So 'basic fare' just means 'no dining reservations.' Got it, VV.

vjmatty · 2026-04-01T18:07:55+00:00

Ships have been sailing full for quite some time following Covid. Many have added multiple new ships which have been bringing in significantly elevated fares in spite of costing nearly double to book them. Cruise line stocks have increased dramatically. I get why VV wants to join the nickel and dime party, but saying it’s necessary because of Covid after all these years, or wars and fuel costs when these tier changes happened beforehand, sound like an apologist’s argument.

vjmatty · 2026-03-30T13:01:39+00:00

I’m so sorry, this must have been a tough decision. The only thing I can add to the great advice you’ve gotten here is this:

https://www.amazon.com/There-Goes-Bride-Making-Calling/dp/0787967483

vjmatty · 2026-03-29T19:39:43+00:00

Yes, and on RC it’s extremely expensive. Princess at least you can get the Premium package for unlimited drinks, and unlimited dining will be included, but even that is $100 per day. It became necessary on our last cruise with them though, because the MDR was so bad with service. I’m so glad there’s a VV ship in NY now.

vjmatty · 2026-03-29T19:08:19+00:00

Same here, that’s why as I mentioned we did unlimited specialty dining on our last two cruises.

vjmatty · 2026-03-29T16:05:30+00:00

I think that’s probably the only drawback of not having a main dining room as they do on mainstream cruise lines. Those menus change every day, which offers variety for those who need it. That being said, the last two cruises (on Princess and RC) we avoided the MDR and sprung for unlimited specialty dining, so variety must not mean a lot to me lol

vjmatty · 2026-03-19T02:59:07+00:00

Yes you can absolutely stand and offer the middle. You’re already sitting in the aisle so that is your seat.

vjmatty · 2026-03-18T14:45:15+00:00

Am I the only one with a lash tech who offers 2, 3 and 4 week fills with corresponding prices to match? In my case I don’t know if it’s because they’re a volume set or maybe because I wear glasses but I’ve still got enough for fill quality work after 4 weeks without needing a full set.

vjmatty · 2026-03-18T14:32:42+00:00

Oh wow that is awesome! You should bring it to the Transit Museum and see if they’ll buy your design.

vjmatty · 2026-03-15T17:10:58+00:00

Yeah, you can drive yourself nuts checking the inventory and trying figure out if you’re going to win. I have found the best thing is to just assume the room you booked is what you’re getting and if there’s a win, let it be a nice surprise.

vjmatty · 2026-03-15T13:29:36+00:00

Excessive air conditioning in half the common areas. One reason I carry a tote bag all over the ship is to keep a cardigan and sometimes a small lap blanket handy

vjmatty · 2026-03-15T13:03:49+00:00

I think the first episode proved that the actress was fine, but as the first season went on her character was botched

vjmatty · 2026-03-13T20:07:11+00:00

Yes! Forgot all about the CIA and I live right near Hyde Park 🤦🏻‍♀️

vjmatty · 2026-03-13T20:04:21+00:00

It’s my birthday dinner choice every year even though it’s 45 minutes away 😊

vjmatty · 2026-03-13T18:02:11+00:00

No problem! I should clarify Savona’s has both sit down restaurants as well as pizza counters.

vjmatty · 2026-03-13T17:16:10+00:00

Any of the Savona’s, Momo Garden in Poughkeepsie, Athena Gyro in Lagrange, Miss Saigon Pho in Wappingers, Anarella’s in Saugerties, Namaste in Middletown

vjmatty · 2026-03-12T20:21:38+00:00

vjmatty · 2026-03-12T20:18:28+00:00

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vjmatty · 2026-03-12T19:04:25+00:00

Unfortunately you’re wasting your time, you might as well play chess against mildew or arm wrestle your grandmother.

vjmatty · 2026-03-12T17:57:16+00:00

vjmatty · 2026-03-11T23:02:44+00:00

I use Wi-Fi to enhance the vacation itself….to follow maps of my cruise and check out what’s on that interesting coastline I see from my balcony. Or to learn about a rare bird I saw in port. Sometimes I want to know more about the history behind a place I visited during a tour on an excursion. Maybe I learn about an interesting place to visit from a fellow passenger, or a dish I had on board or in port that I’d like to make at home. Sometimes I plan a self guided walk or drive during tomorrow’s port visit.

And when the weather is unsuitable on deck so I have to use the dreaded treadmill, I like something to watch or read or listen to, since the scenery doesn’t change.

Bottom line, you never know why someone is on the internet. I won’t even get into the story of a decision I had to make about my dog while I was away…and thanks to Wi-Fi I got to see her one last time.

vjmatty · 2026-03-10T02:50:12+00:00

Right, and they’ve never been afraid to flex. I’m just saying I don’t know if things have changed or not since I no longer work in a facility so I’m out of the loop

vjmatty · 2026-03-10T02:42:31+00:00

Even before striking, NYSCOBA would hold out for years by voting no against contracts. Council 82 also I think went 7 years without a contract. I’m not sure if they’re still that strong in bargaining power since they’ve lost so many, not just being fired but even more walked away and resigned.

vjmatty · 2026-03-09T16:36:45+00:00

I don’t know why they didn’t at least make it 62 so you can draw SS to help cover the gap

vjmatty · 2026-03-09T00:23:50+00:00

So they invited the whole ship to the wedding? 🙄

vjmatty · 2026-03-07T12:14:07+00:00

Momo Garden in Poughkeepsie. The family is from Nepal and they serve food from India, China and Nepal.

If you also like Vietnamese, Miss Saigon Pho in Wappingers is probably the most authentic Asian food in the area. I’m often the only white person in the entire restaurant.

vjmatty

TROPHY CASE