evandbob

We'll be on the Prima sailing to Iceland and Norway in 6 months or so. But to answer the OP's question, our favorite ship is whichever one we happen to be sailing on.

We live in SWFL and had our 1st 90 degree day in February, the rest of the month was mostly in high 80's. So far this March, we've had two 90 degree days already. The southern Caribbean is generally similar or just above our temps. I would consider our warming trend continuing and not use past temps as a predictor.

And there was an additional bonus if you are blue chip amethyst or some other loyalty level - we were getting $650 casino credit for $450 cash. By the end of our 2nd day, we had bet the original $650, so any balance after that was easy to cash in. So we differ from others who said it was a rip off. We're going to bet $2K for a week long cruise, so we're not looking to cash out the 1st night!

Google says: Almost 90% of older adults regularly take at least 1 prescription drug, almost 80% regularly take at least 2 prescription drugs, and 36% regularly take at least 5 different prescription drugs. When over-the-counter and dietary supplements are included, these rates are even higher. So when in doubt, use original bottles (which usually have the pill's description on them) for controlled substances. OTC and BP meds and the like can go in an organizer. If foreign customs wants to inspect all incoming visitors pills, they had better add lots more staff, otherwise the inspections may last until its time to return! And cruisers will probably just leave their meds in the cabin safe, bathroom, or night table when they go ashore, so nothing to inspect their either. Online access to one's prescription history is as stated, also a good backup JIC.

The OP and everyone else can raise or lower their odds of catching something contagious while cruising. Handwashing, sanitizing and wearing masks in crowded indoor spots like elevators or avoiding them altogether, will change the odds. Doesn't mean they will or won't catch anything, just that the odds of doing so will change. And every gambler knows that odds are different than outcomes.

Casino comped balcony cruises are at the top of our list. We've done about 60 cruises, but on our last 10 or 12 we only paid taxes, port charges and tips. Next is length, preferably 10 days or 2 weeks, but 7 nighters are our minimum. We wouldn't do a fully comped balcony if it was only 5 nights. Lastly, we need to drive to the port of embarkation if USA - that means FLL, MIA, TAM or Canaveral.

I've developed an irritating cough towards the last few days of a cruise, and had 1 stomach issue from eating some garlic shrimp in Mexico (Costa Maya maybe, 15 yrs ago.) Others I've cruised with have come home with mild COVID, or suffered from noro during the sailing. JMO, but elevators seem to be the worse possible transmission areas. YMMV.

We play slots only, maybe $1500 over a week long cruise and generally sail with another couple with a similar play style. We have been comped for infinite balconies on the Apex and Edge, as well as regular balconies on Reflection, Silhouette, Summit, etc. Just taxes, fees and tips, for our last 9 cruises and we have 3 more booked. Our Celebrity casino comped offers are way better than Royals, Carnival, MSC and NCL !!

Carnival has been under judge's orders to drastically cut back on one time use of plastics, papers, etc. to decrease the amount of refuse they generate. So the OP's opinion that Carnival is encouraging more wasteful practices isn't quite logical. They have been known to disregard the judge's orders in the past however, so while not logical, it may be interesting to see how this plays out. Carnival may get slammed again..

2003 solo, non smoking ship. Has morphed into over 60 sailings since then on 8 different lines.

I have worn solid dark colored shorts with pockets but without zippers on regular MDR nights with a polo shirt - and chinos on elegant nights with a polo or button down shirt. Never had a comment or even a 2nd glance from staffers. Very relaxed today.

Never. But I do start to look forward to my next cruise that I have booked.

Same with the Caribbean or Alaska, Hawaii or Tahiti - land vacays always allow more time to experience a location while a cruise port stop only gives a small sliver of local lore and custom. I chuckle when someone says they've seen the entire country after a few port stops in the same place.

Good advice from the OP's personal opinion, but hardly "THE MOST IMPORTANT" post on the subject. Use of hyperbole not justified. Size of ship, number of ships in port, types of ports, and pricing are hardly mentioned in the OP's post.

We did a southern TA east bound from FL to Barcelona and we had flat calm seas for 5 days. However, the 6 time changes along the way made me woozy. If we ever do another TA or TP, it will be westbound. BTW, there were interminable patches of seaweed throughout the ocean passage.

You can get off the ship and just walk around the immediate port area for free. Just don't make the mistake that visiting these cruisers' traps are equal to experiencing Mexico.

Sketchers sneakers, with or without cushion Dr Scholls inserts. I'm a guy, I don't think I've ever worn shoes on a tour or walk around.

I've had some decent casino offers, best was a 10 day balcony for taxes and port charges on Celebrity. WE've done maybe 8 week long free balconies on Celebrity as well. Carnival will just give me an interior or sometimes an OV, that's all. I won't do an EB TA, after 5 time changes, I was looking for breakfast and the ship was doing lunch. Will only do WB TAs or TPs, easier for me to handle that time change.

USD $ are accepted most everywhere as posters have stated. Just don't try to use the $2 bill, no one will accept it. $1s and $5s are great. I'll caution about putting a $100 bill around a wad of small bills though, too inviting to a thief. Only bring a little bit more cash than what you think you'll need, that's enough. Having a foreign fee free CC, Master or Visa along with your Govt photo ID can be helpful for larger purchases or an emergency.

1st time on Caribbean VV, sea terrace cabin. We see a closet with space for hanging clothes, but no bureaus or drawers. Are they cleverly designed to look hidden or are my old eyes just not seeing extra storage space????

Discuss the need for vaccines with your MD. Hepatitis vax (A & B) and updated tetanus shot may be more pertinent than yellow fever vax. The CDC has different level warnings for countries under "travelers health".

I've always advised against storing luggage under the beds in a ships cabin, on the off chance that bedbugs may get in them. If the bedbugs feasted on a previous occupant, they may be gorged and not biting (feeding) on the next guests, but those unbitten guests may inadvertently bring some pests home with them.

Mardi Gras hands down. In addition to the food venues already mentioned, it has a cleaner, more modern, non glitzy decor. And the smokeless side of the casino is a pleasure!

And today's Guy's burgers can't compare to how the original juicier, thicker, tenderer burgers tasted when they first came out years ago. The burger itself has been downgraded several times since it first appeared.

Having worked for 20 years in alcohol and drug rehabilitation, I've seen many totally give up a heroin or booze addiction only to die from smoking cigarettes. Hardly snarky. And to think the dangers of crossing a street are equal to smoking, terrible comparision, Continued smoking will destroy one's health or kill you, while crossing the street probably has a fatality rate of 1 in hundred million or so.