BlerkOne

One of the concessions made in the new contracts is more first class seats reserved for non-rev crew, and so fewer available for even the tip toppest of tiers. Some of the perks for paying customers are now perks for employees. They don't have a choice. I think American is the easiest to buy status on without having to fly the airline.

The good old days still exist on Princess. They still count cruises or cruise days toward loyalty levels.

On my current cruise, they simply handed me $25 cash, which is just as good as money. They can keep the tournaments. You are correct that all cruise lines have cut back on loyalty programs. No program is sustanable without change.

More hovercraft

Found my next cruise ship

The hovercraft looked like it had a flat.

Yes. This is the third time we have gone in September and the others times had great weather. I think what we had this time is more like October weather. But with climate change??? The excursions we had canceled were those that were most susceptible to the weather (like boat trips or the zipline). The zipline would have gone if the winds had diminished some. September is the end of the season and some great sales to be had, although stores could be running out of stock. Prime time for Aurora is around the solstices. June/July might have the best weather, but also the most kids and higher prices.

Ketchikan was another canceled shore excursion. We were supposed to do the hovercraft, but waves in the morning were too large.

Delta is clearly sucking up to the business traveler. If anything, Carnival would add/beef up the lower levels and leave Platinum/Diamond alone. Carnival knows who butters their bread.

I will never understand why the entitled think Carnival owes them something. I like good food, good service, etc. We get that in Carnival. Carnival offers us multiple ports within an easy drive. I have been impressed with the number of visible security personnel on my current cruise. It's all good

I'll take draft beer for the win

Carnival has no need to make changes to the marketing program. Those who like the brand, and there are millions, will continue to cruise on Carnival. Other cruise lines are happy to bribe customers Delta is too expensive for either cash or award tickets these days. I see future bailouts for airlines given their new contracts.

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/-9DQdFhn8cY it says an error embedding, we'll see added: works for me