EagleRockers

Sorry folks... I have many questions...and my laptop died... So, it's hard to search. Please forgive me!

 

I am contemplating a cruise to Alaska on the Volendam or the Zanndam, out of Seattle. How is the ship? Any particular tips I should know?

 

We would be sailing in a Vista suite, any preferred location? Any perks I should not miss out on? If any...i have a lot of reading to do...

 

Thank you everyone! I'm usually a Princess passenger, but I'm very excited to try HAL.

You're such a staunch Princess cruiser, what made you switch?

I'm contemplating a HAL cruise for the first time also.

Am I wrong in assuming that you have to be a past guest to sign up for this cruise? If so, does anyone know when it will open up to the general public? I'd really like to check out this ship and the itinerary is perfect!

Thanks!

Eagle rockers , did you use the spa/ steam room and if so how was it

We did not use the spa/steam room. But the gym had a very nice two-level layout at the bow of the ship and was spotlessly clean.

Hubby and I are just off the Carnival Miracle that went to Mexico. It was our first on Carnival, having sailed all the other major cruise lines.

While I was reluctant to book the Miracle, it was perfect as a last minute getaway and only a 45 minute drive to the port. Everything went smoothly and we rarely waited in a line for anything. The food was good, to my surprise and we ate every meal in the buffet.

We ran into other gay and lesbian couples on board and there were LGBT meetings almost daily.

Would I cruise again with Carnival? Based on this trip, yes. And when our friends raise their eyebrows when we tell them we cruised on a Carnival ship, I'll tell them not to knock it until they've tried it.

Wish I was still onboard!

My DH and I were on the same cruise, I think. It was our first on Carnival, having sailed all the other major cruise lines, 22 in total.

While I was reluctant to book the Miracle, it was perfect as a last minute getaway and only a 45 minute drive to the port. Everything went smoothly and we rarely waited in a line for anything. The food was good, to my surprise and we ate every meal in the buffet.

Would I cruise again with Carnival? Based on this trip, yes. And when our friends raise their eyebrows when we tell them we cruised on a Carnival ship, I'll tell them not to knock it until they've tried it.

Wish I was still onboard!

Hubby and I are sailing on our first Carnival cruise tomorrow. We have over 20 cruises under our belts, never with Carnival. I've heard good things about Carnival, as our very picky friends had a wonderful time cruising with them. I'll report back when I get home.

I’ll be on the Miracle very soon (1st time Carnival cruiser) and have a question concerning the safe in the room. Having read that it opens and locks with the magnetic strip on a card, are you able to use your sea/cabin card issued to guests? If not, would any card with a magnetic strip work?

I don’t want to swipe my driver’s license or any type of credit/debit card for personal reasons.

Thanks for your responses!

I'm on the Miracle on Oscar night and would love to watch the show either with a group or in my cabin. Crossing my fingers they have an 'Oscar Party' on board.

Jim – What a terrific and comprehensive review. My husband and I have never sailed with Carnival although we have 22 cruises under our belt. On a whim, we booked the Miracle for a cruise in 2 weeks. It was a leap of faith for us, having heard nasty comments about Carnival. We decided to go with a grand suite and figure even if the cruise is lousy, the suite will be comforting. After reading your review (great pictures, by the way) you allayed our fears. I’m looking forward to the whimsical nature of the ship’s design.

Happy sailing to you and yours!

RedneckBob, this was one of the best reviews I've ever read on CC. Glad you got to come through my part of the country. I'm headed to yours in November. Say Hi! to the misses.

Thanks for your replies. You've both given me something to thinks about.

I have the opportunity to take a 4 night cruise out of Miami either during the first week of November or the first week in December. I would like to avoid rain as much as possible (silly me!) and I love the heat and humidity. Does it make much difference which cruise I choose? I'm also spending a couple of days in Miami Beach after the cruise.

Thanks for your responses!

This thread was my laugh for the night!

Root canal wins!

Luggage is the biggest issue....pack light!

Thank you, I'm here through Tuesday!

I'd rather have a root canal.

I think I'll take the April cruise - I'm feeling lucky!

Thanks for all your replies...and Happy Holidays!

I have the opportunity to take a 4 night cruise out of Miami either during the last week of April or the 2nd week in May. I would like to avoid rain as much as possible (silly me!). Does it make much difference which cruise I choose? I'm also spending a couple of days in Miami Beach after the cruise.

Thanks for your responses!

You'll probably be happier sailing with another cruise line as you seem to have a disproportionate amount of complaints. However, I'm relatively sure you'll find something wrong with them too. Maybe a land trip to Cabo would suit you best.

A disproportionate amount of complaints? I count one in the OP. And they're right about this; Princess should figure out how to offer more time in Cabo. The other cruise lines due. Your reply was rather snarky!

We decided to try Princess -- and changed our departure port to Houston. Belize and Honduras are new to us, and it's still under a 3-hour flight.

Hubby and I have been wanting to do the cruise you booked. I'd love to hear your review when you return. Have a great cruise!

Have you decided? My vote is still with the Ruby Princess. Happy Sailing!

My husband and I cruised on the Ruby Princess to Mexico last April. We’re in our mid-sixties and thoroughly enjoyed the cruise. We booked a mini-suite and had plenty of room to move around and not bump into each other. The balcony was wonderful to just hang out on and get away from the crowds. Although the ship was sold out we never felt crowded at any point. We booked ‘anytime’ dining, dined in the main dining room only twice and took most of our meals at the buffet – which was fantastic. Getting around the ship never presented a problem. There is a lot to see and do on the ship, but with 7 or more days you can take your time. If you like warmer weather, try cruising in late February. It should be perfect then.

Oh no... it looks like Princess is going the RCI route... :mad::eek::eek:

Just what is the "RCI route"?

Louise, best to post this on the G&L Roll Calls, not here.

You certainly brought me back to the cruise my husband and I took on the Ruby a month after you. I so want to get back on a cruise again! I just don't like having to fly to get to the cruise. I also live in So. Calif. The 10 day Mexican Riviera with Loreto and La Paz in February looks good!

Please keep us posted on your future travels - they're a joy to read!

By the way, was that the end or is there more to come?

Thanks!

Alex, I'm thinking of doing this cruise but in April 2016. It looks like a great itinerary and you get 8 nights...terrific in my book! Don't take Carnival, you'll be disappointed especially after sailing on the Ruby Princess.

And speaking of the Ruby, when are you going to finish your Mexican Riviera review?

Be well, take care and God bless!

How proud of him you must be! It's fun knowing a crew member, especially one of the dancers, as they give you insight into the "drama" going on behind the scenes.

My husband and I will be on the Majesty next April for one of her last cruises out of Miami.

Thanks so much for sharing your pictures!