The Cruise Ship and Cruise Line Discussion Thread!

stellaclose · May 26, 2016

I'm taking the cruise on Harmony of the Seas this Sunday to Barcelona. Will try and post pics if anyone is interested.

If there's something you'd like to see on this ship, let me know and I'll post that.

SharkTums · May 26, 2016

I'm taking the cruise on Harmony of the Seas this Sunday to Barcelona. Will try and post pics if anyone is interested.

If there's something you'd like to see on this ship, let me know and I'll post that.

So exciting! Have a great cruise and please let us know all you can about how the ship is doing! I know there are still some 'new kinks' they are working out. Lots of workers are still onboard trying to finish the ship.

stellaclose · May 26, 2016

I'm taking the cruise on Harmony of the Seas this Sunday to Barcelona. Will try and post pics if anyone is interested.

If there's something you'd like to see on this ship, let me know and I'll post that.

So exciting! Have a great cruise and please let us know all you can about how the ship is doing! I know there are still some 'new kinks' they are working out. Lots of workers are still onboard trying to finish the ship.

Having been on the Oasis last November, I'm excited to try this new ship. I'm expecting there to be a ton problems and things not finished/incomplete but I don't care. It will just make the cruise that much more memorable! The ship is amazing and it will be a great experience.

SharkTums · May 26, 2016

^Wonderful, refreshing attitude! That's how we went on Inaugural Quantum Cruise and had a great time!

KBrylczyk · May 27, 2016

If it were water, that would be one hell of a fast slide!

That's the entire point, man! I wanna come shooting out of the slide like a bullet! The more life-threatening the better!

99er · May 30, 2016

Has anyone ever sailed on celebrity cruise line? Looking for some reviews of the line and specifically the infinity.
Thanks

I can't say enough about how great Celebrity is! My fiancé and I started our cruising on Carnival, upgraded to Royal, and finally landed on Celebrity at the advice of a friend. It only took one sailing with them for us to realize Celebrity would always be our preferred cruise line.

The service is top notch and the attention to detail is down right scary when it comes to making sure everything is right with your trip. As was pointed out the average age of cruisers is older than most other lines but I think this is a huge plus! My fiancé and I are 30 and 32 so we stick out like a sore thumb on most of our cruises. This however proved to be a good thing when we were on our two week cruise in the Caribbean. The staff commented many times to us that we were the youngest couple they had seen, which meant they remembered us, which meant it didn't take long before the excellent service went through the roof. The bartenders finally had someone their age to talk to and someone who understands good tipping. It didn't take long before most of your drinks were heavily loaded and free. When I am on a cruise I want relaxation and a calm atmosphere, which is exactly what you get when everyone else around you is 65+ years old. It was never loud, no one was stumbling around drunk, most people were in bed by 9pm, it was easy to find a seat at any bar/pool/sun deck, and hardly any kids.

Easily the best food I have ever had on a cruise. It would rival most 5 star restaurants in any city and that is just the food that is included with the price of the cruise. Even the room service food was mouth watering.

I also love that they still try to keep a level of class and elegance aboard the ship in the evening, even on non-formal nights. It is not required but strongly encouraged that a "smart-casual" attire be worn throughout the ship after 6pm. I have to say I loved this and it was nice not seeing every guy in board shorts and a Hurley t-shirt. They really push luxury on their ships and it is evident from the moment you board when they had you a glass of champagne. At every port they set up a nice tent with wicker furniture at the gangway and handout cold towels and punch if its hot. In Alaska it was hot chocolate and coffee.

I have not been on the Infinity but we did take the Millennium (same class) on an Alaskan cruise last May. The ship was older but still very clean, well maintained, and luxurious. The cruise itself was amazing as Alaska has some of the most beautiful views you can see while at sea. That particular cruise was only 7 days but after we docked we had an extended "land cruise" with Celebrity which took us another 6 days up into Alaska. This was a great experience to see a lot of Alaska with a great tour guide from Celebrity. I highly recommend this if you ever take an Alaskan cruise.

The best part I love about Celebrity is the deals they will offer you for a future cruise while on your current cruise. That is exactly how we book ours each year. Our next cruise is an 11 day sailing in the Western Caribbean this November. We booked while on our Alaskan cruise last year and they gave us some damn good deals. They upgraded us to the highest Concierge Class level, gave us the top tier drink package, prepaid gratuities, and $500 onboard credit. They really know how to take care of future cruises far better than any other line.

Like I said, I can't say enough good stuff about them. If there is anything in particular you want to know just ask. If you want to see a short video I made of our Caribbean cruise just go

I'll leave you with a parting shot from Alaska.

stellaclose · May 30, 2016

Hello from Harmony of the Seas on Day 2 at sea!

From what I've seen and experienced so far, everything is running smoothly. All the ship is open and running. Whatever the problems were last week have been resolved for this inaugural sailing. Seen a few workmen around the ship but nothing intrusive. The only show which hasn't started is the new diving show in the Aqua Theatre, which I think has more to do with the new show "The Fine Line" they're putting on than problems with the pool. It's still in rehearsals with the technical tent set up at the back of the Aqua Theatre. I've seen them practicing in the pool. The first show is now scheduled for Day 5 at 11pm - originally the first show was meant to be last night.

I've found the ship to be less busy than when I was on the Oasis last November. Not sure why. I was surprised that the sun lounge chairs are only around 50% occupied, which is strange considering all the English on board and it's a warm sunny day. All the kids water play areas are open, which they're really enjoying. Lines for the water slides are low. This ship has much more water play areas for kids. The new waterslides are fantastic. Abyss slide is lots of fun - the see-thru glass down to the Aqua Theatre as you're waiting to ride is scary. Food is amazing, as per usual. Greece show is great - much better than Cats on Oasis.

The only problem I've personally encountered is that my stateroom lights wouldn't turn off. No big deal - had engineering respond and did a quick fix last night. Promptly resolved today while at breakfast. I'm in a Royal Loft suite which is a very technical 2 floor stateroom.

Haven't overheard anyone complaining. Everyone seems to be enjoying themselves.

It's only Day 2 but right now If I had to choose whether to cruise in the future on Harmony, Oasis or any of the smaller, older Royal Caribbean ships, I'd choose Harmony. It's really that much better and more kid friendly.

Finally the Bionic Bar is dream come true! I want to take one home. I think every good bar should have one..... Finally I can taste the alcohol in my drinks. I think this says more about my alcoholism level

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Jew · May 31, 2016

Would love to see pictures of the loft!

SharkTums · May 31, 2016

^^&^^^

Thanks for both reports.

I'm especially happy to hear that they got most of Harmony's issues already under control. Can't wait to get on her this Fall!!!

jfruge · May 31, 2016

Has anyone ever sailed on celebrity cruise line? Looking for some reviews of the line and specifically the infinity.
Thanks

I can't say enough about how great Celebrity is! My fiancé and I started our cruising on Carnival, upgraded to Royal, and finally landed on Celebrity at the advice of a friend. It only took one sailing with them for us to realize Celebrity would always be our preferred cruise line.

The service is top notch and the attention to detail is down right scary when it comes to making sure everything is right with your trip. As was pointed out the average age of cruisers is older than most other lines but I think this is a huge plus! My fiancé and I are 30 and 32 so we stick out like a sore thumb on most of our cruises. This however proved to be a good thing when we were on our two week cruise in the Caribbean. The staff commented many times to us that we were the youngest couple they had seen, which meant they remembered us, which meant it didn't take long before the excellent service went through the roof. The bartenders finally had someone their age to talk to and someone who understands good tipping. It didn't take long before most of your drinks were heavily loaded and free. When I am on a cruise I want relaxation and a calm atmosphere, which is exactly what you get when everyone else around you is 65+ years old. It was never loud, no one was stumbling around drunk, most people were in bed by 9pm, it was easy to find a seat at any bar/pool/sun deck, and hardly any kids.

Easily the best food I have ever had on a cruise. It would rival most 5 star restaurants in any city and that is just the food that is included with the price of the cruise. Even the room service food was mouth watering.

I also love that they still try to keep a level of class and elegance aboard the ship in the evening, even on non-formal nights. It is not required but strongly encouraged that a "smart-casual" attire be worn throughout the ship after 6pm. I have to say I loved this and it was nice not seeing every guy in board shorts and a Hurley t-shirt. They really push luxury on their ships and it is evident from the moment you board when they had you a glass of champagne. At every port they set up a nice tent with wicker furniture at the gangway and handout cold towels and punch if its hot. In Alaska it was hot chocolate and coffee.

I have not been on the Infinity but we did take the Millennium (same class) on an Alaskan cruise last May. The ship was older but still very clean, well maintained, and luxurious. The cruise itself was amazing as Alaska has some of the most beautiful views you can see while at sea. That particular cruise was only 7 days but after we docked we had an extended "land cruise" with Celebrity which took us another 6 days up into Alaska. This was a great experience to see a lot of Alaska with a great tour guide from Celebrity. I highly recommend this if you ever take an Alaskan cruise.

The best part I love about Celebrity is the deals they will offer you for a future cruise while on your current cruise. That is exactly how we book ours each year. Our next cruise is an 11 day sailing in the Western Caribbean this November. We booked while on our Alaskan cruise last year and they gave us some damn good deals. They upgraded us to the highest Concierge Class level, gave us the top tier drink package, prepaid gratuities, and $500 onboard credit. They really know how to take care of future cruises far better than any other line.

Like I said, I can't say enough good stuff about them. If there is anything in particular you want to know just ask. If you want to see a short video I made of our Caribbean cruise just go

I'll leave you with a parting shot from Alaska.

As a guest entertainer, I have travelled all over the Carribbean, Alaska, South America and most recently, I made the Transatlatic Crossing from Miami to Lisbon, all with Celebrity Cruise Lines. If you are looking a more traditional cruise experience with a modern twist, theses ships absolutely cannot be topped. I have sailed on the Silhoutte, Solstice, Eclipse, Equinox, Infinity and Millenium all within the span of the last eighteen months. The infinity is a wonderful ship with a fantastic crew. While not the biggest of the fleet, the Infinity allows you more than enough room to roam, and plenty to do and to see. The infinity is complete with every amenity and luxury one would expect to find onboard a cruise ship, including great staterooms, a full casino, shopping promenade, a wealth of nightclubs and bars, both indoor and outdoor pools, an incredible spa and gym, and a massive Broadway/Vegas styled theater.

My favorite part of the ship, outside the theater, of course, is the specialty restaurant Q'sine. You will experience one of the most unique and un-ordinary menus. All celebrity ships offer a great selection of dining options, so wherever and whatever you choose to eat, you can find something you'll love!

If you have never cruised before, I highly recommend starting with an Alaskan cruise. Alaskan cruises are moderate in length (7-10 days) and offer breathtaking scenery and extremely placid waters, albeit a bit chilly.

Happy sailing!

coastere · May 31, 2016

Has anyone ever sailed on celebrity cruise line? Looking for some reviews of the line and specifically the infinity.
Thanks

I can't say enough about how great Celebrity is! My fiancé and I started our cruising on Carnival, upgraded to Royal, and finally landed on Celebrity at the advice of a friend. It only took one sailing with them for us to realize Celebrity would always be our preferred cruise line.

The service is top notch and the attention to detail is down right scary when it comes to making sure everything is right with your trip. As was pointed out the average age of cruisers is older than most other lines but I think this is a huge plus! My fiancé and I are 30 and 32 so we stick out like a sore thumb on most of our cruises. This however proved to be a good thing when we were on our two week cruise in the Caribbean. The staff commented many times to us that we were the youngest couple they had seen, which meant they remembered us, which meant it didn't take long before the excellent service went through the roof. The bartenders finally had someone their age to talk to and someone who understands good tipping. It didn't take long before most of your drinks were heavily loaded and free. When I am on a cruise I want relaxation and a calm atmosphere, which is exactly what you get when everyone else around you is 65+ years old. It was never loud, no one was stumbling around drunk, most people were in bed by 9pm, it was easy to find a seat at any bar/pool/sun deck, and hardly any kids.

Easily the best food I have ever had on a cruise. It would rival most 5 star restaurants in any city and that is just the food that is included with the price of the cruise. Even the room service food was mouth watering.

I also love that they still try to keep a level of class and elegance aboard the ship in the evening, even on non-formal nights. It is not required but strongly encouraged that a "smart-casual" attire be worn throughout the ship after 6pm. I have to say I loved this and it was nice not seeing every guy in board shorts and a Hurley t-shirt. They really push luxury on their ships and it is evident from the moment you board when they had you a glass of champagne. At every port they set up a nice tent with wicker furniture at the gangway and handout cold towels and punch if its hot. In Alaska it was hot chocolate and coffee.

I have not been on the Infinity but we did take the Millennium (same class) on an Alaskan cruise last May. The ship was older but still very clean, well maintained, and luxurious. The cruise itself was amazing as Alaska has some of the most beautiful views you can see while at sea. That particular cruise was only 7 days but after we docked we had an extended "land cruise" with Celebrity which took us another 6 days up into Alaska. This was a great experience to see a lot of Alaska with a great tour guide from Celebrity. I highly recommend this if you ever take an Alaskan cruise.

The best part I love about Celebrity is the deals they will offer you for a future cruise while on your current cruise. That is exactly how we book ours each year. Our next cruise is an 11 day sailing in the Western Caribbean this November. We booked while on our Alaskan cruise last year and they gave us some damn good deals. They upgraded us to the highest Concierge Class level, gave us the top tier drink package, prepaid gratuities, and $500 onboard credit. They really know how to take care of future cruises far better than any other line.

Like I said, I can't say enough good stuff about them. If there is anything in particular you want to know just ask. If you want to see a short video I made of our Caribbean cruise just go

I'll leave you with a parting shot from Alaska.

As a guest entertainer, I have travelled all over the Carribbean, Alaska, South America and most recently, I made the Transatlatic Crossing from Miami to Lisbon, all with Celebrity Cruise Lines. If you are looking a more traditional cruise experience with a modern twist, theses ships absolutely cannot be topped. I have sailed on the Silhoutte, Solstice, Eclipse, Equinox, Infinity and Millenium all within the span of the last eighteen months. The infinity is a wonderful ship with a fantastic crew. While not the biggest of the fleet, the Infinity allows you more than enough room to roam, and plenty to do and to see. The infinity is complete with every amenity and luxury one would expect to find onboard a cruise ship, including great staterooms, a full casino, shopping promenade, a wealth of nightclubs and bars, both indoor and outdoor pools, an incredible spa and gym, and a massive Broadway/Vegas styled theater.

My favorite part of the ship, outside the theater, of course, is the specialty restaurant Q'sine. You will experience one of the most unique and un-ordinary menus. All celebrity ships offer a great selection of dining options, so wherever and whatever you choose to eat, you can find something you'll love!

If you have never cruised before, I highly recommend starting with an Alaskan cruise. Alaskan cruises are moderate in length (7-10 days) and offer breathtaking scenery and extremely placid waters, albeit a bit chilly.

Happy sailing!

Thanks so much for the info and review. Im getting even more excited for my Alaska Cruise on the Infinity now.

stellaclose · May 31, 2016

Would love to see pictures of the loft!

Some loft pics

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

jray21 · June 1, 2016

That looks amazing!

stellaclose · June 1, 2016

Some random pics

https://vimeo.com/168867644

https://vimeo.com/168868084

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Blue Turbo · June 1, 2016

I like how they have the bottom floor of the loft with hardwood flooring like on Quantum

_koppen · June 1, 2016

Some loft pics

Hey, it's my lamp on a cruise sip, how nice isn't that!

99er · June 6, 2016

Thanks so much for the info and review. Im getting even more excited for my Alaska Cruise on the Infinity now.

Yeah about that....

From The News Junkie on Real Radio. I'm sure it will be fixed by the time your trip comes around

COASTER FREAK 11 · June 6, 2016

I think someone was rather surprised that the ship crashed...

I don't know why the image looks like that. Its large on my computer.

**EDIT** Now the image doesn't show and it wont load it. But if you look at 2:10 on the video, theres a topless woman in the window.

bert425 · June 6, 2016

I think someone was rather surprised that the ship crashed...

I don't know why the image looks like that. Its large on my computer.

**EDIT** Now the image doesn't show and it wont load it. But if you look at 2:10 on the video, theres a topless woman in the window.

after telling myself I wont look.. of course I went and looked! (darn you!).

tho I think she's wearing a flesh colored (or pink) bra, rather than topless.

you have to get the pause JUST-RIGHT.

;p

COASTER FREAK 11 · June 6, 2016

I swear I see a nipple the size of a salami!

jrkstl · June 17, 2016

Viking TR Part 1

Greetings!

It's been a week now since our return from the Viking River Cruise "Chateaux, Rivers and Wine" itinerary through the Bordeaux region of France, and I'm ready to pack my bags and go back! This was our second Viking River cruise, and we loved it so much that we've booked another one for 2017

Quick background - My partner and I were never much into the idea of a cruise, but then those beautiful Viking River Cruises commercials started playing before Downton Abbey, so we were intrigued. Since I turned 50 last year we celebrated my birthday with our very first cruise of any type, which was the Viking "Romantic Danube" cruise from Budapest, Hungary to Nuremburg, Germany (with side trip to Prague). This was such a success that it was a no-brainer to sign up for cruise # 2 when friends decided to do their first cruise through Bordeaux and asked us to join them.

While I have no other cruising experience to compare. we have thoroughly enjoyed Viking's approach, and you're pretty much spoiled by the crew the moment that you board. I could happily live on one of their Longships!

For this part of the TR, I'll speak of ship details, etc.

All of the Viking Longships are pretty much identical with the exception of some minor cosmetic differences, and each has a passenger capacity of 190. There are three levels of rooms, and 5 rooms types. All of the "aquarium" class standard rooms are on the lower level, then floor two and floor three hold the French Balcony rooms, the Veranda staterooms (with private balcony). The 2 suite-style rooms are on level three. While I wouldn't mind being upgraded to a "better" room at some point, we find the standard room to be more than sufficient, especially since you're only in your room to shower and sleep.

There is one main dining room on the ship, and then in front of the Lounge is where the "Aquavit Terrace" is located. Here they serve a buffet-style lunch and dinner, and you can dine alfresco should the weather permit.

The upper deck has multiple areas to sit, relax, practice your golfing skills, play shuffleboard, or take a jog on the track. We pretty much spent our free time up here, especially to enjoy the view while cruising.

For TR Part 2, I will get into the food, wine, and itinerary specifics.

And now some pictures for your TR enjoyment

The commercial shot of the Viking flag, taken while docked in Blaye, France aboard the Viking Longship Forseti

Boarding the Forseti at low tide in Bordeaux, France

The atrium of the Forseti

Random seating area 1

Random seating area 2

Random seating area 3

Library

One of 2 Coffee/Tea/Water stations

Herb garden on the top deck. Yes, the chef actually uses them

Sliding glass door entrance to the Lounge

Bar inside the Lounge

Seating area in the Lounge

More Lounge seating

Hallway to rooms

Cozy bed in our lower level stateroom

Stateroom, with peek at the window size

Desk, TV, drawers, etc. The rooms are very Scandinavian, and very organized!

Bathroom. A tight squeeze, but thoughtfully laid out. Oh, and the floors are heated too!

Shower, with surprisingly strong water pressure.

viking86 · June 17, 2016

I approve of the amount of times the word "Viking" is mentioned so far in this trip report!

Looks like quite a nice ship! I like the amount of wood used for the interior. The room looks quite alright as well. Looking forward to the next part.

jrkstl · June 17, 2016

Viking TR part 2

Hello again.

This time, I'll speak of the cruise itself and about the itinerary.

The "Chateaux, Rivers and Wine" cruise is unusual and unlike most river cruises, as it's a roundtrip from the city of Bordeaux to the city of Bordeaux. The three main rivers in the region are all estuaries, so the trip is very dependent on the tides. Due to higher than normal waters, our boat was unable to cruise to Cadillac, France, since even with low tide we wouldn't be able to clear the Pont du Pierre bridge. All ports, however, are fairly close and reachable via coach.

Our cruise consisted of tours of Bordeaux, Cadillac, Sauternes, Saint Emilion, Bourg, Blaye, Paulliac, and the Margaux region. We took an option side trip to Cognac, where we were able to learn and blend our own bottle of Camus Cognac.

Neeless to say, this cruise is very much a "Booze Cruise" and the focus is on the wines/spirits of the region. I gather that on average, the Forseti goes through about 2000 bottles of wine per week

And now, on with the pictures! I'll finish part 3 later, where I'll discuss food, etc.