Aquahound

If his parole status prevents him from leaving the U.S., cruises aren't the most ideal vacation option.  That Alaska option you mentioned that operated under a PVSA waiver still left the U.S.  

3 minutes ago, CocktailPrincess said:

I wish there was video, but afterwards we looked and the only cameras onboard that we could see were in the casino

On a major line like Costa, I find it very unlikely that the only working cameras were in the casino.  In fact, there's no way that's true.  Nowadays, almost every square inch of public space is captured on one camera or another.  

3 hours ago, ldubs said:

 

Except it seems for the very few crimes the where the extra-territoria jusrisdiction would apply.   I'm assuming those would be serious felony crimes?

 

 

2 hours ago, chengkp75 said:

Murder, kidnapping, assault.  And, as noted, it would have to be in international waters.  If the crime happened in some other countries' territorial waters, then the US does not have any jurisdiction. 

The only caveat I'll add to this is.....the U.S. SMTJ (Special Maritime & Territorial Jurisdiction) goes all the way to the baseline of the US, which basically means the shoreline.  Once inside a harbor or river, it's exclusive state jurisdiction.  

The U.S. has laws on the books for simple assaults in the SMTJ.  What is actually responded to the most by U.S. authorities (FBI and USCG-CGIS) is allegations of sexual assault.  

This doesn't help the OP much because of their nationality and ship's flag state.  However, video of the incident should exist.  A formal complaint to the cruise line for lack of action should be filed so they can look in to it further.

On 12/3/2023 at 9:43 AM, torybruno said:

 

Skagway!

I second the car rental option in Skagway.  In fact, I recommend going a little farther than Carcross and checking out the Robinson Roadhouse.  It's a neat little ghost town with an interesting history.  

If renting a car isn't your thing, I recommend the Lower Dewey Lake hike.  It's an easy walk to the trailhead from the piers.  

1 hour ago, JohnBergless said:

OK- here’s my big idea. Work with me here… maybe not even on a ship; Vegas? All Inclusive? Disney? 

Virtual snorkeling. ThinkThe Vegas Sphere… then think Imax/MetaQuest VR meets snorkeling in a 3ft deep warm pool.

 

Imagine you’re in this heated/temperate pool… you put your face in the water… and the ENTIRE pool bottom and sides are transformed into some

kind of giant 3D video/led/projection screen.

Imagine snorkeling the USS Arizona in Pearl Harbor, or snorkeling with whales, sharks; or over the Titanic wreck…… all while floating in 3 feet of water. It could be licensed to Universal…. now picture snorkeling over the famous Ben Gardner’s Boat from JAWS…. Or snorkeling with your kids with Nemo, or with Winter the Clearwater Dolphin.  Or the underwater world from Jar Jar Binks in Star Wars. Or snorkeling with Octopus or Crabs….. almost anything that’s under water.

 

The technology would have to be perfected… but remember where you heard it first!!!!

VIRTUAL SNORKELING….. coming to a Mega Ship in 2028 LOLOL

Dont tell me I’m nuts - because I already know that.

Sounds fun.  I would definitely give it a try.  

3 minutes ago, Mary229 said:

It could be.  We don’t know the background of this individual and he may have ideas related to his own commercial expertise.  We could start another thread called “suggestions for cruise lines” but you know where that would go

C'mon.  Let's be real here.  If that were true, he wouldn't need to turn to Cruise Critic.  

20 hours ago, JohnBergless said:

Has anyone ever through of an idea of something that should be offered or featured on a ship? What’s the best way to get an idea to the right people? 

Crazy as it may sound, I have come up with an amazing idea… can’t say it here though. These companies and ship builders are always trying to out-do each other….. all dreams start somewhere!

I'm struggling to understand how your idea could be proprietary.  Spill it.  What is it? 

I too am curious about that comment about Viking and Oceania.  I would cruise Viking in a heartbeat.

But regarding Princess and HAL, if that's the toss-up, I would pick HAL.  Bigger and more comfortable staterooms, nicer lounges with better views, and nicer ships.  Princess wins with entertainment, but that's about it.  

Holland America has a decent enrichment program.

Notwithstanding Hanks example, I agree with the sentiment that the decline is industry wide.  DW and I don't even eat in MDRs anymore.  We only eat in specialty restaurants and if in a suite, in the suites dining room.  

There do seem to be some hidden gems out there that are still free though.  We've really enjoyed our casual dinners in the Solarium Bistro on Royal Caribbean.  

Those links aren't working so without further info on the ships, I'll generally recommend HAL.  

If the Princess ship is Royal Class, they do not cruise the Inside Passage.  

20 hours ago, Kristelle said:

 

M y comment was just pointing out the fact that in a system where there is a set wage and no tips - like countries other than America  - then it does not matter to the wage earner whether the place is busy or not

Yet, everywhere I travel in the world, including Australia, they always seem to have their hand out for tips, whether it's on receipts, tip jars, etc.  So yes, it would seem that it does matter how busy the place is.    

16 minutes ago, 0penWater said:

 

Symptoms include: 

• The inability to view oneself as anything other than the main character of one’s own life.

 

I say this lightheartedly and totally not to argue, but how are we not the main characters in our own lives? 

Plastic crabs?  Huh?

Well.....yeah....of course.  

This is more of an after-cruise thing but......post a bunch of selfies on Cruise Critic so we all are stuck seeing them to the right ---------------->

I think the better question is....what cruise lines do have programs that expire.  I wasn't aware of any.  If Costa does, they're certainly in the minority.

You'll need to take about a 20-minute taxi ride to Auck Bay, but Forbidden Peak is my favorite craft brewery in Juneau.  They serve food, are kid friendly, and have a great view.  It's more of a locals brewery, which means less crowds.  It's very spacious.  

If you want to stay in town, Devil's Club is walkable from the ship.  The beer is good but due to location, it gets pretty full with ship tourists.    

2 minutes ago, d9704011 said:

The OP is doing a round trip; I'd say the side of the ship doesn't much matter and I don't expect you'd advocate starboard side Nbound and port side Sbound.

You are correct, and that was an oversight on my reading.  Whoops.  😉  For some reason, I read it and was thinking one-way.  

1 hour ago, Aquahound said:

I'll disagree slightly.  On a northbound cruise, I generally recommend a starboard balcony.  

For the OP, let me explain further.  Princess Royal Class ships do not cruise the Inside Passage, so you'll be cruising outside of Vancouver Island.  Also, once north of Glacier Bay, all the way until you enter Prince William Sound, all the land will be off starboard, including amazing sights of Mt St Elias, and other huge peaks and coastal glaciers.

Sure, all this can be seen on top decks but since you asked the question, I'll maintain that starboard is best for your route.  

I'll disagree slightly.  On a northbound cruise, I generally recommend a starboard balcony.  

There is a large rock called ship rock that is in danger of falling, and which has the size to cause catastrophic damage to the pier and a ship.  It is why ships can only dock at the end of the rail dock and must use tenders.  This means only 1 large ship can dock at a time.  Smaller ships can use the other docks.

Royal Caribbean's Quantum Class ships have junior suites that connect with interior rooms.  

I recommend the Phillips 26 glacier cruise.  It was amazing.  

If not, and if you want to save a little dough, drive out of Whittier and take the Portage Glacier cruise.  It's only an hour, and it's the only way to actually see the glacier.....well, short of a strenuous hike.    

There's much more to do in Seward. 

You won't be able to get around the high prices.  It's the most popular attraction there and they know they will sell out, so much so that unless you're on an early ride, you're almost certain to be delayed from your scheduled ride upwards of an hour.  Last time I rode it, my ride time was about 45 minutes after my scheduled time.  

Part of the expense is the gondola ride, which is an unlimited pass.  You can go back and ride it up and down as much as you like.  It's a pretty amazing ride because of the scenery.