3Sisters

I have received both cruise credit and cruise vouchers before. They vary per cruise line. Oftentimes the vouchers need to be redeemed within a certain timeframe; while the credit usually has a longer time period until expiration. I prefer a cruise credit over a cruise voucher, but some cruise lines treat them almost interchangeably. Cruise vouchers could also have restrictive use such as a specified drink voucher. Top tier loyalty guests for Royal Caribbean often receive free drink vouchers. The line's drink vouchers have recently expanded their usage timeframe. This change became effective about two months ago, in mid December 2022. https://www.cruisehive.com/royal-caribbean-shifts-timing-of-a-popular-loyalty-benefit/90600

@LukeJ This certainly could be true! Celebrity chefs are definitely a motivator for those who have a pallet for good cuisine. I got very excited to find that Emeril Lagasse has become Carnival Cruise Line's Chief Culinary Officer. I can't wait to see how some of the cruise line's menus evolve to feature his exquisite culinary talents. A celebrity comedian could be a huge selling point for me! In the past, Jay Leno has actually performed onboard two different Carnival Cruise Line ships. I do think that most major comedians choose to tour on land, but the combination of comedy and cruising is a match made a heaven for me. Improv at sea is another popular addition to the comedy cruise culture. I love the uniqueness of improv because it makes each experience different than the next. Princess Cruises seems to have some great comedy focused cruise options lately. The line's comedy themed cruises feature all sorts of laughter at sea from comedy trivia and movies to themed sitcoms and game shows. https://www.princess.com/ships-and-experience/special-events/

@LukeJ I agree that many companies lack customer service, especially in the United States. This lacking can partially be attributed to a staffing shortage. The cruise industry had to make so many cutbacks over the last few years, and then had to rehire in such a short amount of time. Many lines, such as Holland America Line and Norwegian Cruise Line, have also increased service charges to recoup the major losses they received. I know that over the last few years the cruise industry has had so many different shifts in employment, from drastic firing to rushesd re-hiring. Cancellations occurred left and right and the lines were inundated with distributing cruise vouchers and credits to make up for the unexpected changes. I was thoroughly impressed by MSC Cruises. MSC Cruises made plenty of compensations and accommodations during this time period, and continued to provide exceptional customer service even though they were short staffed. Yes, the wait times on the phones were longer. The cruise line always gave a response and an explanation, even if it understandably took longer than average. If you are struggling to find good customer service, I recommend looking into this cruise line.

@LukeJ That is probably a great idea! I don't know if he would enjoy it very much without a friendly golf partner tagging along. In fact, I would likely avoid the golf altogether and go for the food/shopping instead. How long have you been a golfer? My husband picked it up within the last couple of years and hasn't looked back since. The idea of playing golf around the world would be so exciting for him! I just did some digging on the per person pricing, and it is absolutely a hefty price point. I think we may need to save up a few years in order to fit an extravagant experience like this into our budget. I do, however, appreciate the vast amount of options and time frames offered. Some of the Azamara golf tour options are available into the year 2025. That would provide me ample time to budget appropriately. The prices are separated out into a traditional cruise fare price and an additional golf package price. The combination price, plus the plane ticket to the embarkation port would roughly be about a minimum cost of 10k. https://www.perrygolf.com/golfcruising/mediterranean-islands-golf-cruise-2024-may28.php?utm_source=Azamara&utm_medium=Website2024May28MediterraneanIslandsGolfCruise&utm_term=Website2024May28MediterraneanIslandsGolfCruise&utm_content=2024May28MediterraneanIslandsGolfCruise&utm_campaign=Azamara+Club+Cruises#fndtn-panel7

@Jim Lamb Thanks for the update! I'm glad that everything is functioning properly for you again. I don't seem to have these issues on my Apple computer. Have you figured out what exactly may be causing the glitch?

@teedie That is such an unfortunate circumstance! I haven't heard of such an instance where the cruise ship was responsible for pivoting the cruise itinerary due to a medical circumstance. This must have been a very unique occurrence. I completely agree that in majority of circumstances, the cruise line could have configured other means of transportation. I wonder if this particular employee was from Puerto Rico. Was your ship scheduled to visit Puerto Rico initially? It is a pretty nice place to stop. At least you were able to visit a nice port of call and make the best of it!

@LukeJ Comedy at sea is wonderful! Some cruise ships actually feature a comedy club onboard. Carnival Cruise Line offers the Punchliner comedy club throughout its fleet, and even Disney Cruise Line offers some comedy content geared towards families. Royal Caribbean ships also have comedy shows but every ship has a different offering. Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas have Comedy Live, but the club provides an adult only experience. https://www.royalcaribbean.com/cruise-activities/comedy-club

If you are impressed by Azamara's golf tour program, you should truly dig into it a bit further. Azamara's golf cruises visit over 25 countries and play on over 80 different courses. It's such an all inclusive experience too! All green fees, cart fees, and gratuities are covered alongside ready to go equipment and transportation. My husband would absolutely love a guys cruise like this. I also love that the golf tours are not short lived; the duration of these cruises give guests ample time to explore and enjoy several different golf courses throughout the length of the itinerary. https://www.azamara.com/golf-cruises?_aiid=13039&teng=go&beng=g&deng=c&keng=azamara golf cruises&meng=e&peng=&ieng=140017255562&kieng=aud-1891473796711:kwd-635470347752&cieng=601459436040&cpieng=17641209265&feng=47952575222&cleng=Cj0KCQiA2-2eBhClARIsAGLQ2Rms1QK_BAVSO7qznRj_-vEO7V0sqU8ENZVxbXa8RleFs1FNGERfiDIaAhSJEALw_wcB&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Azamara_Land_Brand

@Jim Lamb That's such a bummer you are experiencing some issues on here. Have you tried refreshing the page? The new browser was a bit of a learning curve for me. There are tabs that feature news by category such as "latest" or "featured." I usually try to browse through the "latest" category. I access it by scrolling down on the pop-up browser. I prefer looking through the news in chronological order. That allows me to see the most recently produced news on top.

@Helene Do you live near a particular European port? I loved living in the state with a port within driving distance. It's so much more convenient and fiscally responsible to drive to the cruise port versus flying to it. Unfortunately, I have been noticing a trend of loyal guests becoming very frustrated with the cruise line lately. Norwegian Cruise Line has been changing its itineraries on the daily it seems. https://www.cruisehive.com/category/cruise-news/norwegian-cruise-line If you browse Norwegian Cruise Line's recent news you will see serval news articles related to this subject. I think many NCL guests are looking elsewhere to cruise. The line's unpredictability is driving guests away. I hope there is a switch that happens soon and the cruise line changes its lack of genuine customer service!

@KeithG That's too funny! I haven't embarked from New York, but I can only imagine it's chaotic. I would be one of those drivers who is completely clueless and glued to my GPS for direction. It makes sense if the cost is reasonable. I think if I planned a once in a lifetime cruise, I would take it out to be safe. I'm in the phase in life where my cruise bookings are generally on the cheaper, more affordable end, but still a significant cost for me. I do know that its a gamble though, especially with all of the price increases and itinerary changes going on lately. If you can afford it and it's in your budget, I would say better safe than sorry. @Wildturkeymama How long is the duration of you upcoming cruise? I would absolutely take out traveler's insurance if the cruise is a long or luxury itinerary.

@Linda Reiss I don't enjoy when the ship has a smoking casino. I actually try to avoid walking through the area entirely. The smell ruins the environment. There are other things to enjoy on a cruise ship, so when its a smoking casino I just opt out of the experience entirely. Honestly, cruise lines (such as Carnival Cruise Line) are noticing that many guests aren't pleased with a smoking casino and are beginning to offer non-smoking casino options. https://www.cruisehive.com/carnival-cruise-line-adds-separate-non-smoking-casino-on-three-ships/53411 @Helene What changes have been made for your February 6 sailing? That is only 4 days out now! I'm curious if they gave any sort of explanation. I have heard Norwegian Cruise Line has been giving guests the excuse that environmental factors are playing a role in the constant itinerary changes. Many loyal guests are opting to move their loyalty elsewhere. It's a shame. The cruise line should be more respectful to its guests! Which ship will you be cruising on?

@KeithG I would say the VIFP party is certainly worth exploring! I understand not wanting to be in the spotlight, but it is well deserved! With all of your continued loyalty, Carnival Cruise line should treat you like special guests. Usually the VIFP events offer free appetizers and drinks as well. That's another reason to check it out! @RoadTravelled Thanks for sharing your specialty experience. You bring up a great point. I think the idea of treating Diamond and Platinum guests with this type of event is wonderful, but it would be nicer if it was more intimate. Carnival Cruise Line may benefit from creating additional tier levels and strategizing a way to not overcrowd loyalty events. It's quite nice that the officers were present amongst the crowd though! I also appreciate the strategic time of such an event. It's really cool you can attend the event and grab a drink right before dinner. I don't like to miss one evening in the main dining room. It's one of my favorite aspects to cruising!

Grenada, in the Windward Islands, is located north of Trinidad and Tobago. The area features beautiful beaches, and this new signage will truly highlight the area's beauty. The tropical paradise was hit hard by Hurricane Ivan in 2004, and the hurricane sadly damaged 90% of the area's homes. The area has since been revitalized and is ready for new cruise travelers. With temperature averaging between 72-90 degrees, Grenada offers year round outdoor adventure opportunities. These are some great things to explore if you find yourself in Grenada this year. https://www.cruisehive.com/things-to-do-in-grenada/58736

@KeithG The Carnival Cruise Line Platinum status will provide you with the option to attend a Very Important Fun Person (VIFP) party. The VIPF party was not active from some time due to staffing shortages but it returned in the Summer of 2022. Have you ever attended such an event before? It is currently available for Diamond-level and Platinum-level guests. https://www.cruisehive.com/carnival-cruise-line-brings-back-popular-loyalty-event/74981 I'm just so glad that the industry is returning to a state of predictability again. Many cruise loyalty programs were able to extend several of their loyalty program perks and usage dates, allowing cruisers to keep their status, freezing their points accrued. I was personally appreciative of this perk.

@KeithG I agree that purchasing the additional insurance option could be beneficial, but typically the cruise lines I have sailed with have always been exceptional with accommodating due to an emergency circumstance. Usually in this sort of event, the cruise line gifts a sort of credit or voucher without the additional traveler's insurance, but you certainly take the risk of the line denying your claim. I think of the choice similar to insuring your wedding ring. It truly just depends on how much the cruise is worth to you. If it would be a significant loss, probably best to insure it for peace of mind. These are some things that cruise insurance does not cover. https://www.cruisehive.com/what-cruise-insurance-not-cover/17707

@FJB It looks like Celebrity Millennium has truly been "revolutionized." In 2019 the ship underwent a major revitalization while it was dry docked for 35 days. As a part of the Celebrity Revolution program, Celebrity Millennium underwent a multimillion dollar upgrade that included stateroom enhancements and a new design for the casino. There are some new boutiques onboard as well! I think you are going to enjoy all of the new additions to the ship. Celebrity Millennium is the first to undergo these upgrades, and seven more ships are expected to be revitalized this year. Which type of stateroom will you be staying in?

@FJB I agree. The idea of Cozumel creating a fourth port may be an overkill. As much as the area calls for another way to accommodate the increase in visitors, it would not be the best choice for the area's environment. Cozumel is actually the number one cruise port in the world. I don't think that status will change if a fourth port doesn't come to fruition. One of the area's best attractions is its coral reefs. If it was decided that a fourth port would be added, the coral reefs would be a stake. I don't think it's worth it to risk tampering with the coral reefs and destroying any more of Cozumel's precious ecosystems. In fact, I think omitting the idea of a fourth port would make the area even more exclusive.

@KeithG These FTTF options have a starting price point that may differ because of the different, port-specific itinerary durations. That's a good point! I found some more information on it here. https://www.cruisehive.com/carnival-bringing-back-popular-add-on-priority-program/88051 It seems that the offering was taken away for some time, and it has recently returned.

@KeithG I agree with Cozumel. Rotan is really beautiful, but when I was there I didn't get the opportunity to snorkel! Do you have a recommendation for a walk-up snorkeling area in Rotan?

@Woody14 It's so difficult for me to imagine Alaska without snow! I also can't picture wearing shots and a t-shirt there. When packing did you know this ahead of time? I would likely be packing all of my heavy snow gear.

The remains of Carnival Cruise Line's old ship, Carnival Fascination, have been identified at a ship-breaking facility in Pakistan. I haven't sailed onboard this ship. Has anyone cruised onboard this ship before? This article has a photograph of the 1994-built ship. https://www.cruisehive.com/this-once-popular-carnival-cruise-ship-has-almost-gone/92826

@KeithG Dry snorkeling sounds like the new best thing for exploring the ocean! What is your most favorite area to snorkel?

@KeithG Faster to The Fun sounds like a worthwhile expense. If it is $129 for the entire cruise, for everyone in the stateroom. It sounds worth it to me. https://www.carnival.com/faster-to-the-fun I found that the cost of the experience varies based on the port of departure. Some of the costs are even lower!

@Woody14 Did you see this happening? https://www.cruisehive.com/sad-end-to-missing-woman-overboard-po-cruises-ship/90458 This 23 year old "fell" overboard just last month. Her body was recovered near the coast of South Africa.