PaulB

@LukeJ there will be rental charge for water on your tables. Water will be free, but the price will be on the glass that it holds. Room service I can see being added with a daily fee. Sun decks will have a daily rate before long. Once they do one, the rest will follow.

Fantastic idea. Why don't you write your suggestions and views to the cruise lines and see what response you get from them? They may think it's a good point of view too and put steps into changing that idea.

Glad to see the free cookies continue. As long as there is people who strongly believe against companies giving away any privileges, then I can't see cruise lines doing anything that causes backlashes 

I agree, the island needs to get some normality going again. It's important that the locals start the economy and put the devastation behind them.

It's very easy to get information incorrect when changed are aplenty. And a bit contradictory that you say you say you don't like incorrect information and then get the name of the ship wrong in the same post.

Personally I'd never sail with them again after being treated like this. It seems that they have taken your money and now away with you. I'm sure they will make their excuses and apologise, but they would have still had your money.

It's sad news to hear for sure. It certainly tarnishes the whole vacation for all the guests when something like this happens. In my experience, most lifeguards and safety tend to be switched on, it's baffling to hear what happened.

@Cindy P would the company allow it for reasons like you gave? If you got in contact and explained the situation, the may allow it? Worth a shout.

There are many vacation places that charge you so much money to be there and to your surprise, charge for every little thing under the sun. The only freebie would be the pool. In the UK, it probably costs twice if not three times the amount to vacation at home than it is to go abroad. It's a complete scam. These companies make enough money off people.

At the moment, the prices are remaining off, however I believe that these companies are getting ready to start charging soon. It's a classic pattern. Dip their toes in the water and gauge the reaction. Pull back slightly but mark my words, this will not be over. They will try it again soon enough, and keep prodding away and just go ahead and do what they want in time.

What type of foods were they serving onboard? I am always curious to know the menus on cruises.

@bombarc very good point. I'd rather that myself.

I definitely agree. It's the same pattern as other companies have done and treat the consumer as a fool. All the lies and the just trying something talk will in turn, end up costing the guests and passengers money. I don't believe in all the it's only a few dollars because this is not what it's about. It's the principle that companies are continuing to make money out of people that they have already paid for in the cruise fee itself. The experience and customer service is dwindling at an alarming rate and these big companies just do not care about that, their concern is simply to make more and more money and the passengers rights and privileges just get shot of.

How bad are the homes in Florida after the hurricane. Being from UK, we do have floodings, more from a small storm, nothing compared to what these states suffer from, and once the waterbanks collapses, it can flood out hones and ruin property. But the storms and hurricane's in America look devastating in comparison.

I find it so sad that we have many overboard incidents. It seems to be happening on more than a few occasions, and I do find it baffling why anybody would want to go that way. 

We don't tend to get many storms in the UK, especially hurricanes. It's breathtaking to look at as I was watching a documentary on the hurricane, and I couldn't fathom the power behind it. I pray that everyone affected comes out of the other side .

Another storm on its way? Is this normal for so many storms to appear all around the same time?

I read on here that the cruise line now has stated that the free cookies are continuing, just that they were charging for cookies that have come right out of the oven. I thinks that's ludicrous, all inclusive is exactly that, not charged for some things. The cost of the vacation is expensive to begin with, and the cost of drinks is separate, only food is relatively free but all these companies are now "testing the water" with small charges. If the people don't speak out, they will continue charging and testing for other things. 

@3Sisters well said, but saying that clearly some parents brains aren't fully developed either. Unfortunately, some parents skills are lacking, allowing kids to do whatever they want. Parents aren't there to allow kids to do whatever, but to educate them.

I'm sorry to hear that you had to go through all this while on vacation and hope your husband is doing ok now. However said, it's good that you had such a fantastic care routine, this could have potentially been a lot worse if you hadn't taken cover which would have made things even worse for you. 

That is scary. I do hope that doesn't happen again. The storm of the hurricane is frightening enough, but the aftermath of it can be deadly if it's damaged the inside of the house and you have to redo everything again. It can be quite sole destroying.

I agree it's important to let the children know it's not a safe thing to do, and make it aware to them the dangers behind something like that. But alternatively where were the parents. If this kid is like 6 years old, surely they would have been with him.

They are impressive photos, and I love the clouds in the photo, brings out an atmospheric feel to it. I'd look and see if you could sell these images as stock images. Never know, might make a bit of money.

Unfortunately we now live in a blame game world where they don't take responsibility for their actions and find it easier to blame other people for their mistakes. Personally I can't understand how they have the gall to decide to turn up late in the first place when they knew the departure time, I find it completely rude and no manners to be late anyway, and then have the audacity to blame someone else because they can't get their own way because of their ignorance.

Even so, the longer cruises make you yearn for home. I still believe a fortnight is long enough to have a good vacation. Peace or fun filled and eating and drinking for 2 weeks is perfect. Then back to reality.