Goofyisme

That's all I have to say.

Ah if only that were so.

Respectfully, do you understand the issue is not about the jurisdiction of a government agency? The true, unmuddled issue is the need for a transparent investigation of how this cruise ship placed lives in danger. The public deserves to have uncompromising facts.

Respectfully, it is all about jurisdiction.

Newbcruiser1 you are amazing with your calm and rational explanations after a very trying experience and under a still uncertain future. You are truly to be commended for taking the time and effort it takes to keep all of us informed.

You are the person the press people should be looking for to interview when you come into port. Unfortunately that won't be the case knowing the media.

Best of luck in getting back to port and getting home safely. I hope with minimal impact to your pocketbook.

Instead of getting all high and mighty, read what I said. I never concluded anything. I said I have yet to see any proof from all the highly knowledgeable people here that they have experienced a hassle.

 

TravelThom's reply was not an example of a passport requirement as it happened before there was a regulation saying that you even had to have a passport. It was just an example of an overzealous border officer. :rolleyes:

I recall 2 or 3 times that people here have discussed being delayed while waiting for consulate/embassy processed new travel documents for them. Delays were on the order of 1 to 3 days, one I recall extra day was caused by need to travel to another city to find a consulate and airport. Again this is from memory from I believe a few years ago. So yes apparently it does happen.

On the Grandeur talk to the chef at the buffet. They will point out the items that are glutton free and then will prepare a plate in the kitchen to avoid cross contamination. Very good service and awareness of GF needs.

Does the Grandeur have the multi-flavored Coke machines?

Yes she does

We just did this cruise in September. Remember, the ship also has to have a stop in a "distant foreign port" to comply with maritime laws. That port is often Victoria, British Columbia. If something were to happen to you while there you'd need a passport to fly home. Passport are good things to have ... and they're valid for 10 years before you need to renew them. Best practice is to have one and take it with you whenever you're going to leave the country.

Victoria is not a "distant foreign port" and there is no requirement for this itinerary to visit a "distant foreign port". The requirement is to visit a "foreign port" and Victoria meets this requirement for this closed loop trip.

Doesn't have anything to do with passports, but there is so much incorrect information about the PVSA put on these boards, just wanted to provide the correct information.

Saves me money.

If you have had tips were prepaid or added to your account daily then IMO you have paid the expected tip for good standard service. I have never experienced service that even comes close to making me think about reducing these amounts.

As far as anything additional, this is an entirely personal decision depending on your perception of how much if any crew members have gone above acceptable. For myself on a 7 day cruise I have added additional tips from $0 to $100 per cabin. Also will add additional tips to drink orders above the included amount for excellent service. This usually occurs later in the cruise as a server demonstrates that they have made an effort to learn my preferences and made efforts to anticipate my desires.

What ever you decide to do in giving any additional tips, If you received outstanding service from a staff member in any capacity please remember to fill out and turn in a WOW card for this individual. These cards really help in their evaluations.

Hope this is of some value, but in any case these are just my opinions.

It is surprising that RCCL doesn't allow a setup package in your cabin the way their sister company Celebrity does. When sailing Celebrity a bottle in the room for pre dinner drinks or a nightcap paired with their non-alcohol package is a perfect fit for me.

The US Federal tax-ability of foreign income can be a bit complicated.

Key issues include nationality, tax home, period of residency, tax treaties and treatment of housing and meal allowances.

It is quite possible that a US citizen could avoid US federal income tax on a significant amount of foreign income ($99,200 per tax-payer in 2014). In any case there would be a requirement to file a US federal return.

The rules for states and local earned income vary dramatically across the country and thus an individual may not owe taxes, but may owe state and/or local earned income tax.

Individuals should always check with a qualified tax specialist about his/her specific situation and liability.

Thanks All!

 

For those who have cruised out of Baltimore in a Suite or JS, what is the Suite/JS like?

 

Brad

JS on the Grandeur were quit nice. As an older ship she shows some wear and tear, but the extra space in the room and balcony are very nice. My favorite thing about the JS is the shower and tub combo which is great after the "transporter tube" showers in the smaller cabins.

Baltimore does a great job processing and boarding so the advantages of dedicated suite lines only seems to save 10 to 15 minutes at the most, but I'll take any extra time I can get on the ship.

Happy to answer any additional questions.

Yes, recently that has been the departure time.

When we went to Port Canaveral 2 weeks ago the published itinerary listed arrival time as noon, but the captain announced soon into the cruise that we would be arriving at the previously scheduled time of 10:30.

Actual arrival was right at 10:30 give or take.

Not sure why the changes, but schedule appears to be using most conservative estimates.

Question - During the Muster Drill do they scan your Seapass card now?

 

Aloha,

 

John

Yes they did.

We were on the cruise just before LatteLady. Also had a great experience on the cruise to Bahamas. Service was excellent everywhere. Great room attendant and MDR team provided great dining and service experiences.

Only complaints were 1) mattresses were a bit uncomfortable and 2) The specialty restaurants were a bit disappointing. Nothing bad in the specialties, but just not as special as I expected, but then again food is very subjective, and in all the dining rooms service was excellent.

Even service in the Windjammer was excellent, especially considering we needed some special arrangements due to food allergies. Windjammer could be the usual mad house depending on when you arrived, but we never had trouble finding a table.

Wish they had started the aerial show while we were onboard, that was a great show last year.

Hope everyone is enjoying their cruises.

I see a lot of excursions listed that include water activities on the island. Is there a "free" beach or similar area available in case one just wants to be lazy on the beach.

Also, I remember reading somewhere about lunch on the island, but can't find the thread or post. I seem to remember the comments about the lunch were very good. Is this an included lunch and how is it set up? Buffet or what.

Thanks

Bathtub instead of the Star Trek transporter tube shower.

LOL, great description. It was the one thing I hated in the standard balcony room.

Thanks to all for the replies.

In looking to book a Junior suite it appears that most of the benefits of booking a suite are not included with the Junior Suite. Can anyone tell me what the benefits are with the JS so we can figure out or choices?

Thanks

Thank you.

Does Grandeur have Dynamic dining? If so how does it work? Really confused by this new style of dining, but in my limited understanding it seems like it might be fun.

Thanks

We sailed a Christmas cruise on Mariner several years ago (pre Prestige). There were in the neighborhood of 50 children on this cruise, and while they were visible they were not intrusive due to the efforts of both the parents and crew.

Regent is no longer a decent value proposition for my travel needs and desires.

So anyone walking down a hallway that sees a sealed envelope on a door can open that envelope and then go in the room - even if it's not theirs:confused::confused:

That's what it sounds like to me. If that's the way it is then it is really a messed up system that is only going to lead to problems.

This is a great package if you don't drink alcohol or very little. The flexibility for non-alcoholic beverages can't be beat for the price.