ldubs

Nope, never bought a drink package. Get freebies on some other lines. Honestly they are more than I want, so give many away if I'm traveling with someone I know.

Am I understanding that in NZ, you can bring a disposable plastic bottle full of water but not a reusable plastic bottle full of water?

With the exception of the packages, which we don' use, I think your description is pretty good. For us, all things considered, it has been cyclical over the years. For a while it was Princess. Then for some years (prior to the pandemic) it was Celebrity. These days, it seems Princess has bounced back. Or, we have bounced back to Princess. I enjoy both lines and, while we have not been on Edge class, we enjoy the ships on both lines.

This makes an incredible amount of sense to me. If I had a severe food allergy, I would definitely make the effort to discuss it further once on board.

Thinking back to the basics I've neglected to pack for various business trips is kind of embarrassing. Additionally, it is always fun when one packs for an overnighter that turns into a two day meeting.

Aw, bummer! Thx.

I think it is also how people are wired. On one end are those who like to get down into the weeds. On the other end are those concerned with just the big picture. Whatever the approach one takes, if it makes you happy, then it is good.

You know, it might also depend on when a "package day" starts. If it starts at one minute after midnight, then one could get a jump on the drink count! Have a few before turning in, then a few more after the excursion. Sadly, one loses out while sleeping (just kidding). 🙂

Well, my thinking is if you will enjoy the added cruise and gain the laundry bene for your longer itinerary, then go for it!

Yikes, I would also be a little wary. It has never happened to us in the way you describe. I think it is good of you to double check. Especially if they are not offering an explanation. Whatever happens, enjoy!

Good point as long as it is something desired as opposed to something needed to hit a number. I suspect not too many would fall into the latter category. Particularly with the original intent of this thread which was more about convenience and treating oneself over straight accounting justification.

I understand the convenience issue and I think there are several good points made in favor of the packages. I think you are wrong to jump to the conclusion those without a package have mental anguish over purchases. We don't do the packages. We buy what we want when we want without a need for ledger entries. We don't consider ourselves bare bones but I suspect our on-board spending might be less than many. It is not something I would ever ask someone about. I certainly have no issues with anyone having the package and don't need them to justify it to me.

Other than obvious clothing, toiletries, meds, my initial thought was not too many things really stand out that I would not leave home without. Charge cords for electronics. The reusable water bottle which has replaced disposable plastic water bottles. My Kindle reader. Sun glasses. When lengthy flights are involved, a noise cancelling headset. Also seems we always keep a list of key addresses & contact info (helpful if I don't speak the language). Though that is typically on the iPhone.

Same here (see post #10). The off menu items offered are almost always initiated by the staff. In our case, with me as an exception, it is driven by a shared nationality/language with the crew involved.

Excellent responses from those that know the history and impacts of these reg's. From my perspective, eliminating PVSA would be similar to allowing a business on American soil to pay substandard wages and ignore our labor laws.

Post #40 explains my thoughts on the subject.

Now you are just making things up.

We use airplane mode while on any cruise ship regardless of the itinerary.

I'm thinking insurance would respond to an accident but not to recklessness. Forgetting to pick up the bag would likely be considered the latter.

We seldom use the MDR for breakfast. The Carnival sea day brunches we have experienced are terrific. I would be sorry to see that changed.

Yes, you are correct. Many apologies.

I can assure you more than a "few fans of mass market lines" find this comparison immature and inaccurate. At least be honest. It is intentionally uncomplimentary. Just like my previous convalescent home reference -- very intentional. Saying it is "not altogether inappropriate" is a silly attempt to sidestep the real message. Stop pretending you are unaware of the stigma attached to Walmart and Walmart shoppers. Your sidekick who posted the website sure doesn't pretend. Every time I read this nonsense, I'm more convinced than ever to stick with mass market lines and the terrific fellow passengers I'm surrounded by.

It is kind of sad you would even attempt to make that comparison.

Yikes. It could be a disaster bringing someone knowing they won't enjoy.

Interesting that you and a handful of others need to continuously compare larger ships to Walmart and amusement parks. Some do in fact have amusement park vibes, many do not. None that I have experienced in somewhere around 50 cruises resemble a Walmart. But then, I don't really know what meant by those of you who comment about floating Walmarts. Bottom line, and a good dose of tit for tat, I suppose I might prefer the vibe on larger ships over a floating convalescent home.