Mary loves to travel

The spreadsheet approach is really useful. We do something similar. The key point the OP is making is that the intangible benefit — be it convenience, a break from thinking about spending, or a feeling of luxury — isn’t worth zero. “Doing the math” lets you see the price of the intangible. Especially on shorter cruises, the intangible benefits may be worth it even if the math says otherwise 😊

That is quite a change!

Sure. But, on average, it still works to the cruise line's benefit, or the casino offers would change.

If you took a screenshot shouldn’t it be in your photos?

Um, if you’ve read this thread, you’d know his wife has deathly allergies, so this is in fact “an issue that affects him”. Being diligent in determining what’s in the food is similar to defensive driving. I have a lot to lose, so will always make sure it’s safe to enter an intersection, or use a crosswalk, even if I have the right of way.

they *really* want people to sign up for a package!

the problem with issuing an apology is that legally it can amount to an admission of guilt, so businesses are instructed to *not* apologize. A side effect of our litigious society.

so that makes a big difference in the "break even" calculation!!

That’s our experience, too. I know “break even” is two glasses of wine a day, but we just don’t drink that much. Good to have options.

Yes, I’ve been able to add transfers as described above.

Only $300 more, total, for a mini suite? Take it!!!

Thank you for this advice - definitely something to consider. And thanks also for catching my spelling error; I’m usually pretty good about getting names right, but not this time 😊 So I’ve been pronouncing Fremantle the way I spelled it, FREE-mantle. What’s the proper way to say it? Best, Mary

We're looking at doing Rottnest Island while we are in Freemantle for the day. We'll be docked from 7am - 5pm. While we could possible catch the 7:30am ferry, the 9 am is more realistic, putting us on the island at 9:30 am. We'd need to be on the 2:30pm returning to Freemantle at 3 pm. (the next return is 4pm, arriving in Freemantle at 4:30 pm.... with an all-aboard at 4:30 that's cutting it a little to close for comfort!). So, my question: we'd have about 5 hours on the island, 9:30am - 2:30 pm. Is that enough to enjoy it, or would we be better off doing something in Freemantle or Perth? Thanks, Mary

I am sure this was very stressful for you, especially being so sick, worried, and running on next to no sleep. I think I'm missing something, though, when you refer to being "treated like criminals". Did you feel this way because you were escorted from your room? Glad to hear you are better now. Mary

Thank you so much for your detailed info & photo of your attire for your Antarctica cruise. We're just back from the Jan 20th Sapphire cruise; I followed your clothing example and happy to report we had just the right clothes & were nice and warm all the hours we were outside, either on the Promenade, or on the top decks (where views are excellent, but it can get *very* windy and cold. Best, Mary