Laughing Angel

Thanks for the travelogue, *Miss G*! I am loving the photos and descriptions (“House of Negotiable Affection”--snort).

My sister and I were on the Koningsdam at the end of July, and had a grand time (and no serious complaints about the food. I guess we lucked out). I don't know if I missed this in your review, but were you able to find anything to enjoy in the Lido Market or Pinnacle Grill? Or did you stick to the main dining room?

4 hours ago, sunviking90 said:

I am so sorry to hear you are going through this. At least it sounds like you’re being well taken care of. $500 a night for the Airport Sheraton sounds like a major price gouge to me though. That’s at $250 a night hotel at best! We’ve paid less for the Airport Fairmont! Sort of adds insult to injury.

Agreed. It was clean and comfortable--not a bad place to stay, but it did seem overpriced. Thank goodness for travel insurance!

6 minutes ago, 1pinehurst said:

Hotels are very expensive and after checking Marriott’s  Bon Voy our $500 price per night is the going rate. The Canadian Gov office of compliance did try to call us but they called our home phone number and told us we needed to pickup our phone. We changed our answering machine introduction to say we are quarantined in Canada and gave our cell phone # if they call again. Tried to call the number that called us but did not work for reaching anybody. Tried several other numbers to no avail. It would seem they would have our quarantined hotel name and location and would call the hotel to reach us. If we had to do it over again I am not sure we would go to the ship clinic for cough medicine.😀

The number they use to call out does not allow for contact or messaging (you would think they'd have a method for call back if you're indisposed or in the bathroom). I missed the call the first time, which is why I think I was asked to do the Day 8 test. The second and third calls just asked questions about my current health, location and expected last date of isolation.

So sorry this happened to you 1pinehurst, and to all those in a similar situation.

My sister and I experienced this exact same situation right off the Koningsdam a couple of weeks ago. Bus ride from the port to the Sheraton in Richmond, BC (at least you're near the airport and the shuttle runs every half hour when you're ready to leave). We were able to Instacart some groceries (fresh fruit and veggies, yogurt, snacks, etc, along with some disinfectant spray and wipes). We did room service from Harold's a few times to mix things up a bit--nice restaurant (try the Alfredo and the Butter Chicken). The room was well equipped with a refrigerator and microwave, and the balcony helped a lot for getting fresh air and sunshine.

The thing that surprised me the most is that the Canadian government has an office of compliance. There are officials who may contact you (mainly by phone, but possibly a visit) to see if you are adhering to the proper protocols for quarantine. The call may show up on your phone as a Toll Free Service Line, or random number from another province. Always answer this call, as they are verifying your location. The government will occasionally choose a random person in quarantine to take a DAY 8 Covid test (which happened to me). Unsure why, but it probably has to do with update or contact tracing. Everyone was kind, empathetic and professional. The government is SERIOUS about Covid-19, and the new variants out there.

Sorry for your extended stay, 1pinehurst. I hope your wife has a rapid recovery, and the rest of your quarantine is uneventful.
 

2005

Carnival Pride out of Long Beach.

Ports of Call: Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan and Cabo San Lucas.

Adding to what everyone else has said--get the insurance!

I've only had to use it once due to a weather related travel issue, but the claim was filed and paid out in quick order. For me, the investment was well worth it, just for the peace of mind factor.

Here's my personal playlist...

Long Time, No Sea -- The Boat Drunks

Sail On Sailor – The Beach Boys

Happy –Pauline Henry

Fall Harder -- Skylar Spence

Mad About You -- Hooverphonic

Sugar Water -- Cibo Matto

Anita Baker -- You Bring Me Joy

No Difference/Driving/Language of Life -- Everything But The Girl

Aja --Steely Dan

So You Say -- Manhattan Transfer

The Art of Love -- Michael Franks

Look Who's Dancing -- Ziggy Marley

The Finer Things – Steve Winwood

Woman Tonight-- America

The Paris Match -- Style Council

Nothing Can Come Between Us -- Sade

Superwoman (Where were you...) -- Stevie Wonder

Miss Riddle -- Boz Scaggs

Summer Breeze -- Seals and Crofts

After the Love Has Gone -- Earth, Wind & Fire

The Best Things In Life -- The Silver Seas

Easy For You To Say – Linda Ronstadt

Under The Milky Way -- Sia

Genius of Love -- Tom Tom Club

Strange Kind of Love -- Love and Money

Haitian Divorce -- Steely Dan

That's the Way Love Goes -- Janet Jackson

Sun Is Shining -- Bob Marley

Only Heart -- John Mayer

IGY/Maxine/FloridaRoom/On the Dunes -- Donald Fagen

Don't Let No One Get You Down -- WAR

I Want You -- Marvin Gaye

Rosalinda’s Eyes – Billy Joel

Forever Blue -- Swing out Sister

Get It Through Your Heart – Robert Palmer

The Game Of Love – Santana featuring Michelle Branch

As you can see, I go a little old school...

The program is actually a legit shopping incentive--it's just that it seems to take a long time to receive the refund. I did not submit a claim personally, but had a friend who did. It took several months for the refund to arrive.

Previous threads on Cruise Critic have mentioned this.

A quick search brought up this thread. Hope it helps.

There are some advantages to boarding early. You can enjoy lunch on board, you get to scope out the ship, get some photo ops in, make any changes in restaurant seating, excursions, etc. Keep in mind that your cabin may not be ready immediately upon boarding, so you'll have to keep your carry on with you.

Have fun!

To the OP:

Condolences on the loss of your dear sister.

Hopefully, your sharing this experience will help Carnival review/revise their protocols for emergency messages, and prevent another family from having to deal with this pain. I would be interested in hearing their response.

Although I love the idea of Amazing Grace on the bagpipes.

hawkinsh, that is great news. I'm sure you're going to have a blast!

As far as excursions are concerned, you may want to check out the boards for Progreso and Cozumel. I've not been to Progreso, but my family had a terrific time in Cozumel. We hired a driver for the day and got a chance to see a lot of the island--San Gervasio (Mayan ruins), the east (undeveloped) side beaches, hit a couple of beach clubs and ended with some shopping in town. There are many options for kids! Good luck, and enjoy your cruise!

I've always just put my laptop in the case and then place it in a drawer. No muss, no fuss, no problems.

Don't forget to come back and tell us all about your tour.

Cozumel is a beautiful island--I'm sure you'll have a blast!

2005, A 7 Day cruise on the Carnival Pride to the Mexican Riviera. Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan and Cabo San Lucas. I had such an amazing time!

lonely_pastry--yeah, that is going to be a very close shave, but I sincerely hope that all of the stars are aligned, and that you will be able to make your cruise on time.

As was suggested previously, cruise transfers might be helpful in getting you from the airport to the ship. In the meantime, you might want to formulate a contingency plan for getting to the next port of call, just in case.

Good luck!

...fresh off my ipod. I posted some of these picks on the CC Boards a few years ago, but can't find the thread. As you can see, I'm kind of an old school gal. :D Some have a kind of "island" feel to them. Whatever you choose, I'm sure it will be fine.

Long Time, No Sea -- The Boat Drunks

Sail On Sailor – The Beach Boys

Happy – Pauline Henry

Fall Harder -- Skylar Spence

Classic – The Knocks featuring Powers

Mad About You -- Hooverphonic

Sugar Water -- Cibo Matto

Anita Baker -- You Bring Me Joy

No Difference/Driving/Language of Life -- Everything But The Girl

Aja -- Steely Dan

So You Say -- Manhattan Transfer

The Art of Love -- Michael Franks

Look Who's Dancing -- Ziggy Marley

The Finer Things – Steve Winwood

Woman Tonight -- America

The Paris Match -- Style Council

Nothing Can Come Between Us -- Sade

Superwoman (Where were you...) -- Stevie Wonder

Miss Riddle -- Boz Scaggs

Summer Breeze -- Seals and Crofts

After the Love Has Gone -- Earth, Wind & Fire

The Best Things In Life -- The Silver Seas

Easy For You To Say – Linda Ronstadt

Under The Milky Way -- Sia

Genius of Love -- Tom Tom Club

Strange Kind of Love -- Love and Money

Haitian Divorce -- Steely Dan

That's the Way Love Goes -- Janet Jackson

Sun Is Shining -- Bob Marley

Only Heart -- John Mayer

IGY/Maxine/Florida Room/On the Dunes -- Donald Fagen

Don't Let No One Get You Down -- WAR

If Only You Knew -- Patti LaBelle

Rosalinda’s Eyes – Billy Joel

Forever Blue -- Swing out Sister

Get It Through Your Heart – Robert Palmer

The Game Of Love – Santana featuring Michelle Branch

Hope you have a terrific cruise!

I purchased a $20 watch on a cruise ship about 5 years ago. Didn't wear it every day, but when I did, it was sturdy and serviceable. Other than a couple of battery changes, it's been working just fine...

Well, it was working until I sent it through the wash/rinse/spin cycle in a pair of jeans two weeks ago. RIP cheapie watch...I'll miss ya. :(

For me, this would be too close for comfort. There are so many variables here--so many things that could go wrong. We're talking delays getting through customs, traffic issues on the way to the airport (construction, accidents), etc. I would not chance it, and would try to book a later flight.

PS: MCC retired is right--imagine the stress of worrying about making that flight at the end of a terrific cruise. Life is too short for that...

Hello Sara--congratulations on your upcoming cruise!

I think I would choose either NCL or RCL. Each ship has more than one port of call, and will be a little less "party" oriented than Carnival. As was mentioned earlier, the private island stops are always a lot of fun, and there will be many options for good food and drinks (along with the sun and surf you're looking for). Start doing a little research on these boards to learn about the "personality" of each ship so you can make the best choice for your needs.

Follow this link and go to the cruise reviews section at the top of the page. Plug in the name of the cruise line and ship to get an overview of your choices. You can also research your selected ports of call further down on the page.

Have fun!

We love the MDR, so unless we're checking out the specialty dining option, we're always there. We've only missed dinner once...

Several years ago, we were coming back late from an excursion due to vehicle issues, and missed our seating (and were too exhausted to do anything more than call room service). We felt terrible about holding up dinner, so ever since then, we've informed the wait staff that if we are more than 5 minutes late to please go ahead and start service without us. It's only common courtesy.

Still trying to figure out how a courteous act compromises anyone's personal safety and security. :confused:

Agreed.

You will need more than two hours to make your sailing, especially since (Highway) 101 can be a hot mess even in the best of times. You'll be traveling during the evening commute, and I've always known the 101 to be packed and crazy at that time.

If at all possible, you should try to arrive the day before, or early morning the day of your sailing. Good luck!

Do a Google image search of "obstructed view cabin on cruise" and you will see a variety of different versions (life boats, equipment, railings, etc).

Some views are barely obscured, and some allow a little daylight and fresh air...it depends on what you're looking for and able to enjoy.

2nd for Murdoch, in fact that's what's loaded on my iPad for our coming cruise.

GUT2407, I am so stuck on Murdoch Mysteries! Don't know how it has flown under the radar for so long. It is a recent discovery for me (a local TV station is currently running it in syndication), and I quickly got hooked. Just finishing up season three. :D

Have fun on your cruise!

Here are my picks--some pretty good ones for binge watching, if I do say so.

Breaking Bad

Downton Abbey

Murdoch Mysteries

Sherlock

The Wire