JMAE

Yes, things can always happen. I assume some time was built into their current projected timeline to account for some delays. If nothing catastrophic or weather related occurs, they may achieve their goals at or ahead of their timeline.

Never happened to me.

USACE is stating they "expects to open a limited access channel 280' wide and 35" deep" by the end of the month and "restore port access to normal capacity" by the end of May. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers develops tentative timeline to reopen Fort McHenry Channel following Key Bridge collapse > U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Headquarters > News Release Article View

During JH's FB video today, he said for the guests on the Pride repositioning cruise not to change a thing yet. I think they know more than what is being reported. During a news conference with unified command, it was said that they are attempting to establish a 35' deep channel adjacent to the Dali. They indicated 35' would allow some container ship to navigate the channel. It would also allow Spirit class ships to navigate the channel, since their max draft is 26'.

Not sure why you would have compassion for CCL or any business that is profit driven. Loyalty is to a brand another question.

As I recall the low price ($4.94 per 12 pack) of water was established at the time CCL banned guests carrying water bottles on board and believe the price was set to soften the blow of the change. Now a 12 pack of water is $14.95 or $1.25/ea. I think that is still a deal compared to a 6 pack of soda which is $11.50 or $1.92ea. Yes, it cost more than what I pay at home, but doesn't everything cost more on a cruise or any vacation spot you may go. When the demand drops the price increases will slow or stop. I believe they are searching for the sweet spot to maximize their profits which is the reason they are in business.

This is why we don't select YTD and we always select an assigned seating. When we cruise, we adjust our meals throughout the day, so we are ready for dinner at our assigned time. The app gives YTD guests freedom to still do things around the ship without standing in line like days gone by.

Based on some reports officials are attempting to open multiple temporary channels to reestablish some port ops. They report two have been opened already open 11' & 14' deep and a third is in the works and will be about 25' deep. Spirit class ships have a draft is about 26'.

This info is posted on the Norfolk Cruise Terminal webpage regarding upcoming cruises scheduled to use their facility. 2024 While rescue and remediation efforts continue in Baltimore Harbor following the collapse of the Key Bridge, Carnival and Royal Caribbean will temporarily move cruises from Baltimore to Norfolk. If more cruises are moved, we will post the information when it becomes available. March 2024 March 31: 7-night Bahamas & Caribbean cruise on Carnival Cruise Line. Round-trip from Norfolk to Grand Turk (Turks & Caicos), Half Moon Cay (Bahamas) and Freeport (Bahamas). April 2024 April 4, 2024: 8-night Bahamas & Florida cruise on Royal Caribbean. Round-trip from Norfolk to Port Canaveral (Florida), Grand Bahama Island (Bahamas), Nassau (Bahamas) and Perfect Day at CocoCay (Bahamas). April 7, 2024: 7-night Bahamas & Caribbean cruise on Carnival Cruise Line. Round-trip from Norfolk (Virginia) to Grand Turk (Turks & Caicos), Princess Cays (Bahamas) and Nassau (Bahamas). April 12, 2024: 8-night Bahamas & Southeast cruise on Royal Caribbean. Round-trip from Norfolk to Charleston (South Carolina), Port Canaveral (Florida), Grand Bahama Island (Bahamas) and Nassau (Bahamas). April 15, 2024: 12-night cruise to Spain on Carnival Cruise Line. One-way cruise from Norfolk to Barcelona (Spain). Stops at Ponta Delgada (Azores), Malaga (Spain) and Alicante (Spain).

I thought the rule was after 30 minutes, guests would be turned away. I have seen it done in the past and to be fair to the guests that arrive on time and their staff it should continue.

Per the linked info, the individual and their travel companion assigned to the same room receive Platinum benefits for the entire cruise. The Elite benefits are some that would be nice if they were included with the VIFP program, like parking/transfers, drinks package, free shore excursions, waived room service charges and social wi-fi package.

Not sure since I don't receive gambler rates, but may have to assume CCL has have some guidance in issuing their rates. I guess that may be my point in one sense. Guests of all levels of the VIFP program are receiving the gambler benefits, so why not incorporate them into the VIFP program since the VIFP program is to entice repeat guests and it appears the gambler rates do that well.

Are casino rates already an undocumented VIPF benefit?

Thanks for the review. I hope Ken returns to the Pride after his vacation, we have sailed many times with him, and it appears he likes the Baltimore sailings. As a Martire'd, Ken is one of the best!

I'm a "nongambler", and it wouldn't bother me if they provided a VIFP benefit to gamblers since it is my choice not to gamble. I just hope they improve their overall VIFP program, which I believe there is a lot of room for development.

Since they are all parts of CCLs brands, I assume programmers could develop an IT connectivity solution that could work across all of CCLs brands.

I wonder if this will change once the pier is constructed....

Never got Cheers. Since it starts day 2, does it stop early on the last day too?

The $600 OBC is an expenditure. When I'm taking profits, I'm pointing out when the income (fares & on-board spending) covers the ship's operational cost any funds after that could be used to cover long term debt, and any other business expenses like OBC. CCL is about $30 billion in debt, in 1Q of 2024, CCL reported they retired $1 billion in debt, that was originally scheduled to be retired in 2027. They reduced their loss compared to Dec 2023 report and forecasted robust revenue growth over next several years. Based on Q1 2024 deposits at $7 billion, surpassing their previous record by $1.3 billion, things are looking better.

Easy, a day at sea, enjoying the ride!!!

I know what you said, the fares (about 70% of their income) only cover about 85% of operational experiences. The other 15% comes from on board spending (about 30% of their income).

If they announce the change in Q4 and they do it like the transition to the VIFP program you should be fine. The last time it was used as a marketing technique to get individuals that were close to a status change to purchase a cruise by their transition deadline.

There income is about 70% fare and 30% on board spending. Profits come from a combination of the fares and on board spending. On board spending is a variable base on sold fares. If at capacity about 10 to 15% of the on board spending is used to cover operational expenses. That is why cruise lines like sailing with their capacity greater than 100, meaning more than 2 in a cabin.

On board spend has fluctuated but as of Q4, avg onboard spending per passenger was slightly over $600PP line wide.