Incognito1

Maybe it was that way in the past, but I don't think this is currently correct. I'm looking at a TA for May 2023 and Carnival's BF prices are a whopping $25 cheaper than last week's. The travel agent's rate for the same cruise is >$100 less. That's as of 30 minutes ago. Fast Deal #16994 if you wanted to confirm.

Thanks for that! I was looking at the Royal rather than the Ruby deck plans. It's still a nice upgrade to a balcony near the back of the ship.

Just got the upgrade notice from interior to Deluxe Balcony (aft) on the Ruby to Mexico leaving in 3 days. After canceling the first bid, I bid again at the lowest possible amount, figuring I was okay with inside. We paid $250 total. Princess site had shown balconies sold out, so I'm guessing someone canceled. This is two this month (first one free). I'm thinking maybe I should hit the casino when I get onboard 🙂

Thanks. Just seems shady advertising to me.

Very nice! Perfect for a formal evening.

RCCL's newest sale: 30% off + Kids Sail Free When I put in for two people for a short Ensenada getaway: $239 + taxes Cruise fare $368.00 Discounts (2) Flash Sale Instant Savings $-25.00 30% off every cruise $-104.00 Subtotal $239.00 Taxes & fees $211.20 When I put two +1child or +2 for the same cruise, same room cat & size: $479 + taxes Cruise fare $1,030.00 Discounts $-557.00 Subtotal $473.00 Taxes & fees $422.40 How is that Kids Sail Free? It's suspiciously exactly double. What am I missing?

Headed out in a few days for Mexico, and found this update on the main page (after putting in our confirmation #): Standard Protocols This specific booking and/or voyage follows our COVID-19 Standard Protocols for vaccination and testing requirements. Vaccination Requirements It is highly recommended that all guests be up to date on their vaccination status. Vaccinations, however, are not required. Testing Requirements Guests are not required to take a COVID-19 test prior to embarkation. No longer a test?? Saves us buying the antigen swabs. Glad to hear it. Wondering if this is just for Mexico. Can someone else confirm with a different destination?

Except on "fully vaccinated" cruises, outbreaks happened, cruises were canceled, people were quarantined. Clean your cabin when you get in, take precautions, bump up your immune system before going, and enjoy your cruise. Or wait it out until you feel the number is low enough. Your decision, but obviously enough people felt that cruising under too restrictive conditions was not for them.

That's like saying, "You have to be seriously and willfully ignorant not to worry about this." You have one level of comfort with your personal information; other people have different levels. It's not about paranoia; it's about knowledge. But you do you -- just try to do it without disparaging others who may have a different point of view.

Yeah, bringing my own, too, but that's a lot of books to haul around.

It's easy enough to use a VPN and reject cookies.

My partner stupidly bid on an upgrade for our upcoming Mexico trip, not paying attention that the cost was per person. The upgrade cost was more than half the original cost of the cruise. I was fortunately able to cancel the bid before it was accepted. HOWEVER, while that bid was in the system, we got a free upgrade on our 2023 Transatlantic. Yes, it was for a forward balcony, but we were oceanview before. The next day, they moved us again (assuming it was because the first balcony had an adjoining room that they sold together) to a midship balcony. Free. Maybe it was coincidental, but I'm not big on coincidences...

The difference, imho, is that nobody is going to take the time to key in information about you from the cctv while the app is computerized. Those of us who would prefer that information not be stored are free to do things another way. If it works for you and you have no concerns, that's your decision. I'm glad that we're able to each make our own decisions.

Looking forward to our Mexican cruise later this month. We planned it as a rest and rejuvenation cruise with a lot of lazing by the pool reading. Photos online show the library as basically empty of books while others show full shelves. Wondering how many I need to carry with me or if there will be a selection of interesting ones aboard. I would appreciate input from cruisers who have recently been on her. Thanks!

Not if you're smart about it.

We prefer to stay across the Sound in Bremerton and take the ferry over in the morning. You have to catch a cab from most (all?) hotels in Seattle anyway. You miss the smell of "Cheap weed and old urine" which Seattle is known for. And you miss the Seattle city taxes, homeless, and crime. Fairfield is ~$120/night. Hampton Inn is ~$135/night. Both are walking distance to the ferry (about 60 min ride). Bremerton ferry area is interesting, has a few decent restaurants, and is generally safe.

Trying to find a hotel near the Princess port that enforces their non-smoking rules. Seems like everything I read on TA mentions the Welfare Weed and/or feces or homeless. Would like to stay under $200/night. Recommendations would be appreciated.