navybankerteacher

Seconded — I am inclined to think that a major reason people want (think they need) to “stay connected” is that they are afraid to be left alone with their thoughts.

Why ? The Bahamas are not tropical. And it is quite possible to have high temps in the 60’s from mid November.

Until I remarried, many of my cruises (at least 8 in the first five years of this century) were booked within a week of sailing. When I had a lull in my consulting work, I’d immediately see what was available and grab what looked good - often at very low cost (important, because I was sailing alone).

And, would it even be deductible as a medical expense?

Agreed, I think he misread the post to which he responded.

If your line of choice starts to charge extra for basic menu items, you might want to choose another line. If you let them get keep getting away with micro-surcharges, you will wind up paying for tap water.

If you look at deck plans and pictures of the ship you should be able to see which deck's balconies are covered by those on upper decks.

Agreed --your suggested site is probably best. But if OP comes back here, I would suggest he use Uber or Lyft -- there is an airport tram which would get him to the local train connection to Fort Lauderdale -- but someone getting off a flight from London should consider the easier Uber option.

Someone preferring to drive from Detroit to Bayonne rather than flying strikes me as someone interested in trading his time to save some dollars.

3 days, followed by about a week ashore in Bermuda, then the rest of the cruise back to New York.

I’d prefer to pick my own itinerary, by choosing a ship with a plan, - and the thought of being on a ship even with just 500 folks suddenly joining the several thousand already swarming over a place like Santorini does not appeal.

This is standard across all lines with which I am familiar. At the end of the meal, if there are just lees in the bottle, it is done; If there is just enough for a small sip, I will have it; if there is enough for a full glass or more, it will be saved for you.

I think we have done this one to death.

I am inclined to think the “best” restaurant anywhere would not just specialize in BBQ. While I really enjoy it, I would suggest that if someone wants a really great dining experience in Charleston near the cruise terminal, they should try High Cotton or Magnolias - both on East Bay Street, a couple of blocks from the cruise pier.

Of course it’s not. I generally prefer Hilton brands - but the topic here was a motel about two hours short of Bayonne, NJ for someone (presumably on a budget) driving from Detroit. But, I have to ask: why is it a matter of having experienced them “year after year” if your opinion of the brand is so low?

The Inn at Virginia Mason (next to hospital), while a bit away from the middle of things, is clean, comfortable, reasonably priced (about $120-$130) and near several good restaurants. Walkable down the hill to Pike’s Place, etc - but you would probably like a cab back up.

Plus easy several block walk up to plenty of Restaurants.

I am not advocating all Red Roof Inns - I happen to have stayed at this one about two years ago. Clean, quiet, inexpensive and helpful staff. No signs of “scabies and bed bigs”. Is that what you experienced at Mifflinville - or at those you know in DE and SC?

Because we are not addicted to cell phone connectivity, we find that the Mobal international phone works for us - it handles very inexoensively the rare calls we need to make - and anyone who needs to reach us can do so with email, which we usually check once a day.

There is no real magic time to grab a significantly discounted cruise. The lines carefully monitor sales rates, and if it appears that one sailing might not be filling up, they will adjust prices according to their pricing models.

The reason most ships leave the Caribbean is because there is so little demand - meaning that prices are likely to be low on the (quite a) few remaining. But there must be at least 15 to 20 sailings in the first couple of weeks in May - before the summer vacation mob scene starts up.

Possibly mid-May for the Caribbean, before schools let out for the Summer. Mediterranean: mid November until April.

Remember - OP is talking about sailing on Anthem of the Seas, and not some Oceania or other premium line - so low cost might outweigh lack of posh accommodations - we’re only talking about a convenient part way stopping point here.

I saw a news story last night concerning the ongoing trend of airlines shrinking seating space for passengers. Since the average American man weighed about 168 lbs. in 1960, about 189 lbs. in 2000 and about 200 lbs. in 2020; the trend seems to go against logic. Could the all-you-can-eat buffets aboard cruise ships be contributing to the problems facing people flying to cruise ports?

And the easiest change (especially in an industry trying to hold down costs to attract more customers) is in a downward direction - with gravity to help.