notscb

I was on the Radiance a few weeks back and did video calls back home over facetime with no problem- on a ship without starlink. You might want to double check what telehealth platform your doctor is using. I'd imagine if it were just zoom, you might be able to get an audio call in (possibly video) okay.

How do we know that? His quote was "ship was never in danger during the storm. He emphasized that the captain made decisions prioritizing the safety of passengers and crew" Which part was an "untruth?"

...isn't that his entire job?

The good ones don't. Some of the websites that act as TA's have booking fees that, in my experience, aren't worth it in most cases. I did use one of these websites once and they charged a $25 fee but the deal I was getting was well worth it for a one time thing.

I'm currently in the process of booking for December '23 and have found a TA who is giving double the OBC that Carnival is offering while also giving us the same price Carnival is quoting for the same category room. There's a certain website where they can compete that I've always used to compare overall offers and see if I can get more.

You could always call and ask nicely to see if they can move you to the starboard side of the ship- the bulk of the casino is on the port side. Honestly the volume in the casino isn't that loud, though.

There's some video links on facebook that show some of the swells they were sailing in, and it doesn't look fun for most folks (unless you like roller coasters like I do!). Link

I took them up on the same deal and got it- usually the 10% is if you book using the app (but i've also seen via the website). I was able to get the 10% and don't see this as a dishonest business practice- usually if it didn't work it's something to do with your internet browser or the cookies from the website.

You've got a point. The noise level must not have been truly insufferable or excessive if OP was willing to accept what amounts to fun money vs getting a good nights rest.

Looks like your trip is off to a great start! Thanks for sharing!

I was just curious as to which areas you, personally, found enjoyable and quiet to share for the benefit of others.

This sounds a bit cryptic- care to share where you find these spots for those of us who read that line in the review and did a double take about booking an oasis class?

The Pride is (or just was) in dry dock getting updates and some refurb done, so despite being an older ship it should still be a nice experience. I loved that itinerary when we went in December out of Galveston. If the port and timing work best for you, I'd certainly recommend it (depending on what kind of vacationers you are and what you're hoping to do at those ports as well).

100%. I just did Los Angeles airport to Long Beach and it was difficult. S drivers popped up in my app and went (cancelled) before someone finally accepted it, and I gave a generous tip afterward knowing that most folks didn't want to do the drive. I'm noticing that a lot of rideshare drivers are just cancelling if they don't want to be bothered (which is really better for all involved), but it might add a bit of a wait to your experience.

The key is also versatility, IMHO. Alaska, for example, will never see an Oasis class ship for example, which makes those ships less competitive overall in terms of itineraries and positioning.

Right, but you've already said this example and I've already said I disagree. I doubt a corporate meteorologist making such a high salary was merely just a figurehead for public safety (your alarm with no batteries) vs. actually, you know, doing work and contributing to the safety of the operation, thus, the "example" you provide wasn't an example, but a mere restating of your point in a different way which we obviously disagree on.

It'd be easier to say you disagree with me than to keep this conversation going. This line is proof. *deleted

My original post said "helps protect their billion dollar assets". So does the weather man not help protect their assets? Most folks on this thread seem to think that the corporate weatherman brings zero value to the safety of the operation, which I obviously disagree with.

Let me introduce you to cruising in general. Any activity or space onboard is designed with increasing the ships overall capacity to make money for the cruise line. They wouldn't do the veterans (or other) recognition events if there weren't a way to capitalize on it. edit: not to say that it's right, but that's just the reality of cruising.

I honestly hate the Orlando airport, too. If you hit it at the wrong time of year, you get Disney crowds on school holiday and it's a nightmare.

The original post was "Royal has started to drain their swamp of useless positions & waste." It seems like you missed what I said when I said "oh, they fired their CEO?"

...Because he probably gets cruise benefits as a perk of working for a cruise line?

I'll fix this for you: "one of the fundamental ways that RCL's lawyers protect the company is ensuring that the entire operation is built in such a way that limits any sort of liability to the company. " FTFY. If guest safety is a byproduct of their work, then so be it, but it's not their primary focus or reason for employment. For what it's worth, i'm not confused. My use of that phrasing was directed at a particular poster as they were not clear in their view and contradicted themselves several times within their own post and replies. Thanks for checking in 🙂

We flew into HOU (Hobby) and also used Galveston Express. We had a great experience, and like I mentioned, the highway in/out is one highway and is pretty straightforward. Enjoy downtown galveston, they have some of the best seafood i've had in a while and some really fun shopping/stores.

Will do, thanks 🙂