mac_tlc

I'll definitely be following along. MSC YC is on our radar. We will be on the Celebrity Beyond on 2/19 for an 11 night voyage. So our "LIVE'S" may overlap a few days ..... but I'll keep checking in. mac_tlc

As someone who has their first two O cruises coming up this November and next November, I don't know what I no longer get. If you want a dose of more negativity, head over to the Celebrity board. Seems to me, all long-time cruisers on any line don't like the changes any of those lines have made in the last year. We don't like the changes Royal and X have made, accompanied with higher pricing, so we are looking around. Two O cruises booked, 1 HAL booked and looking at Viking, Regent and SIlversea, as well as MSC YC and the new Princess ships. The long-time loyal cruisers are looking around and don't have any experience with what their "new" line used to have. All you can do is compare the current products and make a decision that works for you. It does seem there is a lot more movement by consumers among cruise companies. Or at least its talked about a lot. mac_tlc

A little late to the party but interested to follow along. We are on the 1/28/2025 Koningsdam cruise --- our first on HAL after 50+ on other lines. My wife also uses a manual wheelchair is a lot of walking is involved and definitely off the ship, so I am interested in the port stops. mac_tlc

When the cat's away .........

Best to be a little cautious. The pending invoices I looked at have a payment due time of 5PM EST. I agree with your point to do it now and let it sit in pending. mac_tlc

Thanks @Mrs_Tiki, great review and summary. There is plenty of context on each item so people can decide if that issue is important to them. Haven't sailed YC yet but very probable in the next two years (before my matching status expires!). I sense that our reactions would be similar to yours. Godspeed to Mr_Tiki and his upcoming procedure. Hope to sail with you again soon -- we will have to do dinner together next time! mac_tlc

Thanks for your review. As we were on the Ascent while you were on Beyond, it was interesting to compare along the way. Great summary. Our view of Luminae is more positive. This was the first time in many cruises that we did not do a future booking. It seems no cruise line has developed a chair hog policy that works. They are way too afraid to offend someone. mac_tlc

We might be. Haven't finalized any plans yet. My wife has difficulty walking any distance so we usually bring a wheelchair. That can make things a challenge. Any suggestions would be appreciated. mac_tlc

We have an overnight in Aruba on Beyond next month. Interested in your dining experience. It will be our first time for Aruba and Curacao. mac_tlc

You know I will be following along! We have also thought about doing Silo in 2026 on a smaller budget than our last ( and next) few cruises. mac_tlc

Lately, we have started looking at all of the ones you mentioned. At least for the itineraries we have looked at, Viking seems more expensive than O, SS, RSSC. Their payment terms are a bit onerous, but we have not discarded them yet. They do have my favorite itinerary --

Oceania Vista Fall 2025 TA is 14 days and we got a Penthouse Suite (PH2) for $4,590pp. I think the lowest category was around $3,800. By Fall 2025, Vista will be the second newest ship as Allura comes out in 2025. mac_tlc

If they want a glaring example of inconsistent service on the same ship, check out my summary of the issue on the LIVE thread from the Ascent last week, and @Mrs_Tiki experience on the same ship but in a different SS area. However, at the end of the day, their suite prices are just too high given the service, or non-service, they are providing, along will all of the cuts and policy changes they have made to lessen the experience. mac_tlc

I did see a Buffalo Trace bottle on the shelf of the Pool Bar. It is very good. I’ll ask when on Beyond next month. Thanks! mac_tlc

That is good news, it your sailing is in the future. I’ll see if there is any difference on Beyond next month. mac_tlc

Really appreciate your comparison ! Every time the scale leans one way, it gets pulled back the other!!! mac_tlc P.S. I can’t help myself so I found a very probable Silversea voyage, March 10, 2026 on their newest ship, Silver Ray. 10 day Eastern Caribbean out of PE. It’s cheaper than a SS on Ascent which is doing a very similar itinerary. I’m not a fan of their cancellation penalties though.

We were with Monica of Blue Puffin in June. Fabulous weather. High about 65, no rain. As you requested: I probably have 100 others ..... mac_tlc

From discussions with the cruisers on the past few cruises, looks like you got the rock star Head Butler. Bravo! mac_tlc P.S See, even X knows the Retreat Host is a Stateroom Attendant ......😂

We also recognized a bunch of Beyond folks. Luminae maitre’d is also from Beyond. It looks like your wife is seated in, or very close, to the table we had at Luminae! Say hi to Vivin, Paul and Ana Liza if they are your server team ! A couple of Beyond folks left yesterday, so your 90 day timeline seems accurate since they went to Ascent in October. Mac_tlc

Sounds like there are at least two. Ours was Milan, others had Edwin.

Well said and similar to our approach going forward. mac_tlc

Sounds like if we pair up Edwin with Ivan we have a winning team !! mac_tlc

Oh boy, this is going to cost me several thousand dollars as I search out a YC experience !!! Enjoy!! mac_tlc

It is very interesting, and it will be noted in my survey which I received and will probably do today. My guess is Edwin is a rock star. mac_tlc

And, finally: The Ascent: She is a beautiful lady. Similar in all respects to the Beyond. We like the decor and we even found a few seats that were comfortable! Love Cafe alBacio and the free food selections. Great place to watch the world go by -- inside or outside the ship. The theatre is spectacular. Deck 5 front row seats have a lot of legroom. We thoroughly enjoyed our week on the Ascent. It was also great to sail with people we have met on prior cruises -- and right here on CC!! @Mrs_Tiki, great to see you and DH again. Please let us know how DH does with that new Knee and I expect a comparison of Ascent to Seashore !!! @Irishredhead21, also great to see you again. Enjoyed our discussions about our future cruises. Looking forward to seeing you on Vista in 2025? Enjoy Azamara. Always interested in your opinion and comparison to X. @danceswithphones, it was great to finally meet you and have some fun discussions in the Lounge. Sorry we did not get to our EV peek. Time just got by us the last couple days. @billc23, always great to meet another original nutmegger! Our discussion on future cruises was enlightening. Gave us some things to think about, especially SilverSea. Godspeed on your travels this year, sounds like a blast. And also to @jelayne, @Janthere and @schooner_Drinker -- although our paths did not cross, thanks for your contributions to the thread. Please do not hesitate to add your thoughts. Its always good to hear other opinions of the same voyage. And so, I will now pass the Ascent baton to @hcat and @David Kane. I will be following!! My next diatribe will be in about three weeks as we sail the Ascent's older twin -- Beyond on February 19th -- to a few places we have never been to. With Captain Kate and Bug Naked in charge, it should be fun. Thanks all for following along ....... mac_tlc