Napagirl

I've been watching it now and then on YouTube. I love how fancy everyone dressed for dinner.

I have had one cruise that had simply outstanding vegan meals in the MDR and that was on the Grand - and the maitre d was vegan! That's probably why it was so great. All the others have been ok, didn't starve but not as good as what I make at home by a long shot. Fortunately I don't cruise to eat. I just want to get reasonably tasty food to stay alive and healthy. lol I've never seen a salad bar that didn't have oil/vinegar - I will ask for it if I don't. It's a bit disheartening to hear that the Crown was so lacking which is the ship I'm on in October. But at least I'll be expecting it and then it won't bother me so much.

Hoping all is well with you ❤️

I didn't see a huge difference between the two ships. But sailing under the Golden Gate Bridge and the surrounding scenery is spectacular!

Yes we'll be arriving early, we learned our lesson. We are embarking from San Francisco at the smaller pier again and last time it was a three hour line outdoors. There is no lounge area. But we'll just have to do our best and see how it goes!

A few more minutes was never a concern. We are boarding in San Francisco at the smaller pier which was a THREE hour line for our last cruise. UGH Would be too much for our traveling companions this time.

Oh my, we thought we'd go ahead and pick up our medallions at the port this time but we need to rethink this. Perhaps faster to embark if we get them shipped to us.

We've loved Sabatini's on all but one cruise so I think that was an isolated experience. We enjoy the atmosphere, service, food, presentation and overall experience. It's a must-do every time for us.

I agree! What they might not have thought about is that a vegan menu also accommodates a vegetarian diet. It's very easy to add cheese or cream to something if one wants to do so. But you can't take it out.

You must have misunderstood me. I never said you have to tip to get good service. Nor did I say that you won't get good or even great service if you don't tip.

I don't get where you're going...why does it matter? I have received tips before and after service, I have given tips before and after service. ::shrug::

Goodness I've needed at least two bags of popcorn for this thread but it has delivered! I'm falling out over calling a tip before service a bribe. I guess you could make an argument in that direction! No shame here at all - I tip/bribe our steward right up front, tip the bartenders and whoever else is serving me. As someone who has worked in hospitality most of my life I know how much those tips mean. I'm also kind and not rude to them - just as important. And I also know that yes, I will get preferential treatment but not in the way some think. In the hospitality biz, everyone should get treated to a certain standard regardless of tips or not. The tippers get a little more, though not at the cost of anyone else getting what they "deserve" as a customer. Besides it makes me feel like a baller. Now, take some popcorn and pass it around.

Those of us who work or used to work in the hospitality industry get it and usually are big tippers. IYKYK (if you know, you know - for those who don't follow acronyms)

In April 2022 they had a Beyond Burger which was easily made vegan. That was nice for me because my husband loved the food and I could get something. If they took that off I guess it's out for me.

As one who stood in that hours long line I can tell you that you are not allowed inside the pier until you get there via the line. Also, even if you begged, the line was so long that it was actually closer to get to the bathrooms at Pier 39. And even then, it was a hike either way and I know I didn't want to walk ten or 15 minutes through the crowd to get to the entrance only to be refused.

I was in the April 2022 embarkation long line jamboree and I wanted to make a note about the bathrooms. We made friends with the folks around us in line and took turns "holding places" while others went to the bathroom. There are public bathrooms at Pier 39, the touristy shopping area. Our line reached back to that area and barely moved so there was ample opportunity to go when needed. We did get a little sunburned so I suggest wearing a hat at least. We wore sunscreen but standing for three hours in the sun with no shade is going to burn many of us. We'll be doing it again in October so this time we'll be better prepared.

On the Ruby there was this peanut butter chocolate pastry at the International Cafe' that was out of this world. It was only put out that one morning and I never saw it again. Friends sailed on her a few months later and I told them about it - they never saw it. Did I dream it?

We at twice at the SD on the Ruby because it was so good. Fingers crossed that we'll have a good experience there on the Crown.

You don't tuck a napkin under your chin? haha I know what you mean!

Ah, I was thinking I had to get a formal outfit that is gold and white, but I would rather bring a really fun gold lame' blouse and change after dinner for the party. Still looking for something that is reminiscent of the 70s Love Boat!

Look up Luggage Hero

I just want to know why a Love Boat theme doesn't suggest dressing in 70s attire! In fact, I might do it. Now to find a gold lame' jumpsuit that fits...

You're the best, thank you! This will allow us to cover at night and easily remove in the day when we actually want to the light.

I think it's the difference between light and heavy sleepers. That bright light wakes me right up if hubby gets up in the night. And if I get up, I don't want so much light because it will wake me up too much. So we cover the sensor. I have always brought an LED candle that stays lit at night on the shelf by the bathroom and that has been enough for us to find our way in the dark.

It's going to depend on which pier - 27 is the original one and I have never had an issue going out of that pier. 35 is much smaller and when we sailed in April 2022 the line was about three hours long. We will be using the smaller pier in October and I WILL report back about it. From what I have read on the boards, it's helpful to get the earliest boarding time. But if it's still a super long line, some people relax at a restaurant nearby and wait it out.