Mary229

Those port decisions and build outs are economic decisions and will have to be made in the board room. I do believe there is a trend to the destination resort ship. That is what may drive the financial engine that lets us others continue to cruise traditionally. Then again decisions made may end our variety of travel. It is all about the bottom line. Even if it doesn't suit you or me it does not preclude a healthy industry. (As a business person I have always held the firm conviction that each company in a free society is entitled to succeed or fail by their own hand) Private companies are what they are, that is you try to discern and if you use their product you hope for the best. That said I still find it interesting the esteem that is given to stock price. As someone who has successfully maneuvered through the investment labyrinths of Wall Street since my youth I find that concept that Wall Street knows something you and I don't very amusing. Yes, there are individuals who are worth paying attention to but the herd not so much.

They have larger verandas and if in center may have more sqft

I avoid naysayers onboard. I may have criticisms but i write them on a pad and include them in the post cruise survey. Complaining vocally just makes it worse. You can’t imagine how many times I have excused myself to go to the restroom- people must think I have a problem 😊

Although it only covers aft facing rooms it is nevertheless informative

Perhaps if you name the cruise lines of interest you could get more specific advice.

You are exactly right about which country you hold citizenship. Though many US and EU citizens can enjoy the ease of a digital visa that is not the case for all citizenships, regardless of where you reside.

It is a common procedure in South America and, by the way, the one which led to my difficulties. I also want to add to @Charles4515 good advice and add that leaving a copy at home will also help your family and friends aid you if things go awry. Maybe this is overkill for a 7 day Caribbean cruise but if you venture further and longer it becomes more important

You do understand that the lines have the option to mute the regulations by no longer sailing to certain ports. That is an economic decision that can override engineering. Lines are not building smaller ships to comply with various port regulations. Business planning far more complex than engineering. i never said that they were healthy, I said it demonstrates the financial health, no matter the condition of that health. Gauging a line by stock price leads to the question of how are those lines without audited public accounting and no stock price gauged?

I enjoy engaging with those who have traveled extensively. Sure they might be bragging but many are also very helpful in planning my time in port. One of the wealthiest couples I ever met onboard gave us so many unique suggestions on how to travel independently once on shore. They were delightful (and they enjoyed showing their wealth). It takes all kinds and if I start ignoring people who are quirky I will be a nation of one😉.

What are you trying to pay for? Things off invoice, that is, things in your cart must be purchased with one method or the other. You cannot, for example, pay for shore excursions with both a gift card and a credit card.

And more basically the cost to build new waste, water, utility, road, transportation and health systems may exceed the benefits tourists bring. There used to be a concept of appropriateness (appropriate technology) which is little used in public discussions but it does underly economic planning.

And you can buy that package from the first restaurant/bar personnel you encounter. Anyone who sells the package gets some form of “reward” so if you have a favorite bar you can get it there as easily as the MDR

I nabbed a very sweet deal on one of my cruises a few months back and it is being honored. I bought it quick! Sunday seems to be the day to check

TripAdvisor used to send me all kinds of swag for writing reviews. Now that they have their audience and we’re able to sell themselves to the highest bidder they don’t have to do that anymore

No, I haven’t ever had any pushback from locals especially when walking around independently. Occasionally I will get on a transport bus where they drop you off at a remote location for some hours to walk around independently and it may overwhelm a small town. No local has ever been rude but of course there may be stares. Last time in Bar Harbor we were on a small group tour and the guide freely complained about the local and federal government hindering his business.

You can, just switch your map to public transportation. Google tells me when my stop is approaching. The best I heard of that should be included on the ship’s app is walking directions - at my sister’s workplace, a hospital, their app will tell you exactly where to walk to. Like go straight, turn left in 100 feet, take elevator to 3rd floor, turn left and so on - that is great!

I think the lesson from FTX is that discussions of alternative energy are just marketing. Of course the primary motivation is cost savings followed closely by regulation, the rest is window dressing. Demographics and sources of revenue speak to the financial health of the industry.

The exploration cafe opens early also

I am a simple woman - crème brûlée, Pavlova and hot fudge Sunday (a recent discovery for me). In the lido - bread pudding. In Pinnacle - key lime pie. In Canaletto - the gelato trio.

I was allowed to use FCD on a complimentary cruise for the $100 booking fee. I chose not to as it was my last FCD but it was offered

Yes, but other circumstances exist where you may find yourself in need of a consulate and a digital copy of that passport will be needed. It is about timing and distance. The port agent can only do so much. In my complicated case I thankfully had my digital copy. There was recently a case on one of the islands where a woman was in a car accident and hospitalized for days. She had no passport and could not fly home. I don’t know if the port agent was called or could have helped.

Most lines will assume the responsibility if they cancel the cruise. This cruise has not been canceled . it does bring up the question of where she was flying to and hotel location, That flight may have been or will be canceled

You can use your FCD. If it is a discount, such as 5 - 30% then you pay on the normal schedule. If it is a strongly discounted cruise such as free or $99 interior stateroom you will pay all upfront.

My condolences. Many small agencies offer this service especially if they have a group offering. Also as mentioned churches, civic organizations such as senior centers. There are also agencies that specialize in senior travel who also can accommodate match ups including meeting people prior to sailing at a social where you can find someone with whom you are congenial. If you can afford it the best option may be to seek a group and travel solo cabin still having the companionship of the group for dining and shore activities

I leave the passport in the safe but I do carry a digital image, stored in the cloud, of my passport, my credit card, vaccination cards and my drivers license. You never know if you will be waylaid in a foreign port and might need consulate assistance. We were once stopped and separated from the cruise tour and it was uncertain whether we would be able to catch up with the ship prior to sailing. You never know what will happen.