RBCal

I thank you for clarifying that you are a media influencer.

and Zuckerberg sells all their likes to advertisers for which you get no compensation. 1984's Big Brother came 20 years too early. George Orwell was a genius. I avoid FB/Meta like a plague. AI will be even worse

I chose VV since I was told they don't do the upsells that other cruises do. I never spend money on them (except dining). Not having to pay extra besides super high end meats and seafood is a major plus. This does seem like a bit of an add but I appreciate the info.

I'm trying to avoid 'wasting' my money be listening to phonies. I'm quickly finding out who they are and making a mental list. I certainly won't be posting them here.

I stated clearly in my OG that deceptive advertising using 'influencers' is my concern. I don't know whether I've been a victim to them since I generally ignore bubbly people who tout how fantastic they are. Other posters have reported influencers getting special preference. Search the forum for them. I am not doing your due diligence for you. What is the deal with people attacking non-influential people who ask naive questions? Thanks for beeing so 'friendly' and 'helpful'

It is disguised marketing not open marketing. There is a big difference. I won't be wasting my money.

If any poster is compensated it should be stated cleary on their profile. Anyone who follows their advice is a fool but like PT Barnum said 'a sucker is born every minute' I deleted my Facebook account due to it being a fountain of misinformation and full of clickbait crapola.

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If 'influencers' acknowledged they are paid in loot for their 'reviews' that's cool with me. Not making this clear slants the 'reviews' to unsavvy travelers. Ignorance is not bliss. Knowledge is.

I've seen several posts complaining that social media influencers receive special treatment and even free cruises. I know that travel agents do. I personally think Twitter and Facebook are bad companies so never use them anymore. IMHO this is unfair and increases costs and fares for the uninfluencers like me. What is your experience? Are any cruiselines worse than others in practicing this unethical issue?

If it was a mistake and not fraud it still shows unprofessional business practices. How do you tell the difference? BTW, I got no apology.

My safari in Botswana was a tour of a lifetime. I saw thousands of elephants and many crocodiles, lions and springboks. The baboons are ubiquitous and I found to be a bit scary. Monkeys are really clever thieves and will even run into your room to steal food if you are not careful.

Only retired people know what FOD means. IMHO it's a useful term to those who want to meet other mature LGBT people. Judy Garland is a bit before my time but FOD is better than a lot of other euphemisms for gay people.

VV automatically booked a Shore Things tour without my consent. Luckily my TA caught it. I'm just warning people to keep a sharp eye on their credit card transactions. This has never happened to me on other cruiselines.

Not very rockstar of Branson. Punk sold out anyway.

Israel has major unrest now due to protests against Netanyahu. I doubt VV will dock there. I was lucky that on another cruiseline we were able to tour several historic sites when people were not upset enough to demonstrate. I did hear a bomb go off in Jerusalem though.

Since Branson made his fortune off the Sex Pistols and they have a Sex Pistol album in the cabin I'm hoping they are featured. Can I keep the album? I still have a turntable but never use it.

I am trying to be healthy and avoid booze. We are booked in a Brilliant Suite for a cruise in a couple weeks and I don't want them stocking my bar with booze. I prefer smoothies, mineral water and juices. Will they allow this? Can I get credit for the bar and restaurants for buying smoothies and juices? I have emailed and tweeted Virgin several times but they have not responded. Thanks for any advice. A rockstar dinosaur RBCal

In Botswana you have to cross the border on foot and step into disinfectant (with your shoes on). The border agent made a somewhat pointed comment "two men traveling together"? We ignored him and were allowed to enter. It probably helped that our booking was at the most prestigious resort in Chobe and we had a private guide. I suspect it would be more difficult if we didn't. This was like 20 years ago and things may have changed since then.

If I'm wasting that much money I'm booking a private yacht.

I'm in a suite but to upgrade to a higher level of suite the minimum bid is 5 to 10K. Why have a minimum at all? I view this as price gouging but understand that money talks. However, for the price they are charging it makes more sense to book a private yacht.

Besides South Africa you need to be careful in most of Africa. I had a few issues in Zambia and Zimbabwe (these are not usual ports of call but may be offered as side tours). Botswana and Victoria Falls should be on your bucket list but you have to go back in the closet there.

The gay group cruises can have partiers too. Celebrity's ice martini bar attracts a hard drinking crowd. I used to be one of them but have reformed.

IMHO the minimum bids for upgrades are outrageousy overpriced. I hope they aren't an indication of all of VV's customer services.

If you need booze or any stimulant to have fun, you aren't much fun to begin with. Moderation is best. Mind altering substances can enhance things but if you are a bad person they bring out the worst in you.