FLSteve11

Bob, we took a cruise on the Divina when she first started sailing out of Miami. The ship was the best looking one that we have been on. At the time, the service was somewhat slow but I am sure by now they are accustom to the US market.

I would say same thing. We did the Divina on 2 short cruises (when it first came out and then the next fall). It's a beautiful ship. The service was still kind of slow the second time around as well. Food is ok, nothing special. The entertainment shows were really good in the evening, though there was a lack of things to do during the day (so it seemed to me at least).

This is an Americanized version of their regular fleet, so they don't have the heavy smoking issue that their European cruises do.

Did anyone else think that the Thanksgiving cruise on the Magic was excessively rough? I was told that the Captain doesn't like to use the stabilizers because they use too much fuel. Can anyone help explain this to me?

We were right next to you guys on the Norwegian Breakaway in Nassau on Thanksgiving! And it was definitely rockier then normal especially leaving Thanksgiving night. Not horribly bad, but the ship was rolling pretty good with the swells. I think the captain said we had around 15' waves Thanksgiving night/Friday morning, and the wind kept the ropes course closed for much of the cruise.

I would guess whatever they are going with will have a couple of qualities to them:

Name Recognition - It's doubtful it will be something obscure to the general schmo out there who does not see broadway shows regularly. They want a well know show for purposes of marketing.

Family friendly - There were some people who complained Chicago was too adult for kids. It's a family-friendly line, expect a family friendly show.

Rights - Obviously something they get the rights to.

Something fun, Priscilla Queen of the Desert or We Will Rock You!

 

Steve

Priscilla Queen of the Desert is going to be added to the Norwegian Epic later this year. So that's out.

That's what makes me always think of "Legally Blonde - the Musical". Pretty good music (although nothing people would know before they go in) with a story that (most) everyone knows.

 

I think "Wicked" is still looking for a feature film - they will likely not put the rights up for a long time. Many of those suggested are likely too "old fashioned" or just not viable similar to "Wicked". But, there are quite a few good choices that I would look forward to!

Legally Blonde - the Musical is on the Norwegian Getaway already.

Did you book them all before you got on board?

Yes, probably about a month before we boarded. We basically ate at around 6-6:30 every night (having an 11yo we generally eat earlier), not counting the cirque style dinner at 9 you have to take if you want it free with the UDP

We were on the same sailing. We were the second people in line at Guest Services to get Posh passes and they told us the Haven was completely sold out and extremely crowded this sailing so they were not selling any passes. There were a lot of very upset people in line as most of us had gotten to the port by 8 or 9am to be the first in line. Maybe they need to realize that not everyone will be using Posh at the same time other than the sail away party.

 

We did find the quiet deck that had the same loungers as Posh but it was so far forward on the ship we felt like we were missing out on all the action.

 

The only specialty restaurant we booked was Cagneys and I can say we'll never do that again. Dinner took 2 hours and we didn't even stay for dessert. A lot of people were complaining.

 

This was our 2nd time on Epic and this time there was a noticeable decline in service. Bar servers seemed very rushed and rarely had time to chat with guests.

 

We still had a great trip but it was clear some things had changed since the last time we sailed on that ship.

Funny we were on the same sailing as well (3/22) on Epic, had the UDP and ate in a specialty every night (tried them all basically) and had no problems with the specialty restaurants.

It can be walked, its only a two mile hike to 17th street.

 

There is public transportation there.

I'm not sure for the average cruise goer, particularly on HAL, there is an "only" in front of 2 miles *grin*

It's not a good walk. There are lots of trucks there, as this is a container ports as well. And once you get past the curve around terminal 18 the sidewalks disappear. So you'll be walking on the road for parts of it. Not to mention they are doing construction on the road as well, so even that is iffy at some points. (Particularly at the intersection of Spangler & Eisenhower, which was either closed, or one skinny lane that trucks were squeezing through, last time I was there)

I am going to add an additional piece of elevator etiquette, more from the other side.

If you are on the elevator and are exiting. Please. Get out of the way once you get off! I have seen many times where people do wait for people to get off an elevator before boarding. Then a person or three get off, immediately stop in front of the elevator doors because they want to get their bearing on the floor, and take their time moving along. Meanwhile, those trying to get on can't because these exiting people have blocked the way while standing there. The doors then close behind the people figuring out where they want to go, and no one makes it on the elevator.

Then the people who missed the elevator and have to wait for another one decide they're not going to miss it again. So when the elevator comes they jump forward to make sure they get on and don't get blocked out again.

I usually like Rum Runners, but my DW swears by BBC's.

You can't book any shore excursions:D:rolleyes:

Actually, 2-night cruises out of south florida usually go to Nassau for the day (or possibly GSC for NCL), so you do get shore excursions (and customs) down here.

Last year I was on Oasis in 10323 (4th one from the end on deck 10). The noise was minor. Really wasn't a problem, even during the shows

This year we had 8725 on the Allure (3rd from the end on deck 8), and it was LOUD. Much louder then the previous year. Door locked or not, it didn't matter. It was loud to where my DW (who is usually not bad with the sound, and we've been underneath pool parties before) said never again for that cabin.

I don't think it's that Allure had it much louder. I think it's that the speakers for the theatre are situated under the diving platform. On deck 10, the platform blocks the direct line of sound from the speakers to the cabins, whereas on Deck 8 you get the direct effect.

So, I would say if you can, get deck 10 or up.

Hmmm. The post June 6th 2015 plans (went for the last one) show the current Concierge Lounge space as: Wonderland & Concierge Club

The space where the old Viking Crown Lounge is Coastal Kitchen and "Suite Lounge"

Is the "Suite Lounge" actually going to be the CL and they just haven't marked it as the CL because they're not sure of the dates yet? Or is it going to be a suite only lounge and the CL will be doing some kind of sharing of space with Wonderland?

We are seriously considering doing a 7 night back to back sailing. Both weeks have different itineraries. Luckily, the same stateroom is available for BOTH sailings. :D Should we jump at this oppertunity?

 

Just what are the pros & cons of doing a back to back sailing? Do you have to get off the ship after the first sailing, then get back on? Do you have to take your luggage off with you? Any issues with the Set Sail Pass?

 

Thanking you in advance,

Suzy B

The con I can think of, that has not been mentioned, is that you get the same entertainment both weeks. If you enjoy the shows, you'll have the same shows twice. Sometimes you may end up with the same guest entertainment (they generally try to switch it) and some of the trivia can get repeated.

I thought I had seen that on RC's site when I was making our other dining reservations several weeks ago. However when I checked today, the option of making further dining reservations was not available. Seems they pulled the plug on our cruise. I suppose it is because we are sailing next week?

 

I will check on it when we board. Thanks everyone for your information!!

There is a limit to how much the place will hold. So it could be that they are full and will not accept anymore. Check on board, they often hold back some space for people to book onboard.

On our February Eastern cruise Rita's Fiesta was Day 4 and 5, 8:30-10:30PM. ken

On our Western cruise last month, it was those days as well. Plus the first night. For a total of 3. Same time.

I've got 4 kids I'd like to leave in the DL for a couple of hours. Do you think the Diamond Concierge would mind watching the kids while my wife and I go to a specialty restaurant?;)

I guess that is one more difference between the DL & CL. The DL doesn't allow kids in during the cocktail party at night, while the CL does.

I concur!

 

It takes all kinds for sure. :p This thread has some great insight for some who might not have considered these "issues."

 

The behavior of the lady in the lounge (and her not ~so~subtle~snub~) reminded me of Middle School "drama." I find it humorous and wondered how I might have dealt with the same issue. :cool:

 

I remind my children often: Class cannot be purchased (at any price or level achieved)

 

We sail next week with 3 generations for a family vacation and are very much looking forward to it. :D

Ha! Yes. I would actually be thanking my lucky stars that that lady showed her true colors and is not going near me anymore. I wouldn't want to be associated with someone like that (and having everyone else assuming I was just like her). Keep her away!

Last time on the Allure; on an Entertainment/Meet the Stars tour. One of the production managers said they had purchased the rights to Chicago for 7 years.

We were on the Allure 2 weeks ago (The 3/23 sailing). And between the crew members and the cast members, they strongly hinted (and one straight out said) that Chicago was going out during the 2015 dry dock. No news known about what will come in it's place.

I also heard that they said something in a TA meeting that Cats would be replacing Hairspray as well during it's dry dock.

I can see Chicago leaving, even more then Hairspray. It doesn't fit the "family friendly" theme as much as other shows.

I haven't received any invites for any tours in awhile.

We got all 3 invites (Bridge, Galley, Backstage) on our Allure cruise last week. So they're still doing them (for D+ at least)

Maybe it's for good skiiers, those that ski the most difficult black diamond slopes *sly grin*

Which one would you pick? A cruise that goes to CocoCay as a stop or one that goes to Labadee?

I prefer Labadee myself. It has a lot more things to do, and you can find sandy areas to walk in the water if you head to the end of the beach. Also Labadee has a lot more shade for those who want to lie on the beach but not be in the direct sun all day.

One other note. CocoCay gets missed quite a few times because of the tendering. (We personally have missed it half the time) If it's too windy or wavy, they won't tender and it will be a day-at-sea. Labadee has a dock so that doesn't happen.

DH and I (both 34 yrs old) want to do a short/inexpensive cruise for our anniversary in a few months. Which would you choose? We LOVE royal caribbean but a 3-night is $350-$500 more than these two...

 

1. MSC Divina - 2 night to bahamas. Brand new ship, never been on MSC, only $487 total for the 2 of us.

 

2. Caribbean Princess - 3 night to bahamas. Never been on Princess, $618 total for the 2 of us.

 

Has anyone been on these lines and/or these ships?

When is the MSC cruise? I didn't see another short cruise on that ship on it's itinerary.

Interesting thread. Our DD (3yo) has 60 points for 57days. Question for anyone would she keep any double points for diamond in December? I'm not counting those but it's a thought. We figure she will be at least D+ on her own by 18 but also won't want to cruise again. Also noticed on the last few cruises how the D lounge overlooks the pool. Had visions of years from now mommy banging on the vcl windows yelling at our and the other kids below.

Our DD did one cruise with us in December while DiD was still in effect, and yes she got the extra points for being Diamond.

You should check out the "Current Captains" thread to get an idea of his schedule:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1441813

 

Start at the end of the thread and work back to see the latest listing.

If you don't mind visiting the same ports again, you could book the Oasis the first week, spend a day in Ft Lauderdale, then sail the Allure the second week. You will repeat the itinerary, but have all new entertainment options for the second week and a day to hang out in Ft Lauderdale.