c-leg5

Does the suite lounge on this class still have limited hours?

Several existing threads addressing this on this forum.

Maybe it is different on embarkation day or maybe your ship didn’t have spinach, who know’s!

We canceled too. A port stop is very different to embarkation and disembarkation. Besides which we booked it because we wanted to go to end in Cyprus.

Was that for lunch? That is nothing like the salad advertised, or what I got - it should be spinach with blue cheese? I didn’t get fries but I wouldn’t have ordered them so not sure if they are usually included or not. Mine was a special request. I have never been for lunch so I don’t know if they upgraded the size of mine or not but it was certainly big enough for me. Other times I have ordered a regular dinner salad (usually wedge) as my side to the main entree (shrimp or filet) served at the same time to make an entree salad. The filet was good but the shrimp portion is very small and I wouldn’t do that again.

I agree with you on this point which is why we rarely do specialty dining, but now you are just going off on a tangent! We have been to Chops more since cruising resumed by default due to the MTD fiasco. I am not sure what your problem is other than you seem to have encountered a slight altercation possibly due to lack of communication initially between you and the server, or a lack of understanding. Your report at the time and subsequent posts have been very confusing so it has been difficult to follow what actually transpired, and when. BUT, It sounds like you got the two meals for the price of your discounted online price in the end, which was what you wanted. Probably time to move on until you decide if you want to chance your hand next time. You may or may not be lucky. It isn’t how it is supposed to work so - be thankful when it does, be aware that you are “trying it on”, and yes, I am aware of those that “do it that way all the time”.

OK, thanks for explanation. I thought you had reserved in advance because you wanted a certain time, I didn’t realize you were trying to get a discounted rate AND use your BOGO. I guess you win some, loose some and you shouldn’t feel too bad about Giovanni. Was it just your wife’s charge that was comped, or did they refund your pre-purchase as well? We haven’t been able to cruise this year but last year we found they went out of their way to compensate to an almost overwhelming and embarrassing extent but now ships are full I don’t suppose there is any need for that. I assume they brought a charge for one on board meal and were going to refund the online payment, which is quite common. Maybe there was a disconnect in the explanation? We tried to pre-purchase for one and then use a BOGO once years ago. We went in advance to confirm two of us could dine and were told yes but we would be charged onboard price and sale price would be refunded. We canceled the reservation since we are not that impressed with specialty dining any way but I know others have reported doing it all the time. It would be nice if there was some consistency but I don’t suppose that will ever happen. I came to the realization that it was double-dipping, and not really the intention of the promotion, so never tried again.

+1 The thread is 4 pages long and I am still not sure who is being blamed for the discrimination! I find the idea that people think the cruise lines are actively trying to prevent them buying an excursion very strange.

The ports in Florida are much closer generally. I think it would have been reported if that was possible from Houston but they may sub- contract locally. Be sure to report back for others. We only park and drive. To clarify, I meant a hotel shuttle back to the airport to pick up one of the shared shuttle services.

If it is only a one night stay, it is probably cheapest to stay at the airport at a hotel with a shuttle.

The ruins on Cozumel are very small, interesting but unimpressive. We have enjoyed them, especially taking the walk into the jungle to the outlying buildings but they are definitely not a “must-do” item if you don’t visit Cozumel regularly. You need water and bug spray. Easy enough to get a taxi from the pier who will wait, then possibly include an east side tour, negotiate price before you leave. We prefer to pre- book and use ToursPlaza, who have a website. Others will recommend Black Hat and there are several independent taxis recommended regularly on TA. The ruins, (at least Tulum) on the mainland are possible independently but I would strongly advise against it and would only do a mainland tour through the ship or preferably from a mainland vacation. I have seen the ship’s chartered ferry arrive back late on numerous occasions and of course the ship will wait. Independently it would require far too many stars to align for my liking on a cruise ship day. First you will need a taxi into town from International, fit in with ferry service (several companies - so only buy single ticket) then land transport in the mainland and then reverse. There are one or two brokers on Cozumel that will sell you a package deal but you still have to follow the same steps with no time guarantees. There used to be a charter flight available from the airport to Chichen Itza but I am not sure if that has resumed. Ruins much easier from Progreso, Costa Maya or Belize.

Ruins On Cozumel or on the mainland?

Thanks, but no that has been there for a number of years but has only recently reopened. I finally managed to see a new pool and a flow rider although not particularly clearly on a promotional youtube video. I just find it very strange there haven’t been more comments or discussion especially after the veiled comments during the President’s cruise.

+1 And a taxi for 5 will be $16-20 each way for a 5 minute ride.

+1

I think reading the website clearly indicates ANY hotel that is actually serviced has a charge, no special circumstances, despite your personal opinion. I think the PP @beshears was indicating it may off set the senior discount? What isn’t as clear on the website is whether you loose the senior discount if you take one of the prime return Sunday shuttles in addition to the surcharge. We have only taken one-way once FROM the airport.

I agree the reliability of the trolley running has been very up and down especially since the pier extension and increased foot traffic. Also i am not sure if the strong winds have been a factor. There is always wheelchair assistance available although you may have to wait. It is a long pier and an increasing problem with the increased port load. Unfortunately there seem to be a lot of problems with Costa Maya since cruising resumed.

Chops does a steak salad for lunch which i have pre-ordered to eat at night as it isn’t on the regular dinner menu.

Yes, no vendors at Maya Key but does have buffet lunch which was fine with us, but some have complained. Sol y Mar fits the “convenient and no vendors”, some water activities, food was OK as far as I recall but it has been a few years and changes happen. I have never been to Big or Little Key.

That depends on where your hotel is. Presumably if you are staying at the airport your hotel has a shuttle? Easy enough to get shuttle back next morning otherwise there is a surcharge per party as noted on their website.

So you got the BOGO in Chops using the reduced pre-booked price? Or they refunded that and charged one person on board price? That is the question that always seems very arbitrary as to whether it is allowed or not although there is at least one person who seems successful every time. I can understand reserving a particular time in advance, if that is important, but it does seem like double-dipping.

Thanks, I find it very strange there is so little “noise” after the big build up to “something” during the president’s cruise. I don’t know if that is it or there is “more to come”!

No, only two but the actual ships are due to change soon.

It is generally noon until 7pm. Any updates on board regarding the new pool and flow rider at Costa maya? Size of pool? I find it really surprising I have read so few reports.

They aren’t on Allure. They left on Monday. Your post would have them in Roatan today.