basenji56

I get 3% back on my credit card so its a relatively easy decision to forgo the extra .3% in exchange for the extra travel benefits from the card. If you don't get cash back on your card, it might be a different calculation.

We can put out a call for comedians.... https://www.careeraddict.com/how-become-comedian

Crystal left many holding the bag too. I assume Viking is safe but I have not studied its books. Using a credit card adds significant protection.

Yes, travel protection from credit card needs to be favored in. As well as protection from provider bankruptcy

And the last time I checked, Viking doesn't really offer any loyalty program of note.

I look back on those late 2021-early 2022 cruises are some of the best. Although we had to wear masks, the numbers of passengers were so low and the passenger to crew ration was outstanding.

I have a Crystal sailing booked next year. I appreciate hearing the pros and cons of the restart. People tell me that the new Crystal is well capitalized--which is my main concern given how much money some people lost in the past.

Hopefully they are well capitalized and can withstand any future pandemics.

I am booked on Crystal too. But after their recent bankruptcy and seeing how many clients lost money, many of us are wary of their financial situation.

"Celebrity has reduced space for the non suite class and that includes the elimination of forward views on the E series forward. That was a key reason Celebrity was cancelled." I hear you on that. I recently enjoyed the forward views on Reflection (even though half had been removed for suites). I know everyone seems to get excited about aft views, but I prefer seeing where we are going rather than where we have been.

Sounds wonderful. Unfortunately I have found the price point to be double that of Oceania and many times higher than Celebrity for a veranda. Might be worth it if I drank alcohol--but I don't. What you write makes me wish that I did!

The old joke is that if HAL cruisers were any older they would be dead.

They seem to want that demographic but the people without kids who have the time and money to cruise tend to be older. The 20/30 year olds with kids will cruise Carnival or Royal. The drunken 20 year olds can't afford VV unless they have a trust fund.

I have a VV cruise booked. A bit apprehensive about the vibe. Their marketing seems geared to a young, "wild" crowd. Reality may be different.

In the Caribbean, what are the better ports on HAL?

Viking Ocean is very nice. Small ships. Food is somewhat better than Celebrity--particularly for breakfast in the dining room. Spa is free and fantastic. Entertainment is smaller scale. Problem is the limited itineraries in the Caribbean. And payment is generally due a year in advance.

I have several cruises booked with Oceania. Also plan to try Azamara, the reborn Crystal and Virgin.

Frog in the pot. As time passes, most suite perks will be removed. Or required for an extra charge.

Who would think that Panama could run out of rain?

Just be sure to tell them which plan you want the drink applied to. I am pretty sure they will apply the sodas to the soda package first but it doesn't hurt to mention it.

If the cruse lines can get away with it without losing too many customers, they will do it.

My first thought too. I fear some cruise lines are going to go to a floating hotel model. The cruise fare only includes your cabin but everything else is ala carte.

Correct.

This topic is confusing. Some said yes others said no.

Why not? Celebrity is two hour cocktail hour for Elite but not first day. Royal perk is four drinks or coffees a day for Diamond. Elite Plus perk is free specialty coffees all day. Original post said they were Elite not Elite Plus.