3Sisters

@kefthecruiser This is very well said! It's very upsetting to assume that the line's debt would impact its decision to choose what is best for guests. I don't like the idea of assuming NCL (and/or other cruise lines) would be making poor judgment calls that would, potentially, negatively affect cruise guests. After reading some of the line's latest questionable judgment calls, it can be easy to assume that upper management is not doing a good job at keeping guest's safety as its top priority. Let's just hope the line does better from now on! After cruising so many times, I should know that sickness doesn't constitute reimbursement! I thankfully haven't had any issues with sickness and embarkation in the past, but it is a potential. Next time I book, I may consider the travel insurance after all. I can't imagine how upsetting it would be to lose thousands of dollars and miss your vacation due to being sick. It makes sense to be refunded and re-book with a credit. As I'm writing this, I'm really starting to see the enhanced value of travel insurance.

@Shallun That's a great question. I haven't been on this excursion before, but since it's a Carnival Corporation-owned private island, you may get some professional photo options. If you call the cruise line, it should have an answer to this question. My assumption would be yes, official photos will be available for purchase. I'm not so sure you would get a video, but you never know! https://www.cruisehive.com/21-things-half-moon-cay-carnivals-private-island/22968#h-horseback-riding

Princess Cruises will be cruising more 2025 Japan itineraries! Diamond Princess is going to sail some really epic cruisetours keeping up with the increased demand for Japan itineraries. March through August 2025 Diamond Princess will be homeport in Tokyo. Has anyone cruised to Japan with Princess Cruises in the past?

@Deneshia Kinder I understand that it has rolled out on 11 ships fleetwide. The ships that should be offering this Starlink service already include Carnival Panorama, Elation, Sunshine, Magic, Pride, Sunrise, Vista, Mardi Gras, Valor, Celebration, and Venezia. https://www.cruisehive.com/carnival-cruise-line-has-good-news-for-guests-that-use-wifi/106019 Will you be cruising on a CCL ship soon? I have heard the Starlink service is wonderful and totally worth the extra cost.

@jryka I totally overlooked that! I guess you should somewhat enjoy the water if you are choosing a cruise as your vacation. @LukeJ This is a really great motto. It's a mind-over-matter thing. You just have to go for it and give it a shot. You can't let your ailments hold you back!

@Benjamin This is really sad. You must have been so upset when you couldn't board that itinerary. That's a really great question. Whoever is making these itinerary decisions does not seem very level-headed. I think it's really about turning a profit, and that is not a good way to be. I didn't realize NCL wouldn't reimburse you due to a sickness. I understand you didn't have insurance but still, it seems pretty unfair to me. @bombarc That's quite scary! I would have opted out of that cruise experience, but once you book and pass the refund period, there is no turning back. It's just a testament to the culture of the line. It's a business trying to make money regardless. That's what this scenario sounds like to me.

@KJP I saw this news article about Carnival Paradise and two women being struck by a hit-and-run. https://www.cruisehive.com/two-cruise-passengers-left-in-mexico-after-accident/110832 The only news I about Hurricane Lee and its effect on one of Carnival Venezia's recent itineraries. Do you have updates on the helicopter? I'm super intrigued now! https://www.cruisehive.com/carnival-ship-changing-itinerary-due-to-hurricane-lee/110341

@Rosemary Two days in Kona sounds pretty amazing to me! Since most things are closed on Sundays and you don't enjoy spending time at the beach, your options could be limited to spending extra time on the ship. I found this great article about things to do in Kona that may interest you. https://www.cruisehive.com/ways-to-enjoy-kailua-kona-hawaii-for-cruise-visitors/33202 @kefthecruiser Wow, after reading this I'm questioning Princess Cruises' ability to do better. Let's just hope the cruise line pulls through with some good excursion options for guests to fill their time.

@LukeJ That's incredible! I would be willing to transfer on a bus during a visit too. I'm curious to hear from @Sullanciri has to say about the check-in/transfer system in Venice. The area has done its fair share of protesting large ships due to flooding issues in the past. https://www.cruisehive.com/venice-to-ban-large-cruise-ships-from-august-1st/53238

@kefthecruiser I completely agree that phone cameras are no match for the traditional camera. The quality is way better on a nice Olympus digital camera! The only reason why Apple's cameras are so popular is because of how convenient they are. You don't have to bring anything else with you, just your phone. Your phone does it all now, just like the watches. I don't own one of those, but they track your activity, heart rate, and even your sleep quality. It's just wild. I don't know how I really feel about all of the "waves" 24/7. I'm more of a turn my cell phone on airplane mode when I sleep type of person.

@Claude Take a look at this thread for more Emerald Princess updates.

@SpaceCowboy9 I absolutely love Antigua! The beaches are out of this world. We took a taxi to a private little beach tucked away about 15 minutes from the port (I forgot the name of the beach unfortunately), but it was by far the most tranquil beach spot with the most beautiful water. Here are some good recommendations while visiting Antigua. https://www.cruisehive.com/things-to-do-in-antigua-for-cruise-visitors/27454 This is a really romantic itinerary! I love that this itinerary stops at more than 4 ports of call. That seems rare for typical 7-night itineraries. I hope you find a few beaches with cabana service. My guess is you will be spending much of your time at the beach!

Planned to open this January, CocoCay will now offer an adults-only beach option for cruise guests! I happen to think that this adults-only beach addition will be a big hit for RCL guests. Who is looking forward to this exciting new CocoCay amenity?

@Claude I'm surprised Princess Cruises was unable to give you any updates. Your cruise is only 2 days away! Take a look at this article. This may have all the information you need about your upcoming itinerary on Emerald Princess. https://www.cruisehive.com/hurricane-forces-princess-cruise-ship-to-alter-itinerary/110560 Caribbean Princess' itinerary has already been affected by Hurricane Lee. https://www.cruisehive.com/hurricane-forces-extensive-itinerary-changes-for-princess-ship/110633

Emerald Princess is changing its itinerary due to Hurricane Lee. Guests will unfortunately be skipping Halifax, Nova Scotia. Is anyone affected by this itinerary change?

@Deneshia Kinder I really hope Carnival Sunshine's air conditioning is repaired by then. In fact, I believe it's a crime if the air conditioning isn't fixed by October. You should be just fine by November 18. Air conditioning is a pivotal part of the cruising experience. I'm not sure if you saw, but some Carnival Sunshine itineraries have been updated. Thankfully those itinerary changes are for 2024 sailings. https://www.cruisehive.com/carnival-cruise-line-adjusts-itineraries-for-three-ships/110524

@kefthecruiser Itineraries are beginning to shift and cruise guests sailing out of Baltimore are starting to get a little uneasy about their upcoming itineraries. Vision of the Seas cruises out this Thursday, September 14th, but it's not looking very promising. Let's just hope Hurricane Lee veers east! New England needs to keep a close eye on this hurricane.

@Kathleen Did you receive any updates on this itinerary? I believe @Lucy Lou may be cruising on this same itinerary. I really hope you are both able to get onboard and cruise away from Hurricane Lee!

@Lucy Lou I beleive another user posted about this same itinerary; I will tag you in the thread. The Vision of the Seas itinerary before will be delayed, but I don't know much more than that. Your cruise is right around the corner; I hope you hear an update soon. I expect you will be cruising out of Baltimore. Hurricane Lee will be pretty close by. Let's be positive and pray its current trajectory doesn't shift west! Please keep us posted with updates. Will you be flying into Baltimore? https://www.cruisehive.com/hurricane-forces-multiple-royal-caribbean-itinerary-changes/110426

@euroguy I'm glad you are back! Your experience in Skagway looks absolutely breathtaking. I love all of these photos of waterfalls, lakes, and nature. You really got to experience so much in such a short amount of time! The last photo you posted even has a mini rainbow caught in the waterfall. I would imagine not many people adventure to drive 70 miles into Canada during a cruise stop, but after seeing all of these photos, I'm not sure I could miss it! Were you able to get into any of the bodies of water? They may have been a bit chilly. How was the weather in Skagway? It looked so lush and green with no snow in sight.

@SMartin Thanks for sharing your perspective! It's easy for negative experiences and comments to surface, but it's not always common to see positive outlooks. I love this advice. It is so much easier to resolve your issues onboard, even if you have to wait in a longer-than-usual customer service line. I always carry receipts with me of everything I prepurchased, and then I also opt out of linking my credit card, checking my daily statements onboard to ensure all of the expenditures are accurate. I also agree about saving and booking a cruise when you feel financially able. It's worth it to wait to book a cruise when you are going to comfortably afford it and not feel stressed about limiting yourself on your cruise vacation. Vacation is a time to relax and unwind, not to feel unable to enjoy the on-ship amenities because you weren't financially comfortable with it. I also find it necessary to comfortably tip extra. I tip generously, and I enjoy being able to do that.

@maddogesq How awesome is that? It's unfortunate these things take longer than one would like, but at least all the refunds came in and you were even able to donate a portion. Give it some time, I'm sure there will be excursion options for Hilo! Although you could likely have a grand time exploring the area on your own, a special excursion could be nice too. I wonder if this one will become available to you! It sounds like a great excursion option. https://www.princess.com/ports-excursions/hilo-hawaii-excursions/hilos-waterfalls-and-gardens-experience/

@Bonnie Hutsell I completely agree with that idea! I prefer to be outdoors in shaded areas. You can only be in the sun for so long without feeling the burn. Sun decks were initially for sun tanning, but now people are more aware of the dangers of baking in the sun. It's a wasted space, I agree. People prefer to eat outdoors in the shaded spaces. If the tables are directly in the sun, they are likely not occupied. I wouldn't be surprised if cruise lines start redesigning those sun decks for better use.

@FJB I really hope that doesn't become a thing! The towel animals are a signature. Why cruise CCL without them? You never know, a structure like this honestly wouldn't surprise me. Cruise lines are trying to charge for pizza and cookies too! I'm sorry, but I think charging for super basic services is pretty petty.

@kefthecruiser I'm so glad I could amuse you! I mean it; I wouldn't want to be waiting in line at the buffet once I get older. I'm still middle-aged but once I'm retired, I want ease and convenience. If I barely care about the arcade and VR now, I can't imagine what my older adult years will bring. You can catch me with the Medallion service, having unlimited drinks and food brought to me at any area of the ship. Now that's the way to cruise in style!