Called AGR yesterday to set up two trips. No waiting on the phone, great guy took my call. He is in Philadelphia. The western call center in Riverside is not quite up and running yet but will soon handle most of the west coast calls.
Arranged Starlight round trip LAX-SEA for June, cruising to Alaska. And set up the Chief and LSL for October, LAX to BOS. Will cruise back home from that trip.
All that for just 110,000 points. Plus they rebate back 5%. AGR is a wonderful thing.
Check your calendar for October 16th Gil. The Boston stop will just be overnight so no chance to see you Tom but still have fond memories of our last visit with you.
Can't wait for our trips. And can't wait for Smitty's report on his cruise in January.
Posted by Gilbert B Norman (Member # 1541) on :
I've now marked my Oct 16, 2014 Cal, Miss Vickie.
Posted by TwinStarRocket (Member # 2142) on :
Speaking of AGR, today is the last day to get a 10 to 30 percent bonus if you buy points. Considering you can get 13,000 points for $275, and a one-zone roomette can cost 15,000 points or $700, this can be a really good deal.
I just bought 5,000 to pad my balance a little, without even a specific trip im mind. However, these constant sub-zero temps in Minnesota are sufficient motivation to start planning.
Posted by smitty195 (Member # 5102) on :
Is AGR handled by Amtrak employees? I thought they were sub-contracted by some company in the midwest (was it Minneapolis?). I'm not familiar with AGR being in Philly or the west coast---is this new? Glad you had a positive experience with them.
My trip on the Ruby Princess is 12 days away!! Well, technically, I leave in 12 days (fly VA to FLL), spend the night in a hotel, then get on the ship on Monday the 13th. So at this time in 13 days, I will be on a SHIP!! An actual CRUISE SHIP!!!! I can't believe it. It feels like a dream. Is anyone going to watch the Fort Lauderdale "cruise cam" and watch my ship depart the port? It would be neat to know I have an "audience". Hah! Posted by HopefulRailUser (Member # 4513) on :
Smitty, they brought AGR in house a while ago.
I will put the 13th on my calendar and watch you depart on your cruise. I am eager to hear how it goes. I think you will love it. Send any last minute questions, would be glad to help.
Posted by smitty195 (Member # 5102) on :
Neat---thanks! If I think of anything else, I'll let you know. You and Frank have been very helpful!!
FYI the itinerary shows the ship departing on the 13th at 4PM.
Posted by sbalax (Member # 2801) on :
I'll try to watch, too, Smitty!
There should be information on when to show up at the dock in your cruise documents. Generally ships come in early -- say 7:00AM -- but often are not unloaded and ready to accept the next cruise's passengers until 11:00AM or so. Your stateroom (AKA cabin) may or may not be ready. If it's not you can wait in any public area. The buffet will be crowded but there may be other venues open to get something to eat. On Celebrity ships our favorite is "Bistro on Five" which has a $5.00 pp surcharge but is more than worth it. Great soup, sandwiches, crepes and salads and decadent desserts.
Posted by smitty195 (Member # 5102) on :
Getting closer now.....so close! I leave in 72 hours for the flight. Then in 4 days, I get on the ship. I'm actually a little nervous---I have no idea what to expect. The pharmacist told me to buy Dramamine just in case because it's a lot cheaper here than it is on-board, so I guess I'll pick up a box. Although I can't see getting sea sick----I never get sick during motion related things.
I also was able to snag a hotel (albeit a different one) using my dad's Marriott rewards points coming back from the ship. Since I accidentally booked my flight home in the late evening on Saturday, I have ALL DAY with nothing to do. So instead, I'll be at a Courtyard by Marriott all day Saturday until it's time to take the shuttle to FLL for the flight home. Interestingly, this particular Courtyard has a Tri-Rail passenger stop right out front! People said, "Ask for a room away from the train noise!!!". Hah hah....You guys know what I'm going to say. "Give me a room right next to the train noise please!". Maybe I'll study their system map to see if there's any place where I can do a quick trip to somewhere, and then immediately turn around and come back "home". I just don't want to miss my flight.
I haven't even boarded the ship yet and my Shipboard Account has $214 on it. Gratuities ($60), two land tours (one on Eleuthera, the other on Grand Turks), unlimited soda package, and 100 minutes of internet. If you sign up and pay early, you get 20 extra free minutes---so I took that deal. I won't be posting on forums or anything, because the "clock will be ticking" as I'm typing, which is a waste of precious internet time. Instead, I'll do as Frank suggested which is to download all of my mail, go offline and respond offline, then go back online again to send them all. That should keep the costs way down.
I checked with Verizon and they said my iPhone 5S is already set to travel worldwide---just make sure Roaming switch is turned on. Before I leave, I'm to call *611 from my phone and ask them to add a 100 MB package for $25. It will allow me to have 100MB of data (not voice---just data) while I"m in the Caribbean. I need to double check with them, but I think that includes texting.
I also need to understand some fine print that appeared but has me confused. I'm going to call Princess and have them explain it to me. But if I'm reading it correctly, because this is a "special" cruise as far as sale prices and deals go, the cost of my Mini Suite ($899), I now have a credit for $899 towards a future cruise. If that's true, then I can take another cruise in a regular cabin with a porch (not a mini suite) and take a quickie 3 or 4 day trip somewhere totally free. I hope I'm reading that fine print correctly! Boy that would be awesome.
My longggggg list of stuff is slowly getting things crossed off. Got my haircut yesterday, printed the boarding pass, printed those weird luggage tags and folded/stapled them onto my bags as they requested, wrote a note and check for the petsitter, and so many other little things that need to be done before leaving for a trip. I can't wait to see what it's like to be in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by water, and yet be inside this big fancy cruise ship. I literally can't even imagine it----I guess it must be experienced.
Posted by Gilbert B Norman (Member # 1541) on :
First, Smitty, even though I'm no cruise fan, I have nevertheless 'been there done that', as well as two TRANSAT sailings in this life. Further, I have sailed extensively along the New England coast while I was in the Fairfield Navy.
While of course, I cannot pass judgement in your particular case regarding the potential for 'mal de mer', I think those concerns are overrated.
First, how long will you be continuously at sea; 24 hours perhaps? I would think that Eleuthera would be your first Port of Call; and that could hardly be more than than an overnight sail, and that likely only at a speed of maybe 15kts (what would one think of being aboard the s/s United States for a WNA - Winter North Atlantic - Xing. She is going to make 35kts, 20ft swells notwithstanding, in order to keep schedule - to not be docking at Southampton fourth morning was like 'The Century' being late).
But if somehow you do get 'mal de mer', try to stay amidships and on a lower deck to the fullest extent possible. If on deck, do not look anywhere you can see the vessel's motion against the horizon. Also, watch your alcohol.
Finally, an interesting book review was in last Saturday's Wall Street Journal:
Hardly anyone in the West travels by water except on that fake voyage, the cruise.
Posted by smitty195 (Member # 5102) on :
Well, if those are the secrets, then I'm covered without even planning for it! My cabin is located mid-ship and I'm on a lower deck---D Deck. That's the level where all Mini Suites are located. And I'm right smack in the middle of the ship! Additionally, I don't drink except for one celebratory Mai Tai that I will have at some point. Other than that, I stopped drinking years ago. So if this turns out to be true, then I've got it made!
Regarding ship speed, etc, I was looking at the map of where we're going and something doesn't make sense to me. If it takes us four days to get to the furthest point away from Florida on this particular cruise (Grand Turks), yet we can sail from Grand Turks on the last day back to Fort Lauderdale overnight------then what are these "Days at Sea"? Certainly they're not required for travel time are they? Do they fool us in the cruise industry with this "Days at Sea" stuff, and are they actually just zig-zagging back and forth in the same location so that we can't see the land and figure out what's up? Any expert cruisers out there know if that's what is going on? Because our itinerary shows us getting from the furthest point (Grand Turks) back to the Cruise Port in Florida OVERNIGHT. Yet it took four days to get there, including two FULL days at sea?? Something sounds "fishy" here.
Posted by HopefulRailUser (Member # 4513) on :
Smitty. In my experience meds for seasickness are provided free from the ship's infirmary. I doubt you will have a problem. I suggest you keep roaming turned off on your phone except when you need it. You can use your internet minutes with the phone and also look for free wifi in the ports.
If you are checking your bag the airline will likely destroy your paper luggage tag. Best to wait until you leave the pre-cruise hotel to attach them. I always borrow a stapler from the from desk.
I can't wait to hear how you like the cruise. It's great to see someone so enthused. By the way, my phone's auto correction makes a very amusing new name for you if I don't watch it carefully.
Posted by sbalax (Member # 2801) on :
Smitty--
Bon Voyage! I've got your departure on Monday on my calendar and will try to remember to watch your sailaway.
I'll be interested to hear what you think of the Courtyard. I believe we are booked there on one of the three cruises we have booked from FLL this year (1/20 -- 5 night Caribbean, 3/06 -- Panama Canal to Los Angeles, 4/20 -- FLL to Rome). I think that Mr. Norman would agree that that last one counts as a "crossing".
Vicki is correct (Of course! ) about the dramamine or a substitute being available either at the Medical Center or, sometimes, the Guest Relations desk. And do NOT put your luggage tags on until you are ready to leave for the ship. The airline, even VA, will most likely rip them off or otherwise destroy them in transit.
Have a great time and we'll be looking forward to hearing about your adventure.
Frank in chilly (for us!) SBA
Posted by Gilbert B Norman (Member # 1541) on :
I have had a past preference for Courtyard, but after a stay at one in Nashville last April, I am starting to have second thoughts. I have noted such within my Trip Advisor report:
Oh wow, I'm sooooo glad you told me about the cruise luggage tags! Unfortunately, I already put them on (two tags on each piece of luggage--two pieces total). Should I rip them off now before I leave, of just leave them on and hope for the best? (Either way, I am going to print several new luggage tags right now so that I will have them with me in Florida at the hotel.)
And that's great info about getting the sea-sickness medication for free. I was not aware of that. I just "assumed" that they would charge quadruple for it because you're a captive audience and have no other place to go. But if it's free, then heck, I'll just get it there. Every little penny helps!
I did call Princess today to confirm that their "100% Back" offer is real! So sometime in 2014, I will take another trip somewhere if the price is right! They have a lot of sales, so I think I'll find something in my price range. It won't be a Mini Suite, but a regular room with a balcony is fine with me.
Frank: I'll let you know about the Courtyard. And just so you know, this particular Courtyard has free transportation to/from FLL Airport, however, they only provide cruise transportation TO the cruise port. When you return from your cruise, they do NOT provide transportation. You will need a taxi or some other form of transportation. I called the front desk yesterday to verify that. (FYI the Fairfield Inn, which is where I'll be on Sunday night, provides to/from airport and to/from cruise port). Not sure why the Courtyard only goes in one direction to the cruise port.
So close now......so close.....This time in 72 hours, I'll be on VA Florida-bound! Or actually, I should just be arriving there.
I
Posted by SilverStar092 (Member # 2652) on :
Smitty: Have a great time! I just checked the Ruby Princess schedule and the first and last days are at sea. You actually sail to Grand Cayman which is below Cuba (not the Grand Turks)and also to Cozumel, an island off Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula. You will love Ruby Princess as it's a sister ship to Emerald Princess which we just sailed on at Christmas. Our 10 night cruise went to several Eastern Caribbean islands. I'm sure you will do fine since your stateroom is midship. Ours was pretty far back on the Baja Deck and it was smooth despite rocky seas the first 2 days. This was our 7th cruise and the only disorienting one was 2 years ago when our room was forward. As for food, plenty of choices: main dining room(s), Horizon Court (buffet), International Cafe, plus pizza and hot docks near one of the swimming pools. All of these are no extra charge. Be sure to enjoy some of the shows after dinner in the Princess Theater as well as hours of relaxation. Two additional pointers: drop your luggage at the designated curbside spot then it will show up at your door before you sail. Once the luggage arrives, unpack it and stow the empty bags under the bed. Much easier than getting into a suitcase on the train. Port Everglades can get very busy with vehicle traffic so do arrive plenty early. Have a wonderful time!
Posted by SilverStar092 (Member # 2652) on :
I endorse the notion of taking a ride on Tri-Rail if time and energy permit. I would let schedules dictate whether you go north to West Palm Beach or south to Miami as both rides feature urban sights. A ride north to Mangonia Park (nothing there) or West Palm Beach (stop is at a nice former Seaboard, now Amtrak) station is slightly longer than the trip to Miami. I hope that works out for you.
Posted by smitty195 (Member # 5102) on :
SilverStar: Thanks for the info on the sister-ship. As I understand it, the three newest Princess ships were all built exactly the same: Ruby Princess, Emerald Princess, and one more---with Ruby being the newest.
As for my itinerary, I think you must be looking at something else. My itinerary is as follows:
Monday: Depart the cruise port at 4PM Tuesday: Arrive Princess Cays (it's actually the island of Eleuthera, where I have a land tour scheduled through Princess) Wednesday: At Sea Thursday: Grand Turks (I have a land tour scheduled here as well) Friday: At Sea Saturday: Arrive Port Everglades Cruise Terminal at 7AM
I'm not sure what the Ruby is doing before my trip, but as of an hour ago I checked the Princess "Bridge Cam" and they were parked at the dock at Port Everglades. If they are going somewhere, it will have to be quick in order to get back in time for a Monday morning departure.
For a Tri-Rail trip, it would have to be on Saturday which means a weekend schedule. I already looked, and it's one train every hour. If I took it all the way to the north end terminus, it's about 90 minutes. Then you wait for 30 minutes, and take the same train 90 minutes back to the FLL station. So that's about 3 ½ hours of time---not sure I'm going to do that since I'll have a hotel room for the day. I might just stay there and snooze, perhaps do some laundry, and get caught up on emails and Facebook stuff. Posted by sbalax (Member # 2801) on :
Smitty--
Don't sweat the luggage tags. You can always get the porter who takes your bag(s) to put new ones one. Be sure to tip them a couple of dollars per bag. It's not "required" but they do appreciate it.
I assume you've done your online checkin and have your boarding document. That and your passport and the credit card you plan to use are all you really need for checkin.
On one of our three visits to FLL this Spring we don't arrive until 12:16PM. The hotel shuttle stops running at midnight. They said it is about a $25.00 ride from the airport to the hotel. I imagine it would be about the same from the Cruiseport to a hotel.
Again, Bon Voyage and I'll try to watch on Monday.
Frank in sunny and warm SBA
Posted by smitty195 (Member # 5102) on :
I better check to see if I still must "check in" online. I do have a printed "Boarding Pass" that I got from my online Cruise Personalizer, however, I do not recall doing any type of "check in" like with an airline. All I did was print out that piece of paper that says, "Boarding Pass". Is there something that I must do online that says I am checked-in? If so, I have NOT done that. I didn't see an area to do it. And I do have my CA Driver's Lic and my Passport, as well as the same credit card that I registered to be used against my shipboard account. So it sounds like I've done everything except check-in? Or do you think since I have a piece of paper that says "Boarding Pass" on it, am I already checked in? I'll start looking through my "Personalizer" now to see if I can find anything about checking in online.
Also, after I wrote my last message, I went ahead and removed the Princess luggage tags and threw them away. Then, I re-printed 4 brand new ones and I put them in my carry-on inside a magazine to keep them "neat". I have a mini stapler that I will use once I get to the Florida hotel to put new tags back on (the mini stapler will go with the checked baggage, just so the TSA people don't freak out and think I'm going to take over an airplane with a little two inch stapler, never mind the fact that I'm retired LEO with nationwide CCW---they don't care about that, which is a shame. But I digress...).
Sorry for all the questions, but I have one more and then I think that will probably be the last one. I'm assuming I should tip the tour guides (for the two land tours I'm taking at both Ports of Call). It is a Princess-organized/guaranteed tour, and at the end I need to tip them---correct? My question is, how much do I tip, AND, can I tip in American money or do I need to convert to something first? FY the first land tour is on Eleuthera and is 4 hours---includes them taking us to lunch. The second land tour is on Grand Turks and is 2.5 hours, no lunch. Any suggestions?
This is going to be so neat knowing that a few of you will watch my ship depart from the cruise port!!!!! If any of you know how to do a "screen capture", would you mind capturing a freeze shot as the ship passes by the camera? I'd love to see it when I get back. I'll add it to my iPhoto thing that I'm doing of all of the pictures of my trip.
Still can't believe this is actually happening. It's like a dream....all this time saying that I need to take a cruise, and here it's actually going to HAPPEN. So many internal questions that only I can ask and answer---can't wait to see if I'm right or wrong.
Posted by Gilbert B Norman (Member # 1541) on :
Well, Smitty, I guess you will be winging your way on VX/VRD/Redwood into, for you, uncharted territory (I believe you once noted here you had never been to the East Coast), about this time tomorrow (VX 340 leaves KSFO 810A).
If they offer an air-ground communications (on United it is at the Captain's discretion) monitor, your call sign will be Redwood 340.
As for me, can't think of when I would ever have occasion to fly them - even though they do serve KORD. I know my way around United's KORD Terminal 1, i.e. where the restaurants I like are located and where the gates the puddle jumpers, which seem to be the only aircraft I fly on, all leave from.
Otherwise, Bon Voyage; while I may have to eat my hat on this one, I sincerely think that any cruise with a Caribbean itinerary, any concerns about 'mal de mer' are between minimal and unfounded.
Posted by RRRICH (Member # 1418) on :
Smitty -- On the one cruise we took, after we got married in 2005, I got one of those "seasickness patches," since I am VERY VERY prone to "mal de mer." The patch seemed to work fine. But, on our last night at sea (return from Nassau to Port Canaveral), the seas were EXTREMELY ROUGH -- we were rolling back and forth all across the bed all night. The patch seemed to prevent me from having any mal de mer effects (plus of course I was laying down then and not sitting up), but if I didn't have the patch, I believe that would have been a very very VERY uncomfortable night.
I think you have answered your earlier question about why it takes 4 days to get to Grand Turks, but only one day to get back -- apparently you are stopping at Eleuthera on the way (and spending a day there, I assume?), and Eleuthra is NOT on the direct route between Miami and Grand Turks, and you will be returning on the direct route. (to keep this on an AMTRAK topic, the same reason is why it takes 3 nights to get from Chicago to Los Angeles on the Texas Eagle, but only 2 nights to get back on the Southwest Chief!!)
Have a great cruise!!! Tell us all about it when you return!
Posted by sbalax (Member # 2801) on :
Smitty--
If you have the "Boarding Pass" you are all set.
Tipping is at your discretion for a shore excursion. Some people do, some don't. For a full day tour we usually time $5.00 each. For half-day $3.00 each. For this cruise US Dollars should be just fine.
Ask away on questions. We were all "newbies" or "cruise virgins" once.
Frank in clear and cool SBA
Posted by Gilbert B Norman (Member # 1541) on :
Rich notes X-ing the Gulfstream - the most turbulent sea anywhere Smitty will be sailing.
Must say, I am really surprised that a cruise calls at Eleuthera. That is a Bahamian island which is reserved for the 1% - or at least so I thought.
Eleuthera is an 'almost been there almost done that' with me (my Father and second wife were over there and I did get a 'care to come join us?', but didn't).
Eleuthera did make the pages of a book, Skygods, that chronicled the fall of Pan Am. 'World's Most Experienced Airline' (I once flew 'em overseas - got there got back) reads more like 'world's most entrenched bureaucracy'. Case in point: Pan Am once operated a JFK/KJFK-ELH/MYEH Daily flight. One thing sorely missing from such were 'faces in the windows and fannies in the seats'. About the only 'f & f' that ever showed up were Juan Trippe and party' (in spite of the foreign sounding name, he was a Blue blooded Yalie WASP); other days it was nothing other than Mr. Trippe's New York Times and Wall Street Journal.
Talk about a 'Ubi est mea' cxulture.
Posted by SilverStar092 (Member # 2652) on :
Smitty, The cruise personalizer and all the associated instructions can be confusing as far as whether all advance check-in steps have been followed. The best thing to do is to call the Princess reservation number (no matter if you used a travel agent), give your booking number, and ask if everything has been done to complete the advance check-in. That gave me assurance as having everything in order ahead of time makes this a very fast process. We drove to Port Everglades for the most recent cruise but when we have traveled by train to Vancouver, Seattle, and San Pedro for cruises, we have left the cruise line luggage tags in place before leaving in case the luggage is delayed en route. At least that gives some chance that it will find its way to the ship. I simply checked to be sure the tags were still afixed to the bags after detraining. Sorry that I mistook your itinerary. I consulted some private web site which had it wrong. The official Princess site is THE place for definitive info and it matches what you said. At Princess Cays you will use tenders and they had the system down very smoothly. The beach there is very nice and has lounge chairs for your use. We liked the fact that there is a barrier to keep unwanted sea life from disturbing swimmers. Never have been to the Grand Turks. Have a great time. I'm ready to sail again.
Posted by SilverStar092 (Member # 2652) on :
If you want to read more info and reviews of your ship,check out www.cruisecritic.com. Lots of good info and you can get your questions answered.
Posted by smitty195 (Member # 5102) on :
Frank: Thanks for the Boarding Pass info. Whew...I'm all set! Good info on tipping as well. I'm glad I can use US dollars.
GBN: Eleuthera is a really interesting island. The main reason the ship stops there is because Princess has their own private beach called "Princess Cays". The ship anchors offshore and they use tenders to bring you in. Everything on the beach and around it is Princess. I'm not really hanging out there, though. I'm taking a land tour because my dad has talked about Eleuthera his whole life. He was in the US Army, and was stained there for a year to build a runway. That runway is still there today (the one next to Governor's Beach). He did demolition, and his assignment was to make a runway so that airplanes had a place to stop and refuel, resupply, and rest. So I'm going to take pictures and show him what it looks like today.
SilverStar: Great info, thanks! And actually, I became a Cruise Critic registered member about eight weeks ago. I even created my own little "countdown clock" like everyone else has, that shows my upcoming cruise. From what I can tell, this is definitely going to be an older folks cruise. I have not read anything about a younger crowd being on-board. And you know what? I LOVE IT!!! The younger crowd is not my thing---too selfish. I enjoy hanging out with the older folks because it's more "real" and you can have actual conversations.
Posted by smitty195 (Member # 5102) on :
Oh! I knew I had a question that I've been meaning to ask, and it's probably a really dumb one. But I'll ask anyway: By chance, they don't have ATMs on cruise ships, do they? I'm assuming I'll need to hit an ATM in Florida somewhere before I board?
Posted by sbalax (Member # 2801) on :
Smitty--
Yes, the do have ATM's on most ships. The rates are fairly high, though, so if you can get the cash you need -- which won't be much -- before you'd be better off.
Frank in dark and cool SBA
Posted by smitty195 (Member # 5102) on :
Wow! I am absolutely stunned. ATMs on ships? In the middle of the ocean you can walk up to an ATM?? I really thought you were going to say no.
This is going to be fun. I know it's hard to believe, but I just can't picture this whole deal. I've seen the pictures, I've watched the YouTube videos...but I'm still trying to imagine the experience. I am so jazzed!!!!
Posted by smitty195 (Member # 5102) on :
How about bringing an umbrella? Forecast changed effective today. Instead of sunny and in the mid 80's the whole time I'm there, it now shows 81 and rain for Tuesday in Eluethera, and party cloudy and 82 for Thursday in Grand Turks. If it rains, do they give you umbrellas or is it up to you to bring your own? I don't mind bringing it, but would rather not pack it if I don't have to (I already feel like I'm bringing so much "stuff").
Posted by Mike Smith (Member # 447) on :
Bring your own umbrella or pay about 10 times what they would normally cost.
Also, if you are scheduled to board at 12:15, and you arrive at 11:30, go ahead and board. No one will stop you.
Posted by smitty195 (Member # 5102) on :
Okay, thanks....umbrella is in the bag.
For some reason, my itinerary says to board between 12PM and 3:30PM (with a 4PM departure). Then it says, "To avoid long lines, board between 2:30 and 3:30). I guess I'll just leave whenever time the hotel checkout time is.
Amazing how they keep these ships turning over and over and over with passengers. There really is no "rest" for these ships is there? Constantly on the move, loading and off-loading people and "stuff".
Posted by sbalax (Member # 2801) on :
Smitty--
On cruises that go to other countries where dollars are not usually accepted, the ATMs are stocked with the foreign currency. The rates are not generally very favorable on board, though. We prefer to just find an ATM ashore.
On some cruise lines -- Celebrity is one -- there is an umbrella in the closet. They also usually have them at the disembarkation point if you've forgotten yours. They do ask for them back, however…
Frank in sunny and cool SBA
Posted by Vincent206 (Member # 15447) on :
New cruise ships can cost over $1 billion to build, so there's a strong incentive to keep them occupied. The Ruby Princess was built in 2008 at a cost of $500 million.
Posted by sbalax (Member # 2801) on :
Thanks for this link. One of our favorite ships is Celebrity Century. We have three cruises booked on her before she is transferred out of the Celebrity fleet to one of the RCCL European subsidiaries. We are doing the Panama Canal in March and Singapore-Dubai and Dubai-Rome in 2015. DXB-FCO will be the last cruise for Celebrity.
Frank in sunny and cool SBA where some light yard work is calling.
Posted by MargaretSPfan (Member # 3632) on :
Smitty -- I have been reading this interesting thread, and wanted to say "Bon Voyage!" and best wishes for a GREAT time! I myself am not at all into cruises at all, but I very much enjoy sharing other people's happiness.
We will try to remember to be watching the FLL Cruise Cam before 1 pm PST on Monday, Jan. 13, and will try to get a screen capture for ya! No promises, but will try.
Hey! Anyone have the URL for the live FLL webcam? All we can find is archived YouTube videos! No can do screen captures without good URL!
Posted by HopefulRailUser (Member # 4513) on :
Frank, I have never seen an ATM on a cruise ship. They do money exchange at the front desk for astronomical fees. Maybe just HAL does not have ATMs but I didn't see one on the two Princess trips I have taken.
On another note, those hotel/motel fees in SBA are out of sight!
Posted by HopefulRailUser (Member # 4513) on :
Thanks, Vicki, but -- all that shows right now (11:53 am PST) is a nighttime view of a cruise ship going R to L -- when it is only 2:53 pm EST over there! What that URL goes to is a YouTube playlist of past videos. The one that plays first is dated "02-23-2013"!
Does anyone have the URL of the live webcam for FLL, or wherever Smitty will sail from on Monday, Jan, 13???
Posted by HopefulRailUser (Member # 4513) on :
It takes me to the live cam. I see a ship leaving right now.
Posted by sbalax (Member # 2801) on :
Works for me, too, Margaret. Give it a try again. There are three views to choose from.
Frank in clear and cool SBA
Posted by MargaretSPfan (Member # 3632) on :
I tried repeatedly, but all I ever get is a doggoned YouTube Playlist, not ever a live image. And when I tried the very first time, at just before noon PST, all I got was a still image: a night-time broadside view of a huge cruise ship all lit up. But IF that WAS the LIVE webcam, it should have showed me a daytime view, NOT a YouTube Playlist! And I did see the 3 hot links for the 3 different views, but none of them were hot links on my computer.
I give up.......... sigh.....
And I was really hoping to see Smitty's ship sail away on Monday at 1 pm PST..... Oh, well.....
Posted by Gilbert B Norman (Member # 1541) on :
I'm sorry, Margaret, that you are having difficulty accessing the Port Everglades site. Presently (712A ET), I count four passenger vessels docked.
Even though I'm 'not exactly' an aficionado of the Love Tub experience, it is a spectacle to watch them sail at rush hour. In years past, there was a city park in Miami along SR A1A that gave a view of 'the action at Dodge' and I used such on many an occasion to watch the sailings. However, that experience is gone post-9/11 - don't even think about such anymore.
I did get to see some of the Saturday rush hour from my hotel room in Miami last March.
Posted by HopefulRailUser (Member # 4513) on :
Total of seven ships today including the Queen Victoria, my namesake. She doesn't leave until this evening so it will be dark for her.
Perhaps Margaret's problem relates to Adobe Flash Player, not loaded on her computer?
I would love to do a screen capture for Smitty but don't know how. Can anyone tell me how or do it for him. He should be on his way via Virgin.
Posted by sbalax (Member # 2801) on :
Vicki--
On a Mac it's Command/Shift/3.
Frank in sunny and warming SBA
Posted by smitty195 (Member # 5102) on :
Hello all!
So far all is well. I'm on Virgin America 340, currently over the Gulf. Just passed New Orleans on our left.
Plane is 100% full. Everybody heading for my cruise ship? It's funny---everybody is watching the Niners game. Not me! I'm watching a funny/stupid movie on TBS: Land of the Lost. It's something to do.
Wow did GoGo internet fees go up!!!! If you want more than three continuous hours (the clock runs whether you use it or not), you must buy an all day pass for $20.95. Whoa!!! When did that happen???
Posted by HopefulRailUser (Member # 4513) on :
Frank, no Mac here. Can you do it for Smitty?
Posted by Gilbert B Norman (Member # 1541) on :
Who cares about the in-flight entertainment; Smitty appears to have a window seat on VX's A-320, so to me there is all the in-flight entertainment needed. The computer is at a workstation in the office, and the cell phone is something that is on when I'm driving somewhere; otherwise off. Obviously, I'm 'not exactly attached to the hip' with any of these assorted electronic playthings.
Oh, and according to Virgin's Flight Status, Smitty should now be on the ground at KFLL.
Posted by sbalax (Member # 2801) on :
Vicki--
I'll try!
Mr. Norman--
I'm surprised you used the IATA code VX instead of the ICAO code of VRD. Virgin America's call sign is Redwood -- a nod, I think, to it's Northern California roots.
Frank in sunny and warm SBA
Posted by smitty195 (Member # 5102) on :
I was actually in an aisle seat this time. I would have preferred a window seat so that I could look out the window, but on a cross-country flight I hate to bother people when I need to get up to go pee! So I picked an aisle seat, so I couldn't even look over anyone's shoulder to see out the window because they were all closed. So strange!
This hotel is very nice----I'm told the Courtyard is "just across the street and around the corner" (for Frank). So far it's all very easy to navigate with shuttles, etc.
The shuttle driver pointed to one of the cruise ships currently sitting in port, and said it was the largest in the world. He said there are actually two ships that are almost identical, and this was one of them (I'd know the name if I heard it again). I believe it was a Royal Caribbean ship? I thought it was a building when I first saw it, then realized WHOA I'm looking at a ship! It is just rows and rows and stories and stories of windows and balconies. Incredibly huge ship.
There was only one other person on the hotel shuttle with me, and she was coming to the hotel to grab the car and go back and pick up the rest of her family waiting at the airport to get their bags, etc. She said they were on a cruise but when they got back last week, Jet Blue left them "high and dry" and told all of their passengers, "Sorry, but we are closing down" (because of the storms). They did nothing---NOTHING---to help their passengers. They simply shut down and walked away. So these folks had nowhere to go, so they ended up staying on the ship and doing another week on the same route that they just took. They had no choice----it was either that, or sit around a Fort Lauderdale hotel for a week waiting for Jet Blue to "catch up" again. I didn't ask how they paid for that or how that all worked out. I doubt the cruise line just let them stay---they must have had to pay for another week?
I hope someone can do a grab shot tomorrow as the Ruby Princess leaves port. That would be so neat! Sorry I don't know how to do a screen shot on a Windows machine---I'm Mac only. A quick Google search shows this: _______________________________ Take a screen shot Applies to Windows XP
Ever see something on your screen that you’d like to email or save for later? With Microsoft Windows XP, you can take a screen shot and capture an exact image of what’s on the screen.
To take a screen shot and save it as a picture
Click the window you want to capture. Press Alt+Print Screen by holding down the Alt key and then pressing the Print Screen key. The Print Screen key is near the upper-right corner of your keyboard. (Depending on the type of keyboard you have, the exact key names on your keyboard may vary slightly.)
Note
You can take a screen shot of your entire desktop rather than just a single window by pressing the Print Screen key without holding down the Alt key.
Click Start, click Accessories, and then click Paint.
In the Paint window, click Edit, and then click Paste.
When the image appears in the Paint window, click File, and then click Save As.
In the Save As dialog box, in the File name box, type a name for the screen shot, and then click Save.
You can now print or email the saved screen shot just like you would any other picture. _________________________________
Posted by MargaretSPfan (Member # 3632) on :
THANK you, Smitty, for the instructions!
If I don't get a chance to say it before ya leave -- BON VOYAGE!!! Posted by smitty195 (Member # 5102) on :
Thank you very much!
Posted by sbalax (Member # 2801) on :
Smitty--
It had to be either Allure or Oasis of the Seas. And yes, they are Royal Caribbean ships. I believe Allure is marginally larger. That title will be lost when Quantum of the Seas launches this year.
Frank in dark and still warm SBA
Posted by smitty195 (Member # 5102) on :
Allure of the Seas---that's what she said. Wow, what a ship! Hard to believe they're capable of making something bigger than THAT. It is enormous----just beyond words.
Posted by HopefulRailUser (Member # 4513) on :
I learned how to use the Snipping Tool so I know I can do the screen capture. I will set an alarm on my phone to remind me to be online at the right time.
Have a great trip Smitty.
Posted by smitty195 (Member # 5102) on :
Thanks, Vicki! This will be so neat.
I'm on the 12:45PM shuttle to the Cruise Port. That's the latest one they have (and, I'm told, the least crowded). I didn't think there was any reason for me to get over there earlier since the ship's not going anywhere until 4PM anyway.
It's 2:30AM (FL time) and I'm wide awake. I was so tired last night that I went to bed early (9PM) which of course was 6PM according to my body clock. Now I'm all messed up, but that's okay---I'm excited about going and I wouldn't be able to sleep any more than this anyway!
Posted by Gilbert B Norman (Member # 1541) on :
Smitty, glad everything 'with the Virgin' went OK (has Branson gotten around to peddling 'I slept on a Virgin' T-Shirts yet, or do those remain only wares of street hawkers on St. Thomas?).
I guess I'm really one of few airline passengers (again I was only on four flights during '13) who value a flightseeing experience. I can recall during '09, the last time my Sister was able to make a Florida jaunt with me (she is disabled); flying KPBI to KORD, and on American because United did not have non-stops so I stumbled around the no-man's land of ORD Terminal 3, I had my window seat booked on the First Officer's side (right) and way aft on an MD-80. However, the gal in the middle asked me if I would change to one row further aft so her husband could sit next to her. That window's view was blocked by #2's nacelle. She was indignant when I declined to move. The flightseeing was great all the way; I was able to pick off Atlanta as VOR ATL 116.90 is to the West of the airport. The gal had little to say to me during the flight except I learned that she was traveling on REWARD POINTS - and you can be sure I wasn't!!!
Another was flying KLAS-KORD back in '98. This was on America West (now American by way of USAir). Again I had a window seat well forward on Captain's side - and again a perfect day for flightseeing. I was 'glued' as the flight passed over Grand Canyon (I've never been to the South Rim - only North), it was time for the movie - and it was time for Queen dog Flight Attendant to announce to me 'to please lower your blind. I did so half-way. Not good enough for her 'Sir, lower your blind all the way - NOW; I will not ask you again. Next time, the Captain will be back here (this was pre-9/11) to tell you to lower it'. Well, discretion is the better part of valor and so I did.
Lest one wonder, I can't sleep on a plane; when I've gone overseas, I'm just sitting there drinking more than I should.
Posted by smitty195 (Member # 5102) on :
Very quick post here, but I found another webcam that is on top of the Hyatt Hotel and it continuously "pans" left and right:
As the camera makes its way all the way to the right, there she is!! The Ruby Princess. You will see it nose-to-nose with another ship that has a big "X" on the smoke stack. Once you see that "X" ship, the Ruby Princess will then come into view. The Mini-Suite deck (Deck D) where I will be is located directly above where the life boats are hanging. The balcony juts out over them. My cabin is mid-ship, but on the right side (this webcam view shows the left side). I'll be aboard in about 90 minutes!
Posted by smitty195 (Member # 5102) on :
Hey, I'll be able to see Miami Beach and maybe the Florida Keys on the way out? Just thought of that. Glad I brought my zoom lens! Posted by sbalax (Member # 2801) on :
Smitty--
I think you're finally getting excited about this!!
The ship with the "X" is a Celebrity ship -- possibly Celebrity Constellation, the ship we will be on next Monday. The "X" is actually the Greek letter Chi. It's an homage to the original company -- Chandris Lines.
Your ship is sporting the Princess logo which I believe is called "The SeaWitch". Not sure about that. Perhaps someone on board can help you out with that.
I love being able to watch two of my favorite things -- ships and airplanes all on the same website.
Frank in sunny and clear SBA
Posted by smitty195 (Member # 5102) on :
Your ship! I will be sure to send positive vibes over to her as we leave. We'll try not to damage her front bumper on the way out.
Can't wait!!!! Already hungry and anticipating my first buffet lunch on-board a SHIP!!!
Posted by smitty195 (Member # 5102) on :
BTW, anybody know what railroad it is that I'm hearing from my hotel? It is VERY close by, but I can't see it. CSX perhaps? This is in Dania Beach, and it sounds like it's coming from somewhere in-between the hotel and the airport (which is just a stone's throw from here).
I have a great view out my window of FLL airport. I can watch landings and takeoffs. Seems like lots of Jet Blue and Spirit planes visit this airport.
Frank: Are you guys taking "Redwood" here?
Edit: Just realized, you are probably on United/Continental because of your "connections".
Posted by sbalax (Member # 2801) on :
A combo of ways to get there, Smitty.
We're non-revs, hopefully, to Tampa on Thursday. We'll spend time with cruise friends and then drive with them to FLL on Sunday.
On the next cruise, a 15 night Panama Canal, we are revenue pax on "Redwood" -- hopefully we will upgrade 24 hours before the flight to Main Cabin Select.
For the transatlantic in April we bought employee discount tickets on UAL.
You are probably on board by now -- or at least checking in.
Frank in sunny and clear and warm SBA
Posted by smitty195 (Member # 5102) on :
Frank: I can confirm that is the Constellation. A gorgeous ship!
FYI, it is 4:15PM and we are still at the dock. We just finished the Muster Station drill, and I took a look outside my deck and they have pulled one gangway away, and one remains connected. I'm assuming we will be underway shortly?
Posted by HopefulRailUser (Member # 4513) on :
Yes, you are late departing. In fact, the Legend of the Seas is now going ahead. But I see the Ruby is now leaving the dock. Will do screen shots.
Posted by Gilbert B Norman (Member # 1541) on :
Ruby Princess is sailing RIGHT NOW.
Registered in Hamilton Bermuda (just so all know I'm not making this up).
addendum 501P; now it looks like a Chandris (big X on the funnel) 'Celebrity Constellation' is getting ready to sail.
addendum 513P ET now a tub with an anchor on its funnel is getting ready to sail. It looks like it has a big jumbotron screem playing on its Sun deck. What is THAT needed for?
Posted by sbalax (Member # 2801) on :
Smitty--
I got some good shots, Smitty.
Hopefully you will settle into shipboard life quickly and have a great time.
This time next week we will be sailing on Celebrity Constellation, know to her fans including us, as "Connie".
Frank in sunny and warm SBA
Posted by MargaretSPfan (Member # 3632) on :
Smitty -- So glad you are now underway! Was very distracted watching that Southwest jet (B 737-700) taking off from "KPLK", that small Branson, MO, airport with that 3,738-foot runway. She started her take-off roll at the exact time your ship was supposed to sail, 1 pm PDT.
SHE MADE IT!! WHEW!! That runway was almost half as long as the one she was supposed to land on, AND it has cliffs at BOTH ends! It was absolutely amazing that she landed safely in the first place.
Have a great voyage!! Do keep us posted, if you are able.
Looking forward with great interest to some screen captures of your ship leaving.
Posted by Gilbert B Norman (Member # 1541) on :
Here's more on the incident Margaret notes; I first learned of such from CBS Radio News this morning during the 7AM CT hour:
The only thing that could be said in the flight crew's defense is that KPLK Rwy is 12/30; KBBG is 14/32 - sort of parallel.
But alas, I'm not a pilot. Defer to Mr. Kisor and others here who are.
addendum: I took a little 'flight' in my 'private B-737-300' 'KMDW-KPLK' and 'landed at KPLK' without incident. However, had to 'brake' hard with the 'engines' in 'full reverse thrust'.
Back in real life, here is NBC Nightly News coverage of the incident:
It looks as if you got one just as she was blowing the horn rounding the bend.
I e-mailed the ones I got to what I hope is Smitty's e-mail.
Frank in still sunny and warm you know where.
Posted by smitty195 (Member # 5102) on :
Downloading my email now while I write this quick note. Thank you for the screen shots!!! I haven't seen them yet, but I'll be checking them next!
I waved to where I *think* the camera is located. Took pictures as well. The people who live in the condos on the left (on the side where the camera is located) are funny. They ring bells and wave Princess flags from their back porches!!!
We are out at sea now, just watched the sun go down. THIS IS AMAZING!!!! Sitting at my desk with a great internet connection in the middle of the ocean. 5 bars on my cell phone (via the ship's cell phone system), watching cable news live via their hi-tech receivers----I'm just blown away by everything.
I went to the spa for a drawing for free spa services (I did not win), however, they had a special for right then and there only if you booked "on the spot". A special 75 minute deal that includes full body massage, facial, everything---normally $250 on sale for just that moment for $119. I had to take it---they twisted my arm. So that's what I'll be doing Thursday at 3:30PM.
Logging off now to save my internet minutes. This is SO GREAT!!!!!
Posted by Gilbert B Norman (Member # 1541) on :
Whatever happened to 'ships that looked like ships' (even freighters)?:
Whatever happened to the 2:3 ratio of superstructure decks to hull decks evident in the linked photos?
Now considering that I do follow maritime affairs (at least to the extent they impact those of the railroad industry), I'm quite aware that naval architects are little concerned with how a vessel looks nowadays. Net tonnage (the payload) is of first concern. How a hull comprising maybe four decks can support a superstructure of six (or 'Crowley' containers stacked four high on deck) and remain seaworthy escapes me. But they somehow do - Frank is here to talk about his TRANSAT's in these vessels.
But to this ancient mariner, who is essentially a landlubber nowadays, and with apologies to the cruising fraternity/sorority around here, the Port Everglades 'cam' views of the 'Princesses' stern made her look just like a bathtub to me.
Posted by Ocala Mike (Member # 4657) on :
Mike, wonder why I avoided a photo of Signor Doria (BTW, I was on Nantucket as that 1956 incident unfolded)? Also, lest we forget I have sailed on the s/s Constitution Naples-NY August 1960.
Now regarding the Signor's vessel, there is much to suggest that was a 'tub' as this Times article points out (may or may not be able to access):
Now I have long held that if some party REALLY wanted to save Doria (get some seagoing tugs out there pronto and right her. Seal the breach and pump 'er out), it could have been done. But with these design deficiencies noted by The Times, I think the parties in interest wanted her gone. Besides, if saved and returned to service, she would have been a 'rogue' vessel subject to seizure in almost any port at which she would have had occasion to call.
Posted by Ocala Mike (Member # 4657) on :
No matter, Gil; the picture of the United States was all we needed.
Posted by sbalax (Member # 2801) on :
Getting this back to Amtrak, I just convinced a young Australian couple who will be sailing with us on Celebrity Century SF0-SYD in September to book the Coast Starlight from Los Angeles to San Francisco instead of taking Greyhound. They are VERY excited!
Frank in sunny and cool (41º) SBA
Posted by smitty195 (Member # 5102) on :
Coast Starlight instead of the Hound---now THAT is a nice upgrade!! They will be so happy they took your advice!
I spent the day on Eleuthera today. Wow!! Gorgeous island, lots of time in the sun, fantastic weather. We are now under way again, and will be "at sea" until Thursday morning when we show up in Turks and Caicos.
This is the best!!!!
Posted by Gilbert B Norman (Member # 1541) on :
Now Frank, make sure they go Sleeper - even if just a Roomette. But try to get them to book a Bedroom.
If they are coming over here for a totally discretionary activity such as a cruise, then 'poverty' is a weak defense.
Posted by sbalax (Member # 2801) on :
Vicki--
I must have missed your comment about the ATM's. Perhaps it's a RCCL thing -- they have them on RCCL, Celebrity and Azamara. And you can get a cash advance at the Casino but that will cost you a 3% surcharge. (I've never done it and it might have gone up since the last time anyone mentioned doing it.)
Frank in sunny and warm (81º) SBA
Posted by smitty195 (Member # 5102) on :
I'm back!!!! Not quite back home yet, but I am off the ship and am now at the Courtyard By Marriott Fort Lauderdale. Before I forget: Frank-----YES, this hotel is DEFINITELY two thumbs up, and I highly recommend it. I know on TripAdvisor the Fairfield Inn is one number higher than this one, but this is the first time that TripAdvisor has let me down. If I were doing the ratings, I would put this Courtyard easily at number 1 or 2, and the Fairfield Inn somewhere around 10 or 11---way at the bottom. There simply is NO comparison between the two hotels. So you have definitely chosen the correct hotel, no two ways about it! Now I know better for my next cruise....I will stay at this Courtyard. BTW, it's literally right next to a humungous Bass Pro Shops, so if anyone has any interest in that and needs to blow some time (as I do), that's a great place to do it. I will be heading over there shortly to do some browsing. I want to see the guns and ammo that they sell here which is forbidden in "Kalifornia".
THE CRUISE WAS GREAT!! Sorry I didn't update more from the ship, but there came a point where I just could not purchase any more internet time. I pre-purchased 120 minutes, then purchased 100 minutes more. When I would log-on to get my email, it would take (literally) 30 minute to download 15 emails----sometimes longer. And just to get this web page to appear took a good 10 minutes. I learned that I could access the internet (and email) quicker from my iPhone using the ship's cellular system (just think of the ship as a cell site, except that it is "Roaming" and will cost you extra money. I paid $25 for 100MB of data). That was a much better way to go, albeit still PAINFULLY slow. And I could not post to this forum because my iPhone does not have the password in it (and I don't have my RF password memorized). So basically I was stuck until I could get my laptop online again, which is right now on this Saturday morning at the Courtyard. (Frank--I have pictures of the room for you, and I will email them to you separately). I think I'll go swimming when I get back from Bass Pro Shops---I'm going to continue this vacation as long as possible.
Overall, I have to say that I had a FANTASTIC time, the cruise ship is fantastic, the crew was great, and I loved Grand Turks. I would very much like to return to Grand Turks and just stay there for a week. It was soooooo nice. Once I figure out how to post pictures on this forum (I know there are instructions somewhere---can someone please point me to that page which explains how to post photos?), I'll show you my favorite one of the trip. One look, and you'll know why I loved Grand Turks so much.
I do have a few pet peeves that happened during the cruise, but I think you regular cruisers are probably so used to it that it doesn't phase you. But it was new to me, and to be honest, I really started to get fed up with it. What am I referring to? LINES!!!! This line, that line, this line, that line, this group wait over here, okay now that group go wait in that line, okay that line, now go to that group and wait in that line. EVERYTHING on the ship is done in "lines" or "groups". I do understand that they must somehow handle 2,500 passengers efficiently and this seems to be the way that they do it. But it took me by surprise---LINES EVERYWHERE, NON-STOP!!!! I was ready to pull my hair out by the end of the trip. And unfortunately, this ship was FULL of very rude, very arrogant, very loud and obnoxious folks from NY and NJ. I used to live back east (Philly and Cincinnati) and I know all about the NY/NJ crowd. Well they were out in FULL FORCE on this trip. Just the rudest people you've ever met. I know that not all NY'ers and NJ'ers are like this----but the retirees on cruise ships seems to be the nastiest. They are just so loud that you can't ignore them. They want EVERYONE around them to hear about the "mil that they deposited into my backup account before coming on this cruise, just in case I sawer ("saw") a piece of art that I wanted....ya knows, for my place in the Hamptons". "Oh GAWD Marco that would be FAB!! I think you should gew ("go") for it---just do it baby!!!". Ugh!!!!! If I don't hear another obnoxious NY'er for the next 10 years I'll be a happy camper.
They were also the ones who staked out their poolside chairs at all four pools by 6:30AM and kept them until 6PM. Believe it or not, I never got to swim in any of the pools the whole time I was on the cruise. Also, I never got to lay by the pool either. If you don't "claim" your lounge chair by early morning, "fugetaboutit"---you ain't getting squat. So I found plenty of other things to do, but I sure wish I could have taken a swim and just relaxed by the pool on "At Sea" days. I got in my share of relaxing and swimming in Grand Turks--it was so beautiful and, again, I want to post that picture. This picture will be worth a million words!
Any questions, let me know! By the way, for those who know this area, we departed from Terminal 2 at the Cruise Terminal, and arrived at Terminal 21. There were seven cruise ships unloading this morning, all at the same time.
Okay, time to transfer a bunch of pictures over to my laptop and get caught up on emails now that I can finally see them.
Posted by smitty195 (Member # 5102) on :
PS: Regarding the comments above about ATMs. Yes, Princess does indeed have them. I saw two in the casino (and used one of them), and I saw another one outside the Passenger Services desk on Deck 6 adjacent to the Piazza.
Posted by Gilbert B Norman (Member # 1541) on :
It appears that their restaurant has gone to the Mickey D 'line up and pay up' Bistro format that I found objectionable at Nashville.
Your paragraph #4 is certainly indicative of why I am 'full speed astern' regarding consideration of any future cruises. But then, lest we forget I was born and raised in the New Yawk area (might or might not actually been a resident of New York City during 61-62), but I leave it to the dozen or so here who know me face to face to decide to what extent I fit the described profile.
Posted by smitty195 (Member # 5102) on :
Yes sir! That is indeed my Courtyard where I am currently sending this message from.
I have no idea about a bistro or a "pay" facility downstairs. Honestly, I didn't even look when I checked-in. I will make sure I go down and look before I checkout. I'll probably leave here shortly anyway to walk over to the Bass Pro Shops. I'll see exactly what it is they have down there as far as food goes.
Posted by Gilbert B Norman (Member # 1541) on :
For quick reference, here is a Courtyard that, as of the last time they updated their page, remains with the Buffet Breakfast format:
Oh well, I guess if I want the Buffet Breakfast, I will have to seek out full-service Marriotts. However, what JW does not wish to hear is I just might check out Hilton Garden or Doubletree - their counterparts of Courtyard.
The ironic thing for Marriott is that 'Econobrands', such as Hampton and Holiday Inn Express, have upgraded their 'free' Breakfasts in recent years to meet my definition of 'edible' (unless I'm flying I'll bring metal utensils with me). Marriott's 'Econobrand' Fairfield is not even trying to compete - just one reason Fairfield is 'lower than I go'.
Posted by smitty195 (Member # 5102) on :
The Fairfield breakfast was HORRIBLE. As I was eating their version of "food", I was saying to myself, "I am spoiled by Hampton Inn". Their breakfast are always very good, and the staff is always very on top of things to keep the area clean and the food hot and refilled. Now I'm curious to see what this place has. My parents are scheduled to stay at the Fairfield Inn where I stayed, and I already emailed them this week and told them, "CHANGE YOUR PLANS!!!". The Fairfield is just not great. But I would recommend this Courtyard any day.
Posted by HopefulRailUser (Member # 4513) on :
Glad to hear you enjoyed your cruise. I guess the lines relate to the larger size of the ship. We like the smaller, 1300-1500 passenger ships for that reason, less crowding for all events.
We stayed at the Courtyard once and I agree, it was great.
Posted by smitty195 (Member # 5102) on :
GBN: I went downstairs, and you are correct. They have a "Bistro" just off the lobby. I've never seen this before in a Courtyard (but I rarely stay at these particular properties). I looked at the menu, and it's got a lot of decent things. Salads, pizza, burgers, sandwiches, beverages, etc. But there is no "free breakfast" any more (if they ever had one). I also discovered that there is a menu in the room, in the information binder.
Vicki: I learned A LOT of tips/tricks on this cruise. I wrote them all down as I learned them so that I wouldn't forget. So many things that I was unprepared for. But the one biggee was the lines----deep lines, everywhere you go. You can't do ANYTHING without encountering humungous crowds and long waits. I could have done without that.
Posted by Gilbert B Norman (Member # 1541) on :
Smitty, Courtyard, save various promotions, has always been a 'pay' Breakfast.
At Nashville last April, it was just 'cold water' when I realized that all I had to do in the past was sit down at a table, a server would ask ' juice? coffee? and then you would go to the Buffet line and have as much or as little as you want (I'm afraid I was always in the as much gang). The only thing they asked you not to do was go through with a used plate - take a new one. Now I had to go Mickey D, place and pay for my order, which they would bring to the table (Culver's style) - and they STILL expected a tip.
But, as I noted at my Tripadvisor review, I respect the business decision Marriott has made - take away from Breakfast, 'dead space' in the property, and with minimal addition of help, make it into 'all day' (including catering for conferences) and in the process boost alcohol (high margin) sales.
Posted by smitty195 (Member # 5102) on :
Oh yes, there were plenty of "cruise people" there today imbibing in fresh beverages before their cruise! I'd imagine that's a nice income stream for them. But I still prefer my Hampton Inn free breakfast (minus the alcohol).
Posted by smitty195 (Member # 5102) on :
PS: I need to correct a question that I asked earlier (pre-cruise). I was wondering who the train horns belonged to that I kept hearing. Silly me!! In my cruise excitement, I forgot that I was right next to a Florida Tri-Rail station. Whoopsie! Posted by MargaretSPfan (Member # 3632) on :
Smitty -- SO glad you had a fantastic time on your cruise. Sorry about the lines, but that is inevitable on those huge ships.
Some friends of mine took a small 100-passenger ship to explore the eastern coast of Canada and see polar bears. That trip was organized and run by the California Academy of Sciences, so you know the people in charge know what they are talking about. Passengers learn a LOT, and that is FUN!
Other friends took a summer trip to Antactica run by Lindblad and National Geographic.. Not a big ship, but small, and they were blown away by the beauty of the area. Even had calm seas on the Cape of Good Hope!! (I would have thought that was impossible!!) And, believe it or not, it was not as cold there as it was in most of the US -- only around 32 F!
I am not a cruiser, but if I ever were to go on a cruise, it would be on a small ship, with no more than 150 people. (I did cross the Atlantic in the CP "Empress of France" long ago -- but that is another story for another post. I have drifted this thread enough already! )
I can't wait to see your Grand Turk photo!
Oh -- and when I stay in a hotel, I, too, much prefer an "AYCE" (All You Can Eat) breakfast bar to the Mickey D style.
DO please tell us more about your cruise. Meet any interesting people? And -- how DO ya get from that HUGE ship to the much smaller "tender" (is that the correct term?) that takes you where that huge ship is too big to dock at? Does the gangway work for that?
Glad you enjoyed your trip overall.
Margaret
Posted by Gilbert B Norman (Member # 1541) on :
Here is Marriott's page on 'Bistro at Courtyard'; again, I respect Marriot's business decision to 'go this route'. For any brand within any chain that offers only Breakfast, that represents a lot of space and kitchen facilities that simply were not generating any sales during the rest of the day.
Of course, in some instances, the owners of a property managed by a major chain simply can't or won't 'get with the program'. Here is a former Courtyard at which I had satisfactory stays in the past, but apparently did not wish to upgrade their property to include the Bistro format. Posibly the apparent requirement to serve alcohol was a factor, or maybe the owners did not, or could not, go into hock for the required renovations to remain a Courtyard.
Finally, I've poked around at other Courtyard properties at which I've stayed in the past - they all, save the noted Roswell property that is no longer a Courtyard, have 'gone Bistro'.
Posted by sbalax (Member # 2801) on :
Smitty--
Sorry about the typo in the e-mail I sent. It's the same one that Vicki discovered on spell check on iPhones.
We are at the Courtyard, the room is fine and the Bistro is busy. We are headed out to dinner at the Tropical Acres Steakhouse. One of our cruise friends swears by it -- been in business here for over 60 years.
As you noted, Tri-Met is within easy walking distance of the hotel. I'd go for a ride if we have more time. We are leaving for the ship at 10:45AM tomorrow. We've booked a hotel shuttle just for our group of 7. We've found that that works really well for us instead of signing up for the "general boarding" and having to wait or go very early or very late.
We just watched Allure of the Seas sail -- the last ship for today. Our ship, Celebrity Constellation, is scheduled to sail at 4:30PM tomorrow, Monday. If anyone can get some screenshots I'd really appreciate it.
Frank in cool and cloudy FLL
Posted by smitty195 (Member # 5102) on :
What a small world, isn't it? You guys are in the exact same hotel that I just checked out of a little over 24 hours ago!
BTW, my shuttle driver (on the way in---pre-cruise) told me about Tropical Acres Steakhouse. I was almost going to walk down to it, but I got too tired and ended up just ordering a pizza and having it delivered to my room. According to him, the steakhouse is outstanding and it is a "safe" walk, day or night, and is about three blocks away. (Did you see across the way from the Courtyard there is a Marriott Residence Inn under construction now? Now they will have three different Marriott properties all within a block of each other).
I will try to grab a screen shot of your ship leaving tomorrow, Monday, at 4:30PM EST (1:30PM my time). I'll set my alarm right now.
Let me know how the steakhouse is. My parents will be there (at the Courtyard) in 6 weeks. They're taking a 17 day trip and going through the Panama Canal. The cruise will end in Los Angeles instead of returning to Ft. Lauderdale.
Posted by smitty195 (Member # 5102) on :
Margaret: I'm still trying to figure out how to post a picture!! Can someone PLEASE give me the link that was here several months ago by the Moderator? It showed us how to add a picture to the forum, but now I can't find those instructions. I know it was really easy, but I don't recall how to do it. Shivam added the instructions at the Moderator's request, I believe, but I can't find them any more. I'd love to add my favorite shot of the entire trip. It's so RELAXING just to look at.
As far as how they work the "Tenders" (you are correct---that is the term they use), with 2,500 passengers it's sort of a pain in the you-know-what. They use a ticketing system where you first have to stand in line to get a ticket. Once you get a ticket (free---no charge), you are assigned to go wait somewhere---usually a large bar or large dining room. Then they will call "All blue ticket holders" and you then form ANOTHER line. You walk in this line from Deck 5 downstairs to Deck 4. On this particular ship, Deck 4 is off-limits to passengers except for the medical area (where the doctor's office is located) as well as access to the tenders. Basically what happens is that a HUGE metal door on the ship opens and folds down. As it comes down, it forms a "dock". It has posts for the tenders to tie up to and everything. So you walk out this big rectangular "hole" in the side of the ship that they opened up, and now you are standing ON that piece of metal that they opened up and is now a dock. They also have a moveable walkway type of thing that halfway sits on the dock and halfway sits on the tender. That way, you can safely walk between the ship and the tender without falling in the water in-between the two! The tender, of course, is one of many lifeboats that the ship has. I've noticed that they have many different "models" and styles of tenders/life boats. I heard a staff member give a "body count" of how many were on-board my tender, and he said "Ninety Two!". There were no available seats left, so I'm guessing that their capacity is 92 people. It is crowded, bench-style seating and it is HOT. No air-conditioning and NO comforts at all. It's just basic transpiration to get you from the ship to the shore and you're only in the thing for about 10 minutes.
Once you reach shore and get off the tender, you are now free to do whatever you want. They are constantly running tenders back and forth between the shore and the ship ALL DAY LONG. You never have to wait for a tender because as they are filling one up with passengers, another one is coming in and will pull right behind that one. It's very efficient, and is very easy to get back and forth from ship to shore and vice-versa.
The way they keep track of you is your "Cruise Card". It looks just like a credit card, except it has your cabin number on it, your name, the dates of your cruise, name of the ship, and what "level" you are with Princess (Gold, Platinum, Elite, etc). Every time you leave the ship, they have a hand-held device that's just slightly larger than your average cell phone, and they scan the bar code on the back. When they scan it, a photo of you pops up to make sure that you're using YOUR card and not someone else's. That's because this card is basically your Passport as well, because you are in a different country and there is no "Customs" or anything to go through----the ship is responsible for that, so they keep tabs on you with the cruise card. The way they get your photo is when you first board the ship at the beginning of the cruise, they take your picture and then associate that picture with your card. I could see it on their device---every time they scanned my card, my face appeared on the screen of their device. Also, every time you get back on the ship, you have to go through security. They have metal detectors just like in airports that you have to walk through, and they also have x-ray machines where you put all of your "stuff" down on the conveyor belt and it goes through the machine where some staff person is watching the monitor to make sure you're not bringing any weapons, etc, on board. I always wondered how they made sure that people are bringing guns on board from a foreign country---well, now I know how! They screen you every time.
Oh I wish I could post this one particular picture! I'll search again to see if I can find it. But if someone finds it before I do, PLEASE let me know where it is so that I can post it. Thanks!
Posted by smitty195 (Member # 5102) on :
I found the instructions!! Give me a few minutes to figure this out, and then I'll post a pic or two. I found the instructions here:
I hope this works. We're about to find out! This is a picture I took from the beach at Turks and Caicos (Grand Turk Island). It's even MORE beautiful than it appears!
I think if you click on that photo, you can see some other photos that I just uploaded to Flickr as well. Check 'em out if you'd like to!
Posted by HopefulRailUser (Member # 4513) on :
Beautiful pictures Andy. And the others were good too, videos and all. Love the cat, mine lies that way too.
Posted by smitty195 (Member # 5102) on :
Oh how funny! I didn't know my other pictures showed up in there also. Obviously, I don't understand how Flickr works. LOL!! I don't mind if my other photos show up---there's nothing secret in there. I think it's just funny that I didn't realize all that other stuff is in there. The private jet pictures and video are pretty neat. That's a deal I bought through "Jet Suite"---a private jet charter company. I've used them twice now. That one was a little test flight from San Jose to Monterey. I used them one other time by myself from San Jose to Las Vegas. That was great!
Margaret: I forgot to mention that I included some pictures of tenders, as well as a picture of me standing at the tender location on shore (Eleuthera) looking out at where the ship is docked to give you an idea of how far away the ship docks from land. There is one picture where I took picture from on-board the ship, looking down at the tenders in the water. I showed that picture to someone else, and they asked me, "What are those rectangles that are under water?". Well, those aren't underwater rectangles.....they are napkins folded at the table and reflecting off the window! Heh heh....I took that picture with my iPhone from the buffet restaurant on the ship, but I didn't know the napkins were getting in the way. Posted by RRRICH (Member # 1418) on :
Smitty -- when I clicked on your photo link, I got a message saying my browser is unsupported, so I'll have to upgrade to a new version of Internet Explorer, but I hate downloading "upgrades," since I usually end up either paying for something, or I end up unknowingly signing up for some other service, like credit reporting or something. I am NOT as "techy" with computers as I was 20 years ago........
Posted by smitty195 (Member # 5102) on :
RRRICH: Hmmm, I don't know much about PCs (I'm strictly an Apple guy), but if you are getting a message like that, I would think it would be worth it to update your browser. It must be many years old at this point if it can't handle Flickr.
How about just getting a free browser, such as Google's "Chrome" or Mozilla's "Firefox". They are both excellent browsers and download fast and setup fast. I haven't used Internet Explorer in at least 10 years (probably more like 20 years) on any of my machines.
Posted by MargaretSPfan (Member # 3632) on :
Smitty -- Thanks so much for posting those pix! LOVE the sunset (or was it sunrise?) pix! And you cat is absolutely adorable. (that is her main job, isn't it? ) How sweet!
That is one HUGE ship! And that tender looked small! Thanks for the explanation of exactly how a person manages to transfer from a huge ship like yours to a very small tender. I didn't think that a regular gangway would work -- too narrow to handle all those people. The entire part of the ship folks out? What a great idea!
I've been to the Bahamas, and know how beautiful a tropical island can be. And swimming around in the nice warm water when I was there was like being in a giant aquarium. (Warm ocean water is a strange feeling for this long-time northern California resident -- the Pacific is COLD! Brrr!)
That biz-jet flight sounded fun! Surf Air flies biz jets from SoCal to San Carlos Airport (KSQL) on a regular schedule, which I had no idea was going on until recently. I had thought that San Carlos Airport was strictly GA prop planes -- until I found out about Surf Air. Imagine that -- regularly scheduled flights to and from there -- 6 a day! You have to buy a monthly subscription ($1650/month, I think) to be allowed to fly with them.They treat you like royalty, from what I read. Nice!
Posted by smitty195 (Member # 5102) on :
FYI, Frank and Norm's ship (Celebrity Constellation) should be appearing on the Port Evergaldes webcam any minute now. The Island Princess just departed, and the Celebrity Equinox is passing through right now. His should be next up.
Posted by smitty195 (Member # 5102) on :
Margaret--I'm glad you like my pics! And my kitty cat is actually a "he". I named him Zephyr---I'm sure you can guess where I got that name from!
Surf Air is something I've been following along with some fellow aviation enthusiast friends of mine. They actually fly propellor airplanes (one single prop in the front), however, it is a jet-prop. The cabin is pressurized, and it's a really neat little airplane. Surf Air landed at LVK (Livermore) a few days ago---nobody knows why. It's not part of their route (yet). That would be neat if they had regular flights there, because I'm right down the street and it would give me something new to shoot.
Posted by MargaretSPfan (Member # 3632) on :
Smitty -- Zephyr is a darling! Irresistible, like all cats! GREAT name!
Re: Surf Air: the crybabies in Atherton were complaining a lot about Surf Air flying "too low" over their homes (can you say "McMansions"?). Those Atherton residents also complained about the possible "dangers" of those Surf Air turbo-props possibly crashing. I never read one word, however, from them complaining about possible dangers from all the local GA planes that fly in and out of San Carlos and Palo Alto. Landing at Livermore? That's very unusual! A Google search showed that that flight went from San Carlos to Livermore to San Jose, as Surf Air Flight #URF 997 on Jan. 17. (Thank you, FlightAware! )
How'd you manage to get a ride on that Surf Air Pilatus?
Posted by smitty195 (Member # 5102) on :
That's interesting for Surf Air----San Carlos to Livermore to San Jose???? I wonder if they were doing a maintenance flight or something?
BTW, the pictures and video on my Flickr page are not Surf Air. That's actually a twin-engine biz-jet called a "Phenom 100". The jet charter name is Jet Suite (their on-air call sign is "Red Stripe"). I'm lucky enough to have chartered them twice: SJC-MRY, and SJC-LAS. The trip to LAS was AMAZING. They pulled up to the private jet center (across the tarmac from the airline terminal), and a limo drove out and met me at the plane! It was very cool. People were looking like, "I wonder who that guy is???". LOL!!!
Posted by sbalax (Member # 2801) on :
Just checking in from Celebrity Constellation.
We had a very good day in Cozumel yesterday. It was in the low 70's, sunny and breezy. Fish tacos and a Margarita at Pancho's Backyard were my only contribution to the local economy.
We liked Cozumel so much we turned around and went back at around 11:30PM. There was a medical emergency and we met a Mexican Coast Guard ship about half way. No details yet.
We were invited to the Staff Captain's Table for dinner on Tuesday Night and today have a Bridge Tour.
Tomorrow morning CBP will board in Key West for Immigration clearance. Our designated time is 7:45AM. A little early for us but we can get an early start that way.
Frank in the sunny and calm Caribbean
Posted by smitty195 (Member # 5102) on :
I'm very jealous! Sounds like a lot of fun. I've been following the Ruby Princess on their live bridge cam, and it looks like your ship is following behind them with the exact route by one full day. The Ruby is back in port this morning at FLL.
A bridge tour?? Lucky you! I tried to get a bridge tour, and I went to the Passenger Services Desk to ask about it. She said, "Sure, no problem!" and brought out a binder to put my name on the list. There were only six people signed up. I said, "Only SIX people???". She then said, "Well, the bridge tour is $150 per person". Whoa---what???? That's one thing about the cruise that really irked me. NOTHING was free or inclusive of your fare (except cabin and normal eating areas). Anything extra and you had to pay $$$$$.
Posted by sbalax (Member # 2801) on :
Smitty et.al. --
We are in the United Club at FLL after a very smooth disembarkation and transfer to the airport. We opted to take a later flight from IAH so won't get to ride the 787. We are getting $200.00 each in travel credits.
Yesterday in Key West we rode the Conch Train to see as much as we could as quickly and easily as possible. We did get off at the Flagler Station stop and enjoyed the small museum there and the video about the FEC.
Frank in cloudy and cool FLL
Posted by smitty195 (Member # 5102) on :
Glad to hear all went well. You're probably on the plane on the way home about now. It's always a let-down to come home after such a trip, isn't it? You get hungry for something and you have to actually make it yourself! Posted by sbalax (Member # 2801) on :
Or pay for it!
We're at The Club -- Lifetime Memerships have turned out to be one of our better investments. They no longer sell them. Mine expires in December, 2099.
Home to SBA tonight and looking forward to our next cruise -- a 15 night Panamá Canal in March.
Frank in clear and cool IAH
Posted by Gilbert B Norman (Member # 1541) on :
United has a Club at FLL?
Last March, flying United to MIA, I sure had the feeling they were some kind of jerkwater airline in the Florida market. Many of their KORD-KMIA flights are operated by puddle jumpers.
But maybe Continental (it seems like you FA's talk of it as two airlines; at least listening to my neighbor it seems that way) has enough business through IAH to support a club.
Sorry bout the almighty $$$ interfering with a flight on a 787 (guess you traveled 'rev'); think I would have stayed put just to say I'd flown on one. It seems last July when I was about to have my 'almost' PRJ joyride, I was giving thought to a KORD-KIAH-KMSY routing as the first leg would have been on a 787.
If I am to think of such this year, somehow I think I'd have to 'tuck it up' and endure Southwest KMDW-KMSY along with the cattle chute boarding process. At least they offer refundable fares and with Ellis' track record of last minute cancellations, not sure if I want to look at a $200 exchange fee on your outfit (I've said same to her; all I get is a 'smirk' in return).
Posted by smitty195 (Member # 5102) on :
Are we following each other around on cruise ships?? My parents are taking a 15 night Panama Canal trip in March as well. They leave out of FLL again, and end up in Los Angeles. It's on Princess though, and you'll probably be on Celebrity?
Posted by palmland (Member # 4344) on :
Southwest was great on our trip. On time on both segments, seating in the A group (with timely on line check in) and best of all friendly flight attendants. On our ATL-MSY flight, it was a cold day and I got their famous (according to the FA) hot chocolate. It was great and I remarked as such to her. I commented that only way it could have been better was if there was a dash of Kahlua in it. She returned shortly with a refill and bottle of Bailey's. Compliments of SW, she said, for our inconvenience in relocating several rows because of a noisy mother and child behind us. Our return, DAL-ATL, arrived early, and had room to spread out. I understand SW will be moving some flights to DFW next year, but Love field terminal was very nice and easy to get around.
As to Pullman Co., our SCA on the CONO worked it regularly and said he hadn't seen their cars since early last fall. It was supposed to have been on our train, but MIA. Perhaps the cold weather?
Posted by sbalax (Member # 2801) on :
Mr. Norman--
They did an equipment swap on the flight that was scheduled to be the 787 so it wasn't a question of a 787 or $200.00. Yes, we were "real people" this time -- a Saturday with 6 cruise ships in town is not a good day to be a non-rev.
The Club at FLL was formerly a Presidents Club and likely before that an Eastern Ionosphere Club. It's at Gate C1 which is where our FLL-IAH flight departed. The only non-revs boarded were a pilot and a F/A in uniform who both rode jump seats.
All--
The only downside to this trip was that someone took my bright yellow "Wrong One" tag from my suitcase! I think it may have happened when my bag was in the corridor waiting to be picked up on the last night on board. 50% of the people on the cruise were on some sort of a beverage package and there was more of a party cruise atmosphere than we are used to on Celebrity. Ever the optimist I'm hoping they will return it when they find my name and address inside the tag. At least my bright red "Remove Before Flight" tag made it.
Smitty--
Yes, we will be on Celebrity Century. I believe we sail on March 6th.
Frank in overcast and drizzly (!!) SBA
Posted by smitty195 (Member # 5102) on :
Okay, my parents sail on March 2nd---Island Princess.
It sure looked like a party ship to me when it left port (on the webcam). Those pictures I sent you, you can see all of the partiers getting into it early! The funny thing about that Port Everglades webcam is when they turn on the sound as it approaches and passes the camera. You can actually hear the Princess employee on the PA up on top at the pool getting everybody all worked up. The thing they were doing on one of the Princess ships that I watched go by was the same thing they did on the Ruby. It must be a standard script. BTW, there were employees walking around upon departure from the cruise port with trays of cocktails. It was a mango thing I think (I'm not a drinker really, so I didn't have one). But so many people were grabbing one and saying "Thanks!", and then the employee would have to tell them, "Excuse me, but I need your cruise card for the cabin charge of $15.00 plus gratuity". GULP!! 15 bucks for those stupid drinks. They start nickel and dining you the instant you step on-board those Princess ships. I couldn't believe it.
Frank: I think I know where that club is at FLL. My VA flight departed from C9. Right after I went through the TSA checkpoint, I saw a club on the right. It was basically un-marked except for a small sign that I think said, "Airline Club" or something like that. It did not specify an airline. Is that where you were?
Posted by Gilbert B Norman (Member # 1541) on :
Since we are discussing anything and everything other that what Miss Vickie had in mind when she originated this topic, here is a plaything I discovered for the airfans around here:
Plotted here was my first Trans Pacific flight in this life July 1967 going to 'UNOWARE'. It was in a 707-400 (edited to correct: 707-324C) operated for MAC (now AMC) by Continental.
Only rub, it appears only to support ICAO codes. No biggie with me, but everybody else (including my FA neighbor).....?
Posted by smitty195 (Member # 5102) on :
I have some friends who use this. One guy in particular put together an incredible 'round the world trip on this. If I can find the link, I'll post it. It's really incredible what he did using mostly Mileage Plus points. It is the most complex, detailed itinerary I've ever seen in my life. Absolutely incredible---I could never repeat it, and I doubt many other people could as well. He only paid something like $200 for a trip, literally, around the world. He maximized his overnights somehow, and made it about a 10 day trip. Hopefully I can find that link.
Posted by Gilbert B Norman (Member # 1541) on :
Horray, here is a chance to get this thread back on topic - well of sorts.
I guess there are airfans out there who are as deliberate about maximizing the value of their points as many here seem to be about Amtrak Guest Rewards (AGR) points.
For me, I just donate my Mileage Plus points - can't be bothered with all the hoops you must jump through to use 'em - and there ain't enough of 'em to get too excited about. If Amtrak offered a donation program for AGR points, guess where they would be going.
Posted by Gilbert B Norman (Member # 1541) on :
Meanwhile, 'back off topic', while Smitty has reported he enjoyed the cruise experience as I know the others here that also regularly engage in the pastime hold same, it appears the industry has taken the a la-carte pricing model to the extreme. Herewith pertinent quote from the Princess Cruise Contract:
quote:'Cruise Fare' means the amount payable by You to Carrier for Your Cruise. It covers the Cruise, scheduled meals and accommodations while on board, air programs and/or other travel components that Carrier may add to Your Cruise Fare and charge to Your stateroom account and/or credit card. The Cruise Fare does not include beer, wine, spirits, sodas or other bottled beverages, or charges for other incidental items, activities, excursions, transportation or personal services during or in connection with the Cruise; or any Government Fees or Taxes, airline or other carriers' services or baggage fees, for which a separate charge may be imposed.
What could be next; well how about an 'amenity fee' to get near the deck chairs and the pools. Otherwise, your deck space would be confined to some area way aft - just as were the steerage passengers on the Titanic.
How about a 'housekeeping fee', if you are content to have your stateroom a pig stye, be their guest; otherwise 'pony up'.
A 'Tender fee'? pony up if you want to go ashore, a 'priority tender fee' (hey, airlines and theme parks now have that one) I'm surprised they haven't dreamed that one up yet.
When cruising first developed during the Great Depression to find some use for vessels that otherwise would be laid up, the product was by and large all inclusive - booze no exception. By the time I took my six cruises in this life 1979-88, the product was still reasonably all inclusive ('registering at the bar' would cost), as there were plenty of lectures, movies, shows, arts and crafts, galley and bridge tours (even engine room if you pushed the right buttons), included.
But now, based upon Smitty's reports, cruising today is simply a platform with 'three hots and a cot' to confine you for the duration and present you with a smorgasbord of extras for which provide the cruise line with the profit, and ensure that the passenger who declines any of such is some kind of second class passenger.
Posted by sbalax (Member # 2801) on :
Mr. Norman--
Are you sure it was a 707-400? The -400's were Rolls-Royce Conway equipped aircraft and as far as I know Continental never had them.
As for cruising, the picture you paint is not the one we have experienced in close to 30 cruises. We generally pay no more than $150.00 a day per person for a balcony cabin in a good location with all meals, including room service, included. True, alcohol, is extra but we have now reached the point in the Celebrity, RCCL and Azamara programs where cocktails are complimentary from 5 to 7PM each evening.
On our most recent cruise the Classic Beverage Package was included (as were pre-paid gratuities). We upgraded to the Premium Package for about $10.00 a day per person extra. Our total bill on leaving the ship was $137.04. We used only about 70 minutes of the first of two 200 free internet minutes packages. We used one of our complimentary laundry coupons.
Frank in sunny but cool SBA
Posted by Gilbert B Norman (Member # 1541) on :
The viewing area at the end of the runway at FLL on Saturday morning was full of cars and people "Plane Spotting".
Frank in dark and cool SBA
Posted by smitty195 (Member # 5102) on :
quote:Originally posted by Gilbert B Norman: But now, based upon Smitty's reports, cruising today is simply a platform with 'three hots and a cot' to confine you for the duration and present you with a smorgasbord of extras for which provide the cruise line with the profit, and ensure that the passenger who declines any of such is some kind of second class passenger.
Unfortunately, you are correct. The "nickel and diming" that I found on-board was, well, ludicrous. I know I'm not an experienced "cruiser", so I'm sure I missed out on some tips and tricks. But what I did during my cruise was, I used the "Notepad" app on my iPhone to write down a new tip/trick that I learned----so it was written down before I forgot about it. The result is that I have 3 ½ pages of tips and tricks! These are things that were never mentioned on Cruise Critic or anywhere else. The extra charges for things really irked me. The LINES---oh my gosh, the lines.....lines for EVERYTHING. It didn't matter what you wanted to do---you were guaranteed to have to "hurry up and wait" in a line. I would have to say that my biggest disappointment of the whole cruise was that I never got to swim in the ship's pools, and I never got to lay in a lounge chair. The reason? TOO MANY PEOPLE! I certainly don't want to offend anyone here, but my ship's passengers were mostly made up of very rude New York/New Jersey residents. I used to live back east, and I remember what it was like (and 100% of my relatives live back east). I know all about that "New York attitude", and it was on FULL display during the entire cruise. Just extremely rude people---very, very rude---who only cared about themselves and their own comfort and well-being. I saw it and personally experienced it time and time again. I could tell specific stories, but I won't bore you with that. Suffice it to say, what they would do is, they would get up at the crack of dawn (or earlier) and "stake out" their lounge chairs for the day. And that would be that---those chairs were THEIRS for the entire day. Hundreds and hundreds of people did this. Even when they got up to go eat lunch and maybe go back to their cabin---it didn't matter---they would leave a book, their towel, sunblock, etc, to make the chair look "occupied". But I saw these "occupied" chairs remain unoccupied for hours. It was such a disappointment to not be able to swim in the pools, and then of course The Sanctuary (the adult pool)---what an absolute mess that was!!! Not the facility itself----it was very nice. But the process involved in getting reservation is something I'm simply not willing to do (be up and in line at the front pool at 6AM---before the sun comes up---and stand there for TWO HOURS until they open at 8AM. Reserve your chair, pay your money, and then go back to bed, or go eat breakfast, or whatever.....but either way, you have to get up at around 5:30AM just to get up there to reserve a stupid chair. I couldn't believe it).
Overall, I really enjoyed my cruise. But there were some surprises that really wiped the smile off my face. $150 for a bridge tour? $20 for a chair at the adults-only pool, and a ridiculous reservation process? The Grand Turks tour not happening because they couldn't find a driver or a bus? The extremely rude passengers on-board. I easily could have done without all of that stuff.
Posted by palmland (Member # 4344) on :
Wow, that was not our experience on a family Disney Cruise last spring. I don't recall any extras except: a bottle of wine at dinner, a great excursion or two, one night when the 'guys' hung out at the cigar bar topside, and one night at their fancy French restaurant, Remy. Only line was maybe 10min. to disembark. No problem with access to pools or ship activities.
Of course being able to take on our liquor of choice on board helped. Each son had a preferred beverage and each evening we had our own cocktail party on our adjoining balconies. The staff was wonderful (a special treat for our granddaughter each night) and the passengers were fine. Although we didn't mingle at dinner as the eight of us took up an entire table at meals. But, then it may have been a case of you get what you pay for as it wasn't inexpensive.
Posted by Geoff Mayo (Member # 153) on :
Unfortunately you're just confirming my worst fears about cruising. There are three main things I hate about vacations: crowds, queuing (lines), and the money drain. I'm sure there are good points, and people that enjoy that sort of thing. Probably not me.
At this point I wrote a whole load more but then realized I was off on a major whinge fest and deleted it! Suffice to say I think our next major vacation to the Mayan stuff in Mexico will be self-organised - not on the cruise ships that the wife's aunt keeps trying to convince us to take.
Great photo on the previous page.
Posted by Gilbert B Norman (Member # 1541) on :
quote:Originally posted by sbalax: The viewing area at the end of the runway at FLL on Saturday morning was full of cars and people "Plane Spotting".
KORD 4R-22L used to have its 'photo line' along IL 19, Irving Park Road. Be it assured that was 'very pre-9/11'.
Today? well.......
Posted by sbalax (Member # 2801) on :
The Plane Spotting Area at FLL is on SW 39th Street just east of W. Perimeter Road. Check it out on Google Map -- a very clear picture with lots of cars parked there watching the planes.
My own favorite spot for watching aircraft is the In 'n' Out Burger on Sepulveda at LAX. Great burgers ("Animal Style" if you know the lingo…) and views of approaches on the North Runway. Lots of "heavies" coming in from Europe and Asia. Ah, the smell of jet fuel…
Frank in dark, cool and WAY TOO DRY SBA.
Posted by Gilbert B Norman (Member # 1541) on :
Interesting to learn; I just presumed post 9/11 loitering anywhere around O'Hare was a nono. The only reason I have to go near any airport is 1) depart 2) arrive 3) pick someone up 4) take someone out.
Of course there is always daredevil planespotting at TNCM; 'been there done that' myself:
Frank: Yes, that is actually a VERY well-known location....worldwide believe it or not! On "Airliners.net", you will find lots and lots of people from all over the world take awesome pictures from the "famous" In 'n Out lot. It really is in a perfect location. (And yes, I know the "Secret Menu". Heh heh.....).
Posted by Geoff Mayo (Member # 153) on :
In'n'Out publicize their not-so-secret menu. I've eaten there a few times and don't quite see the attraction personally and I like my burgers as much as the next person.
The dangers of assumption without knowledge GBN. Yes, plane spotting is alive and well - and more fun with the numerous flight tracking apps you can get on smartphones telling you exactly what that aircraft is above you, its route, altitude, direction, etc.
Posted by sbalax (Member # 2801) on :
Geoff--
That's not the COMPLETE menu… You can also get your fries "Animal Style" and a "6X6" or even an "8X8". I like their burgers but also like them at The Habit (Sorry, folks, only in the West…) and 5 Guys. The fries at In 'n' Out are best eaten quickly. My current personal fav for fries is at Carl's, Jr. -- Hardee's in the east. Order them with out salt and they will usually be fried to order.
Another little secret at In 'n' Out is the Biblical quote inside the bottom of the cup. Unobtrusive and non-confrontational.
Frank in sunny and warming SBA
Posted by Geoff Mayo (Member # 153) on :
Noted that it does say "some of the most popular items"!
Must try The Habit then. There's one nearby but I've never noticed it.
Which of the fries do you like at Carl's Jr? The curly battered ones? Nice - had some just yesterday - but a lot of waste instead of full size fries.
Posted by sbalax (Member # 2801) on :
Geoff--
I like the regular fries at Carl's, Jr.
The Habit started out in Goleta as The Hamburger Habit. Two guys who worked there as teen agers bought the business and have lead the expansion.
One other thing about In 'n' Out -- it's still a family owned business. No franchises.
Frank in sunny and warm but far too dry SBA where Sapphire Princess had to delay tendering today because of fog!
Posted by smitty195 (Member # 5102) on :
Is SBA a cruise ship destination??
Posted by sbalax (Member # 2801) on :
Yep. About 20 visits a year. Most are by Princess but we also get Celebrity (We were here in September on our Wine/America's Cup cruise on Solstice.) and some of the smaller ships like Azamara and Crystal.
We are doing a Panamá Canal on Celebrity Century in March and then it will call here twice on coastal cruises.
Frank in now clear and sunny SBA after a brief shower earlier.
Posted by smitty195 (Member # 5102) on :
Oh wow! I had no idea.
I'm sure you've heard by now that ship #2 has a norovirus outbreak. This time it's on Princess (Caribbean Princess). Whew!! So glad I missed out on that type of "fun".
Re: My parents taking that cruise around the same time as you, Frank.....well, they are doing everything they can now to cancel it. For some reason, they are suddenly very nervous about being away from good medical care for that long. They are 80 and 82 years old (in fine health), and they're afraid that if something happens, they would have to be airlifted off the ship (since there are 11 "At Sea" days) and taken to a third world hospital. I don't know what made them think of all that stuff, but for whatever reason, they absolutely don't want to take the cruise now. They purchased trip insurance, and now they're working with the insurance company, Princess, United (flying on UAL points), and Marriott (staying on Marriott points). What a major undertaking this is for them to cancel! Doctor's appointments to get letters to say that they can't go, phone calls, more letters, etc, etc, etc....I said to them, hey, let's make this easy. I'll just go in your place! Actually, that may very well happen if they can't get this thing cancelled. I wouldn't mind cruising the Panama Canal and having 11 days at sea. That would be just dandy with me!
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