monteman

1 day. Yee haw!

36 hours!

Leaving on the Gem on Monday. Sure hope this gets worked out before then. I'm not really sure if or how much this would affect the cruise ships, but I sure hate worrying about it!

http://www.wsj.com/articles/port-of-new-york-and-new-jersey-longshoremen-stage-surprise-walkout-1454096236

I have had black garments (a tee and shorts) ruined by a couple of bleach spots. I do still send out a bag, but only things I don't care that much about, frankly! Like socks, nightshirt, underwear. Won't trust them with something dark again.

That certainly does not seem fair, I don't blame you for being upset. I would have too! The only thing I can think of is that the guests already on board for weddings ( those that are remaining on the ship for the cruise) got there first. If that's the case, not fair. I hope it wasn't all Haven people. I've been in the Haven and not in the Haven. I think the Vibe area should be reserved for non-Haven

guests. Just my opinion, of course. But to have both the Haven and Vibe seems a little unfair to those non haven guests also wanting some peace and quiet.

You usually get the pre-concierge letter around 50 days out. If you contact them right away they usually respond right away but say they will check with you closer to your cruise.

 

YMMV - our experience with this group is it is a waste of your time asking them for anything as it doesn't get done.

Totally agree. Our experience with pre-concierge service ended in lots of confirmations but no delivery! I don't even bother anymore.

They have them on the Gem.

If there is sweet and sour at the bars, you can get some. We have asked the butler for pina colada mix and have gotten a small carton of it like the bar tenders have. Triple sec you may have to pay for. If you just need a small amount, you will probably get it free. We asked for a small amount of vermouth for martinis in the OS and said we'd be happy to pay for some. We were brought a small glass full full for free and stored it in an empty water bottle in the fridge.

I have been reading your review since I discovered it about 10 days ago. I am now sad too, now that "our" Alaskan cruise is almost at an end! Thank you so much for this wonderful review and all the heart and work you have put into it. I had been wanting to go to Alaska but always end up choosing warm weather cruises. After submerging myself in this review, I decided maybe it's time to actually do Alaska.

My husband and I now are planning to do one in 2018, thanks to you!

Just to be clear, an upgrade involves paying the full price difference. An upsell

is paying less than that. So you want the Upsell Fairy. :-) good luck, hope you catch her in a good mood!

The temperature inside the ship is pretty much the same no matter where you are. I have never noticed any difference when dining.

There should not be a problem having your non-suite guests wait with you in the suite waiting area. You should check in and once in there just ask the concierge if it's possible to bring your friends there to wait with you. If it is not crowded and it's only a couple of non suite guests, the concierge will probably be fine with it. Then you can go find them in the regular waiting area and bring them over there. It dies not hurt to ask. Worst case scenario, the concierge says no in a nice way.

The other perks, probably not so much. Enjoy your cruise!!

We have been under the bridge on several cruises and never heard anything.

I don't think the issue here is someone going to the restroom or grabbing a drink or some food to bring back to the lounge chair they are using. I think at issue are all the chairs staked out early in the morning and then not used for several hours. It's pretty easy to tell the difference. If there are a kazillion chairs by the pool being obviously held, and we want to actually USE one, we Weill remove the folded, dry towel and place it on the one next to it and use the chair. Someone times we move it and it has nothing to do with being a wuss but everything to do with choosing to not have our day ruined by some inconsiderate entitled-feeling fellow passenger who thinks staking out 10 chairs ( or two) and not using them is ok.

We use a chair for a couple hours then leave, taking our stuff with us, and have lunch or whatever and take our chances later when we want to sit there again. That's the way it was meant to work.

Not sure if this list thing is true. We have been in suites many times and never have experienced anything to indicate they remember our preferences! In any event, once you tell your butler your preferences, they make it happen. Enjoy your cruise!

Thank you for coming back to the thread and letting us know! Very glad it ended up working out and you had a great time. :-)

My husband and I like the food a lot. We always go once per cruise. I don't understand why so many don't love it, but that's fine with us--more seats for when we go! :-) definitely go and try. Worse case, you don't go again. Best case, it becomes a regular stop for you when you cruise.

63 days. Gem 10-day out if NY.

Quick question: Packing for Escape on Saturday ... what dining venues require pants? I only recall Le Bistro on the Getaway. Does the same hold true with the Escape? Thanks!

I believe the main dining room does not allow shorts for dinner either.

Are you allowed to smoke in the Haven area or suites?

 

Thanks

 

Tourguide

Used to be able to, but not anymore.

I am very interested in this excursion for our upcoming February cruise. I just wish there were beach umbrellas. Even with a hat, I can't really take that much sun for a few hours. Does anyone know if it's possible to rent an umbrella somewhere on the beach?

Getting on and off the catamaran is very easy. They pull right up to the edge of the beach and a set of stairs drop down, you will be in ankle deep water. There is crew there to assist you if you have problems with the stairs. It is a great time in a very beautiful location.

They do say, though, that if the water us a bit rough, they can't go right to the beach. You'd have to swim about 10 feet or something. And it says you have to be able to swim. So I'm not sure that's the best choice for him...

You will get a different locker each time you go. So you won't be able to store anything for the week. You have to return the locker key as you leave the spa.

Not unless they have a spa suite. Suite passengers have to buy a spa pass too. At least on every ship I've been on.

I would bring a small bottle of sweet vermouth and pay corkage. A better plan might be to go to the bar and get a glass of vermouth neat. You can make a number of manhattans from that.

 

Also consider a few airplane miniatures tucked away in your checked bag.

We just buy a glass of it at a bar and put it into a Mason jar we pack. Lasts the whole cruise for us.