3Sisters

Mexico has received over 5 million cruise guests in 2022! 

Did anyone get to visit Mexico this year?

@FJB The amount of honey in that photo is mouthwatering! That looks delicious. 

@Kendall James-Vargas I think Greek yogurt in Greece is a must!

@DaranddelCarnival Cruise Line offers really great accessibility services. https://www.carnival.com/about-carnival/special-needs I would check out this link. I hope you have a wonderful and relaxing cruise!

@FJB That's fair to say. One thing I love about Florida is the vast amount of ports and airports to choose from. I think it's very smart of MSC to branch out in the U.S. market though. The line's prices are very competitive and its growing in popularity quickly. It's new ship, MSC Seascape, looks amazing. 

https://www.cruisehive.com/new-msc-cruise-ship-arrives-in-manhattan-new-york/89675

@DeanneB I think going with the basic package may be my best option then! I would rather cruise with lesser amenities than not cruise at all.

@FJB I'm taking notes! I bet the food in Santorini was amazing. Hopefully you were able to dine off-ship during your time there. One of my favorite parts of cruising is the convenience to all of the amenities. Kudos to you for going to extra mile to explore Rome. It seems like it was well worth it!

@DeanneB It seems like Carnival Corporation is likely going to sell some of its less popular, likely older ships. I personally really enjoyed cruising Costs Cruises, maybe the line intends to modernize the fleet a bit. Hopefully they aren't getting rid of the ships based on their size! Both large and small ships have their perks. 

It seems like MSC Cruises may be a factor in Galveston's newest port addition. This means the port in Texas would have four cruise terminals. MSC Cruises would be a great addition to the Galveston cruise market! Who agrees?

https://www.cruisehive.com/msc-cruises-and-galveston-confirm-step-toward-new-terminal/90864

@Kendall James-Vargas I like the all-inclusive prices. It helps me properly plan financially. Hopefully it doesn't raise the overall cruise fares! 

@FJBIt's just a matter of time before Celebrity Cruises increases its all-inclusive rates. That's a good, but unfortunate, point. 

@FJBWow, those are some great photos! Out of all of the ports you visited on your Mediterranean cruise, which one was your favorite and why?

@dad004 It's always best to cruise off-season. It's cheaper and less crowded. I love booking in September/October. I have found some really great rates during these months. Where do you intend to cruise?

@FJB I think that several people feel that way. I prefer to book about a year out. Who knows what commitments I may have over two years in advanced! Although, saving a spot on some exclusive sailings may be worth it. 

@lovetotravel104 That's such a bummer. This is not the first time I have heard of this issue. It seems while traveling with Princess Cruises, you should expect to have issues with the Wi-Fi. Hopefully you didn't miss out on anything too important!

Costa Cruises is planning to sell two of its ships. I remember sailing with Costa Cruises almost 20 years ago; I really enjoyed it! Does anyone have a hunch about which ships may be up for sale? 

@DeanneB I'm going to check out your sea glass jewelry link, thanks!

@KristineF Yes, it is a beautiful phenomena for sure!

@FJB I also usually don't go for the Wi-Fi package either. My husband would continuing working otherwise, and like you said, that doesn't make for a relaxing cruise!

@Robin-P Wow, this is an interesting topic! Maybe this CEO shouldn't have the position any more. 

@Linda Smith Thanks for sharing your review of Ambassador Cruises. I actually have never sailed with the line before so this is very valuable feedback. It sounds like this experience was no good. What a shame!

It seems like the Flynn Cruiseport Boston made a great recovery this year, with 128 cruise ships stopping there for 2022. I love hearing success stories of cruise destinations recovering from the last few years of loss. 

@Cruiser44 No kidding, I think we are going to continue to see this pattern of increasing costs. My vote is MSC Cruises. From my experience, the cruise line will change its prices and not make any sort of announcements to avoid attention. 

@DeanneB I agree, taking away jobs is not what the cruise lines should be doing! This can't be the best way to recoup financially. I think keeping interior stateroom prices lower and increasing the costs of specialty staterooms may be the way to go. Although, this idea may hinder the line from filling up those more expensive staterooms. I guess there is a pro and con to everything. Enticing loyal customers to return though, that should be at the top of the list.

@Deborah Ann I think its ironic that the cruise line is increasing its Wi-Fi costs, but the service isn't even all that great to begin with. That is such a bummer that all of the specialty services fill up so quickly. I'm glad you shared that. Now I know if I cruise with Princess Cruises, I need to book asap to get a spot! I agree, cruising should be relaxing, not chaotic. Hopefully the cruise line corrects this issue so you can enjoy the benefits you deserve. 

@DeanneB What is your usual go to for duty-free shopping? I tend to spend on gifts for family members, such as their favorite liquor or some fun fashion jewelry.

Although cruise lines are changing lots of their offerings in order to financially recover post shut-down, several cruise lines are also expanding their retail offerings. The retailer Harding has just announced partnerships with 5 different cruise lines! Do you think its is a tactic to encourage guests to spend more, assisting with monetary gains? 

Yet again, another cruise line is making changes to its prices.  Princess Cruises is increasing its specialty dining and beverage packages. I think this is going to negatively impact returning guests. Do you agree?

@KeithG Keep me posted on your upcoming cruise! I would love to hear your post-cruise feedback. I think cruising in February is the perfect season for good weather, not too hot or too cold.