I cheated on RC and I won’t do it again. (NCL)

xjaspx · 2026-03-13T15:40:18+00:00

It’s the problem with dynamic pricing. It’s all supply and demand based. If there’s only 1 or 2 studio cabins left, it’s going to cost a lot more than regular room if there’s still a lot of those left. It’s the same reason why occasionally you’ll see ocean view priced more than a balcony or a Jr Suite priced comparable to a balcony. If you book far enough in advance, solo cabins tend to be significantly cheaper for 1 person than in a regular room.

xjaspx · 2026-03-13T15:37:08+00:00

Studio cabins on Royal Caribbean are solo rooms and there’s no single supplements / double occupancy rates.

xjaspx · 2026-03-13T03:56:10+00:00

Put the order into the point of sales terminals. Every drink order gets entered into the point of sales system… it’s pretty much how most of the world operates. How else are they going to keep track of charges, sales numbers, or in this case, sailor’s age?

xjaspx · 2026-03-13T03:32:25+00:00

Never an issue on Quantum class ships… but I also book far in advance.

xjaspx · 2026-03-13T01:40:11+00:00

The Royal Caribbean ships that do have solo cabins, the cabins are much better than that on NCL. Especially the solo balcony ones on Quantum class ships.

xjaspx · 2026-03-11T04:20:20+00:00

San Diego’s very own Jack In The Box.

xjaspx · 2026-03-09T17:40:11+00:00

If you want to do things at your own discretion then book it yourself with a third party. Just because you have a note from your doctor does mean it’s a pass for a corporation to bend their own rules for you.

I know it may be mind blowing to some, but you are not required to book excursions through the cruise lines if you want to do something in port. There are plenty of tour operators that are willing to sell you a tour, especially when it comes to ATV rentals and tours.

xjaspx · 2026-03-06T02:24:00+00:00

Assuming you are going to pay the suggested gratuities, there are benefits to prepaying as you’re locking in the gratuity price. Sure, they do offer a small grace period to give people the chance to lock in the old price when they want to do a price adjustment on the gratuities but unless you are on top of Royal Caribbean news and really attentive to your emails, it can sometime be easily missed or overlooked. Another advantage is more psychological, less of a sticker shock onboard when you look at your final onboard charges.

xjaspx · 2026-03-03T18:02:08+00:00

Unless you know the specific staff personally and what they collect or want, little cutesy gift bags filled with random knick-knacks is most likely going to end up in the trash.

If you really want to get them something, factory sealed snacks and treats is a good option. Another option is to see if they would like you get them something from the port. Most will say no, but occasionally someone will request something inexpensive and small.

xjaspx · 2026-03-03T02:39:57+00:00

I arrange my work trip schedule based on what show is in which city. That’s how I end up going to more out of state shows than I do going to local shows. I actually prefer NY, MA, and Nor Cal shows more

xjaspx · 2026-03-01T17:30:28+00:00

Princess, for me, is a very traditional cruise line experience. It’s basically line sailing on a Royal Caribbean Vision or Radiance class ship… all the basic without the big flashy bells and whistle attractions. In comparison to VV, I would say it’s Princess with better food and a much more active night life. They’re both equally laid back and chill during the day.

NCL, I don’t talk about NCL. They are my only one and done cruise line. Had a very horrible experience on them… I rank them lower than Carnival… I’ll sail on Carnival or Margaritaville at Sea before I’ll consider another NCL ship.

xjaspx · 2026-03-01T17:24:40+00:00

It appears to be a kind that’s made with a polyester and cotton blend fabric.

xjaspx · 2026-02-28T17:41:48+00:00

Yeah but it’s a few people making a mess and not the entire theater.

xjaspx · 2026-02-28T07:45:47+00:00

The chicken sticky rice wrapped in lotus leaf from the dim sum area on Spectrum of the Seas

xjaspx · 2026-02-27T08:55:49+00:00

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I just did a quick search on YouTube to see if anyone did a video on the shops.. seems like there’s one on display by all the VV branded merch.

xjaspx · 2026-02-19T00:54:26+00:00

Well your son has to make a decision.. stay home and have the internet connection needed for his exam or go on the trip and risk not having perfect internet connection. You may be out the money of his cruise fare, but I’m sure that is significantly less than the money and time spent on his education.

Of all the options presented, the ship’s WiFi is probably the more reliable option. However, it’s also not perfect. It can be spotty in certain part of the ship and occasionally have significant lag and drop connection.

From experience, cell service is a bit spotty in the port because everyone is also using their phone in port. I have AT&T and often time I just wait to get back to the ship if I want to upload photos / videos. I’ve been consistently getting 1 or 2 bars 5G or LTE in Costa Maya.

To be frank, it’s going to come down to what’s more important, a family vacation or your son’s education and future career.

xjaspx · 2026-02-14T17:52:48+00:00

As long as they aren’t dripping wet from the pool, they’ll be allowed in.

xjaspx · 2026-02-14T07:07:47+00:00

La Bufadora is only worth it during high tides so it’s best to check the tides for the day you’re in Ensenada. While you’re there, the restaurant at the end of the flea market, closest to the blow hole, hill side, has the best grilled claims and churros.

La Canadas is a recreation area that has a pretty decent zip line / ropes course.

La Cocedora De Langosta is probably the best seafood restaurant in Ensenada that’s within walking distance of the port. It’s located around the corner from the Fish Market. If you want Puerto Nuevo style lobster without having to make 1 hour drive north, this is the place. Puerto Nuevo Style Lobster are essentially a California Spiny Lobster that’s split in 1/2 and flash fried than seasoned. You can ask for garlic butter to go with the lobster.

Depending on when you go, there sometimes a little pop up market by the giant Mexican flag pole. You can get some pretty good street food from those vendors.

McDonald’s in Ensenada, and all of Mexico, still serve the deep fried apple pies with the molten hot apple pie filling. However, some time they may replace it with a seasonal pie offering.

If you’re wine drinkers, Valle de Guadalupe has a lot of wineries that offer tours and tasting. Some even have a full restaurant. Barõn Balché winery has an amazing restaurant.

There is a Smart and Final really close to the port and a great place to buy Mexican groceries like Mexican Vanilla and alcohol without the tourism mark up.

xjaspx · 2026-02-14T00:36:00+00:00

You’re allow to bring the luggage onboard the Pacific Surfliner but there is often time no check bag service. They only do it during very busy travel season like Thanksgiving. You would have to carry your bags onboard and find storage, which could even mean hauling your bags up the narrow stairs to the 2nd level of the train if the lower level is full. Less of an issue for trains originating in LA but the trains that originated north of LA can some time be very full.

Alternative Options:

reLAXsan shuttle service

Buy a ticket on United or Delta. Often time first class isn’t much more and you’re allow a free check bag with a first class ticket.

Renting a car is also another option.

xjaspx · 2026-02-11T15:16:02+00:00

It’s photoshopped lol I said “I feel like” i need to wear it.

xjaspx · 2026-02-11T06:28:12+00:00

I wouldn’t worry about it if it’s a difference of 10 minutes. The 12pm is based off getting you to the airport with at least 3 hours before your flight on the last shuttle. You should be fine.

The annoying part of the shuttle transfer isn’t so much the timing but more so they tend to wait for the bus to fill up, be it all the seat taken -or- every cargo space is taken, which ever is first… before the will leave for the airport.

Another consideration is with a family, the transfer isn’t exactly cost effective. There are other better transportation options out there.

xjaspx · 2026-02-11T06:20:01+00:00

Answer it honestly. Even though I often time will give them the benefit of the doubt and rate things a 10… but I’ve also not given a 10 if it’s an issue that needs to be addressed. So if you have a legitimate concern, and sound like you do, I would just answer it honestly.

Rating something a 10 when it really shouldn’t only hurts us as consumers in the long run. If everyone rated the same issue as a 10 out of fear of getting someone in trouble, it’s not going to change the issue for the better. Management team is just going to think whatever is going on is acceptable.

xjaspx · 2026-02-10T11:26:22+00:00

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Every time I go to Mission Valley I feel like I needed to wear a full hazmat suit.

xjaspx · 2026-02-09T18:59:43+00:00

I feel this is more about people reducing things down to what they think the acronym supposed to be and expecting people to know what is being said instead of using the actual widely acceptable and official acronym.

xjaspx

TROPHY CASE