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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.

Yep. Cruising is easy and relatively worry free.

And those who get offended too easily I suppose. I sure agree that these forums are wide open when it comes to viewpoints. Even the wrong ones that don't agree with mine. 😀 I've never been part of one of the groups mentioned, so can't comment other than I'm sorry to hear they are so heavily filtered. I also agree the Mod's do a terrific job.

If I have a question I would rather ask in a new thread than attempt to search for relevant answers in one that is thousands of posts long.

I have not actually brought tap water from home to do a comparison but like @John Bull says, can't notice a difference. The tap water I drink at home is through a filter before it gets to me. Places with hard water would probably taste weird to me.

We were in exactly the same place as you for a long time. In fact, if you searched back several years you would find a post from me saying the same thing. We had tried several times and were absolutely convinced using a TA would not be to our advantage for the cabin classes we typically used. That was until we found the right TA. Our TA serves folks and their family who work(ed) in a specific industry segment.

It can be more complicated. All the perspectives can lead some to overthinking things. But overall, I think having more choices is a good thing.

We were the same for a long time before we finally found a TA that delivered significant price savings. BTW, I don't agree that TA discounts are not available for fall season cruises. We just booked a fall cruise at an incredible savings compared to booking directly. To sweeten things, we selected the cabin we wanted and have a refundable deposit. The cruise line fare we compared was a guarantee and nonrefundable deposit. As far as controlling the booking, the difference is instead of calling or using the cruise line website, we call the TA or use theTA's website. Using the TA does not prevent us from entering preferences to our Princess Cruise Personalizer if we want to take that approach. If fares go down, we can get the lower fare without having to deal with the cruise line. But, we have to monitor fare levels and make the request.

Sweet spot for us is 2,500 to 3,500. Age not a big consideration as long as the ship has been maintained. Though I have to admit I have not been on any size cruise that I didn't enjoy.

I tHink I'm repeating. I would get the data plan, then easy to stay in touch. Use the Medallion location function as a backup.

X2. We just saved over 10% booking through our TA vs directly with Princess. And, there was much happiness!

And yet, I would not want to go back to the cruise card. Even with the glitches, I like the medallion. I guess the cruise cards are still an option for those who really want them.

Your neighbor's experience is a horror story. Short connections should not be allowed. Sadly, even booking directly with the airline will often have short connection options, labeled nonstandard (or whatever term they use). No way I would do 30 minutes at any airport. Sadly those without experience will rely on the booking agent to make a viable routing. Let the flyer beware! As far as having to go through EZAir for problems, I suppose that would depend on the problem. Changing a ticket to another carrier is interesting. In the bad old days there was some reciprocity between airlines. Those days seem to be long gone.

Good advice. I don't think EZAir is different than anyone else when it comes to guaranteeing a timely arrival. No one can really guarantee that.

At first I didn't understand your comment about it being risky. Now I get it. With missed connections that are the airline's fault, they will put you on an alternative flight. That doesn't mean it will be the best alternative or get you to your destination on time. Is that different than if booked through your TA? Out of pure curiosity, in your neck of the woods, when booking an international flight (not with a cruise) do you normally use a travel agent?

Uh oh. I had hoped it was recognized as a good natured jest.

Right now if we had to name one it would be Enchanted Princess.