LouChamp

Yes agree with you about the timeline but he did run it into the ground. Hes shrewd but probably legal

Aloha. Yes on various lines and brands it is not unusual. May not be the norm but quite frankly all I care about is good health and blessings for the passengers crew including but not limited to the Captain. I have been cruising for decades and with all due respect they are no different than pilots and other employees. I expect a safe enjoyable voyage and wish everybody the best but never remember their names as long as they do a good job. Maybe the only Captains name I remember is Smith then again he was Captain on the Titanic. Smooth sailing

If you have followed FDR over the years you are correct. He is a legal milkman. Ran Renaissance into the ground after 9/11. He is crafty yet his products are good. Almost like Frank Lorenzo of the airline days. Texas Airlines, Continental. He brought home millions during Covid and now pits his son in charge. While Ted Arison rest in peace did the same for Mickey the culture and products delivered were different. That said lets see what happens.

Aloha. We have sailed many times in the Med. One cruise for several weeks from Southampton to Venice on Cunard. Another from Barcelona to Venice on Princess and another on Celebrity. Each one included some greek islands and Athens. We also stayed several days before and after each cruise in London, Barcelona, Rome, Venice. They were longer cruises and some back to backs so it depends on budget, experience and itinerary. Its very personal. My parents loved Europe and Asia with Crystal. I cannot attest to Viking and sorry if I am posting other lines on their page but I am confident Viking would be a top choice. I remember Royal Viking Line when I was in my younger years and they were phenomenal and as you may know the same owner for both. They certainly know what they are doing. Keep in mind since you have sailed primarily with Carnival the experience will be way different on Viking i.e. no casino, an older client base and a quiet in general atmosphere on board. Please keep us posted. Part of the fun is the planning!

Aloha. As a shareholder in the big three companies and as I’m sure many on these boards are also, the three major companies are up to their eyeballs in debt. They are basically refinancing and restructuring in order to push the debt down the road. While not necessarily too big to fail, if they did they have assets few can afford to buy nor would want so the lenders need to work with them. That said, they are cutting back the on board services, staff and general experiences onboard even the most higher end brands. No matter the glossy verbage they are all in trouble and hopefully they don’t cut back where they start losing long term devoted cruise addicts such as myself and many of us. Each brand has its own vibrant flavor and when that is diluted in my opinion it continues the downward slope which translates into many not returning and them hoping they attract new blood. Just my opinion. All the best for a happy and healthy holiday season and new year!

Aloha. Thank you for your review and pictures. Have a great holiday season.

Aloha. We have stayed at the IC Papeete and were very pleased with the OWB. The service was excellent and the atmosphere was most pleasant.

Aloha. Thank you for those beautiful pictures. It brings back great memories and I would recommend this cruise for those who are interested as it is truly special and most memorable. Have a wonderful holiday season!

Aloha Love your writing style. Thank you for reporting!

Aloha. Thank you for sharing your voyage and of course the food pictures! All the best for a great holiday season and new year.

Aloha. Thank you for posting. Can you please post the menu?

Aloha. As always thank you for taking time to post. Love the food pictures!

It is me again! I seriously feel upset at what HAL is doing with the lack of recognition for Jim and fellow Zeniths. Just like the yum yum man. When we receive certain service and then it is removed, it is frustrating. it means they don't care. My parents were world travelers on another unnamed cruise line. The Captain would actually arrange to visit certain passengers like my parents and recognize their loyalty as well as comp certain amenities. If Celebrity doesn’t have their internal requisite minimum for a reception then let the Captain personally and perhaps privately recognize them. Sorry for the rant. Smooth sailing to all

Aloha. It is sad but little things matter to me. For example the yum yum man. Chocolates every night at turn down. These are things that while valueless in reality make a voyage special and each line special. I feel the same way in a restaurant, hotel, etc. I don’t need special recognition and in reality whether I am elite, zenith or gold etc on a ship, hotel, etc but the point is the bean counters need to realize how important it is because our money can be moved elsewhere. I will stand in line at a bank and don't care if they know I am private bank but the little things matter a lot to me. Unfortunately the world has changed. Sad

Aloha. If we stayed with one cruise line we would also have top billing same with hotels although as with both cruise lines and hotels we do have high tiers. That said I personally don't need recognition just outstanding service. I enjoy variety be it cruise lines, ships, hotels, etc. But if you expect to be recognized and you are not then it is time to move on. They owe you for the recognition not the other way around.

Aloha. We have been blessed to sail in suites that include the Neptune Lounge many times. Service is excellent and I enjoy morning coffee and catching up on news while the other half is asleep. The snacks and offerings and the concierge is addictive. Smooth sailing!

Oops typo. It was my parents 50th anniversary i was referring to. Sorry!

Aloha. We love Celebrity having sailed countless times with them including their first ship the Meridian. We enjoy having sailed countless times on other lines as well with some better experiences than others. That said, I would recommend sailing a TA on the QM2. We have sailed on many Cunard ships for several decades and strongly suggest you try at least one TA. Their Queens Grill is a must experience. Back in 2004 her inaugural year, we celebrated my 50 the with anniversary with a sailing with 60 family members. It was much better than a one night event in a catering hall and fond memories for family and friends who joined them. Unfortunately many are no longer with us including my dad and mom now has dementia but the experience was loved by many. Didn’t mean to hijack your thread but I would really think about it. Open for questions if you have. All the best and smooth sailing!

Aloha. Thank you for sharing your voyage. Have a wonderful holiday season and new year!

Glad all went well with the surgery!

Aloha. Congratulations on the upgrade. By the way I emailed you a while back to check on the results of your eye surgery. I am thinking it was successful. Best regards!

Aloha. Most grateful for the pictures. Have a wonderful holiday season!

Thanks Benny! Welcome home and all the best!

That was an excellent tour. My daughter loved the penguins and we went to the home of a family who served tea and baked goods. Truly a once in a lifetime experience. Due to weather and sea conditions not every ship is able to dock and the visit is often cancelled.

Aloha. We sailed over Christmas New Year 2008 2009 and it was rough but no more rough than the Bay of Biscay and transatlantic. We were fortunate because my parents sailed a year later and it was so rough the shops on board were messed up. Liquor bottles flew thru the shop windows. As with anything it depends on the moment and is certified unpredictable.