PolicromaSol

Favorite meal so far?

True, but I suppose it could also be something for folks who are sick of going fisticuffs over deck chairs.

I discovered the hard way on a long family road trip that a lot of hotels view the word "suite" the same way. When I was a kid, my parents would occasionally get a suite in hotels on road trips so that both kids and adults could have their own room. So, tried that a few times... But too bad. Most suites are just a slightly bigger room that may or may not have a couch and kitchenette. Ironically, there's a lot of rooms on these boats that aren't suite class, but contain a lot of extra room, and sometimes an extra "kid room", that aren't considered "suites" and are priced like the "normal" rooms. Yeah, I pretty much give up. 🤣

Okay, so, just picking a mock booking here, and I'm seeing all kinds of stuff for next month, but it seems most of the suites are sold out. If you're non-GMO like myself, just avoid anything with Bermuda in it. I'd still try to get a passport, because if you break a leg or something, you'll have to take the boat back. Won't be able to fly home. (That said, if I did break a leg, I guess there are worse places to lay around and veg out than a nice oceanview room or balcony.... 🤣)

You're in that spot of time where you might be stuck with the rooms nobody else wanted, but on the plus side, might be able to score some last-minute deals. Where do you plan on cruising out of? There's a lot of ports to choose from Florida to Texas. Also, rush passports are a thing (in case you're visiting somewhere that needs it), but some paperwork and whatnot will be required to get it done: U.S. Passports (state.gov)

There's a few videos out there of kids doing just that.🤣

Don't worry so much about the ship size. The different ship classes have completely different styles that appeal to different folks. Some of those smaller ships are a little more classic in their design (as in, having a "grand staircase" area and whatnot.) I'd look for video tours of the ship and the kind of amenities provided to get a good idea of what the "style" of the ship is like. The different classes seem to have different styles to appeal to different clienteles and are less about size and more about what you may be cruising for. Examples: The Oasis class is heavily tailored to lounging, chilling, and people watching in warm climates, whereas the Quantum class seems to be aimed at arctic climates and more athletic customers looking for something active to do. Usually the itineraries will match the ship. My first cruise was on one of the smaller Disney boats. And for us, it seemed just about right.

I'm just saying these boats deserve some respect.

You guys ever seen those crazy videos of cruise ships riding monster waves in a storm? Makes me feel pretty safe, but it kind of hits you in a weird way. You don't really expect these massive ships to take the kind of abuse that they are capable of.

Hmmm, been hoping somebody would post something like this. Thank you.

Remember to chill: Cruises are a different beast from other types of vacations. You'll probably find yourself just laying around on a lounge chair or your bed and watching the scenery go by... and that's perfectly okay. You don't have to hit up every last activity. Just enjoy the calm. Chargers with multiple USB ports should be considered, as people have posted the molten remains of power strips that people attempted to use on a cruise ship.

Is this the same stuff they want us to use in Mexico?

I think what they meant was that the testing would likely go away after a certain point. Most folks no longer care. Those who want the shot have it. Those who don't are not changing their mind. So the cruises and tourist traps had to make a decision: chase off a heavy percentage of their customers for all eternity, of just accept that life is 100% fatal. The remaining requirements seem to be a formality. I give it a few months before the remaining requirements go away.

Honestly I find myself wondering if this is one of the reasons why cruise companies have private islands... They can offer some cruises that only really go to the private island and back, and people are mainly just enjoying the ship itself. Anyway... To the original posters' question, I personally don't feel it's worth it for most people. I get it if people have just been on so many cruises that they have the MDR and buffets memorized. But other than that, you've already paid for food with your cruise. Personally I feel like you spend less if you stick to the MDR and buffets, but occasionally visit the specialty restaurants for lunch. And don't forget some shore excursions include lunch as well.

Sounds like this is just a remaining formality. I figure the tests will cease entirely for some sailings.

Makes me wonder if the TVs are starting to be like the ones I've seen in hotels in the past year, where they're running some kind of proprietary firmware. Last time we were on a road family trip, we were greeted by a personalized display on the TV when we checked into some hotels. (It greeted us by name, gave us the wifi passwords, and other such things related to the stay.) It wouldn't surprise me if cruise ships started to do something similar, particularly to display schedule or weather information. Now, we're not really TV watchers so I didn't attempt this, but I found myself wondering if some of those proprietary TVs support miracast or chromecast or something similar. 🤔 Anybody here on a ship that can test this?

You'd be destroyed by a flurry of claws. Your chances would probably be better with the shark.

Those overwater cabanas look so relaxing... I feel like they'd go wasted on my family of 3 though. Maybe if we were cruising with a group it would make sense. I mean I feel kinda greedy enough taking an ultra-spacious oceanview room for our small family.

Almost wondering if the boat arrived in Port early?

If no-one buys it they'll think the cruisers have lost interest and open something new in an attempt to get people to pay those rates again. Though, personally, I do also blame the tendency for some folks to make it a "must do" thing, kinda like beach cabanas and other such stuff. When it's a "must do" thing, demand and prices go up. For what it's worth, I just looked and Izumi's and Giovanni's are still reasonably priced. Chops is more reasonably priced at lunch.

Even if it isn't a suite, I would be shocked it they weren't available at guest services. Cruise ships love their up charges. 🤔

Got itineraries in mind? Because this is going to vary trip by trip. For example, if the boat is traveling south on the east coast, or north on the west, you'll probably want starboard to see land and port to see ocean. Judge it by the stops the boat is making and you should be fine. Also, you can do the split decision thing and get a fore or aft cabin.

Wait.....people do that? I don't know if that's hilarious or scary.

You could always stuff the water bottles in your luggage. 😇

I give it a couple months before they quietly remove what's left of the testing.