Thanks for the question on what sites I go to when checking reviews on cruises, hotels, and shore excursions.
For Hotels below are my go to's:
TripAdvisor.com - it consolidates reviews from the hotels (i.e. Hilton will forward over their reviews), as well as members of trip advisor. This is a popular site for reviews and the property managers often respond to the reviews.
Booking.com - you must have stayed at the property for your review to be published. I have consistently found the reviews to be truthful and helpful.
Expedia.com/ca - again you must of been one of the guests at the hotel, or they will import the hotel property reviews.
For Cruises below are my go to's:
Cruise Critic.com - its members as well as professional review cruises, cruise line, shore excursions and ports. Sign up to their newsletter.
Cruiseline.com - Passengers who have booked thru them and cruises.com provide their feedback.
Tip 1: Read as many reviews as possible and look for consistencies... i.e. all state its clean, comfortable, no noise etc. Or most may state its noisy, breakfast is repetitive, or in one of the hotels I stayed at they said hot water was never available in morning. And guess what they were right even though I reached out to the hotel before hand re the water situation. For cruises, I am looking for details on embarkation/disembarkation time length, cleanliness, facilities, ages and types of cruisers and things to do in port other than cruise line excursions.
Tip 2: You should book hotels and or cruises that have average ratings of very good or excellent Even if its a 2 or 3 star hotels - if they are getting a 8 -10 out of 10, then people who stayed there had similar experiences and found good value for the price paid. Remember 3 star hotels will not usually have pools, etc but will be clean, comfortable and often are located in good areas. I have found people willing to do a review are typically frequent reviewers and want to help others travelling. I find the few really low ratings often are from people who experienced major issues where the hotel or cruise line really didn't help them. That is why you are looking for high average scores.
For cruises ... you want 75% or more giving a good 4 or 5 score. You also want most to state that the cruise ship is not worn - carpets unclean, needs paint etc and in need of refurbishment. Food is to taste so be careful re these reviews.
Tip 3: Check thru the review for tips on location, transportation, check-in times (especially early check in capabilities or late checkouts). I am always looking for how close the hotel is to public transportation, availability and cost of transportation to/from airports, free shuttles, shopping and restaurants, etc. Look at the "traveller" pictures - they can really help.
Tip 4: Always check thru the reviews before booking - it doesn't help as much after you book and you can get caught in a bad hotel or cruise.
Tip 5: Provide reviews after you get back - help your fellow traveller.
Hope this helps
Tuesday, December 11, 2018
Friday, December 7, 2018
What to think of when booking a cabin on a cruise
Thanks Nicca for your question re motion sickness and picking a cabin to avoid the most of the movement.
If you get motion sickness:
Tip 1: Book a cabin on a lower deck in the middle of the ship as this is where you will have the least movement. The higher the floor often the more feel of movement/wind.
Tip 2: Get out on your balcony (if you book one) or get out on deck as much as possible as the fresh air helps with any sickness. Also get your medication, ear patches or the sea sickness bands at home as its much cheaper than asking the doctor on board.
Overall tips on booking any cabin on a ship:
Tip 1: To save money usually an inside cabin is the cheapest option or an inside "guaranteed" is usually a bit cheaper still. However the cruise line picks your cabin and I have found that often I will get the front or back of the ship. Note however look at your cabin options as on the Oasis the Central Park Balcony was cheaper than the inside for a solo. I have also found that sometimes the guaranteed ocean view is cheaper than picking your own inside cabin.
Tip 2: If you are ok with a bit of ship movement I prefer the front of ship on a higher floor. This usually results in a bit of ship movement feel, but you don't hear the anchor dropping/being pulled up. The back of ship (on many but not all ships, has a back and forth swaying movement and you get the vibration of the engines).
Tip 3: Look what is above and below your cabin - avoid having the sun deck, casino and or restaurants or pubs below are above. The best is to have cabins below and above you to minimize noise.
Tip 4: Do not book a cabin with adjoining cabins if they are not your friends or relatives as you can hear noise, tv etc thru the adjoining cabin door.
Tip 5: Unless you have 3 or more in your cabin don't take a cabin meant for families as even though I am not tall its awkward to move around the cabin with the bunks on either wall. You lose the side space for getting in and out of bed without hitting the bunk(s). I have been assigned these types of cabins thru a guaranteed cabin purchase.
Tip 6: Given you will have limited space - usually your empty luggage fits under the bed.
Tip 7: What if the guaranteed cabin they give me is not what I want? Ask your travel agent to call them - I have upgraded/changed my cabin for either a small amount or free.
Tip 8: Cruise lines are all different on the timing for assigning guaranteed cabins. NCL if they are sellling out on cabins often assign the cabin about 90 days before the trip but not always. On Holland and Princess it can be just a few days before sailing.
Hope this helps
If you get motion sickness:
Tip 1: Book a cabin on a lower deck in the middle of the ship as this is where you will have the least movement. The higher the floor often the more feel of movement/wind.
Tip 2: Get out on your balcony (if you book one) or get out on deck as much as possible as the fresh air helps with any sickness. Also get your medication, ear patches or the sea sickness bands at home as its much cheaper than asking the doctor on board.
Overall tips on booking any cabin on a ship:
Tip 1: To save money usually an inside cabin is the cheapest option or an inside "guaranteed" is usually a bit cheaper still. However the cruise line picks your cabin and I have found that often I will get the front or back of the ship. Note however look at your cabin options as on the Oasis the Central Park Balcony was cheaper than the inside for a solo. I have also found that sometimes the guaranteed ocean view is cheaper than picking your own inside cabin.
Tip 2: If you are ok with a bit of ship movement I prefer the front of ship on a higher floor. This usually results in a bit of ship movement feel, but you don't hear the anchor dropping/being pulled up. The back of ship (on many but not all ships, has a back and forth swaying movement and you get the vibration of the engines).
Tip 3: Look what is above and below your cabin - avoid having the sun deck, casino and or restaurants or pubs below are above. The best is to have cabins below and above you to minimize noise.
Tip 4: Do not book a cabin with adjoining cabins if they are not your friends or relatives as you can hear noise, tv etc thru the adjoining cabin door.
Tip 5: Unless you have 3 or more in your cabin don't take a cabin meant for families as even though I am not tall its awkward to move around the cabin with the bunks on either wall. You lose the side space for getting in and out of bed without hitting the bunk(s). I have been assigned these types of cabins thru a guaranteed cabin purchase.
Tip 6: Given you will have limited space - usually your empty luggage fits under the bed.
Tip 7: What if the guaranteed cabin they give me is not what I want? Ask your travel agent to call them - I have upgraded/changed my cabin for either a small amount or free.
Tip 8: Cruise lines are all different on the timing for assigning guaranteed cabins. NCL if they are sellling out on cabins often assign the cabin about 90 days before the trip but not always. On Holland and Princess it can be just a few days before sailing.
Hope this helps
Friday, November 30, 2018
Travelling solo to Paris in the Spring 2019 - Some tips
Thanks Courtney for the question. I am going to start with some general tips when going to Paris and then based on your comments/questions I will go into more detail.
When to go?
I find the crowds of tourists really pick up in May and June so recommend for cost reasons/lesser crowds at the key sites to go in April. However just like here there are spring showers in April. But it will be a bit warmer than here.
Who to fly with?
At Xmas and Boxing day all Airlines have offers and typically Air Canada does a 15 to 20% off flights to Europe. I like Air Canada and/or Air Transat as long as they are going into Charles Degaulle as you can take the train into central Paris quite easily. You can also go with Air France (sign up for their offers) but it seems like their are often labour disruptions so I am very cautious even when the price is better. These three always have direct overnight flights.
Where to stay?
Really depends on what is important to you to see and whether your comfortable taking the metro or just want to walk. I always pick a hotel/small inn near a train station/metro station. Note unless your at paying the big $ stick to 3-star inns with ratings of 8-10 overall on booking.com or expedia. What I like about European hotels is that while the rooms are small they always have singles accommodation at lower prices than North America. Note when looking at the reviews check for walking distance from the train station/metro station. Look for cleanliness ratings and early check ins. With the reviews most reviewers are basing their reviews on expectations for a 3-star so if you don't want basic, safe and need luxury don't do 3 star. Also make sure there is a SAFE in the room. Paris is the hub of pick-pockets. Just take what you money you need for the day and have a photo copy of your passport info (picture and signature page).
Plan ahead:
Pre-buying a metro pass, Paris Pass (gets you into many key museums, etc.) for a lower price on line. I add up the cost of the must-sees that I want to do over say a 3-day period. You can usually see 3 things in a day comfortably as everything is close by. Or if your more of a shopper, outdoor sightseer just book online your tickets (always do this or your will wait in line and not necessarily get in as a lot of things like the Louvre etc may have timed tickets). Watch for sales on line for the Paris Pass (again sign up on line for promotions).
Passes timing for the 3-day start of first use so don't use it the first day ... I usually start it on the second day to 5th day and then have time on the remaining time to shop or go out of the city.
Restaurants:
General tips ... Asian food - particularly Vietamese is always a cheaper option especially for lunch. Same with middle eastern food. Also this is the land of the fixed price menus for dinner. I recommend neighbourhood bistros/cafes for dinner (away from the main tourist streets). Food is better and cheaper. You usually get 2-3 things salad/soup, choice of entrée and desert. They posted these menus on the windows/doors - stand outside and check who is in there - lots of locals its probably good - note Parisiens eat late dinners. Also almost always the tip is included and the menu is in French only - have your phone of a book for food translations. Even in Mont Martre you will see lots of small cafes with fixed prices.
Hope this helps as a start... post specific questions and I will try to answer.
When to go?
I find the crowds of tourists really pick up in May and June so recommend for cost reasons/lesser crowds at the key sites to go in April. However just like here there are spring showers in April. But it will be a bit warmer than here.
Who to fly with?
At Xmas and Boxing day all Airlines have offers and typically Air Canada does a 15 to 20% off flights to Europe. I like Air Canada and/or Air Transat as long as they are going into Charles Degaulle as you can take the train into central Paris quite easily. You can also go with Air France (sign up for their offers) but it seems like their are often labour disruptions so I am very cautious even when the price is better. These three always have direct overnight flights.
Where to stay?
Really depends on what is important to you to see and whether your comfortable taking the metro or just want to walk. I always pick a hotel/small inn near a train station/metro station. Note unless your at paying the big $ stick to 3-star inns with ratings of 8-10 overall on booking.com or expedia. What I like about European hotels is that while the rooms are small they always have singles accommodation at lower prices than North America. Note when looking at the reviews check for walking distance from the train station/metro station. Look for cleanliness ratings and early check ins. With the reviews most reviewers are basing their reviews on expectations for a 3-star so if you don't want basic, safe and need luxury don't do 3 star. Also make sure there is a SAFE in the room. Paris is the hub of pick-pockets. Just take what you money you need for the day and have a photo copy of your passport info (picture and signature page).
Plan ahead:
Pre-buying a metro pass, Paris Pass (gets you into many key museums, etc.) for a lower price on line. I add up the cost of the must-sees that I want to do over say a 3-day period. You can usually see 3 things in a day comfortably as everything is close by. Or if your more of a shopper, outdoor sightseer just book online your tickets (always do this or your will wait in line and not necessarily get in as a lot of things like the Louvre etc may have timed tickets). Watch for sales on line for the Paris Pass (again sign up on line for promotions).
Passes timing for the 3-day start of first use so don't use it the first day ... I usually start it on the second day to 5th day and then have time on the remaining time to shop or go out of the city.
Restaurants:
General tips ... Asian food - particularly Vietamese is always a cheaper option especially for lunch. Same with middle eastern food. Also this is the land of the fixed price menus for dinner. I recommend neighbourhood bistros/cafes for dinner (away from the main tourist streets). Food is better and cheaper. You usually get 2-3 things salad/soup, choice of entrée and desert. They posted these menus on the windows/doors - stand outside and check who is in there - lots of locals its probably good - note Parisiens eat late dinners. Also almost always the tip is included and the menu is in French only - have your phone of a book for food translations. Even in Mont Martre you will see lots of small cafes with fixed prices.
Hope this helps as a start... post specific questions and I will try to answer.
Thursday, November 29, 2018
Review of the Holland America Koningsdam
I was recently on the Koningsdam (November 2018) for a 10 day southern Caribbean cruise stopping in Bahamas (their private island Half Moon Cay), Turks and Caicos, Amber Cover DR, Bonaire, Curacao and Aruba. The following is a review of the Ship and Ports along with the pre-night at the Quality Inn in Fort Lauderdale.
It is really hard to find a decent pre or post cruise hotel in Fort Lauderdale. I have stayed at many and those under $150 USD a night during the peak November to April period are extremely hard to find. The Quality Inn was $120USD booking thru Choice hotels.
TIP 1: always book these thru the hotel chain ... this will assure your room is reserved and usually the room is better - the price is usually the same or a bit lower than the travel agency sites. However if you are going to Port Canaveral for a cruise - I highly recommend GO PORT CANAVERAL as the deals for the shuttle to and from the airport and the shuttle/hotel deals are great as long as you book well in advance. I am paying $135 USD for the peak easter period in 2019.
The Quality Inn provides a shuttle to/from the airport and to/from the cruise port for free as well as a free buffet breakfast. This is a $36 USD value, as the cabs are about $13 USD each way and you can get a breakfast for about $10 USD. The hotel structure is old but they have refurbished most of its common areas and the rooms are freshly painted, new beds etc.
Tip 2: always asked for an updated room upon check-in.
The other good thing is that this hotel is located beside an open air mall so you can get in a bit of shopping - Ross, etc.
My room was clean, updated and WIFI worked great. The breakfast had lots of options, the shuttles were on time and helpful, and the pool looked clean and welcoming.
Koningsdam
The ship came in from a Transatlantic so the port authorities did a full inspection. Some passengers got an email that we wouldn't be able to board until at least 1 pm but that was just a few. Also they made NO announcements so you had to find someone to ask what was going on. NOT GOOD.
My luggage arrived after dinner at 7:30pm in my room due to the inspection.
Tip 3: Check where your ship is coming in from - because if its Europe you will be delayed boarding due to inspections and will get your luggage late. Take some clothes in a carry-on with your bathing suit.
The only good thing about the wait is that the waiting area has free WIFI.
My cabin was an interior on a high floor. The cabin is smaller than most ships, but the shower is the best at sea with glass and lots of room. The cabin also had a large TV, with lots of movies to watch for free. This is a big deal as almost all cruise lines charge for movies in the cabin (i.e RCL charges 13 USD per movie)
The food in the dining room was not up to HAL standards and the menu has been updated - almost all passengers agreed that the food was lukewarm by the time it came to the table and the food as described was usually not what was served. The chef needs to be changed out. Also Holland has the waiters serving way too many tables so service is extremely slow.
The good thing about this ship is its new and very clean. Staff is competent and professional.
I had no issues on board with my cabin or the staff.
The reasons I wouldn't book it again are that the promenade deck is the worst at sea - narrow and limited sea views. Same with the jogging track - very small. Also there is NO library and the only smoking area is the back pool so that area is so smoke filled you can not use the pool if you are a non-smoker.
Entertainment was fine and the new stage/multi-media was excellent.
There are not any outdoor activities on board other than the pools as they have a Cruise director but all of the activities (trivia, cooking shows) are all indoor.
Note as always with Holland America the cruisers are much older with many canes, walkers and wheel chairs or scooters.
Ports:
HAL Private Bahama Island - Half moon cay
Best of the private islands for the beach and not at all crowded. Water was warm and lovely.
Turks and Caicos:
This is my second time and the beach is crowded - no chairs were available as a Carnival cruise came in a couple of hours earlier. The beach is hard to walk on as its coral - bring your water shoes
I do not recommend this port as its not very clean, nor welcoming.
Amber Cove, DR;
My first time at this port. Its a compound without a beach but a big pool (clean and warm - but you better like LOUD music). Some nice shops in the compound. I did not take a tour as it would be 35 to 45 minutes to Puerto Plata and 75 minutes each way to the beach. Staying in port is quite relaxing.
Bonaire:
First time and I loved it. I took an island tour (not with HAL) for $25 USD that included all the key sites (2.5 hours) and they have an optional 2 hour beach break where they drop you off at Cocoa Bay (has a restaurant and nice beach). Note just walk out of the port area and all of the vendors are there. HAL wanted over $50 US for the tour and no beach drop off.
Aruba:
Been there many times - always take the public bus to the Holiday Inn on Palm Beach and then walk the beach til I find a good spot. I recommend Palm Beach (more to do; more washroom facilities in the Hotels etc). Note HAL always seems to dock on a Sunday so nothing is open.
Curacao:
This time I just walked in town to see the Xmas parade and shop. Usually take the beach break to Blue Bay - both are good.
Overall the ports were good and weather great, but if you are an active cruiser and want things to do on board out of doors (more than just the pool), I would recommend RCL.
Hope this helps
It is really hard to find a decent pre or post cruise hotel in Fort Lauderdale. I have stayed at many and those under $150 USD a night during the peak November to April period are extremely hard to find. The Quality Inn was $120USD booking thru Choice hotels.
TIP 1: always book these thru the hotel chain ... this will assure your room is reserved and usually the room is better - the price is usually the same or a bit lower than the travel agency sites. However if you are going to Port Canaveral for a cruise - I highly recommend GO PORT CANAVERAL as the deals for the shuttle to and from the airport and the shuttle/hotel deals are great as long as you book well in advance. I am paying $135 USD for the peak easter period in 2019.
The Quality Inn provides a shuttle to/from the airport and to/from the cruise port for free as well as a free buffet breakfast. This is a $36 USD value, as the cabs are about $13 USD each way and you can get a breakfast for about $10 USD. The hotel structure is old but they have refurbished most of its common areas and the rooms are freshly painted, new beds etc.
Tip 2: always asked for an updated room upon check-in.
The other good thing is that this hotel is located beside an open air mall so you can get in a bit of shopping - Ross, etc.
My room was clean, updated and WIFI worked great. The breakfast had lots of options, the shuttles were on time and helpful, and the pool looked clean and welcoming.
Koningsdam
The ship came in from a Transatlantic so the port authorities did a full inspection. Some passengers got an email that we wouldn't be able to board until at least 1 pm but that was just a few. Also they made NO announcements so you had to find someone to ask what was going on. NOT GOOD.
My luggage arrived after dinner at 7:30pm in my room due to the inspection.
Tip 3: Check where your ship is coming in from - because if its Europe you will be delayed boarding due to inspections and will get your luggage late. Take some clothes in a carry-on with your bathing suit.
The only good thing about the wait is that the waiting area has free WIFI.
My cabin was an interior on a high floor. The cabin is smaller than most ships, but the shower is the best at sea with glass and lots of room. The cabin also had a large TV, with lots of movies to watch for free. This is a big deal as almost all cruise lines charge for movies in the cabin (i.e RCL charges 13 USD per movie)
The food in the dining room was not up to HAL standards and the menu has been updated - almost all passengers agreed that the food was lukewarm by the time it came to the table and the food as described was usually not what was served. The chef needs to be changed out. Also Holland has the waiters serving way too many tables so service is extremely slow.
The good thing about this ship is its new and very clean. Staff is competent and professional.
I had no issues on board with my cabin or the staff.
The reasons I wouldn't book it again are that the promenade deck is the worst at sea - narrow and limited sea views. Same with the jogging track - very small. Also there is NO library and the only smoking area is the back pool so that area is so smoke filled you can not use the pool if you are a non-smoker.
Entertainment was fine and the new stage/multi-media was excellent.
There are not any outdoor activities on board other than the pools as they have a Cruise director but all of the activities (trivia, cooking shows) are all indoor.
Note as always with Holland America the cruisers are much older with many canes, walkers and wheel chairs or scooters.
Ports:
HAL Private Bahama Island - Half moon cay
Best of the private islands for the beach and not at all crowded. Water was warm and lovely.
Turks and Caicos:
This is my second time and the beach is crowded - no chairs were available as a Carnival cruise came in a couple of hours earlier. The beach is hard to walk on as its coral - bring your water shoes
I do not recommend this port as its not very clean, nor welcoming.
Amber Cove, DR;
My first time at this port. Its a compound without a beach but a big pool (clean and warm - but you better like LOUD music). Some nice shops in the compound. I did not take a tour as it would be 35 to 45 minutes to Puerto Plata and 75 minutes each way to the beach. Staying in port is quite relaxing.
Bonaire:
First time and I loved it. I took an island tour (not with HAL) for $25 USD that included all the key sites (2.5 hours) and they have an optional 2 hour beach break where they drop you off at Cocoa Bay (has a restaurant and nice beach). Note just walk out of the port area and all of the vendors are there. HAL wanted over $50 US for the tour and no beach drop off.
Aruba:
Been there many times - always take the public bus to the Holiday Inn on Palm Beach and then walk the beach til I find a good spot. I recommend Palm Beach (more to do; more washroom facilities in the Hotels etc). Note HAL always seems to dock on a Sunday so nothing is open.
Curacao:
This time I just walked in town to see the Xmas parade and shop. Usually take the beach break to Blue Bay - both are good.
Overall the ports were good and weather great, but if you are an active cruiser and want things to do on board out of doors (more than just the pool), I would recommend RCL.
Hope this helps
Tuesday, November 27, 2018
Were the Black Friday/Cyber Monday travel/cruise deals worth it?
As a person who hunts down the best deals for cruises and land trips, this year I had done my research prior to the actual black Friday and cyber Monday deals from cruise lines, cruise wholesalers, Expedia etc. I was looking for specific cruises and trips to Lisbon. In all cases the supposed deals were actually higher than before these two days. The only deal I found was I have booked a cruise on RCL in April and they had a great offer for 25% shore excursions, 30% of the internet etc. I was going to buy the shore excursion no matter what so saving the 25% was a deal.
Tip 1 of the day... do your research prior to these key sale days and then only book if it is cheaper
Tip 2 of the day... with RCL when you book a cruise you will get the discount email offers prior to you cruise (usually up to about 3 months prior to the cruise). Book your shore excursions, etc with these offers and don't wait til your on board or just a week or two away from the cruise date and you will save money.
Hope this helps
Tip 1 of the day... do your research prior to these key sale days and then only book if it is cheaper
Tip 2 of the day... with RCL when you book a cruise you will get the discount email offers prior to you cruise (usually up to about 3 months prior to the cruise). Book your shore excursions, etc with these offers and don't wait til your on board or just a week or two away from the cruise date and you will save money.
Hope this helps
Friday, November 9, 2018
What are the differences between cruise lines and which ones do I prefer?
Not all cruise lines are alike and some do a better job at customer service, cleanliness, overall condition of their ships, safety and comfort than others. Also some actually welcome and have decent sales on solo travel. Based on the above criteria, below is my ranking of the cruise lines that I have sailed on. 1 is the highest and 6 the lowest
1. Holland America
2. Princess
3. Royal Caribbean
4. Norwegian
5. Carnival - NOTE I will never go on this cruise line again.
6. Costa
On Holland America I have been on the Oosterdam, Eurodam, Zuiderdam, Veendam, Noordam (previous ship to the current one sailing in the fleet) and shortly I will be on the Koningsdam. I have only experienced one customer service issue (an industrial fan running outside my cabin on the first night) and with a bit of a hassle they moved me to another same category cabin (I truly believe it was the Hotel Manager on the Veendam that was the issue) as everyone else working on the ship was great. I don't really recommend the Veendam as its quite old, worn and with that comes issues with the condition of the ship. All other ships were excellent. I have been able to get most of the cruises I have taken on sale so the single supplement (which is often less than other lines) has been significantly less. Note Holland is always a bit more expensive than other cruise lines.
On Princess I have been on the Sun and Star princess ships. Both old but in good shape with more pools than the newer ships. Food in the dining rooms was probably the highest quality I have had on the various cruise lines. Cabins were clean and comfortable. Note its really hard to get a good price for solo travel on this line, thus why I haven't taken many cruises with them.
On Royal Caribbean I have been on the Mariner of the Seas, Jewel of the Seas, and Grandeur of the Seas, with next Spring a transatlantic on the Oasis of the Seas. While everything has been OK on these ships for me, I find that they have the slowest dining room staff at sea. It will take you the longest to get thru dinner and they tend to put solos at the worst location in the dining room. They also don't do what I call pairing - similar ages etc. for dining I have been placed with families with young children twice so requested a move (which they accommodated). The cabins except for the Mariner of the Seas have been regular size - Mariner is much smaller. Mariner also had NoroVirus and an infestation of spiders.
On NCL I have been on the Breakaway, Pearl(2x), Jewel (2x), Jade, Sun, Spirit and Star. For many years they were my favourite cruise line but there have been many, many cabin issues, cleanliness, customer service issues. And honestly I find regardless of the ship the Hotel staff are always horrible to deal with - expect 3 to 4 tries to get help and an escalation to the hotel director for simple things like non-functioning toilets, showers, carpet cleanliness, broken cupboards etc. I probably won't return, and there fall from grace is disheartening to me.
On Carnival - what can I say I was on the inaugural sailing of the Sunshine - lack of toilets to use, leaks, security issues for pretty much all of the passengers. They returned 73.3% of my cruise fare and verbally told me that they wouldn't return all of it as I ate food on the ship. Just beyond belief horrible to deal with both on the ship and thru head office. Worst ship and cruise I have ever been on.
Costa - low cost, ship propulsion and air issues on both the ships Atantica and M? - so bad I can't remember the name of the ship. The absolute worst staff I have every came across at sea.
Remember these are my personal ratings based on personal experiences on each of the ships. As you can see I frequently sail and am likely one of the easiest solo passengers at sea. The front desk and staff will likely not hear from me at all unless there is something broken in the cabin. I think food is to taste so really can not give you opinions. Entertainment is also to taste and most lines recycle the same comedians, acrobats and dancers as I have seen the same ones on multiple lines. I like to use the pools and except for Breakaway which only has one tiny pool for adults, all lines had good pools.
Hope this helps
1. Holland America
2. Princess
3. Royal Caribbean
4. Norwegian
5. Carnival - NOTE I will never go on this cruise line again.
6. Costa
On Holland America I have been on the Oosterdam, Eurodam, Zuiderdam, Veendam, Noordam (previous ship to the current one sailing in the fleet) and shortly I will be on the Koningsdam. I have only experienced one customer service issue (an industrial fan running outside my cabin on the first night) and with a bit of a hassle they moved me to another same category cabin (I truly believe it was the Hotel Manager on the Veendam that was the issue) as everyone else working on the ship was great. I don't really recommend the Veendam as its quite old, worn and with that comes issues with the condition of the ship. All other ships were excellent. I have been able to get most of the cruises I have taken on sale so the single supplement (which is often less than other lines) has been significantly less. Note Holland is always a bit more expensive than other cruise lines.
On Princess I have been on the Sun and Star princess ships. Both old but in good shape with more pools than the newer ships. Food in the dining rooms was probably the highest quality I have had on the various cruise lines. Cabins were clean and comfortable. Note its really hard to get a good price for solo travel on this line, thus why I haven't taken many cruises with them.
On Royal Caribbean I have been on the Mariner of the Seas, Jewel of the Seas, and Grandeur of the Seas, with next Spring a transatlantic on the Oasis of the Seas. While everything has been OK on these ships for me, I find that they have the slowest dining room staff at sea. It will take you the longest to get thru dinner and they tend to put solos at the worst location in the dining room. They also don't do what I call pairing - similar ages etc. for dining I have been placed with families with young children twice so requested a move (which they accommodated). The cabins except for the Mariner of the Seas have been regular size - Mariner is much smaller. Mariner also had NoroVirus and an infestation of spiders.
On NCL I have been on the Breakaway, Pearl(2x), Jewel (2x), Jade, Sun, Spirit and Star. For many years they were my favourite cruise line but there have been many, many cabin issues, cleanliness, customer service issues. And honestly I find regardless of the ship the Hotel staff are always horrible to deal with - expect 3 to 4 tries to get help and an escalation to the hotel director for simple things like non-functioning toilets, showers, carpet cleanliness, broken cupboards etc. I probably won't return, and there fall from grace is disheartening to me.
On Carnival - what can I say I was on the inaugural sailing of the Sunshine - lack of toilets to use, leaks, security issues for pretty much all of the passengers. They returned 73.3% of my cruise fare and verbally told me that they wouldn't return all of it as I ate food on the ship. Just beyond belief horrible to deal with both on the ship and thru head office. Worst ship and cruise I have ever been on.
Costa - low cost, ship propulsion and air issues on both the ships Atantica and M? - so bad I can't remember the name of the ship. The absolute worst staff I have every came across at sea.
Remember these are my personal ratings based on personal experiences on each of the ships. As you can see I frequently sail and am likely one of the easiest solo passengers at sea. The front desk and staff will likely not hear from me at all unless there is something broken in the cabin. I think food is to taste so really can not give you opinions. Entertainment is also to taste and most lines recycle the same comedians, acrobats and dancers as I have seen the same ones on multiple lines. I like to use the pools and except for Breakaway which only has one tiny pool for adults, all lines had good pools.
Hope this helps
Monday, November 5, 2018
Best sites for booking cruises and other tips too
I am always asked who I book my cruises thru. Below is my process:
1. If I know the destination I want I use www.expedia.ca to start as they typically will list prices/On Board credits (OBC's) at the same price/credits offered by the cruise line. But the difference is they have the list of all cruises going to the destination I want at the time I am looking at. If you are using an expedia travel rep sometimes calling them after you look online will help you get additional OBC's if they have a "group" (meaning the have a block of cabins reserved on that ship that they want to sell) or even a slightly better rate.
2. After I have found the cruise or cruises I am interested in I then use a few other sites that specialize in cruises only - www.crucon.com, cruises.ca, onlinevacation center etc. Note these are in US $ but sometimes the prices are still significantly better even with the exchange and the OBC's are also more. On a recent booking the cost of the cruise was 35% less even after the exchange for the balcony, and I received $200 OBC versus $50 offered by the cruise line. Again this booking was one of their "group" bookings.
3. I typically book/put a deposit on cruises that I really want to do about 4 to 6 months before the cruise as this has been when the good rates on the cabins have come up. Deposits can range from $50 for NCL to $450 for RCL and Holland America. You must pay the full amount at approximately 75 days before the cruise. Note good travel agents usually do this at the 90 day mark to make sure the booking is secure.
4. Should you book the flight thru the cruise line? ... most of the time I say no except for transaltantics or transpacifics where the starting and end points are different. The cruise lines can typically beat the two one way ticket prices but not always - check online first. One the bad things about going thru the cruise line is that they will do a non-stop to go to the starting point of the cruise but the way home is very often a 1 stop adventure. I have had a few bad experiences where I almost missed the second flight due to delays for the first leg.
Hope this helps
1. If I know the destination I want I use www.expedia.ca to start as they typically will list prices/On Board credits (OBC's) at the same price/credits offered by the cruise line. But the difference is they have the list of all cruises going to the destination I want at the time I am looking at. If you are using an expedia travel rep sometimes calling them after you look online will help you get additional OBC's if they have a "group" (meaning the have a block of cabins reserved on that ship that they want to sell) or even a slightly better rate.
2. After I have found the cruise or cruises I am interested in I then use a few other sites that specialize in cruises only - www.crucon.com, cruises.ca, onlinevacation center etc. Note these are in US $ but sometimes the prices are still significantly better even with the exchange and the OBC's are also more. On a recent booking the cost of the cruise was 35% less even after the exchange for the balcony, and I received $200 OBC versus $50 offered by the cruise line. Again this booking was one of their "group" bookings.
3. I typically book/put a deposit on cruises that I really want to do about 4 to 6 months before the cruise as this has been when the good rates on the cabins have come up. Deposits can range from $50 for NCL to $450 for RCL and Holland America. You must pay the full amount at approximately 75 days before the cruise. Note good travel agents usually do this at the 90 day mark to make sure the booking is secure.
4. Should you book the flight thru the cruise line? ... most of the time I say no except for transaltantics or transpacifics where the starting and end points are different. The cruise lines can typically beat the two one way ticket prices but not always - check online first. One the bad things about going thru the cruise line is that they will do a non-stop to go to the starting point of the cruise but the way home is very often a 1 stop adventure. I have had a few bad experiences where I almost missed the second flight due to delays for the first leg.
Hope this helps
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