Unusual/unpopular opinions

[mnocket]

On 12/24/2022 at 4:23 AM, ontheweb said:

We really liked Jamaica. We were there once at an all inclusive for our 20th anniversary. We were there once on a cruise, and took a Bob Marley bus excursion which we loved. Both times were in Ochos Rios.

Not sure how long ago this was, but it seems the crime situation in Jamaica is continuing to deteriorate and is even reaching the all inclusive resorts.  I haven't stayed at an all inclusive in Jamaica, but I have recently stayed at one in Cancun.  As a rule I don't visit Mexico for a number of reasons, but I have found that staying at high-end all inclusive resorts there insulates me from the down sides.  There recently have been a few serious crimes reported at Mexican all inclusive resorts and if this worsens I'll have to drop Mexico from my travels altogether.  For now I think it's still safe at the better all inclusive resorts and most of the crime doesn't target tourists.  I don't have experience with Jamaican resorts, but I hope crime isn't becoming a major problem there.

 

This is from the recent update of the US travel advisory for Jamaica....

 

The U.S. State Department on Oct. 5 issued a level 3 travel advisory, indicating that Americans should “reconsider travel” due to an increased risk of crime in the country. The advisory noted that “violent crimes, such as home invasions, armed robberies, sexual assaults and homicides, are common” and that “sexual assaults occur frequently,” even at all-inclusive resorts.

[ilikeanswers]

11 hours ago, mnocket said:

Not sure how long ago this was, but it seems the crime situation in Jamaica is continuing to deteriorate and is even reaching the all inclusive resorts.  I haven't stayed at an all inclusive in Jamaica, but I have recently stayed at one in Cancun.  As a rule I don't visit Mexico for a number of reasons, but I have found that staying at high-end all inclusive resorts there insulates me from the down sides.  There recently have been a few serious crimes reported at Mexican all inclusive resorts and if this worsens I'll have to drop Mexico from my travels altogether.  For now I think it's still safe at the better all inclusive resorts and most of the crime doesn't target tourists.  I don't have experience with Jamaican resorts, but I hope crime isn't becoming a major problem there.

 

This is from the recent update of the US travel advisory for Jamaica....

 

The U.S. State Department on Oct. 5 issued a level 3 travel advisory, indicating that Americans should “reconsider travel” due to an increased risk of crime in the country. The advisory noted that “violent crimes, such as home invasions, armed robberies, sexual assaults and homicides, are common” and that “sexual assaults occur frequently,” even at all-inclusive resorts.

 

In defence of Mexico I did a self drive trip through South Mexico, Belize and Guatemala just before Covid. Never felt unsafe though I did take precautions in informing myself the dos and don'ts of journeying through those countries but I also do that for anywhere I travel. Found expat blogs particularly useful since as foreigners living in those countries they had the knowledge of both worlds. I didn't want to be blasé but I am not interested in insulated holidays either. I grew up in an area that was deemed dangerous so I am not quick to be put off by a travel advisory (unless it is an active war or disaster) as my experiences are things are usually a bit more nuanced. At the end of the day we all have to travel to our comfort level and holidays are meant to be enjoyable so if a place really makes you uncomfortable probably best not to visit but I have always thought as long as you have good information you can be safe in any destination🤗

[ccr1956]

On 10/22/2022 at 11:08 AM, pete_coach said:

I cannot understand some cruisers obsession with who the Captain is. Do they also care who  is flying their plane to the departure port??

Or who the Cruise director is? Why?

Or the Hotel manager is? Again why??

 

I am also confused by the cruisers that are concerned/obsessed/upset with what I wear on vacation? It is my holiday. I can wear shorts into restaurateurs at home, why not on the boat??

 

Because you have been on 32 cruises does not make you the rules maker of the cruise line.

 

We cruise for the itinerary, the variety of food because we don't have to cook it and. to wake up somewhere else every morning.

 

Oh and we like a balcony cabin because coffee and a muffin in the morning while we wait for each other to finish our shower is superb place to be. Oh and a cocktail late at night under the moon is cool too 🙂

 

I could not of said it better!

[donaldsc]

1 hour ago, ccr1956 said:

I could not of said it better!

 

I agree w you with regard to the hotel director or captain although the captains on Azamara have been more friendly and available than other captains or at least they have been in the past.  The cruise director can be more important as they should be out and about and be interacting with the passengers. I would not pick a cruise on the basis of the cruise director however.

 

DON

[pete_coach]

On 1/8/2023 at 3:29 PM, donaldsc said:

 

I agree w you with regard to the hotel director or captain although the captains on Azamara have been more friendly and available than other captains or at least they have been in the past.  The cruise director can be more important as they should be out and about and be interacting with the passengers. I would not pick a cruise on the basis of the cruise director however.

 

DON

Azamara ships have less than half the passengers of Oceania (let alone major cruise lines).

A walkabout on Azamara take only an hour 🙂

[cruisemom42]

8 minutes ago, pete_coach said:

Azamara ships have less than half the passengers of Oceania (let alone major cruise lines).

A walkabout on Azamara take only an hour 🙂

 

Azamara's four ships and four of Oceania's current six ships are exactly the same. They were all built for the long defunct Renaissance cruises. (Which went out of business around the time of 9/11).  Each carries about 800 passengers. It's only Oceania's newer ships that are larger.

 

[Hlitner]

An unpopular opinion with many is our love of variety, be it with cruise lines, ships, etc.  The issue of "loyalty" is something about which we could care less.  Why on earth would I want to cruise on one particular line, several times a year, have the same menus, many of the same shows, etc.  Perhaps the reason that we still love to cruise, after more than 50 years of extensive cruising, is because we do seek out variety.   The various privileges and amenities that come with loyalty status are relatively important in the scheme of things.  And I say this having achieved the highest loyalty levels on multiple cruise lines (simply because we have done a lot of cruising over a half century).  That "loyalty" stuff has absolutely no bearing on our decision when it comes to picking a cruise.

 

Speaking of "loyalty" we also have no loyalty to a particular travel or cruise agent.  We have made it clear, to our favorite cruise agent, that we are only "loyal" as long as her agency gives us the best overall deal and excellent customer service.  We still shop around, among several different agencies, for the best deal.  That has saved us 10s of thousands of dollars over the years.

 

Hank

[Zach1213]

2 hours ago, Hlitner said:

That "loyalty" stuff has absolutely no bearing on our decision when it comes to picking a cruise.

 

Agreed. I travel for a living so I do have loyalty to an airline alliance, a hotel chain, and even a rental car company...but it's because they throw out some really good perks, and in turn bail me out when needed (flights cancelled, last minute hotel room or car needed, etc.). I can't imagine any perk the cruise lines offer is beneficial enough for me to be loyal, even remotely so. Like "ohhhh happy hour? bro I'm drinkin' at 11am, get outta here with that". 

[navybankerteacher]

The notion of picking an itinerary on the basis of how much you will save due to "loyalty" points strikes me as absurd.  Each cruise, or land trip, I take is because  it is what  I want to do and see at the time I deciding what I want.   Of course if two lines provide itineraries which are equally attractive, I am likely to go for the less expensive one.

[mcollins3549]

On 10/19/2022 at 9:43 PM, vicky3vicky said:

 About 15 cruises ago, my Autistic son had a seizure at dinner the first night. We never saw our table mates again and, though I never mentioned it, we have never been seated with anyone but our family again. And slightly off the subject, but if someone seated at a large table gets there at the earliest possible time do they have to wait for people in their table to all arrive before ordering and getting their food?

My opinion ... NO ... you do not wait for the other table mates.  People don't show up for dinner and they don't always notify dining room.  And your plans - shows, performers, etc. - are YOUR plans ... work your schedule. 

 

[simplelife]

On 10/20/2022 at 6:37 PM, ldubs said:

 

Matching outfits?  Oh heck no!  lol

 

A lot of the entertainment isn't exactly major league.  But I can still enjoy.  At the risk of repeating myself, in most cases I prefer the lounge musicians to the big production shows.  

we are notmatchy-matchy at all, but find it funny however that DH and I will often, independent of one another, choose the same color to wear.

[simplelife]

My unpopular or at least uncommon opinion is that the best type of cabin to book is a porthole.  I don't see a need for a balcony - we've had one a few times and, other than Alaska, used it so little it was not worth the extra expense. (I also do not like regular interiors - we need some natural light).  But to me, a porthole gives the same advantages as an OV,  but with savings I can spend on drinks, excursions, casino, whatever.

Edited January 29, 2023 by simplelife

[ldubs]

12 minutes ago, simplelife said:

we are notmatchy-matchy at all, but find it funny however that DH and I will often, independent of one another, choose the same color to wear.

 

It can be uncanny.   Mrs Ldubs knows what I am going to ask even before I do! 😄

[ldubs]

5 minutes ago, simplelife said:

My unpopular or at least uncommon opinion is that the best type of cabin to book is a porthole.  I don't see a need for a balcony - we've had one a few times and, other than Alaska, used it so little it was not worth the extra expense. (I also do not like regular interiors - we need some natural light).  But to me, a porthole gives the same advantages as an OV,  but with savings I can spend on drinks, excursions, casino, whatever.

 

 

OK, I'm getting into the weeds a little too far here.   Is a" porthole cabin" something different from an OV?  

[KBS1607]

My husband loves to do laundry on cruises. It’s strange as I do it at home. He’s bummed because Royal has no self service laundry. 

Edited January 30, 2023 by KBS1607

[BallFour4]

Great read so far. I'm in. Let me get the flame generating comments out first. My wife and I are platinum (and not special) plus we cruised on the orginal Mardi Gras, me twice!

 

 1.) I am amused at those that want elegant dress in the main dining room. It's over, Elmers came to get the horse. When you have people roaring over a hairy chest contest at in the afternoon don't expect Emily Post to visit their wardrobe choices for dinner.
2.) I don't like the option to remove gratuities. Resort hotels charge a daily fee, and the cruise industry should go that route.

3.) I love the front of the ship, lido balcony on the port side. The sound of the water and waves is paradise to me.
4.) Aft cabins are miserable hot. We've tried twice, and both times the rails were so hot they would burn you. Also, the privacy is zero.

5.) Speaking of privacy, the ships after Conquest class offer a full-fledged peep show as the balconies and cabins themselves on Deck 6 and above are clearly visible from the outdoor area.
6.) Havana balcony cabins are a virtual diorama like we all made in second grade and completely void of privacy. These are a waste of money to me.
7.) Carnival could care less about loyalty. They need Blue Cards spending money by the fistful. I understand the cruise industry is bleeding cash, but I don't need a key chain. Can I suggest a polo or windbreaker at milestone cruises? Don't amuse me with trinkets.
8.) Four and five day cruises are a blast. We can sail from down the road in Galveston for a extended weekend and enjoy a nice getaway.

9. Art auctions are a scam. Your comments here _______ .

10.) Carnival debarkation is a mess, it was that way pre Covid and it's that way after. We self-assist and priority debark, and as early as 6:45 AM the elevators are a hot mess.

11.) DJ's that play music at 100 decibels and above should be flogged. I owned a side DJ business for twenty years and there is no excuse to not work a playlist to your crowd. No parent wants to hear some of the choices they make while having a burger with a ten year old daughter.
12.) Morning large screen programming needs to be zero. Play caribbean music and steel drums and leave the game show wanna be chatter off.

13.) Cozumel never gets old. My wife and I have done 3/4 of the excursions usually offered and we migrate back to Nachi Cocum almost every time.

 OK, I'll stop. The Chiefs game is getting interesting, and since we haven't had a real football team in two decades of Texans tickets I am going to watch the rest.

Here are some images from the Breeze: https://photos.app.goo.gl/d6DHtHHjYrjNobtd9

 

And some from Nachi Cocom with a couple at the end from Mr Sanchos when we walked over: https://photos.app.goo.gl/mp5SL6bus7mESDUW9

 

See You At Sea!

 

.

 

Edited January 30, 2023 by BallFour4

[navybankerteacher]

Cozumel started out boring - and went down hill.

[Honolulu Blue]

3 hours ago, ldubs said:

OK, I'm getting into the weeds a little too far here.   Is a" porthole cabin" something different from an OV?  

On Carnival, they're definitely different. Porthole cabins have their own fare category and have metal covers in the room just in case things get really bad outside. The oceanview windows are one per cabin and squarish.

[ldubs]

15 minutes ago, Honolulu Blue said:

On Carnival, they're definitely different. Porthole cabins have their own fare category and have metal covers in the room just in case things get really bad outside. The oceanview windows are one per cabin and squarish.

 

I had no idea.  Just learned something new!  Thx!

[GeezerCouple]

5 hours ago, ldubs said:

 

OK, I'm getting into the weeds a little too far here.   Is a" porthole cabin" something different from an OV?  

 

In our experience on several ships over the years, yes indeed, they are different, which is why they have different names. 😉 

 

A porthole is a rather small round window, whether or not there is a "cover" for it.

An OV/Ocean View is a real "window", albeit not a huge one like in a higher category cabin.  I assume the exact sizes of the OV windows vary from ship to ship and line to line.

 

On my first cruise, in the '70s, we had one "fancy room" with 2 portholes and two lower beds and two upper bunks, plus a tiny inside cabin with on set of steel bunkbeds and the smallest bathroom.  But at least it was a *private* bathroom, so no complaints!

 

I fell in love with cruising instantly (and I had the inside!).

 

GC

[ldubs]

38 minutes ago, GeezerCouple said:

 

In our experience on several ships over the years, yes indeed, they are different, which is why they have different names. 😉 

 

A porthole is a rather small round window, whether or not there is a "cover" for it.

An OV/Ocean View is a real "window", albeit not a huge one like in a higher category cabin.  I assume the exact sizes of the OV windows vary from ship to ship and line to line.

 

On my first cruise, in the '70s, we had one "fancy room" with 2 portholes and two lower beds and two upper bunks, plus a tiny inside cabin with on set of steel bunkbeds and the smallest bathroom.  But at least it was a *private* bathroom, so no complaints!

 

I fell in love with cruising instantly (and I had the inside!).

 

GC

 

Thanks.  I do know what a porthole is.  I just didn't know they had different cabin categories from OV.  Now that you guys have described things, it makes sense to me.  

 

First cruise in the '70's -- you have definitely seen a lot of changes.   

[Sea42]

10 hours ago, navybankerteacher said:

Cozumel started out boring - and went down hill.

Cozumel was wonderful before they built the cruise ship pier.

[K32682]

21 hours ago, mcollins3549 said:

My opinion ... NO ... you do not wait for the other table mates.  People don't show up for dinner and they don't always notify dining room.  And your plans - shows, performers, etc. - are YOUR plans ... work your schedule. 

 

 

Absolutely right. You have few obligations to your table mates. You do not owe them conversation, entertainment, participation in their discussions, sharing your wine with them, lingering until they are finished eating, waiting until they arrive or anything beyond simply not being disruptive.  

 

Servers however may not ask you about dessert until everyone is finished. If so signal one to come over and ask for dessert regardless if others are still eating their main course. 

 

[navybankerteacher]

2 hours ago, K32682 said:

 

…. You have few obligations to your table mates. You do not owe them conversation, entertainment, participation in their discussions, …

 

There is, of course, no requirement to be sociable; but why sit at a table with others if you do not want to interact with them?

Edited January 30, 2023 by navybankerteacher

[KBs mum]

2 hours ago, navybankerteacher said:

There is, of course, no requirement to be sociable; but why sit at a table with others if you do not want to interact with them?

Sometimes there are no small tables available, so no choice