PaulB

Years ago in the UK, there was an option where you could get money back if you returned your glass. So if you had a party and a lot of alcohol in bottles, simply take the empties back and you get money for it. I doubt that something like that would ever return but the incentive of getting something back is a interesting one to ponder.

@3Sistersif I'm honest, I don't remember much about the trip to EuroDisney as it was a good 22 years back. All I remember is that myself and my mates got food poisoning the night we were due to go into the park, so unfortunately we didn't do any rides as we were all feeling slightly under the weather. Even after all these years, that's all I seem to remember of the trip.

Personally I only have Disney+ because of a bank subscription otherwise I wouldn't have bothered to have it myself. I've been to Disney world in Europe but not in America.

Exactly right. I have no objections to last year's model. I've never been one that like to keep up with the Jones', and I'm happy to get good quality stuff that lasts rather than the name alone. Sometimes the names that people are buying is really not worth it.

I would be keen on hearing what happened on that cruise. 10k is a lot of money, and not to get the experience you wanted from all that is a shame. However was it the company at fault? Or was the expectation not as high as they would have liked?

As disappointed the guest may be because it hinders their vacation, it's best to be safe. But I agree with @Jim LambI'd hate to be the one responsible there. I'm sure they feel awful, however a telling off was probably what he was expecting to happen from the powers to be.

Bottled water is not only bad for the environment but it's also bad for you with the amount of toxins, mold and Coli that can be in the water. Glass is a better option that plastic as it's non toxic and free from harmful bacteria. On the negative side, it's easily breakable which isn't good around kids. So maybe someone can invent something.

There is less and less of customer care going on at the moment. These companies only care about making as much money as they can despite the difficulties that are going on in the world. Life is hard and people deserve a bit of respite and relaxation to try and get a bit of enjoyment, and these companies don't seem to care about that.

That is one way to look at it, however personally the price would put me off. I feel paying that amount to go on a Disney cruise is one thing, but to learn that the prices are going up onboard would infuriate me and out of principle, I'd refuse to go on the Disney ships.

It's a catch 22 situation when it comes to hospitality. One hand you don't want waste, and try to keep it tight by prepping enough or keeping the same ingredients to prevent waste and the other hand, you will need a reason to get guests to come to you. If everyone is doing the same menus then it's difficult to stand out.

Yes. The tips do get spread overall I'm hoping however I agree too that it shouldn't be mandatory. No other industry expect gratuity for doing their jobs so it shouldn't be in this case. This is a perk I believe to be aid extra for doing your work.

The wife suggested the gym but on one hand do I want to spend my time in the gym whilst on holiday. But then it will give you the motivation to eat as much as you want while away and not feel guilty about it afterwards. It's a hard choice to make.

No matter how bad a day you're having, as long as you can have a cup of tea/coffee, everything will be A-ok again

Yes we can see on our cruise itinerary and plan to book a few excursions too along the way. When I go away, I like to try out the countries cuisine and I know they are good patisserie out there, so would like to give that a go also.

Yeah I feel for you. As I've mentioned in other posts, this may just be the norm for these cruise lines and their crew members, but for paying guests, this is a once in an opportunity thing and to be blasé about this is down right frustrating.

Bottled waters is the way it has to be when abroad. Your body is not used to drinking other waters so stick to what you know is safe. Or alternatively, would boiling the water and leaving it to cool before drinking help?

@kefthecruiser oh that made me smile. We in the UK have shops like that. Something forever on sale, get the price now because it won't be around long. It's a common joke with us now as half the shops are still going after twenty years and the sale is still on. The everything must go sale makes me smile as the shop is closed once all goods are gone. Then surprisingly they made so much money from the sale they can afford to keep going for another year.

@Cruising Caribbean I haven't heard of those locations either to be honest. Can't even begin to pronounce them. I tried saying them but the wife thought I looked like I had spoken during mid sneeze. I haven't really had the opportunity yet to look at the surrounding areas and the itinerary but I will do closer to the date.

Does anyone have any photos as this would also be a dream cruise. Everyone that has gone to see Thailand has said what a fantastic country it is to visit. It looks picturesque and tranquil, and I would love to walk on that white sand.

As a chef of 16 years, I too hate waste, but unfortunately there is no clear pattern on how much to prepare as most places, even though you may only prep enough for reservations, people could always just show up spontaneously and catch you off guard. So the prep would need to be in a large quantity just in case. But on a cruise, the chefs know the numbers needed, so I can't see that much waste as you can work out the preparation needed.

I agree with you on that. Vacations are meant to be relaxing and stress free. I'd be afraid to walk into any public areas from now on.

Yes I can't wait to go personally. I've looked online to see the interior of the ship, and it looks so elegant. Im guessing it's going to be an incredible holiday for the whole family. We are visiting innvikfjorden, Nordfjord, Sunnylvsfjorden and Storfjroden. Try saying them after a few drinks.

@Cruising Caribbean thank you for your kind words. Yes I am extremely excited to go. It looks such a beautiful country to visit, the landscape alone is breathtaking, and the views and the villages look beautiful too. Waking up and having breakfast on the balcony overlooking the views are going to remain with me forever. We will be going the beginning of August, so the weather shouldn't be too bad

Any news on this story do we know? Haven't heard anything more about it to be fair.

@Cruising Caribbean that's a shame when you say it's more of a tourist trap. I've never been there myself if I'm honest, but the thought of going to the Bahamas sounds majestical to anyone who hears it. Bit disappointing if you big it up enough in your mind and doesn't appear like that image true to life. And especially with the extra tax thrown in for the mix.