ISO opinions on Continental Airlines

[Cookin4Love]

We are at the point of needing to book our flight to Newark for our cruise in June. Continental has the best rate on a great nonstop flight. I've never flown Continental before, though, and just wondered if anyone has any experiences--good, bad, or indifferent--they would like to share before we buy our tickets. TIA!

[Beth]

Since Continental is based in Houston (and Newark) and flies to San Francisco, most of my travel over the last 15 years has been on Continental. I wouldn't have any hesitation booking the flight.

[MISSINDI]

I second what Beth says. I've only flown on CO ... next flight is in February for our cruise. ;)

What itinerary did you end up with? Are you leaving from NJ or NY port? We departed from the Jersey port for the first time in November, and it was VERY easy. :D

[Cookin4Love]

I second what Beth says. I've only flown on CO ... next flight is in February for our cruise. ;)

What itinerary did you end up with? Are you leaving from NJ or NY port? We departed from the Jersey port for the first time in November, and it was VERY easy. :D

We're leaving from the New Jersey port, then staying in Manhattan for five days when we return. A pilot friend of mine suggested we fly in and out of Newark, so that's what we're doing. We're actually arriving in NJ the day before our cruise so we can board the cruise early. We're doing an Eastern Caribbean, 9-night itinerary, with two at sea days on the way out, and two at sea days on the way back. I can't wait. It's our celebration cruise, and there's a lot to celebrate!

[MISSINDI]

We're leaving from the New Jersey port, then staying in Manhattan for five days when we return. A pilot friend of mine suggested we fly in and out of Newark, so that's what we're doing. We're actually arriving in NJ the day before our cruise so we can board the cruise early. We're doing an Eastern Caribbean, 9-night itinerary, with two at sea days on the way out, and two at sea days on the way back. I can't wait. It's our celebration cruise, and there's a lot to celebrate!

Sounds awesome! Is it with RCCL? We're doing the Western Caribbean in February and I'm really looking forward to it. Wasn't planning on going on vacation so soon, but with schedules being what they are this year (and my assistant going on maternity leave), couldn't be helped.

[Cookin4Love]

Sounds awesome! Is it with RCCL? We're doing the Western Caribbean in February and I'm really looking forward to it. Wasn't planning on going on vacation so soon, but with schedules being what they are this year (and my assistant going on maternity leave), couldn't be helped.

Yes, it's RCCL. We'll be sailing on Explorer of the Seas. We've booked shore excursions, but might be changing some. There is so much we'd like to do, and so little time. I'm looking into the feasibility of doing some things on our own, but it makes me nervous to get out of the cruise line's umbrella of (at least perceived) safety. ;)

[MISSINDI]

Yes, it's RCCL. We'll be sailing on Explorer of the Seas. We've booked shore excursions, but might be changing some. There is so much we'd like to do, and so little time. I'm looking into the feasibility of doing some things on our own, but it makes me nervous to get out of the cruise line's umbrella of (at least perceived) safety. ;)

Just MTCW (we've done RCCL twice now, with the third coming up), their excursions are good, but a little pricey, especially if you're traveling with a lot of people or do more than 1-2. The first time we went, we did them all. In November, not so much.

Have you visited Cruise Critic's site? If not, check out this page (http://www.cruisecritic.com/reviews/review.cfm?ShipID=186). They review all the different ships/lines and have great review pages for each destination from each particular ship. The link I put is for your particular one. Always great tips about what to do and what to stay away from.

Also, if anyone in your group drinks soda, BUY the soda package from RCCL. You can only buy it on the first day, and it's worth it. Includes unlimited soda from any of the on-ships bars and restaurants for your entire stay.

Hope this helps!

[Cookin4Love]

Just MTCW (we've done RCCL twice now, with the third coming up), their excursions are good, but a little pricey, especially if you're traveling with a lot of people or do more than 1-2. The first time we went, we did them all. In November, not so much.

Have you visited Cruise Critic's site? If not, check out this page (http://www.cruisecritic.com/reviews/review.cfm?ShipID=186). They review all the different ships/lines and have great review pages for each destination from each particular ship. The link I put is for your particular one. Always great tips about what to do and what to stay away from.

Also, if anyone in your group drinks soda, BUY the soda package from RCCL. You can only buy it on the first day, and it's worth it. Includes unlimited soda from any of the on-ships bars and restaurants for your entire stay.

Hope this helps!

I've visited the CruiseCritic's boards, but not recently. Thanks for the link. And we're already sold on the soda package--did it on both of our other cruises. We ALL drink soda, and there's just no way we wouldn't spend a whole lot more paying as we go! Thanks for the info!

Have you done any excursions on your own--outside the RCCL-provided ones?

And Beth--thanks for the good word on Continental. They have a flight that leaves here at 11 and arrives in Newark at 6:50--nonstop. We'll still be fairly early our time, which makes it a perfect flight for us, especially travelling with a 7-year-old. ;)

[Canice]

We are at the point of needing to book our flight to Newark for our cruise in June. Continental has the best rate on a great nonstop flight. I've never flown Continental before, though, and just wondered if anyone has any experiences--good, bad, or indifferent--they would like to share before we buy our tickets. TIA!

Like Beth, I've done the SF-Houston (well, on to San Antonio) route on Continental many times. The short answer to your question is "indifferent". It's no better or worse than any other airline. I now fly United (best choice out of San Francisco anyhow) because they have one direct flight a day between SF and SA. United doesn't serve "food" so that's a real plus in my book, as it encourages me to buy or pack a lunch -- much preferable to the FrightBurgers I actually allowed myself to eat on those Continental trips....

[Cookin4Love]

Like Beth, I've done the SF-Houston (well, on to San Antonio) route on Continental many times. The short answer to your question is "indifferent". It's no better or worse than any other airline. I now fly United (best choice out of San Francisco anyhow) because they have one direct flight a day between SF and SA. United doesn't serve "food" so that's a real plus in my book, as it encourages me to buy or pack a lunch -- much preferable to the FrightBurgers I actually allowed myself to eat on those Continental trips....

I didn't know there were any airlines that served food anymore--but FrightBurgers??? :eek: Seriously, we'll probably eat at the airport while we're waiting to board, and I like to pack our own snacks, too. Much, much better than any of the alternatives. ;)

[Beth]

The meals on Continental had moved towards a snack -- usually a very small turkey sandwich that is okay if you're hungry and the bread hasn't gotten wet. I think my last meal was that, a package of baby carrots (about 5 of them) or a tiny apple, similar size bag of pretzels and maybe a small piece of chocolate. It will keep you from going weak at the knees, but it's not going to be a fine dining experience. But the worst I ever had was on a United flight years ago. It's probably better that they have moved away from hot meals.

BTW, the food on any flight is more dependent on the food service in the departing city than the airline itself.

[sneezles]

We flew CO to Scotland and while the flight there was fine the return was a nightmare. The food on all flights was awful (with international they do serve a full meal but it was disgusting). But I've learned from years of flying SW to pack my own food...though the smell of the food served was enough to mkae me lose my appetite!

We did RCCL to Cozumel and Costa Maya in November. only did one excursion and we booked it ourselves after arrving in Costa Maya. Paid 1/3 the price and had a great visit to the ruins. Don't be afraid to negociate with the locals.

[vbak]

Our trip to Germany was a nightmare on the way there. And Newark airport? I have never encountered such RUDE personnel. Our return flight was fine. Have fun !

Vicky

[AndreaU]

We've only flown Continental, out of Newark, and will continue to do so. Their planes are some of the newest flying today. Never had a problem (weather not included) with them. Their prices are pretty competitive.

[Gail]

Oh boy, I get to dust off my Continental Airlines story.

Back in the eighties, my husband and I flew Continental LAX to New Orleans. Words cannot describe how utterly revolting the meal was. (Otherwise, the flight was fine and I wouldn't hesitate to fly Continental again.)

Anyway, after such disgusting food, we decided to pick up a couple of muffalettas at Central Grocers for the flight home. Leave a muffaletta to sit for a while, and boy does that garlic smell come out.... anyway, by the time dinner was being served, the other passengers were turning around, dying to locate the source of the wonderful aroma-- sure wasn't from the plane's galley! As the flight attendant came down the aisle and saw us chowing down on our goodies (we'd ordered some wine to go with) she grinned at us and said, "Ah... I see you've tried our food..." :D :D