*~ Cruising (travel by Waterways) megathread ~*

coylemj

appleb wrote: »

We are heading on a MSC Belisimo Mediterranean cruise on Monday leaving Naples. Any tips? Have done a carribean Royal Caribbean cruise before but not sure what to expect with MSC.

Not much difference. I've been on 2 X MSC & 1 x RCL. There will be less Americans on the MSC cruise. But the general package is the same.

If there is a significant difference in terms of the number of passengers on the boat vs. your previous cruise, that will be the biggest thing you will notice, rather than that it's a different cruise line.

paddylonglegs

Msc grandiosa looks really good. Prices are pretty good too. I assume these don’t include flights from dublin

Dannyo

Howdy.

Just came across this thread now. Great find!

In May 2017 I went on my first cruise with NCL on the Epic, 7 night Western Mediterranean cruise. It was for our honeymoon, It was the best holiday I was ever on, I couldn't recommend a cruise enough. The wife doesn't like sea travel on ferries etc and was very skeptical about the idea, but she loved it, we both said we would not go on another land holiday going forward. It even topped my Las Vegas trip with the lads, which was fantastic.

Food, drink, entertainment, atmosphere and service was all excellent for the entire trip.
We are in our early 30's and had the Ultimate Beverage package with gratuities paid, but I still tipped intermittently much to the wife's puzzlement, but it proved worthwhile.


Anyway, if anyone has any questions, just ask away.


I am currently researching to book our second cruise for June/July 2020 with our 2 kids (will be their first cruise), who will be 11 & 14 at the time of the cruise.

I am torn between trying out RC Allure of the Seas 7 night Western Med, and the NCL Getaway 10 night Italy, Croatia and Greek Islands cruise.

Anyone been on both ships for a comparison?

Thanks and Regards.

Thoie

Dannyo wrote: »

I am torn between trying out RC Allure of the Seas 7 night Western Med, and the NCL Getaway 10 night Italy, Croatia and Greek Islands cruise.

Anyone been on both ships for a comparison?

Thanks and Regards.

Can't compare both, but I've been on the Allure, and one thing I found was that the Oasis class is very "inward" looking - you have to go out of your way to see the sea. On the other hand, it could be ideal for kids of that age, with lots for them to do.

Stone Deaf 4evr

Thoie wrote: »

Can't compare both, but I've been on the Allure, and one thing I found was that the Oasis class is very "inward" looking - you have to go out of your way to see the sea. On the other hand, it could be ideal for kids of that age, with lots for them to do.

we were on Oasis this summer, an epic ship, if you have kids, they literally wont have enough time in the day to hit all the activities. I'd be back in a heartbeat!
Agreed on the comment about views, unless you're on the top deck or have an outer balcony cabin, you wont be seeing the sea on a constant basis. That being said, the central park area was a fantastic place to relax at night in the super comfy chairs, with friendly attendants supplying blankets for your lap if you were feeling the chill!

paddylonglegs

Dannyo wrote: »

Howdy.

Just came across this thread now. Great find!

In May 2017 I went on my first cruise with NCL on the Epic, 7 night Western Mediterranean cruise. It was for our honeymoon, It was the best holiday I was ever on, I couldn't recommend a cruise enough. The wife doesn't like sea travel on ferries etc and was very skeptical about the idea, but she loved it, we both said we would not go on another land holiday going forward. It even topped my Las Vegas trip with the lads, which was fantastic.

Food, drink, entertainment, atmosphere and service was all excellent for the entire trip.
We are in our early 30's and had the Ultimate Beverage package with gratuities paid, but I still tipped intermittently much to the wife's puzzlement, but it proved worthwhile.


Anyway, if anyone has any questions, just ask away.


I am currently researching to book our second cruise for June/July 2020 with our 2 kids (will be their first cruise), who will be 11 & 14 at the time of the cruise.

I am torn between trying out RC Allure of the Seas 7 night Western Med, and the NCL Getaway 10 night Italy, Croatia and Greek Islands cruise.

Anyone been on both ships for a comparison?

Thanks and Regards.

The NCL interior design looks a lot more understated and European compared to the garish gold of the other ships. I suppose the gold is all part of the marine theme, but a well designed interior always goes along way

enfant terrible

Hi guys,

Going on a cruise next month with Norwegian around Caribbean.

My question is should I bring some US currency on board?

Is it a good idea to have some to use on excursions, or not really needed?

Thanks

fitzparker

I was on MSC and its cashless, think that's the same for most cruises.

But yes exchange money for when on excursions it can go towards tipping, lunch off the boat, shopping etc.

Thoie

enfant terrible wrote: »

Hi guys,

Going on a cruise next month with Norwegian around Caribbean.

My question is should I bring some US currency on board?

Is it a good idea to have some to use on excursions, or not really needed?

Thanks

I always bring dollars. Tips in the hotel the night before, or last minute things. Buying coffee/lunch/trinkets on shore, plus tips for bus drivers on excursions. If you want to waste money in the casino (like I do), the slot machines usually take dollars. You may want to leave an extra cash tip for your cabin steward or waiters. If you find you have "too much" left over towards the end of the trip, you can pay off some of your onboard account in cash at the guest services desk if you don't think you're likely to use dollars again any time soon.

Louche Lad

Every few months I travel via Holyhead-Dublin, and one reason I do it is the free WiFi. But now they're charging £7.90 for four hours. They do offer 20 minutes of free browsing, but it's limited to "low-speed browsing".

mloc123

Louche Lad wrote: »

Every few months I travel via Holyhead-Dublin, and one reason I do it is the free WiFi. But now they're charging £7.90 for four hours. They do offer 20 minutes of free browsing, but it's limited to "low-speed browsing".

You travel just for free WiFi? :pac:

Louche Lad

mloc123 wrote: »

You travel just for free WiFi? :pac:

What other reason is there to travel? ;-)

Also, the unlimited baggage, not having to go through airport-level security etc.

Paddy@CIRL

I was a long time Stena customer but was diverted onto an Irish Ferries crossing about two years back when the Stena boat failed to sail from Fishguard.

I've never been on a Stena sailing since, Irish Ferries are far superior in every way.

ednwireland

watch the Irish ferries mobile roaming costs a fortune. didn't even use it and it managed to charge me. I was connected to it but hadn't realised

john9876

Wi-fi on Stena line is WINO - Wi-Fi in name only - ie completely useless

uck51js9zml2yt

We'll sod that. I'm flying from now on

enfant terrible

Thoie wrote: »

I always bring dollars. Tips in the hotel the night before, or last minute things. Buying coffee/lunch/trinkets on shore, plus tips for bus drivers on excursions. If you want to waste money in the casino (like I do), the slot machines usually take dollars. You may want to leave an extra cash tip for your cabin steward or waiters. If you find you have "too much" left over towards the end of the trip, you can pay off some of your onboard account in cash at the guest services desk if you don't think you're likely to use dollars again any time soon.

Thanks Thoie,

How does the whole tipping think work, do you tip the car rental guy, the guy working behind reception at hotel, taxi drivers etc? seems confusing.

fitzparker

For me

I'd Tip: Taxi, Luggage person, excursion people, waiters.

Reception worker - only if they gave an upgrade or extra's
Car rental guy - I wouldn't (unless they like drove the car up for you? )

To be honest, you will see signs or they will just say "don't forget to tip" on excursions they had a jar and asked, we gave a tip as it was very welcoming and informative.

Thoie

enfant terrible wrote: »

Thanks Thoie,

How does the whole tipping think work, do you tip the car rental guy, the guy working behind reception at hotel, taxi drivers etc? seems confusing.

How does it work? Very irritatingly.

I'm still learning the culture. I'm sure I forget people. The ones I've learned so far:

If you ask a porter at the airport to collect your bags and bring them to the shuttle/taxi, they get tipped $1-$2 per bag. (I manage my own luggage).

Taxi driver gets a tip. I do the Irish thing of rounding up, which is possibly highly insulting.

At the hotel, you're supposed to leave a few dollars for the person who cleans your room. There'll often be an envelope on the desk for this express purpose.

In a restaurant, the waiter expects you to add at least 15% on your bill as a tip. And it seems that 15% is starting to become "bare minimum". 18-20% seems to be becoming the norm. I asked how come when I started going to the US first, 10% was the norm, and why has that doubled. They told me "inflation". Could not persuade them that percentages don't work that way.

At the pier, if a longshoreman helps you with your bags, about $1 per bag.

Shuttle bus driver gets a few dollars.

On board, most cruise lines apply a daily "service charge" to your onboard account, and there's usually 15% added to every drink you order if you're paying for drinks as you go. If you've got a drinks package, some people tip the barman extra as well. Not quite sure when or how. Many people also leave an additional cash tip for their cabin steward and waiters and head waiter as well.

On excursions, you tip the driver and the tour guide a few dollars at the end of the trip.


As you may gather, I fecking hate "obligatory" tipping. I'm happy to tip at home when I want to, but in the US it seems like every time someone scratches their arse in your general vicinity you're expected to hand them a dollar. On that note, get as many "ones" as you can for tipping. I save my ones from trip to trip, but if you know someone coming home from the US before you go, ask them to bring you back $20 worth so you're not scrabbling for change as soon as you arrive.

enfant terrible

fitzparker wrote: »

For me

I'd Tip: Taxi, Luggage person, excursion people, waiters.

Reception worker - only if they gave an upgrade or extra's
Car rental guy - I wouldn't (unless they like drove the car up for you? )

To be honest, you will see signs or they will just say "don't forget to tip" on excursions they had a jar and asked, we gave a tip as it was very welcoming and informative.

Thoie wrote: »

How does it work? Very irritatingly.

I'm still learning the culture. I'm sure I forget people. The ones I've learned so far:

If you ask a porter at the airport to collect your bags and bring them to the shuttle/taxi, they get tipped $1-$2 per bag. (I manage my own luggage).

Taxi driver gets a tip. I do the Irish thing of rounding up, which is possibly highly insulting.

At the hotel, you're supposed to leave a few dollars for the person who cleans your room. There'll often be an envelope on the desk for this express purpose.

In a restaurant, the waiter expects you to add at least 15% on your bill as a tip. And it seems that 15% is starting to become "bare minimum". 18-20% seems to be becoming the norm. I asked how come when I started going to the US first, 10% was the norm, and why has that doubled. They told me "inflation". Could not persuade them that percentages don't work that way.

At the pier, if a longshoreman helps you with your bags, about $1 per bag.

Shuttle bus driver gets a few dollars.

On board, most cruise lines apply a daily "service charge" to your onboard account, and there's usually 15% added to every drink you order if you're paying for drinks as you go. If you've got a drinks package, some people tip the barman extra as well. Not quite sure when or how. Many people also leave an additional cash tip for their cabin steward and waiters and head waiter as well.

On excursions, you tip the driver and the tour guide a few dollars at the end of the trip.


As you may gather, I fecking hate "obligatory" tipping. I'm happy to tip at home when I want to, but in the US it seems like every time someone scratches their arse in your general vicinity you're expected to hand them a dollar. On that note, get as many "ones" as you can for tipping. I save my ones from trip to trip, but if you know someone coming home from the US before you go, ask them to bring you back $20 worth so you're not scrabbling for change as soon as you arrive.

Thanks guys great help

ncmc

The wifi on Stena Line is absolutely shockingly poor and drops at random intervals. I hope if they are charging for it, it will be improved somewhat. It would be an awful rip off to be charged €7.90 for the current offering.

grind gremlin

Considering going on a cruise with royal Caribbean next year. Can anyone recommend a travel agent to book with? I have previously booked directly online but I hear it’s a good idea to use a TA.
Thanks in advance

Mike3549

Check american agents.
Cruise.com, cruisedirect, american discount cruises and travel.
We booked through adct but looks like they have a $50 or $100 cancellation fee.
Seescanner, i think they are german company.
Also check direct through cruise company. I think last year royal caribbeans had flights for €1 euro. Good luck

k123456

Direct with the cruise ship company , can sometimes yield good results

spurious

We used one of the 'Travel Counsellors' and were very happy with the job she did.

MIRMIR82

grind gremlin wrote: »

Considering going on a cruise with royal Caribbean next year. Can anyone recommend a travel agent to book with? I have previously booked directly online but I hear it’s a good idea to use a TA.
Thanks in advance

Mike3549 wrote: »

Check american agents.
Cruise.com, cruisedirect, american discount cruises and travel.
We booked through adct but looks like they have a $50 or $100 cancellation fee.
Seescanner, i think they are german company.
Also check direct through cruise company. I think last year royal caribbeans had flights for €1 euro. Good luck

Yes, i used cruisedirect last year and save 1000 Euro per couple(there were 8 of us going). I used cruise paradise this year, an Irish travel agent, kept an eye on facebook and a good deal came up with them.

Dannyo

Well after much research and a very frustrating (to put it mildly) time dealing with a local travel agent, I went ahead myself and booked the 10 day Greek Islands Cruise on the NCL Getaway for June 2020, conveniently in the middle of Euro 2020

FYI, if you are a returning NCL customer, they are currently offering a 20% discount off your cruise. I found this out via my NCL login on their site. My local Travel Agents were not aware of this.

paddylonglegs

Dannyo wrote: »

Well after much research and a very frustrating (to put it mildly) time dealing with a local travel agent, I went ahead myself and booked the 10 day Greek Islands Cruise on the NCL Getaway for June 2020, conveniently in the middle of Euro 2020

FYI, if you are a returning NCL customer, they are currently offering a 20% discount off your cruise. I found this out via my NCL login on their site. My local Travel Agents were not aware of this.

Just had a look at NCL getaway on youtube, looks amazing and will add that to the list. Do you know what kind of age groups go on the likes of this sailing?

Dannyo

paddylonglegs wrote: »

Just had a look at NCL getaway on youtube, looks amazing and will add that to the list. Do you know what kind of age groups go on the likes of this sailing?

I would assume it would be similar to the previous cruise on board the Epic. The Getaway seems to be very similar internally albeit a bit more compact from what I seen on youtube.

There was a good demographic mix on board the Epic, plenty of young kids/families, couples of all ages etc. All were well catered for from what we seen and heard from other people on board.

Depending on where you were on the ship, you would have no issue finding plenty of areas suited to the people you wish to meet or be around.

The selling point for me on the Getaway was the water slides/climbing frames for the Kids (they are big in to those) and the board walk on the exterior of the bars and restaurants for me and the missus ...and the 20% discount I discovered also helped

Forever21

I’m considering doing royal Caribbean anthem of the seas northern cruise 29th May 2020. Has anyone ever done this & would you recommend it. First time cruising & one in our group is full time wheelchair user.