shipgeeks

As long as the flight(s) from NY manage to get there.

Years ago, we were on a cruise on which we intended to spend the first morning in our favorite lounge. When we got there, there was a sign at the door: PRIVATE EVENT. We were not allowed in. When we read further, it said CRUISE CRITIC MEET AND GREET. We were extremely disappointed that some group we had not even heard of had the nerve to take over a nice room, one which had no duplicate. It was closed for the entire morning. Just saying......

Not everyone likes dogs.

I have seen many recommendations for using Trinity Reservations for a hotel search. They list amenities, including restaurants, shuttles to the port, etc., and can make the booking when you find what you want. Baltimore is a great port to sail from!

Attilio David Haines Magic No "tribute" acts

I wouldn't say unwillingness to adapt; I'd say unwillingness to add one more "thing" that would be used three times a year to do a cruise checkin and nothing else. Some of us like the big screen of our laptops, and some of us are old enough that we're trying to not accumulate more clutter in our lives.

OP, if you are D+, you should apply for a status match with MSC. I agree with the above, that you should be familiar with the "experiences". We were fine with Bella (the cheapest) because we prefer set dining, and do not use room service. A number of factors come into each experience. The biggest difference we had between RC and MSC is the passenger makeup. RC cruises from US have mostly Americans; MSC draws many other nationalities. (Maybe Galveston will have a smaller mix than sailing from Florida, though, where Americans can easily be a minority.)

The passenger makeup is the main difference we've experienced. X will have mostly Americans, MSC will probably have a big mix, with Americans possibly a minority. We loved that, but some apparently do not.

I'm still curious what the point is, of having a "mascot" dog aboard.

I wonder if this is only the case on larger ships, with more dining options to choose from. On Vision class, our cruise with six sea days had lunch, 11:30 to 1, on five of them, and brunch, 9 to 1 on the final sea day. MDR had no lunch on port days, as usual.

You won't even need the flip phone. You can do the health questions and photo when you arrive at the port for checkin. You don't need anything for muster drill. We don't own smartphones, either. I'm curious how you got an arrival time and set sail pass. Our booking directed us to skip the checkin, "print this page", and just show up at the port. I assume you are taking a laptop for other reasons?

If you are on a cruise with us, you will not be the only one in a tux

OP, Are you not willing to do Early Traditional dining?

Re post 2132, FWIW - the last sentence is not part of the report he quoted. Perhaps his own comments?

All the textbook stories about ships attempting the Drake Passage, in my youth, are now coming to life! Better than a school book any day.

Absolutely! We are both competent cooks, but primarily due to lack of transportation (we both gave up driving), we don't always have all the ingredients needed for a wide variety of dishes. Also due to lack of transportation, we rarely eat out, and ordering food for delivery has no appeal. So we are fairly basic eaters at home (no complaints), and greatly enjoy all the variety we get on our cruises.

Because the passenger makeup includes so many languages - and English might not be the majority - comedians are less likely than on American lines.

The Baltimore ship (Vision?) always has a number of C/NE sailings that include Boston, during the summer and into autumn.

I imagine you know that leaving your balcony door open, even a bit, will shut off your AC and possibly that of your neighbors.

Just answering the question: Would this be a draw for you?......

Nope, we have never wished we could find something more to eat after finishing dinner, and I can't imagine we ever will.

I just learned that Clo will board Vision on January 27, replacing Bal.

AKA Teatro Solis, which appears to be on the city highlights maps.

Here's an interesting tidbit for anyone touring Montevideo, especially if you find yourself at Teatro El Tinglado. The Latin trio currently on Liberty - previously on Enchantment - are from Montevideo. The keyboard player has performed in that theater, and it is a spectacular-looking place, like something out of an old movie. If you see a poster for "Maldito", he is on that poster.

To the best of my knowledge, no comedy shows, due to the many pax languages onboard at any time. English could even be in the minority on many cruises.....but a comedian speaking Portugese probably wouldn't suit everyone, either.