wcook

Some places I tend to meet people: 1. Shore excursions, especially those involving an activity and not just riding a bus all day 2. Classes or demos on the ship 3. Sitting at the bar in a bar in ship 4. Shared table in the MDR

Assuming you are US citizens, you’ve got tons of choices. Most cruises that start in a US port and end back in that port qualify. There are a small number of exotic stops that can mess things up, and a few speciality cruising lines that require passports because reasons, but the average cruiser is unlikely to hit those exceptions.

In terms of modern ships, the only lines I know that have them are Carnival and some of her sister lines (ie those owned by Carnival Corp.) Specifically some of Carnival Corp’s European lines that share ship designs with Carnival Cruise Line - AIDA, Costa and P&O (I think, don’t hold me to this.)

I’ve never tipped a cent to the Haven staff, and probably never will. They don’t let riff raff like me in the place.

You want people to look at you funny, try to spend an old style 20. They look so fake nowadays. While I’ve never specifically asked this question, I suspect cabin attendants would be more than happy if you offered one up as a tip for ice. For the record, I’ve never tipped $20 for ice, but if I wanted t, I wouldn’t hesitate to use funny looking bills.

European cruise lines do this frequently. MSC and Costa have ships that spend months circling the Med with four (or even more) embarkment/disembarkment ports. There’s no concept on the ship of “a cruise” starting or stopping. Some people don’t like it, but I find it so nice not having to deal with everybody trying to board or leave all at once.

They have a ton of money from their cargo business. Better yet, they are privately owned so don’t have to worry about short term profits to make shareholders happy. Their prices are low because they can sacrifice profits to grow the American market. Their basic product doesn’t feel any cheaper than Carnival/Royal/etc

Baby club? Is that kinda like a seal club? If so, I’m 100% against.

Just some random data points, but on my last cruise we made 4/6 scheduled disembarkment times, were 15-20 minutes late on one, and a bit over an hour late on one.

I struggle with the ethics of traveling to “bad” countries. For now, I believe the benefits almost always outweigh the negatives. But I completely respect people who feel differently.

The finance boys and girls at the cruise lines did an amazing job of keeping their companies solvent despite massive overhead and almost two years of limited to no revenue. Now they are transitioning from “keep the company afloat” to “make bucketloads of profit to keep the shareholders happy.” Expect more cost cutting.

I was gonna suggest the OP dress in layers of sensible clothes that coordinate well. Various shades of black, white and grey. But your plan for her to wear “memorable taffeta and sparkles” is much better.

Good luck with your visa issue. Just curious, what cruise are you taking with a port stop in Nicaragua? Sounds cool (other than the visa thing.)

It certainly was in 1912

Absolutely get your money’s worth. If nothing else, order a full order of chicken fingers, not just one finger 🙂

Red Sea.

Two fun cruise Youtubers I follow are posting live from a Australia/New Zealand cruise. Gotta say, I’m not that impressed. But to be fair, they are having terrible weather.

Am I the only degenerate who has no interest in a mixology experience and just wants some booze?

Every auction I’ve been to recently has been very clear what you are getting: one-of-a-kind art, prints, etc. And there hasn’t been a hint they you are buying an investment. I suspect Park West has been sued too many times and the lawyers have cracked down.

If you drop your bags off at the port to be brought up to your room, those guys work for the port and have not been tipped. Same with any local guides you get on shore. But everybody on the boat is included in your service fees and mandatory 20% gratuity. Feel free to tip more, especially if somebody has gone above, but you can go the entire cruise without tipping a dime and feel zero guilt.

Customs official: Anything to declare? You: Just some coke we got in Mexico. That’s not a problem, is it?

My mom - who came from a generation where waste was simply not acceptable - always went to a restaurant prepared. A few zip loc bags in the purse and what not.

What comes below basic Prosecco? Don’t expect high quality stuff. But did I mention it’s free?

You show up and register. They let you in and you can grab free “champagne.” Dude will give a speech telling you why owning art is wonderful and how awesome Park West is. Then you get to wonder around and look at the art. Be sure to grab another champagne or mimosa. Then the auction starts. A paining comes out. We learn a little about the painting. Some quick bids and on to the next. High energy, but no pressure to bid or buy. They mix up the auctions with raffles and special auctions. Can get boring if it goes on too long, but I find them to be goofy entertainment. Plus, did I mention the free “champagne”?

Several times on my recent cruise: Elevator *finally* comes. There are already 15 people but they are like “come on in, we can squeeze.” Me: I really should have worn my mask.