3Sisters

@JBH488 I'm glad to hear that the Star Link service is working onboard for you! This must be an incentive to entice everyone to get Star Link. If it worked the exact same, I doubt it would warrant a price difference. Did you both pay different amounts? @FJB I have the same question. What is the price difference?

@Cruzer From my experience, the ships arrive quite early but it takes time getting everything docked and off of the ship. What time is your flight? Are you flying out of San Diego?

@HarryI actually heard this exact thing from a Dominican neighbor of mine this weekend! We had his family over for dinner and he shared that the new port in Puerto Plata was not dug deep enough, and the ships were damaging the coral reefs. Hopefully by the time I get there is August this issue is resolved! Apparently Marriott and Ritz Carlton are also building their own separate ports to the area as well. Even Vin Diesel signed a contract to build a large studio over there. The area is booming!

@bombarc Thanks for sharing this information! I had no idea the cruise line was going through some of these setbacks. I'm curious to know how many times you have traveled this itinerary to the Bermuda. It sounds like you are an avid cruiser to this area.

@PaulBIt depends on the package and cruise line. Usually you get added cruise credit (money to spend onboard), but it all depends on the booking package.

@PaulB That's awesome! What is the typical departure port for the fjords? I actually haven't sailed there before. @Traveling nana Where will you be departing from in Norway? I'm curious what departure ports to look into that would take me to the fjords. Thanks for sharing that information! I think I would love to start with the southern half.

@PaulB Please do let me know. I would say if you find a good rate book it! Most cruise lines have a good refund policy, if you change your mind. Just make sure you check out the refund timeframe. I think most cruise lines will refund in full within 3 month prior to embarking.

@Kendall James-Vargas That's right! You are paying for a cruise experience, you might as well what the ship has to offer. @KeithG Yes, I feel limited at Belize as well. It's one of those ports where I get off for an hour or two, but I don't anticipate being off the ship for long. I love the convenience of food on the ship. I don't have to wait at a restaurant or look for a restaurant onboard. It's all within reach, and it's so relaxing to know that!

I personally love cruising with MSC Cruises. Does anyone else enjoy cruising with the line?

@Kendall James-Vargas Do you know if all Royal Caribbean ships offer a rock climbing wall onboard? I found the the new Icon of the Seas will have it, but I am not sure about the other ships.

@PaulB I will jump "onboard" here. I was just "cruising" the boards and spotted your "punny" post.

@Woody14 That sounds like a wild ride, no seatbelts! How fast do those things go? Do they travel on the sidewalk or the main road?

@PaulB Usually that is correct! The all inclusive prices are higher but they encompass much more than the average cruise fare. Some of the all inclusive prices even include airfare and hotels! Princess Cruises offers more conservative cruise packages and some newer all inclusive options. It's new Princess Premier option even includes top-shelf drinks!

@Kendall James-Vargas and @FJB Although I haven't cruised with the line before, Celebrity Beyond would be my top pick. Even the godmother of the ship, Simone Biles, is incredible! @PaulB There are so many factors! The main differences would be age, itineraries, guest capacity, and amenity offerings.

@PaulB Just try to avoid cruise guests like this one. Thankfully this wasn't actually on a Princess Cruises ship! This happened on MS Baltic Princess. https://www.cruisehive.com/passenger-throws-furniture-overboard-from-cruise-vessel/90555

@FJB Those are great recommendations! @Kendall James-Vargas I have had great experience cruising with some of MSC Cruises Fantastica staterooms. Royal Caribbean's newer ships also have some more affordable and larger stateroom options for families. https://www.cruisehive.com/icon-of-the-seas-to-feature-new-staterooms-and-suites/85191 Here are a few options for Icon of the Seas.

@FJB That does sounds like a wonderful cruise! @PaulB I would say the perfect destinations would be where I haven't explored before. I truly want to book an Alaskan cruise! Since I usually cruise to the Caribbean, this would be a whole new experience for me. Possibly an itinerary like these Holland America Line options. https://www.cruisehive.com/holland-america-reveals-longer-alaska-2024-itineraries/91769 I would love ample time to explore the ports of call as well.

@lslycord This is a great board for that sort of question. I have not been on the NCL Escape before, but let me take a look at the deck plans. From what I found, these family balcony rooms do have views however there may be a walkway outside in view. I guess they will likely have an occasional crew member pass by.

@PaulB You are right. I think customer service is lacking in several industries! For instance, the supermarkets nearby are having trouble getting the stores staffed and are usually understaffed on the daily. It's a shame because the employees that do show up are running around frantically trying to compensate and make up for the shortage.

Carnival Cruise Line was awarded Cruise Hive's Best Cruise Line of 2022. I wonder if this will be the same for the new year. It seems the line will be increasing its cruise fares significantly this year! This may steer guests away from cruising with the line. What do you think?

@FJB Unfortunately, I think all of the cruise lines will be following this trend. I'm disappointed by it. However, I appreciate the openness from the cruise line about the upcoming changes. Some of the cruise lines have increased the prices but haven't publicly announced the changes. I have tried to book a new MSC sailing and the prices have gone up by 50%, even when booking with a promotion. @KeithG I think that the industry is going to become more exclusive in some ways because it's not really priced at a point that the majority could afford. As the prices go up for the more affordable lines, guests who could only afford those prices won't be booking as often as before.

@Woody14 I agree. Fuel efficiency is something I didn't consider. It's probably more worthwhile for the cruise line to sell these older ships and roll the return into the newer, more cost efficient ships. The newer ships will likely hold more guests too, generating more income per sailing perhaps.

@Woody14 This stop sounds like an exercise. I guess I would wear some sneakers and bring a water bottle for climbing the lighthouse! I bet the pulmonias were more fun than the traditional taxi! I have never ridden in a pulmonia before. Would you recommend exchanging currency one arriving at the port to get better overall rates?

@Kendall James-Vargas You can't beat a private jacuzzi! @PaulB I agree. I don't think I would leave my stateroom very often. Instead of going to the main dining room, I would be ordering room service every evening.

@Kendall James-Vargas I have noticed the same trend. The cruise line is making price increases and staffing cutbacks on top of this. I think loyal customers have already began looking elsewhere for better customer service and consistency.