Who likes going on cruises? Anything cruise related here

[Eureka]

Been on a few Carnival cruises and heading on a Royal Caribbean cruise for the first time this summer(Allure of the seas). Anybody have any advice/experiences with RC? Purchased the drink package for first time ever. Will probably book another cruise with a different cruise line afterwards because I want to try as many cruise lines as I can. Any fun experiences with other cruise lines ya want to share? Stories etc.

I always enjoyed going on cruises as a single guy as there was always way more single women (like lots more). I will be bringing my sweety on this cruise though and I plan on popping the question the day before we fly out. Fun times.

[Nickhead]

the rate of illness on a cruise is greater than the rate of death on an airliner. i would rather fly :D

[Rasputin]

They're fun would do again.

[Saulbadguy]

I've been on several, including the Allure of the Seas. I don't mind taking one every few years as they are a good way to relax and not have to think about what to do every day and where to eat.

Speaking of which - make sure you book Central Park 150. That was an amazing dining experience.

[Coochie liquor]

I’ve never been on a cruise. Almost booked one but my buddy went on one last year and got sick as a dog afterwards. Decided against it at that point. We’re about to do Sandals in Jamaica for the second year in June. We had a blast last time. Unlimited food and especially drinks made it so worth it. Going 7 days this time, and have a few excursions booked. Just my opinion I’d rather fly somewhere and be able to enjoy that area for a week than cruise and have only a short time to explore. Either way, congrats on popping the question, I’m sure you guys are gonna have a crazy good time!

[Gravedigger]

I went on a Royal Caribbean cruise a few years back to Labadee and Ocho Rios. I was surprised I didn't get sick, seeing how many people share the hot tubs and pool area. We bought the drink package, and the drinks were watered down to the point where I thought I was immune to alcohol for a split second. The shows were good, the trivia nights were fun, and the meals were nice from the buffet in the morning to the nice sit down dinners with friends in the evening. I enjoyed that cruise alot and would do it again in the future.

[Rasputin]

Yeah went out on a cruise on the SS Minnow. Wasn't a big ship but it was only supposed to be a three hour tour three hour tour. Well then this freak storm happened and we wrecked this vessel on an island. Not many people there was the Skipper and his little buddy Gilligan, a really smart guy I think he was a professor that's what the others called him. Also a hot movie star Ginger and maybe not as hot but a fine brunette Marry Ann and then there was this rich uppity up couple but with all their money they were little help getting us off that island. Had to count on that professor he had all these great ideas to get us off that island and they've worked had it not been for that dip shit and idiot Gilligan fucking it up every time with his blundering. I know it pissed off the Skipper because he'd hit him with his hat.

Fortunately got off that island eventually one of professor schematic worked. Just wish had a chance with Ginger & or Marry Ann.

[Fish]

It's like vacationing to a shitty hotel full to the max with other people and you can't leave. As an added bonus you're in the middle of the fucking ocean so drowning or being eaten alive by sharks is always a possibility.

[BlackHelicopters]

Yeah went out on a cruise on the SS Minnow. Wasn't a big ship but it was only supposed to be a three hour tour three hour tour. Well then this freak storm happened and we wrecked this vessel on an island. Not many people there was the Skipper and his little buddy Gilligan, a really smart guy I think he was a professor that's what the others called him. Also a hot movie star Ginger and maybe not as hot but a fine brunette Marry Ann and then there was this rich uppity up couple but with all their money they were little help getting us off that island. Had to count on that professor he had all these great ideas to get us off that island and they've worked had it not been for that dip shit and idiot Gilligan fucking it up every time with his blundering. I know it pissed off the Skipper because he'd hit him with his hat.

Fortunately got off that island eventually one of professor schematic worked. Just wish had a chance with Ginger & or Marry Ann.


Do you remember the one where they almost got off the island but didn’t because in the end Gillian fucked it up?

[hometeam]

I went on one some years back, wouldnt do it again. For the cost I would rather just go on vacation somewhere.

[HonestChieffan]

They are like the worst experience you can have.

[stumppy]

Been on a few Carnival cruises and heading on a Royal Caribbean cruise for the first time this summer(Allure of the seas). Anybody have any advice/experiences with RC? Purchased the drink package for first time ever. Will probably book another cruise with a different cruise line afterwards because I want to try as many cruise lines as I can. Any fun experiences with other cruise lines ya want to share? Stories etc.

I always enjoyed going on cruises as a single guy as there was always way more single women (like lots more). I will be bringing my sweety on this cruise though and I plan on popping the question the day before we fly out. Fun times.
ROFL
Bad idea. You pop the question on the last day. A week stuck on a boat, with her, while enduring the fallout of any answer other than 'Yes" will not be good, to say the least.:D

CP is slipping, you guys should have caught this right away.

[tx4chiefs]

Go Alaskan. Get a rear balconey room!

[Hydrae]

It's like vacationing to a shitty hotel full to the max with other people and you can't leave. As an added bonus you're in the middle of the ****ing ocean so drowning or being eaten alive by sharks is always a possibility.

The irony of this being posted by "Fish". ROFL

[CaliforniaChief]

I've never done a cruise, but they seem like feast (literally) or famine. People either swear by them and that's all they do or they avoid it like the norovirus. Sorry I don't have anything to contribute, just my thought.

[PunkinDrublic]

It's like vacationing to a shitty hotel full to the max with other people and you can't leave. As an added bonus you're in the middle of the ****ing ocean so drowning or being eaten alive by sharks is always a possibility.

Not only that, every time you pull into port the locals know you’re coming and try to charge you 2 to 3 times what you would normally pay. I’d rather plan my own trip than go on a cruise.

[ChiefRocka]

Disney cruises are great. Just dont get the shits for three days like I did.

[ThaVirus]

I went on one a couple years ago. IIRC, it was like 4-5 days. We hit Grand Cayman and Cozumel. The food was the best part of being on the boat. Being able to get up and get your fat ass a cheeseburger or something at all hours of the day was epic. We had an interior room so it was hella dark and cold AF. Slept well the whole time. They had some really cool comedy and 'game' shows as well. Casino would have been a good time if I were into gambling.

But the excursions really made our trip. We did mangrove kayaking/Stingray City in Grand Cayman and Passion Isand in Cozumel. Both were some of the best/coolest experiences of my life.

I recommend cruises to anyone who will listen but the guy who says you either love it or hate it is absolutely right.

[Simply Red]

A river cruise would be cool, say the Danube. But Carnival is shit. Smells like shit too. No. Never been on RC - they're probably much better.

[BigRedChief]

I always thought cruises were for the nearly dead and newlywed. We got a good deal on one and we went as a family. I've since been on 3 cruises. Never saw an illness or heard of one on any of the cruises I went on. Drinks were normal and plentiful.

I've traveled and seen most of the world. I hate the logistics of travel these days. Airport security, airplanes crowded as buses. The service is shit. You speak up about the poor service or how the airline screwed up, you can find yourself off the plane. Cruises have excellent customer service.

Had a great time on each cruise. I love the concept of your hotel going around to different ports. There is always something interesting to do at each port. The food is sometimes good but most of the time its alright. I've petted wild stingrays, saw Mayan ruins, ziplined through jungles, spent the day on many exotic beaches with people bringing me food and drinks etc.

Just my experiences. Your results may vary.

[oldman]

We've been on a couple RC cruises and they're one of the best. While you eat well, you do spend a lot of time at sea. The excursions are about the same since you'll see a Carnival ship docked next yours and a Norwegian on the other side. I don't worry too much about drinks since I'm a beer guy, but the wife does just fine on whatever they put in her rum-of-the-day drink.

[Iowanian]

Cruises aren't on my agenda because brideowanian got bad food poisoning on a cruise in college. I'd like to do the Alaska cruise I think and could be talked into an island hopper someday.


Who was the member here whose wife was stuck on the cruise that was stuck at sea and had everyone sick with the brown noise running down the cabin walls a couple of years ago?

[mikeyis4dcats.]

Cruises aren't on my agenda because brideowanian got bad food poisoning on a cruise in college. I'd like to do the Alaska cruise I think and could be talked into an island hopper someday.


Who was the member here whose wife was stuck on the cruise that was stuck at sea and had everyone sick with the brown noise running down the cabin walls a couple of years ago?

My buddy was on it. He cruises several times a year, still does.

I've been on one, a 3 day out of LBC to Ensenada. It was alright, made for a fun guys trip, but I don't think I'd enjoy a week with the family.

[Al Bundy]

I went on the 80's cruise last year, it was a blast.

[eDave]

Did a 10 day cruise with RC around Hawaii for a honeymoon. Really enjoyed it. Watch that drink tab.

Not sure I'd chose to do another. And if I did I'd get a much better room. Interior might as well me stearage. It was so dark and we were so tired from our flight that we slept for like 12 hours and missed one of the events we were looking forward to (halloween party).

Met people I am still friends with today.

[Bewbies]

I've been on a few, only once was it my choice. A couple years ago my daughter wanted to go on a cruise so we went on the Oasis of the Seas, which was the biggest cruise ship in the world then. Really, really enjoyed that trip. Boat never felt full like the smaller ones do.

Now I'm being roped into one next year on a ship that's even bigger that isn't even out yet. Every time I get off the ship I tell myself it was my last one. By day 7 I'm tired of seeing ocean.

[Frazod]

I've only done one; a 7-day Alaska cruise out of Seattle (assuming you don't count the ones where I was working 14 hour days when I was in the Navy). I absolutely loved it.

Admittedly I'm more than a little biased here, because being on a ship again for the first time in 30 years was almost magical for me. I think I would have been content to just sail up and down the coast for a week. We even had some semi-rough seas the first full day out - water was sloshing out of the pools, people were stumbling around getting sea sick, and I was happier than a pig in shit. It was great! Fortunately the wife, to my surprise, didn't seem all that bothered by it.

We went in September, so mostly the brats were back in school. There were a handful of kids on the ship, but mercifully few. I really don't see an Alaska cruise as something most kids would enjoy. Even though there were lots of people, I was rarely annoyed by the crowds. Overall it was very peaceful and laid back. The scenery is obviously spectacular. We happily sat for hours watching the rugged, mountainous coastlines pass by. Everywhere we went was beautiful. We went to Juneau, Ketchikan, Glacier Bay and Victoria, BC on the way back. The main bummer was missing Sitka - Sitka sits on the open ocean, and there was a storm producing 20 foot seas between us and them. That would have been a messy disaster for a cruise ship. But other than that, the ports we visited were fun. I love crab, and there was fresh crab everywhere. Took a seaplane tour in Victoria, which I had never done.

The only negatives were boarding and disembarking in Seattle (what a shithole), so-so food in the main dining area (better food was available, but you had to pay extra), and the way they nickle and dime you to death for things like pop, but I guess that's to be expected.

I'd go again tomorrow if I could.

[BucEyedPea]

I always enjoyed going on cruises as a single guy as there was always way more single women (like lots more). I will be bringing my sweety on this cruise though and I plan on popping the question the day before we fly out. Fun times.

That's sweet. Have fun!

Never been on one and have no desire to go on one. Went on one of those cruise liners to see a close cousin off on one, and going deep down into the bowls of the ship freaks me the **** out. I ran off. Same thing happened to me at the great pyramids of Giza in Egypt. Can NOT deal with that feeling. Smaller craft don't bother me.

Other than that, I like to be on land seeing more of a place. Otherwise, you mainly vacationing on a ship.

[Randallflagg]

We've been on one and are going on another this year. We cruised the Danube in 2011 and are going to Alaska in August - 7 day cruise out of Seattle.

My Sister lives in Anchorage and we've flown up to visit a couple of times, but never did any of the "interesting" shit that there is to do there. On this cruise, we're doing the Helicopter up to Hubbard Glacier and dog sledding. It's been on my Wife's "bucket list" for several years. Figured why not?

Honestly, I prefer flying into a place (England for example), renting a car and going out on our own. The idea of being cooped up with 3000+ people for a week doesn;t thrill me - but it's a gift to the Mrs - I'll hang. :)

[Frazod]

We've been on one and are going on another this year. We cruised the Danube in 2011 and are going to Alaska in August - 7 day cruise out of Seattle.

My Sister lives in Anchorage and we've flown up to visit a couple of times, but never did any of the "interesting" shit that there is to do there. On this cruise, we're doing the Helicopter up to Hubbard Glacier and dog sledding. It's been on my Wife's "bucket list" for several years. Figured why not?

Honestly, I prefer flying into a place (England for example), renting a car and going out on our own. The idea of being cooped up with 3000+ people for a week doesn;t thrill me - but it's a gift to the Mrs - I'll hang. :)

What line/ship are you taking to Alaska?

[luv]

It is the perfect relaxing vacation. We left out of New Orleans for a 5-day cruise to Progreso and Cozumel. Pregreso was meh, but we had a blast in Cozumel. The cruise itself is great. I drank water and juice the whole time to avoid extra cost. Food pretty much whenever, and the dress code dinners were awesome. No planning, and everything was taken care of. Loved the duty free store on board, too.

[BucEyedPea]

We've been on one and are going on another this year. We cruised the Danube in 2011 ...

Now a riverboat cruise I would love:

1)not a huge cruise ship
2) can see beautiful countryside landscapes and cultural European towns and architecture. Instead of vast expanse of ocean. ( I have that here.)


I would finish it off with a few days stay at one or two choice locations though.

Honestly, I prefer flying into a place (England for example), renting a car and going out on our own. The idea of being cooped up with 3000+ people for a week doesn;t thrill me - but it's a gift to the Mrs - I'll hang. :)

I love doing a car cruising around on my own too. Can ad lib a lot of things too.

[Rain Man]

Remember this thread? http://www.chiefsplanet.com/BB/showthread.php?t=313529&highlight=fortune

I'm hopping a freighter to China in a few hours.

[BlackHelicopters]

Been on two cruises. They tend to run out of bacon............

[JimNasium]

After serving on a Cutter in the Coast Guard, the last thing I'm going to do is pay to be surrounded by people I don't know. I'll pass on a cruise.

[Bearcat]

It's like vacationing to a shitty hotel full to the max with other people and you can't leave. As an added bonus you're in the middle of the ****ing ocean so drowning or being eaten alive by sharks is always a possibility.

Shitty hotels have good, all you can eat food at every meal, rock climbing walls and ice skating rinks and pools and hot tubs and long lists of events/shows, gambling, shopping, anything you want to drink....

Damn, you must stay in some pretty amazing hotels.



I've been on one... a balcony room is great for some peace and quiet on the ship, the food was great, and there was a ton of stuff to do. I did it mostly for the stops along the way and we mostly planned our own excursions for far less than the $200+ they charge.

I personally wouldn't take a cruise just to go on one or to go on beach excursions... really wasn't sure how I'd feel about going on a vacation with 4000 other people, but it really wasn't bad (I stayed away from the over crowded pools and stuff), especially if you plan your own stuff whenever possible.

[Otter]

Never been on a cruise kind of for the same reason I avoid concerts. I kind of get freaked out when there's potential for "lord of the flies" to break out.

[Frazod]

Shitty hotels have good, all you can eat food at every meal, rock climbing walls and ice skating rinks and pools and hot tubs and long lists of events/shows, gambling, shopping, anything you want to drink....

Damn, you must stay in some pretty amazing hotels.



I've been on one... a balcony room is great for some peace and quiet on the ship, the food was great, and there was a ton of stuff to do. I did it mostly for the stops along the way and we mostly planned our own excursions for far less than the $200+ they charge.

I personally wouldn't take a cruise just to go on one or to go on beach excursions... really wasn't sure how I'd feel about going on a vacation with 4000 other people, but it really wasn't bad (I stayed away from the over crowded pools and stuff), especially if you plan your own stuff whenever possible.

Definitely agree about the balcony room - I wouldn't have enjoyed it nearly as much without that.

[Mecca]

I've been twice, going again in May, it's pretty fun and a great value for your money.

[Coochie liquor]

I've been twice, going again in May, it's pretty fun and a great value for your money.

How much for 2 people with the drink and food package, roughly?

[JoeyChuckles]

I hear Rainman is interested in cruises, specifically slow boats to China. Might be a good resource.

[burt]

When we went...with a group or 5o...I did the "Premium Drink Package"...I don't think the cruise line has recovered and it's been 4ish years... I am in the love it crowd...if I remember correctly....

[64 Chief]

inside passage cruise to Alaska during late summer is my favorite. Danube river cruise through 4 countries is also very good .

[BigRedChief]

How much for 2 people with the drink and food package, roughly?drink packages get expensive because they are all you can drink. Cruises make their profit off of alcohol and photos. Food is included in every cruise except for like the steakhouse place.

You can get 5 day/night cruises out of Tampa/Miami for around $300-$400 during the off season. Usually it’s around $100 a night for a cruise per person. That includes all the food you can eat.

[Randallflagg]

What line/ship are you taking to Alaska?

We are on Princess - the Ruby Princess out of Seattle - 7 days and return to Seattle. Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan and Victoria BC. August 4th through the 11th.

[Randallflagg]

Definitely agree about the balcony room - I wouldn't have enjoyed it nearly as much without that.

Yep - we're doing the balcony thing as well.

[Randallflagg]

Now a riverboat cruise I would love:

1)not a huge cruise ship
2) can see beautiful countryside landscapes and cultural European towns and architecture. Instead of vast expanse of ocean. ( I have that here.)


I would finish it off with a few days stay at one or two choice locations though.



I love doing a car cruising around on my own too. Can ad lib a lot of things too.

Indeed. We did Viking River cruises through Eastern Europe and it was BEAUTIFUL. I "think" there were 200 folks on the boat. We did port calls in different cities.

As for road trips - LOVE them! We have both lived and worked in Europe but we still get a kick out of returning to Scotland every now and then. Love that place - We went to Culloden Moor and saw where some of ancestors were buried - they were Jacobites and were killed during Culloden - those that were left were ran out of the Highlands by the British and ended up in America in the early 1700s.

[MTG#10]

It depends. If you're a degenerate gambler you'll love it. Otherwise probably not.

[CoMoChief]

I had fun on the one I went on. Food everywhere, which is nice. The formal dinners were nice. All you can eat Lobster tail on 2 nights of the week I was there. Ate til I was fat n sick. The captain's cocktail party was nice. Got HAAAAAAAMMERED, free top shelf doubles for free, yes please.

I did try sneakin booze back onto the ship up to my room after one of our stops at port. Got caught. If you've never been on a cruise before, if you buy alcohol on shore and bring it back onto the boat, they check it into a holding room, and you give them your room info, and they give it to you when you check out. They want you to spend a shit ton of money on their alcohol. So I tried sneaking vodka onboard inside a 1L Dasani water bottle, not thinking they'd check, but they did. Obviously they've seen just about every trick in the book I'm sure, but I was a young n dumb 22 at the time and it was my first cruise, didn't think they'd check. Oh well you live and learn. The alcohol in Dom Repub is much cheaper than here in US so it didn't set me back.

I was with a big family trip, but had my own room, was single at the time so I went hounding a little...scored me a nice dancer chick who worked for Carnival on the ship, she was in one of those entertainment shows and I happened to meet her and her cousin in one in a piano bar there. She was lookin to bang, so was I. She even hooked me up w/ a shit ton of free alcohol to take up to my room so it worked out real nice.

Good things:
Food 24/7
Room/Customer service
Casino
Lots of bars

Bad things:
Pools, there were lots of them, but it's just like any other public pool, jammed packed w/ kids, and shit you don't want to see or see floating in the water. Hot tubs were crowded too.

Overall cruises are just overcrowded floating buffets.

Other than hookin up w/ that girl, the best times I had was when I was off the ship, on excursions etc. Swam w/ dolphins which was something I always wanted to do, snorkeled quite a bit. Played in a pickup baseball game for about an hr while in the Dominican Republic, fields are everywhere down there. This one was within walking distance from the ship. I played my whole life growing up and into HS, these kids were prob early teens, and they were already good. No wonder all of the MLB talent comes from that part of the world.

[Randallflagg]

I always thought cruises were for the nearly dead and newlywed. We got a good deal on one and we went as a family. I've since been on 3 cruises. Never saw an illness or heard of one on any of the cruises I went on. Drinks were normal and plentiful.

I've traveled and seen most of the world. I hate the logistics of travel these days. Airport security, airplanes crowded as buses. The service is shit. You speak up about the poor service or how the airline screwed up, you can find yourself off the plane. Cruises have excellent customer service.

Had a great time on each cruise. I love the concept of your hotel going around to different ports. There is always something interesting to do at each port. The food is sometimes good but most of the time its alright. I've petted wild stingrays, saw Mayan ruins, ziplined through jungles, spent the day on many exotic beaches with people bringing me food and drinks etc.

Just my experiences. Your results may vary.


My Wife is a 30+ year RN MSN. She introduced me to a product called "ZOONO" - it's a hand sanitizer - but it works better than any other on the market. You apply it once every 24 hours and it works. You can wash anytime you with - stays put.

Since Norovirus is the most common problem on Cruise ships (touching door handles, buffet lines, etc) this protects you from most "diseases" so you don't get the trots....

That purel crap is little more than a waste of time.

[Randallflagg]

It depends. If you're a degenerate gambler you'll love it. Otherwise probably not.

If you are a degenerate gambler - you will most likely lose your home on a cruise ship. They don't follow any laws or regulations once they hit International waters....

My advice? Stay FAR away from the Casino on a Cruise Ship.....

[Frazod]

We are on Princess - the Ruby Princess out of Seattle - 7 days and return to Seattle. Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan and Victoria BC. August 4th through the 11th.

Cool. We were on the Westerdam (Holland America).

[MahiMike]

A floating prison. Would rather go to the Keys and smoke cuban cigars.

[Randallflagg]

Cool. We were on the Westerdam (Holland America).


Yep! Someone told me that there are only two or three lines that are allowed to cruise into Alaska - Holland America, RCCL and Princess. Something about the Permits that Alaska allows each year. Hell, I don't know...I plan on kicking back and watching the sea go by :)

[BigRedChief]

If you are a degenerate gambler - you will most likely lose your home on a cruise ship. They don't follow any laws or regulations once they hit International waters....

My advice? Stay FAR away from the Casino on a Cruise Ship.....l took a pro Russian player for $1,200 in an hour or two. There were guys betting $10K a hand. I just flew under the radar. Only player to beat him. Made me semi-famous in the dining area with the men who lost their asses to him.

[BucEyedPea]

My Wife is a 30+ year RN MSN. She introduced me to a product called "ZOONO" - it's a hand sanitizer - but it works better than any other on the market. You apply it once every 24 hours and it works. You can wash anytime you with - stays put.

Since Norovirus is the most common problem on Cruise ships (touching door handles, buffet lines, etc) this protects you from most "diseases" so you don't get the trots....

That purel crap is little more than a waste of time.
Just checked out their site—lot of alcohol in their product. That dries out the skin because it strips the natural oils out. Aloe barbadensis miller is anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal and penetrates so it doesn't wash off because it penetrates inside.

Yep! That purel is crap and very damaging to the skin. Medical people hate it.

[Dartgod]

Go Alaskan. Get a rear balconey room!

I've only done one; a 7-day Alaska cruise out of Seattle (assuming you don't count the ones where I was working 14 hour days when I was in the Navy). I absolutely loved it.

Admittedly I'm more than a little biased here, because being on a ship again for the first time in 30 years was almost magical for me. I think I would have been content to just sail up and down the coast for a week. We even had some semi-rough seas the first full day out - water was sloshing out of the pools, people were stumbling around getting sea sick, and I was happier than a pig in shit. It was great! Fortunately the wife, to my surprise, didn't seem all that bothered by it.

We went in September, so mostly the brats were back in school. There were a handful of kids on the ship, but mercifully few. I really don't see an Alaska cruise as something most kids would enjoy. Even though there were lots of people, I was rarely annoyed by the crowds. Overall it was very peaceful and laid back. The scenery is obviously spectacular. We happily sat for hours watching the rugged, mountainous coastlines pass by. Everywhere we went was beautiful. We went to Juneau, Ketchikan, Glacier Bay and Victoria, BC on the way back. The main bummer was missing Sitka - Sitka sits on the open ocean, and there was a storm producing 20 foot seas between us and them. That would have been a messy disaster for a cruise ship. But other than that, the ports we visited were fun. I love crab, and there was fresh crab everywhere. Took a seaplane tour in Victoria, which I had never done.

The only negatives were boarding and disembarking in Seattle (what a shithole), so-so food in the main dining area (better food was available, but you had to pay extra), and the way they nickle and dime you to death for things like pop, but I guess that's to be expected.

I'd go again tomorrow if I could.

Definitely agree about the balcony room - I wouldn't have enjoyed it nearly as much without that.

We are on Princess - the Ruby Princess out of Seattle - 7 days and return to Seattle. Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan and Victoria BC. August 4th through the 11th.

Yep - we're doing the balcony thing as well.

We did an Alaskan cruise a couple of years ago on Princess. Left from Vancouver, BC. This one was a sea/land 11 day cruise. We hit Ketchikan, Skagway, Juneau, Glacier Bay and then hopped a train in Whittier to Denali. Incredible experience. And the balcony room was great, especially for Glacier Bay.

We bought one drink package for both of us and just hit different bars for drinks for both of us. We had one bartender hooked us up when we tipped him well. He knew what game we were playing.

[BucEyedPea]

Overall cruises are just overcrowded floating buffets.

That's pretty funny! ROFL

[Frazod]

We did an Alaskan cruise a couple of years ago on Princess. Left from Vancouver, BC. This one was a sea/land 11 day cruise. We hit Ketchikan, Skagway, Juneau, Glacier Bay and then hopped a train in Whittier to Denali. Incredible experience. And the balcony room was great, especially for Glacier Bay.

We bought one drink package for both of us and just hit different bars for drinks for both of us. We had one bartender hooked us up when we tipped him well. He knew what game we were playing.

If I ever go again, which I'd really like to, this sounds a great deal. I'd much rather sail out of Vancouver than Seattle, too.

God I hated Seattle.

[Frazod]

Yep! Someone told me that there are only two or three lines that are allowed to cruise into Alaska - Holland America, RCCL and Princess. Something about the Permits that Alaska allows each year. Hell, I don't know...I plan on kicking back and watching the sea go by :)

I understand why they do that; those towns are tiny. They can't accommodate that many ships at once, and would also be completely overwhelmed by the crowds if too many ships pulled in at once. That would also really suck for the tourists.

[T-post Tom]

http://www.chiefsplanet.com/BB/customavatars/avatar662_48.gif . . . http://img.allw.mn/content/www/2010/09/top-10-tough-guys/clint-eastwood_top-10-tough-guys.jpg

Rain Man scoffs at pampered bourgeois ocean greyhound riders.

[Randallflagg]

If I ever go again, which I'd really like to, this sounds a great deal. I'd much rather sail out of Vancouver than Seattle, too.

God I hated Seattle.

LMAO


I have been there several times at it is (definitely) the asshole of the United States. There was a show on a couple of years back called "The Killing" - actually pretty damned good, but it was a realistic setting in Seattle. Rained nearly every day on the show.

My Wife asks me - "Does it really rain that much?" Yep...and yes, it's pretty much GRAY every day.

[Randallflagg]

We did an Alaskan cruise a couple of years ago on Princess. Left from Vancouver, BC. This one was a sea/land 11 day cruise. We hit Ketchikan, Skagway, Juneau, Glacier Bay and then hopped a train in Whittier to Denali. Incredible experience. And the balcony room was great, especially for Glacier Bay.

We bought one drink package for both of us and just hit different bars for drinks for both of us. We had one bartender hooked us up when we tipped him well. He knew what game we were playing.

Indeed! That "drink package" doesn't come cheap any longer...and, if they catch you "sharing" they (supposedly) take your card and you have to pay for the entire cruise. I have, however, heard that some of the bartenders don't even look at the cards anymore.

[Frazod]

LMAO


I have been there several times at it is (definitely) the asshole of the United States. There was a show on a couple of years back called "The Killing" - actually pretty damned good, but it was a realistic setting in Seattle. Rained nearly every day on the show.

My Wife asks me - "Does it really rain that much?" Yep...and yes, it's pretty much GRAY every day.

I expected it to be beautiful, not far nastier than Chicago. Our hotel was in the heart of the downtown area, which was filthy, blighted and crawling with bums. The Chicago Loop is a garden spot by comparison.

Victoria, BC is essentially what I expected Seattle to be. It was clean and beautiful.

And it may sound like I like Chicago, but I don't. :grr:

[mikeyis4dcats.]

I had fun on the one I went on. Food everywhere, which is nice. The formal dinners were nice. All you can eat Lobster tail on 2 nights of the week I was there. Ate til I was fat n sick. The captain's cocktail party was nice. Got HAAAAAAAMMERED, free top shelf doubles for free, yes please.

I did try sneakin booze back onto the ship up to my room after one of our stops at port. Got caught. If you've never been on a cruise before, if you buy alcohol on shore and bring it back onto the boat, they check it into a holding room, and you give them your room info, and they give it to you when you check out. They want you to spend a shit ton of money on their alcohol. So I tried sneaking vodka onboard inside a 1L Dasani water bottle, not thinking they'd check, but they did. Obviously they've seen just about every trick in the book I'm sure, but I was a young n dumb 22 at the time and it was my first cruise, didn't think they'd check. Oh well you live and learn. The alcohol in Dom Repub is much cheaper than here in US so it didn't set me back.

I was with a big family trip, but had my own room, was single at the time so I went hounding a little...scored me a nice dancer chick who worked for Carnival on the ship, she was in one of those entertainment shows and I happened to meet her and her cousin in one in a piano bar there. She was lookin to bang, so was I. She even hooked me up w/ a shit ton of free alcohol to take up to my room so it worked out real nice.

Good things:
Food 24/7
Room/Customer service
Casino
Lots of bars

Bad things:
Pools, there were lots of them, but it's just like any other public pool, jammed packed w/ kids, and shit you don't want to see or see floating in the water. Hot tubs were crowded too.

Overall cruises are just overcrowded floating buffets.

Other than hookin up w/ that girl, the best times I had was when I was off the ship, on excursions etc. Swam w/ dolphins which was something I always wanted to do, snorkeled quite a bit. Played in a pickup baseball game for about an hr while in the Dominican Republic, fields are everywhere down there. This one was within walking distance from the ship. I played my whole life growing up and into HS, these kids were prob early teens, and they were already good. No wonder all of the MLB talent comes from that part of the world.

we snuck booze on Carnival by corking out own bottles of "wine". I think they eliminated allowing you to bring your own wine now though.

[BucEyedPea]

we snuck booze on Carnival by corking out own bottles of "wine". I think they eliminated allowing you to bring your own wine now though.

My daughter did that with her college friends just a couple of years ago on Carnival. Not just with wine but hard liquor.

Carnival had a Florida resident cheap trip in May for $500 for a whole week to the Yucatan, Belize, Cozumel.

[BigRedChief]

we snuck booze on Carnival by corking out own bottles of "wine". I think they eliminated allowing you to bring your own wine now though.yeah, I gave up trying to sneak booze in. I just bought a bottle of makers mark through the cruise line. $20 more than at Costco. Waiting in the room when I arrive. Consider the $20 bucks just a part of the cruise cost. I can then drink as strong as drinks as I desire and without going to a bar but can drink "my drink" at the casino, clubs, pool etc.

[mikeyis4dcats.]

My daughter did that with her college friends just a couple of years ago on Carnival. Not just with wine but hard liquor.

Carnival had a Florida resident cheap trip in May for $500 for a whole week to the Yucatan, Belize, Cozumel.

yeah the "wine" was hard liquor.

looks like they still allow 1 bottle per person, all you need is these https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0799J8ZZZ/ref=s9_acsd_newrz_hd_bw_b14JNJD_c_x_w?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-5&pf_rd_r=378Q8DJ4ZNS52XAV23GS&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1a5514c7-2334-52d8-9068-6e79ede7227a&pf_rd_i=979856011

[Rain Man]

I differ from you all in terms of balcony. I just get an inside cabin because it's the cheapest. I spend all of my time outside the cabin anyway, so I just go there to sleep.

[Swanman]

We are on Princess - the Ruby Princess out of Seattle - 7 days and return to Seattle. Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan and Victoria BC. August 4th through the 11th.

I went on that trip several years ago on that boat and it's great. There were some great excursions. We did a dogsled thing in Juneau, a trip on one of the old Deadliest Catch ships in Skagway I believe and an animal preserve thing near Ketchikan. I might have those last two locations mixed up. The animal preserve was amazing. It's run by this one crazy guy that is the only documented human to ever raise wolverines from birth. His house dog was a wolf.

If you go through Glacier Bay, have your camera ready. It's gorgeous through there.

[Al Bundy]

If anyone likes 80's music and culture, I strongly recommend the 80's cruise. I am going on the 2019 cruise. I had a blast on the 2017 cruise.

[Hangin'WithMahomes]

Yep! Someone told me that there are only two or three lines that are allowed to cruise into Alaska - Holland America, RCCL and Princess. Something about the Permits that Alaska allows each year. Hell, I don't know...I plan on kicking back and watching the sea go by :)

Incorrect. There are only so many allotments for Glacier Bay though. Carnival only has three of those from May to September even though they have 12 other cruises from June through September this year.

[Hangin'WithMahomes]

we snuck booze on Carnival by corking out own bottles of "wine". I think they eliminated allowing you to bring your own wine now though.

Nope. Still one 750ml bottle of wine per adult in the cabin. I've also successfully used rum runners on 12 of 14 thus far (didn't try it on the first one and they got caught one other time)

[REDHOTGTO]

We did a carnival cruise a few yrs ago to bahamas, ever again ! Most boring time ive ever had, no shows no nuttin to do but drink or gamble, and after 3 days thats friggin boring.
If u are single and wanna get drunk every nite and look like brad pitt theres a lot to do, however I DO NOT !!! For an old fat guy its freakin boring.
Jus my 2 c

[Frazod]

I went on that trip several years ago on that boat and it's great. There were some great excursions. We did a dogsled thing in Juneau, a trip on one of the old Deadliest Catch ships in Skagway I believe and an animal preserve thing near Ketchikan. I might have those last two locations mixed up. The animal preserve was amazing. It's run by this one crazy guy that is the only documented human to ever raise wolverines from birth. His house dog was a wolf.

If you go through Glacier Bay, have your camera ready. It's gorgeous through there.

Glacier Bay

https://scontent-ort2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/14333708_10210308654697964_3403106881782122054_n.jpg?_nc_cat=0&oh=165559683689d4f2a5850cf6f5e584de&oe=5B3B94E2

[Randallflagg]

I went on that trip several years ago on that boat and it's great. There were some great excursions. We did a dogsled thing in Juneau, a trip on one of the old Deadliest Catch ships in Skagway I believe and an animal preserve thing near Ketchikan. I might have those last two locations mixed up. The animal preserve was amazing. It's run by this one crazy guy that is the only documented human to ever raise wolverines from birth. His house dog was a wolf.

If you go through Glacier Bay, have your camera ready. It's gorgeous through there.

Oh, indeed, I will be taking my Nikon. We will probably only do this once - so there WILL be pics... Lenses will be an 18-70 and a 70-300. Those two should do the job nicely. Additionally, plenty of memory cards..

[Dartgod]

All my really good pics of Glacier Bay were taken with my DSLR, so I don't have access at work, but this one I took with my phone and is one of my favorites. It's not a glacier, but I love the color contrast in this shot.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180327/e5754b52663a5109a136907d11abde7a.jpg

[sedated]

we snuck booze on Carnival by corking out own bottles of "wine". I think they eliminated allowing you to bring your own wine now though.

I've heard that the best way is to sneak it in using shampoo and conditioner bottles. But that was just in theory, the person who said this didn't try it.

[JD10367]

Getting back to the OP and ignoring the usual douchebags who feel the need to come into a thread they hate only to say “I hate it”... you’ll love the Oasis Class. Always something to do, and they’re so big that once everyone disperses you won’t feel crowded. My favorite spots are the Solarium, the Park Cafe for bagels, the jazz and comedy clubs, and the free donuts on the Boardwalk. And the ship’s so big it barely rocks.

[loochy]

I snuck a ton of liquor onboard - more than we could drink. I used these little things called Rum Runner Flasks.

http://www.rumrunnerflasks.com/

http://www.rumrunnerflasks.com/ProductImages/Thumb_Cruise%20Special.JPG
Posted via Mobile Device

[Monty]

Cruises aren't on my agenda because brideowanian got bad food poisoning on a cruise in college. I'd like to do the Alaska cruise I think and could be talked into an island hopper someday.


Who was the member here whose wife was stuck on the cruise that was stuck at sea and had everyone sick with the brown noise running down the cabin walls a couple of years ago?

That was my wife. The experience didn't phase her as she's been on 3 cruises since then and we're finally taking a cruise to Alaska this summer.

[Monty]

If you are a degenerate gambler - you will most likely lose your home on a cruise ship. They don't follow any laws or regulations once they hit International waters....

My advice? Stay FAR away from the Casino on a Cruise Ship.....

I wouldn't go that far. Yes, you have to watch them a bit closer, but the table games can be quite fun, and profitable. Just need to find the right dealer. ;)

[Monty]

We are on Princess - the Ruby Princess out of Seattle - 7 days and return to Seattle. Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan and Victoria BC. August 4th through the 11th.

That's wild, our cruises are identical, the only difference is that we are going the week before you go.

[Monty]

l took a pro Russian player for $1,200 in an hour or two. There were guys betting $10K a hand. I just flew under the radar. Only player to beat him. Made me semi-famous in the dining area with the men who lost their asses to him.

+1

Well done!

[Rain Man]

That's wild, our cruises are identical, the only difference is that we are going the week before you go.

Hide a note for him in a pre-agreed spot. It'll be like a spy movie.

[Monty]

we snuck booze on Carnival by corking out own bottles of "wine". I think they eliminated allowing you to bring your own wine now though.

We used to sneak ours in using mouthwash bottles and/or shampoo bottles. Smuggled a crapload of liquor onto the ships over the years and never had an issue.

[Randallflagg]

I went on that trip several years ago on that boat and it's great. There were some great excursions. We did a dogsled thing in Juneau, a trip on one of the old Deadliest Catch ships in Skagway I believe and an animal preserve thing near Ketchikan. I might have those last two locations mixed up. The animal preserve was amazing. It's run by this one crazy guy that is the only documented human to ever raise wolverines from birth. His house dog was a wolf.

If you go through Glacier Bay, have your camera ready. It's gorgeous through there.

My Wife and I have visited my Sister in Anchorage twice - but both times we did;t have time to do a lot of "sightseeing".

She has always told me that (a) she would like to do a cruise to Alaska and (b) that she would LOVE to see a glacier and maybe do some dog sledding.

This Christmas I surprised her with this cruise. To say I got lucky Christmas night might just be the understatement of the decade.... :)

[Randallflagg]

That's wild, our cruises are identical, the only difference is that we are going the week before you go.


Cool!!! Here's hoping you have a great time!!

[Randallflagg]

All my really good pics of Glacier Bay were taken with my DSLR, so I don't have access at work, but this one I took with my phone and is one of my favorites. It's not a glacier, but I love the color contrast in this shot.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180327/e5754b52663a5109a136907d11abde7a.jpg



Really Nice!! Thanks!!

[Monty]

Hide a note for him in a pre-agreed spot. It'll be like a spy movie.

I need his cabin number. As we are both in a balcony room, the chances are good that something can be arranged!

:clap:

[Monty]

Cool!!! Here's hoping you have a great time!!

You too!! I liked RainMan's suggestion too. #secretnotegame

[Randallflagg]

I understand why they do that; those towns are tiny. They can't accommodate that many ships at once, and would also be completely overwhelmed by the crowds if too many ships pulled in at once. That would also really suck for the tourists.


Indeed. The "locals" are in the ports like 3 months out of the year - rest of the year I guess they are closed down - cruise ships don't come in the winter.

Anyway, as I understand it, they have only 3 months to make their cash - And i guess they do.....prices are fairly high on most trinkets, but screw it - once in a lifetime trip for her - so what the hell....by that $10 totem for $65.... :)

[Randallflagg]

I need his cabin number. As we are both in a balcony room, the chances are good that something can be arranged!

:clap:


Cool - Caribe deck C231

[Monty]

Cool - Caribe deck C231

I'll see what can be arranged for you. :thumb:

[Rain Man]

You too!! I liked RainMan's suggestion too. #secretnotegame

Cool - Caribe deck C231

Monty could learn some weird stuff about specific bartenders or something, and then pass the identification and facts onto Randalflagg. So then Randallflagg can sidle up to the bar, start a conversation, and then say things like, "You look like the type of person who would be from Stillwater, Oklahoma", or "I bet your favorite color is aqua blue." He could freak people out.

[Monty]

Monty could learn some weird stuff about specific bartenders or something, and then pass the identification and facts onto Randalflagg. So then Randallflagg can sidle up to the bar, start a conversation, and then say things like, "You look like the type of person who would be from Stillwater, Oklahoma", or "I bet your favorite color is aqua blue." He could freak people out.

Love it! CPs version of Carnac the Magnificent. ROFL

[Randallflagg]

I'll see what can be arranged for you. :thumb:

Danke Schon Meine Freund!

[Randallflagg]

Monty could learn some weird stuff about specific bartenders or something, and then pass the identification and facts onto Randalflagg. So then Randallflagg can sidle up to the bar, start a conversation, and then say things like, "You look like the type of person who would be from Stillwater, Oklahoma", or "I bet your favorite color is aqua blue." He could freak people out.


Now that would be fun!!