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Does anybody know if the Nieuw Amsterdam Panama Canal cruise in Oct. 2023 will be affected by the drought?

15 hours ago, Bender68105 said:

It seems I am not alone when it comes to dining. So now I just go to the buffet and that takes care of that.

Other than that, I really don't mind cruising solo at all being a 51 year old. It does wonders for my depression, and I think it's cheaper than a therapist! LOL. I genuinely like people and really enjoy meeting new people on cruise ships. I find cruisers are much easier to "break the ice" with.

I just got off the Ruby last week on a 10 day Alaska and already looking forward to a 15 day Panama Canal cruise on the Emerald next February.

I was on the Emerald to Hawaii in May and I have to tell you that the food was terrible. It was so bad that I actually lost weight and how many times does that happen on a cruise? Lots of passengers, not just me, were complaining so maybe they will have remedied the situation before you go next Feb.

On 2/26/2023 at 4:11 AM, ontheweb said:

That's a good thought, but unfortunately the comparison you made is an apples to oranges one. You can step outside of a bar to get a smoke, but stepping outside a ship means going overboard. Note I do not smoke, I just think this is unfortunately impractical.

 

But at least they could all make casinos smoke free. The smoke from casinos on many ships also finds its way outside the casino. 

Let's compare a ship to a 'plane then. You can't step outside of that either although some cruises go days without a port call and flights are rarely longer than 12 hours.

Smoke doesn't just waft in from the casino but also from the outside smoking areas. I had to insist on a cabin change on one cruise because of smoke coming up from a lower deck. 

To all CEOs

When are you going to make cruises completely no-smoking ?

This will not only make it much more pleasant and healthy but, as was shown when bars and pubs the world over became smoke free and custom increased despite bar owners thinking they would lose business, it would benefit your company's bottom line. 

23 hours ago, travelgip said:

I love cruising solo!  No problem going to any restaurants or shipboard activities.  I particularly enjoy watching the big tables of families arguing about what happened that day/what to do the next day.  Makes me grateful for my time doing what I want, when I want.

Biggest difficulties for me is trying to get a deck chair and not having it stolen the minute I get up.  Also trying to eat at the buffet (which I now avoid) and getting food & a table, get up to get a drink and people are at my table, no matter what I leave on it! 

Last cruise (which was some time ago, I just pulled an empty chair from another table, pulled it up to my "original" table - with the "stealers" at it & sat down and started eating 😜)

Small issue, is asking people to take my picture at ports/excursions.

Embrace it and enjoy it!

I also love cruising solo, except for the extra costs of course.

I love being able to do what I want when I want and being naturally gregarious I always find people to chat to. Most people are creatures of habit  and I find the same people in the same bar every evening, especially The Martini Bar on Celebrity. Eating alone is no fun so I select a set dining time and request being on a large table with other guests. I've only once in the twelve solo cruises I've taken had to ask to be moved to another table and that was because I was put with a group who were on a family reunion. they were very nice but I felt like a spare 'un at a wedding. I only use the Buffet for breakfast so I get my coffee before I sit down then leave it on the table along with my sweater or jacket on the chair while I get my food. If the server/ bus person for my table is nearby I tell them that I'm coming back and not to clear my stuff away. Dealing with luggage can be difficult so I only take a carry on which I can manage by my self except for getting it into the overhead bin on the plane. I'm a 5ft, 75 years old woman so I smile sweetly at the nearest tall gentleman and ask if he would be so kind as to help me. They always do and usually get it back down for me when we land without me having to ask. 

I was booked on the Oct. 2nd cruise and really looking forward to not having to mess with flights before and after as I live in San Diego.

I've gone for the full refund as I think there is trouble brewing with Princess Cruises and a FCC from a company that has gone under is worthless. The insulting pittance of $100 is not enough to make me take a chance. Also, who want's to give business to a company that has just screwed you over.

Azamara & Oceania seem to be the only lines going there, & both are expensive. Azamara have a comprehensive one that covers east & west. It's in & out of Athens & starts July 20th 2021. Don't think they're showing 2022 yet.

I wondered how difficult getting visas for Russia & Turkey is going to be. 

Has anyone been on a Black Sea cruise? I'm thinking of booking for Summer 2022 but need any advice I can get.