Tom-n-Cheryl

Yep - that seems to be the consensus. Nonetheless, I'll try to step into that same (old) river a second time in another 10 or so days 🙂 Tom

As long as he doesn't "let" Carnival do to his menu updates what they did to his Muffuletta (August '21 versus now)... 😞 Then: Now: Tom

Will I ever be able to enjoy Eggs Benedict delivered to my cabin for breakfast? Maybe at least as a suite benefit? Or a Diamond benefit? Yep, I didn't think so... 😞 Tom

Man - you know how to add some excitement to a cruise! Sorry to hear about that. It's bad enough being injured or down with something at home, it's entirely different (and more depressing) to have it impact vacation plans. 😞 Tom

Yep - this too ! I've booked an April cruise with MSC (never sailed with them before) and was able to start at their highest (Diamond) level thanks to their status match program... more so from our Celebrity tier, thanks to their reciprocity with Azamara. It would make sense to encourage people to stay within their corporate umbrella by way of some sort of inter-line benefits. Tom

That's a bona fide B2B perk right there, LOL Tom

When is the VIFP program getting revamped? > Too many Diamonds - time for a higher level with real perks (drink packages, WiFi, etc) > Ability to earn more VIFP points via cabin category, onboard spend, etc... Pretty much the same things I've questioned/suggested for years. Tom

BTW - I'm "borrowing" a couple of your tattered chair images to post elsewhere 🙂 Tom

The term "mainstream" cruise line casts a wide net. From my multiple sailings with them, let's just say that Celebrity is a "higher tier" mainstream line compared to, for example, Carnival. Granted, all lines have their pros and cons. (Below list care of Cruise Critic) List of Mainstream Cruise Lines Carnival Cruise Line Celebrity Cruises Costa Cruises Cunard Line Disney Cruise Line Holland America Line MSC Cruises Norwegian Cruise Line Princess Cruises Royal Caribbean International Case in point, these images are from the casino on the Mardi Gras (thanks @IntrepidFromDC, only in service about 1.5 years. I don't think I've ever seen anything like this on Celebrity! They should REALLY be embarrassed having these out there for use...

I just "love" how, at Pt. Canaveral, they have you pay for the day you arrive and the day you leave. In other words - a 3 night cruise = 4 days parking.... 7 night = 8 days ! Tom

We need more food porn... 😉 Tom

... and hold your breath when you're around others... lol 😉 Tom

For our April Seaside sailing I just noticed that it indicates 9:30 for us. That's just crazy ! Tom

I had previously said to Cheryl that I would not book deck 9... until it was the only one available (and it was an offer I couldn't possibly refuse 😉 ) At least this one is on port (not hot tub) side! Tom

Yes - still plenty to choose from 🙂

If they keep cutting, eventually it's going to be real simple to order: cheeburger, Pepsi, and chips 😄 Tom

Sure, assuming is a valid approach with MSC (jk) Tom

Yep - not my idea of "fun" (two+ hours from park to board). Tom

Well darn !

Of course, what I've read on the boards --- those with the less than stellar experiences tend to be the most vocal! Tom

I live in my own little world - the suite experience, or lack thereof, is all I really have to go by. NCL >> Princess >> Carnival (though, I'll give Carnival credit, they're trying to up their suite game). I'll give Princess another try in the next couple/few years. Tom

I have one Princess sailing under my belt, and many on NCL and Celebrity - all suites. I'd put both of them above Princess without a thought. I can still remember the dresser in our suite on the Caribbean Princess... out of the 4 drawers, there were three different styles of pulls - whatever they could MacGyver together as they broke over the years. First impression was enough to keep us away for well over a decade now!

Ah, yes, the "Chip Exchange Rate". 🙂 Tom

Excellent news - right around the corner !! Thanks, Tom

I guess it's Debbie Downer/Glass Half Empty MONDAY... 🙂 Tom