Kendall James-Vargas

What is most upsetting is when guests get away with sneaking things onboard on purpose, and a guests who makes an honest mistake can be sentences to prison time. A guest has been banned for life for fishing off of a ship, and another was banned for life due to CBD gummies. Sometimes it's not always fair, but I guess life isn't fair. That's just reality! If you ever try to sneak something onboard, you take a huge risk! I wouldn't recommend it to anyone. It doesn't matter how expensive the alcohol may be onboard, sneaking it on the ship is far too risky. 

@LukeJ That's a good drinking tip. I guess to avoid a headache I could continue drinking in the morning. I can't even think about a morning alcoholic beverage. A mimosa doesn't sound appealing and I can't stand the taste of a bloody mary! Over indulging in alcohol just isn't for me. 

I'm curious if the person who climbed off of the MSC Bellissima was enjoying the beverage package. The guest tried to enter Japan illegally by climbing off of the ship by ended up falling into the water. 

@LukeJ Some cruise guests really feel entitled enough to have an expectation that a ship would wait on them. Unless it was an extremely rare emergency, I don't think an entire ship filled with tons of guests and crew members would wait up for me due to my own error. I'm glad you agree with me here! I'm sure if I was in this circumstance I would be so upset, but it's unfair to place the blame on another person. Giving yourself enough time in case of incidentals is key. You have to plan accordingly.

@LukeJ I love how honest you are! It's true that everyone makes mistakes and to deny that is a horrible character trait. You have to be humble enough to state when you are wrong too. Life's all about balance! Not everyone is right 24/7. It's hard to befriend a person who acts that way. Life is full of unexpected circumstances and sometimes you just have to roll with the punches. It sounds like this same analogy works in business. How many hours a week did you typically have to spend on your business? I have always been under the impression owning your own business is very time consuming. 

Cruising for a wedding is way different than cruising for personal leisure! I agree that cruising for a personal purpose is preferred, but I actually wanted to get married on a cruise ship. My husband didn't want to, but it was the most ideal wedding to me. It's alright that I didn't get married on a cruise though. I get payback annually while booking cruises to fulfill my passion. Just trying to coordinate a dinner meeting spot or after dinner activity is a headache with more than your personal family. I can barley get my family to cooperate and make it to dinner dressed and on time. I take every chance I get to cruise. If it's someone else's wedding, I will still go and take it for what it's worth! 

@Miss Lizzie Disney Cruise Line really went above and beyond here! I completely agree with you. Even if we never hear the resolution story, I can tell DCL did almost everything in their power to ensure the best possible outcome. 

Wow, you have been enjoying Disney cruises for quite a while! Clearly your first one 19 years ago was an exceptional experience for you. Thanks for sharing your impression of the line and how worth it the experience is for you. I would love to explore the line as well. Every time I get a DCL quote I feel daunted by the price and opt out. Since I have your children, I think it would be a truly impressionable experience so I will continue to look for deals that are in my price range. Disney is magical (I love the parks), and surely a Disney cruise would have that same feel. 

I'm surprised to read about your Princess Cruises' experience. I have heard great things about the line, but it's geared towards older adults. RCL is certainly more fun, and I bet DCL is even more fun! 

Just look at those fun and festive character outfits for Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point!

@euroguy Thanks for sharing your insight here. I think I would use a shirt or sweatshirt often and it would be a good marketing strategy for the line. The biggest issue with clothing is sizing. Everyone is a unique size and has unique sizing preferences. That could make VIFP gifting more challenging. Can you imagine the line at guests services if half of those who received their VIFP shirt did like the size they received? That could be insanity. 

CCL does an exceptional job at offering great VIFP perks. I would think free laundry is one of the best perks the line offers, but many VIFP guests don't actually use the service. I totally would use that perk, and not many cruises lines offer it. Free drinks everywhere is another huge VIFP perk. It's a huge money saver too! If it's free everywhere onboard, you have to splurge and make the most of it.

Having a CCL personal assistant on speed dial is something most don't have. That's something you have to indulge in as often as possible! Where do you typically grab your morning mocha onboard? There has to be a location you can grab it where the lines are shorter! 

@LukeJ That's great advice! You have to have followthrough with your commitments even if they don't end up being the best choice. I can imagine backtracking after noticing you aren't succeeding do more harm than good. Beginning from square one again, wasting more time/energy/resources could end up being a worse call. 

That's another excellent tip! You have to be humble and realistic enough to realize that you won't always be right. Admitting your mistakes and downfalls isn't easy, it makes maturity, but a smart business owner has to take ownership of their actions! Seeking advice from others is huge. That's why I happen to love the cruise boards actually, because I learn so much from others! I can't pretend I know everything. How could I? I learn so much about ports of call and different cruise ships everyday. I would love the opportunity to cruise them all, but I haven't had the time or resources for that yet! There are so many cruise lines. It's almost impossible to try them all in a timely fashion. 

@Cornelis I think the captain shouldn't be at fault if guests aren't on time! It's not the responsibility of the captain to force guests to be on time. That would be an unrealistic expectation! The captain already has enough responsibility, and the responsibility of punctuality for every guest would be a wild assumption. All guests should give themselves enough time to get back to the port. It oftentimes takes longer than expected, and my rule of thumb is getting back two hours before departure. If something goes wrong, you at least gave yourself a buffer of time. It's always nice to book an excursion through the cruise line because you know the line will wait for the guests to arrive back on the ship. If you book your own excursion, as you mentioned, you can't expect the ship to wait for you. You are responsible for you! No one else should be held responsible for your choices/actions. Do you typically book your excursions through the cruise line or on your own? 

@LukeJ One of the biggest perks to running your own business could be managing it your own way! I lack courage to just do it because I have a thousand and one doubts in the back of my mind. Since it's unfamiliar territory, it's hard to find the motivation to take the risk! You are clearly a strategically successful business owner and you have enjoyed the benefits. The financial inconsistency and initial investment daunt me. There are so many what ifs as a newbie. It has to be a really liberating feeling to enjoy the rewards of your hard work and diligence. You are quite motivating! 

A fully nude cruise will be sailing out of the one and only Port Miami February 2025 attracting a bare crowd. The "Big Nude Boat" will be cruising 11-days around the Caribbean. I do think this itinerary will book out with lots of like-minded guests as it has a decent following! There will be tons of fun excursion options during this Norwegian Pearl cruise, including clothing-optional activities on and off of the ship. Would you be interested in booking an itinerary like this?

@kefthecruiser What are some of your preferred VIFP perks? Clearly the gifts aren't as incentivising for you, and I don't blame you. I prefer other perks over gifts such as access to the thermal suites or complimentary beverages here and there. Priority embarkation/disembarkation is also a game changer! Out of all the cruise lines, CCL has a really strong loyalty program and I'm anticipating what is to come. Hopefully, CCL reveals more details in the coming months! 

A RCL guest was arrested on April 24 and is looking at a 12-year prison sentence. This 31-year-old guest was caught during the security process in Grand Turk while in possession of ammunition. The bigger problem is, why did it take so long to catch? The ammunition was unsuspected on multiple occasions prior to the incident. Do you think this guest should be subject to such a long prison sentence? The guest claimed he was unaware the items were still in his bag.

@euroguy CCL many not end up doing cross-recognition of loyalty statuses, but your upcoming cruise should have the new VIFP loyalty gift offering! I would suspect the VIFP tote bag would be offered to you on your Carnival Firenze cruise you have booked for later this year! Do you think you would use this gift? It's supposed to be perfect for pool/beach days. 

@Amythest2112 You nailed it on the head. Oversized scooters can make mobilizing the halls/public spaces more trying, and it's one of the biggest concerns, particularly when it comes to safety. It can be a fire hazard if large scooters are blocking the walkways. As someone who has used a stroller onboard for a child, I found it particularly difficult and unfair to maneuver around when I didn't have the space to pass by. 

@Mj in Florida This is all really important. Storing all scooters out of the walkway is the key, but having accessibility to a smaller-sized scooter is also necessary! Some guests may not have the ability/accessibility to use a smaller-sized mobility device. I also think it's important to note that mobility scooters aren't the issue here. The issue is storage in the halls, and CCL is focusing on fixing this issue to make cruising more comfortable for all guests. 

@Seaawgs It's important that cruise lines try to be accommodating as possible, but like you said, we can't expect everything to be perfect. There are too many individual interests and needs that can's always be accounted for. I hope that all guests can be respectful of these welcomed changes that will help improve safety and accessibility for all onboard CCL ships.

@LukeJ It's really a shame because it's such a practical to transport otherwise! I just don't feel safe enough to do it alone. I have taken my children on the tram and was subject to what seemed like a raid and the police had us stand back. This all happened during the day, so I can't even imagine what the evening could be like. The taxes here were higher than where I used to live, but I don't find the quality of living any better here. If anything there are more criminal issues here. I felt safer living in Florida, near all the ports. It was a wonderful place to be! Shopping costs are higher here and so are the taxes for buying goods. When I go to Florida I feel much more comfortable spending. It's such a shame you have noticed a 5% increase in your taxes annually. That's very significant. What exactly are these taxes supposed to go to? 

That's an interesting perspective. As someone who has always been a generous tipper and enjoys tipping, I never thought of a world without tipping! If all people were paid appropriately, tipping wouldn't be necessary. Performance wouldn't be based on a tip. I actually think this is an intriguing approach! 

@LukeJ Many of our local homeless residents will opt to sleep/ride the tram at night. Unfortunately, we have a large homeless population and a big local drug problem that doesn't seem to be getting better. Our city residents pay high taxes to combat these issues, but it hasn't really helped much. From food to shelter, it's still such a crisis here. It's mostly a problem of being alone, but in a group setting you are less likely to get into any unforeseen troubles. I wish it wasn't so, but it seems the more we provide, the more that is gone without resolution and restoration. 

@KeithG The fin designs didn't even cross my mind! I'm glad I'm not the only one that has been disgusted by used snorkel gear. From what you are telling me, I would need to really do some research about what gear I would enjoy most. I would buy the fancy mermaid fins because they are cute and not even realize they are incredibly impractical for snorkeling. 

I'm also very intrigued to see how Celebration Key will be. Typically, I don't spend on extras when at private islands. I want a beach umbrella, and unlimited bottled water. One thing I love about private islands is using my drink package at the beach. Although I don't tend to drink alcohol on the beach because it makes me dehydrated, other hydrating drinks are much appreciated! 

The last time I snorkeled I happened to bring a float along with me because I didn't have a vest. I also try to maintain decent shape, but snorkeling without a flotation device will make me tire out too quickly. After an hour or more of intense snorkeling, you certainly have earned a beer in the shade!

@LukeJ It sounds like we may have similar interests! My husband is in sales and seems to enjoy the product he sells. Thankfully he's passionate about it enough to go above and beyond. What's crazy is I wouldn't tell you more than two sentences about what he sells, and he could talk about it for hours (but then again that's what he does for a living). I believe that consistency is great, but it's important to spice things up and keep things interesting. Sometimes trying something new can be really good after you get burnt out of doing the same things over and over again for years on end. You have to get out of the mundane sometimes and step out of your comfort zone! I appreciate you sharing on how owning your own business was something you have enjoyed and would recommend. You never know; I may end up trying it out someday! 

@kefthecruiser I'm glad you mentioned this! It's so important to respect others and to respect yourself. At some point in life you outgrow trying to keep up with others and focus on what is best for you. I also feel this way about cruising with others! I know what I like when it comes to cruising and I'm not willing to sacrifice my cruising experience for others. I have done this in the past! Doing what others want and compromising for the greater good during your entire vacation is just not ideal to me anymore. I love to cruise with others and often do my own things because it's what is best for me! Waiting around for others of staying up late to compromise isn't ideal when I'm really just looking for a restful and peaceful cruise experience. Don't get me wrong, cruising for a bachelorette party/wedding/extended family/friends is fun, but it's nothing like cruising for myself. 

@LukeJ Safety is surely important. I would not want to travel in any capacity if I felt unsafe while doing it. The local public transit where I live does not feel safe to me. In fact, I will intentionally avoid the local tram at all costs when alone, although it can be pretty practical when in the city. Staying at a hotel aa cruise is more convenient for everyone, particularly if that hotel provides a shuttle to the port and extended-stay parking options. I too enjoy cruising out of familiar ports. I'm fine cruising on the same ship over and over, especially if I have enjoyed the experience in the past. Peace of mind is important. It makes for a more relaxing experience all around. Which ships have you been cruising on lately? I have found myself on many of MSC Cruises' Seaside-class ships. Those include MSC Seaside, MSC Seashore, MSC Seascape, and MSC Seaview. I have been on all except MSC Seaview! These ships have an exceptionally priced stateroom for five guests that suits my family so well.

@LukeJ If you are a social person, working at an onboard shop is a great job! If you are social and high energy, an activities coordinator could be a great position but you have to be very high-energy. I love the activities coordinators that are constantly smiling and moving, clapping their hands. I could never do that all day thought. My social battery would run low pretty quickly. Did you enjoy owning your own business? I have been hesitant to do it because it's a 24/7 responsibility. I have always enjoyed showing up, doing an excellent job, and then not feeling the constant pressure to go back to working because I'm the sole proprietor. It's a heavy load. Selling something you love is key! If you don't love what you sell, it will reflect in your performance. The fake it till you make it mentality can only last for so long. 

@havingfun Mocktails are excellent! Everyone loves a good mocktail, even if you enjoy drinking alcohol. It's nice to switch it up every once in a while. I love the sour, tart mocktails so I enjoy less sweet and more tropical! CCL has some awesome Miami-inspired drinks onboard Carnival Celebration that could be easily be made into a dreamy tropical mocktail. Anything with real fruit purees like mango and passionfruit and lime or citrus juice is the best base for a poolside mocktail in my opinion. Ginger and juice is a great one, and you can order ginger beer as the base for pretty much any mocktail. Lemonade with muddle mint and ginger beer is another fun option. Adding bitters to your mocktails elevates the experience. A CCL skilled bartender can create a mocktail of your dreams if you just tell them what you like! 

@DMG I understand both perspectives. An adults-only area should be adults-only. I also think the timeframe that Celebrity Cruises chose is reasonable, since 5-7pm aren't very popular hours for the pool. I mostly agree with @FJB. I believe Celebrity Cruises is trying to attract everyone, and make the line just as kid friendly as many of its other competitors. I have yet to experience the solarium when kids were welcome, and I would imagine many guests don't even use that time to intentionally bring their children there. During this 5-7pm window, do many kids actually show up to swim there?