3Sisters

@LukeJ I'm surprised you agree! We are likely the minority. I believe more guests prefer the wifi and see it as a perk. As much as I love the idea of having wifi access, it's not the optimal decision for our family cruise. If I had to work on vacation, which is also not ideal, I would need the wifi. At that point, I might as well not even cruise because I wouldn't get the full experience. The only thing I really want off of my phone on vacation is the camera to take photos. If I bring my phone around the ship, that's the only thing I'm using it for. I value my phone, probably too much. One thing I wouldn't do is try to jump overboard a ship to grab my phone. I read this article, and I laughed. https://www.cruisehive.com/passenger-tries-jump-overboard-small-cruise-ship-after-dropping-her-phone/20714 That's the worst decision!

@euroguy In terms of the Sports Square, you should totally enjoy it if the weather is right! For a colder Alaskan cruise, I see more value in booking a suite than for a Caribbean itinerary. I agree about avoiding injury while on a ship. There are plenty of other ways to enjoy your time on a ship. Have you ever ice skated on a ship before? It seemed pretty safe and I enjoyed it but if you are new to the rink, it's probably a wise choice to skip it. That's such a sweet story of cruising with your mom. It's a shame she can't cruise with you anymore. At least you take some really great footage when you travel for her to experience with you. Based on this story, I see the value in appreciating a suite whenever you have a chance. You just never know when you will have an opportunity like that again!

I haven't heard of the Flying Scotsman, but he sounds epic. It's likely a well-deserved promotion. In other CCL news, four Carnival Panorama sailings have been canceled due to an engine issue. One of those itinerary cancellations came only 48 hours before embarking. Hopefully, no other itineraries are affected! The compensation from CCL was just alright, and the loss of travel expenses isn't going to be returned to guests. It's such a shame.

I'm not a morning person either! To be honest, I don't think I'm an evening person either. Mainly, I prefer sleeping overall. If I don't get adequate rest, I'm not a happy camper. That's why when I cruise, I try to sleep in and push my average bedtime back to enjoy all of the fun nightlife onboard. That's very true. Since you aren't a morning person, do you enjoy staying out late? I find there are many more activities onboard a cruise in the evening hours than in the morning.

@LukeJ The amount of time I spend getting dressed up mostly depends on my mood. On vacation, I'm in a relaxed mood; I take my time most days. If I'm in a rush to disembark from my cruise, you may see another side of me. Those early disembarkation times often catch me off-guard. I try to enjoy my last night onboard my cruise and then the next morning comes. Usually, I walk off of the cruise like a zombie. I grab a banana from the buffet line and walk down the runway looking like I need another 5 hours of sleep.

@euroguy To be honest, I haven't tried anything rhubarb flavor. That must sound so bizarre considering it's a very popular flavor. Why do people add strawberries? That probably changes the texture completely. Thanks for the encouragement. I truly will give it a go for the party. Hopefully, I remember to share a photo in our chat. The holiday season is upon us. It's a time for all of the sweet goodies. What is one holiday food item you can't live without? I'm a big cranberry person! I make it from scratch every year. I love to make cranberry sauce, muffins, scones, and even cheesecake! It pairs great with a gingersnap crust.

@FJB Why is Christmas cruising not your thing? As someone who hasn't done it before, I'm curious as to why you didn't enjoy it. I could assume a cruise experience may not feel as festive. I'm used to lounging in my pajamas in the morning and hosting a big brunch. I love the idea of brunch being served to me. That sounds like a treat. If I took a Christmas cruise, I would have to bring my elf pajamas along for the ride!

@euroguy You shouldn't have any issues with the way you have it all setup! This should ensure you have a peaceful transition from the airport to the port without any mishaps. In terms of traffic, not only do you have to be mindful of road traffic, but you also have to be aware of the rocket launch schedule. As a person who used to live near this area, I can tell you rocket launches are such an experience. Take a look at the launch schedules during your cruise timeframe. You never know if you could catch one while you are there. https://www.cruisehive.com/port-canaveral-juggling-cruise-ships-and-rocket-launch-conflicts/94823

@LukeJ Technology is a funny thing. It's so wonderful to be able to stay connected at any given moment, available at your fingertips. On the other hand, there is no escaping it. So in order to get a true "break," you really have to get away. Thankfully the cruise experience offers that. I would rather spend money to not have wifi on our family cruise. It may sound silly, but I mean it!

@Maria I'm glad you are content with the itinerary change. Some itinerary changes aren't always an equal swap, but then again, I'm not sure there could be a perfect itinerary change. I like your positive attitude. The waters in Belize are lovely, and I hope you get to spend some time in the ocean! I'm right there with you. Europe is a dream destination for me. The longer I'm on the boards, the more I learn about new beautiful ports of calls I yearn to explore! What would be your dream cruise itinerary? Right now, I'm hopeful I can get to cruise to Greece by 2030. That's the dream anyway!

@RoadTravelled That's right! Cruise lines have their security teams and holding areas. It's almost impossible to get away with anything on a cruise ship. It's pretty safe and that's one thing I love about the cruise experience! It should totally be a serious federal crime. Artwork isn't something small to steal either. These were clearly not experienced heists. Here is some good info on what the security team does onboard a cruise ship for those who are interested. https://www.cruisehive.com/cruise-ship-security-jobs/98607

@Joeval Thanks for this solid Celebrity Reflection review. It's quite impressive you are an Elite Plus guest. If you were to switch up cruising with the line, you may have to sacrifice some of those awesome perks you get with that loyalty status. It does seem like the cruise line is changing and it isn't for the better. It's a shame you weren't as impressed as you were with the line. What other itineraries do you have booked? @FJB It's a bummer you have been displeased with Celebrity Cruises lately. How do the prices compare with Celebrity and Azamara/Silverseas? I would imagine the other lines are a bit more costly, but you spend more to get more so that could be worthwhile.

@Frank Barbaro That's so frustrating! As a first-time cruise with Royal Caribbean Line, it's a shame the food quality wasn't to your liking. What it sounds like to me is that Vacations to Go is not a good company. I have had great success booking directly with the cruise line. The RCL customer service team is so helpful and more knowledgeable on dining options onboard. It doesn't seem like you would consider cruising with the line again, but if you had pre-purchased better dining options, you would have had a much better experience. There are many great dining options onboard, and since your budget allowed, you could have tapped into those. What other cruise lines have you cruised with an enjoyed?

@LukeJI hope someone got a video of your dance moves! I'm sure you earned the title of winner. I bet you gave it your all. My husband surely did. In fact, I think that was one of the only times I have seen him dance like that. It's all in good fun. That's what happens when I purposefully trap him on a cruise with no cell service or Wi-Fi. He gets a chance to unplug from work and live a little. It's one of the many reasons cruising really works for our family.

@euroguy I think that's so valuable. If you have the funds, everyone needs an escape space! I haven't acquired an escape space yet, but maybe if I stop cruising so much I will be able to afford one. I do spend a good amount of my time escaping on cruises. I'm not sure if I could eliminate those experiences from my lifestyle. It's one of my favorite ways to relax. I love candy apples! I made some this year with apples I picked with my family. They were the best! I definitely prefer a green caramel apple. The sweet-and-sour combo is the best. It's very yummy and I highly recommend trying pumpkin butter! If you enjoy apple butter, there is no doubt you will enjoy pumpkin butter. I have made apple butter. It didn't last in my fridge long and all those that got gifted it from me said it was the best they have ever had! My secret this year was a bit of apple cider vinegar added in. I haven't tried or made rhubarb pie! I will be sure to give it a go this month. I love baking and sharing my baked goods so this would be a great one for me to try. Actually, I'm invited to a pie party next week, and I will make it! Thanks for the idea.

@RoadTravelled I think that is such a reasonable price considering everything you get! It includes wine pairings as well which is so impressive. Fine wine alone can cost that much! Also, I don't blame you for cruising for the ship. You appreciate the details too, and this ship has lots of them! @euroguy I love the presentation in these photos! Thanks for sharing the images. Is that an edible butterfly in the first photo? Thanks for sharing the menu too. Next time I cruise with Carnival, I will make sure I go to this experience. Since I haven't done it before, it will make my cruise experience exceptional.

@RoadTravelled I can't image how you could appreciate everything with nine hefty servings. I'm glad the plates are smaller! It sounds like the perfect experience for a special occasion. I love a good long, dragged-out meal. It's the best, and I don't get those dining experiences often. I'm curious how much this Chef's meal costs. It sounds very worth whatever the cost is. You must have cruised for the ship rather than the itinerary that round. I do enjoy a good Sea Day MDR brunch too! Although, the brunches don't always last long enough for me. I often require a good sleep-in after a long night out dancing on the ship.

@LukeJ Those are all fun! I love it when guests goof off on vacation and crack me up. I'm not the one to go on stage and make a fool of myself, but I do love a good laugh from someone who is one too deep. My husband danced off for the kids on our last cruise. He actually won and attributed his success to the unlimited beverage package. A shaded or semi-shaded art area would be so fun! I would participate in that. I'm over poolside stretching.

Holland America Line has some interesting holiday itinerary options too. I have been browsing some of the line's selections; although, I'm not quite sure if the holiday decor could compete with CCL. Carnival Cruise Line goes all out for guests cruising over the holidays. https://www.cruisehive.com/holland-america-line-offering-special-holiday-getaways/108344

@cruise granny sj I, too, have seen some memorable ones onboard a few of my recent cruises. I wouldn't go through all the effort if it's just my immediate family cruising but for a larger trip with friends, I will absolutely give it a try. What do you typically give as gifts to your crew? Also, once you receive your new bag, I would love it if you would be able to share it with the group! I always enjoy seeing the new gifts.

@Onboard Thanks for this great review! Because Azamara is such a niche cruise line, I don't pass by many reviews for this cruise line. I can't believe the crew welcomed you back. I'm mind-blown because that would never happen with the major cruise lines. It's hard for me to even picture such a warm greeting! I'm so glad you had such a lovely time on your cruise. How many Azamara ships have you cruised on? I would be tempted to splurge on booking with this line based on your positive cruise review!

@euroguy That's so nice you have a summer cabin to use at your leisure! Do you rent it out part-time when you aren't there? How often do you end up using the cabin? You are a full-sized candy bar house? Well, can I say I'm surprised? Those are everyone's favorites. I'm the opposite on Halloween. I'm the pretzel house! I always hand out Halloween-shaped pretzels because we don't do much candy in our home. The parents usually appreciate it, the children, not so much. This year we did minimal fall decor, but we went to a wonderful pumpkin patch and decorated with real corn and white pumpkins all over the home. It came out beautifully, and I intend to cook with the pumpkins this month. Do you like pumpkin butter?

@Rayk After reading your review, I don't know if I could skip J.O.s! How could you even compare the MDR to this dining experience? They are just completely different dining categories. I always go home from cruising so inspired to cook more gourmet, and it only lasts one week. After that, it takes way too much time and energy to cook a wide variety of meals and my one-pot dinners come back like never before. Speaking of at-home cooking, have you cooked lamb chops at home? I would love to try grilling some chops over the holidays with friends.

Gratuities are going up again, and it isn't just one dollar extra daily but two dollars extra! That's a pretty significant jump, but it's just in time for the holiday season. The timing seems pretty strategic to me. I don't mind paying the upcharge as long as 100% of that surplus is going directly to the crew. RCL's crew always goes above and beyond. They work exceptionally hard and deserve the extra bump. Do you agree?

@LukeJ I rarely see those VP games being used. I doubt it's really as popular as the cruise lines have hyped it up to be. It's a bummer because I truly love the concept of VR, but I never end up enjoying it. What other addition do you think would do well on an unused sun deck? What do you think about shuffleboard or horseshoes? These ideas may be dating me.