Joebucks

MSC's profit is definitely not from their cruise fares

I wouldn't lose any sleep if they stopped the "show." However, how late are you showing up that you aren't getting your food first? I can't remember the last time we didn't have everything, including our dessert already.

Trends in Cigar Consumption and Smoking Prevalence [quote]Over this 6-year interval, cigar smoking increased among both males and females (Table 4). The rates of cigar smoking increased among males of each race, but the increase was greatest among white and black males. Current cigar smoking prevalence remained unchanged among males with less than a high school education.[/quote] Regardless. The world is not always about charts and graphs. If luxury cars took a downward sales trend in X time period, it does not mean that it's no longer a viable market. As with anything, you size your offering in relationship to its demand. Cigars are associated with a "premium" lifestyle of sorts. I find it hard to believe that Carnival couldn't make a few hundred or even few thousand per cruise on some whiskey and cigar pairings. Or even at the minimum, have an outdoor bar near the smoking area with a humidor and cigars for sale.

This is probably the most annoying topic. People who want the "experience of yesterday" but are not willing to pay the price of yesterday. They'd rather choose the cheapest options, and complain about them. I just don't understand the attire thing. As long as it isn't obese people wearing thongs at dinner, I just don't care enough. Vacation is about relaxing. I'm not there to wear a suit in the 80 degree weather. Life is full of experiences that may not fully agree with you. Enjoying the finer moments is going to be real tough if you let these things get to you.

Cheers is more than $60 per day. It sounds to me like you'd rather have the convenience of drinks where you want them vs when you want them. What is the point of the package?

I know this will make some people mad, but this happens everywhere. I swear some middle-aged women have a comfort in standing in the doorways or any other spot that blocks traffic in the grocery stores. No consideration for other people.

What an excellent thread. Cruise is already booked, so literally just looking for negativity to bring in. Not only that, but no one really has any "new cutbacks." Instead, we made this a greatest hit of all of the favorites. Tablecloths, room service, food going downhill since 1972. A+

If it is going to ruin your life that a new "crew and ship" might not yet be a perfectly well-oiled machine, then I would wait. The whole fear is overrated. It's not like you are going to go on the 2nd sailing and there is no food.

Omg! If it's not in the safe in the room, then you are basically at work!!

The sticky can have an FAQ. Answering a few questions (pasted from Carnival). Like what day Cheers starts, does everyone in the cabin need it, what does it include. That FAQ could answer like 90% of questions.

Depends what you mean by pool people. Are you looking to swim? Do you expect a large pool to yourself? If you want either of those, cruising might not deliver on that. Pools are generally smaller and crowded on ships, especially when compared to land resorts. The biggest ships have the most pool options though.

I commend you for being the first person in the history of the casino to admit this. For most it's "I only spent like $50 and I get free suites."

And then they're FUMBLING everywhere! No apps on the phone and no service. Buttons that suddenly stopped functioning. Phone flying out of hands like a loose fish fighting for its life! I mean I somewhat get it. If I had the choice, I prefer paper menus over phone menus. However, if you want the honest truth from me. I probably already looked at the menu on the app, days in advance and already know what I want. Personally, I find that to have the most utility in the menu debacle. It's nice in case we want to plan what we're going to do for dinner that night. However, it is usually the MDR. Of course no one would ever find something that maybe became a positive. Papers and tablecloths make or break vacation. Which leads me into my biggest peeve. People who look for reasons to be upset. Old timers that can't get over things not the "way they used to be." Detective Karen who found out about servicing "38 cabins" and deduces how much that ruins their day. There's so many things that most people would never even notice if it wasn't for the internet telling them to be mad.

I've cruised with a handful of people that were deathly worried they would be seasick as they had never cruised before. None were ever sick a day. I may not be an expert here. It sounds like if you have a condition that would cause this, it may not be exclusive to cruise activities, and you may already have a medication.

Or even something near the smoking area of the ships whereas to appease the whiners that don't want more smoking areas. There's generally lots of space around there. I'm surprised that in the smoking area, they don't capitalize on an opportunity to sell more smoking related items. Lighters, cigars, cigarettes, etc. Maybe even some Carnival branded gear. Imagine if they had whiskey and cigar pairings? Sign me up! But I think I got my question answered as to why they don't do this anymore. I can see how hoards of cigarette smoker could kill this vibe. Idk, I still think it's worth a try.

One of my biggest complaints with the Carnival brand is the lack of cigar lounge. It honestly blows my mind that they don't do this.

About a day

I used the status match in 2018. I sent them I believe my IHG Spire. They matched me to MSC Gold. I asked if they could use my Hilton Diamond instead a few days later as I found that gave me MSC Diamond. They absolutely would not do "another match." Well I never used it, and it expired. I figured I'd try it again with my Hilton Diamond to see what the definition of "one match" meant. Well, today they matched me to MSC Diamond without issue.

No need. No one has been denied cruising because they didn't print their pass. They can print it for you at the port.

I've done plenty of 3 day land trips (and have one coming up soon), so why not 3 days on a boat? Obviously, if I have the choice, I'd pick more than that. However, not everyone has more time. Sometimes, it can be a nice weekend getaway. Especially if you are near a port or travel isn't a huge barrier.

They invested hundreds of millions of dollars into a port, in time of billions in debt. There will be upcharges. These types of investments and offerings will help keep cruise lines relevant. With that said, I don't see why everyone gets so offended by upcharges. Are we entitled to free (insert amenity) where ever we go? It's most a FOMO and obsession of "inclusivity." Not everyone has to like the same things either. In the end, I say having those amusement park options are a huge plus. Without them, the kids have no where else to go, creating a noisier experience at the other parts.

I agree. Not that my habits make me the average consumer. As much as I don't care for Cheers, I'll sometimes get it for a short cruise with friends. There's at least some truth behind why the shorter cruises are dubbed booze cruises. Most people won't bat an eye at a $50 increase. Alcohol is life. 7 day cruises are just too many drinks and too much money for us at $1000. I absolutely do not want to drink that much for 7 days. My other half wants to drink even less. Raising that price to an already very high price tag will turn people away.

It's $82.54 per day with the fees, $165 with partner. You'd need closer to 6, 12 with your partner. Let alone if one or both of you want a day off. The psychological effect of simplifying it down to a single day for a single person seems to be what gets so many hooked. I've been around a lot of drinkers in my life, and most couples just aren't putting down 12 fancy cocktails a day for X days. I love to drink, but I'm over this obsession that I need an unlimited plan to suck down as many as I can. Personally, I'm content with bringing wine, buying some beers at a shop in port days, buying a handful of cocktails out of pocket, and taking some time off.

I get you, tenders are a pain. The amount of time the entire process takes is a real buzzkill. With that said, there is no chance I would miss HMC because of the tender.

I absolutely LOVE this. I am not someone who wants to stay on the ship all week. A few beach days add variety to cruising, and the variety is one of the best parts of cruising. As much as I try to not complain about the ports, I can understand why Freeport isn't everyone's favorite. It is so nice to be able to walk off of the ship and onto a nice beach area, with shopping, restaurants, and other things to do without being forced to spend a big portion of your limited day in expensive taxis or other transportation. With the ship being there, I can walk back on if I choose to, which is especially nice in case I want to grab food or whatnot. I know there already will be people snubbing their noses at these "cookie cutter" experiences. While telling us how they explore the wilderness with a machete and compass. Again, I'm all for additional options. If you want to leave the port, that option is there. If want a simple day, that option is also there. Honestly, I could see myself doing an extra 4-5 day cruise or so because of this. This adds a lot of value to those previously bland itineraries. Simple beach days are underrated.