Joebucks

Just think of it as part of the price, because it is.

As with any topic in life, just because someone you know or even just made an acquaintance with in passing, recommends something, that doesn't make it law. Some people do know. Some people don't. Some people will brag about every decision they make. Just be mindful. Keep in mind, for all of the examples you are given, you don't always receive full the context. Hundreds or thousands in rebates, able to move the sun and the stars, or available 24/7, remember that there are different scenarios. The $15,000 customer is in a different business model than the $1,500 one.

Re-read my post. Aside from ID (which I never travel with less than 2), what do you need that is so important? Vax and COVID tests are largely not a requirement anymore. If they are, you can usually upload them to something. I mentioned screenshots because they require no reliable on wifi or systems connection. Maybe the case here is that if all of the stars align, you can be slightly inconvenienced on your check-in. Which can happen anyways if there are system issues. Maybe some lines still requiring COVID documentation could be a problem. I have yet to see evidence that I need to print out 10 pages for my upcoming cruise as a blanket statement.

There are so many things at the deli that I want that I will probably stow away a sandwich or two. It's a shame, I would have paid like $6 here and there to get a sandwich later.

Or buy that same Bacardi at the bar in individual glasses for $160. This was a good move to bring it back. I'm sure there was lots of pushback from customers. It probably also didn't push people into other, more profitable sales as some may have hoped. Nor did it stop fights. I can live with a 1 bottle limit. For those of us who have a go-to liquor (like Whiskey), it is the best alcohol deal on the ship.

What is so crucial for you to have (besides ID) that must be in paper form or you risk missing your cruise? I haven't brought paper to a cruise in years. I keep screenshots of important data in case I don't get signal. I can also send it to the other half just in case.

A TA might be advantageous if you are booking a really expensive trip (they can likely get you more perks) or if you need assistance with what to book. Otherwise, your cheap weekend cruises and whatnot, book them yourself.

It was none of those things. Having worked with the public, the "I've waited for 30 minutes" barely ever breaks 10.

They're nice to have, but a waste of money to me. The only reason I'm doing one on my upcoming cruise is because I got another upgrade offer. I think it was like $270 so I said what the hell. At booking it was $650 more. For the amount of time I actually spend out there, it comes out to hundreds of dollars an hour to have a view that is available all over the ship for free. I've had a balcony enough times to say it isn't always this tranquil place of quiet. Sometimes you have loud conversations nearby, doors slamming, music playing, weed smoke, etc. I can only sit in those chairs for so long. I really only use it to peak outside in the morning, maybe enjoy a beer, then maybe a little later when the other half is getting ready. You'll find me in the serenity area 10x more than the balcony. Plenty of padded chairs, including the clamshells, views everywhere. It is no more noisier over there.

Oh wow, fights still happen even without liquor bottle sales?

The buffet gets a lot of hate because that's the fun thing to do, to show how refined your dining tastes are. When in reality, it's mostly the same food made in the same manner as in the mdr.

A really memorable experience on the Valor was when they played the Saints game on the lido deck. Obviously, there was a decent amount of locals on that ship. Really good energy and a really fun sea day.

This is exciting to me. I've seen multiple menus out there and feared that the one you spoke of was an old menu. A bowl of ramen and a california roll for $12 sounds good to me!

If you're bored with Celebrity, and want Royal without the price, give Carnival a shot again.

I always travel with a vial of generic pills just in case. Never pay literally 15x more than what it costs at home. I have yet to be found by the vial police.

How many airlines and itineraries do you get to choose from? In my experience, a discounted Delta flight is likely still 50% or more of comparable flights.

I loathe how all of unfortunate events on cruise ships become "cruise stories" where everyone with a keyboard draws up their own conclusion on how terrible cruising is, yet the same scrutiny doesn't apply to the rest of the world. Many people out there live a hard life. Including but not limited to those in other countries who provide customer service, manufacturing, and yes, even cruising. We don't always know the facts. Nor does our liberal approach to "needing more mental health services" really provide any concrete solve. Working on a cruise is a hard life, but it also provides better opportunities to many who wouldn't have been as fortunate otherwise. Be fortunate for what you have. Please, also be kind to the workers. They work so hard for some of the most disrespectful pigs out there. Being constantly yelled at or berated doesn't help rough scenarios they may or may not be going through. Treat them like people. Greet them. Thank them. Make them smile. It doesn't help working a 12 hour day then being yelled at by an ungrateful, spoiled, Karen who NEEDS XYZ.

Given the choice of the 3, I'm with you on early dining. Late is too late for me to eat dinner, and it definitely impacts my nightlife. YTD is nice for its flexibility, but I still find it to chaotic and impersonable. Not to mention having to wait for tables. Considering the vast majority of ports we are back on the ship by 4:30 and that is around the time I've had enough lounging on sea days, I don't believe 6pm is "rushing". While the lax schedule is nice about cruising, there is a level of haste to fit in the nightly activities. It is awesome to just walk to my table at 6, the team greets us promptly, and we get going. I will be sad once early, fixed dining eventually leaves us. It's the best.

I'd wager to say you probably would agree with more people than I do. People love to feel protected. They also love to feel like they are getting more for something they bought. What actually benefits everyone is different case by case. I believe more people should do the math and decide. Many just choose on a whim, and that is law. I used to think I wanted a lower deductible. Then I realized the few times I received care per year, I was still spending money out of pocket. The overall tab with premiums and copays considered, was very large. When I went HDHP/HSA, I absolutely saved a significant chunk, and a significant portion of my money was staying with me. HSA is one of the most tax-advantaged accounts there is. Paying anything for medical (or dental) out of pocket isn't the same once you can do it pre-tax. Plus, I now have a little nest egg of care saved up for a rainy day. My (new) deductible also isn't half bad for a HDHP. Although I know how this forum frowns upon advantages, so I won't say what it is.

$2500 is a lot of money. Period. Vacation is a spot where people will justify spending ungodly amounts of money and justify it however they want, regardless of what actually makes sense or what they will actually use. You may find one line has something you like, one has something you don't like, and vice-versa. It never hurts to try something. You can always go back next time. It's funny when people think RCL only serves the most upscale royalty clients, while Carnival is its own breed.

I've wanted to love the Piano Bars. In the few times I went, it seemed that the "regulars" of the cruise consumed the room.

Loving your review. This just looks like so much FUN. It's getting me more excited for my Celebration cruise.

And a bunch of people saying "this is why I never cruise!"

These routes and prices look very tempting. Ugh, even a southern Caribbean from NY for $400ish pp.

My standard medical insurance is a HDHP that has international coverage. I stopped paying high premiums and other insurances long ago. I was tired of spending so much and not having anything left from it. Instead, I put the money in an HSA. It grows pre-tax, can be invested, and in the event of medical needs, it can be used tax-free. Then the insurance is still there for something truly catastrophic. My Chase Sapphire Reserve also comes with various insurances like baggage delay, cancellation, medical evac, etc. That is another layer of protections in case I need it. At the end of it, I guess I'm bearing the risk of not having CFAR, which getting back 75% of non-refundable costs isn't worth insuring.