wcook

I’m sure it happens. We don’t hear about it often because, as they say on Disney, dead men tell no tales.

/raiseshand/ It was me. I was drunk.

I totally agree with you here. There was another situation this year with a ship having engine problems - it couldn’t maintain proper speed. The line (RCI?) choose to skip a glacier viewing day rather than a port day. I suspect 90%+ of passengers would have preferred to skip a port.

Apparently landing a helicopter on a ship at sea is much riskier than teevee would have us believe. Missing a glacier day seems to come up a few times each season. Legally, you are entitled to nothing. If you ask, you might get some symbolic comp, but don’t get your hopes up. And yes, missing glacier day sucks and no compensation sucks.

You know, this does open up a possibility. Sorry kids, you can’t be checked it. Have a wonderful time at Grandma’s while your dad and I go cruising.

I enjoy the food on MSC. But if “great food” is a priority, MSC might not be the line for you. As for dress code on formal night - don’t show up to the MDR in jorts. But as long as you’ve got the basics (pants/shirt/shoes) you are fine. If you want to participate, think sparkly rather than look-how-much-money-I-spent.

I’ve got a Red Sea cruise booked for the week after thanksgiving. Many things need to be done before I go. I put some time in tonight preparing (pats self on back). Any guess what I prioritized? - learn some Arabic - increase alcohol tolerance in anticipation of alcohol beverage package - figure out all the various visas I’m going to need - get contacts or a prescription snorkel mask - book pre/post cruise hotels - make sure my Uber account is in good standings - etc etc etc

Sorry I can’t offer advice, but those both sound wonderful to me. Have a great trip. Note: This may seem silly, but I’ve always dreamed of sailing across the equator and having a King Neptune ceremony. I don’t know if HAL goes in for such silliness, but if they do I’d definitely head South to Indonesia.

When I catered in college, I’d occasionally get the “this isn’t a tip, it’s a person gift from me to you. Capiche?.” I’d say I understand and thank you. Then share with my crew at the end of the shift. Because that’s what we did.

Get the upgraded internet if you have a must zoom call. I like not having to think when ordering drinks, so I get the drink package if I think it’s going to be even close to break even. Especially on MSC where I don’t get hounded for tips on the drinks. And then I don’t count. I have friends who have to count and drink to get their money’s worth. I wouldn’t recommend the package for such people. You can only get anytime dining if you are at Aurua level or higher. None of the speciality restaurants are worth the money to me. For dinner. Sometimes I’ll get an appetizer in the afternoon while drinking. If you get a package that included “free” WiFi or drinks, you can pay to upgrade. No idea how they calculate the cost. if you get a more expensive drink than what’s covered by your package, you pay the full price of the drink, not the difference. I love MSC, but wouldn’t count on a can’t miss OF anywhere. Not saying you won’t, just don’t count on it. Casinos are smoke friendly. Which keeps me out so I can’t comment on craps or Holdem. White night is entirely optional. MSC is much more of a do your own thing clientele than a judge you for not complying. Well, maybe up in yacht club they care more. They don’t let riff raff like me in there. I’ve never used a TA for any cruise and see no reason to use one for MSC. Unless you want to of course. MSC has a reputation for longer hold times on the phone (true? who knows) which may, possibly, maybe be a reason to TA. No idea if you can get a bottle of booze for the room.

You aren’t going to find a ship that feels like an intamate nightclub. But you will find venues on the ship that do. I don’t know if any ship that doesn’t have a quiet “classy” lounge. Unpipular opinion around here, but the specific company doesn’t matter much for your first trip. Go in a cruise. Find what you like and don’t like. My one advice would be to stay under your budget. Even the most all inclusive cruise can surprise you with things to spend money on. It sucks when you see something that sounds great, but you are already stretching the limit of your budget.

I’m a huge fan of visiting cities on long layovers. Even with potential problems lately, seven hours is more than enough time to get into London. See a famous site or two, have a cup of tea, then get back to the airport. However, it all depends upon why you are doing this. Option 1: I’ve always dreamed of seeing London and this is my chance. Option 2: A seven hour layover seems painfully long. Maybe I’ll leave the airport to avoid boredom. If you are option 1, I say go for it. If option 2, there is lots to do in the airport. Me? I’d make the rounds of every duty free area and whatever booze tasting they are offering.

Interestingly, I’ve actually seen some incredible prices for last minute X cruises lately. Of course, those were down in steerage, not in /false whisper voice/ the sanctuary. Or whatever they call their yacht club.

Cartoon break anyone:

You do not need to be concerned about bears in ports or anywhere you might normally hike to. Side note: you can tell the op is from a land where every time you step outside there are a dozen different animals that could kill you 🙂

Lol. In all my trips to the Bahamas, I don’t think I’ve ever seen a Bahaman Dollar. I suspect the merchants in Nassau would look at you funny if you tried to use one. Greenbacks are effectively the currency in any tourist area like Nassau. Bahaman dollars are worth one USD, so prices are just marked in dollars.

I used to live in Weehawken. Sadly, they have a strict “do dueling” policy. Anyone know if dueling is legal in international waters?

Best you can hope for theses days is an outdoor area or two (usually by a pool deck) the casino, and cigar lounge. Not all ships will have all of those. The mainstream lines are all about the same with the exception of Celebrity which bans smoking in the casino. Big ships may have more smoking spaces, but it can be farther to a smoking space because big ship. Note that rules are pretty strictly enforced on all lines, especially no smoking in cabins or balconies.

And they were on a mission from god. Rules are out the window when you are on a mission from god. Side note: I must have watched Blues Brothers a dozen times. This is the first I ever noticed that’s Pee Wee Herman as a waiter.

Daisy Duke perhaps. I could post pictures and we could take votes.

Hey. That offensive. Some of us classless bumpkins know not to wear shorts to the dining room. Cargo pants? Sure. But not shorts.

I know which I prefer 🙂

I don’t know if this is true. There are two camps of people out there. (And for the love of god please let’s not debate which camp is right.) There are people opposed to vaccines and testing. But there are also people out there who welcome the precautions and don’t want to sail on the “line for the unvaxxed and untested.”

Keep in mind testing requirements can be imposed by the CDC, the ports visited, or the lines themselves. Gonna be a while before total change.

What was her name? 🥁🥁🛎 In all seriousness, they are sister ships. Expect very little difference. You are booked on a fantastic cruise. If I’m you, I’d keep it rather than go chasing a cruise that might be ever so slightly better. It may be your first cruise, but it’s unlikely to be your last. Plenty of time to visit those other ports.