DoulaAnn

@Zoey123 when are you going? Artist Loft is sometimes available in a non-permanent space. One voyage this summeer, there will be cooking demonstrations (not a participatory thing -- usually done in the lounge (not Horizons). So depends on which cruise. I can probably find out if there's going to be an Artist Loft on your cruise.

Martinis also has a drink (I don't remember the name of it) but it's a chocolate type martini, and I LOVE it. The pina coladas on the ship vary in their taste, but I've found some I really like. Unfortunately for me, I can only have them occasionally, so I spend a lot of time being envious of those are drinking these.

If your niece likes things like trivia, name that tune, bingo, casinos, lounging by the pool, bocce or shuffleboard, or just reading, she shouldn't be bored (some ships also have artist lofts -- where there is painting, acrylics, or photography-- and culinary classes -- which have to be booked WELL in advance, like when they open up) she will really be fine. Some people her age actually like talking with elders and hearing their experiences (and the elders -- at least some of them and we're among them) love talking with younger generations.

I'm a big fan of Martini's and would hate to see it go away.

Looking at the Allura Deck Plan on O's site, Baristas and Horizons are on the same deck. I wonder if they are taking out the Conference Center or maybe merging it with the LYNC room.

@Harter what a fascinating family you have. I tend to like the fruity oils and just tell the oil person to give me the balsamic that goes best with it. Some day I may get adventurous and try some other combinations. Thanks for the interesting information.

I had no idea it could be dimmed. Will give that a try.

I haven't experienced it in the US either. It's lots of fun for me to try different combinations. I had no idea there were differences in the oils and balsamic vinegars.

I can see your point, but, again, being there at 6:40 does not make you late in this instance.

I've even seen (once) a chef call a waitlisted person just as the class starts when there is a no-show.

Martini's can go until midnight, but rarely does because most of their clientele aren't late night people. It is usually piano music with an occasional singer. Had one guy who played a trumpet for one song (though there were repeats of it one evening). I don't even think he was loud enough to be heard.

Was there any noise from the thrusters or anchors during docking or casting off? We had issues with that in 7130 on Riviera so just wondering.

It's more the size of a concierge room. It's been a long time since I was in a concierge, so can't compare the closets. I would say about 1/3 - 1/2 smaller.

You are correct that there are Concierge big balconies. But the question was about PH vs. Concierge and that was what I was addressing the PH large balconies and siting 7130 vs. 7128.

Booking a big balcony usually means booking the minute the cruise opens for reservations. We've gotten them before doing that. What I don't recommend (at least in our experience) is taking one with the wrap-around balcony. It makes for a smaller room and a smaller closet (and the big closet is one of the perks I REALLY like about a PH).

What did he do in terms of unpacking? I feel a need to know where my things are in drawers and not everyone organizes that like I do. If he just hangs things that need hanging and puts shoes in the closet and bathroom items in the bathroom, I might take advantage of that (never have before and we've done PH a lot).

When tours have been late coming back, they definitely give some leeway for reservations. We have tried just walking in (it works many times) and have been told in the above situation that they aren't taking walk-ins since people will be coming in late and they don't know how many are coming.

I agree with you. But arriving at the first reservation time means you are still being seated with everyone who has 6:30 reservations. Arriving at 6:45 or 6:50 would be actually late, but 6:40 is on time. Early is no advantage.

Only time that isn't applicable is a 6:30 reservation, since the restaurants don't open until 6:30. We've found going around 6:40 or so makes the line shorter (not necessarily short).

Seems to me that there is a difference in bathroom new buildout and cosmetic refurbishment. My perception of what it says is that the footprint of the bathroom won't be changed (tubs were eliminated in a lot of cabins on Riviera and turned into showers -- which are amazing-- and the small shower eliminated to add storage. We'll see what it looks like when it is finished. Hopefully people will post photos of what changed (will take a few people to show the different levels of cabins).

I can see this issue has had my opinion expressed, but I'm going to chime in just the same. My husband frequently takes a glass from the dining room to the show. We never have the drink package, so we have bought the bottle in the dining room. It must be okay, because the waiter will get him a different glass (the dining room ones differ from the bar ones) to take it in. I don't know how I feel about a glass if it's in the package that only includes it at lunch and dinner. Guess it depends on when it was poured. If one got it right before the show and hadn't drunk much of it, I think I would say no.

There was a lavender one I liked and one with bourbon in it that sounded intriguing, but I can't remember if I had it or not. Quality was very good -- equivalent to O's. My favorite O flavor (that rarely appears), is a mocha-sea salt caramel one. SO delicious to me.

I like pockets in my slacks and wish to goodness manufacturers would put in some inconspicuous pockets in their pants.

My husband typically wears a long sleeve woven shirt (similar to a dress shirt, but more casual) and long pants. He takes a jacket to wear occasionally only because he likes the look. He's frequently one of only a few with jackets on. I typically wear dressier pants than chinos and a nice top. I wear flat dressy type shoes unless my feet are hurting too bad, at which point I wear a nice dark tennis shoe type shoe or sandals (depending on the weather and the outfit). Supposedly, O is starting to enforce the no jeans or grungy look thing better.

I know you didn't ask, but another issue with those cabins (we booked one for a long cruise that had a lot of sea days and was in warm weather most of the time) is the closets. They are MUCH smaller and less efficient that a regular penthouse room. We've had 7128 before, and though it doesn't have the wrap-around balcony with the views of the wake (and an added bonus of having shade most/all of the time), we found it wonderful and would do it again. Pictures on here and comments pretty spot-on.