bunzini

I always take covid tests with me.

Secondly, I am just amazed at how everyone think a little spritz of hand sanitizer is all you need...I have been on some of the newer ships (maybe NCL has these too, not sure) that RCL and Celebrity have that have hand washer stations as you walk into the buffet-and guess what?  Hardly anyone uses them!  Drives me nuts!  For awhile they only let you in if you washed, but that too has gone by the wayside.  Makes me sad.  Washing is better than a little spritz.  Just saying>>>

Am I missing something?  Is there a way to look at where all the ships will be going without searching each one separately?  Thanks!

On 11/3/2023 at 9:25 AM, Mannardh06 said:

We went here this past October. I know this is an old feed but we wanted to review our experience so others won't make the same mistake! We went here thinking we would see lots of things and take our time walking through. We paid $18 a person and as a bonus you get a piece of paper to access wifi and get a log in and password to use for an hour. When we went through there was only 2 rooms! It is extremely small and not a lot to see! We were done in less than 2 minutes. Then when we tried to use the internet, it never worked! It was a complete waste of money and time!!! We do not recommend going here at all!

Yes, thanks for the information.  We will be skipping it as well.

On 10/28/2023 at 11:36 AM, runner2013 said:

Fair enough, I don't disagree with a lot of what you say as well. But, (there's always a but isn't there:) my feelings are just that I've enjoyed the 'older' style type cruising and have no need for roller coasters, amusements or all the bells and whistles when I cruise. (not to say there's anything wrong with all those, it's just not my thing) I realize 'the world' is changing and the cruising industry will adapt, (they are a business after all) but as you see the building of more and more mega ships taking place, one of the things that also happens is the 'older' ships are sometimes sold off to pay for debts incurred to do this.  So on some level, I feel the cruise lines are sending out a subliminal message to us "slightly" older folks that our money isn't needed or maybe appreciated anymore because they are not interested in providing what we want in a cruise vacation and have moved on to a different generation who are willing to spend more money than we are. 

Again, just my feelings. 

I love both types of experiences.  When taking my family, I love all the 'extras' the kids will enjoy.  But I truly believe there are still a myriad of opportunities out there for what you consider your type of cruising.  For example, we just took a 17 day cruise on the Jewel which has very much of the charm you are speaking of.  Yes, they had a putt putt and a rock wall, but no roller coasters and the bells and whistles you speak of.  Look around, there are some really lovely ships out there seemingly just what you are looking for.  The Jewel of the Seas is a beautiful ship and there are several more in Royal's fleet as well as other cruise lines that do have just what you want.

I would love to know this as well.

We got off of a 17 day cruise a couple of weeks ago and I never got the final bill.  I had perused it on the app the last full day and all looked good, but I don't think I have ever not been emailed the final bill.  The thing is, when I looked back at my app since we had disembarked, the cruise and info were gone.  Really bugged me.  We were told we would get a paper copy and an email and we got neither.

On 9/28/2023 at 10:01 AM, Rogueperson said:

 

Rumors all over the place.  4 agents doing the entire ship.  Greenland is the reason we can’t use facial rec.  Jewel doesn’t have that capability.  I’m going to go with Aliens.  Yep.  Aliens

I do not think that Greenland is the reason.  We were on the sailing before you and also visited Greenland and we had a quick disembarkation AND facial recognition was used.

I am loving following this thread.  The pictures are just stunning!

14 minutes ago, OnTheJourney said:

Wait...a 30-minute time change? 

Yes, according to our captain, only happens there and somewhere in Australia!

BTW I follow Heidi on FB and she had posted about Buddy,

The cruise before this one was a 17 day starting in Amsterdam.  Then to Akureyri, Iceland for two nights, and then Isafjourdor, Iceland  After that we cruised Prins Christian Sund for six hours in Greenland.  Qaqortoq, Greenland next, then St. John's Newfoundland, Halifax, Sydney, Bayonne.  It was a fantastic trip!

18 hours ago, OnTheJourney said:

Hi Bunzini!  Remember our brief time together in Bermuda with Heidi and her dog Buddy? Gosh, seems like so long ago already.

I do and it was a fun day!  Bermuda was lovely and it was great going to Newport and MV.  Great trip! I did see on FB that little Buddy passed away.  Heidi had to be devastated.  

We were on the Jewel the cruise before this one and never got to see the Northern Lights -sounds like that happened to you as well. 

We were on the Jewel cruise before yours.  Loved Qaqortoq on the cruise before yours and loved it.  Also, in regards to the internet, I can not tell you how many times I had to step into the hallway outside our cabin to get a text to go through.  It was so annoying.  And we paid for Voom.

Thanks for the review!  The pics are stunning.  We are sailing on the Anthem in November.  When is the FREE Ifly and North Star?  On certain days?

Yes it is enclosed.  I believe only one hot tub, but the pool water was like a bath!

Loved your review!  Thanks for sharing with us!

Will the Jewel sail there in 2025?  And do they only sail there in July?  Would love something later in the summer or early fall.

On 6/20/2023 at 1:18 PM, Biker19 said:

If you can make your way to Amsterdam, the usually very high-priced arctic crossing on Jewel (8/28) is on the flier.

I am. actually on that sailing and at least for us the airfare is really high.  

Thank you NetworkGuy!  That is great information.  We will only have one extra day (we have been there before).  I didn't recall the HOHO then so maybe that is newer and will be perfect for what we want to do that day.  Also, great information on the taxi as well!

We plan to stay at the Renaissance this August.  Did you arrange transport from airport to the hotel ahead of time?  And what about from the hotel to the port?  Thanks!

We have cruised the last two years on Yeshiva.  Both on Oasis class ships, both out of Port Canaveral.  Since I enjoy the Solarium and their more 'healthy' foods, I was disappointed to not eat there, but overall okay with it.  The first time it all went fine and I hardly gave the large group a thought.  This year on the Wonder, it was a different story.  Met some wonderful people cruising with that group.  However, now that I know what time of the year to avoid, I will.  For some reason, this group was different than our prior experience.  

Communication/reassurance from the captain I feel certain would have alleviated much of the fear.  Sometimes that is all that is needed.

19 minutes ago, Hlitner said:

Poor babies!  We are not talking about cruising into a major hurricane (that happened to me on the old Celebrity Meridian) but simply moving into some rough seas.  To avoid those seas would have meant going hundreds of miles off course (assuming they had the time), being at least 1 or 2 days late into port (causing major issues for those aboard and all those waiting for the next cruise), etc.  Many of those now whining because they had a rough night would have whined because they missed their flights, had their schedule messed-up, etc.  My goodness, just look at the Carnival blog and you can already see folks asking about "compensation."  For what?  A rough night.

 

Like I said, my recent cruise had nearly a week of constant rough gale force weather.  So what?  We never heard anyone asking for compensation.  If you are on an airline flight that hits some turbulence, should you get compensation?  

 

While I agree with you that being a day or two late might be necessary for safety, if the info is correct that the Sunshine hit 70MPH winds and 17foot seas....this is just not that big of a deal under normal circumstances.  That is why we are curious about the water issues inside that ship.

 

Hank

 

 

I never said anything about compensation.  I am simply stating that sometimes I believe the cruise lines need to think through these decisions.  Was it worth it for them to get all this negative press?  I followed your cruise with the rough weather for five days because there was someone I knew on the ship.  No matter what, those types of conditions are not fun.  And yes, I am an experienced cruiser.  When RCL had a situation like this once (I believe it was worse), they hired a meteorologist (which he very recently left the company).  I thought that was a good move to give people at least a sense of security?  Just saying this reporting whether sensationalized is just what makes some say they never want to cruise or in this case, maybe never want to cruise again.

I think what bothers me the most is that many likely are taking their first cruise and if they were on this one, it likely will be their last.  Sometimes I think the cruise lines need to think these things through EVEN if they need to arrive late or another day for the next cruise.  It makes them look as if they have no regard for their passengers (or crew) and alienates many from considering cruising.  JMO

Put your cell on airplane mode, make sure you have wifi calling turned on on your cell.  Then just use it.  

9 hours ago, terrydtx said:

@Jim_Iain & @DaKahuna years ago I googled how Tilapia is mostly farm raised in 3rd World countries with no controls over how and what they are fed and raised. After what I read, I refused to ever eat it again. It is used in restaurants and probably by Celebrity because its is so cheap to buy. China and Indonesia are two of the biggest producers of Tilapia and the biggest offenders. My Local HEB grocery store fish manager told me that the Tilapia they sell is fresh and farmed raised in Costa Rica which has better controls and quality, but I still will not eat any.

Same here.  I do not eat Tilapia for the reasons you mention.  

2 hours ago, Jim_Iain said:

nd of course another toilet break.

This is the number one reason why I really don't like shore excursions booked through the cruise lines.  I mean I get it, a bathroom break, but when you have to stop and wait for 50 people to use the restroom, it is so annoying!  So as much as I can, I book independent tours.  Sometimes you have to find a way to spend that shipboard credit though!