tally10

Hi,

 

I cruised with my parents and brother on Royal Caribbean's Sun Viking back in 1983 from Miami to Barbados (first half of a 14-day cruise). All four of us were in a very small inside cabin. However, we had a wonderful time and the food and service were excellent. In fact, I still remember the names of our waiter and head waiter (and I have done 50 cruises since then). The Sun Viking didn't have a rock climbing wall, atrium, or cabins with balconies, but it was a pretty and elegant little ship.

 

In those days, Royal Caribbean had different theme nights in the dining room each evening. For example, on Italian Night, the waiters would hang up Italian flags and decorations in the dining room and wear themed uniforms. It was a different world back then.

 

Chuck

We did that exact same cruise on the Sun Viking. It also went to Caracas, I believe. It was a small ship but we had a wonderful time on her, too. We flew back from Barbados on BWI Airlines. The flight was awful. Even the cockpit door was open and the captain had some children in there with him "flying the plane." There were some chickens in a crate in the cabin and the smells in there were awful. I have never forgotten it. But the cruise and itinerary were worth it!:D

Den,

 

I agree 100%. These are the good days of cruising -- this from a guy who took his first cruise in 1978 and have cruise number 38 coming up in December. It's all experience and frame of reference! My first cruise cost $654, 7-day cruise only, and it was my least impressive cruise! (Starward) My second cruise was on Sitmar and it was a huge improvement, but not even close to the experience you get today.

 

Everything is impressive when you are inexperienced and forking over big bucks for the trip of a lifetime. Today, we take a "trip of a Lifetime" every three months.

 

Enjoy!

Kel:)

Hey, don't knock the Starward-LOL. We had our honeymoon cruise on her in 1974 and it was great. We were seated in the MDR with another honeymooning couple (only they fought the whole time time!) and had the best time. We were thrilled to have a window in our cabin rather than an inside. We had a choice between a big wedding or a cruise. Guess what these two poor college students chose: the Starward! And yes, I had forgotten, but as mentioned in another post, we DID throw bon voyage streamers. Not environmentally friendly but we did not think about it in those days. It was all very exciting. And , the Starward is still sailing somewhere in the far east, I believe.:)

I, too, cruised with my family as a child and things were so different. The quality of food was totally different and it was very sumptuous. The service was just amazing (as it is for the most part today). As a teen growing up near Port Everglades, we used to pile in the car and go down to the port after school and visit the ships (not much security then). On board, you had the sense that this was the way the upper crust traveled and I used to dream about a life like that!

Cruising is still wonderful and the pricing attracts everyone. No more for the rich and famous only. People can all experience this and it is still our preferred vacation. I think for the money, it is still the best out there. It is just different from the "old days."

I suspect X is reluctant to change to smart casual because unfortunately today too many people don't seem to understand "smart casual" and you will see shorts, t-shirts, knit shirts, jeans, cargo pants etc for men and jeans, tees, halter tops and shorts for women. Unfortunately today for most of us, "give us a finger and will take the arm". Formal wear has evolved as per the discussions on this thread, what do you really think would happen if it was replaced by "smart" or "elegant" casual??

Well, I don't recall seeing shorts, halter tops (except on evening gowns), raggedy jeans, etc. in the MDR on ANY of the cruise lines I have been on (even Carnival in the Med), only in the buffets. I think most people dress pretty much according to smart casual and above, unless it is in the Carribbean. I can't comment on the Carribbean because I have not cruised the Carribbean in ages. We cruise the longer European or transatlantic cruises. I think the majority of people know to dress decently for dinner in the MDR or specialty restaurants.

I agree with you on that!

 

There appears to be two contingencies: one that wishes the cruiseline to maintain the status quo regarding formalwear and another who would prefer Smart Casual. I guess we will have to "wait and see" to learn the outcome. So far' date=' it seems that the cruiseline is on the fence, not wanting to discourage anyone from sailing with them.[/quote']

 

We totally agree. They need to fill their ships and we don't think they want to alienate anyone from either side of this issue.

We often say to each other that we can't understand why some people give themselves the stress of having to dress up (or not dress up and get glared at' date=' spoken to, etc.) if they hate it so much...just pick a cruise line without a formal dress code!

 

DH loves wearing his tux, perhaps more because he paid a mint for it and is deep down a cheapskate, and therefore feels he's getting more of his money's worth with each passing formal event. Regardless, other than the appearance, the difference between a sport coat and slacks versus a suit jacket and suit trousers is nil, unless you ditch the tie.[/quote']

 

Believe it or not, people choose Celebrity for reasons OTHER than the formal dress code, maybe despite it. We have no intention of chosing another cruise line. If Celebrity changed the dress code in any way, would you go with another line that has the formal nights? DH will grudgingly pack a sport coat and dress slacks, but he hates every minute of the formal nights. We tried the buffet on one formal night on the Eclipse, and it was miniscule. Pizza, pasta, sushi, and salads. So, he will be toting his sport coat and slacks on the next one. He would never buy a suit for a cruise because it would be sitting in the closet at home.

Deck - 7

Cabin # - 7221

Class –2A

Starboard or Port Side -Port

Bed near?(balcony or bath) –Bath

Quiet Cabin – Very Quiet especially when the sliding doors in the central area are closed as it prevents the music/noise from the Centrum

Balcony View - On the hump and can see forward and aft

Balcony Size? Normal. Loved the chairs that can convert to a full lounger.

Was wind a problem? No

If an aft cabin, was soot a problem?

Any specific problems with this cabin? No

Any other comments? There were three of us in this cabin and it was very, very tight. Cabin was smaller than what we are used to. Storage space lacking for three but would be ok for two. Upper bunk was comfortable for our adult daughter but we kept tripping over the ladder. Very nice and new and spotless. Near the elevators so it was a fantastic location.

Stateroom 7221 has a fold out sofa bed and an upper berth. Those sleeping configurations are always by the balcony, with the bed by the bath.

Thank you! We did not know that when we picked the cabin so long ago.:)

Just remember that bed location alternates. For example, 7223 was reported to have bed by balcony. Therefore, 7221 will have bed by bath. If your actual cabin has not been listed yet, finding one very close to your location can be useful. Hope this helps.

Thanks for your reply. The third person with us wanted to be by the balcony, and we did not know where the actual bed would be.:)

Deck -

Cabin # -

Class –

Starboard or Port Side -

Bed near?(balcony or bath) –

 

Quiet Cabin (With comments on problems. Note if connecting. ) –

 

Balcony View - Give comments on view, noting if location of any obstructions was an issue. –

 

Balcony Size? Normal or oversized for class? -

 

Was wind a problem?

 

If an aft cabin, was soot a problem?

 

Any specific problems with this cabin?

 

Any other comments?

Sorry, got a bit confused as I really wanted to know the location of the bed as there are three of us. I can actually fill this out after our Eclipse cruise coming up really soon.

Deck -

Cabin # -

Class –

Starboard or Port Side -

Bed near?(balcony or bath) –

Quiet Cabin (With comments on problems. Note if connecting. ) –

Balcony View - Give comments on view, noting if location of any obstructions was an issue. –

Balcony Size? Normal or oversized for class? -

Was wind a problem?

If an aft cabin, was soot a problem?

Any specific problems with this cabin?

Any other comments?

I feel like such a newbie! We waited until we were retired before we found cruising. Now we're hooked. (I swear, they should put a warning labels on the boarding passes for first-time cruisers advising them that cruising can be addictive!) The trip was memorable because in five days we were caught in not one but two hurricanes, Wilma and Alpha. We still loved it.

 

Our first cruise (Civilian type - I spent 22 years in the Navy) was in 2005, on Carnival's Celebration, out of JAX. We were hooked.

 

Does anyone know the final disposition of Celebration? I know she was stricken from Carnival's fleet in 2006 or 2007. Her sister ship, Holiday makes her last run from here in Mobile the first week of next month. I don't know who is buying her. She'll be replaced by Fantasy until next spring when Fantasy will be replaced by Elation.

We saw the Celebration in Civitavecchia, Italy a year ago. Still has the Carnival stack although repainted and called the "Grand Celebration" I believe. She looked really good. We sailed on her, too, in the 1980's.

I feel like such a newbie! We waited until we were retired before we found cruising. Now we're hooked. (I swear, they should put a warning labels on the boarding passes for first-time cruisers advising them that cruising can be addictive!) The trip was memorable because in five days we were caught in not one but two hurricanes, Wilma and Alpha. We still loved it.

 

Our first cruise (Civilian type - I spent 22 years in the Navy) was in 2005, on Carnival's Celebration, out of JAX. We were hooked.

 

Does anyone know the final disposition of Celebration? I know she was stricken from Carnival's fleet in 2006 or 2007. Her sister ship, Holiday makes her last run from here in Mobile the first week of next month. I don't know who is buying her. She'll be replaced by Fantasy until next spring when Fantasy will be replaced by Elation.

We saw the Celebration in Civitavecchia, Italy a year ago. Still has the Carnival stack although repainted and called the "Grand Celebration" I believe. She looked really good. We sailed on her, too, in the 1980's.

NCL Starward to Ocho Rios, Port Antonio, Nassau...August 1974. now that makes me feel old!

 

Beverly

We were on the NCL Starward in August of 1974 for our belated honeymoon with the same itinerary. We lived in Florida then but the cruise could have been the same week as yours. Small world. It was great! My first cruise, however, was on the Ariadne to Cozumel about 5-6 years before that one. She exists no more. She was more like an overgrown yacht, but I still have the pictures somewhere. Very elegant with lots of wood.:)

NCL Starward to Ocho Rios, Port Antonio, Nassau...August 1974. now that makes me feel old!

 

Beverly

We were on the NCL Starward in August of 1974 for our belated honeymoon with the same itinerary. We lived in Florida then but the cruise could have been the same week as yours. Small world. It was great! My first cruise, however, was on the Ariadne to Cozumel about 5-6 years before that one. She exists no more. She was more like an overgrown yacht, but I still have the pictures somewhere. Very elegant with lots of wood.:)

Hello.

Stockholm Card is not valid at hop on hop off buses and boats.

If you are planing to see a lot of mueums and going with buses and underground, then Stockholmscard is a good choice.

If you just planning to walk around and want to see the town from the water, then a hop on hop boat service is a good choice.

Thanks for your reply. The HOHO boat sounds interesting. Have you heard any critique about it? Do you know if it takes you any place different than the HOHO buses? Thanks for the information and your help.

I live in Stockholm and love all the cruiseships that are comming here all the summer.

 

Do you need any information about the town or transportation, just ask and I will try to answer....

We have been to Stockholm twice before on cruise ships and have usually just walked around old town and gone across the bridge into the newer part of the city. Is there anything you would suggest that is "not to be missed?" Thanks for your input. We won't be there until May of 2010 but are planning for this itinerary now.

Clo was on my Jewel of the Seas transatlantic last March and she was absolutely the best! We had Bill Brunckhorst on the Brilliance in Dec. 07, just three months prior and he was nowhere as good or funny as she was.

Our last cruise in December' date=' our room stewart was extremely friendly and always around in the morning and evening. On the first formal night we were talking and joking with him about the food. He mentioned that he would love to be able to eat in the dinning room. He would love a good steak dinner. Well we went off to dinner, but I got to thinking about what he said. The next night I asked him if he would like me to bring him back some food from the buffet. He said yes, if it wouldn't be to much of a problem or going out of my way. I asked him what he would like, he mentioned steak, fish, and rice. It seems they don't get any steak and fish in the crew dinning room. I went up to the buffett, put togehter a plate, brought it down to our room and left it for him along with silverware and a drink from the mini-fridge. That way he was able to eat it in our room while he was doing his evening chores in our room. You can't image how appreciate he was the next morning. Over the course of the rest of the week, we brought him other treats from the buffet. I think he was sad to see us leave that cruise![/quote']

 

I had never thought of that. I just assumed they had the same dining room food since the food is mass produced. The fact that he was able to enjoy it out of sight probably was a good thing for him, too. They are on that ship for long periods so I am sure that was special to him. Since we discontinued the gift bags, we would like to do something they would appreciate besides the $$$. They do work so hard for their money. In all of our cruises, we have only had one mediocre steward and one really bad waiter/assistant waiter. Usually, they are so good at what they do.

We did the gift bag thing on one of our cruises after finding out that others do it. Filled it with useful things. Our room steward did NOT seem to appreciate it, but did take it. That was the first and last time. All of the others are right, just give cash above and beyond the tip.:)

Going through the Bay of Biscaye was rough (usually is) and a lot of people were sick (did not bother us so just guess it will depend how sensitive you are). The weather was great and after we left Funchal it was HOT! We did a more southerly route than you will be doing and you will be two weeks later but you should still have pretty nice weather. I am convinced that the fall ta is better than the spring but they keep pushing the fall later and later.

 

The Windjammer had a lot of British foods (mushy peas, English bacon, etc.) and that was fine with me as I like all of those and found it to be a nice change. There were also tea kettles & tea in the rooms. While I like tea a lot, I did not use these but I'm sure many appreciated having it available.

I was a bit disappointed in the desserts in the WJ but thats OK too--I surely don't need them.

We did a crossing on the Brilliance last December and you are right, after Funchal, it was quite warm (we brought all of the wrong clothes). The pools were packed. We have been so lucky with the Bay of Biscay on all of our cruises, so naturally I want to be prepared on this one. I wear the patch but sometimes the side to side movement from the wind bothers me. Had huge seas the last time and the Jewel handled them just fine, but I do worry. I guess that will be the negative from switching from the more southerly route with the Equinox. Thanks for the info!

We were on the Indy transatlantic and it was a most enjoyable cruise.

Actually, I was prepared NOT to like this ship because of size but it is just like Mariner on steroids and did not seem crowded (except for elevators). There were plenty of activities for all those sea days (altho I did not participate in many--read, instead). Will be happy to answer any specific questions.

We have switched to the Indy transatlantic for Nov. 22, 2009. How were the seas? Did she handle them well? What activities did they have? This will be our fifth transatlantic and we have had 2 smooth crossings and 2 rough ones. How did the Windjammer compare with other RCCL ships? Thanks for any input!

We vote for Clo. She was on our Jewel transatlantic last March. We heard she is now on the Brilliance. Far better than any other CD on any cruise line.

My late father and mother sailed on the Stardancer on an Alaska itinerary and there was an incident where the ship rolled to a 45 degree angle. Lots of breakage and freaked out people. They were ready to disembark after that. Not sure what they did do, but they really liked the ship prior to that experience.

You guys are great! I've never been on a cruise, or to the Med. but I'm happily going in Nov on Summit (With above Cathy Cruises, actually). I'm adding all these ideas to our "Top10" souvenirs at each port information on our website and appreciate you guys giving us new ideas every day!

 

Susan~

http://www.freewebs.com/summitnov1/

Loved your website and how you made a book about it! We are on the Carnival Freedom Oct.25th cruise so we will run into you on this trip. I found your info very useful and you did a great job!!! Our C.C. thread is very small. No private tour interest, either. We have always enjoyed a big group and private tours and many new friends. Hopefully, we will have a great cruise despite this.