Kendall James-Vargas

@sassymama3 I don't think RCCL is limiting all entree offerings. I'm pretty sure the main dining room is still holding on to its unlimited signature menu offerings. I haven't been on a Royal Caribbean cruise for a couple of years though.

@FJB That is a bit steep. Maybe just sticking to off-ship drinking would save you some. Perhaps bottom shelf liquor may be another alternative, but it comes with a price the next day.

@FJB Wow, that's very impressive! I think closing a business over the idea sounds a bit extreme. I totally agree, if the guests aren't required to wear a mask, the crew shouldn't need to either. I have seen crew members sweating in their mask, while social distancing. For example, lifeguards who are forced to wear a mask outdoors in extremely hot temperatures. I think that's not fair. If someone is saving my life, I don't care if you are wearing a mask or not.

@FJB I see your point here. I guess I haven't encountered this issue because I get so full after all of the other courses. I don't think I would ever catch myself asking for another. The bread and butter in the main dining room usually gets me filled up before the appetizers. It's my favorite part of any meal!

@FJB I guess we are on the same page! I will be headed back to Disney World next month. I don't really like the crowds but at least the weather should be cooler. Disney World in the summer time is brutal. Disney World is still cheaper than a Disney Cruise. I think my kids will enjoy it just as much.

@FJB I do agree the port can be crowded, but it seems like Calypso Cove is going to provide more ship space. Hopefully the extension of space offers for a better port experience. It seems like it's going to have several new amenities as well!

@Emrys That's one of the reasons I love MSC Cruises. It has really great rates for the kids and offers plenty of family-friendly activities.

@Emrys I agree! You can't go wrong with booking on Royal Caribbean. I haven't had trouble with refunds if I decide I need to change my sailing date. With booking this far ahead, there are times when I have to cancel due to conflicting dates.

@KeithG I agree, even when it's chilly I can enjoy a cruise. I just choose more jacuzzi time over the pool on cold days.

@FJB I wouldn't be too worried about it. That's pretty impressive. I can't say the same. I was wearing a mask daily for about 2 years.

@FJB It's a fun beach hobby for sure!

Royal Caribbean has released some new U.S. departing itineraries for the 2024-2025 cruise season. Is anyone ready to book a Royal Caribbean cruise for the year 2025?

Here we go again. Celebrity Cruises is raising the prices of its beverage packages. https://www.cruisehive.com/celebrity-cruises-makes-significant-beverage-increases/90897 At least the drinks included in the Premium Package will expand a bit.

@3Sisters I love shopping duty-free jewelry while cruising.

@FJBAlthough cruising with a mask wasn't the worst thing, I am certainly glad the masking protocols have changed.

@3Sisters That's great news! Anyone booked out of Boston for 2023?

@Robin-P I found an article worth taking a look at. https://www.cruisehive.com/the-maiden-voyage-of-ambassador-cruise-line-was-it-any-good/70804 @Linda SmithIt seems like you aren't the only one disappointed in the ship!

@kefthecruiser I have never gone out of my way to request to remove the service fee/gratuity. Even if I had an issue with something (like when our toilet overflowed in the middle of the night all over the bedroom) I still paid what I committed to pay. If anything the staff, deserved that fee more than ever. They helped us move out of the room wading through toilet water in the middle of the night to a new room. The jobs onboard a ship can be quite demanding and tedious!

The new Bahamas Cruise Port, Calypso Cove, just broke ground! It is supposed to be open to the public in about two years, accommodating some really large cruise ships. Who is excited for this new port? The area seems to be anticipating an increase in visitors. There is also a new airport in the works!

I have young children and have been interested in sailing with Disney Cruise Line for quite some time. The prices are just so high in comparison to all of the other family-friendly cruise lines. Has anyone sailed with the line and felt like the prices are justifiable? https://www.cruisehive.com/how-much-is-a-disney-cruise/90616

@Deborah Ann How full was your cruise? I'm wondering if the cruise line is fully booking up and sailing at max capacity now. @Deborah Ann I hope next time you cruise with Princess Cruises the line has worked out some of those issues. It's never fun to be worrisome on vacation.

@FJB It sounds like you are a repeat customer to the area already! My goal is to save up to go on a Mediterranean cruise. What cruise line did you go with? What ports did you visit? I particularly want to cruise to Greece.

@FJB I didn't think of the increase of children onboard. It makes sense that more whole families cruise together for the holidays. I haven't actually spent a holiday at sea other than Valentines day. That was the perfect holiday to travel on a cruise ship!

@FJB Wow, Barcelona must have been such a scenic place to cruise out of. Was that your first time embarking from Barcelona? I would love to embark from a European cruise port. Since I don't live in Europe the airfare out there is a bit costly, but I have looked into some MSC itineraries from that region that seem very reasonably priced.

@3Sisters Agreed, cruising is the best way to vacation! @DeanneB Local business in that area will definitely benefit from the increase of travelers to the area. I wonder if port fees for that area are lower because it's not as popular as some of the other larger U.S. ports.