3Sisters

@Seaawgs That makes sense. Grand Cayman doesn't stand out to you amongst other Caribbean cruise ports. I do enjoy the beaches there and the culture of the island is quaint. Unfortunately, Grand Cayman isn't the only area that is upping it's prices for tourists. The Bahamas has increased it's taxes and fees for cruise guests.

This is one example of that. https://www.cruisehive.com/bahamas-to-impose-new-tax-on-cruise-line-private-islands/122912

The fact that the cruise industry is continuing to grow and expand post-pandemic while prices continue to increase means the demand is still there and the prices aren't much of a factor. Cruise guests are willing to spend and visit the beautiful destinations without thinking twice about the "port taxes and fees." Seasoned cruisers notice these price hikes and changes but the general public of cruisers could really care less, taking no mind to the changes. 

@Judith austin Have you been to either of these destinations before? I have been to Amber Cove a few times recently, and the port is really nice and safe. Venturing outside of the port is one of those things I typically opt out of if I don't book an excursion through the cruise line because I cruise with young children. If I felt safe walking around Amber Cove with toddlers bobbing around everywhere, I think you will feel the same way too!

@FJB Thanks for sharing that link! According to that link, Turkey Hill can be found in Walmart. I don't shop there too often, but I have one relatively close to my home. It would be convenient for me to go and pick out a flavor to try at my house! What is your favorite Turkey Hill flavor? Jeni's Splendid ice cream is priced higher, but it looks good! For the amount of ice cream my family consumes, I need to buy bigger sized container to feed us all. Maybe a gallon-sized container is a better option. Does Turkey Hill come in large containers? 

@LukeJ I value this! No one should feel obligated to participate in events onboard. People watching those events can be fun, but not always entertaining. Just like any activity, those can get boring pretty quickly too. From what I'm gathering about you, you enjoy healthy, physical competition! Usually the bigger ships offer sport competitions, but you opt in to join and participate. No one is forcing you to participate but you join on your own free will, as you wish. These dancing and fooling around events tend to be those that have had plenty to drink out in the sun by the pool. I have seen some guests go wild for those activities, and it's clear they are in a different state-of-mind that where I am. When it get's loud and chaotic and I'm not in the mood, I usually try a different pool or area that has a bit more tranquility. The main pool is fun, but I'm not always in the mood for that. Sometimes I just want shade and a relatively quiet place to rest or read a book.

@Seaawgs Grand Cayman has certainly grown over the course of the past few years. The area regained popularity and got back to pre-pandemic numbers very quickly in comparison to other Caribbean cruise ports. 

https://www.cruisehive.com/caribbean-cruise-destination-goes-over-1-million-passengers/119622

That's steep but not surprising for such a popular dining destination. Are there any other things to do that would interest you to enjoy in Grand Cayman? I know snorkeling and boat adventures can be worth while. The idea of drinking in Grand Cayman is unrealistic due to the prices. Especially if you have the drink package onboard, it just doesn't make sense to spend all the extra to drink off-ship. I hope this trend doesn't continue across other local areas. That would deter guests from going off of the ships. I like when guests get off of the ship so I can have the pools to myself! I often opt out of getting off the ship, staying onboard is easier and oftentimes more fun.

@kefthecruiser Thanks for clarifying this information! Since the DR is not Haiti, the travel advisories for those two areas are distinctly different. I'm glad you shared what the advisories are currently for both DR and Haiti. For a level 2 area, I would say you are say to travel and proceed with caution. I wouldn't be so sure about getting off on a level 4 travel, but @Judith austin's cruise is stopping in the DR it should be fine to proceed as normal. I always recommend proceeding with caution if it's a new-to-you area. Always keep you eyes aware and guard up, but Amber Cove should be a safe bet for your upcoming sailing. 

@Willie After doing some digging, I discovered RCL doesn't offer special prices for single occupants. Considering that, I would imagine RCL singles cruises are likely few and far between. For your upcoming Princess cruise, did you receive a special/better rate as a single occupant? Many cruise lines, like RCL, don't give a good enough price break for solo occupants. That's such a bummer because solo occupants end up having to absorb all of those extra costs as if there were double occupants in the stateroom! I agree RCL's prices have gone up, but I was under the impression Princess Cruises is more exclusive than RCL. If you are getting better rates while cruising withe Princess Cruises, that means RCL's prices are getting significantly higher!

@Seaawgs That's very interesting! It seems the new rules in place are no fun. I can't believe only the pool bar was open on Celebrity Constellation! I didn't realize Grand Cayman was enforcing such strict rules around cruising and drinking. When did these new rules come into effect? At some point (after all of the construction is complete), it has to get better for guests. When are all of the construction and additions supposably finished? This news sounds like a bad look for Grand Cayman. I hope this all changes soon.

@Judith austin As of now you will make it to Amber Cove, but things are constantly changing! 

https://www.cruisehive.com/carnival-addresses-port-visits-to-hispaniola-after-haiti-violence/126129

If you do end up stopping in Amber Cove, I would recommend staying in the port area. I would be very careful to go off on your own considering the local circumstance in Haiti. An excursion booked through CCL should be a safe route! 

Which CCL ship will you be cruising on? I will keep my eyes peeled to see if anything changes. If you hear anything please let us know! 

@Old Cruiser That's a great way to see it. If you have it, you might as well use it! I wish that I could have a waterproof passport. Putting it in a waterproof bag would likely be a good call. I never do that, but it's a good idea, extra precautionary. 

I read this pretty awesome article that addresses this topic in further detail. I know @euroguy speaks very highly of his passport card. I'm considering it for closed loop sailings. 

https://www.cruisehive.com/u-s-passport-card-vs-book-whats-the-difference/55074

@Shanna That's so disturbing. It must have felt to upsetting to see, happening right before your eyes. I'm not sure if you have heard about that whale hunts that happen in Torshavn, but one ship actually visited the port during this time of year and it was a horrific sight. I can't imagine getting excited to visit such a breath taking destination just to approach a sight line the one below. During this hunt 78 whales were killed. It's such a shame! The cruise line ended up apologizing to its guest for the horrifying sight. 

@Jim Lamb Keep us posted on that! Coco Cay would be a great replacement. I know all cruise lines are keeping a closes watch on Haiti and it's current situation. Cruise lines care about guest safety. As of late, CCL is choosing to continue visiting the Dominican Republic despite the turmoil happening nearby. At this time, CCL is considering Amber Cove safe and certain fleet members will continue to stop there. I'm sure more updates will come if things change. I'm hopeful all things will regulate and get under control relatively quickly. 

@Willie Does RCL offer any singles cruises as well? Since you have been loyal to RCL I would imagine you would enjoy a RCL singles cruise unless you are switching lines for a reason. I have heard that Princess Cruises is a more upscale line, attracting a more mature crowd. What are some things you like/dislike about RCL? That's a great plan on action booking onboard because you can save some major bucks by doing that. 

@LukeJ I'm glad you support that idea. Honestly I think genetically modified foods came from a very pure idea. Bugs and other environmental factors were ruining out crops and we as a society had to find a solution. GMO foods has turned into something bigger and badder than most expected. Seedless things are questionable, and the quality/taste has completely changed from something that is grown it its natural environment. I hope one day more people would open their eyes to this. 

@LukeJ Any addiction is so sad! Sometimes it's accidental. Pain pills are prescribed so frequently in the US, it's a norm. I had a step brother who fell into the trap of pills and it was all from getting wisdom teeth pulled and taking the prescribed meds! When you have the instinct to become easily addicted, you have to be so careful. I avoid pain meds at all cost because some of my family members have battled with addiction. Can you imagine something that takes over you so strongly you loose control of yourself? The thought of that just scares me to death. I love that cruise lines are regulated to keep drugs out off of the ships. It keeps the guests in check and provides a get safety framework for everyone onboard. 

@LukeJ That's too funny! Arguments over vacations are no joke. I don't want to sound high maintenance but I require an annual cruise. I like to explore and treat my family to relaxing experiences. In fact, I prefer vacations so much that I stopped asking for birthday gifts and opt for cruises instead. I'm willing to work for my vacations too! My husband may not care about them but I will fund the whole operation and make everyone show up if that's what it takes. My children are spoiled and they know a good cruise vacation. They look forward to cruising just as much as I do. I think that's all my doing though, I hyper it up way too much, but it is so worthy of the hype! Well, opposites surely attract. Both you and I are examples of that! 

@kefthecruiser It's true. My liver is seemingly intolerant. My hangovers are unlike anything most experience. When I ask people if they experience hangover symptoms like mine, they always say no. I try to enjoy my drinks too but my limit is lower than most. I'm not a super big person and not an avid day-to-day drinker so my tolerance is low to top it off. I'm glad you agree. Sometimes I feel bad because those around me want me to participate in drinking with them and at some point, early on in the night, I stop and start drinking water. I feel like those around me get bothered because I'm "boring" but in reality I'm just trying to be able to live the next day. It's more important that I feel good than what others may perceived of me. That's a mindset that has come on and developed with maturity. 

@SteveR I hope you have an awesome time on your first solo NCL cruise. This cruise will be checking a couple of firsts for you! A solo cruise sounds like such an adventure. I love that you don't have to check in with anyone and you just do whatever you want whenever you feel like it! Will you be cruising to any new destinations on this sailing? I noticed this itinerary will go to Great Stirrup Cay and if you haven't been I think you will love it! If you are up for an adventure, you can swim with pigs. I haven't done it before, but it makes for a great photograph!

@LukeJ I think my husband could convince me of any trip honestly. I'm a get up and go type of person. He's actually the complete opposite. He likes slower weekends, sitting on the sofa, doing nothing. I could never. It has alot to do with the way he was raised. He barley took a vacation as a kid and went hardly anywhere. I traveled the US as a child, being homeschooled and moving over 15 different times! Recently my husband asked if I have ever had a "lazy Sunday", and I said absolutely not. Lazy was not in my family's vocabulary. He said every most every Sunday he would watch tv all day and nap, not leaving the house. That blows my mind. I grew up 6am wake ups, washing the cars, fixing the house, volunteering at church, truly nonstop. He asked me if I would have a lazy Sunday with him, and I said yes, if I'm deathly ill.

Cruising is a great vacation option for us. He can do what he likes, being lazy, and I can do what I want, practically everything on the daily activity sheet. 

@Old Cruiser That's true! It really depends on where you are cruising to. This may come as a shock, but I have never boarded a cruise (even a close loop cruise) without my passport. I know I could just show up with my  birth certificate and government ID, but I still use my passport anyways. Maybe after I become more and more seasoned at close loop cruising I would give it a try. I just feel more secure always having it just in case. It's one of those emergency situation ideas I have stuck in my mind. It feels like the best form of identification if there was an emergency. This whole perspective goes to show how I'm not much of a risk taker.

@FJB I do that! I follow the one glass of water per one glass of alcohol rule. It just never works out for me past a couple of drinks. And I can forget about drinking on an empty stomach. If I don't eat while I drink, I'm done for. I truly wish I could keep up with the crowd but I just can't. My husband and those around me can handle so much more than I can. Maybe I'm allergic to it, but aren't we all? I still love to participate in the fun, even though I can't keep up in the alcohol consumption department. 

@LukeJ Unfortunately humans have made choices that do destroy our environment. The motives of these choices have grown organically, like wanting faster transport or accessibility, but other choices like destroying farmlands and reducing cow emissions is something I don't support. When is comes to farming and food, I support access to real food and the farmers that supply us our food. The idea of genetically modified foods and bioengineered meats are not the best for us either. I understand the motivation for reducing emissions and protecting our environment but not at the expense of reducing farms and real food. Those manufactured that are lab growing meat are putting emissions into the air and also doing harm to our environment. It's not a great solution to the emissions of cows. 

@FJB Tell me your ways. How do you avoid a hangover? I can't handle my liquor. That's a guarantee. If I have more than three drinks in one evening, I should be under strict observation. I know my limit and I'm fine with it. It sounds like your tolerance is much better than mine! I also don't like to stay up too late, so I'm like a grandma in my 30s. 

@RoadTravelled Thanks for sharing this information with me! I had no idea that some areas require physical passports and that photo copies won't suffice. I'm glad you shared an alternate perspective. Sometimes I'm so nervous about making it back to the ship in time that I book an excursion through the line just in case, although I would have preferred to just go off and do something on my own.

@euroguy A passport card is a great idea. I guess I just haven't jumped the gun to purchase one, but passport cards are even waterproof I think. Is that correct? I love that analogy, it's better to be proactive than reactive. @FJB I'm glad you agree with me here. 

@LukeJ You could count me as one of those people who wished they were cruising everyday. It's an impractical thought unless I plan to work on a ship, but it's undoubtedly a dream of mine. I wonder if the enamor and excitement of cruising would wear off it I did it everyday. Keeping cruising novelty is really fun! If that enamor wore off, I would be sad. I never want to stop loving cruising! 

Your statistics on cruise emissions are very interesting. It's true that about the LNG ships, and they aren't always using shore power either. The motivation to use alternate fuel methods to reduce emissions is almost a scam. Electric cars and their charging stations are horrid for the environment. If you look up those details, you would find it's no better than a regular gasoline-fueled vehicle.