Luvmesomeme

I will check those cruise lines. I traveled on Holland America, it was a 7 day cruise from New York and I believe that we were docked on Front Street for 4 days. I believe they have changed their itinerary. I appreciate your responses.

A few years ago I took a cruise with my husband for our anniversary. It was a cruise with only one stop in Bermuda and I loved it. Why? Because we stayed at the same location (front street) from the time we docked until sail away. I was really able to enjoy the port. I enjoyed getting off every day and walking across the street to the shops, taking the local bus to the beach and other local tourist areas. I didn't have to rush or worry about being left in Bermuda. I have not found many cruises like this lately. I have been on more port intensive cruises and as a matter of fact am going on one next month but have found that I am very tired after these. I just want to enjoy, relax, and have the time to explore at my leisure. Anyone know of a cruise line that specialize in single destination cruises?

nothing wrong with my ego...i and quite possibly the other's who posted similar advice was simply trying to point out that maybe their comments on the reviews was not as it seemed at face value....it was meant as a discussion nothing more...enjoy your cruise...and hopefully your friends will become hooked as well....

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So we're trying to convince a couple to come aboard with us last minute on our upcoming cruise. Prices are great!

 

I get hit this morning with "have you read the cruise critic reviews??"

 

Looked at what they were talking about... people saying things like "the menu's each night in the MDR never changed except for 1 item"

 

I know everything's subjected, but do some people just not pay attention? Of course that's something we all know is false- of course they change.

 

Other things like people saying everything besides that and the Windjammer were extra (didnt mention cafe promenade, Sorrentos) and that the shows were all "sold out" so they couldn't go.

 

Frustrating bc I've been on 19 cruises with Royal and never experienced those things. Now I've got to make my friends "take my word" :o

It appeared that you were really struggling using the terminology that you were using, therefore some of us were just trying to help.

Man, I appreciate the discussion... but I think some of you really like to go on here and act like you're the be-all, know-alls. They do wanna, go- they just pointed out the bad reviews.

 

Update: They are booked in a D-2 (got lucky, the price dropped $100 from this morning!) and are excited.

 

I wasn't asking whether or not you all thought they wanted to go or not, I was just pointing out some of the ridiculousness of some people's reviews (i.e. things like "menu doesn't change at all from day to day)

 

Sorry... what's even more frustrating is that I've been coming to these boards since 2006, and I've seen it go from great to just ok bc some people have a huge inflated ego and constantly start fighting with people. It's a little nuts!

I didn't notice seeing in any of the other posts anyone insulting or fighting with anyone else. I would have thought that since you did post your frustrations that you were seeking input.

I am sailing on january 18th on the Jewel. I was so looking forward to this. I had been looking for the option to book and had not seen it so I called RCI. The first time I called they said it was being offered but to call back in a few weeks. I called back...they said perhaps it was full. I told them that it had never been offered as an option. Finally I got someone who put me on hold so they could speak with the dining manager. Finally found out that they are having a change in cast and it will not be offered again until mid February. I just wish one of the earlier reps I spoke to offered to check with the dining manager, at least I would not have been waiting for months for the answer. Oh well...I'm sure I will find some drama somewhere on the ship ;).

It appears that they don't really want to go and is looking for a reason not to go. It's better that they make up their minds for themselves without you trying to convince them. If you convince them, every negative experience that they have will be your fault which could impact your vacation negatively. It was never in the original plan for them to go anyway.

I have had vacations with friends that were great and I have also had some that made me wonder what I was thinking when I invited them. Good luck either way.

repeat

Hi - It had the flat panel in the living room corner. I've posted some pictures on cruiselinerooms .com. I tried copying the link here but it keeps changing to *******. Must be against the rules. If you go to the site, inquire on the ship then deck then room and you can see my pictures.

 

You'll love the suite! Its close to the elevators and the concierge lounge. The overflow for the crowded lounge was up in the Hollywood Odyssey. It was much less crowded up there with a better view. Same snacks and drink choices. Have a great birthday trip!

Thank you! I looked on so many sites for this room such as cruisedeckplan.com and could not find it. Thanks for such a speedy response and thanks for the well wishes!

I wasn’t really planning a formal review but I’ll do a short version here. This trip was for my husbands and my 35th wedding anniversary. We both work such long hours that we really only wanted to relax on this trip so didn’t pre-plan any excursions. We splurged for a Grand suite (#1550) and loved it. We spent many hours relaxing on the balcony. We arrived in San Juan on Wednesday and did some sightseeing prior to the cruise Saturday.

In each port we pretty much just went into town and walked around. Had some meals in some cute local places, found the post offices to mail postcards and tried some local beers (DH did, not me).

In St. Croix we wandered over to the American Legion post but it was closed. We took some pictures of the building to show to the legion folks here in Vista, CA. In St. Maarten we took a ‘taxi’ to Maho beach and watched the planes land. My husband loved that! A fellow cruiser advised us how to get there. In St. Maarten if you take the water taxi into the main town area, the second street over is Backstreet. First is Boardwalk, then Frontstreet, then Backstreet. On Backstreet, vans come along and have signs for where they’re headed. Apparently this is very normal and safe in St. Maarten. The fare is $2 a person each way. They do stop now and then to pick up and drop off locals. We met some lovely people on the way. We hung out at the Sunset Bar & Grill and got some great shots of planes landing.

The Jewel was wonderful and in mostly great shape. We did notice a few minor things. In the gym, a LOT of the machines were out of order. Some didn't have signs on them but when I tried to use them had problems. All 3 ATM’s on board were also out of order. We were able to get cash for extra tips at the Casino. They’re probably waiting til drydock to replace everything. :). A few nights there was loud clanging from outside that caused less than restful sleep. This was apparently a loose metal railing along the side of the ship below deck 9 that was fixed on Thursday (I think that was the day).

The food was good and all the crew we met were just wonderful. We had a great steward who took good care of us. Karen Hernandez was the concierge and she was great too!

If anyone has any questions I’ll be happy to try to answer.

Barb

I will be in this suite in January for my 50th birthday. Was there a flat screen TV or the older model? I do plan to spend time in the room relaxing and ordering room service.

What area of San Juan is the Howard Johnson & Radisson in? Has anybody stayed there to give a quick review?

I hear that they are in the condado beach area where there are restaurants, drug stores etc. The beach is about a block from the Radisson. I usually go on Trip advisor before I book a room.

I will be there at the same time and find that some hotels are already booked. I booked a room at the Raddison for under $200. Also the Howard Johnson is starting at $94 with the AAA discount.