jmkennett

I remember last year when NCL and Carnival restricted smoking off balconies these boards were swamped. Can't smoke on the balcony? The outrage! No more cruising! I wondered then, is cruising not more than that?

 

And now, it's food. You are ALL entitled to your opinions, your choices and your frustrations. But now it seems to me I see those same parallells as before.

 

From the sound of it we need to be constantly eating while on a cruise ship. Everywhere. In restaurants, while lounging, in our cabins. Really? Without a dining table I find eating in a cabin kind of unappealing. I cruised with my sister in November and I joked on an earlier thread how she brought her take home desserts back to our fridge where they accumulated. I kept my mouth shut so we wouldn't argue. Likewise she wanted to carry our buffet breakfast back to our balcony. We did it once. Again, I did it to make her happy. Juggling my plate on my lap was not my idea of fun. Neither was carrying back food, juice and coffee. I wonder how many people spill? I did not want to leave messy plates in our cabin or in the hallway so back I went to the buffet. So, it seemed a lot off fuss for that "feeling". I just don't get it.

 

My mom was sick on the Jewel on our TA so she had sandwiches via room service, but other than that we went to the restaurant except when in a suite. And in my experience the delivery and pick up of dishes and having a dining table make that possible. I would not want to sit on my bed and eat dinner. I guess since I do not do that at home I can't imagine doing it on a ship.

 

Am I the only one who does not get it? Are the new "rules" about take out and room service really deal breakers for so many? Enough to drive you to another line or away from cruising if other lines follow? Or is this the new topic that will eventually go away?

 

Or is this just the straw that broke the camel's back... On the heels of so many changes? And have everyone rattled asking "what's next?"

Yes, an absolute deal breaker. I will never sail NCL with this policy. If it's about "Freestyle" this is the exact opposite. Smoking is different, as it affects other people. Me eating a cookie, at midnight in my cabin, affects no one. This policy is a complete joke, completely ridiculous, and only about the money.

Often before heading to my cabin at night, I'll grab a few cookies or some tea and take it down to my room. Before dinner, I may grab a few appetizers and have a glass of wine on the balcony. I don't want to wait for room service, plus they may not have what I want, and I prefer what is on the buffet.

I want freedom to be able to eat where and when I want, not NCL's new version of "Freestyle", within limits. I do not expect to be able to take a Filet Mignon or a Lobster out of a restaurant and take it too my cabin, but I do expect to be able to do the things I said above.

This policy is absurd and I expect after enough complain, it will be changed. If this was about safety or any other BS they are throwing out, it would have changed long ago and every other line would be doing it. Just what we need, the food police on a cruise ship!

A few years ago, we were on the NA, roundtrip out of Venice, to Greece, Turkey, etc. A member of our group could not make the trip until Athens, which was four days after sailing. It was not a big deal. They informed HAL and received back a written confirmation. Once in Athens, she boarded the ship and checked in at the Front Office.

Obviously, there may be rules in different countries, but I have a feeling it will not be an issue. Contact HAL.

Have the beds been updated on the Emerald (new mattress, duvets, etc). Looks like the same old bed spreads? Thanks for the menus and patters! Love your review!

Thanks for all your responses regarding my situation, I am trying to be vague in regard to the incidents that had occurred. But it become a lot more complicated when it should not have.

 

1. Minor incident occurred on 1st day of cruise reported it to Guest Relations, it should of been resolved then it was not.

 

2. Supervisor Of Guest Relations a Ms. (deleted name) while assisting the Guest Relations staff member on the initial report was rude, un-professional and biased in regard to a handicapped customer (me).

 

3. Now the situation escalated to the point of notifying her superior which would be the Hotel Director, Mr. Don Habets about her actions. It should of happened that 1st day or the next morning it did not.

 

4. I had left messages with the front desk for a meeting. But unfortunately Mr. Habets wasn't available at any point during the cruise because of his busy schedule.

 

5. That is why I turned to the boards for help. I am completely aware that I could of waited till I get home and report the incident, but if this would happen to another cruise passenger it would not be right.

 

I want to thank you again all for your advice and wisdom.

I feel for your situation. I love HAL but I will not be a cheerleader if it is not warranted. Seems to me a this is a reasonable request and the fact the no one has gotten back to you in four days is ridiculous. I work in AAA Five Diamond Hotel and it is standard to get back to a guest that day or no later than the next morning.

I've sailed on HAL many times and have always had great trips. However, the last two cruises I had a major problem with my stateroom. We were on an 11 night sailing and had a broken toilet for the first six days. It worked off and on, but mostly off. Having to go to public restrooms for six days was not ideal.

Last year, on a seven day sailing, we had a leak in our cabin which took four days to resolve. We had a nice big, blue, wet vac in our cabin for half the cruise. It was a great addition to the room!

I realize things happen and mechanical failures are part of life. However, it was the initial response that left us with a really bad taste, not the mechanical problems. It was like pulling teeth to get someone to help us resolve it. So much lip service and so few results. Getting in touch with a higher up was nearly impossible. We finally got a note to the Captain and then progress was made.

In the end, HAL compensated us very well for both problems and apologized, but it was the difficulty getting to that point that was completely unnecessary. We were told on both occasions that before any compensation was given, it had to be approved through Seattle. We received the compensation confirmation on the last evening, on both cruises, so this seems to be the procedure.

It would be nice if there was some empowerment on board to resolve these things. Maybe it has changed. I love this line and am currently booked on another sailing. However, it would be nice to see some changes in how problems are handled at the Front Office. I sympathize with you.

We used Eddie manning and they were great! Heathrow is not that far away from the city center, so it's not a bad cab ride to get there in the morning. Plus, you are going against the traffic. I would stay in London and enjoy the evening.

Sitmar, Home Lines, and Pearl Cruises of Scandinavia

Someone reported here a while ago that crème brulee was on the "always available" menu for the main dining room.

But some of us mentioned that on cruises we were on that it was not always available every night in the main dining room.

We were on the Eurodam in March and Creme Brulee was on the always available menu. Had it about every night!

I wouldn't be surprised if Tunisia was cancelled. Last year it was cancelled for most cruises, including ours on the Noordam, and I've heard (don't quote me) it has been cancelled on several this year. It was on our schedule up until sailing, however, I contacted HAL six weeks out and they told me it was already cancelled. Why, they still had it listed on our docs and online up until sailing, I have no idea. We went to Cagliari instead.

We had trouble in some of the train stations in Italy. The ticket machines wouldn't take the CC without a chip and pin. So, we would either use cash or wait in line (usually long) at a ticket window to use a credit card. Stores and restaurants were not an issue.

Not even close. Bermuda!

You clearly dont cruise Costa

Costa fares are several hundred not thousands

Cruiselines such as these -Celebrity, Hal etc initial base per day cruise cost is MUCH more than Costa

Costa is a no frills cruiseline

Unless travelling in a suite - its a good value bargain -(well actually suites are still a bargain) line.

If anyone whinges about the cost of water on a costa cruise they need their head examined.

Or would they rather pay "thousands" more ££S basic price - and get free water?

Or - buy the drinks package and get unlimited alcoholic drinks free with your glass of water!

You are correct, I have not sailed on Costa, however, I have sailed on 44 other cruises on the lines I've listed, including NCL and Carnival, so I'm aware of lower priced lines. Water is a most basic necessity in life. So, not including a drink of it at dinner is absurb. I guess we'll agree to disagree. I'm not trying to bash Costa, as I'm sure they do a lot of things well. This just exudes cheap and nickel and diming.

While overall, Costa may be a less expensive, it is not so dramatic that they cannot include a glass of water. Again, why not charge for going to the restroom? That is done all over Europe. Same with ketchup at a McDonalds in Europe.

Not sure what sailings you are looking at, but Costa is priced fairly close to other lines on a lot of sailings. When comparing at 12 night on Princess in Northern Europe to Costa, Costa is lower (not enough to not include water).

However, I randomly picked a 7 night Caribbean (Feb 15) on Costa, Carnival, and HAL, for a mid range balcony cabin, for two people, showing total cost. Costa (Costa Magica) is $2574, Carnival (Carnival Valor) is $2030, and HAL (Nieuw Amsterdam) is $2632. Clearly, Costa is not hundreds of dollars, but is a couple thousand, and only a few dollars cheaper than HAL. Carnival is over $500 less.

I also priced a seven night out of Barcelona in July (mid range balcony). Costa (Costa Fascinosa) is $4458, NCL (Epic) is $3486, and Celebirty (Equinox) is $4022. Again, Costa is not only not cheaper, it is the most expensive option.

Not sure where you are sailing or what ships, but the idea that Costa is thousands cheaper than the other lines is really not the case, at least on these cruises. Maybe for the really old Costa ships, yes, but it's probably the same on the older Carnival and NCL ships as well.

Seriously :eek:

Why not just buy some water??

I just dont get all this "right to free water" thing.

Maybe as I have a business - but I see Costa has a business to run, and at the amazing prices they offer for their cruises and their drinks packages, I can totally get why they wont want to offer free water.

Costa - base price = cheap - drinks = cheap -

For goodness sake

BUY SOME WATER PEOPLE!!

Filling bottles - :rolleyes: good grief!!!

Nah - I just do not get this one bit..

Tap water by the glass btw is not FREE - someone has to wash and dry the glass, put it away, and serve it to you. That is not a free commodity.

On cruiselines where the base price is high, of course it can be swallowed - but when costas margin is so minimal - I can see exactly why they are not encouraging free jugs of water.

Just buy a bloomin bottle of water!!! Or go pay twice the price for another cruise line and get a free jug of water!!!

Sorry, I have to disagree. If I didn't pay a cruise fare, somehow walked on the ship, and expected a glass of water, then I agree they should charge. I don't think getting tap water at dinner is some huge cost for Costa or too much to ask when one has paid several thousand upfront. Bottled water, of course, I would expect a charge. Personally, I find this ridiculous.

Some have brought up that it is cultural thing, which may be the case. If so, then why not have to pay to use a public restroom onboard? Someone has to clean it, so that costs them money. Maybe even charge to use my stateroom restroom? There could be a place to swipe a credit card before the bathroom door will open. Someone has to clean that too. Another cost. Perhaps,they should charge for ketchup and mustard for a hamburger? There is a cost there as well.

After cruising numerous times throughout the world on Celebrity, HAL, Princess, and RCL, why would I ever want to cruise on this line if they won't include a glass of water at dinner? If I were Costa, I would worry more about keeping their ships above water, than charging their customers for a drink of it.

I don't see one single slam here. Perception?

Not to get off topic. Not saying on this particular thread. On the entire boards, on some topics, a few tend to be a little "impatient".

OK, please don't slam me. Would it be possible for a travel agency to have some cabins blocked that aren't on the HAL website? My aunt (she's only 14 years older) and her younger friend finally committed to going and they are so excited. Unfortunately, when I checked the website, it looks like the cruise (which departs in a little over 2 months) is sold out. I do not want to be the one to tell her!! Is there any hope???

It's sad that some have become so snippy on these boards that someone has to preface with "please don't slam me" before asking a question.

Yes, travel agents can have cabins held in a group block. Generally, this close to departure, however, they are released. My guess is the sailing is sold out.

I thought jmkennett was referencing the photo taken on the Royal. I guess you and I just understood the question differently. :)

 

Of course, your statement is correct for Princess in general.

 

Lew

My mistake. Princess in general, but by seeing this pic on the Royal, I could only see an iced tea machine. On HAL and Celebrity, the drink machines are larger. On the Eurodam there was always at least four choices of a cold drink. Always iced tea, lemonade, orange juice, then one of either fruit punch, grape, apple, or guava. It was nice to be able to get something other than lemonade or iced tea in the buffet, without having to go to the bar and get a soft drink or $3 non alcoholic fruit drink for the kids.

Brian, one other point also, is that the Horizon Bistro (the forward buffet area) is completely separate from the Horizon Court (the aft buffet area), although they do sort of run one into the other.

 

The Horizon Bistro has a lighter feel, with more cafe style and bar seating, whereas the Horizon Court is all table seating.

 

Horizon Bistro stbd side looking forward towards Lido pool area

 

 

Horizon Bistro stbd side looking aft towards entrance to Horizon Court

 

 

Self service area at back end of Horizon Bistro

What drinks are complimentary throughout the day in the Horizon? Just go off the Eurodam and iced tea, fruit punch, and lemonade were always available. By this picture, that doesn't seem to be the case on Princess. Thanks!

Obviously, be careful. Accidents can happen and you should have experience riding them. Having said that, I will always rent a scooter in Bermuda. To me, it's the only way to really see the island and you will miss a lot of the experience without one. I look at it like going to a ski resort and not skiing. In BDA, the scooters are a way of life. It is not like the Caribbean, where everyone has cars and a few have scooters. I would guess that most residents own one and they are very used to everyone, including tourists, riding them.

I will not ride a motorcycle or scooter anywhere else but here. The speed limit is only 20. Of course, you can still be seriously hurt or killed going 20 mph, but you are certainly not going to be travelling at high speeds.

At last check, you cannot rent a car on the island and I believe they still have a restriction on how many cars a household can own. So, scooters are a very popular mode of transportation. Very conveinent as well. There are scooter parking lots eveywhere.

There are so many great beaches to find, back roads to explore, etc. The pier location is far from the main sights on the island, at the very end. So, constant cabs, buses, or ferries do not interest me. In 15 trips to the island, I've never had anything close to an incident with the scooters. I'm careful and the locals seem to be careful as well. I guess determine your own risk, but I will say it is a lot easier than it looks and IMO, as stated earlier, is the only option to see BDA in the proper way.

Great info! Thank you! One question. Are the names of the metro stations (in the stations) listed in Greek and the English translation or just Greek? Wondering how easy it was to navigate.

Watching the Island Princess sail out of PE on the webcam. While not a big concern in my life, the area around the port side anchor is a big rusty mess. Not good advertising for Princess! First impressions are everything. The Eurodam, Oasis, Constellation, and Carnival Freedom all looked great sailing away. The IP had the image that the care is along the lines of a cargo ship. If I hadn't been on Princesss before, I may have chosen another line. A few gallons of paint go a long way and they had plenty of time today to touch it up. Looks bad!

What time to do you have to leave your stateroom?