IAcruising

Dude, I think you've gone officially over the cliff on this one.

I have tried really, really hard not to respond to this thread, because I've never been in this situation. But, as a simple man, if I ever go to Antarctica, it's not going to be a sail-by. You either go there, or you don't. No one who "sails by" Antarctica can say they've been to Antarctica.

It's a no-brainer. You can't miss it. 😄

What possible reason would you have to suspect this, or even speculate this? To do to Encore what they did to Joy would cost $millions more due to infrastructure change. There is enough misinformation on these boards. Please don't add to it.

Out of curiosity, did you inform your butler when you met him that you like ice and fresh juices? Or did you just expect it with 10 minutes notice.

I don't get perturbed often on a cruise, but seriously, you have nowhere else to hang out?

Numbers please. Because, you know, math works.

I think we need more details about your surprise.

Are you an alien in disguise? 🙃 Human nature is incredibly predictable.

Dust off that old calculator in the drawer and do the math. Then compare it to other cruise lines where you have to purchase the drink package. See?

I can do it at this very moment for my Encore cruise in April, for any date. I don't think I'm special.

Midnight where? Louisiana or Florida?

Take a look at the deck plans. They are everywhere. As long as you don't demand to be by the pool, you'll find empty ones.

I know. I quoted you by mistake and didn't delete it. My bad.

Bliss isn't on the list.

Unlikely you will hear many suggesting the Breakaway over the others on your list. Mostly because the other 3 are enhanced/better versions of the Breakaway. The Escape doesn't have an Observation Lounge but is the most smoker friendly. Larger outside areas without a horrible impact on non-smokers. The Encore doesn't have SpiceH2O but has the largest Vibe Beach Club. The Joy has both, but the latest refurb has removed about 1/3 of the Observation Lounge. Personally, I don't think you'd be disappointed with any of those 3. I can't speak for the Breakaway since I've never been on her.

"That person" has no reason tell any tale, let alone a false one.

Mrs. IA only weighs 110, but she also rarely hits 4 drinks in an 8 hour period. I take care of rest of her drink package. 😎

I can assure you that the sonogram of my liver is not pretty. I now only drink while vacationing, and on a few carefully chosen day/dates. I've been an alcoholic for a very long time. I have learned the art of starting/stopping my drinking. I have maintained a MELD score of 12 for several years. I won't be dying tomorrow. As for some of your other points, we do nearly every port, but usually the 3 or 4-hour excursions. Plenty of time on the ship even on port days. And yes, I am certainly above average, but not rare.

You can tell me whatever you like. I will tell you that I can drink 750+ ml of 80-proof in an 8-10-hour period and still walk -- sort of. I weigh 240 lbs. Yes, I can do it every day.

With respect, you're forgetting the original statement by zqvol that I quoted, "Most people ... don’t want to sail there {Haven} even if they can afford it." That just seems absurdly false to me.

Easy peasy. I drink double shots. I can hit that at 3 pm on a sea day -- on an excursion day, maybe 6 pm. While I may not be the average, I'm certainly not alone.

I apologize for completely misunderstanding your first post. I thought you meant 2 1/2 - 3 hours to the 2nd set of locks (on the other side of Gatun Lake). You meant 2 1/2 - 3 hours between when the bow opens to the first set of locks. That sounds correct.

Thank you for the politeness. Do you believe you represent "most people" who can afford the Haven?

That doesn't sound even remotely correct. I haven't researched it thoroughly yet (for the Encore in April), but that sounds more like the time on Gatun Lake between the 2 sets of locks.