brd1121

Thanks, yes I saw that information in the terms of Cheers- Alaska doesn’t have state sales tax but municipalities do so I was more asking about what people have experienced when sailing

I tried searching for existing answers but came up empty- does anyone know if Carnival charges taxes while in US waters sailing from Seattle-Tracy Arm Fjord-Skagway-Juneau-Ketchikan-Victoria (yes I know this isn't US). Thanks in advance!  Been awhile since I have cruised and I am so excited!

Thanks! Just checked and there are 4, mine, a Celebrity and it shows 2 Celestyal.

First timer----Do you recommend doing actual excursions in these ports, or is either one a place that can be enjoyed/explored on one's own? Trying to save a bit of money at one of my ports (Venice, Dubrovnik, Athens, Santorini, Ravenna)

Just started my research for NCL Star. This will be my first time in Greece and I am trying to find any ports I can explore on my own without booking an actual excursion. From my research so far, I think Santorini is best to go with an excursion do to the time it takes to get tendered, but what about Athens? The cruise also hits Dubrovnik, Ravenna and Venice (if you have any input but I plan on posting on the Italy and Croatia board).

:)

Royal and you do not get a cup from them either.

 

6&8

I got one on Royal just this March, but I learned the hard way about the dishwasher :(

When you have the UBP, do you receive a souvenir soda cup (like on RCCL)?

Does anyone know what bank affiliated ATMs are in the Barcelona El Prat airport?

I called my CC and she said this is not a new policy.

As someone else said-- not reserving pool chairs IS a policy and we know how strictly that is enforced......

FWIW, I called my PCC and was put on hold twice for her to check with her supervisor, who checked with other supervisors, and we told they have no information about any such "ban" and made point that the NCL rep quote

"For our guests' well-being and to maintain a beautiful clean environment for all of our guests to enjoy, we ask that they enjoy their meals while dining at one of our many restaurants." says that THEY ASK, not ENFORCE... She told me not to worry about this article and such a ban, especially from the buffet, would be something they would know about, and she also stated (off record) that something like that couldn't really be enforced.

Thanks all! We went with the Epic and Western Med cruise. Figured we should experience that ship with the entertainment and neither of us have been to Italy before. If funds allow, Jade will be my net Euro cruise. Thanks for your guidance!

I don't see any recent posts comparing the 2, especially now that so much has changed on Epic. Any thoughts?

It would be myself and a friend, both mid 30s single ladies.

First Euro cruise for both of us.

Jade is Adriatic, Epic is Western Med

Any info appreciated.

Planning my first European cruise and want to know which side of the ship would give the best balcony views of the ports: Venice, Dubroniv, Athens, Ephesus, and Split. Like I said, it's my first European cruise but I have been on many caribbean cruises where one side of the ship gets great views, the other just sees the ocean while in port. Any info will help. Thanks.

I want to know if a certain drink server is still onboard. He walks around during the day around the pool calling himself "The Vitamin Doctor" and "it's sippy sippy time". I know it sounds weird but I am cruising in a week and I hope to see him!

I leave in 18 days and all of these things are making me SO EXCITED!!!!

My best friend and I are teachers and this cruise will be our second spring break with drink packages. Last year, we tried (but failed because we made awesome friends at the pool bar) to get a drink at every bar before the muster drill! This might sound bad to those who don't drink, but we live 20 minutes from port and board very early- does that help???

So-- drinking without worrying how we are getting home, never gets old!

ok so the post title of "MUST" have was the wrong choice of words! Make it, Things you like to bring with you to make your stay more comfortable and convenient but don't necessarily need in order to enjoy your cruise.......:p

I already know to bring the power strip, bungee cords, duct tape, tea lights, etc... Any frequent cruisers have some new "must bring" ideas?

Does anyone know if the "vitamin doctor" still works on the Allure? If you've seen him, you'll know what I mean

:D

Same as retail. They had a 25% off sale night though!

Royal makes a frozen mojito, it's delicious and eliminates the annoying mint leaves sitting in the bottom of the glass! I have a rule that I must get one within 10 minutes of boarding (and I live in South Florida, so I tend to board before 11:00am!)... Just be careful of brain freeze!!!

With MTD, is the line to get a pager or must you stand in line the entire time while waiting for a table? Wouldn't mind a pager and sitting at a bar for a bit.

Thank you! Yes I think that was it from a few days ago, but I tried to find it today and couldn't.

I read a recent post about not being able to purchase the Royal Refreshment (soda only) package once onboard, can anyone confirm or dispute this from a recent sailing? Mom has onboard credit and prepaid gratuities and won't buy anything else on board so if this is the case, I'll "buy" her credit from her and use it for my own Premium Package. Thanks.

My mom and I LOVED listening to Pedro Lelana (sp?) play acoustic guitar in the main dining room during our dinner in the MDR on Oasis 2 years ago. We are sailing Allure with MTD in March, does anyone know if there is really good entertainment while dining? Pedro had the whole room singing along and it was really enjoyable.

Friends had a front cabin on Allure, it was kind of cool, awesome windows and lots of light. Easy to bump your head on the window slope. The cabin was MUCH larger than my Central Park balcony cabin.