Carnival Cruise Line Disaster Carnival Legend W. Caribbean
Jan 22nd, 2010, 04:56 PM
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Carnival Cruise Line Disaster Carnival Legend W. Caribbean
We left on December 13, 2009 from Tampa, Fl via Carnival Cruise lines which should read Carnival Disaster line. Our cruise started off bad when I called the Carnival Cruise line reps to purchase this seven night cruise that was my first mistake. This rep lied so many times to us that I gave up he argue with both of us constantly. What was promised as a balcony state room without an obstruction was in fact obstructed. The very next day I found out there was a life boat parked in front of our balcony. When I told this rep that we would not except the state room he said fine I'll change it to another but you'll have to pay four hundred more. That figure continue to change every time we spoke to this rep. WE finally gave up and let it go. If he had not chosen as he demand for us this state room we could have had a free upgrade at entry. I was also told by his fellow agents that he tried a bait and switch with us. This rep was rude, nasty and made nasty comments to me all the time. Told me one time he spent more time selling me this cruise then any other person. He can sell a cruise in three mintues is what he told me. I asked questions and he assured me our needs were all met to find out none were as told.
It continues; on the second day of our cruise my spouse broke his front tooth in half, chipped the next one on large glass dishware chards in his food, it was a mushroom sauce served in a dish already prepared. One could not see the chards until bitten into. That is when the real climate change on the ship. When we decided it best to file a report they became irrate. Obviously a crown would cost quite a chunk of money. While several other people wittness the situation we both sign the report. Even bus people stood right by our table who saw what happen immediately both too frighten to admit anything. Since our return Carnival has refused to repair the damage tooth, or teeth they take no responsibilty for it In the infirmary my spouse was told I can give you pain medications but I can't give you money this kind of rudeness was unbelieveable.
After we file the report security kept track of us all through the ship. Now these ships are pretty large with many decks we'd turn around to see the head of security behind us, walking behind us or in the same room. Suddenly we found that our door to our stateroom at the same time each night was being hit, jiggled, someone trying to open it. We had it barracaded from inside. When we reenter the ship my spouse was constantly being ordered to empty his pockets, we got the treatment for sure. WE became very nervous always keeping with other passengers if possible in very public places afraid something might happen. We had no rights whatsoever and knew it. We still manage to have a nice time how I frankly don't know. My spouse is a tall very attractive man, clean, well dressed and very kind he didn't deserve this treatment nor did I. I love the ocean, love my past cruise with RCCL, I made a big mistake in not returning to RCCL.
The ports were great at least two of them Cozumel, and Grand Cayman love both places. I would forgo Belize the port is nice, newly built but once you walk beyond it's decay, poverty, grief and filth so sad and very dangerous. Isla of Roatan was beautiful but the problem is the ships port is just that you must pay forty dollars to leave the port via the only transportation there taxi or van. Then you are placed in a taxi where another party jumps into your taxi after you leave the port just out of sight of the tourists over the hill. They quickly tell you he is your tour guide.. they hold you hostage believe me. You can again be dumped off on the island easily and never make it back to the ship. We paid for all drinks for these guys, forty for the trip, then more for the tour guide. When we wish to shop they took us to one place where their friends had a shop expecting us to buy from them too. These people would not leave our side, they walk wherever we went we had no privacy, no time to ourself they kept right on us every moment even when we went to the water they stood next to us. It was horrible! I wanted to call someone but who? There is no one to call for help. They sat at our table so we couldn't have a meal unless we paid for them too. I love Roatan but would never again go by ship.
Everything has a dollar amount which is sad. Drinks of course on the ship are extremely pricey, soda's the same thing, you pay for even juices exception breakfast. The food was good, hot sometimes. After a time breakfast got to the point you'd wish to throw it overboard same thing day in day out. If there was something special the lines were horrendous and your other food went cold by the time you found a table. I could have gone without the booming voice that flood the ship everyday night and day the cruise director. After seven days of that it was too much even into your stateroom no sleeping in late there. Food is good, some not so good but that is to be expected with large crowds of people. Breakfast was the same thing day in and day out.
With no view and a balcony we still sat out and look at the stars upward. Our state room was clean, very clean every day. Our stewards were remarkable, kind, caring and did all they could to keep us comfortable. They were friendly of all the ships staff they were the kindest most caring on the cruise. Most staff will not speak to you, most don't understand English in the dining areas and other areas but that's okay. These poor people are in fear of loseing their jobs all the time they work hard and long.
The day before departure I decided to have my account run. The next day at departure we had the same billing which is taken out automatically from your bank account. When we arrive home that night I uncover nearly a thousand dollars more placed against my bank account that were not our charges from Carnival Cruise lines. After calling the bank these charges were just as suddenly reversed by Carnival. Our statement before we left had so many drink charges it was frankly impossible to believe most of them from six to ten dollars each were all ours I'd say for sure hundreds of dollars, I don't drink alcohol much at all I actually had probably four alcoholic drinks the entire time and drank tea, coffee, no sodas and water that was free.
I can go on here but I think everyone can get the idea of what we felt and our experiences aboard the Carnival Legend Cruise. I would never again go Carnival. I have gone RCL which was fantastic! Forgive me Royal Caribbean Cruise lines we had to learn the hard way.
It continues; on the second day of our cruise my spouse broke his front tooth in half, chipped the next one on large glass dishware chards in his food, it was a mushroom sauce served in a dish already prepared. One could not see the chards until bitten into. That is when the real climate change on the ship. When we decided it best to file a report they became irrate. Obviously a crown would cost quite a chunk of money. While several other people wittness the situation we both sign the report. Even bus people stood right by our table who saw what happen immediately both too frighten to admit anything. Since our return Carnival has refused to repair the damage tooth, or teeth they take no responsibilty for it In the infirmary my spouse was told I can give you pain medications but I can't give you money this kind of rudeness was unbelieveable.
After we file the report security kept track of us all through the ship. Now these ships are pretty large with many decks we'd turn around to see the head of security behind us, walking behind us or in the same room. Suddenly we found that our door to our stateroom at the same time each night was being hit, jiggled, someone trying to open it. We had it barracaded from inside. When we reenter the ship my spouse was constantly being ordered to empty his pockets, we got the treatment for sure. WE became very nervous always keeping with other passengers if possible in very public places afraid something might happen. We had no rights whatsoever and knew it. We still manage to have a nice time how I frankly don't know. My spouse is a tall very attractive man, clean, well dressed and very kind he didn't deserve this treatment nor did I. I love the ocean, love my past cruise with RCCL, I made a big mistake in not returning to RCCL.
The ports were great at least two of them Cozumel, and Grand Cayman love both places. I would forgo Belize the port is nice, newly built but once you walk beyond it's decay, poverty, grief and filth so sad and very dangerous. Isla of Roatan was beautiful but the problem is the ships port is just that you must pay forty dollars to leave the port via the only transportation there taxi or van. Then you are placed in a taxi where another party jumps into your taxi after you leave the port just out of sight of the tourists over the hill. They quickly tell you he is your tour guide.. they hold you hostage believe me. You can again be dumped off on the island easily and never make it back to the ship. We paid for all drinks for these guys, forty for the trip, then more for the tour guide. When we wish to shop they took us to one place where their friends had a shop expecting us to buy from them too. These people would not leave our side, they walk wherever we went we had no privacy, no time to ourself they kept right on us every moment even when we went to the water they stood next to us. It was horrible! I wanted to call someone but who? There is no one to call for help. They sat at our table so we couldn't have a meal unless we paid for them too. I love Roatan but would never again go by ship.
Everything has a dollar amount which is sad. Drinks of course on the ship are extremely pricey, soda's the same thing, you pay for even juices exception breakfast. The food was good, hot sometimes. After a time breakfast got to the point you'd wish to throw it overboard same thing day in day out. If there was something special the lines were horrendous and your other food went cold by the time you found a table. I could have gone without the booming voice that flood the ship everyday night and day the cruise director. After seven days of that it was too much even into your stateroom no sleeping in late there. Food is good, some not so good but that is to be expected with large crowds of people. Breakfast was the same thing day in and day out.
With no view and a balcony we still sat out and look at the stars upward. Our state room was clean, very clean every day. Our stewards were remarkable, kind, caring and did all they could to keep us comfortable. They were friendly of all the ships staff they were the kindest most caring on the cruise. Most staff will not speak to you, most don't understand English in the dining areas and other areas but that's okay. These poor people are in fear of loseing their jobs all the time they work hard and long.
The day before departure I decided to have my account run. The next day at departure we had the same billing which is taken out automatically from your bank account. When we arrive home that night I uncover nearly a thousand dollars more placed against my bank account that were not our charges from Carnival Cruise lines. After calling the bank these charges were just as suddenly reversed by Carnival. Our statement before we left had so many drink charges it was frankly impossible to believe most of them from six to ten dollars each were all ours I'd say for sure hundreds of dollars, I don't drink alcohol much at all I actually had probably four alcoholic drinks the entire time and drank tea, coffee, no sodas and water that was free.
I can go on here but I think everyone can get the idea of what we felt and our experiences aboard the Carnival Legend Cruise. I would never again go Carnival. I have gone RCL which was fantastic! Forgive me Royal Caribbean Cruise lines we had to learn the hard way.
Jan 23rd, 2010, 05:50 AM
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This is your 1st port here. Hmmm. Frankly the more I read the less I believed especially the part about being intimidatd by the CCL security staff who even went so far as to harass you in your stateroom by jiggling the door handle and menace you by following you around the ship at every turn. Sure.
Jan 25th, 2010, 05:24 AM
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About cabin selection: You get what you pay for. Not all balcony cabins are in the same category. They may look the same inside, but their placement does warrant a different category listing and thus different prices. I'm pretty sure that's what the sales rep was trying to explain to you but apparently you did not want to listen.
Why would security need to jiggle your door to open it? They have a master key so if they did want to enter they can, at any time, unless you're in the room and use the dead bolt. How do you think the room attendant gets in when you're not there?
Security chief following you around? sorry, hard to believe unless you were a nuisance to other passengers, then perhaps they would be watching you.
I believe everybody has to empty their pockets going through security. Your husband wasn't special in that regard.
The tooth? don't know if I believe that part of the story after reading all your other ridiculous claims on this post.
I never cruised with Carnival, I'm not an employee of Carnival and I don't own any Carnival shares, so I have no interest in protecting Carnival, but your tirade is somewhat ridiculous and thus I thought I needed to reply to it.
Why would security need to jiggle your door to open it? They have a master key so if they did want to enter they can, at any time, unless you're in the room and use the dead bolt. How do you think the room attendant gets in when you're not there?
Security chief following you around? sorry, hard to believe unless you were a nuisance to other passengers, then perhaps they would be watching you.
I believe everybody has to empty their pockets going through security. Your husband wasn't special in that regard.
The tooth? don't know if I believe that part of the story after reading all your other ridiculous claims on this post.
I never cruised with Carnival, I'm not an employee of Carnival and I don't own any Carnival shares, so I have no interest in protecting Carnival, but your tirade is somewhat ridiculous and thus I thought I needed to reply to it.
Feb 12th, 2010, 02:56 PM
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Just in case the OP comes back, I have questions:
"I called the Carnival Cruise line reps" - did you call the cruise directly or a travel agent that "represents" the cruise? Why didn't you make your own reservation on-line?
"you must pay forty dollars to leave the port" - I don't remember paying anything in Roatan, you mean you took a local tour, not a tour from the ship, this is why you put yourself in a dangerous situation, right?
"When we reenter the ship my spouse was constantly being ordered to empty his pockets" - after emptying his pockets once, my husband quickly learned not to keep anything metal in
"Most staff will not speak to you, most don't understand English" - if people have accents it doesn't mean they don't speak English. Maybe they just not allowed to waste their time on chit-chats, have this ever entered your mind?
Sorry about your husband's teeth - will your travel insurance cover at least some of the payment? How is he feeling now?
"I called the Carnival Cruise line reps" - did you call the cruise directly or a travel agent that "represents" the cruise? Why didn't you make your own reservation on-line?
"you must pay forty dollars to leave the port" - I don't remember paying anything in Roatan, you mean you took a local tour, not a tour from the ship, this is why you put yourself in a dangerous situation, right?
"When we reenter the ship my spouse was constantly being ordered to empty his pockets" - after emptying his pockets once, my husband quickly learned not to keep anything metal in
"Most staff will not speak to you, most don't understand English" - if people have accents it doesn't mean they don't speak English. Maybe they just not allowed to waste their time on chit-chats, have this ever entered your mind?
Sorry about your husband's teeth - will your travel insurance cover at least some of the payment? How is he feeling now?
Mar 29th, 2010, 08:21 AM
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Let me update you the facts as of today.
Answer: Susiesan, I did place it on Cruise Critic don't know why you didn't locate it there. It's a puzzle to me!
Answer: Dayneu they even took his water bottle not mine nor anyone else that we ever saw. Politeness is not chit chat while many staff came up to us asking how my spouse was in English. We did find that most kind. I do understand several languages. We purchase our tickets through the "cruise line" directly. I did look at the web site many times for prices. We thought it might be better to call the cruise line directly instead when spending thousands on a cruise I found it's better to speak with a live person. Big Mistake! Have you taken the time to look at other people with the same problems? Everyone pays to leave the port area be it with the cruise line or not. There is no other way to get out of there its the new port, I don't know when you visit there?
Nuisance, you've got to be kidding? We're not the type you insinuate. We are not kids rather grown adults who happen to have been brought up properly with morals and convictions. We are not narrow minded nor do we view things as black and white.
Answer: Jacketwatch, don't get what you mean first port? Our first port was Grand Cayman. Our second port was Cozumel, our third port was Belize, fourth port Isla of Roatan. It's your choice to believe or not to believe this is posted to help other travelers decide which cruise line might be best for them.
Answer: AAFrequentFlyer, truth is truth. How would you know what we said in our many conversations with the Carnival Rep? You seem to have privey into it? Not one time did the rep tell us that our cabin had a lifeboat in it after I asked him several times not the other way around. This was not my first cruise, I know what to ask. Our door handle was not just jiggled but our door was hit hard each night. We barricade ourselves into the stateroom obviously because we know they have "master keys". I am having to explain each detail so as not be be accused of lying. I find your language similiar to the cruise rep. I'm still thinking you don't have a clue until you are placed in the same position. My spouse is an extremely attractive well groom man. He is educated just as I am we have no reason to lie. One might suggest that security certainly seem to have it's problems many other travelers were noting it just as we did we all can't be wrong althoug it might make your story sound better. But frankly I'm smelling a rat in this. You protest too much. After we uncover the boat we record each conversation thereafter we had with the rep. He did the bait and switch deal with us. I have a blow by blow tape of each call made and each email between us.
On March 25, 2010 we received the following communication from the Better Business Bureau. Carnival Cruise Lines is now considering the dental bills we sought out to begin with nothing more was asked of them but to pay for this expense. The Better Business Bureau has been in contact with them in our behalf. We filled out a complete complaint and injury report when it happen on the ship at the same table it happen- immediately afterward. We have a report if I could download it here then I would. It amazes me when someone offers truthful facts how many refuse to believe the facts. I can prove everything that has been mention here.
Since posting this I have received other messages from another posting source with similiar problems. One armed force family lost the entire cruise after being told by the cruise rep if his wife was redeployed in Afghanistan they'd receive a refund or could take it later... didn't happen. They make a commission off of each sale it's in their best interest to make the sell.
Look at the fine print what cruise insurance actually covers you might be surprised.
Answer: Susiesan, I did place it on Cruise Critic don't know why you didn't locate it there. It's a puzzle to me!
Answer: Dayneu they even took his water bottle not mine nor anyone else that we ever saw. Politeness is not chit chat while many staff came up to us asking how my spouse was in English. We did find that most kind. I do understand several languages. We purchase our tickets through the "cruise line" directly. I did look at the web site many times for prices. We thought it might be better to call the cruise line directly instead when spending thousands on a cruise I found it's better to speak with a live person. Big Mistake! Have you taken the time to look at other people with the same problems? Everyone pays to leave the port area be it with the cruise line or not. There is no other way to get out of there its the new port, I don't know when you visit there?
Nuisance, you've got to be kidding? We're not the type you insinuate. We are not kids rather grown adults who happen to have been brought up properly with morals and convictions. We are not narrow minded nor do we view things as black and white.
Answer: Jacketwatch, don't get what you mean first port? Our first port was Grand Cayman. Our second port was Cozumel, our third port was Belize, fourth port Isla of Roatan. It's your choice to believe or not to believe this is posted to help other travelers decide which cruise line might be best for them.
Answer: AAFrequentFlyer, truth is truth. How would you know what we said in our many conversations with the Carnival Rep? You seem to have privey into it? Not one time did the rep tell us that our cabin had a lifeboat in it after I asked him several times not the other way around. This was not my first cruise, I know what to ask. Our door handle was not just jiggled but our door was hit hard each night. We barricade ourselves into the stateroom obviously because we know they have "master keys". I am having to explain each detail so as not be be accused of lying. I find your language similiar to the cruise rep. I'm still thinking you don't have a clue until you are placed in the same position. My spouse is an extremely attractive well groom man. He is educated just as I am we have no reason to lie. One might suggest that security certainly seem to have it's problems many other travelers were noting it just as we did we all can't be wrong althoug it might make your story sound better. But frankly I'm smelling a rat in this. You protest too much. After we uncover the boat we record each conversation thereafter we had with the rep. He did the bait and switch deal with us. I have a blow by blow tape of each call made and each email between us.
On March 25, 2010 we received the following communication from the Better Business Bureau. Carnival Cruise Lines is now considering the dental bills we sought out to begin with nothing more was asked of them but to pay for this expense. The Better Business Bureau has been in contact with them in our behalf. We filled out a complete complaint and injury report when it happen on the ship at the same table it happen- immediately afterward. We have a report if I could download it here then I would. It amazes me when someone offers truthful facts how many refuse to believe the facts. I can prove everything that has been mention here.
Since posting this I have received other messages from another posting source with similiar problems. One armed force family lost the entire cruise after being told by the cruise rep if his wife was redeployed in Afghanistan they'd receive a refund or could take it later... didn't happen. They make a commission off of each sale it's in their best interest to make the sell.
Look at the fine print what cruise insurance actually covers you might be surprised.
Apr 1st, 2010, 05:17 PM
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I've taken several cruises on Carnival and many more on Royal Carib and I absolutely DO believe her. We have children so sometimes we are constrained by cost to Carnival, but we always know it is a sacrifice. We've dealt with everything from rudeness to incompetence from Carnival but never from Royal Carib. And everytime I check out a cruise on their website, an agressive personal cruise something-or-other calls my house and tries to hard-sell me. They see I logged on, then call! And this guide is RUDE. I've asked him not to call, but god forbid I check something out on their site, there he is...like mold on bread. Their cruises are okay, cheap with irritations. But when we have a little more money--it's Royal Carib for us. I won't detail all the little problems we've had on the actual cruises, but although not as bad as blueeyes99, but enough for me to say I BELIEVE YOU!!
Apr 2nd, 2010, 07:17 AM
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If CCl is that bad then why do you use them? BTW I am registered w/ CCL meaning they have my # on file and have perused the website so many times I can't recall but never have I received a call from them at all even after a booking let alone after merely logging in. I do receive mailers from time to time but thats it. The only cruise line tht called me at home and did so 3-4 times was Celebrity BTW.
Apr 3rd, 2010, 08:29 AM
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Hey Larry, remember the incidents last year that they uncovered RCCL paid people to write postive reviews on cruise critics? I think the same people are here too. It's really too bad as I really hate to see bad mouthing, bashing, advertisings and commercialization on forums.
"But when we have a little more money--it's Royal Carib for us." It would be more believable if the poster have picked Celebrity or Costa, or Princess, or HAL, or Disney, or anyone else, even NCL (okay, I am pushing it here).
"But when we have a little more money--it's Royal Carib for us." It would be more believable if the poster have picked Celebrity or Costa, or Princess, or HAL, or Disney, or anyone else, even NCL (okay, I am pushing it here).
. So you you have any vacations plans upcoming? You usually have some neat stuff in the works.
Apr 6th, 2010, 12:48 AM
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Well, I don't know if it's true or not. I have only cruised NCL (Pride of America) and an MSC cruise of Greek Islands so I am not a true experienced "Cruiser" however, I am going on this very same cruise the Carnival Legend out of Tampa on April 25th (19 days) so after that I will post and give my thoughts.
I am sorry to read you had such a bad experience and I must admit it does make me a bit apprehensive thus the reason I was checking out comments in the first place, just to get an idea of what I might expect. Seriously, I hope you are wrong. I hope I don't have the experiences you did. Maybe it was just a one time fluke thing....who knows...but I will definitely post upon my return.
Once again I am sorry for your bad experience and also sorry that most do not seem to believe you and you feel the need to defend yourself. It must be very frustrating because even if all that was exactly as you say, I do believe it is indeed how "YOU" preceive it to be so for that I am sorry.
Take care and I hope all your travels in the future are happy ones
I am sorry to read you had such a bad experience and I must admit it does make me a bit apprehensive thus the reason I was checking out comments in the first place, just to get an idea of what I might expect. Seriously, I hope you are wrong. I hope I don't have the experiences you did. Maybe it was just a one time fluke thing....who knows...but I will definitely post upon my return.
Once again I am sorry for your bad experience and also sorry that most do not seem to believe you and you feel the need to defend yourself. It must be very frustrating because even if all that was exactly as you say, I do believe it is indeed how "YOU" preceive it to be so for that I am sorry.
Take care and I hope all your travels in the future are happy ones
Apr 7th, 2010, 11:29 AM
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Areala, if your previous experience is with NCL and MSC, you will absolutely love it on the Legend. I think the food is better on the Lengend and the service more consistent on Carnival than NCL. There are always one off bad experiences, even with the best of them. Looking forward to see your post after you get back.
Larry, you mentioned that you are going to India this year. When is that going to happen? There is a cheap last minute Prinecss deal (for May) from Singapore to Athens, with stops in Mumbai and passage through the Suez. I think it is 15 days for $799 inside. (I know you don't do inside but it's a bench mark.) If I wasn't booked already in May I would have book it on a heartbeat. One of the excursion available is to Jordon. Petra is high my list.
We are doing a staycation in May as well ... a stationary cruise. We are booked in the Hotel Queen May at Long Beach for 3 days. This old ship is permanently docked so it is not going anywhere. My old man travelled on that ship in his younger days so I thought it would be cool if I stayed a few nights on the same boat too. There is "shore excursisons" planned to Catalina Island, maybe Beverly Hills & Hollywood star tour, and who knows whatelse. After that, we are off to Vancouver for a couple days. We have decided to take a boat rather than fly this time. It is almost cheaper by boat. (Okay, not quite but a couple hundrerd bucks for a balcony cabin for 3 nights is pretty cheap). Then off to the Canadian Rockies before it gets too crazy in the summer, then 3 days in Toronto & Niagra Falls before heading home. Some business, mostly pleasure 
The big trip is the one in October to the Holyland. 3 weeks in all and that would be the longest vacation I have taken as far back as I can remember. Most of our trips has been around 10 to 15 days.
Looking forward to see Jerusalem, the Pyramid, Cairo museum etc. It will be on a smaller boat and it will be DW's first small ship cruise. So, that would be interesting. I am cosidering changing our balcony cabin on the rear upper deck to an outside, midship lower deck (deck3!) to make sure that she won't get sea sick. The ship is not full and I see better prices being advertised. The price difference could be as much as $800 per person if I make the change.
Nothing planned for 2011 yet but wanted to go somewhere warm in January. I don't mind heading back to the Caribbean or Mexican Riveria as it is cheap. Hawaii is okay too. DW wants to try the the Amazon (another small boat) but the airfare to Brizal is really expensive. She also brought home a DVD and promo material on Vikings River cruises the other day
. She hasn't been on a small boat yet so all that may change after October ...
Larry, you mentioned that you are going to India this year. When is that going to happen? There is a cheap last minute Prinecss deal (for May) from Singapore to Athens, with stops in Mumbai and passage through the Suez. I think it is 15 days for $799 inside. (I know you don't do inside but it's a bench mark.) If I wasn't booked already in May I would have book it on a heartbeat. One of the excursion available is to Jordon. Petra is high my list.
We are doing a staycation in May as well ... a stationary cruise
. We are booked in the Hotel Queen May at Long Beach for 3 days. This old ship is permanently docked so it is not going anywhere. My old man travelled on that ship in his younger days so I thought it would be cool if I stayed a few nights on the same boat too. There is "shore excursisons" planned to Catalina Island, maybe Beverly Hills & Hollywood star tour, and who knows whatelse. After that, we are off to Vancouver for a couple days. We have decided to take a boat rather than fly this time. It is almost cheaper by boat. (Okay, not quite but a couple hundrerd bucks for a balcony cabin for 3 nights is pretty cheap). Then off to the Canadian Rockies before it gets too crazy in the summer, then 3 days in Toronto & Niagra Falls before heading home. Some business, mostly pleasure The big trip is the one in October to the Holyland. 3 weeks in all and that would be the longest vacation I have taken as far back as I can remember. Most of our trips has been around 10 to 15 days.
Looking forward to see Jerusalem, the Pyramid, Cairo museum etc. It will be on a smaller boat and it will be DW's first small ship cruise. So, that would be interesting. I am cosidering changing our balcony cabin on the rear upper deck to an outside, midship lower deck (deck3!) to make sure that she won't get sea sick. The ship is not full and I see better prices being advertised. The price difference could be as much as $800 per person if I make the change.
Nothing planned for 2011 yet but wanted to go somewhere warm in January. I don't mind heading back to the Caribbean or Mexican Riveria as it is cheap. Hawaii is okay too. DW wants to try the the Amazon (another small boat) but the airfare to Brizal is really expensive. She also brought home a DVD and promo material on Vikings River cruises the other day
. She hasn't been on a small boat yet so all that may change after October ...
Apr 7th, 2010, 02:42 PM
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That holyland trip sounds amazing. Just being able to see the pyramids as well as the holy sights in Israel is a dream. I am sure you will cherish this cruise. We have a staycation in June and are going to India in Oct. thru early Nov. We will be away for about one mo. A plan I had finally did come togther so we are flying R/T to Hong Kong, staying one day, then fly to Delhi. Then we fly to HK and stay 4 days on the return. May is not doable for us and I'm not sure I'd want to be in Mumbai then anyway. Today its 107 in Delhi and may-June there is like being in a cauldron. I do think Mum. is a bit more moderate however. Good luck w/ the cabin switch. As you know the lower and more amidships the better in terms of motion issues. Has she tried ginger tablets? What ship will you be on? If its one like th former Tahitian Princess, one of those old Renaissance ships that are now used by Princess, Oceania and Azamara, I can comment that motion was an issue for my wife. We were on the TP with a cabin all the way f/w facing the bow. Big mistake. The motion was the worst there. We were fortunate to be relocatd amidships a few days into the cruise and that saved the day. I thnk rear cabins are better than f/w but amidships is best. Anyway its good she's keeping you busy w/ ideas. . Gotta love it. Take care, Larry
Areala: I think you will be fine on the Legend. Most reviews are her re quite good.
so we are flying R/T to Hong Kong, staying one day, then fly to Delhi. Then we fly to HK and stay 4 days on the return. May is not doable for us and I'm not sure I'd want to be in Mumbai then anyway. Today its 107 in Delhi and may-June there is like being in a cauldron. I do think Mum. is a bit more moderate however. Good luck w/ the cabin switch. As you know the lower and more amidships the better in terms of motion issues. Has she tried ginger tablets? What ship will you be on? If its one like th former Tahitian Princess, one of those old Renaissance ships that are now used by Princess, Oceania and Azamara, I can comment that motion was an issue for my wife. We were on the TP with a cabin all the way f/w facing the bow. Big mistake. The motion was the worst there. We were fortunate to be relocatd amidships a few days into the cruise and that saved the day. I thnk rear cabins are better than f/w but amidships is best. Anyway its good she's keeping you busy w/ ideas. . Gotta love it. Take care, LarryAreala: I think you will be fine on the Legend. Most reviews are her re quite good.
Apr 7th, 2010, 03:10 PM
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Eschew, there is another docked ship - Delta King in Sacramento, they have mystery dinners, theater, restaurant and bar - all on the same ship. We only made the theater and the restaurant, and loved it!
Apr 8th, 2010, 04:15 PM
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Larry, it's the Pacific Princess and it is one of those old Renaissance ships. I think I will make the switch. We were on the Island Princess and we have those mini suite top deck near the front. The wave wasn't bad but she felt it. We asked for fresh grounded ginger at the dining room and the F/B supervisor went to kitchen and get us fresh grounded ginger daily. Needness to say, he was rewarded for his great effort but the effort was there before the reward if you know what I mean ... DW is looking forward to the Holyland and both of us has not been there before. We will try to squeeze in as much land time as we can including Galilee, dead sea etc.
Dayenu, The Delta King is a peddlewheeler river boat, right?
I was told the Queen Mary is a fully functioning cruise ship except it is not sea worthy due to age. The grand dining room and bars are still operating, the pool, the deck are all still in fine shape. Some cabins still have original decor. So, it will be interesting. I think the cabin we will be in will have a port hole. I guess the outside cabins of the days only has port holes, let alone balconies. You should visit their web site and take a look.
DW is looking forward to the Holyland and both of us has not been there before. We will try to squeeze in as much land time as we can including Galilee, dead sea etc. Dayenu, The Delta King is a peddlewheeler river boat, right?
I was told the Queen Mary is a fully functioning cruise ship except it is not sea worthy due to age. The grand dining room and bars are still operating, the pool, the deck are all still in fine shape. Some cabins still have original decor. So, it will be interesting. I think the cabin we will be in will have a port hole. I guess the outside cabins of the days only has port holes, let alone balconies. You should visit their web site and take a look.
Apr 9th, 2010, 09:12 AM
#19
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Our last (real) cruise was with a porthole. My very first cruise on Monarch was a porthole. With a bit of imagination it's a great window
And yes, you're right about the peddlewheeler... just like those in Disneyland
And yes, you're right about the peddlewheeler... just like those in Disneyland
Apr 10th, 2010, 06:44 AM
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Do make that switch I think. We too were on the IP just over one yr. ago and as you know its way bigger than the Pacific. When it comes to service we are the same way in that good service gets a reward. On the TP one of the crew who knew my wife was ill from the motion got wind of a cabin that became available and arranged for us to get it. He saved our cruise and I happily took care of him. Also wrote a nice letter to Princess about him and all the others who provided excellent service. Cheers, Larry
