Conference abbott::cruise_travel

    Thanks for the info Karen!  You've wet my 'cruising appetite' for my
    upcoming cruise on the Sovereign even further.

    One question...

    With so many people did you find that you had to fight crowds
    getting ashore or for participation in various activities that were
    offered on board?

    Thanks
    
    Joe
    

    Re: -1
    
    The only lines we ran into were waiting in line to open a blank
    charge card for on-board purchases (approx. 15 people deep) and
    a line to take pictures of the gala midnight buffet (well worth
    the wait!).
    
    Leaving the ship was no problem at all.  Except, at Labadee, one
    of their huge tenders broke down and we had to wait only about a
    half an hour (they had us wait in the two cinemas - we didn't go
    see a move there, but those seats are the MOST comfortable seats
    that were ever put in a cinema!).  In St. Thomas and Puerto Rico they
    dock the ship.
    
    There was always plenty of seats available in the show room and
    lounges.  Our favorite, Schooner Lounge, was usually only half full
    any time we went in.  I think people (us included) never stayed
    in one place too long.
    
    I recommend signing up for shore excursions as soon as you can.
    I'd say by Wednesday almost every tour was full.
    
    Re: The shops!
    
    I must admit I was rather disappointed in the prices.  I collect
    Lladro figurines and had my charge card primed!  Prices were only
    25-30% below state prices (I can get 20%  off here!).  But St. Thomas
    had the same prices, roughly, and that's where I got 50-60% off
    the figurines a year and a half ago!  So it must have something
    to do with the low dollar right now.
    
    Of course, much to the dismay of my husband, it didn't stop me from
    spending a forturne!  10% is 10% . . 
    
    They had the most fabulous furs!  I'm not sure about state prices
    and everything but the furs were definitely the best I've ever seen!
    
    "Honey, I want this, and that, and one of these . . ."
    
    
    Rumor has it that after this year they're going to change the itinerary
    for the Sovereign and I'm going to make another reservation!
    
    -Karen

	My wife and I went on the Sovereign this April and we enjoyed it
	like we have the other RCCL ships that we've been on. The size
	of the thing is incredible although it rarely feels crowded.
	The cabins are reasonable for two and as pointed out the showers
	are big enough that you don't have to slither down the wall to
	pick up a dropped bar of soap. If anyone is going to do three in
	a cabin, I'd be prepared for real cramped living. Our daughter 
	and two friends shared a cabin on the Sovereign and found that
	they were crawling all over each other and their luggage. Of
	course you don't go on a cruise to stay in your cabin.

	There is always plenty to do on the Sovereign, we never did make
	it to all the lounges. The 'disco' is a must see if your ears
	can take it. Beware of wearing skirts to the disco, the floor is
	mirrored.

	The pools tend to get crowded by late morning (2700 people can't
	fit on the pool deck).

	As for tours, pratically everyone who went wish they would avoid
	San Juan. The tours there were a disaster in April although we've
	taken good ones in and around San Juan on previous cruises. If it
	starts to rain, consider staying on the ship or poking around the
	shopping area near where the ship docks. Although RCCL does not
	operate the tours, they will listen if there is a problem and
	will terminate agreements with operators who don't deliver what
	is promised.

	Overall we really liked the Sovereign although the first six to
	nine months on any new ship is usually a little less than perfect
	as they get the bugs out and everyone trained. In April the new
	interactive TV system wasn't really working (you should be able
	to book tours and order your wine for dinner right in your room).
	
	As I said in a previous note, my wife and I prefer the smaller ships
	like the Song of Norway. With the Sovereign you actually forget you
	are on a ship, it's like a giant hotel. 

	Bon voyage,
		Don

                  
        
        Thanks for all the input on Sovereign of the Seas.
   I have a trip set up for Oct'29,and I can't wait to go.

   Hearing all the great things about the ship makes me
  all the more excited.This will be my first cruise so 
  believe me I plan on enjoying myself.I hope the rooms
  won't be too crowded as there will be three of us in
  a room,but as was mentioned earlier,we will be there only
  to sleep.

  Could someone give more detail as to what sites are a must 
  see ? the style of dress? how much to tip? who to tip?    
     
  Thanks to all!!!!!
                             Janice/E     


     

	Janice,

    	re .4
        
    We have been on two RCCL cruices. The first was on the Sun Viking.
    The second was the maiden voyage of the Sovereign. The week wasn't
    long enough to see the whole ship. As to tipping we tip our room
    steward, waiter, and the busboy at our table. Bar waiters we tip
    per drink. The Sovereign is a fantastic ship but I prefer the smaller
    ones. Getting on and off the Sovereign isn't any harder than any
    other ship.
    
    All in all we have enjoyed both of our cruises very much. 
    
    Give me a call if I can help with specific questions.
    
    Dan Soderquist DTN: 441-2767
        

    Karen,
    
    Do you remember if the Sovereign had video cameras available for
    rental?  I know Sitmar does, but I couldn't remember if RCCL did.
    
    My parents and I are sailing on the Sovereign in September (we managed
    to get a 23% discount) and my mother wanted to rent one on board
    for a couple of days.
    
    Thanks,
    
    Ro
    

    I'm sorry, Ro, I don't know if they rent video cameras.  My husband
    has one but we didn't bring it (too much stuff to carry, including
    my 35mm camera!)  But now, of course, we wish we did!  This ship
    has at least 10 photographers that manage to be everywhere, including
    in the water at Labidee (yes, IN the water!).  Most people loved
    it, and they respected the wishes of the people who didn't.
    
    You're going next month?  Boy, am I jealous!
    
    -Karen

    I sailed in the Sovereign on the 6th voyage. The cruise line wasn't
    prepaired for this may passengers in transit to Miami, We didn't
    get the tickets until 5 days before we left. We routed through Atlanta
    which was a disaster due to weather, arrived 1 hour after the non
    stop from Boston. I do recommend leaving a day early and spend the
    night in Miami. The cruise line holds your luggage over night.
    Back to the Sovereign, luggage was not delivered to the cabin but
    was delivered to the pursors desk at 10:00 pm. Moved it ourselves.
    The food was sub-par to their sister ships which I have been on
    all of them. 
    The party for repeat passangers was cancelled due to cost cutting
    by the line.
    In all I would recommend the Nordic Price over the Sovereign. 
    I still beleive the Royal Caribbean Cruise line is one of the top
    lines, and is now the only major Cruise Line still registered in
    Norway.

	As I said in a previous note, the Sovereign was still working out the
bugs when we sailed in late April (14th cruise ??). Our luggage arrived at our
cabin before we sailed (5:00 PM) although some of our friends didn't see theirs
until almost 7:30. The food was good but not as good as on RCCL's other ships
like the Song of Norway. I was warned before that it does take 6 to 9 months
to work out the kinks and that is especially true on a ship as large as the
Sovereign.
	I do hope, however, that I never have to fly back through Altanta
again. I'll pay a couple of extra bucks to fly direct to Boston.

	Don

    MORE GREAT NEWS ON THE SOVEREIGN -- FOR ALL YOU LUCKY FOLKS OUT
    THERE BOOKED ON THE SOVEREIGN PICK UP A COPY OF THE SEPT/OCT 1988
    ISSUE OF "CARIBBEAN TRAVEL & LIFE" MAGAZINE AT YOU NEWSTAND.  THIS
    ISSUE IS A SPECIAL CRUISE ISSUE CHOCK FULL OF CRUISE INFO AND A
    SPECIAL ARTICLE ON THE "SOVEREIGN" - ITS LOADED WITH GOOD INFO AND
    SOME GREAT PICTURES OF THE SHIP -- WHAT A BEAUTY SHE IS!!!! I TRIED
    TO BOOK ON HER MYSELF FOR EASTER WEEK 89 BUT UNFORTUNATELY I NEED
    A "QUAD" AND THERE WERE NONE AVAILABLE --- BOOKED ON THE NCL "NORWAY"
    INSTEAD - IF YOU BEEN ON THIS ONE OR HAVE ANY INFO - PLEASE REPLY
    .. THIS MAGAZINE ALSO FEATURES SOME GOOD ARTICLES ON SOME OTHER
    SHIPS AND ALSO GREAT GENERAL INFO SUCH AS "PLOTTING A COURSE", CHOOSING
    A CRUISE AND SHORE VISITS - A MUST SEE FOR ALL YOU CRUISING FANS
    OUT THERE ... 

    Just returned from our week on the Sovereign...fantastic.  I recommend
    it to everybody...first time cruisers and 'old salts' alike.  It
    is an experience.  We didn't incur any kinks...it was smooth
    'sailing' all the way.
    
    The ship is just gorgeous and easy to find your way around.  The
    dining room service was excellent and the food was good (the Gigi
    dining room is the prettier of the two).
    
    The entertainment was wonderful (one night that had four separate
    shows!).  The professional entertainment as well as the cruise staff
    entertainers were all terrific.  My favorites (if I had to choose)
    were Terry and Therese who had a fabulous different show every night
    (except Wednesday) in the Music Man lounge.  He was a member of
    the original Flamingos (big hit was "I Only Have Eyes for You").
    They performed to standing ovations every show (they did a show
    with music from the 40's, one from the 50's, one from the 60's,
    a Motown/Soul show, a Country Western show, and a general all-around
    rock and roll show.  Their TNT showband was great to dance to. 
    We rented a video camera and taped some of their shows, even bought
    a couple of their videos!  Don't miss them!!  (I even got up as
    one of the Rayettes when Terry did his Ray Charles imitation!)
    
    Karen was right about sitting up front...you do get into the act.
    My mother was brought up on stage by the comedians (Shane and Allen
    - they were also talented singers) and it was a lot of fun.  Don't
    want to spoil anyone's surpise but telling all the details.
    
    They say they are planning on building an exact duplicate of the
    Sovereign.  I know if she changed itineraries, I'd certainly go
    again.  Anyone already booked, be prepared to have a superb time!!!

    
    Ro

    Dan...
    
    When was the Sovereigns maiden voyage? The wife and I saw her in St.
    Thomas, the second week of February..We took the "liberty launch" out
    to the Submarine tour and passing along side of her....She is an
    awesome ship. Being a Navy man with a love for the sea and ships, I was
    truly impressed with her. Just an absolute beautiful ship. By the way
    we were on the NCL Southward...She was completely dwarfed by the Sove'.
    
    In fact while in St. Thomas, the Norway was anchored out. I believe I
    had the privilege to see the two largest cruise ships in the same port.
    
    If you have an eye for ships, the Norway has those classic lines.
    
    Sorry to babble...But I do get excited about cruise ships.
    
    
    						Steve Whynot
    
    
    						Anchors Aweigh
    

    The Sovereigns maiden voyage started on Jan 15, 88. We have only
    cruised on RCCL so far. We hope to start taking ships from other
    lines soon. 
    
    I must agree with you, the Sovereign is a beautiful ship, but a
    little large for us.
    
    We are scheduled to take the Sun Viking in Mar of 89 for 10 days.
    I will try to add a note about this cruise when we get back.
    
    	Dan S.

    Just returned from our April 89 cruise aboard The Sovereign.  The
    whole trip can be summed up in a word, "FANTASTIC"!
    
    The experience far exceeded my expectations in all categories such
    as itinerary, accommodations, service, food, entertainment ...etc.
   
    Would I take the same trip again?   You betcha I would!
    
    Joe
    

    MY FAMILY IS CONSIDERING GOING ON SOVEREIGN NEXT SPRING AND I WOULD
    LIKE A LITTLE HELP ON A FEW QUESTIONS.
    
    1) WHAT IS THE BEST DINNING ROOM AND DO YOU HAVE A CHOISE OF ROOMS
       AS WELL AS FIRST OR SECOND SEATING WHEN MAKING YOUR RESERVATIONS?
                                  
    2) ARE THE INSIDE ROOMS REALLY SMALL AND FOR ANY OF YOU OUT THERE
       THAT MIGHT HAVE STAYED IN ONE DID YOU REGREAT YOUR CHOISE?
    
    3) DID ANYONE EVER RECEIVE AND UPGRADE ON THE SOVEREIGN?
    
                     THANKS IN ADVANCE =ELLEN=

    Ellen,
    
    I went on the Sovereign last July.  I had an inside cabin on a middle
    deck; it was very small.  We also were traveling with our two children.
    The in-cabin TV took up quite a bit of potential closet space. 
    We ended up living out of the suitcase more than I would have liked
    to.  I don't believe the outside cabins were much better.
    
    We were located in the rear dining room; can't remember the name.
    It was nice and service was very good.  We were able to request
    first seating but I have never tried requesting a specific dining
    room.  I believe they do it by room location rather than by preference.
    
    Lucky for us we were traveling with other family members who helped
    with closet space for the hanging clothes.  The ship was very nice.
    The shops were a bit fancy for my shopping.  Their kids programs
    left a lot to be desired for teenagers.  But all in all in was a
    lovely ship and we had a great time.  Shore excursions went fast
    and there wasn't always enough for everyone.  In fact that was the
    only lines we really had to wait in after the cruise director gave
    the specifics for the tours.
    
    Have Fun!!!
    
    Joe

    Karen,
           what category was your stateroom?  I am considering going
    on the SOVEREIGN this March and would like some idea about the rooms.
    Currently considering "A DECK" outside, if you or anyone else has
    traveled on this deck I would appricate any recommdations on do's
    and don't's for pick out our room.
    
    Thanks in advance.           =Ellen=

    RE: 17
    
    Hi Ellen.  My wife and I returned from a cruise on The Sovereign
    a few weeks ago.  We had an "A" deck outside cabin and enjoyed it
    very much even though we had three in the cabin.  It would of been
    much more comfortable with only two though.
    
    Hope you have a great time!
    
    Joe
    

    Which deck did you stay on and what time of the year did you go.
    Did you do the Carribbean Islands, which was your favorite.  Your
    note really got me excited and look forward to hearing about your
    trip.
    
    Thanks,
    
    Norma Francis
    

    I am reading with interest the comments made.
    I just took a cruise with the Sovereign in Feb 89. I stayed on the
    7th promenade deck, outside room, BIG window. I had no problem at
    all with the overall size of the rooms, since we only stayed in
    there to sleep. But be assured you got plenty of room.
    The higher you go the better and bigger the rooms. My brother in
    law stayed at the 10th floor, the room was approx. 14 x16 with 
    very large window, but he payed a little more. Don't worry about
    the rooms. you got plenty of it. The secrete is pack right. casual
    stuff 4-6 outfits, 2 dressy for the captains dinner and reception.
    on all other night wear what you got. you see all styles and colors.
    
    For dining you have a choice of seatings at 7:30 or 9:00 I believe.
    The time determines the room. I recommend earlier seating. We had the
    GIGI dining room, beautiful. Ealier seatings give you room (in your
    belly) for the midnight buffet, the later seating at 9:00, fills
    you up and the midnight buffet might not be as intersting for you.
    
    All shows are done twice to accomodate all diner seatings, so the
    early eaters go to the show after they eat and the late eaters go
    to the show before they eat. Matter of choice, but you will not
    miss anything.
    
    You'll have a great time.
    
    Regards
    
    Gerd Wegmann 

    
    
    I just booked my cruise this morning for March 17, 1990 sailing
    on the SOVEREIGN and got a FANTISTIC price from the "CRUISE DIRECTORY" 
    1 800 854 0500. The CUSTOMARY discount of 10% (if booking 6 mo. 
    in advance) and an additonal 7%. Believe me I have called every where 
    for price and this is by far the very very best price, especially
    considering that March is "HIGH SEASON"  The best I was able to 
    get prior to this was 13%........... If anyone else is out there
    shopping for dollars give them a call.
    
                   =ELLEN=
    

    This ship sounds fantastic.
    
    How many floors are there in this ship?
    
    Doreen
    

    
    
    I am considering the "FLYING OUT THE DAY BEFORE" option offered
    by RCL. I will be leaving from Boston and my questions (in general) 
    are the following:
    What time of day do you leave AM or PM?
    What airline does RCL use out of Boston?            
    What Hotel do they use?
    
                     Thanks in advance
    

    
    re -.2
    
    	Doreen PLEASE!!!!!!
    
    There are not floors :^)!! Decks like DECs. Well anyway I think
    there are 11, However this depends on your location, for or aft.
    Not all decks traverse the full lenght of the ship.
    I'll go dig up the floorplan in the cruise outline documantaio
    and post it.
    
    Later
    
    George C.
    
    

    RE: .-1
    
    George PLEASE!!!!!!
    
    Thats deckplan not floorplan!
    
    	  ^
    	 /|\
    	-----/
    	\___/

    
    re -.1
    
    Aye, Aye Capt'n. Yae won't be a Keel houling this old salt now will
    yer nauw.  ;^).  
    
    D. I'm still a looking fer me charts en Palns....
    
    Later
    
    Geroge C.
    

    
    Thanks for working on it.  I'm really curious.  It amazes me that
    something soooo huge can stay afloat.
    
    d
    

    Answers to some of Ellen's questions:
    
    When we went two years ago we flew out on Delta Saturday midday,
    arriving in Miami mid to late afternoon. We stayed, along with 
    HUNDREDS of other RCCL passengers, in the Miami Hyatt Regency. 
    I thought this was a good idea because of the possibility of 
    bad weather at the time of year that we went -- December 14th!
    
    Linda
    
    Hope you rave as much about this cruise as you did the ones you
    took on the Norway!
    

    We're going on the Sove' October 21-28. We ARE staying in Miami
    Friday night. (Good idea, from what I'm reading.) This is our first
    cruise and I'm very excited. What I need to know is... the book
    says they have excersize stuff. Aerobics, water-aerobics, and bikes.
    What about weights? Any kind of GYM on board? Also, I read a few
    replys back that we only need 1-2 dressing (gown/tux) type things?
    Can we just wear regular club/dressy clothes or what? I know there
    is suppose to be a 50's/60's night, so I assume we can wear jeans/bobby
    socks, type of thing?
    Also, (lots of also's here!) has anyone actually taken the aerobics
    class? Whats it like? And how often are they offered? If we miss
    our seating for breakfast or dinner, can we just pop in somewhere
    else? Like at this mammoth buffet that everyone talks about?
    We're going to Labadee, San Juan, and St. Thomas. Whats the weather
    like around there in late October? 
    Oh, what about mail? If I want to mail my film home (so it's developed
    and waiting when I get back) can we do that? Is it worth it or will
    it take twice as long and then I'll risk having it get lost, right?
    
    This is going to be a blast! I can't wait! Did anyone order the
    video that they offer? We can't seem to get thru the phone lines
    (no one answers). Should we get it?
    
    Thanks for any info!
    Beth

    
    Hello Beth,
    
           We also will be sailing on the SOS but not until March 10
    1990.  Would love to have the phone number to order the video.
    Please post it maybe someone else would be interested as well.
    
    Thanks in advance =Ellen=
    
    
    

    Re.-29. There are two video's that were made about the SOS. The first
    covers the history of the name and some of the construction of the
    "ship". The second is a travelog of the maiden voyage. Some of our
    shipmates were in both. We have the first one and watch it when ever we
    long for the open seas. While you are on the Soverign you should be
    able to order the videos in the camera shop for delivery at your home.
    
    Hope this helps y'all,
    
    Dan Soderquist

    >What I need to know is... the book
    >says they have excersize stuff. Aerobics, water-aerobics, and bikes.
    >What about weights? Any kind of GYM on board? 

    They have a fine exercise center.  Video rowing machines, exercise
    bikes, weight machines ... etc.  Yes they do offer aerobics.  From what
    I could see, since I didn't participate, they give you quite a workout. 
    No real gym in the sense of a basketball court gym.

    >Also, I read a few
    >replys back that we only need 1-2 dressing (gown/tux) type things?
    >Can we just wear regular club/dressy clothes or what?

    Don't rely need tux or gowns.  A dark suit for the man on the captains
    night and a nice dress for the lady is appropriate.  Years ago all the
    women wore gowns, now it appears not many do, mostly the older women.

    The man does not have to bring more than two suits and a sport jacket
    as a matter of fact I could of gotten away with one suit and a jacket
    but my wife insisted I bring two.

    >I know there
    >is suppose to be a 50's/60's night, so I assume we can wear jeans/bobby
    >socks, type of thing?
    
    Yup.

    >Also, (lots of also's here!) has anyone actually taken the aerobics
    >class?

    Not me.

    >Whats it like?

    All levels but mostly advanced from what I could see.

    >And how often are they offered?

    Every day, I think a couple of times a day.

    >If we miss
    >our seating for breakfast or dinner, can we just pop in somewhere
    >else?
     
    Breakfast - main dining room or buffet.  So if you miss main seating
    goto the buffet.  Dinner you'll have to wait for the midnight buffet.

    >We're going to Labadee, San Juan, and St. Thomas. Whats the weather
    >like around there in late October? 
    
    Nice.  Temps in the U.S. Virgins between 75-85.

    >Oh, what about mail? If I want to mail my film home (so it's developed
    >and waiting when I get back) can we do that? Is it worth it or will
    >it take twice as long and then I'll risk having it get lost, right?
    
    San Juan and St. Thomas same postal rates as stateside.  US postal.  To
    hold or not to hold is your decision.

    >Did anyone order the
    >video that they offer? We can't seem to get thru the phone lines
    >(no one answers). Should we get it?
    
    I wouldn't.  Be surprised!  That is half the fun!  You might get the
    video when on board.  They offer several video's in one of the shops.


    Have a GREAT time Beth and fill us in when you get back!

    Hi,
    
    Regarding dressing up.  When I went about a year ago, I found that
    folks dressed up more (and fancier) than on other cruise lines.  I
    enjoyed dressing up and seeing all the beautiful evening attire.
    My last cruise (May) was to Europe aboard Princess Lines and after
    touring all day most people were too tired to dress up.  The elegance
    of the SOS itself inspired me to want to dress up, but as Joe says
    you don't have to.
    
    They also have a country/western night that you can wear jeans to.
    I found that there was a large participation (more than on other ships)
    for the masquerade party (so you might want to think about bringing
    a costume along) - it is a lot of fun to get involved.
    
    We rented a video camera on board for a couple of days and have some
    nice movies.  I really liked Terry and Theresa (they perform most
    nights in the lounge) and bought there video tape as well as taped
    their performance myself.  You can't tape the other professional shows,
    but T&T allow you to tape theirs.
    
    Enjoy,
    
    Ro
    

    Thanks for all the info! I'm SOOO excited!  I've already lost 16
    lbs and have less than 10 to go. (Want to lose an extra 5-8 so I
    won't commit hari-kari on myself when I get home!)
    
    I'll let you all know how it goes! Leaving in 7 1/2 weeks! YA-HOOOO!
    
    beth

    I have seen the Video from the SOS' it's ok and it does not spoil the
    fun, but I made my own and that's like being there again. Their version
    is just a LONGER commercial. $7.95 should get you one from/vai your
    travel agent.
    GW./                                                   

    
     I will be taking the Sovereign in April'90. This is our first cruise
      and I was wondering about the shore attractions. I have noticed
      quite a few offerings in ST.Thomas especially. These are just
      things like Coral World, Submarine ride, and so on. Can anyone
      who has gone on any of the cruise line tours note their opinion
      of them. I would like to hear from people who have seen the 
      attractions, the line propaganda makes everything sound so wonderful
      it can't possibly be true!!!!
    
                                     Thanks,
    
                                            -Rob
     

    I was not on the Sovereign, but he NOrway had similar excursions.  We
    took the island tour of St. Martin when we stopped there and thought
    that it s*cked.  WE then canceled our St. Thomas tour.  What we did
    instead was shop, then take a taxi to the beach(Magens Bay).  Our
    driver then picked us up 3 hours later and gave us a tour of whatever
    we wanted to see (such as Bluebeards castle).  I found that this filled
    our day completely.  There were some people who went on the TIKI boat, 
    but since it has unlimited rum and no food, most people were not to 
    sober leaving it.  I felt after being on a boat for serveral days that
    I did not want to go on another boat.  I also found that time is a big
    issue on these islands, so depending on what you really want to do you
    might be best off on your own.  You can even rent a car on these
    islands, and all the taxi's will give you tours and take you were you
    want to go for a reasonable price(our taxi cost 7$ for the two of us to
    go to the beach and back with a side tour!)
    	It is basically a personal issue of what you want to do.  Do you
    want to the islands (tours), go shopping all day, sit on a beach, or
    see these special places like the coral world?  

    I've done the submarine tour in St. Thomas.  It was interesting to be
    in a real submarine although I was disappointed that the underwater
    life is not too colorful.
    
    The tour we most enjoyed in St. Thomas was the jeep safari tour -
    where I got to drive a jeep through the mountains and then we had an
    hour or so at the beach at Magens Bay.  (I think the tour lasted 4
    hours all together.)
    
    RCCL keeps pretty good tabs on the tours they use and will eliminate
    tours from their itiniary if the get complaints.  They will give
    give talks about the available tours before you reach each port so
    be sure to attend.  These talks give the pros and cons of each tour and
    also other information for going on your own.  I've done both (ship
    tours and taxis on my own) and had pleasant experiences with each.
    
    Have fun...
    
    Ro
    

    I too agree with note 11.37 and say don't do the tours.  I was also
    on the SS Norway (August 1988) and my fiance and I took the the
    St. Thomas tour (Coral World, Bluebeards castle, etc.).  The tour
    was OK, but considering you only have about 6 hours in each port,
    doing the tour took up all of our time, and we had no time to go
    visit the beaches and do some exploring on our own.  It was our
    first cruise, so we didn't feel comfortable going out on our own
    (hiring a taxi to take us around), but now we know!!
    
    Just a point I should make (and it's rather embarassing).  On our
    tour we stopped at a scenic spot to see a beach (Magens Bay, I think).
    Anyway, on top of this mountain, we all got out of the bus to take
    pictures.  This guy walks up with a donkey (the donkey had a headpiece
    of flowers on him) and I said to my fiance "Chris, take a picture of
    me next to that donkey".  So the guy holding the donkey says "Oh, give
    me your camera
    and I'll take a picture with the both of you".  We said OK, and handed
    him the camera (pretty stupid, huh!!).  So he took the picture, and
    then said "that will be $7.00 please".  I was bullsh*t!!  Here this
    man was holding onto my camera, asking $7.00 for a picture he took
    with MY camera and MY film!!  I was afraid if I said no that he would
    have smashed my camera, so I paid him.  I was burning up mad; mostly
    at myself for being such a fool!!!
    
    But there is a funny part to the story.  That night at dinner, I told
    the people we sat with what happed.  Well, guess what.  The
    guy did the SAME THING to them, but he charged them $14.00 for the
    picture!!!!!!!!!  At that point, we were all laughing.
    
    Has anyone had any similiar experiences?
    
    Linda

    Re: -1
    
    Really don't know what this has to do with the Sovereign of the Seas
    and/or with cruising except that I got there on a cruise but guess how
    camel rides work in Egypt; you got it, it doesn't cost anything to get
    up on the camel but then if you want to get down... They'll happily
    accept American money :>)
    

	re: -2

	Concerning being ripped off by the guy on St Thomas who takes
	your picture with your own camera and then demands money, on
	our cruise on the SOS they warned us about him before we left
	the ship. It occasionally pays to attend those lectures before
	you leave the ship....

	Don

    
     Re: -3
      
      Sounds like the moral of the story is beware of natives with 
    donkey's !!!!!!!!
    And hold on to your camera. Thanks for the tour advice.
    
                             -Rob
    

    
    
    Well it seems like yesterday, but six months has gone by and I just
    mailed the balance for our March 10, sailing on the SOS.
    
    We will be heading down on Friday the day before and would love to 
    hear from someone that is scheduled to go ahead of us that is also
    flying out the day before as to:
    
    What airline did they book you on?
    
    What time is your flight? (my husband is hoping for an early fight
    so he can play golf, and I would love the extra day in the sun.)
    Also I would really APPRECIATE if anyone has a copie of the SOS
    daily itinerary if they could send it to me...
                                                                      
            Thanks in advance =ELLEN=
     
    
    

    RE. .43
    
    The Sovereign's daily itinerary, actually all the
    cruise ships, is different every day and will be somewhat different from
    one sailing to the next.
    
    You'll love the Sovereign.  We were on it in April 89 and are looking
    forward to returning this December with the Cruise Notes Conference
    group.  You may love it SOOOO much you'll sign on in December also!
    
    Have a great cruise!
    
    Joe
    

    
    
      I will be going on the Sovereign in late April/early May, I was
    wondering if anyone who has sailed on the ship can tell me if there
    are alarm clocks of any kind in the cabins, many televisions have
    built in alarm clocks so I was wondering if something like this
    was in the cabins ?
    
    It is no big deal if alarm clocks are not provided, I have a travel
    alarm, I'm just looking to eliminate anything I can from my packing.
    
                    Thanks,
    
                           -Rob
    
    
    

    Rob,
    
    I sailed on the Sovereign back in October, and I don't remember any
    alarm clocks provided (I brought a travel one with me), but I know
    that you can program the telephone for a wake-up call.
    
    Hope this helps,
    Brenda

    thanks thats all I needed!!!
    

    We were in Old San Juan yesterday (and now here I sit at my desk -- 
    aaarghhh!) and took a walk down to the piers to see the ships.  The
    Sovereign was in and loomed over the dock, but there was another ship
    in port that gave the Sovereign a run for her money in size.  Her name
    was Star Princess and she was humongous!  I just did a search through
    these notes for Star Princess but couldn't find anything.  Has anyone
    heard about that ship or sailed on her?  I don't even know what line it 
    was.  There was a large "P&O" on the hull.
    
    We just got back from a terrific cruise on a puddle hopper called the
    Ocean Islander (five of her would have fit inside the Sovereign), which 
    had only 155 passengers!  I will add a topic about that cruise when I 
    have collected my thoughts.  Going from 80-degree weather to 5-degree 
    weather is traumatic stuff. 

    I don't know the EXACT size, but Star Princess is the Princess Lines
    name for the Sitmar Star Majesty.  I believe she comes in at about
    50,000 tons, large but nut nearly the Sovereign (might rank 3rd or 4th
    behind Sovereign, Norwar and maybe even QEII???).
    
    I've considered going on this ship, but I believe it runs mostly
    western caribbean (which I've done twice) when sailing in the "North
    Atlantic".  Supposed to be beautiful and stable, nice uniform cabins,
    and with the trademark on-board pizzaria from Sitmar.
    
    Regards,
    
    Steve_who_wishes_he_were_counting_days_til_departure!
     
    
    
    

    
    
    First day back and I am finding it hard to ajust to the REAL WORD...
    
    The Ship is everything wonderful everyone has boasted about and more.
    
    We missed going to Labadee due to the trouble in Haiti, though we
    certainly appreciated thier concern for our safety, it was a real
    disappointment, because most everyone was really looking forward
    to the Day and the ship made no effort to compensate (such as, add
    some pool side activity or give everyone a tee shirt. After all this 
    day had been built up as a major hi-lights of the crusie.)  oh while
    we made the most of it and made our own fun. For any of you those out
    there who might be scheduled to crusie next week they have set up
    a stop in Nassau, Bahamas..
    
    I was a bit surprised to see so many men wearing tuxedos, I bet 50%.  
    Next time well try and talk my husband into it.
    
    If we win megabuck between now and December you can bet I will be
    sailing with all you lucky DEC folks ...  

    
    
    After reading my reply, " It is obvious, that I should stay home today"
    

    I've just returned from the 4-28 sailing of the Sovereign, what
    a great time. This was probably the best vacation I have ever had.
    The cruise director told us that the Sovereign II will begin sailing
    out of San Juan next summer. The new SoS II will be bigger than
    the present ship. He mentioned 3000 passengers. Since that ship
    wont have San Juan as a port of call, I will probably try it out
    in a couple of years.
    
                                                  -Rob
    
    

I heard last night on the news that there was a fire above the SOS.  I don't
know whether the fire started at sea or in port, but the passengers were taken
off the ship for five hours in San Juan.  The ship is now headed back to Miami
instead of continuing on its scheduled route.

The fire supposedly started in a "service area".  I don't believe there were
any injuries.

Anyone have any more info?

Jim

    From today's Boston Globe, reprinted without permission.
    
                3,000 ESCAPE FIRE ABOARD CRUISE SHIP
              
                          Associated Press
    
    San Juan - More than 3,000 passengers and crew were evacuated early 
    yesterday from the Sovereign of the Seas, one of the world's largest
    cruise ships, after a fire broke out in a pantry.
    
    One crew member was treated for smoke inhalation, but there were no
    other injuries in the fire.
    
    The blaze broke out when the ship was moored in San Juan Harbor, a 
    Ports Authority spokesman, Dan Rivera, said.
    
    "There was no panic," said passenger Tom Vento, 56, of Philadelphia. 
    "I was surprised that with so many people everyone was so calm."
    
    "At first we thought it was a joke, but then we saw that it was
    serious."
    
    The 14-deck, 800 foot luxury liner left Miami Saturday for a seven-day
    voyage to Labadee, a private island near Haiti, Puerto Rico, and the 
    U.S. Virgin Islands. 
    
    Rich Steck, a spokesman for Miami-based Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, 
    which owns the ship, said it would return to Miami last night following
    a Coast Guard safety inspection rather than continuing the cruise. 
    Passengers will be given a full fare refund, he said.
    
    Steck said the fire, which started about 1 a.m. in a pantry between the 
    fifth and seventh decks, apparently was caused by an electrical fault,
    but no details were available.
    
    The 2,318 passengers and most of the 818 crew members were evacuated
    to a nearby port terminal before they were allowed to return to the 
    ship at daybreak, Steck said.
                                              

    We are sailing November 16 on the Sovereign to celebrate our 20th
    anniversary.  Due to the problems in Haiti, we were told that that port
    call would be switched to Nassau.
    
    In an earlier note, it was mentioned that this has happened before. 
    Does anyone know whether they lay on shore excursions and tours in
    Nassau, or just turn you loose on your own?  (I guess that RCCL misses
    Nassau on most ships since there are no excursions listed for there in
    the booklet they sent.)
    
    I have read through all of the notes on the Sovereign in this file and
    really appreciate all of the great information.  If this note brings up
    anything you'd like to add, please do.  I'm really excited and have
    been reading everything I can get my hands on.  More input, more input.
    
    Thanks--
    
    -jer

    I think Nassau is "excluded" from your brochure because it's in the             
    Bahamas, and is included in that brochure.  I recently cruised on the
    Nordic Empress and we stopped in Nassau.  There were several shore
    excursions inclusing a general sight seeing tour, one of those
    "Kon-Tiki" type booze cruise, as well as two evening excursions to the
    casinos (Paradise Island)...I may be the only one, but I found Nassau
    to very disappointing..it's not especially pretty, and unless you like
    to gamble there's not much else to do...The ship docks right at the
    edge of the "Straw Market", so depending on how much time you have, you
    may want to just stroll over...a word of caution however, several other
    folks on the ship had either their cameras or handbags stolen while
    they were in the market place...
    

    I would have to agree with the last reply.  My wife and I we in Nassua
    2 years ago and found that it was a disappointment.  We took a limo
    tour around the city and found that it is somewhat dirty.  We had a few
    natives beg on us (that turns us off, big time) and thought it was over
    priced.
    
    Tha straw market is fun if you like to haggle on price.  All of the
    "action" is on Paradise Island across the bridge.  Most of the big
    motel and casinnos are over there.
    
    I have always heard that Lubidee (misspelled) was the best thing about
    RCCL cruises.  I just hate that your crusie got changed because of the
    unrest there.  
    
    From the past cruises, 3 to be exact, RCCL is the best line afloat. 
    Have a blast on your 20th anniversary!
    
    Ken Clifton
    

    Regarding 11.55, no Labadee. I am booked for Dec 7 sailing. I never
    even thought of that. My wife will be disappointed, she likes the
    beach and we have been to Labadee twice, once on Sovereign and once
    on Song of America. I agree with the others, I am not one bit impressed
    with Nassau and could care less about the straw marked. I would prefer
    that they just cruise around and forget Nassau. I guess we will see
    if we can find a nice hotel to go with a good beach. Hope for the
    best. Our reason for the Sovereign the second time was the good
    deal. We took a $895 per person deal including air, total of $1872
    with port charges. They assigned the room with basically no
    guarantees, we ended up with a Outside cabin on the promemnade deck !!
    Wow, this room's normal price for 2 on Dec 7 from brochure is $3540
    plus 80 port charges. 
    
    I just  realized that you are already on this cruise, oh what the heck.
    I liked the cruise the first time. EVen though I liked Song of AMerica
    a little better. Sovereign definitely does handle 2400 passengers well.
    
    Looking forward to cruise number 7.
    				Harold
    

We returned Saturday from a seven day cruise on the Sovereign of the 
Seas.  Here are my impressions of the ship and the cruise....

First of all, we got a great deal on a "cruise only" package.  The first 
person paid the cruise only rate for a category Q and the second person 
paid $199, a total of $1140, not including port taxes.  Our cabin was to 
be best available, and we ended up in an outside cabin, category F.  Our 
travel agent did a superb job for us!!

After spending the night in Miami, we took a taxi to the port for 
embarkation.  It was really smooth, no waiting, no staging areas; just 
hand over the ticket and receive a boarding pass.  Much easier than 
other ships we have been on.

The ship is beatiful, lots of brass and crystal.  Very impressive, very 
well maintained.  Our cabin was nicely appointed, had plenty of room, a 
generous shower and a terrific steward.  Once he introduced himself on 
the first afternoon, we rarely saw him, but the evidence of his presence 
was always there.  The ice bucket was constantly filled, glasses were 
always replaced immediately after use, clean towels magically appeared.  
(I wish I had one like him at home!)

The dining room service was outstanding.  Our waiter and busboy, 
Fernando and Zlatko, were attentive and helpful.  Their recommendations 
were right on target and they won my undying affection by serving me 
cappacino every night, without being asked, after discovering on the first 
night that it was a favorite of mine.  The food was good, not gourmet, 
but tasty and nicely presented.  

Because of the trouble in Haiti, port calls were shuffled.  They put 
into Nassau, no one's favorite port, on Sunday when nothing is open and 
there is little to do.  They offer a booze cruise in Nassau and most of 
those who left the ship chose that option.  It was fun, but we had 
really looked forward to Labadee.

We were to arrive in San Juan at noon on Tuesday, but due to what the 
cruise director called "engine trouble" and the capitan called "the 
unexpected side trip to Nassau" we didn't arrive until 4 pm.  (This was 
very confusing to us, because the ship had put into Nassau on the two 
previous cruises.  It seemed to us that either there had been slight 
engine trouble, which we would have understood, or that they knew we 
would arrive late in San Juan and just wanted to avoid copping to it.  
Either way, this left us with a sense that they were not being honest 
with the passengers.)  The late arrival caused the cancellation of all 
shore excursions except the nightclub tour.  

With 90 minutes of daylight, we hired a driver and took a whirlwind tour 
of Old and New San Juan.  We climbed around El Morro and visited the 
Cathedral.  We got an up close look at some of the lovely architecture 
in the old city and at the new, flashy hotels and casinos.  Best of all, 
we got a running commentary about the people and politics of Puerto 
Rico.  We did not return to the ship for dinner, but ate at La 
Majalloraquilla in Old San Juan.  It is the oldest restaurant in the 
city and serves wonderfully authentic food.  Reasonably priced, too.

After sailing from San Juan at 2am, we arrived in St. Thomas at 7 the 
next morning.  We did a little, very little, shopping at Havensight Mall 
and then took the ferry to St. John.  St. John is so beautiful and 
quiet.  The beaches and water are picture postcard material and because 
2/3 of the island is a National Park, they are pristinely clean.  A 
really enjoyable side trip, highly recommended to those who are not 
afflicted with the shopping gene!

The next two days are at sea.  These are often my favorite days on a 
cruise, the most relaxing and restful.  The deck space gets crowded, 
after all there were 2300 passengers on board.  By ten or so, there were 
no deck chairs free around the pool, although some on the upper deck 
seemed to be available.  The noise level can get intense at times, and 
you really do sit arm to arm with your fellow passengers.  

That last paragraph probably reflects my only problem with the cruise.  
The price was fantastic, the ship is beautiful, the food and staff are 
first rate, BUT THERE ARE JUST TOO MANY PEOPLE ON THIS SHIP!! You don't 
find the same friendliness that you do on a smaller ship; not because 
the people aren't pleasant, but because you rarely encounter the same 
folks more than once. It is easier to strike up conversations with 
people when you run into them over and over again. 

I would recommend this cruise as a really good value, especially for 
first time cruisers.  There is everything on board that one expects of a 
cruise, and a little more besides.  The age group on our sailing 
probably averaged 60, but there were lots of  younger people who 
managed to find each other and certainly appeared to have a good time.  
(The ship sailed this week with 300+ kids on for the Thanksgiving cruise!)

    P.S.  Be aware that cabins on deck 7 have a LOT of traffice outside the
    windows.  Lots of noise and little privacy.  Also, cabins on deck 8
    have obstructed views.  
    
    If anyone has more questions, give me a call or drop me a message.

jeri

juliet::vasquez_je
DTN 521-3220

    
    My husband, myself and four of our friends are sailing on this years
    New Years cruise and was wondering if anyone else that reads this file
    will be on this sailing?
    
    Though this will be our sixth cruise, it will be our first Holiday
    Sailing.  Questions for those that have sailed on a New Years Crusie. 
      
    1) Do you see more men in tux's then non-holiday cruises 
    
    2) What airline does RCCL use out of Boston
    
    3) What is the general time of departure
    
    Thanks in advance for any advice.

      
    1) Do you see more men in tux's then non-holiday cruises 
	** no experience but I would doubt it. you should be comfortable
           either way, tux or nice suit for 2 formal nights.
        
    2) What airline does RCCL use out of Boston
        ** been a while but I believe Delta, expect it to be the major
    	** carriers on East Coast.
    
    3) What is the general time of departure
        ** no guarantees, but all of our RCCL departures were typically
           flights from logan in early morning around 7-9, typically at
           Miami around noon or a little later. we were usually on the
    	   ship around 2 - 3 PM always well ahead of ship departure. Of
           course we did not run into any flight delays. I think they
    	   try to schedule most flights with a few hours of slack in case
           of delays.
    

Sovereign of the Seas ran aground off Puerto Rico enroute to San Juan
last week.  It was towed off a sand bar and into San Juan.  No one was
hurt.   No word on damage or effects on sailings this week or next.
I'll update this when I get this week's Travel Weekly.

Bill A.