joeyancho

2 hours ago, mom2miracles said:

We have only stayed in Suites, and we have gotten it every night we have sailed. We have heard that only guests in Suites get them every night, others do not. With that said, apparently you can ask your room steward to have them and they will leave one in your room every evening. 

We were in a lowly balcony in May and August.   We got the Compass every night, without asking.  All the info is on the app, just formatted differently.  

It's a weapon,  lol

We had an 8pm departing flight.  We arrived at the airport at 11am +/-.  American Airlines check our bags, no problem.   We occupied ourselves with the internet for a while.  Then we discovered a  great Cuban  restaurant in the terminal called La Caretta .  It is owned by the people who own Versailles restaurant in Miami.   Same great food.  Same great prices.  We enjoyed a great meal there.  Their Cuban coffee is to die for.   Eventually 8pm rolled around and we were off to Las Vegas.  

8 hours ago, brillohead said:

Sadly, some airlines don't let you buy a day pass anymore.  😞 

Quite understandable.  Those places are so crowded.  

6 hours ago, Goodtimes57 said:

So Princess is returning to the Texas market once again and this time out of Galveston instead of the Port of Houston (Ship Channel). I find this interesting as the Port of Galveston is now suddenly getting crowded. Well....relatively anyway. I mean it isn't Miami or Ft.L but for Galveston and those that cruise out of Galveston... suddenly there are choices and options for Cruise Lines, Ships, and lengths of cruises. But pretty much the same port of calls. We've been loyal to Royal since... well forever. We've never cruised w/ any other line. But evidently someone or somebodies think the Galveston market can handle it. We'll see.

 

What I like most about them moving in is they're offering longer cruises than 7 days. Although they're pretty much going to the same, same port of calls. I hope that RCL will respond and do the same. We would book 10 or 12 day Southern Caribbean cruises if they were offered. But so far that hasn't happened yet, Anyway I did a bit of price comparison. Using the same dates, same type of balcony cabin w/ same location, and w/ the same ports, straight up RCL has Princess beat by $400 for two people. And that was even w/ Harmony of the Seas. But when you add Gratuities, WiFi, and Alcohol Bev Packages, Princess smokes RCL by $800 for two people. I doubt we would cruise w/ Princess unless they did a A,B,C Island, Southern Caribbean type cruise. But I do hope the competition will force RCL to re-think pricing and longer cruises out of Galveston. 

You should try Princess.  It's a great cruise line.  Superior to Royal in certain areas.  Besides,  it's fun to sleep around..

7 hours ago, livingonthebeach said:

-- the average cruiser's age on Princess has to be around 85.  

Not so. I have sailed Princess extensively.  The demographic is a bit older than Royal but not by much. However they are more sedate and I would guess well to do than the average Royal passenger. 

  I think you mean Holland America or Viking River Cruises. 

Not on any Royal ship that I have been on.  But I believe that Princess still has them. 

On 8/24/2022 at 9:45 PM, kimberlym322 said:

 

I live on Delmarva (eastern shore of MD) and we have lucked out some this year.  Mix of sm and med's have been going for about 120-130.00 for a bushel.  Or we go catch our own.

You can catch those crabs anywhere,  including the sewer system. 

On 10/4/2022 at 12:47 PM, moposh said:

Everyone has to go their muster station before the ship can sail.  There were a few announcements on board about that so I guess some people thought they could skip it.

US Coast Guard requires this.  There is no getting around it.  If you skip it they (ship security)  will find you and make sure you complete the requirements.  Which in my opinion everyone should want to do.  It's a small price to pay for something that potentially could save your life.  

     Just to add one small fact to the above answers,  that someone who hasn't sailed in a while might not know,  your sign and sail card will be in an  envelope in the mail thingy at your room.  No longer do you get it at check-in.  

    Covid has changed the embarkation process considerably.  

Bon Voyage! 

On 10/2/2022 at 7:05 PM, Grandma Dazzles said:

Drink packages do not include canned soda. You may find an occasional bartender who may give a can, but all packages specify fountain soda or freestyle machine soda. 

I  drink soda occasionally, only diet,  due to blood sugar issues.  But when I do I prefer canned soda to fountain soda.  Fountain soda uses saccharin sweetener (the pink stuff),  whereas canned soda uses sucralose (the pink stuff).  The pink stuff has a nasty after taste, IMHO.  That being said I usually bring a 6 pack of diet ginger ale on board.   Apologies for this being off topic.  

1 hour ago, soremekun said:

Carnival is fine.... Just bring your brass knuckles and pepper spray.

You said it!  Last Carnival Cruise I feared for my personal safety and I have no problem walking the streets of any US major city.  Like I said,  last Carnival Cruise.  

52 minutes ago, Ashland said:

I believe checking in luggage will depend on the class of service booked. Flying bus/first it shouldn't be a problem checking it in early....or at least it hasn't when needing to.

At MIA we were able to check our luggage 9 hrs before our flight, no problem.  

We asked about it on a recent cruise out of Miami.  No dice.  Years ago you could check your bags through to the airline,  but no more.  Hopefully that will change in the future.  It was really convenient.  

8 hours ago, BND said:

Based on experience?

 

The demographics aren't that different.  We've been on Carnival several times.

Absolutely based on experience.  I've sailed Carnival at least 20 times.  Way back it was fine.  But over the years the demo has changed.  Especially out of Los Angeles,  which is close to home.   

You couldn't pay me to sail on Carnival.   Don't care for the demographic.   

Casino odds:

Las Vegas = good

Indian Casino = bad

Cruise ship = ugly

Yes, on the Explorer OTS.  Sadly no diet ginger ale. My favorite.  

On 9/11/2022 at 11:26 AM, DirtyDawg said:

 

Funny, my ouija  board says "Take the Steelers" today. 😉

You ouija board needs a tune up

The vouchers can also be used on the private islands.  

Most items are self serve.   Occasionally some items are served by the crew such as cakes and smoked salmon (lox) come to mind.  The pandemic is over, Uncle Joe said so.....

10 hours ago, brillohead said:

I find this absolutely hilarious.... in what way, shape, or form could rice be considered "not vegan"? 

 

Unless they're taking into consideration the minute amount of bug parts that might be in it, but then again, you're gonna get that in any grain and on any unwashed (and even washed) fruits/vegetables.  

It's simple.  The traditional way refried beans are made is with lard.  It makes them muy delicioso..   However they are not vegetarian.   Some restaurants now use veggie oils to make them vegetarian friendly.  As for the rice, same thing.  Traditional Mexican rice is sautéed in oil before adding liquid.   If this oil is lard, once again not vegetarian.   I assume this is what the OP is asking about.  

I have been shopping in Mexico for 40+ years and this is my experience. Cozumel and Costa Maya have the same things for sale as any other Mexican port.  The usual:   Mexican blankets,  the colorful ones with the smooth finish and brightly colored stripes are the better ones.  Regardless of how much they ask, don't pay more than $15.00.  Pottery, two kinds.  The bright neon with red clay are the cheap ones,  use only ornamentally.  The more traditionally decorated pottery that is fired is the better stuff.  It is safe for food.  Leather goods,  not finely crafted but can be had at a bargain price if you negotiate.  I have purchased several belts with traditional design. $10.00 each.  My wife has looked at several jackets but passed on them because they are not well made.  Tee shirts, self explanatory.   Prices vary. I never pay more than $12.00 for a cotton one that I really want.   The Sun protection shirts with long sleeves are nice and usually between $15.00 and $20.00.  Silver jewelry,  there is a wide range of stuff available.   First make them show you the .925 stamp.  This indicates sterling silver.   Some of the designer type stuff is very nice.  Be sure to examine the craftsmanship for flaws before you buy.  Then there is the trinket type stuff like small earrings, necklaces and rings.  All silver can be had at good prices if you are willing to bargain.   I usually offer 1/2 the asking price.   Then stick to your guns.  Don't settle for a meet in the middle price.   And DON'T be afraid to walk away.  Usually this is where the best price can be had.  Remember you have cash,  he just has stuff.  And if you do walk away the next store has the same stuff.  Linens, some of it is very nice and very well made.   They are always willing to bargain for it.  We have purchased some very unique pieces.  Liquor,  buying from a liquor store will get the best price.  I have bought some high end,  name brand tequila for half the US price.  Buying liquor from a gift shop is more expensive and there is less selection.  I hope this helps with your shopping experience.  

On 9/6/2022 at 5:22 AM, orville99 said:

The biggest problem we have with the WJ on Oasis class ships is not the seating, but the layout of the food kiosks. There is no logical linear flow from one station to the next like there is on all of the other classes of ship. It makes people wander back and forth to find what they want and jams everyone up.

I like the layout on the Oasis.   I think they were trying to do away with the school cafeteria style buffet of older ships.  

Zip line in PV.   But your TA is correct. It is nothing like the Caribbean.   

Whether it is part of the Promenade or stand alone Sorrentos,  it is the same pizza.   Pretty good pizza.