HardToPort

The Splendor is a tired ship, entertainment that is rungs below RCL and NCL and a very dated Lido deck. Being so far north with 4 sea days minimum I think ship amenities are important.

 

Hi Smeck,

 

You show 9 cruises on your cruise history. None on Splendor and only 1 on Carnival. Where do you source your CCL generalizations? You infer it is tired, old, dated and lacking in quality entertainment and on board amenities yet you have no first hand knowledge.

 

I look forward to sailing on a new ship (new to me, not newly built) and the Splendor interests me. I've done CCL and NCL lately and enjoyed them both. (Have also done Princess and Celebrity years ago).

 

With all due respect, are you regurgitating the opinions of others without first hand experience?

 

I would caution fellow cruisers to ignore "hearsay" critiques and give more weight to recent first hand accounts.

 

Just sayin'

HTP

:cool:

We want to go on a cruise 3/9-3/16 & was wondering how cold it is leaving baltimore & for how many days. Looks like your 2 days at sea before you get to Port Canaveral.

 

Frani,

 

I've cruised out of Baltimore in Feb and September. Weather in March could be 40 degrees or 70 degrees.

 

It takes a good full day to get nice weather. Maybe you should try sailing on the Splendor. It has the retractable pool roof.

 

However, Baltimore is a great port to spend an extra day or two in! Awesome seafood in Inner Harbour. Lots to see and do.

 

Cheers!

HTP

:cool:

I am getting passports for me, my wife and daughter for our cruise which departs March 15th, 2014. How long will it take on average to get the passports?

 

Thanks!

 

In Canada you can get a 10 year passport, for $160 in 5 business days.

Ok i looked and couldn't find anything on passport... maybe i overlooked it... but heres my question. .. Carnival say i can cruise without a passport since Im a citizen. . Then I here other folks taking about that I need one or I cant get back on the ship at mexico port? Please some share your advice... its driving me crazy

 

Fingerman,

Pasport NOT required when you leave and return to same US port. Most ports of call do not require it.

 

NO EXPERIENCED TRAVELER WOULD LEAVE HOME WITHOUT IT.

 

Govern yourself accordingly and have a great trip.

 

Sincerely,

HTP

:cool:

We arrived at 345am in port canaveral for loading work via a crane. They loaded huge CAT generators onboard for some work that needed to be done, but of corse it's now 3 hrs after sail time and we are still sitting here at the dock. They say we're going soon, but they say that every hour so far! We were told we will be arriving late to Nassau tomorrow now and the longer we sit the later out arrival will get if not scrapped! Not happy!!!!

 

Oh and starting this afternoon workers are now serving all food at the buffets and continuely announcing "wash your hands"!!!!

 

 

And yet ... somehow ... life goes on.

:cool:

 

(you are on a cruise in the bahamas. tomorrow it will be -7 in ontario and I'm making sales calls. Trade ya?)

[quote name='cruiseapril']Need to mention here that we have never experienced a slumber party atmosphere on an Amtrak train. The lights in the cars are dimmed at 10 p.m. and the party folks go to the lounge car. Each train car has an attendant who keeps things calm at night.

As to the cost of a private roomette in the Sleeper Car- roomettes are reasonably priced (for 2 people) and include 3 meals. Booking way in advance is usually less expensive. Roomettes are expensive for only 1 person, IMO.[/quote]

Last year, Dear Father and I booked a roomette from NY Penn to Buffalo. Because I had to work the next day and had partied hard on board I slept almost the whole way to Buffalo and LOVED it!!

Dad stayed awake with a good book and the NY Times Sunday Edition. He felt cramped and wandered the hallways a bit. This year we'll stay in business class as he likes that better, but I would do a roomette again anytime! But if you aren't going to stretch out and sleep you might as well spend less money and stick to business. IMHO

I want to make some sangria with the wine I bring on board with fruits from the Buffet. What goes better with the fruits/juice offered? White or red wine? What do you use to let the fruit and wine soak in?

 

Anyone got any recipe for me to use?

 

Tia

Danielle

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

Tia Danielle,

This is my Sangria recipe straight from a bar in Barcelona.

 

Assorted sweet fruit (oranges, raspberries, strawberries). Do not use lemons, limes or anything too tart. I slice my oranges and keep the rind, but you can peel and just add wedges if you prefer.

 

1/3 cup of Brandy

 

1/3 cup of powdered sugar ( but granulated sugar works just as well).

 

750 ml bottle of full bodied red wine. (I was told NOT to use good wine. A cheap run of the mill bottle of reasonable quality cab or similar is just fine).

 

Sparkling water (Perrier, Pellegrino etc).

 

1) Mix sugar and brandy together in the bottom of a large pitcher. (I use a big Coleman camping jug!! The pitcher will ultimately need to hold all the ingredients).

 

2) Add fruit. Ensure all of the fruit is covered. Add a little bit of wine if necessary to cover all the fruit. Gently blend. Let soak for an hour or two if possible.

 

3) Add wine and gently stir ingredients together. Chill.

 

4) Just before serving add enough cold sparkling water to suit your taste. I use about 1/3 of a 750 ml bottle. A can of club soda from the bar will work just fine.

 

5) Pour over ice. Spoon a little fruit into each glass.

 

You can pre make this but don't add sparkling water or ice until ready to serve. Otherwise the ice will dilute it and the sparkling water will go flat.

 

NOTE: Make an amazing dessert by serving any leftover fruit over vanilla ice cream. Pour a small amount of the sangria over as well if there is any left.

 

Thanks for the idea. I think I am going to try this in January!!

 

Have a great trip!

HTP

:cool:

I think that's what the OP will find. I searched Amtrak from Toledo to NYC and it was way more expensive than flying. Same to the W Coast or to Florida. Train is just not that feasible for such long distances. Although I wish it were. I hate flying.

 

Hi Allison,

You can make an ecomonic argument for train over plane in US. My Dad and I combined pay about $350 US return for business class from Buffalo to NYC. If we fly it is about $180 return each plus the hassle of flying plus the taxi from a NYC airport to Manhattan. So Amtrak is better financially. However, you can't make a time argument. The train is way lo-o-o-onger.

 

But for me, I get to hang with my Dad and I never know which trip will be the last. Ultimately, you have to decide what works for you.

 

This month my wife and I are traveling from Toronto to Ottawa by train for my company Christmas Party. We're paying a lot more than the cost to fly, but on Via (Canada's version of Amtrak) we get fine dining, unlimited wine and liquers, and beautiful scenery. So it's a romantic decision. not a practical one. To each their own.

 

Cheers!

HTP

:cool:

Hi. I have been on 2 Carnival cruises, both departing from Florida. My husband and I live in Vermont so most cruises require a long drive or flights. I've looked at the itineraries out of Baltimore and read some reviews. I was wondering, for those that have done this cruise, did you feel it was worth it? I know a couple of sea days will be cold until we get further south. I have a close friend and her husband and they have never cruised or been to FL so we were thinking it could be a nice vacation. We could easily drive down to Baltimore and the prices aren't bad on these departures. I just worry that we'll be a little bummed with the cooler sea days and the ports. But then I love just about everything about cruising so I'm thinking I maybe worrying about nothing!

 

We did the southern Caribbean out of San Juan 2 years ago and I loved that cruise and am so anxious to cruise again. The convenience of getting to MD seems like it may be worth it.

 

Hi Dan & Crystal,

 

I've done Baltimore in winter. Liked it just fine, but yes you get some cold sea days. This year sailing out of NYC in January on Splendor. Splendor has a retractable roof over pool so you can swim first day.

 

Also, hot tubs on a cold day always a lot of fun.

 

Cheers!

HTP:cool:

:DYou are correct, let's knock 2 hours off. The Op can obviously do whatever they want. I would just question that much time on a train....or anything else for that matter, but thats just me.

 

I thought OP was looking at travel from NJ to nearest port (NYC, Boston, Baltimore, Norfolk). NJ to FLA is a plane ride for sure.

 

8 hours on a train where I'm asleep for 1/2 the time ... no problem. 20 - 25 hours. Nope.

 

OP, have you considered cruising from a Northeast port? Might solve your dilemma.

 

Safe travels,

HTP

I know a lot of people fly. We always have as well. But next year we are seriously SERIOUSLY considering Amtrak. We spent so much money checking bags – not to mention how we had to unpack crap at the check- in counter when we left for FL on a 6am flight! It had been a few years since we’ve flown. I had no idea the prices and the weight of the bags, etc. was that big of a deal. I really don’t want to fly again next year just because of the checked luggage hassle alone. So has anyone ever taken the train? We’ve been on Amtrak many times but never to board a cruise. From NJ I would have to time it just right.

 

Hi Cruizin,

 

I cruise every year with my father who lives in Fort Erie (the Canadian city across the river from Buffalo). We have driven to cruise (Boston), driven and flown (Baltimore) and taken the train (NYC). We love Amtrak. We board the train in Buffalo at 430 AM and we're in NYC by 1 PM. We go in a day early and enjoy a dinner and night out in Manhattan. We always buy a business class seat (or a roomette) and enjoy it immensely. You can read, sleep, chat, play cards etc.

 

Yes it is an 8 hour ride (same as driving) but it is so easy and we debark at New York Penn Station. We walk to a local hotel.

 

Flying requires us to be at airport 2 - 3 hours ahead of time, check luggage, get herded like cattle, land at Kennedy and or La Guardia, wait for luggage, find a cab, pay $70 for the privilege of being stuck in traffic. Overall it may be 2-3 hours less but the cost for the train is competitive and no stress. And the scenery is gorgeous.

 

Also, you can put as much luggage on the train as you wish (OK, within reason).

 

My Dad is 80 so easy and stress free is the selling point for us.

 

Cheers!

HTP

:cool:

Who do you call? It isn't like you can pick up the phone and call 911. Carnival is mentioned in the article.

 

http://www.cnn.com/2013/07/24/travel/cruise-ship-crime/index.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+rss%2Fcnn_us+%28RSS%3A+U.S.%29

 

Hi Elliair,

I have neither experienced nor seen any crime on a cruise ship. (7 cruises so far). But here are my rules for travel in general.

 

1) Take as little cash and valuables as possible. Additionally I prepay as much as I can and I have a low limit credit card ($1000) that I use for cruises so any fraudelent use of my card is limited. Use the room safe.

 

2) Drink responsibly. Now, I'm not proposing temperance. I have my first drink around noon and my last around 1 -2 AM on a typical cruise with anywhere from 2-5 more in between. So I go through 4 - 8 drinks a day. (I understand the health concerns so no lectures please). But I am never sloppy. Fights, sexual assaults and injuries happen more to the sloppy drunks than cruisers who keep their wits about them.

 

3) Stay clear of trouble. You know who the cruisers are that are likely to drink to excess, get mouthy, play grabass etc. They are few and easily avoided, so do so.

 

4) Stay with your wing girl. (This is for female cruisers). I may feel safe wandering the spa deck at 1 AM (55 year old male), but a woman shouldn't do it alone.

 

5) Report inappropriate behaviour to Security. Yes the cruise has a brig. Yes the head of security generally has a law enforecement background and No, cruise ship security don't take crap from cruisers.

 

6) If you are a victim of a crime report it to security and also to your home port authorities. The cruise lines do not want US Law Enforcement in their face.

 

Lastly, millions of cruisers and crew never have any trouble. Keep your wits about you and be prudent ... but ultimately have fun.

 

Cheers!

HTP

:cool:

The way it was explained to me is if he booked all the cabins at the same time they would cancel them all as more of protection against penalties (if the rate had one or they were within the final payment period). If Carnival cancels they are entitled to the deposit and any other monies back.

 

The reservation will "pop" to let someone at carnival know there is an issue. Even if she is on the list I was told there is still some discretion as to whether they will or will not allow her to return. It is case by case. I think if he were to book 5 cabins and they see it's a family thing they would be less likely to cancel.

 

Hi SeaU,

Isn't the obvious answer just to call Carnival, ask for a supervisor, explain to them what happened 3 years ago and ask for absolution?

 

Can't believe kids can serve in the military at 18, or younger with parental approval, (and I don't in any way mean to disparage the honour and nobility of military service so stand down flamers!), but makes them wait until 21 to have a beer. <face palm>

 

Anyway, you might find this is a just a tempest in a teacup upon further exploration.

 

Enjoy!

HTP

:cool:

Always read the fine print... which in this case isn't too fine and is easily readable. (emphasis mine)

 

Carnival gift cards are a much better option. You don't get the cash back, but you get any leftover credit on another gift card you can use in the future.

 

Hi All,

 

Coconut, are you saying you bought $160 in Cruise Cash and never used it all up? Even on my own I generally drink more than that on a 5 day cruise. (Don't get me started on 7 and 8 day cruises!! :eek:).

 

I usually apply cash to my account at embarkation with my CC on file for back up. Then I grab the cash last night and any subsequent expenses hit the CC.

 

Please don't read anything into my query other than a desire to understand. There's nothing wrong with not drinking or keeping spending down.

 

I just don't understand the point of these other forms of payment.

 

Cheers!

HTP

:cool:

We will be driving to Boston (well Cambridge) on Friday from Ontario, Canada, and are leaving Sunday on the Carnival Glory.

 

Decided to stay in Cambridge at the Kendall Hotel as Saturday morning will start at the MIT Museum (hubby's request). From there, we were thinking about purchasing tickets for the Old Town Trolley to see Boston, but are wondering if anyone has opinions or ideas for a better way to see the town and spend the day?

 

Not looking for anything in particular...not baseball fans, not history buffs...just want to feel like we saw Boston. Might do some shopping. Definitely want some yummy food.

 

Any suggestions for what to do on our one day in town before we sail out?

 

Hi London!

 

Cambridge, Ontario here. I cruised out of Boston in June with my Dad and we spent a weekend. If I only had a day here's what I'd do. Take transit downtown to the Faneuil Hall area and walk to the water. Across from Legal Seafoods is the water taxi area. Grab the water taxi that goes to the Charlestown Navy Yards and go see the USS Constitution (Old Ironsides) and take a walk up to the Warren Tavern, a very famous bar where Paul Revere once spoke. Have a beer, maybe walk to Bunker Hill. All told this won't take more than 2-3 hours. Then water taxi back to Boston.

 

The water taxi is only $3 pp each way but offers beautiful views of the harbour.

 

Once back in the harbour area go to Faneuil for a little shopping and a cold drink and / or a bite to eat. They have amazing street musicians that you can see from a bar called "Dick's". People watch and soak it in. You can't beat Legal Seafoods for dinner and they have a "casual", sushi and "fine dining" restaurant in the same building so there's something for everyone.

 

In Saint John walk up the hill to the market area and have a bite to eat and a beer at Billy's Seafood, It's my favourite maritime haunt and regulars can be very entertaining.

 

Safe travels!

PG - don't have time to read all threads here but NCL has Studios just for solo's!! Priced right too. Available on Epic and Breakaway.