goldesq

Only one so far this cruise.

Today is a Day at Sea. Weather is incredible. Tomorrow is St Martin. Slept in and had lunch in the dining room. As I explained in another post, it was a bad experience. The staff was great in our immediate presence but would congregate and chat or read over the comment cards together and discuss them close by to us. I also did not like my seafood roll or its substitute, the salmon. The seafood tasted funny and had way too much mayo. The salmon was overcooked and dry. It was a thick piece also so I was surprised. Art auction again. It was ok. I don't go to buy but just to pass some time. Trivia was excellent in the Schooner Bar. Loads of watch and jewelry 'sales' and a belly flop contest later, I am heading off soon to the Concierge Level for drinks.

Tonight there is some puppet show I might go to at 830 or so. Haven't seen one of those in over 40 years.

The rock band (The Swedes) last night was great and tonight the Bon Jovi Cover Band is playing again. I will head to that at 10. Will check back in tonight or tomorrow.

I have 930 am reservations for the North Star before arriving in St Martin so I will report back on that as well.

I am currently on Anthem. The Coastal has the same menu daily for lunch. It is exactly this menu:

http://www.beyondships2.com/uploads/8/2/4/5/8245255/coastal_l_1.pdf

I have had the tomato soup every day and its the best Ive ever had as far as tomato soup other than their tomato soup from night one. The chicken sandwich is wonderful. Its huge. The shrimp and spinach salad though is INCREDIBLE! I could and have been eating it almost every day.

I made the HUGE mistake of eating lunch today in the dining room. The food was TERRIBLE. I tried, as did my dad, the seafood salad roll. WAY too much mayo. It also tasted bad. I got a sub for it and had the salmon. It was way overcooked. My dad had the strip loin. It was, well, low quality. I will leave it at that. I did have the butternut squash as an app (it was a main) and it was delish!

The staff in the main dining room was just ok. They really were nice but out of our immediate presence they were a bit unprofessional....talking and chatting amongst themselves and reading and discussing comment cards in front of everyone. They even left huge containers of cutlery and plates on the table for two next to us while we were still eating (yet the dining room was almost empty). On the flip side, the staff in Coastal is perfection. Not one single complaint.

Needless to say, I wont be dining in the main dining room any more.

Please give us a detailed report on your bumper car experience.

My bumper car experience will be as follows:

The end.

(Hehehe....sorry...bad joke.....I actually won’t be going as I have multiple herniations with surgeries for each in my neck and back. That means no bumper cars for me).

Listened to them tonight. Excellent. You cannot even remotely say they are terrible. I did make one music request for some Steve Miller. I got shot down. Still, they do play very well and 3 out of 4 sang (all very well). I do think they should take requests though.

Are the MDR menus the "new menus" with starter, entree, dessert on one page and classics mixed in with the others? Thanks!

I have a Day 2 menu in front of me now. It has four bolded sections: 1) Starters (8 items) 2) Main Courses (8 items) 3) Desserts (8 items) and 4) Premium Selections (3 items ranging from 16.95 to 34.95).

I have not had a meal there yet as I have eaten in the Coastal Kitchen for dinner each night but there are 5 classic aka 'repeat each night' items in the Starters section, 4 (I think) repeat items in the Main Courses and 6 (I think) repeat items in the desserts. I am off probably on the repeat items as I have not seen more than one main dinning room menu so far. I just know the items are familiar from the Coastal Kitchen.

I did eat in the Wind Jammer today. I did not like it. Lack of any healthy items other than salad. Tremendously greasy burgers. Super dry chicken burgers.

I was surprised that a can of soda was over $4 as well. Last cruise I took on another line they were under $2.50.

:( My white Russian last night was about 12.50. Seeing NYC drink prices on a cruise is surprising for me. Never used to be that way. I am not sure if its just this cruise line but my drinks on my last cruise were always about 9 bucks. That was NCL.

Anyone even considering trying to sleep on the pull out couch....don't. Some how I received wrong info about the beds being split in a suite room and I am relegated to the pull out couch. My back is a disaster and its only day 3 (this is even with a mattress topper). I am probably going to have to go to the medical office for help or drink my way into oblivion for the rest of the cruise....just so I can walk upright as I walk crumpled over now. I wonder if its less costly to drink a ton or see the doctor onboard....probably the latter.

Did you arrive at the pier at noon because of the coast guard inspection or something??

 

How's the weather in Bermuda today? What will you be doing there?

 

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I arrived about 1230 actually, after noon, since my father lives in Brooklyn and it takes us 20 mnuites to drive over to the Pier. No need to rush for a noon boarding in my opinion. Coast was inspecting until 12.

Bermuda weather is 84 degrees. There are clouds but it’s a pretty day. It is sunny but sun is partially covered by clouds. It’s not a rainy day by any means.

I always take the bus in Bermuda. Sometimes visit the caves or the swizzle in and I might hit Hamilton and a small beach I like that has sea glass.

I thought I might do a day by day but another cruiser did it so well, I think I won't be as detailed. I will be quite brief but add what I think is important as I go. Feel free to ask questions!

I listened to the Bon Jovi cover band tonight. EXCELLENT. They are in the Music Hall Bar. The bar staff had a heavy hand with my drinks (unlike NCL where I am convinced they water down drinks) and were extremely attentive.

I also heard a Jon Mayer cover band while relaxing on the Promenade this evening at around 11 PM. Not sure where they were playing but they (or maybe one guy) were very good.

For anyone with a suite, the Coastal Kitchen is FANTASTIC. Anytime they have tomato soup (always available at lunch but also available, albeit it a different recipe of tomato soup, night one at dinner), you must have it. MUST. Also, the wait staff in this restaurant cannot be nicer and more attentive. They really will do/make anything for you. They remember everything you like/don't like after one meal. Its truly amazing and I have not experienced this type of service and professionalism on another ship.

I have not explored the Main Dining Room yet but I might tomorrow night. (Dinner Menus for the next night are left in the room by the room steward when they make up the bed/room during the day).

If you are interested in art, show up one hour at a minimum after the time listed for the art auction. This auctioneer wastes tons of time registering people and showing movies of the artists before he starts the auction.

Formal night seemed more casual than I am used to aka closer to a NCL formal night experience. Only about 30% seemed formally dressed. I assume many hit the buffet.

The concierge lounge was pretty empty the two nights I have been there. The service is fantastic though. Complimentary drinks and snacks start at 430. They cant fill your drinks fast enough.

Sign up early for North Star. Reservations go fast.

The line to get into the Pier was backed up by 12 noon-ish. Be prepared to arrive early or come later. It took at least a half hour to get the car to the front of the line of cars to unload the luggage.

If handicapped and need a wheel chair up the ramp to the ship, the wait is LONG. Be prepared. There is a waiting area to sit though.

Check in at 1 PM-ish (once in the pier) was VERY quick. NO lines.

Luggage came to the room by 230.

Unfortunately, it was quite windy and rainy the first 2 days on the ship so I did not do that much. I havent even explored outside (pool area etc.) yet. Tomorrow is Bermuda and I will check out Hamilton by public bus (best way to explore the island in my opinion), check out the rest of the ship and report back.

PS The VOOM internet is the BEST internet I have experienced on a cruise. Hands down.

Full range on price list

http://www.boozeitup-sxm.com/sites/all/themes/framework/content/files/booze-it-up-full.pdf

I know you keep posting this price list but where exactly is this store in relation to the place we dock at?

Harmony charges $20. Anthem charges nothing. :D

 

Please tell your someone. :D :D :D

 

And I had a BLAST doing it.

First thing at the meet and mingle, I will tell that someone.

Someone on my roll call said it was $20 pp. They said that it was just so so but I've never done one before so I might try it.

I am leaving tomorrow so I will probably do a LIVE review or report back with a basic review.

has anyone recently bought this rum? If so, where? I used to buy her rum at her house in the countryside and sometimes at several shops in town but I think she was hit hard by the hurricane. I’m not sure if she stopped making it.

I want to stock up and need some recent reports of where to buy her rum.

Thanks!

Has anyone seen Ma Dou Dou rum being sold on the Dutch side?

Name call me as "hypersenstitive" if you want but the smoke was so noticeable that in the beginning of my cruise I thought that someone was smoking out on their balcony around my floor. Later I discovered that glass box directly underneath my room, although 7 floors down, was the outside smokers lounge. I smelled it everyday - more in the early morning (like 7am) than any other time. Smokers getting their first of the morning fix I assume.

 

 

All I said is I wouldn't recommend that particular room because I could smell the smoke. If you don't think you'll mind it - then by all means, take room 12678.

 

Also, I definitely think anyone traveling with children would avoid a room where your family could breath in second hand smoke.

I certainly don’t think you’re hypersensitive. (That poster poked at me at another board. I just called it bitterness).

Personally, I’m very happy you mentioned this smoking issue as I wouldn’t have known about that smoking room and what side it’s on. Knowing your room number would help many as they would want to avoid anything in that area if they merely didn’t want to breath in that smoke. That truly could make or break someone’s balcony experience.

No confusion about insurance. I worked for many years as an insurance defense attorney for several large insurance carriers. I also worked many years as a Compliance Director and part of that job involved managing insurance claims in NYC.

I did not misrepresent anything about TIS. I also did not say insuremytrip agents work for no pay. It’s not a volunteer job. It’s salaried.

Yes, the prices are the same from a broker or direct from the insurer, but I seriously doubt that the broker isn't making a commission. It's just paid by the insurer, not by the traveler.

 

That's why it makes so much sense to use an insurance broker.

(We use www.TripInsuranceStore.com )

It doesn't cost extra.

 

They can help one choose between different insurers and policies and also run interference IF it is ever needed for a claim.

 

We also very much like having the extra assistance in clarifying any potential issues that might affect which policy will work best, etc.

 

GC

I disagree.

The reps I spoke with at insuremytrip.com do not individually make a commission on the policy you choose. I worked with one rep and decided not to buy at that time. I asked for his name so I could get back to him when I made a decision so he would get commission. He said he did not make a commission. When I bought the policy finally, the second rep also confirmed that they did not make a commission. The carrier pays (like you said). If I am not dealing with a carrier when I use insuremytrip, then I don't feel pressured to pick a certain carrier. The rep wouldn't care either which carrier I choose.

You said it makes more sense to use an insurance broker...why? Why would it make a difference if I used a broker like Steve or a licensed insurance agent at insuremytrip? They both provide information about policies. One, the former, just has more incentive to sell certain policies or to make a sale in general. Using the later, I get more policy options.

Also, when I just now checked for a quote on the TIS site, many of the carriers (the big ones and in business for many years) I was quoted on insuremytrip.com were not quoted for me on the TIS site. In fact, of the 6 quotes I received, the lowest priced policy (albeit a different carrier) was 100 more that I paid and did NOT have the same high limits as I already bought.

Also, with insuremytrip, there are many insurance agents you can speak or chat online with about the policies available. Steve seems to be the only one you can speak with at TIS (although one is enough).

63 days out is probably too late to get coverage, but still look.

You can get a policy with most carriers hours before you leave.

I think medical evacuation is extremely important. Just saw a story last night on Nightly News about a woman who was medically evacuated for injuries and ended up with a bill over $30,000 from the medical transport company after her insurance paid only a very small portion.

 

Now I'm sure this was a domestic incident of an accident or injury and the medical personnel where she was taken deciding she needed upgraded care somewhere else. But, if medical flight transport could cost over $30,000 within the US, I don't want to think of the cost if you're out of the country and need to be brought home. I know I don't have that kind of money laying around, and once I leave the US, my medical won't cover me.

 

I always purchase a policy with $1 million in medical evacuation for piece of mind. I suggest you look at www.insuremytrip.com or www.squaremouth.com for more information and the ability to compare policies and the things that are important to you when you travel.

Its my understand that the US Coast Guard does not charge for evacuation.

Sure. We go to insuremytrip.com, put in details about our trip and our selves, and get quotes from a dozen or more companies, and with different levels of coverage. We've used about 3 different companies over the years, and have needed to file claims with 2 of them (1 due to trip delay, and 1 due to our need to cancel). We've always had excellent service. Also if you want benefits like CFAR, or have pre-existing conditions, the dates when you purchase are very important. We always purchase the day we book our cruise.

I like that site as well. I just used them last week to book my policy for my cruise this coming Thursday. It was $516 for 2 but one of the people is 88. I wanted a waiver for pre-existing conditions and high limits on medical and evacuation bc of my father's age. I thought that the rate was fair based on his age. In fact, when I received the policy, the rate for him was 388 and my rate was 128. Obviously age plays a HUGE factor in insurance policy rates.

Best thing about that site is that if you have any questions, you can chat online with them or call them. The people you chat with do NOT make a commission. If you check the prices from that site and then go directly to the carrier, the prices are the same so they also are not making any money when you buy from them.

Hope this helps.

You might also try insuremytrip.com. The site gives options from which you can choose.

I second using this site. I have used them for years and used the chat feature as well as calling them with questions. I even had to file a claim once and they assisted. They give you a wide variety of options

The other insurance site mentioned is a one man show who has premiums that were a lot more for my next cruise and some of the larger carriers were not even posted when I requested for a quote on my next cruise.

Check out www.Travelinsurancestore.com

They have done right by me in the past.

My father has Medicare.

Any insurance you get will be primary as

Medicare is not primary out of the U.S.

Also you don't need to insure the trip for the full

cost of the trip to have medical coverage.

Go for a lower amount, say $500 and save $$

You DO need to insure the trip for the full amount of the trip to have medical coverage. When you file a claim, the carrier will ask for a paid bill of your trip. If you did not insure for that amount, your claim will be denied.

Is there a fire alarm in the bathroom?

WONDERFUL review! I am leaving on Thursday so this was such a great preview.

Curious about the galley brunch and all access tour. What are the charges for them and did u sign up at the front desk? What exactly is the galley brunch?

Also, why were you reluctant to report it? That makes no sense to me.

Just received an email stating that due to a Coast Guard inspection, boarding is now from 12-3pm. for our upcoming cruise. Is this common at Port Liberty? We were planning to arrive around 11am.

 

Thanks in advance for any advise!

I am on the same sailing and although I have only been on about 10 cruises, this did happen to me once before. I cannot recall though if it was Port Liberty or another NYC port.