.

 

I didn't lose one from cruise line but from land casino. Since forms do not have to be turned in, I simply put the amount and casino name on my tax return in the appropriate place. No problem.

This is what I'll try first. My accountant can tell me if it's not enough. Thanks!

Every Thursday, we'll randomly select three cruise reviews to feature here! Plus, we'll send each member a Cruise Critic logo item. We hope they enjoy it!

 

Nieuw Amsterdam

Would have been almost perfect, except for engine juddering by bonjour_blondie

We’re a British couple in our very late twenties. I’ve only ever sailed with Costa Cruises on 4 previous voyages over the years, gradually seeing their supreme service decline into a floating shambles, and vowed never to cruise with them again. This was my partner’s first ever cruise, and he only agreed to ‘go it a go’ but was skeptical about the whole thing, so I chose HAL and the Nieuw Amsterdam because of both attractive pricing for our balcony cabin (5021) and the many positive reviews on here that meant we'd get a much more premium experience. Continue reading...

Would have been almost perfect, except for engine juddering

 

Thomson Majesty Wonderful cruise on a 3 star ship with a 5 star crew and entertainment by technoman

We started off from Gatwick, the flight took 4 hours. Coach Transfer from Tenerife to the ship 50 Mins. When we arrived at the port we were given labels to attach to our cases and our boarding cards. We identified our bags which were dropped near to the ship and attached the labels to the cases and the bags were taken to the room. We then went to the Marco Buffet restaurant deck 10 for some food, by this time it was 3.30 pm after taking off from Gatwick at 9.30 am. First impression of the buffet was not great so do not let this put you off. Continue reading... Wonderful cruise on a 3 star ship with a 5 star crew and entertainment

 

Ventura BEST CRUISE EVER by BibbyBooBar

We have just returned from cruising with Ventura and it has been the best one ever, done 9 before, first with P&O, but this one was amazing. Flights with Thompson Dreamliner were good, only flew economy but the leg room was good. Flight attendants were superb and couldnt do enough to make the journey comfortable. Check in on embarkations was quick and painless. We visited Grenada, St Lucia, Dominica, St Kitts, St Maarten, Tortola, Curacao, Bonaire and of course Barbados. The food was excellent, served hot and with fabulous waiters. Continue reading... BEST CRUISE EVER

 

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Some notes

 

1 - It was not a 1099. It was a W2-G that they issued you, assuming it was a slot win over $1,200.

 

2 - The win loss statement is not needed. Even if you are audited, it may not be accepted by the IRS. Based on most that I have read, it will not. So, spending time trying to get that is..... well, wasted time.

 

3 - You do not need the actual W2-G to file you taxes, but you do need the information from it. I get many every year and enter the information, but do not have to send them in.

Hi! It was a $2,300 slot win and they did give me something but I couldn't find it when I got back from the cruise. I did take a picture of the slot machine with the dollar amount on it so I know the actual amount. I want to claim it as I should. Not trying to cheat the tax man. I just want to make sure it's accounted for but I also want to make note of the losses I had as well.

 

When I drop everything off with the accountant next week, I'll ask her if the amount is enough. Thanks!

You all are fantastic! Thanks for the information.

Hello cruisers! I was lucky enough to win about $2,300 on the Breakaway last February. At the time, the slot attendant filled out the tax form for me and I'm assuming they gave it to me but I can't find it anywhere. My question is, has anyone else ever lost the 1099 or needed to get a 1099 from NCL and if you did, who did you contact?

 

Thanks for reading!

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Every Thursday, we'll randomly select three cruise reviews to feature here! Plus, we'll send each member a Cruise Critic logo item. We hope they enjoy it!

 

Thomson Majesty Better than expected by Chorleycake82

Having read previous reviews I was a little perturbed and wondered what we had booked. However my misgivings were totally unfounded and we had a lovely time. Yes the ship isn't one of the super liners . It doesn't have a fantastic atrium or climbing walls BUT it does have first rate hospitality and a first rate entertainment team. The best ever. There was entertainment to suit all tastes. A fantastic show performed every night by artists who would do the west end proud. Fantastic voices and fantastic dancers. There was also a guest comedian who was superb. ( I dont normally ike comedians but he was brilliant ) Other venues held quiz shows etc. There were also classical musicians playing at set venues throughout the evening or if you preferred it quiet bars . Continue reading... Better than expected

 

Norwegian Spirit Great cruise by faraway8

We booked this cruise with no particular high expectations as it is our first time using NCL with the free style mode and the price was reasonable. Our cruise package include flights to and from Gatwick, but added the airport transfers. These arrangements went as planned with not a single problems for us. From the moment we stepped onboard we were made very welcomed by the staff. One of our luggage gone strayed due to the label provided went missing at the port side, the staff were able to locate the suitcase with an hour. Well done. Continue reading... Great cruise

 

Oceana Great entertainment by brobanje47

The embarkation process was great, efficient and trouble free. We chose freedom dining as this suits us but found the food in the Plaza (which we had used on Oceana) really disappointing. Plates were always hot but the food at best was lukewarm and the menus for evening meal had constant themes ie: thai, indian, meditteranean, Spanish to name but a few. The alternative was a roast but the veg was limited to carrots most nights. Of course there was always salad!!!!!! Breakfast was brilliant with loads of choice from cereals, fresh fruit and traditional breakfast to croissants and pancakes. The horizon grill - open during the day was awful - frozen chips and burgers which weren't much better. Continue reading... Great entertainment

 

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I wrote a review of Marina and French polynesia but still have not received word it was posted .Did it get lost ?or does it take that long

When you submit a member review to us, you get confirmation via e mail. Did you get that e mail? Write to us at reviews@cruisecritic.com if you'd like to discuss more.

 

You don't say when you posted it, but it does take a few days. I posted a review of our last Oceania cruise and after 5 days I received an email telling me it had been rejected! Don't think I'll bother again.:confused:

We have the e mail we sent to you and can show you the text you sent us. You were onboard for 10 days and you submitted 7 sentences. Your comments were perfect for the message board but for a member review we do ask for a bit more detail about the whole cruise and not a summary sentence about a few aspects of the cruise. But we do understand that you didn't want to resubmit.

 

This is what we received: We had a fabulous first cruise with Oceania (Riviera) from Istanbul to Venice in August. In the 10 days we were on board, we couldn't fault the food - from La Reserve and the specialty restaurants to the Terrace Cafe and Waves, the food was universally outstanding. The ship is beautiful, spotlessly clean and stylish. The rooms are well planned, equipped and decorated. The bed was comfortable and the linens and pillows beyond criticism. The staff were efficient and friendly. We could not have asked for more, and look forward to many more happy cruises with Oceania.

 

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Thomson Majesty Excellent cruising experience! by true reviewer

We cruised on the Thomson Majesty between 16-23 January and were extremely pleased with the entire cruise. Embarkation was very well organised, our cases were delivered to our cabin within 30 minutes of our arrival on board. Our cabin was adequate, clean and comfortable. Everything was kept clean for the entire cruise, the housekeeping staff were very hardworking. We quickly found our way around the ship. That you could get daily puzzle sheets, daily news sheets, lists of movies to be watched from the TV, daily destination information and information about internet access from Reception and Destination Services. We also receive daily newsletters delivered to our room which were very informative. Continue reading... Excellent cruising experience!

 

Norwegian Spirit Cruise Review - NCL Spirit (5/1/15) by mitch33

Transfer - Easy jet flight into Barcelona. Only one rep present at airport and she appeared to be working undercover! No visible sign that she worked for a NCL until she opened her folder when we were in front of her and we saw her 'meet and greet' placard. We had to wait just over an hour before we were allowed to make our way to the coach it seems as if there were later flights arriving and NCL wanted to use as few coaches to transfer to the port as possible. Fair enough as it helps with a reduction in our carbon footprint but a voucher for one of the coffee shops might have been nice. Continue reading... Cruise Review - NCL Spirit (5/1/15)

 

Ventura A Lovely Holiday by Daviddas

Flight with Thomson much improved on past experience with the Deamliner and a great flight crew. We flew premium economy which is worth every penny especially with the extra luggage allowance. We were a little concerned about the cruise given some pretty adverse reviews we had read with references to things not being as good as they used to be. We cruised on the Ventura 3 years ago and had a great time. We were not disappointed this time either! We had a fabulous break. We did have a fabulous suite that gave us access to the White Room for a very civilised breakfast with staff tuning into our preference for decaf coffee and hot milk by day two. Every staff member we met, even those cleaning the glass panels on the stairs were friendly and always smiling. Continue reading... A Lovely Holiday

 

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Thomson Majesty Absolutely Brilliant by Jon65

I will admit, I have never bothered to write a review on any holiday before but in an attempt to counterbalance some of the negative reviews on these sites about 'the Majesty", I'm urged to voice my opinion this once. I believe in the saying give credit where credits due. I will say that we have had a couple of previous ok cruising experiences but have not cruised with every Company/ Ship that floats unlike others on here, which makes me feel somewhat inadequate to leave a constructive comment but - I'll leave it anyway! Continue reading... Absolutely Brilliant

 

Celebrity Eclipse Caribbean Bliss by Bonnyton

Just back from 14 nights in the Southern Caribbean. Had a great time onboard the Eclipse. It's beginning to show a bit of wear, but is due for some changes in dry dock soon. Found Celebrity cutting back on lots of things, eg no shower gel no shower cap, not any thermal jugs of iced water no chocolates on pillows, we had 1 wrapped cookie one night . The bread baskets at dinner in the Main dining room consisted of 1 roll, breadsticks and bread cut into wedges big change from last year where the choice of bread was superb. Lots of small things you expect from Celebrity missing. Continue reading... Caribbean Bliss

 

Costa Serena Arabian Gulf Cruise by Dazzadd

A pretty looking ship standing so serenely in Dubai. The cruise ticket stated embarkation would commence at 8pm but I arrived much earlier and check-in and boarding actually started at 3pm. I do have to say one big downside was not being able to access your cabin until 8pm which was really hard as many passengers had travelled on overnight flights from Europe and all over the ship you could hear mini-meltdowns happening from really tired people. With hindsight I should have just checked in the luggage and taken one of the free shuttle buses from the port to Dubai Mall and kept myself busy instead of killing 5 hours trudging around the ship with my carry-on waiting to get into my cabin. Continue reading... Arabian Gulf Cruise

 

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I just wanted to comment on a recent purchase made with the Cruise Critic Store! WOW,was I impressed! I purchased a number of items that are available,all of excellent quality and awesome value.

 

I would highly recommend obtaining any of your travel items from the Cruise Critic Store!

 

Non Paid Advertisement:)

Well shucks...you make us blush. We're happy you like the items. Our store is a small operation aimed solely at getting our name out there. We sell things at just about the same price we get them for. We do factor in a few small expenses but what you pay is very close to what we pay. We try to carry things we know cruisers will use.

 

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Ventura Another Happy Christmas & New Year on Ventura by pennib

This was our 4th festive cruise on Ventura around the Caribbean islands. The usual efficient P&O system of dealing with flights and luggage soon had us in the holiday mood. This time we were on a Dreamliner from Manchester. We were happy with our balcony cabin on B deck and this was kept immaculate by our Steward Edward. Overall this was one of the best cruises we have done with wall to wall sunshine for the whole trip. We thought the quality and quantity of the food and also the quality of service had improved since the previous Christmas and also the standard of dress of the passengers was very high. Continue reading... Another Happy Christmas & New Year on Ventura

 

Costa Diadema Marvellous Mediterranean Cruise by 40rchard

We booked this cruise primarily to escape the usual Christmas hype and also to experience the brand new Costa Diadema ship. We spent two nights in Barcelona prior to joining the ship on 22nd December 2014 and must admit to feeling some trepidation as we had never before cruised on a ship with so many passengers, however, we went with an open mind and were determined to enjoy the holiday. The embarkation process: We arrived at Barcelona cruise port early as we were in company with two other passengers we had met on route from Belfast. There were few passengers around at that time so the actual check-in process was quick and efficient. Continue reading... Marvellous Mediterranean Cruise

 

Celebrity Eclipse Were we on a different ship? by Cag.60

My DH and I have just completed a 14 day cruise on the Celebrity Eclipse. We previously travelled on this ship at Christmas 2012 and we're looking forward to our trip. however, on checking out reviews on Cruise Critic, I became increasingly worried at the criticisms and comments about the apparent lowering of standards in every department. Well, lol I cn say is that we must have been on a different Celebrity Eclipse. We are quite fussy travellers and as this was our 18th cruise, have a lot to compare it to. With the exception of a couple of small niggles, we found it really hard to fault anything - even the entertainment (individual acts) was vastly improved over previous cruises, with the exception of the production shows, 2 of which we had seen on other ships - Lazy, Celebrity. Continue reading... Were we on a different ship?

 

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Every Thursday, we'll randomly select three cruise reviews to feature here! Plus, we'll send each member a Cruise Critic logo item. We hope they enjoy it!

 

Ventura Lovely xmas and new year cruise, but standards slipping slightly by lee7661

My family consist of my husband and myself , two boys ages nearly 10 & 17 and my father. We had an effortless flight from Manchester to Barbados. I must say I dislike having to pay for soft drinks on such a long flight. Food was edible enough. On arrival at Barbados we were promptly escorted on to a A/C bus and driven to the cruise terminal. this usually takes about 45Mins, our driver decided to take the back roads and we arrived within 20 mins. Check in at the cruise terminal is my only bug bear, there must be a simplier system and I feel all passengers should be offered refreshments whilst we wait in line. especially after such a long journey. Continue reading... Lovely xmas and new year cruise, but standards slipping slightly

 

Black Watch In Search of the Northern Lights by jgw321

Background information: We have seen the Northern Lights on a previous cruise on the Marco Polo but that was in February. When we saw this trip advertised we thought it worth another go and we would try out a Christmas Cruise at the same time. When we joined the roll call and saw people booking whale watching trips we wondered if they realized it would be dark all day. Ship information: The Black Watch is not one of the newest and in some ways shows her age. Being of the smaller size one should expect comfort and convenience rather than the lavish entertainment of the bigger 3000+ ships. Continue reading... In Search of the Northern Lights

 

Carnival Valor Great itinerary by joby69

We are from the UK so decided to spend 4 days in Old San Juan in Puerto Rico prior to cruising. In our view, this was an excellent decision - we loved Old San Juan and whilst it is difficult to get into with a car, it is great to walk around plus we walked to the cruise terminal with our cases so avoided taxi costs. We stayed at Hotel La Terrazzo (currently no.1 on Tripadvisor) and we were not disappointed. It has a great roof top pool and bar and is very central to see the city. Continue reading... Great itinerary

 

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