graphicguy

I get it. I've flown out of CMH plenty. I'm a 2M Miler with Delta. And even at that, I'm looking for alternatives. Actually looking at AMTRAK to New York. Wouldn't mind driving, but I'd have to block out way more time, as I'd also have to drive home (CVG).

Kind of have to add up what you may (or may not) drink on board...including softdrinks. Even if I have a couple of glasses of wine with dinner, maybe a beer during the day if it's hot outside, the drink package is worth it to me given I'm only paying for the "tips/service charges" on the package. If I decide to have a "foo-foo drink" at some point at the pool, it's icing on the cake. If you don't drink alcohol, probably not worth it. I'd say the vast majority do take the drink package. But, if it isn't worth the extra cost for tips/service charges, then it's a simple decision. TA or PCC who doesn't know if anyone who doesn't take the package? They're either brand new on the job, or are trying to boost their gross booking dollar amount for some reason. While in the minority, I'd imagine there would be a few folks that don't consider the drink package a "good deal".

Kinda putting a magnifying glass to this cruise in July. As has been all over the news, Delta airlines is all kind of messed up right now. Delta is who I fly with (mostly) out of Cincinnati. So, I've traveled enough to know that even when Delta is running like a well oiled machine (which is rare), they can be persnickety enough to throw rust into their gears of progress at a moments notice. As such, as much as I don't like to do it, I'd probably come in the night before. Hotel suggestions?

EDGE is my favorite Celebrity ship. Sailed her twice last year. I’m a huge fan of Capt Kate and her crew. They were everywhere on the ship, making sure things were done right. And, she and the CD were interfacing with the guests, listening to our wants/needs, and acting on them. Capt Kate’s on Beyond now. But, that was the first and only time I felt the Capt and crew made a difference on my cruise experience. Is there a big difference between Celebrity and NCL? I suppose. Depends on what you’re looking for. As good as Celebrity’s entertainment was (and it was VERY GOOD), NCL still has the better entertainment of the two. Service? I sailed in a Sky Suite on the Edge. Service was exemplary, as you’d expect. Was it better than sailing in NCL’s Haven? I’d say it would be a toss up. But, I haven’t sailed in the NCL’s Haven in years. Edge’s Luminae was good. I have an adventurous palate so it fit with my dining expectations. Some did not like the selections and stuck with the “tried and true” from the MDR menus. I did like the different MDRs on board, as they all had different food types. Service….personally, I make connections with the staff….be they bartenders, cabin stewards, customer service personnel, etc. I’m respectful and pleasant (which is quite different than some I’ve seen who denigrate crew). Overall, it pays off. I’m always greeted quickly with a smile and great service, regardless of where I am on the ship, or what I’m doing. I appreciate them. They appreciate me (at least they seem to). The real differences between the two lines is activities. If your like a real diversity of things to do, NCL takes the baton. Some like that. Some don’t. Some want to relax and be sedate. Some like to have jam packed activities on their cruise. No right or wrong. Celebrity is more laid back, without a doubt. NCL really frosted me at the start up after COVID with how they were dishonest in the way they promised to handle FCCs and refunds, and what they actually did. I’M beginning to thaw a bit. But, still a little prickly about it. Still, I look at NCL cruises first if I’m planing one. Prices aren’t nearly as good on either line as they were 10 months ago, though.

Great start….this made me chuckle…. “The advantage of it being so busy, though, was that they didn't make me fill out that pre-treatment questionnaire where they ask you all the things you hate about yourself so they can try to upsell you treatments for them.” Because cruise ship spas try to pass themselves off as a “medical” treatment facility, I usually don’t go there unless I have a lot of OBC. The form you speak about is a little invasive, I’ve always felt. Does a masseuse really have any idea about what the meds are I’m taking and how they might affect a massage? Nope. Anyway, when I see some of the “afflictions” they ask about, I make up some sort of medical Latin sounding non-sensical words as the treatments I have and/or meds I take. The masseurs usually don’t try to go into the particular malady or cure they would offer to alleviate them. I sometimes ask them how their particular treatments or elixirs would help my “venti-auto-iridescence”? The conversation usually stops there. Looking forward to the rest of the review!!!!! 🙂

Nope……OH side….LOL!

Just spoke to a cruising buddy (and his family) who are cruising today. The family had to make separate appointments. They only allowed one drive through test at a time. So, one would take the test, submit it. They made them leave the drive through and comeback when the next appointment was scheduled. Ended up spending about an hour driving back and forth through the Walgreens drive through. Pharmacist gave the reasoning as to not hold up anyone who may also come to the drive through.

This!!!!! HAving sailed in Sky Suites on Celebrity, all inclusive, and $600 OBC, it made those cruises just about the same price as a big balcony cabin on Royal. Not sure of pricing, now. This was when prices were enticing several months ago. Not buying the drink package on Royal and just using the 4 drinks for Diamond saved a chunk of change, too. That was offset by not being able to dine in the MDRs as the wait was way too long. That was mitigated somewhat by other dining venues (both for charge and included). But, I still couldn’t get the “better” meals in the MDRs. NCL has had “For Free” packages included for a while. Plus, I’m Sapphire. As you point out, that means free laundry. Which means I can pack light with only a roll aboard and a backpack. So, no extra baggage charges at the airport. The drinks “service charges’ and specialty dining “tips”, doesn’t preclude NCL from asking guests for “additional tips”. At the end of the day, what gets me interested is the fare. If you don’t get my eyeballs with a good/great fare, none of the rest matters because I’m not even pricing out all the rest.

Royal goes almost completely a la carte on “extras”. I’m Diamond with them, too. Agree the free drinks are nice. But, that alone won’t make me keep coming back. Just did an Alaska cruise on Ovation with them. The ONLY reason I sailed with them was because of the fare, not the free drinks (nor the Diamond Lounge). Not saying I don’t appreciate the freebies. I didn’t have to buy the drink package either, as a result. But, my other favorite line (in addition to NCL) is Celebrity, which I’m Elite. Their drink package is included, no drink limits. You pay for the “service fee” on NCL’s “included” drink package. Still cheaper than Royal’s drink package. For NCL, what’s worth the most to me for my loyalty is the free laundry. So, what’s that worth? Yeah…I also get some boarding privileges. But, I don’t even put a value on that. Again, the perks are nice. None of them are going to make me an exclusive guest on any cruise line. Those perks just aren’t worth that much to me. 10% off a cruise fare? Now, you’re talking.

Funny you posted that. I was just looking at that sailing now.

Exactly. I’ll look every day at cruise fares on cruise lines, ships and destinations I might be interested in. As you say…when you find one, don’t sleep on it. Book it. I’ve been burned before by waiting and missed out on some good deals by thinking “I’ll book it later”. Fare went away.

Agree. You want me to keep coming back? Give me a break on my fare.

You know, I look at the cruise industry overall as my preferred way to vacation. Those of us who cruise a lot see it that way, too. I have some sort of alleged "status" with all the major cruise lines. But, that's not what entices me to cruise with them. If they have a deal going on that I like, I'll book with them. Free Laundry, "Behind the Scenes" tours, a few free drinks aren't going to do it, at least not for me. Seeing my so called status only reminds me of how many times I've cruised with any particular line. And, none will keep me loyal unless they offer me some value in their fares. For the first time, in a very long time, I had to actually buy drinks on my last cruise which was on Royal. I had to pay for my laundry and internet, too (which gets me pretty terrible internet for a very high price). The fare was good, however. And, the few "perks" I did get (a few free drinks and a place to "hang" away from the crowds) didn't make a hill of beans worth of difference to me. So, go ahead and give me perks. But, you want me to be loyal? Give me a good fare and good service. Everything else is just fluff.

Using TMZ or Daily Mail as a news source? SMH! Let me know when it hits a source like CNN. It would lend more credence to this story.

TMZs and Daily Mail's credibility is, and always been, at best suspect. As has been said, they're gossipy types of organizations. They rarely deal in fact....only hearsay. As far as lawsuits are concerned, anyone can file a law suit at any time, for anything, against anybody. Filing a law suit does nothing to address the credibility of this story. Again, sounds like a lot of nothing.

As others point out, it depends on where you're sailing from. I've sailed on July 4th before. Sailing from FL, there was some sort of either food or drink set up for the occasion. But, if we were in a foreign port (Mexico and/or Caribbean), there wasn't anything special that comes to mind. Have sailed from both Barcelona and Rome over July 4th. For obvious reasons, our U.S. Only Holiday is not recognized anywhere in Europe. OP....not sure if it's a joke or not, but kind of strange that a U.K. resident is asking about a 4th of July celebration on board a sailing from Italy.

It's TMZ. That tells you everything you need to know about the story's credibility. That the Daily Mail picked up the story from TMZ and published it, tells you all you need to know about them as a source, too. This is a whole lot of nothing!

As the link says....the attire is SUGGESTED! Nowhere do they say it's a requirement, outside of what they specifically state.... Main Dining Room/Specialty Dining Venues Bare feet are not allowed at any time in any venue and tank tops are not permitted in the Main Dining Room or Specialty Dining venues for dinner. Casino Dress Code Shirt and shoes are always required. Cover-ups should be worn over bathing attire. As for the rest, it never bothers me what someone else wears. What they think of what I wear bothers me even less.

I think we all saw this coming. After the startup bargains, and the initial bookings over Spring Break, this was on the horizon.... https://www.thestreet.com/investing/why-you-may-see-cheaper-royal-caribbean-carnival-cruises

Personally, a cruise ship WOULD NOT be the place I'd want to utilize for health care. I just wouldn't depend on a cruise ship's medical facility to treat me for something I encountered before I even embarked. The cruise ship's medical facilities are last resort types of medical care, to treat you at sea, when no other medical treatment is available. Even at that, if an illness or injury is serious enough, they will pass you off to a hospital at a port of call. If it's REALLY serious, they'll call for air transfer if at sea. We're wading in common sense waters with this. I don't need a cruise ship's customer service to send me flowers, or a get well card, or to hold my hand, or to make a call to see if I'm alive or dead. None of that matters to me. If I need medical attention, I want the best that's available to me, when I need it.

Thanks. Actively shopping right now. Thinking next month through August. Appreciate the insight.

Alaska isn't like the Caribbean when cruising. Caribbean, you know it's going to be hot in the summer, day and night, regardless of the port. Alaska may be warm during the day in the Summer (50º-70º)and sunny.....cold-cool at night (35º-45º). Or, it may be 45º and rainy during the day. I just returned a few days ago. 45º-60º temps during the day. Much cooler at night. Sunny all but one day.

@mking8288 It's your fault. Wasn't even thinking about another cruise. Then, I read your thread. So, I see NCL ships are not sailing at capacity (that's a good thing). Coming off a Royal Cruise, lines were long for MDRs as they were sailing near capacity and were unprepared. How about NCL? Service still good? Is everything open? Thinking of doing one of the "-Away" ships out of FL doing that whole tour. I used to be able to snag last minute deals on NCL (as in, a sailing a few weeks to a month out). Still the case? As always, appreciate anything you can share.

Cool. Refresh my memory....is this a solo? And, I agree. After a while, it's almost like muscle memory takes over with the details and packing.

Reading through all of this, I guess what I'm taking from it is.... A. If you have an illness, or any sort of injury, make sure to have it addressed before boarding (regardless of the reasons you may not want to do so)... B. Healthcare, regardless of geographic location, is not cheap. C. Insurance companies are not your friend, but it's a requirement to have it, regardless of how it's paid for, and by whom. D. Cruise lines only have the medical expertise to treat and diagnose maladies that are relatively minor in nature. They do have the expertise to hand you off to a facility that's better equipped to treat more serious illnesses or injuries. E. If you are being transported by ambulance, or worse, air care, prepare to pay a BIG bill if not covered by insurance. F. It's a good idea to know what your insurance will or will not cover if you're injured or become ill while on a cruise, especially if you're in international waters. G. If you are indeed injured or ill right before cruising, invoke your travel insurance to pay of the cancellation of your cruise. More importantly, don't board a cruise ship not knowing if you will or won't get better. Likely, you won't recover on a cruise ship.