momof3cruisers

I agree. Everyone of course has their own opinions and approaches to tipping but I think it’s a disservice to make new cruisers think they won’t get good service unless they tip above and beyond. The crew are all professionals who take pride in their jobs and do them well.

Thanks. I decided to just buy them off of a gift card discount site instead. 8% instead of 10% but less hassle.

That was my exact thought. Wonder if the warranty is up or if the can return her to the dealership.

I totally get what you’re saying. I won’t go on a cruise that stops in Jamaica. Been there twice. Both times people were pushy and rude, in your face with their hands out for a tip for any reason they could think of. Poor area, yeah,I get it. But the Dominican Republic has possibly more poverty yet the people are warm and friendly. This is MY experience and therefore, I don’t choose to spend MY money there . Other people love Jamaica. Yippee skippy for them! Have at it! OP, as for Mexico, I would suggest just staying on the ship if it makes any of you uncomfortable. Perhaps your wife would be more relaxed if you only do ship sponsored excursions. (I used to not like Ensenada at all but after doing the winery tour one trip, now I get off the ship there and leave the city.) Only you can decide what’s best for your family. Have fun whatever you decide.

Well clearly, you need to book another cruise, stat!! Going to be on Spirit for a total of two weeks in a few weeks and I will be keeping an eye out for brunch. Jam, have there been any art classes offered? Also, I notice that you have frequently gotten the low or no sugar added desserts. Can you tell if they have artificial sweetener or are they more naturally flavored from like the fruit etc in them?

This is a really informative review. Thanks for doing this.

Maybe it’s buffet night at the pilot boathouse. He forgot to hit up Kroger’s before work so he had to improvise. 😉

I had this happen last fall. My friend and I booked a cruise under her VIFP number for a really good rate (not casino.) Then she had an issue come up at work that meant she couldn’t go. I got all kinds of dire claims from people on here that they wouldn’t let me board or they would make me pay the full fare rate etc. None of that happened. I got to check in, they asked about her, I said she wasn’t there yet and was on my way. Now, I wouldn’t flat out tell them the other person isn’t coming but they don’t call you down to guest services or anything else before or after sail away.

You all are getting me very excited for my Halloween cruise. Doing a B2B on Spirit. We are boarding on Oct 22 and don’t get off until Nov 5th. 😎😎

Well bummer because I really wanted that dish with the berries! LOL We are going to Aruba and Bonaire in a few weeks. Thinking of renting a car in Aruba and still haven’t decided what to do in Bonaire. Thinking probably snorkeling.

On Paradise in March, we had to do a “sing-off” to determine the winner. Sadly, I froze at the last moment (down from 7 to 3 of us) when the guy before me sang Jingle Bells and that’s what I had in my head. LOL

Thank you!

I have sailed in October a few times but never over the actual holiday. Share what fun things have happened for your previous Halloween cruises. Any can’t miss events?

I’m feeling completely technology illiterate here. I have done the sign up. I downloaded the app, signed in, gave permission and it’s stuck and has been for days at the page to continue after giving permission. I even tried deleting the app and reinstalling. Nothing is working. I’m about to give up. Any suggestions?

That new menu sucks. Sweet potato fries were SO good as was the grilled cheese with tomato etc. I’m fine with paying for items but this is just a bummer.

Continuing to enjoy your review. You’re going to get me close to my sail date. cCan you tell me if magnets stick to the walls and door of your stateroom and is there one of the little mailbox type things outside your door?

Great review so far! I appreciate all the pictures. Did you happen to take any of the water park?

Wouldn’t be surprised. A friend from high school was a life guard at Newport in the mid 80s and was paid $20 an hour. We were all stunned.

In our area, (second tier suburb of Minneapolis) the lifeguard jobs at the Y are in very high demand by teens as they pay really well. They start at $15 and after a year go to $17 and our minimum wage for under 18 is $10 something an hour. Of course the fact that it’s a year round lifeguard gig is a huge plus too. Not many of those in MN. 😂

Well that’s a bummer. Sounds like he changed his style. I wonder if people complained that he wasn’t “fun” enough.

I can give you a slight answer from the mom of someone who auditioned for production cast. They hold auditions and then rehearsals in fairly large groups. Sometimes, it’s just one cast member who gets sent to a ship to replace someone leaving for various reasons. When the shows are the same, that cast member is ready to go upon boarding. They also rehire talent who already know the choreography etc. Having the same shows streamlines the whole process. This is what she was told at the callbacks. (She didn’t get cast.) But it sure would be nice if they changed things up. The cast gets bored of doing the same shows too.

LOL….who knew that you were the only one with the correct opinion? I’ll be sure to check with you for any other choices I make on my vacation in the future. Too funny. I have enjoyed room service and will continue to do so. Would I prefer it to be free? Of course, but the paid items I have ordered have been quite good. I have also paid for the privilege of having them bring a pizza to me instead of standing in the very long line for it. I have health issues that can make standing difficult. It’s worth the $ to enjoy my vacation a bit more—while I eat my pizza…on my balcony. 😎🙀 And I have definitely seen a lot of wasted food on trays n the hallways. However, you see a lot of wasted food everywhere on cruises.

Can you order drinks at the steakhouse bar when not eating at the steakhouse?

Most of the bartenders can make the mocha chocolate getaway as long as they have a blender. I’ve also ordered a BBC from the various bars around the ship. Just FYI. I love most of the drinks at Alchemy. Last cruise I discovered the Whimsy Scarlet at the comedy club and that became my drink of choice.

I love how not a single one of the FIVE California cities listed, not a single one even has a cruise port. And as you pointed out, no FL ports? What alternative cruising reality is this?