shipgeeks

4. I believe you can wait a day or so before going to the kiosk; however, it was quick and easy, just took a few minutes, and that included booking entry into all the shows. Nugget of wisdom: Don't compare it to other cruise lines. Go into it as a new experience, perhaps similar to being overseas. Service, in all departments, is likely to be more formal and less gushy-friendly. Don't take it personally, or assume it is poor service. It is just a different, European style (one which we prefer).

We have done all of those ports several times. We've never done excursions. All are walkable on your own, and quite enjoyable doing so.

Shows are free on Seaside. We made our reservations at an onboard kiosk, when we did our credit card registration. It was quick and easy, even for people like us who have never used an ATM or smartphone. We are looking at May cruises on Seaside, too. I can't answer your question about timing of formal nights, but I would note that on our previous Seaside cruises, more people did dress up on those nights than on some of the other mainstream lines. White night also had a lot of participation.

Lois, I find all ships chilly inside, wherever we sail, especially with the new enhanced air purifier systems. I pretty much plan to wear garments with sleeves (pref. long) all evening, every evening, whether I'm in the Carib or Alaska. I imagine part of that is that we don't have any AC at home, so I feel it when I'm in a place that does.

Why is a duvet cover, that gets washed as often as a top sheet, undesirable?

Re sheets: It's like trying to buy sheet sets at Ikea instead of Target or Macy's! Nothing but sets with bottom sheet and duvet cover only. I appreciate your notes about drink stations, in particular. It does seem that some people try one thing, don't see what they want, and just give up, later posting how disappointed they were.

When we began cruising, there were no auto-gratuities. All meals were taken in the MDR, with the same waitstaff at each. We were "encouraged" to give cash tips to cabin steward, waiter, assistant waiter, and head waiter, with guidelines given for each. We always spent an entire afternoon counting out the cash and writing thank you notes. One of the most common reasons I read here for not allowing auto-grats is "I frequently eat in the WJ, and no one serves me there". (Me: Someone cleaned up the table you are sitting at, brought you drinks, took your dirty dishes away, carved your roast for you.....just leave the tips in place.) IMO, it would be great if tips were included in the base fare, but I understand that all the mainstream lines would have to do this at the same time, in order to compete in the price world.

Or, like our AK cruise, it can be very cold the entire time. We wore heavy pants, turtleneck, sweater, and down jacket all day every day. We tried once to sit on our balcony; it was miserable. The only time we were comfortable was on sunny days when we could spend the whole day on the upper deck, watching the scenery. We were glad we had all the layers we did.

I'm happy to read such a positive review, in so many areas. Just one note: washcloths, and top sheets, are not a usual European thing. We've never had washcloths in European hotels or ships. And top sheets seem to be non-existent even on many US cruiselines now, too.

Apart from the cemetery, both cities are great for walking on your own. Both also have a HOHO bus which can be a good introduction to the area, and an opportunity to get off at places that interest you.

When we did our AK cruise, I packed my usual dresses and such - but not sundresses - for evening. I was fine, except that I sometimes wanted to step out onto Promenade Deck, at which time I would have preferred a long-sleeve outfit. Nowadays I almost always wear sleeved garments in the evening on all my cruises, as I feel the AC everywhere on the ship.

Or even during the cruise, if there is an outbreak onboard or at a port. If that happens, there could be testing onboard, and masks might be required.

"The Lady Eve", 1941, with Barbara Stanwyck and Henry Fonda.

And another thing: Checkin process will include You must have the RC App". But then there is a box that says "If you don't use the app, click here", which allows you to proceed without it, no problem.

I haven't done it from a ship, but I've been to all those areas (a long time ago) and they were wonderful.

"Peeper", 1965, with Michael Caine and Natalie Wood. Set on NCL's Starward.

And I see there is a post about a number of people who cannot get their boarding passes, unrelated to photo.

Agree with tag. We've never taken photos, and we always get our boarding passes, including one a week or so ago. We don't do the Health Screening until we get to the terminal, either. We don't use the app.

My understanding is that we can do the same with our regular (home) health insurance. Keep the receipt from the ship, submit it upon returning home.

Well, I have to disagree! Porthole cabins, at least on all the RC ships we've sailed, are all the way forward on lower decks, where the possibility of water damage is greatest. And they definitely are not sold at interior prices! One must read the fine print to even determine whether they are porthole or larger window.

We had one twice, on Equinox transatlantics. Loved it. One time, had a sofa in the slopy part, and one time two easy chairs. I put post-its on the window to help me remember to duck my head before getting too close. After the first time, we learned that the drapes must be closed tight all night, in order to not interfere with visibility on the bridge. So no more stargazing, as we had enjoyed previously.

"Let Them All Talk", with Meryl Streep, set on Cunard's QM2. (Kind of disappointing, but you asked.) Two excellent Bollywood movies set on ships. Be sure to get copies with English subtitles; the stories are very worthwhile. "Dil Dhadakne Do", filmed on the former Monarch of the Seas. "U Me aur Hum", filmed on......(?)

The reference was to sand flies, not sand fleas. Perhaps some of us have used the wrong terminology in referring to the tiny, itchy red spots all over one's skin after some time ashore (not mosquitoes).

Nope, have not had any negative experiences with our MSC cruises in any respect, before, during, or after.

I've had sand fly attacks twice, in the Carib. Very itchy and spotty. Sometimes it just doesn't pay to lie on the beach.