DCDragonfly

They could also do like the airlines, with separate programs but credit for flights with others in the same alliance.

One thing I saw on my Journeys cruise I haven't seen before or since: a seaday steakhouse brunch. I can't remember the last time I ate so much!

That's how hotel programs work. Marriott will give you credit whether you stay at Courtyard or Ritz-Carlton.

I've been to HMC with HAL and Carnival and didn't notice any differences. Where to eat lunch depends on how much beach time you want, and whether you prefer the picnic atmosphere on the island or the calmer and more diverse options on the ship.

Carnival has the 5/19 cruise departing Norfolk and returning to Baltimore.

Much of that literature owes its existence to Paul Wittgenstein, a noted pianist and brother of philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein. After he lost his right arm in WW1, he commissioned tons of pieces for left hand only. One of his students told me Wittgenstein was perhaps the greatest man he ever knew.

When my parents sailed the Nieuw Amsterdam, my sister and BIL came on board to see them off. Of course, that was 50 years and 3 Nieuw Amsterdams ago....

After finishing his WW2 army hitch, J. D. Salinger spent a summer as a CD. I'm surprised he lasted the summer.

We just got on the Eurodam in a spa balcony. The chairs don’t have footrests, but there’s plenty of room to sit comfortably without twisting around. We’re totally pleased with the cabin (especially because we booked GTY), but I wouldn’t spring for the 50% premium HAL seems to charge.

We're leaving on the Eurodam next week and were wondering whether the salon does hair coloring. We can't find it on the app or website.

If HAL builds a 7000-passenger ship, they could anticipate people's reaction and call it the Goddam.

I see you've sailed the Magic.

I hit it twice on the same Fantasy cruise almost 10 years ago. They must have scrapped that machine with the rest of the ship, because I haven't won since, and I've pretty much stopped trying.

You make an interesting point, but really, if a cruise line responds to a safety or consumer-protection measure with "You can't make us!" it's a terrible look.

Our Celebrity cruise went to CocoCay back in 2010.

As a metalhead, I was all set to jump on that fare--but 2 nights? YIKES!

We sailed out of Dover on the Pride last summer and had a great time. Our biggest disappointment was the lack of Brits on board!

"I don't know about you, but I intend to write a strongly worded letter to the White Star Line about all this." -- Jack Dawson

I'd have done it so that when the host asked my name, I'd say "Charles Van Doren." 😈

We did Berlin by Train (just the train) a year ago. The train didn't have AC, but you could open the windows, so it was OK, even with near-record heat that day. I believe the train had bathrooms, but we didn't use them. We got snacks going and coming back. We went the DIY route and spent the day at the zoo, which is outstanding. It was a Monday, and all the museums were closed, which took some people by surprise.

We have 50 days on Carnival (which I'll assume is long enough), and we got off the Nieuw Statendam 2 weeks ago after a 7-day to Aruba and Curacao, our first time with HAL. Let's just say it made my GF consider resigning from VIFP. We thought the food was miles ahead of Carnival, the ship was newer and more elegant, and the passengers older and more sedate. At the same time, there were fewer activities, only one comedian (whom we didn't see), no waterpark or slides, and no production shows. We've never had a suite, so we can't comment there. HAL is also a good bit pricier than Carnival as a rule. Bottom line: Unless you prize Carnival's "fun" concept, I don't think you'll be disappointed with HAL or the Pinnacle class. Any further questions, just ask!

Some things can't be, uh, ducked.

RC has a big heavy metal charter cruise every year. This should prompt a switch to HAL!

I was on the NS last week, and I noticed the craps table was never open in the afternoons.

70000 Tons of Metal on RCCL leaves in 9 days. Rooms still available!