JJK2008

Carnival does the same thing, perhaps others as well.

Both RCI and X have been having problems for weeks. Frustrating!!!

We recently booked the Millenium cruise for August 18, 2025. I have never been to Japan, but my DW has many years ago. It is a long way off, but we too are starting to plan. I have also started a roll call for that cruise but don't expect much activity yet. There is lots of info out there here on CC as well as other sites to sift through. I've read every post on this thread and have already found a wealth of information. If you have not done so, I'd suggest doing the same, you may get the answers you're looking for. We have many Aussie friends scattered along the east coast. We visited Oz last October and November for 7 weeks. I truly hope we get a chance to visit again. It was a wonderful trip. Hope you decide to book the cruise. Stay Safe & Healthy. Cheers.

It has been happening for weeks on both RCI & X.

DW and I had a similar experience years ago on Royal Caribbean. Agree the medical staff was excellent. Glad you're feeling better.

In years past, many of the cruise lines had really nice pool towels with embroided logos on them. Of course, many of them disappeared. Hence, today we have cheap towels and a charge if you don't return them.

Sorry to hear that Mic. Get well soon. Try to have patience and heal. Easier said than done of course. Stay positive.

Water levels problems occur when water is too high or too low. Mid-summer is right in the middle of the winter snow runoff so we guessed it would be a better chance of being not too high or low. But this is just a guess. We did it mid-June and were fine with the water levels and the days were the longest giving lots of daylight. Great cruise. Enjoy it.

Get well soon Mic. I can relate. I'm barely over surgery from Mid-December and I have another one scheduled for May10th. Just want to get them over with. Wishing you a speedy recovery BUT a healthy one and that takes a bit of time. Want you back on-track for that next cruise and the one after that and the one after that......

WOW....that just Sucks!!! So sorry. Hope your surgery goes well. Wishing you a speedy recovery.

Unlike an ocean cruise you can board pretty early in the morning 10:00ish. With only 180 guests there are no "lines" to worry about. You just walk on and check in. Cabin should be available as soon as you board. Yes, lunch is served day 1 and yes you can come and go freely. Viking usually has a walking tour even on day 1 that you can participate in or go on your own. River cruising is way more relaxed and less structured than an ocean cruise. Enjoy your cruise.

Couldn't agree more. There are many here on CC who swear by using a TA. In our years of travel, 99% of the time we do all our own bookings directly with the cruise line, airline, hotel, etc. Many don't realize that if you book through a TA, the TA is the customer of the cruise line. You as the passenger are a customer of the TA. If an issue arises (which they often do) the cruise line will not even talk to you. You MUST go through the TA since the TA is the customer NOT you. This has come as a shock to many who have become agitated when a problem arises, and the cruise line won't even talk to them. While I'm sure there are many really good TA's out there, not all are created equal. For us it is a personal choice to book direct. We like the personal touch. This is not for everyone. To each their own.

Go to the Roll Call for your cruise and post there.

There are a few different threads here on CC with varied opinions about the prison break and how it may affect Laberdee. Amber Cove is in the DR. But given the volatility on those islands, I'm guessing the cruise lines are keeping a close watch. All it would take is some small incident and those locations would become a ghost town for a long time.

RCI has invested a lot of money on Laberdee. I'm certain RCI is monitoring things intensely. It is a roll of the dice. One incident, even a small one and Laberdee could become a ghost town for a long time.

If I remember correctly, MTD starts at 5:15. They hold tables until that time then start giving them away.

Sometimes a passing can be a blessing depending on the circumstances. But the loss is never easy. Condolences to you.

Was wondering the same thing. "A United Nations’ source said Sunday that around 3,500 prisoners are believed to have escaped Haiti’s National Penitentiary in Port-Au-Prince during the weekend." According to the report, the total prison population was 3,687. Almost all inmates escaped.

Safe travels. Enjoy.

Try turning the flash fully on, so it is on even before the picture is taken, This works sometimes.

OK I confess, the curiosity got me, and I checked the HAL boards for the comments. Opinions are like a certain body orifice; we ALL have one. I commend Mic for maintaining his decorum. The cruise overall was good, minus the hiccups in the MDR. Mic, by your upcoming itineraries you don't let bumps in the road stop you. THAT is what counts. Good Job. You guys are living life right. Safe Travels.

I love it. You guys are doing life right. Good for you. Safe travels.

Many here on CC don't realize that when you book through a TA, the TA is the customer of the cruise line NOT you as the passenger. You are a customer of the TA. This is why they won't talk to you. It can be a hard lesson learned. We've seen it numerous times over the years. I know we are in the minority in that we never use a TA. We ALWAYS book direct. We have dealt with similar circumstances as yours and it's always easier to speak with the cruise line direct. In our experience the cruise line has always been very accommodating. The cruise line WANTS to solve the problem and will work with you. Doesn't mean you'll always get what you want, but the issue is usually resolved satisfactorily. I know many here on CC swear by using a TA. Yes, when things go smoothly, GREAT. But when issues arise (which they often do) not all TA are the same. IMHO, it's just not worth using a TA to get a bottle of wine in the cabin or a couple of hundred dollars of OBC. Good Luck.

DITTO with Booking.com. They make the reservation and then let you pay upon arrival at the hotel. Never had an issue with them even for cancellations.

I would say we are in the minority here on CC. I have posted before about booking direct rather than use a TA and many on here get very indignant about it. Yes, I'm sure there are good TA and if everything goes as planned, the trip is great. BUT if an issue arises (which it does often) the TA is the customer. Some TA's, I'm sure put a good effort into solving the issues for the customer (the passenger). But others, not so much. Use a TA or book direct yourself, the choice is yours. In our humble opinion getting a bottle of wine in the cabin or a few hundred dollars of OBC is not worth it. To each there own.