3Sisters

@LukeJ The idea of building larger ships doesn't seem very financially responsible either. Many cruise lines are still rebounding from the pandemic. These multi-million to multi-billion dollar builds take years to recoup and break even on the initial investment. I really believe the only reason why cruise lines keep going bigger and newer is to keep competitive; otherwise, they won't be the top dog. The quality of cruise experience on these larger ships definitely seems diluted and commercialized. I prefer a more personalized, quality cruise experience. 

@FJB Is it for a special occasion? It's always so difficult to coordinate it all! I would be so annoyed having to get everyone on board. That's one of the reasons I don't typically book in a group. You likely want all of your staterooms near each other too. That's a whole other factor. Everyone wants a different stateroom type and has their own preferences. If they bailed would you still book the itinerary? Based on the videos I have seen you post, you are such a great planner and organize your cruises to the max. If I had to trust anyone with making a cruise vacation epic, I would totally trust your expertise! 

@euroguy I'm glad you are on team disconnect. It's pointless to cruise if you plan to do the same thing you always do at home, burying your mind in your phone. You can get so hooked on it and its endless browsing options. It's mind-numbing and draining! Everyone needs a break from their phones and computers. It's just a totally different cruise experience! Being without technology truly amplifies your cruise experience. When you have the wi-fi package, you end up using it for more than what's necessary. You might as well get your money's worth right? It's all such a distraction from the present! 

@euroguy You wouldn't believe me if I told you there was no rhubarb anywhere! I called and looked everywhere locally until I finally gave up. I tried Target, King Soopers, Sprouts, Natural Grocers, Trader Joe's, and Whole Foods. They all say they plan to get it but it hasn't come in yet. I will do another round of calling next week and see if any of them have it in stock yet. I ended up making a savory Irish Potato Pie and a sweet Carmel Cream Pumpkin Pie. This week I also ventured to make a Cozy Coconut Pie and a Mascarpone Pistachio Pie. All have been amazing so far, but I really want to get my hands on some rhubarb. It's almost like now I want it so badly that I won't be able to find it anywhere. It's frustrating, but I haven't given up yet! 

@brian amos I'm curious to hear more about this! Which itinerary were you booked on initially? I saw there have been itinerary changes made for MSC Sinfonia but there still haven't been any confirmations about the alterations. Are you looking for a refund? MSC Cruises is really great about giving 100% refunds as long as it's at least 90 days prior to disembarkation. This cancellation can be done directly with the cruise line. I'm not sure if you booked directly with MSC Cruises or through a third party. 

@FJB I was so close to booking an RCL deal! I wanted to so badly, but I couldn't muster up the funds to make it happen. I made some big financial decisions this year, so I couldn't be irresponsible and pull the trigger. Next year I will absolutely save up to spend on a cruise deal. I'm hoping I see some other good deals in the spring of next year when I have the funds to responsibly put down. Did you score a good booking this year?

@euroguy Finding your soul mate on a ship sounds so romantic! That could honestly be such a fun way to meet a mate. I started dating my spouse prior to the swipe right and left dating era. By the way, I think that's such an offensive way to date. You don't even meet someone, and you are basically choosing them based on their photos. I would much rather do a blind date situation. It's a shame dating has come to that. I find the most personal and convenient way to meet a like-minded mate is at a religious location of your choice or through a community organization that best suits your interests.

I have been to Ocean Cay in the past and enjoyed every minute of it. There is room for expansion, and according to recent news, it seems MSC Cruises is capitalizing on those areas for advancement. In 2024, I will be back visiting the island, but I don't think I will have access to those expanded amenities the line plans to roll out. I'm always impressed with MSC Cruises' environmental commitments; however would hope for some bigger guest amenities on the island! It could really use some more "fun" options. This lighthouse is one of my favorite features on the island to date. Has anyone else enjoyed Ocean Cay in the past?

@LukeJ Thanks for expanding on that. I would likely be content with the TV dinner version of this glamour train. I'm all about the scenery and exploring; the silver spoon mentality wouldn't fit in my budget. 

@Seaawgs I appreciate the clarification! Now I'm laughing at @FJB's reference. It sounds like Sheldon and I may be pretty alike. 

@Seaawgs It's a bit frustrating actually! I understand if you are new and want to share a scarring experience, but I also expect a reply to the conversation started. It would be nice to hear more about the RCL cruise experience beyond the beginning segment. It's so nice to hear different guests' perspectives, but a little more interaction from the post-creator would be appreciated! 

Your perspective on RCL's dining options completely differs from that of @Frank Barbaro! I would be intrigued to learn more about how a "country boy" enjoys cruising as much as you do! The wild and free lifestyle doesn't always appreciate the tight quarters of sailing the seas on a commercialized cruise ship. Thanks for contributing to this post.

@Jim Lamb I'm so glad you enjoy using the cruise ship tracker too! It's so incredible how everything can be seen in real-time. This is the only ship tracker I have used, and I find it very user-friendly. Every time I look at it, I get excited for my next cruise!

@FJB That's the way to do it! This is the optimal situation for me too.

@RoadTravelled My vote is you need to disconnect! If you need to work during your cruise, it's better to skip it. It's a waste of time and energy to have to work in a stateroom. I love to unplug while I cruise. The new technology is cool but not for me. 

In years past, I remember being able to purchase a celebratory decoration package. This package allowed guests to walk into a fully decorated room. It made it so easy to surprise a loved one and get your cruise going in the best way possible. I haven't been able to spot this package for my upcoming itinerary so I plan to decorate the stateroom myself. I intend to bring balloons and streamers in my suitcase to make it happen. Does anyone have any tips and tricks for decorating a stateroom? I have read that you can no longer decorate the outside of your stateroom door. Is that true? 

Overboard situations are the worst! They can be accidental or due to mental illness. The reasons vary. I want to hope that most of the occurrences are accidental, but that's just not the case. I have been on a cruise where a man overboard situation happened on a balcony during a mother/son confrontation. That's a tricky situation. Even during an investigation, if there weren't any alternate witnesses, no one knew the truth. 

@FJB I'm lost! Who is Sheldon? I feel like an outsider.

PaulB, those are the train rides I would love to experience! Have you been on a train ride that you enjoyed? I'm not a fan of people movers, but a scenic train is truly my cup of tea. I wouldn't pay thousands of dollars per person for a train. If I'm paying those prices, I would opt for a cruise. Cruises have it all, scenery included! 

I wouldn't be interested in cruising on this monstrosity. I can't imagine the lines for the elevators, and there is no way I would take the stairs on this bad boy. Mega ships aren't my thing. I prefer a more peaceful and quaint experience. If cruise ships keep expanding at the rate they have been, I will become an avid "older ship" guest. Why is everyone so interested in cruising on such large ships? Smaller ships are quaint and more peaceful. That tranquility aligns more with the cruise experience I enjoy. 

Since I haven't cruised either I can't share personal experiences, but based on recent news I would opt for Holland America Line. NCL seems very inconsistent and changes itineraries often. I recommend doing more research before you finalize your booking. Don't be fooled by the good rates. What region would you like to cruise to? 

What is a train ride on the Orient Express? I haven't heard of this before, but I'm always interested in a scenic train ride. I have done an amazing one in Peru from Cuzco to Aguas Caliente to visit Machu Pichu. It's one of my favorite experiences. What a treat it is to be able to explore the world via train! It's so much better than driving yourself through traffic. 

@Seaawgs Although this perk has shifted around several times, Celebrity Cruises loyalty perks seem so much better than MSC Cruises. I'm almost to the top loyalty status with MSC Cruises and the benefits of having loyalty with this line don't even compare to what you are describing to me. How many Celebrity cruises do you have to take to become an Elite member? This perk alone is making me reconsider my loyalty to the line. I used to get drink tickets back in the day but now those are no longer. As someone who has cruised for a while, I can totally relate to the erosion of old cruise standards. Things have just changed! I don't feel the same class and luxury as in decades past. 

@Victoria It's interesting that you shared this because I was under the same impression! I would be cautious to book any sort of residential living space that wasn't through the direct cruise website either. Be very cautious to avoid any scammers, including odd-looking travel agencies. You don't want to run into any snags with long-term housing! 

I really wonder what happened to this man. I'm so curious if this crew member was on or off duty when this tragic incident occurred. The U.S. Coast Guard released a statement stating their search totaled about 34 hours with no success. My thoughts and prayers go out to this man and his family. 

@Denwiles I have to agree with @bombarc. NCL is not always that reliable and if something goes wrong you are going to be at a huge loss. Is there a way you can change your flight without a penalty? I think it may be cutting it too close. What time does your flight depart? I doubt NCL is going to commit to an exact timeframe as these things vary. Keep me posted on what you decide, but I would be hesitant to commit to a flight you may not get to in time.

@FJB I wish I could say the same about the car seats, but I feel guilty leaving them behind while traveling anywhere in the U.S. by car. I wouldn't want to chance anything happening while in the car, although driving in the ports of call can be daunting. I try to book bus rides/excursions since I don't intend to bring the car seats along, storing them in my stateroom. I'm not sure you don't want to hear this, but you should wear your seatbelt. I have heard so many horror stories, and after losing a cousin to not using his seatbelt, I fear for your safety! Clearly, you have been safe thus far, but to me, it's not worth the risk.

I'm so sad to find out an MSC Seascape cruise member falling overboard with no return. This crew member was only 30 years old. I wonder if I passed by the member while on the ship a few months back. Does anyone know any more details on the person who passed away? This is such heartwrenching news. 

If you are traveling with car seats, it's worth it to park the car at the port. I have never ventured to take my car seats onboard a cruise! I also have no idea if there is a holding area for them, but I would imagine you have to bring them into your stateroom. Has anyone brought car seats onboard a cruise ship before? If so, where do you store them?