ldubs

Must be the only ones who get it right are the walk-ins with no reservations. haha.

I've done the comparison calculations for the packages for sure. I'm pretty sure if I was any kind of drinker I would opt for the package. I was referring to once on board. Probably misunderstood.

I cannot say with certainty for the promo you mention without actually checking both cabin categories on both web sites. But yes, I would expect so for two passengers. For 4 in a cabin I honestly don't know. What I can say is when we compare for the cabins we want, we get a lower fare through our TA. We have booked outside and balcony cabins (and one mini suite) with this TA.

IDK, I understand and agree with the justification the OP is sharing. What I don't fully understand is why, if I don't have a package, I must keep a tally of expenditures to avoid overspending. I purchase what I want. No tally necessary. To be sure, we would check the folio from time to time for errors.

A few cruises ago a couple with "reserve class" mistakenly got in the regular MDR line for folks with reservations. They informed the folks they cut in front of they were reserve class so didn't have to wait in line. I felt kind of sorry for them when they were told by the staff they were in the wrong line.

Courtesy OBC: While I think it very common for many, it would be unusual for us to receive an OBC from our TA. We always receive a considerably lower cruise fare from our TA. Price Adjustments: Our TA does not automatically track price reductions on our behalf for the same cabin category. We track them and if they happen we notify the TA so the change can be made. Our TA has provided us with cabin upgrade opportunities. Something often listed as a "con" is staying in control of the booking. Unless I am missing something, other than talking to a TA instead of Princess, there is no real difference, IMO.

Before I used to wrap the lanyard around my wrist ending in a kind of half hitch. It was kind of clumsy which is probably why Mrs Ldubs bought a wrist band for me from one of the onboard Princess shops. I typically have to add links to a standard watch band to make it fit. The large wrist band fit fine. I've had it for two cruises now.

Thanks. I actually misread your post.

Some excellent responses already. Malta (Valetta) you can walk to the old town. Avoid the steep hill by taking the elevator up. I'm sure folks will be able to point it out to you.

Many of us, if not most, book based on itinerary. I am glad to see you clarified the intent of your comment in a later post. Still, one might argue the risk will vary greatly depending on the port, time of year, and part of the world.

We do multi-day road trips with our close family & friends. We did that for a cruise embarking in Quebec City. I think we were three nights on the road. But it was only pre-cruise. For me the return drive should have an itinerary of things to stop, do, and see to make it fun for the group. Otherwise if just travel home, then I would feel the same as you.

Folks - OP is in Arizona. Cruise is out of Louisiana.

Seems a visa clearinghouse website is very doable and would benefit everyone. Just need to find someone to sponsor it. As it is now, one can search visa requirements for citizens of a given country and get a list. Problem is the lists don't always provide details on the process required. I knew I needed a visa for China and Brazil. That was the easy part. Both had cumbersome processes full of red tape traps.

From reading then forums I think a lot of people will be happy with the return of a traditional dining option. Overall, I think it is a pretty good change.

I guess everyone who travels is foolish because things can happen with any kind of travel.

We have done a one way van rental for travel to our cruise terminal. In fact our group was too large for one van so we rented two. More recently we had a one-way van rental for a land trip. However, we did not take the rental vans back. We flew home from a different disembark port. For large group cruises, we have done car caravans with our personal vehicles from SF Bay Area to Los Angeles to catch a cruise. If you have trouble finding a one-way van rental, you might have more luck selecting an airport drop off location. Meaning instead of dropping off, say in New Orleans, drop it at MSY then shuttle to the port. Might be just in my mind, but seems rental companies might offer that option more than a drop off with less traffic. If you cannot get the two separate one-way rentals (one going and one returning) it might still be good to do a rental. Even if you keep the rental van for the duration of the cruise, the additional parking would be slightly offset by the eliminating any one-way drop fee, and might still be less than several airfares. Don't know for sure. Just a thought.

When we have a family/friend group cruise, people will generally share their excursion interests. Folks are welcome to join or not.

If I had to name my most enjoyable vacations they would likely be those that combined a cruise with a DIY land trip.

We travel with others all the time. Sometimes another couple and sometimes a large group of family and friends. For the most part our interests mesh. Where they don't a little flexibility helps. No one is expected to join in for any activity except for the group dinner. Though in practice, most will end up doing about the same thing. If I didn't know someone very well, I would be hesitant to go on a joint vacation.

I disagree. To some a cruise can absolutely be considered superior. That does not mean they can't enjoy other things. I think folks may be getting too wrapped up in the thread title. It should be a discussion, not a vote. It is not hard to conclude one might discuss the pluses and minuses. Like the things you mention about ocean cruises.

I do not believe that. I was referring to an earlier post that said that. I am in agreement with you and immensely enjoy hanging out for a day in a picturesque place.

You don't like the way the question was asked. Got it. I understood the question to be a discussion of why cruising is great for them (or not).

We have done an inside cabin with two kids. It is crowded. It was fun. Kind of like camping in a four person tent.

Thanks for sharing this. I can see how folks would make the mistake. I mean, domestic travel, like a domestic flight, doesn't require a passport or BC -- yet.

I'm not surprised at the disagreement, but would like to see more info why or what is superior. So far the only reasons I've seen is people are deluded into thinking a one day port visit is meaningful and ports with large ships are crowded. I agree with the potential for crowds. For the other, I guess it depends what someone enjoys. Your comment also made me realize as I have achieved some age advantaged status, cruises are just physically easier. For people with mobility issues or even just the normal aches and pains that come with advanced years, a cruise is a pretty good option.