LukeJ

That's a good point, would cruise lines that have the 21 year drinking age, stop people coming onboard if they have drunk alcohol, because technically they shouldn't be drinking? I still can't get my head around that 21 is the drinking age in America, it feels so strange. Is there a particular problem on why it's at this age, was there problems before hand?

I've just read the article, and you're right, it sounds incredible. You wouldn't necessarily have to be a golfer or a fan to appreciate the itineraries on offer. That would sound perfect for me, however the biggest stumbling block would be persuading my wife to go through with it. I think the deathly stares would say it all. She has never forgiven me for spending 2 days away with work, believing it to be a short vacation.

I spent a fortnight in Alicante, down on the eastern side of Spain. The villages there were beautiful, historic and vibrant. As stated, the food was delicious, and we thoroughly enjoyed sitting outside basking in the sun with a few drinks and food. I even joined the markets that were there

Good reputations for anyone is necessary these days. Any negativity tends to stick around, and despite stating it doesn't, it does have a bearing on bookings. If a cruise line has come under fire on more than a couple of bad feedback or reviews, guests will definitely start looking at other cruise lines. It's the norm.

It's why the appeal of cruising is getting popular for everyone I guess. The simplicity of it, the cost is another thing. Going on vacation to a hotel is so ridiculously expensive now, it's beyond. And even if we decide to go on vacation in your own country works out more expensive than if you went abroad. So cruising overall is a far better option, and to get to visit several destinations in the meantime.

I think the main point was as you say, majority get heavier on vacation. It's only natural when you have all the beautiful food on display before you. So to do your necessary steps to help exercise is the simplest way to achieve that. I have no intention on going to the gym when I'm on vacation and want to relax, so this is the next best thing.

I would rather get involved with a quiz or something. I always have liked a good quiz, it's quieter and everyone has a chance of getting involved, and debate which I like.

@Cruising CaribbeanI think we are all thinking the same thing. I guess I will see you all soon onboard.

It only takes a slip of standards for something like this to happen onboard a ship. I understand after time, things get complacent and a drop in concentration and before you know it, you have a cholera epidemic on board. So I agree with @Kendall James-Vargas, after being caught out, the cruise line will definitely buck up and begin getting concentration levels and standards back to where they were.

I don't even think about the beverage package, we certainly don't drink enough to warrant the package. After a couple of drinks my wife is done, and I'm not far behind her.

On paper, smart elevator sounds like a fantastic idea. It's simplistic, helpful and very modern and stylish. When I first read about them, I did think it was ideal, however I have now read negative views about them, not working properly, no good and I wonder why. I understand the frustration of technology that doesn't work, and I appreciate most things go down time to time. However surely this is a clever design that can make people's lives easier.

There are local independent companies with us with far better ice creams than the big brands. I could quite easily never eat any of them again as long as we could keep the small companies sweet treats.

As we discuss this topic, there was a cholera scare onboard Norwegian Dawn, and has now been cleared to return. But goes to show you again how easy it is to get sickness bugs onboard ships, and the strictness that cruise lines now must impose on passengers and crew to practice good hygiene standards.

Now you've set the ball rolling. Cruise lines soon will be wondering why they haven't made any profit as their ships are full of priest's that have saved thousands of dollars and the world has now officially turned catholic.

Yeah if it makes people happy, then go for it. What I don't like is when there is an act on and you thoroughly enjoy yourself, happy to remain and carry on drinking and then after the actual, the karaoke starts. That's frustrating. At least if they have the karaoke advertised at the beginning of the evening, I know to stay away from that place, not when I'm comfortable half way through the night. And a drunken Mariah Carey is a great idea. We should ask her to sing all her songs again, but this time smashed.

Very true @PaulBha ha. Like you, I've never heard of the brand before, just haven't taken any notice. I'm not an ice cream lover anyhow, so no matter which brand they have onboard, I would not be getting any. I do have a sweet tooth, so pastries would be my ideal treat.

Personally I have never used room service ever. Not in hotels or onboard ships, it's just something that has never occurred to me to use. I enjoy walking to the buffet first thing in the morning and sitting with other guests and feeling as if you're on vacation. Similar to if we ever need anything throughout the day, I would just go there and get it. I understand when people say it's easier, and I wouldn't judge anyone if they used the service, just not for me.

How do you become a Catholic priest? 😁

Are these laws still in force? I don't know if anyone in the hospitality trade these days know these little rules anymore. I believe the industry is dying, and few places I've gone to lately, the customer service after care is definitely lacking, and the knowledge isn't passed on.

Go for it before it's too late. As long as there is no regrets, you've lived a good life. I hope I can do that, can look back and think I wish I had done more things is not good.

Yeah I don't think I'd have much of a problem as long as it's only in that time frame. We can use it outside of that window if needs be. I can also understand why some people are annoyed because it's nice to have a break away from the kids. As long as everyone is respectful of everyone and stick to the rules, it should be fine.

Only once I've ever been to Spain and even though I did enjoy it, I don't particularly think it would be the first place I'd think of going if I had to think of somewhere to go on vacation. The weather is nice is the positive thing, food I find is better in other countries. And it's full of British people.

That is true. You can just get up and go, but sometimes I find when we go out for a night and you settle down in a place for entertainment. It's comfortable and happy staying there for the evening, you've enjoyed the atmosphere and the company and then karaoke starts and to me it has just ruined my evening, or a sign that the evening has ended. I probably won't go to another place after that, so I'd end up going home.

I agree, they haven't done themselves any favours by allowing children in. It annoys me sometimes, that decision makers come up with these ideas, but have no real ideas of the world. Any think tank person that has experienced how the world works and common sense would see that the solarium is the perfect escape away for adults just to have some alone time for themselves.

I guess what keeps us where we are is that safety net of not wanting to jump into the unknown. In the UK, we have loooooong winters, my God it's never ending, so we would be in paradise for a good 5 months.