elcuchio24

2 hours ago, teddie said:

I understand the impact of the ships on the towns, expecially the smaller ones.  It was rather jarring, though, being told to your face that your patronage was not wanted.  Oh well.

 

Teddie

 

PS, Due to a storm, we were the first cruise ship ever at the time that had to dock overnight in Portland.  I guess that wasn't a thrill either 🙂

 

 

Hey its a lovely stop. Sorry you got the attitude treatment. Maine gets about 9 times our population in tourist visitors every year, mostly in the summer, and I think it grinds people down sometimes by the end of the year.

Ironically, I just booked bermuda cruise on NCL out of Boston for August....stops at Bar Harbor (supposedly) on the way back 😆

Just now, BlerkOne said:

 

 

It is correct. The ticket contract is the ticket contract. Whoever "they" are, are mistaken. I would like someone to produce documentation that cruise lines are prohibited from enforcing. Local regulations would be just that and not applicable to all ports. I have seen them setting up a liquor collection table.

Whatever you say. Obviously all those giving first hand, recent information must be just making it up. I have zero interest tracking down documentation for your satisfaction. OP--Enjoy the cruise and stock up on spirits in every port!

11 minutes ago, teddie said:

We did the New England/Canada cruise some years back, and it was wonderful.  We loved Bar Harbor and visited Acadia National Park, which was amazing. 

 

Interestingly, while browsing a shop in Portland, Maine, the store owner came straight out and said to me  "we don't like the cruise ships and the passengers stopping here."  I didn't buy anything in that shop....😶

 

 

Portland is obviously a lot larger and easier to scatter passengers than BH, but again, not an economy counts on cruise passengers so not surprised its not always a warm welcome. Have to admit if I have to go to the oldport and there is a ship in, you certainly give a big of a sigh..

20 minutes ago, BlerkOne said:

Carnival's policy doesn't change in Europe, but enforcement is lax. They could enforce anytime. When you leave the ship in a port, if they have set up a liquor collection table, that is a clue.

Incorrect, they let you know its not an issue at all actually. 

1 hour ago, chengkp75 said:

And, how many of those summer residents are registered voters in Bar Harbor, and how many of even those few snowbirds would have voted in the November referendum.

I grew up up there, one island over. I can tell you with absolute certainty that alot of the big money was pushing hard for the ban. But, also, the year round residents that benefit for Cruise lines is also a very small number subsection. For the record, love to cruise, but I am 100% onboard with the ban. We have a place in Deer Isle. If any cruise ship wanted to tender there, I would want to fight it tooth and nail. 

On 11/14/2022 at 6:24 AM, nelblu said:

They are not as cheap as you think they are.

During the season, typically you can get shedders at the local market for between 4.99-7.99 depending on the year. Boat price is lower if you know a fisherman. 

On 11/13/2022 at 5:32 PM, chengkp75 said:

Tell that to the residents of Bar Harbor who have an average household income of $68,000.

I'm SURE that is yearround residents, and not summer residents....

They've always been very accommodating to allow our kids to order from the regular menu (at cost) or kids menu 

pic from your cell phone is fine

4 hours ago, lovetravel1114 said:

Hello, I am looking into 2025 summer Alaska sailing and was disappointed to find out MSC doesn't do Alaska cruise,

and I wonder which cruise line & cruise ship I should choose if I like MSC?! 

 

I have done MSC, Celebrity, RCCL, NCL and some of small expedition cruises in the past and found MSC best suited to my family in recent years.

For MSC I have done only on YC but even to compare with suite class experience with other liners I still prefer MSC as we felt it more diverse (not only focused on North America/British passengers in terms of food, entertainment, etc).

And also it seems shore excursion was cheaper than other cruise line in general which I am expecting will be important factor in Alaska cruise! 

 

I've done Alaska cruise about 25 yrs ago with my parents on one of Celebrity ship and had great time, but can't compare the experience because I was a child just following my parents and this time it will be myself, husband & my two children age 9,14 and I am in charge of organising! 

 

Any comment/recommendation will be hugely appreciated!! 

 

 

 

 

NCL has plenty of options, if you like YC you'd probably like Haven as well. Not exactly the same, but similar. Make sure to search both Seattle and Vancouver

On 3/1/2024 at 10:05 PM, Sthrncrusr said:

Hi,

we are booked on this for a Christmas cruise next year. Did you happen to check out any of the kid /fun spaces? Arcade, water slides, teen clubs? Just curious if anyone has pictures or details to add! Thanks.

We did this ship and a similar itin (except with Rome) in November. Good options for the kids--the only think lacking was no minigolf, but not a huge deal. Slides, a big dry slide in the back, good arcades.

7 minutes ago, jsglow said:

I guess you don't consider Holland America to be a major line. Perhaps we're just talking past each other; not trying to argue. I'll concede this: RCCL, Carnival, NCL, and MSC specifically are likely to fully evolve into mega ship vacation companies designed to take the masses from Florida/Texas to..... essentially nowhere...... within the next 30 years.

 

If you made me guess, I'd think the market will actually segment into 3-4 broad categories here in the USA with cross-over, of course.

 

- mass market, 'vacation' mega liners (RCCL, NCL, etc.)

- 'medium' upper middle class distant port ships (HAL's Pinnacle class; perhaps Celebrity)  

- luxury small ship cruising (Seabourn, Oceania, Viking)

- specialty (everything from Star Clippers to American Cruise Lines)

 

There's demand in all those categories. Somebody will fill it.

I'd agree, and say to a large degree that separation has already happened. But, without knowing the actual number, I'd bet 90% over the overall income and passenger load generation of the industry comes from RCL.CCL/MSC/NCL. They're following the $$, which is wise, business-wise.

There will always be a niche market, but if folks are holding out for the big lines to start building smaller ships like it was 'back in the day', dont hold your breath. 

1 hour ago, hawkinsh said:

I am newer to this and your post raised questions for me.  I will be part of a group of 12 spread across 4 cabins.  I had planned to, and we are currently signed up for Early Dining, to use this as a daily "catch-up time" where all would gather. 

 

However, I know that on some nights part of the group will do something like ChaBang.  I just assumed they could still come at 5:30 and hang out, maybe end do apps or something, then just que up for specialty at 7:30 then it opens up.  Am I wrong about this ability?

absolutely fine to do this. just let the servers know. 

1 hour ago, jsglow said:

They will always exist. As I've said before, you simply don't get to Dun Laoghaire (Dublin) on an Icon Class. Literally can't happen. Similarly, you won't be visiting Antarctica or even the lesser developed islands of the Caribbean. And let's not mention the major ports that will certainly limit the 'megas' by law. Cruising will segment itself into 'different' industries. And there will always be a significant market for travel, not 'Disney alternative'. 

Obviously I'm speaking about the major lines, as thats what this discussion is about. There will always be options for expedition type ships for sure but thats not what this thread is about. 

We just did the buffet, garden cafe when we boarded. I think that O'sheehans place was open to. Thats a nice 24hr option with some nice comfort food. We did the same itin and had a great time, really enjoy those days at see in the deep water. Enjoy!

Small ships are going to be a thing of the past. They hold little interest for new cruisers of folks with kids, and the generally older population who may prefer them is A. not their target audience and B. and ever decreasing subset of customers. 

On 1/21/2023 at 4:54 PM, Ocean Boy said:

No thank you. 

Say what you want about CCL but those burgers are some of the best on the high seas!

4 minutes ago, mz-s said:

 

It is becoming more common, and it is good to see that they're taking it more seriously. I hope that one day soon smoking will only be allowed outdoors or in very well ventilated (and preferably separate areas like you're talking about), but I also firmly believe that the last place in the world where indoor smoking will be allowed is in Carnival casinos.

I'd agree with that for sure. If its walled off, its less of an issue. Even outside can be tough. On the last MSC cruise the whole starboard side was smoking on the lido/main open decks. Walking with my kids, I'd just have to cross over and walk on the other side.

10 minutes ago, HicksRA said:

Ignore the manipulated sales gimmick and just check the final price. 
Then decide. 

Pre-booking on our upcoming Wonder of the Seas was a little over $1k for my wife and I. Still a good savings based on our cruise-drinking affinity 🙂

17 minutes ago, mz-s said:

I rarely drink and have fun on Carnival.

 

What gets me more on Carnival here lately is the cigarette smoke from the casino. It's really bad on a lot of ships and fills up most of the promenade deck.

A few of the recent ships we have been on, MSC World Europa, Wonder of the Seas, I believe Carnival Celebration, they have glass partitions separating smoking/non smoking areas in the Casino. That was VERY nice. 

The differences in crowds on CCL and other lines is very incremental. Much more alike that different. Only caveat--if you book a 3 day cruise over spring break, your going to get a party crew on CCL or most lines.

18 minutes ago, not-enough-cruising said:

Onboard price right now on Odyssey is $110 PPPD

Plus grat I assume?

Was there recently, same as always. A conclave within itself. I would have no concerns. 

Still find them excellent, some of the best on any cruise line.

On 2/26/2024 at 12:50 PM, Laszlo said:

My wife and I decided to sail again to Bermuda in June. We opted to go out of Boston instead of NYC. Its a 5 hour drive compared to 90 minutes but we love the Jewel class ships

We're doing the same in August. Its only a 1.5hr drive for us, but its a way easier and less busy port. Hope you come up ahead of time and enjoy the seaport!