JJK2008

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.

Safe travels. Enjoy.

Many don't know that they when you book a cruise through a TA, you are NOT the customer of the cruise line, the TA is the customer. You are a customer of the TA. That's why RCCL won't talk to you, you're not their customer. Many here on CC swear by TA. I'm sure there are good ones. But personally, we never use a TA. Prefer to book directly with the cruise line. If an issue does arise, nice to be able to deal direct without a middleman. It works for us but not for everybody. Good Luck.

The port for Rome is actually in Civitavecchia a good 45 minutes to an hour north of the airport at FCO. We flew into FCO and got a limo service to take us to Civitavecchia. We stayed at the San Giorgio Hotel in Civitavecchia which is about a mile from the port. They have a shuttle service to the port. Very nice, boutique style hotel across the street from the Mediterranean. Beautiful sunset. If you go this route look up this hotel on-line. Highly recommend.

You achieved your goal again with this post, as it made me smile.😃 Thank You!!!! Well said.

You can almost always get onboard early. The key word being "always" as they may decide to enforce the time slots, no guarantee. We've always got on early, usually very early. Good Luck.

YES, JVes I do mean it, as I'm certain the others on here posting do as well. Each of us has or will have burdens in our life. Some will be worse than others. I too have my issues, health issues but serious ones. Each day is a gift not to be overlooked. YES, that is easier said than done many days. But the key to winning this battle is to NEVER give up. Find what is good in every day no matter how small the good is and give Thanks.

You're almost always allowed to check in early.

Might just depend on who you get. We had virtually the same experience, but they let through WITH the honey. Weeks later we brought it back to the USA. No problem. Guess we were lucky.

Very courageous posting. I can relate in a small way. NEVER give in. That is the only sure way to lose. Thoughts and prayers to you.

DITTO!!!!!!

Speak to your Doctor before you go and get meds. Take over the counter meds with you. Keep your stomach full...do NOT go hungry. Eat green apples from the buffet every day. TRY not to convince yourself you are going to be sick. VERY few people prone to motion sickness actually get seasick on cruise ships. As a last resort, get in the pool on the ship. The water in the pool moves with the ship and has a calming effect. Good Luck. Enjoy your cruise.

Anything they would give comes out of their bottom-line.

There are threads here on CC that address the tipping subject extensively. I'd suggest you read through all of them as there are a number of different opinions and reasons. Once informed, let your conscious be your guide.

The Royal Caribbean Group announced that it has entered into an agreement with the French shipbuilder Chantiers de l’Atlantique to build the new ship. The French shipbuilder is to build the seventh Oasis Class ship for the Royal Caribbean International fleet in 2028. “While we eagerly anticipate the debut of Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas this summer, we’re already dreaming up her sister ship and the next installation in the brand’s extremely popular Oasis Class,” said Jason Liberty, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group.

There is a Roll Call for this sailing.

This topic comes up a good deal and I'm sure will continue to be brought up. I always chuckle at the Americans who claim they want to follow the culture of the country they visit, yet in a "no tipping" country they will then use every excuse they can think of to NOT follow the NO TIP culture. I'm an American and it absolutely FROSTS me why some Americans can't just get it through their heads that countries like Australia and New Zealand are NO TIPPING POLICY countries!!! Just read the comments from the Americans. Far too many Americans will continue to push the issue even after asking the question and receiving the answer. There are numerous posts on here where the American will ask about tipping and will be advised not to do so but the American will not accept this and openly say they will tip anyway because they "know it's the right thing to do" As an American I am embarrassed by these arrogant fellow countrymen. I'm not going to get into the whole wage thing, but tipping is an American custom that is NOT followed in most of the world. Far too many Americans CLAIM they want to be immersed in the culture of the country they visit, yet they force THEIR beliefs (such as tipping) on the citizens of the country they are visiting. To tip or not tip in a NO TIP culture is NOT a "cheap" vs "generous" gesture. It is a complete disregard for that culture and shows nothing but disrespect for the people. When you are in a NO TIP culture, DON'T TIP!!!!! Not that hard.