Kendall James-Vargas

@FJB To come full circle, I actually like those crunchy biscuits for my lobster bisque. I guess you can always order unlimited lobster bisque to save some money in the main dining room. It's not a lobster tail, but it is a way to get more lobster!

@FJB I think booking your beverage packages now, before the prices go up is such a smart plan of action. I actually didn't add a drink package for my upcoming August 2022 cruise, and you have just instilled that idea in my mind. I think I will take a look today and see if I can add a package now before prices increase. MSC Cruises hasn't seemed to change its beverage prices as of late.

@FJB That is such a cleaver and kind way to fundraise! That was such a tragic time, after 9/11. At least you were able to get away and make the most of it. I always tell my husband I want to retire on a cruise ship. It's more of a joke than anything, but two months on a cruise is certainly a goal! I'm glad you were able to have an experience like that. That's a really great tip. What has been your favorite line to cruise with thus far?

@FJB I'm seeing the new article from December 23rd. Try refreshing and let me know if it works. Hopefully it shows up like it does for me! https://www.cruisehive.com/royal-caribbean-cruise-ship-helps-two-small-boats-in-one-day/91126 Here it is again just in case.

Royal Caribbean's Jewel of the Seas offered assistance to two different refugee boats. The crew provided food, water, and supplies to them. I think this is a noble deed. Do you agree? https://www.cruisehive.com/royal-caribbean-cruise-ship-helps-two-small-boats-in-one-day/91126

@krzymamabear Are you able to share feedback on what themed parties Carnival Glory had on your recent cruise?

@FJB If you are cruising all the way there, you might as well! I didn't even think about Greek yogurt! Its the only kind I eat in my house. I for sure want to try some in its region of origin. Do they serve it in parfait style with fruit and granola like what I am accustomed to in the U.S.?

@FJB That's too funny. My husband and I have carried our children in the stroller, up the stairs one too many times. Sometimes the elevators take forever, and we get impatient. It's a great way to burn off some of those extra calories from all of the delicious food anyways!

Carnival Cruise Line is ringing in the New Year in Times Square. https://www.cruisehive.com/carnival-cruise-line-to-kick-off-2023-in-iconic-event/91153 Some of the cruise line's partners are going to be participating in lighting up the New Year's Eve ball before it drops! Anyone going to be in New York for the New Year?

@FJB I think I know what you are talking about. Are you referring to the ones that are like crunchy biscuits? I like those for soup!

@FJB Yes that is nice, a perk of the job for sure! Maybe when I'm retired and have a more flexible lifestyle, I will be more spontaneous. For now, I will live vicariously through you and your awesome cruise experiences!

@FJB I'm very glad! Yes, when I drop my daughter off at school I see teachers and staff wearing them. For the young ages, I don't find them that effective. But my children do enjoy licking them while wearing them, which I find pretty disgusting.

@Capt Bill I think we will continue to see restructuring of boarding. The cruise lines have all made many changes to their onboarding protocols, trying to prevent the spread of germs. You are right, the lack of labor and budget cuts play a huge factor in much of the areas you mentioned within your post. 1. I think the port needs to recoup financially and staffing is definitely an issue. After laying lots of workers off, I doubt the ports have fully recouped from their losses. The port doesn't pay the best either, I would say it's not that enticing to work there part time when employees can make more elsewhere. It is also a strenuous job. 2. I think it's a labor issue. They can't open additional entry lines if there is no one to staff them properly and safely. 3. I wouldn't say this is unfair. If you are paying extra to book flights through the cruise line, I would say you likely deserve the benefit of arriving early and getting priority boarding, especially after flying all day. 4. I don't think an hour would make much of a difference for the majority. This may not be cost effective enough if it's a minority only opinion. 5. I'm very much accustomed to not having my stateroom ready once I get on board. I don't mind this protocol and I actually prefer not to rush the housekeeping staff or get in their way while they are working in a rush to flip the staterooms. There are plenty of things you can do to occupy your time while they are getting cleaned. One of my favorite things to do is pack a bag with a small towel, sunscreen, and a swimsuit. Usually at least one pool is open, and I grab a drink and head to the pools with my kids (usually they are very empty and we get the pool to ourself for a change.) 6. I answered this question above but reading a book with a drink out by the pool is always fun! You can't go wrong with being on a cruise ship, in a sun lounger with a drink in hand. I also love to explore the decks onboard, walking the ship before it gets too crowded is also very entertaining.

@bombarc I really hope you get on board safely today. Considering NCL booked the flights, I would assume the line should be better at communicating! I hope the line has gotten back to you since and the overall onboard experience is better than the lack of communication you have received so far! Keep me posted on your cruise.

@3Sisters I do think it's a bit much, but I'm assuming with the large amounts of guests onboard it could be a necessity. It can hold up to 7,600 guests! The ship is going to offer some pretty amazing staterooms, attracting quite a crowd. https://www.cruisehive.com/icon-of-the-seas-to-feature-new-staterooms-and-suites/85191

Excitingly, Port Canaveral will be see record-breaking amounts of visitors for Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve. Here is what you need to know in order to beat the heavy traffic at the port during this holiday season: https://www.cruisehive.com/major-homeport-expects-busy-holiday-weekend-of-cruises/91018

@Cruiser44 Norwegian Cruise Line is will be increasing its service charges next month, and now Holland America Line will be doing the same in February 2023! https://www.cruisehive.com/get-ready-for-increased-cruise-service-charges-in-the-new-year/91101

Check out the latest update for Icon of the Sea's AquaDome! https://www.cruisehive.com/royal-caribbean-provides-update-on-icon-of-the-seas-venue/91069 The photos look so impressive. Has anyone experienced anything like this before? This AquaDome is supposably the first of its kind on a cruise ship!

@RoadTravelled This is all great advice. Thank's for providing such detailed feedback. I don't think I will be traveling via public transport in Lisbon knowing its a haven for pick-pockets!

@DeanneB It's safe to say I may be sticking to just water. It's another reminder to stay hydrated while on vacation!

@3SistersRoyal Caribbean has some impressive new family-friendly ships! Of course Disney Cruise Line is a wonderful option, but it some with a high price. Children sail "free" with MSC Cruises, so you can't go wrong with that! https://www.cruisehive.com/7-tips-going-cruises-kids/17250 Here are some tips to cruising with children.

@FJB At least I'm not the only one. I haven't tried Celebrity Cruises' breadsticks! If they are anything like Olive Garden's breadsticks, then I may need to solidify a booking.

@FJB I don't think I could have such flexibility in my schedule! Also, I am such a planner so it's nice to have time to book flights and prep. Do you seem to find better prices when you book closer to the sailing date or ahead of time? I have never booked a month before departure!

@DaranddelI haven't heard of a specialty elevator for scooters, but I'm sure the ship's main elevators will be more than accommodating to fit two scooters at a time. @DeanneBThat's a great resource! I didn't know they had a specifically designed elevator. I wonder if they would allow strollers in this elevator. Usually when I cruise, I try to opt out of strollers. Getting them through the narrow hallways can be tedious.

@FJB You got to cruise to Greece! I really enjoyed the photos you shared. You are quite the photographer. Thank you for sharing your experience with me. I guess I better start saving up now!