seekatz

From someone who lives 45 min from Monterey and used to work downtown I can tell you of the joy I use to see a ship anchored in the bay, on Highway 1 near Marina. The area was never crowded as mentioned, the ships came in offseason and added to the local economy. I am not an expert, but I really do not recall any major issues with the ships in the bay causing any issues. I think knowing the area, it is more of a "not in my backyard" issue. As stated the visits were not often, but the sight was awesome.

No the Internet is not fast enough to do serious work, and as others have said it has times it really slow. I was on this ship about a month ago, and no way would an employer think this was a good or efficient use of their time. Better to take vacation days and enjoy the trip.

Previously I had to call every evening to make "any time" dining reservations for dinner. Could any one tell me if I can use the Navigator app on my phone or do I need to call a specified number on the phone from our room?

On the Bliss a few weeks ago. The crew was wonderful and the ladies who sing and bring pastry in the morning are a joy, the special treat they serve is really good as well. The dining room staff always let us change tables if we found one better and it was not a problem. We found the crew to be the best out of the lines we have sailed in the past year (6 cruises). The ship was sailing full at 100% so even with a full ship they did a good job.

Any idea on why the MDR is not always open on the embarkation day. We have cruised CCL, NCL and Princess in 2022 and found one of the dining rooms open on each of our 6 cruises. On a full ship which seems to be more of the norm, the buffet is overloaded, not a great way to start our cruise which leaves in a few weeks.

Seems like a mess in getting people on the ship. Sad as it sets the tone for the cruise and one would think they would get it fixed. Not sure if it is a port or cruise line issue, just fix it Agree that everyone needs to show up at specific boarding times, following directions is a early grade lesson.

Based on my Bliss cruise 2 weeks ago it was 150 min. per person, per device. Instructions were very clear, and we were impressed with the internet speed. As always remember to log out.

Under the Lido would not be my choice, sorry. It gets traffic for most of the day.

We were on the Bliss last week. We were walk off and were in line around 7:30, but did not get off till 9:00. NCL uses the smaller building and tents as San Pedro has 2 terminals and NCL is assigned the smaller. It was a bit like chaotic getting on and off so allow more time. Some people we met were calling the airlines trying to move from a 11:00 flight. Yes the Crown Plaza is very walkable, we say lots of people doing it. Keep in mind if it is raining that would be an issue. The waterway has been improved and is a nice place to walk. Also keep in mind in the winter fog can delay the docking I would not do a flight before 12:00 from LAX

For sure 2 cabins. We sailed with our kids only once had 4 in a cabin, never again. Enjoy your cruise and go for 2 rooms.

Agreed, just check the times as some have limited hours from lots, or hotels to SFO. If your taking taxi or Uber you can take it direct from lot or hotel, no need to go to SFO. Might save time and money by doing this.

We have parked at SFO the past 2 cruises out of SFO at one of the hotels that offers parking and airport shuttle in the past 90 days. We took the the airport shuttle to the International Terminal and took BART into the city. This would be for people who are able to walk to the Princess cruise terminal, its about 20 min walk with our roll on luggage. Bart is $ 10 each person each way and parking is about $ 10 each day. This takes a bit of research and time, but can save money on a longer cruise.

off topic but what TV stations does the Bliss have? Thanks

Very informative thread, thank you.

Not these rates for us either, and we would have received resident rates.

Just off Royal and had standing reservation. They asked us to check in at the door and be seated. Ship was about 50% so no real wait, it worked out well. A month ago on Ruby 100% full and checking in required us to wait in line, we finally just walked to our table as the wait was 10 min. + never a problem. Some have said if you do not show up, your table could be given to others and you would loose your reservation for a standing time/ table.

We were there on October 20, and the lot was full at 9:30 a.m!!! This scared us as we have parked her more than 20 times and never seen the lot full. We have a departure November 6 with five other ships also using the parking area. You have to remember that these ships have gotten much larger, and there are only 2,560 spots. That is less than one ship's capacity. Was there a problem parking at the Catalina Express except that it is much farther to walk? I wasn't aware that you could park your car overnight. Any other alternatives besides hotels?

We were just on a cruise that had San Pedro as a stop for the day. We were shocked to see the parking lot for cruise ship parking full at 9:30 a.m. when we got off to walk around for a few hours. Has anyone had problems with parking there for their cruise? We live too close to get a hotel with parking. Any other suggestions if the parking lot is full?

The entire area is awesome, I live in the area and use to work down town Monterey. It was an awesome sight driving on Highway 1 and seeing the cruise ship anchored in the bay. My understanding is cruise ships are limited in visits due to offshore marine protected areas. Its a nice walk from the pier down to Cannery Row.

Still some deny science, how can not having a 95 type of mask not help prevent infection from COVID or the flu? Follow the science, then read studies over the past 2 years. Nothing is 100%, but just like a seat belt it sure is wise to use one.

Well I am the exception as we have seen crew members taken off duty due to an infection. Friends in a group feel they were infected from a dining staff member who was replaced, when asked by the dining replacement they said "he was ill"

Ended up eating dinner at the rear dining room, Botticelli on a full cruise 3 weeks ago. The issue was the dining staff seemed to be way under staffed and it was difficult to line up as some nights the line went up the stairs. Once staffing improves I think this will get better, or limit people to dining at the times they are signed up for.

We have not used traditional in 10+ years on any cruise line. I love anytime as some days your in port latter or you want to see a specific show. 2 weeks ago on the Ruby the ship was full, but we were able to still get a table we wanted after the 1 st night for the rest of the cruise at a time that was offered. We have found the head waiters are always willing to work with us.

Just to clarify we just did a COVID test as we leave USA and stop in Canada. Did I miss your point. Thanks

Everyone has their own thoughts, which we all have known for the past few years on this subject. From reading comments on this board, some have thought room stewards may have infected them, and other cabins. I have no way of knowing, but my vote is to keep the 95 masks on as they are protecting a wide range of guests. Seeing how some cruises talk about "lines" of COVID guests getting off the ship I would say what is the harm to play it safe for the sake of those they serve.