Kendall James-Vargas

@DeanneB Wow you sound like quite the jewelry artist! I usually put them in a vase and call it a day. I think it's time I level up and attempt crafting some into jewelry pieces! I never even thought to add pearls into the mix. Thanks for sharing your ideas. 

@DeanneB Google for the win! I'm sure we will see more of what this CEO is like in upcoming months. 

https://www.cruisehive.com/norwegian-cruise-line-to-increase-gratuities-for-all-passengers/89754

It looks like the line is also increasing its daily guest gratuities next year, on top of this! 

@DeanneB I'm sure the airport lounge is a nice incentive for loyalty members to explore different embarkation ports they wouldn't usually travel to. Now that I don't live near a port. I'm starting to branch out a bit. When I lived in Florida I always booked from a Florida port because it was so convenient. No air travel was required! 

@3Sisters I think shopping a smart way for cruise lines to financially recover after the loss they have encountered. I'm always prone to spend more on vacation!

@DeanneBDuty-free is certainly a perk of shopping onboard a cruise ship! I think if there wasn't a cap guests would buy so much more. 

@KristineF That's one of the reasons I haven't had the opportunity to cruise the line yet. I have always cruised with my family. I would love to do a kid-less getaway though and sail with Virgin Voyages!

@STOCK UP ON STOCK You got my wheels spinning. I may need to follow Carnival's stock more closely.

@Raymond It seems like you are not the only person disappointed about this change. Maybe this up-charge should be reduced for certain, high tier loyalty members. I would imagine you deserve it! 

@Debbie Miller I'm sure there are other ways to get around for next time! I found some other transportation options here: https://www.alaska.org/detail/ketchikan-bus-services. Were you able to explore any wildlife while you were there? 

Unfortunately, it looks like Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings will be reducing its shoreside workforce by 9%. This is such a bummer, but it seems like the shift in leadership may have something to do with it. Several of the new managerial changes will go into effect January 1, 2023. I'm thinking this may be the beginning to a new wave of changes. 

Indeed Royal Caribbean has made yet another adjustment to its loyalty member benefits for Diamond and Diamond Plus members.  The cruise line will be extending the time frame for when guests can redeem their drink vouchers. https://www.cruisehive.com/royal-caribbean-shifts-timing-of-a-popular-loyalty-benefit/90600 

@CruiseCaptain That's a great idea!

@Sandy50 I also love collecting sea glass! Based on my experience, it's best to leave the nature where it belongs while cruising. Usually cruise ships prefer you leave those items on the beach.

@Emrys That's a good point. 

@Tanaka Keep us posted on the status of your next interview. I hope it happens soon for you!

Carnival Cruise Line has announced its expansion of sailings from Norfolk, Virginia. I have never cruised out of Norfolk before. Has anyone cruised with Carnival from this area in the past? There must be an increased demand in that region. Since I no longer live near a Florida port, I may consider cruising from Norfolk instead.

@DeanneB That is a great question. I think this is such a smart angle to attract new customers, especially people who may have a certain reservation towards cruising. My father in law has a fear of being on boats, this could be a great way to get him to feel more comfortable with the idea. Receiving some on board cruise credit would be super nifty!

@DeanneB I agree! Hopefully they can add a new incentive for their loyalty members and substitute the change with something different. It definitely adds to the exclusivity. I haven't been to the lounge at the airport before! Have you been able to explore it?

@Tanaka That is such a bummer Carnival is delaying the interview process for such a long amount of time! Have you tried to contact them and follow up? It seems like you really want this job; don't loose hope.

@DeanneB Yes, I'm glad they gave guests plenty of time to make alternate arrangements.

@KeithG That's very cool you will be able to sail Carnival Vista in a few months post maintenance! Jamaica is such a fun place to disembark; its beaches are so beautiful.

@Emrys It seems like many cruise lines are increasing their service charge!

@Monique It's such a bummer Norwegian Cruise Line is changing some of its crew members privileges. I personally love being able to connect with the staff, its one off the best parts of the cruising experience! Making a deeper connection with the staff helps me remember them for future cruises. I have recognized certain staff members by name on alternate ships and taken photographs with them. It also makes additional tipping breeze!

@DeanneB That's a smart tip!

@KeithG I will be cruising late August 2023 with MSC. I also found that the prices dropped at the end of the month. Summer break cruises are much more expensive, if you hold off just a week after school is back in session, you can save so much!

@Cruiser44 I didn't know Virgin Voyages offers hammocks to its guests! Do you need to book a certain type of stateroom in order to utilize this amenity?

@Blue Shirt I have never thought to bring my own cushion onboard for the balcony chairs. That's an interesting idea, possibly inflatable would be best for packing in luggage. An inflatable cushion could even double as a pool float!

@lin dean Although I don't usually splurge on additional lobster when I cruise, it is a bummer Royal Caribbean has had to make this cutback. Have you noticed an increase in lobster prices post shut-down? 

@Raymond In order to recoup some of the loss of profit during the shut-down, cruise line's have attempted to become more financially efficient in order to stay afloat. I think this limitation on food is just one of the ways Royal Caribbean has chosen to cut back. It's a bummer you were affected by this change.  Hopefully the cruise line regains its momentum and brings back some of its lobster offerings!

Has anyone visited Mazatlan cruise port before? I would love to explore this area, as I have never visited in the past. For those that have visited this area, do you have any recommendations? It seems like shopping near the port could be worthwhile. 

@KristineF I agree with you, cruising during peak season usually means larger crowds and a more costly experience. However, the big ships do have lots of amenities that I do tend to enjoy, but I prefer touring those amenities off season.

@Goldie It sounds like you know the cruise line really well! That's such a bummer the line is selling some of your favorite ships, modern day cruising is a whole new ball game, especially after the shut-down! So many things have changed.

@Jim Lamb Thanks for sharing your experience out of Port of Miami. That's such a bummer you had to change terminals. It's funny because I have family near the port so I have always had someone pick me up, wherever that was. I never really pay attention to the embarkation/disembarkation terminals, but now I am going to pay closer attention. Hopefully this doesn't happen to you again!