RNGALNG

We cruised in February on the Regal in it's last voyage before the medallion was to be totally installed. They still had techies onboard ironing out wrinkles. Of the four of us, one had issues with her medallion. As there is no promenade deck, we would walk the halls after the carts disappeared. One of us would walk by a strangers room and it would greet her with a name (not hers) but it wouldn't unlock the door. She went to the passenger service desk and they told her her battery was dying, thus causing her issue. She was given a new medallion or battery, don't know which. I found that as I walked by some doors, I would see the green arrows starting the process of welcoming me but it wouldn't unlock. We always hang our lanyards on a magnet on the other side of the mirror next to the door and never had an issue with it unlocking the door. 

1 hour ago, Mike45LC said:

 

 

Although good bread and butter (more than one pat) would be an acceptable dessert for me any day!

 

The breadsticks with butter. Every single night! Yes, they don't bring them with the rolls, but if you ask, they will bring them out for you. I found out and did just that in February. I would let the plate of them go around the table once, then they rest were mine!  

The flourless chocolate cake the first night of most cruises, the flavor of the day ice cream, and in the steakhouse, I love the lemon dessert. But my all time ever - - - oatmeal raisin cookies. 

All the idea and photos look great. On our last cruise, our steward only gave us the patters, invitations, and news worthy things. We never got the spa fliers, art or jewelry ones either. It was his first cruise on this ship and we loved him for that. We will be asking our next steward to do the same. 

We did miss having the mail slot for things as we had friends on the cruise with us and its a nice way to keep in touch for those who do not have smart devices. 

Cruise #20 coming up. Always fly to the ports so, always need to pack and keep insulin and another med cool. 

I've always carried a letter but have never been asked for it. 

We are TSA pre-approved so never take things out of our carry ons. I've never been stopped due to my meds except once when I first started and my husband asked if the suitcase carrying them was going to be checked. I answered, no, they had my drugs in them. When we got to security, they had been forwarded by someone who had heard me, and wiped down the case to see if it showed that I had drugs! It taught me to be literal when traveling. 

I learned about the Frio bags about 5 years ago and still use the same three I bought. Wonderful product, doesn't take too much room in your bag, come in several sizes, and fit in the fridge in your stateroom. 

When we meet our steward, we tell him I need a sharps container and it appears in my room by nightfall. 

So, every step of the way, I've not had any questions or problems. 

Just be sure to bring a bit more than what you think you will need of all things related, insulin, needles, alcohol wipes, test strips. Enjoy your cruise and don't worry!

Does anyone know if the TVs have been updated to the interactive sets on Medallion ships? 

And does the ship have the old slow internet or the new faster internet. 

Thank you.

16 minutes ago, Almighty188 said:

The floor plans in ShipMate only shows maps for each individual deck  by name/# which means you have to pick the deck first and then see what's on that deck.  It doesn't show the side by side map of all the floor plans like you usually get with a floor plan so you can easily see where everything on the ship is and then just head to that deck.  The later is the type mentioned here which is something I prefer instead of having to pick the deck first and then seeing what's on that deck:
http://www.classixcruises.be/uploads/Deckplan/deckplan_ap.pdf

Yes, you are correct about that. However, the app sure beats the paper map they give you, in my opinion. I could never understand the paper map. Looking at a side view of the ship doesn't help my analytical side of the brain. Others seem to like it though. . . 

34 minutes ago, Colo Cruiser said:

Too many Love Boat episodes?

Our first years of cruising  were always  a week Caribbean trip. We were always seeing weddings. Now that we are taking longer cruises and have time to go to distant lands, I'm thinking maybe we haven't seen any nuptials on those voyages. Hmmm. . . . 

On 12/31/2018 at 4:33 PM, Gimer said:

They did change the dining times, so I stand corrected. Thanks..   FYI, the Horizon Court gets very busy and seating is sparse, so we generally will eat in the Alfredo's.  We order our pizzas and the I'll go the mens rooms to wash up and on my return, I'll stop at the International Cafe for two different salads and by the time I'm back, our pizzas are being delivered.  That's how we start our Cruise.   

Perfect plan. I might try that the next time we cruise. 

On 12/31/2018 at 5:05 PM, Ep010835 said:

Thanks, all! 

I'm cursed with the desire (dare I say need?) to have a mental picture of the road ahead before arriving. 

Crystal clear now.  😀

I have an app on my phone and iPad that's free, called (Can I say this?) Shipmate. You can download a map of the floor plans just before sail away. Then you can find where everything is on each ship. 

I guess you are never too old to learn something new. I just thought that the captain could marry anyone onboard as long as they were out to sea. . . .

On our transit through the canal, we had crafts a couple of times that we could attend, there was a 'make a poster' event that you then showed to the judges the day you went through the canal. We won a DVD of the trip for making one. There are events all day long in the piazza, cocktail making, fruit carving demos, and games such as ring toss onto Champagne bottles, elevator races, Wii bowling, paper airplane toss, egg drop, boat making (it has to sail across the pool with, I think a six pack of coke on it).

Check out the patters from those who have done reports. Things are nonstop from about 8 AM to 11+. 

38 minutes ago, MsSoCalCruiser said:

The picture that I posted above was my very first Avocado Toast from Boudin's...So yummy!

We have a chain restaurant here that’s only open for breakfast and lunch. All healthy foods. They serve a multi grain toast with the avacado spread on it that’s killer! But, being a Bay Area girl from way back, I can imagine it on sour dough! My mouth is watering. I’m increasing my bread order now! 

17 hours ago, Coral said:

They haven't modified the breakfast menu for decades (except for daily specials).

Well, lets put up a big fuss and get it on there! 

However, I love how everyone has figured out how to do it by themselves! I'll be doing this next time I board! 

Those who recommended going to Boudin's? Well, that would be awesome too! I always order their bread to be shipped for Christmas. Yum! 

I'm in! I think it should it should be on the breakfast menu full time!

Thank you one and all. I've learned a lot. My coworker is, I think, in Gettysburg for the weekend before getting on his ship, hopefully on Monday, for a now shortened cruise due to Florence. We last talked on Thursday, when I posted and last worked. When I find out how 'mom's' surgery went, I will let you know too.

When my husband still worked, his 401K allowed him to buy and sell stock within the plan. Of course, we took advantage and purchased our 100 shares. When he retired and could get into his account, and we had gone to a financial planner, we told them to invest in what would bring us more money with the understanding that we would always have 100 shares of the stock. The planner has been very pleased over the years with the way the stock has gone and we are happily cruising every chance we can, using the credit on each cruise!

Happy cruising!

A friend's cruise on another line was just washed out due to Florence. They have decided to travel on the following cruise. They will be doing a New England cruise and will be at sea as mom has surgery. They would like to call her. What are the options?

1. Ship to shore?

2. An app on their phone?

3. ideas?

This all is just happening. They made their decision late last night and will be leaving in the morning. Just trying to help them out.

Thanks for your input.

Thank you all for all your honest answers.

I’m in my 60’s. These questions were seriously put up for a coworker (and I feel) friend. He’s a very mature young man, raised by an ex-marine. He’s trying to find a reasonable place to vacation THIS SUMMER, not spring break. I didn’t think they could on my favored line, Princess, but wondered if maybe others here had traveled other lines and run into this situation.

I will let him know about finding another place and idea.

A coworker will turn 21 in 2019. He and most of his 20 year old buddies are looking to possibly cruise for a week this summer.

1. What lines allow a 20 year old to cruise on your own?

2. What lines allow drinking alcohol at that age?

Thanks.

We got of the Crown on the 18th. New mattress and linens on Riviera deck. As I ended up with bucket of health issues, I am truly thankful for that mattress! (I'm getting better every day and look forward to the next voyage)

Norris, Can I be a 'pushy broad?' Sail away is a week from tomorrow. Can we hurry this up so I can get all the scoop before I board her and sail into the warm air?? ;p (Just kidding)

I'm once again enjoying your photos and review. We've been on the Crown a few times and are looking forward to our return. Carry on. . . .

We too will be sailing during the Olympics. (Different ship) Good question.

I know the Super Bowl will be shown on Muts and in one of the lounges. I wonder if the same will be done for the games??

It will be interesting to see if all ships are doing this. We will be sailing in less than two weeks on a B2B. As we don't drink that much, we exchange one mini bar set up for coffee cards. We can't use up all the punches in that amount of time.

I'm rooting for a reversal of this practice.

I have done b2b cruises before but don't remember. How does the folio work? We are staying in the same cabin. We have OBC too for both cruises (more so for the 1st one). If we don't use up the OBC from the first cruise will it carry over to the 2nd one?

 

Also, if I don't use up all the OBC can I go into the casino, put down a few hundred dollars, gamble a few dollars and then cash out and receive most of the few hundred dollars back in cash? Never did this before (haven't been in a casino in years) so not sure how it works.

 

Thanks.

We were on a B2B2B last winter. I seem to remember that the folio was just held till the last one was over. They now have a kiosk where you can print up your charges during the cruise, just to keep track if you desire to do so.

Towards the end of the last one, we went to the passenger service desk to see how much on-board credit was left and how much was non refundable. I then went to the casino and played a few slots and exited with the non refundable credit in my hands. The rest, we just let them send us. We didn't want to look too greedy! :rolleyes:

If you have a wine you like, buy the bottle. A little cheaper than by the glass. If you like to have it with dinner, the waitstaff will tag your bottle and hold it for you till your next dinner.