Cruising Caribbean

@Jim Lamb Maybe that is why Marella Cruises is less prevalent in the United States. I bet the cruising experience is a whole lot different than the RCL and CCL experience. The food alone is likely different and of course differing destinations for sure! One of the ships in the fleet is an adults-only all-inclusive ship. That sounds like a great ship for a romantic getaway!

Guess what? Royal Caribbean Line just did it again, overselling yet another itinerary just a few days before embarking! What a shame. This keeps happening over and over again! I don't understand why the cruise lines can't get it right. Unless of course, this is a strategy. This same ship, Allure of the Seas, happened to be overbooked for another itinerary that cruised last week. RCL needs to figure this out.

@septemo470 Thanks for shedding some light here! Based on this information, I'm glad that Royal Caribbean canceled these stops for the safety of all guests. Rock slides are extremely unpredictable and dangerous! I hope the dock is repaired quickly so guests likely myself who haven't been yet, get to opportunity to visit. Could you expand on the train ride? Is this an unbeatable excursion? Since I haven't been, I would love to know more to ensure I don't miss it when I do make it over there.

@Mike_P Oh no, one of my favorite ships, MSC Seaside, is getting some shade! For the sake of all cruisers, I'm glad the CDC went in there and inspected thoroughly to ensure these food handling/sanitary issues are addressed immediately. Although I do love the ship and have been so impressed by the crew in years past, I'm glad all of these issues have come to light so they can be quickly taken care of for the health and safety of all guests onboard. I'm pretty surprised the score got this low, but that does mean the cruise line is going to have to address these issues and act quickly in order to save face. @jurasparkI think a corporate crew is going to have to go in and do a sweep to include proper bookkeeping and handling training. This could be an issue with onboard upper management or improper training and inspection measures. It's pretty easy for things like that to fall through the cracks but clearly, the crew has been slacking on the rules. I am really prone to believe that this is an onboard upper management issue. Hopefully, more information will come out soon for us to follow along on the ship's progression.

@euroguy I like your strategy! I agree that persistence is really what it boils down to, and being kind, and becoming irate will not help your cause whatsoever. I also think that the progress you may or may not have depends on the customer service agent you speak to. For instance, I have had issues with my bookings in the past and some representatives get it, and fix the problem, and others have you email and wait for a possible answer. It's a bummer because I often times will have to call the cruise line several times until getting to a representative that is knowledgeable enough to handle the issue without having to outsource to another department. It sounds like you and I have a similar tactic for getting things done for our cruise bookings! It's better to take the time now to perfect all of the details instead of waiting till the last minute and stressing about it. I have always been a 5 mins early type of person, so I think my previous statement reflects that.

@Andrea Illescas & @April & @CarolynAustralia Although this Celebrity Cruises overbooking is such a buzz kill, I just noticed that Princess Cruises is offering a great deal for some Diamond Princess itineraries cruising in Japan. If you are cruising in a group, this promotion offers free third and fourth guests. I recommend exploring these itineraries if you are looking for a similar cruise itinerary, on a great ship, for a good rate!

This is such a generous donation from the City of Miami Fire-Rescue Department, in partnership with CCL. I wish more cities in the U.S. would consider donating necessities to other areas in such need. I love when cruise lines give back. Even amidst the struggles the industry, and the world, have faced during the pandemic, cruise lines are continuing to harvest a culture of generosity and kindness. More recently, MSC Cruises hit the 12 million euro donation mark in partnership with UNICEF, an organization that assists in providing for children in need throughout the world. Additionally, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings donated over two acres of land in Juneau, Alaska this year for the construction of a new cruise port.

@passion I'm glad you enjoy cruising with Carnival Cruise Line! I too have enjoyed some cool itineraries with the line. In terms of your comment on the wonderful staff and captain, which ship are you referring to? CCL has such a large fleet now. I'm curious to see which crew has really excited you recently.

@euroguy It sounds like you may be interested in cruising the west coast pretty soon! After only cruising out of Florida, I too am interested to try something new and explore more of the west coast region. I'm so glad you had a great time during your recent cruise to Mexico. I love meeting new people and enjoying new company on my cruise vacations. I notice many cruisers prefer to cruise in groups; however, I have noticed some pretty full solo groups onboard as well. Carnival Cruise Line often has plenty of solo guests, so maybe this recent sailing was just an unusual one. Would you want to cruise CCL for a west coast cruise? Have you explored the niche cruise line, Oceania Cruises? This cruise line has specifically curated tour offerings that are designed for solo cruisers!

In honor of Cinco de Mayo, I will be enjoying a margarita, but unfortunately not a cruise ship today. Out of the five Carnival Cruise Line listed as the most popular margaritas, I would likely go for the classic one, Blue's Patron Margarita. I love tasing the simple ingredients, and since I don't enjoy sweet drinks, this one sounds great with a little salt on the rim. The Green Iguana also sounds really interesting. If I was feeling adventurous, I would likely go for that one during the daytime hours. Pineapple and citrus sound like a breakfast drink, right?

@mr m I second what was stated above. Cruise refunds should not take that long! I hope that MSC Cruises escalates the matter for you. This is a pretty good article that may explain why receiving your refund has taken so long. https://www.cruisehive.com/whats-going-on-with-my-cruise-refund/39744

@septemo470 That's a bummer that Celebrity Cruises is limiting its typical loyalty and shifting its standards. I would bet with all of the cutbacks, the cruise line is limiting the number of loyalty offerings. @FJB Without a designated venue for loyalty hour, I bet the cruise line is saving money. I think it's pretty practical too for guests who choose to be anywhere on the ship and are able to get a free drink without having to attend the loyalty event at the specified venue. I actually prefer this style. The food is unlimited and always plentiful anyways!

@stevenr597 That's an interesting view. I agree that LNG-powered ships reduce pollution, which is why they are being designed this way, but I didn't realize that it's not as "perfect" as it may seem. I guess this power source is similar to that of an electric car, lasting for shorter distances and more difficult to find spots for fueling. Do you have another type of ship power you would think is a better alternative than LNG?

@83gamecock This is so upsetting. Next time, I hope Disney Cruise Line does better. In fact, I hope there isn't a next time and you don't have to experience this sort of frustration on vacation again. This is an article about the Disney Wish cruise you were on! https://www.cruisehive.com/mechanical-issues-forces-disney-ship-to-skip-port-adjust-itinerary/100250

@ombud Although I haven't done a back-to-back cruise, I have heard you stay on the ship. Depending on if you have the same or a different stateroom could change whether you have to evacuate your room or leave your things put. I also think depending on location and customs, you may have to go through a security check if you are arriving at a different embarkation port. @kefthecruiser This was epic. Thanks for adding some lighthearted fun!

@FJB The CCL comment cracked me up! I do see the security personnel looking pretty relaxed most of the time, but that job also holds a lot of weight and responsibility, especially during the embarkation and disembarkation process. People try to speak things on to the boat far too often after a good time at a port of call. @LukeJ I'm glad to read you agree. Photographers do seem to have a good time and enjoy their job. That's a clever thought. It's not easy to get everyone to smile or to look though. The photographers on board have so much patience, especially while photographing my young children. Here are some smart tips for good cruise photographs.

@dutchcruise-SE I'm also very interested to see what @Karin ends up doing with this cancellation. I don't understand why the cruise line can't just follow through with its itinerary commitments. I understand things happen but it becomes pretty rude when cruise lines don't even have justification for cancellations. I don't think that becoming more sustainable or reducing emissions is an excuse for changing an itinerary. I also don't agree that overbooking is a reasonable excuse for sending out cruise cancellation notifications. With all of the technology and resources cruise lines have to do, simple math is not too difficult to follow, booking the cruise ship to max out at its specified guest capacity. I agree, cruise lines need to get it together and stop over-promising and disappointing guests. It's a very big bummer you haven't even been able to experience your first cruise due to all of these unfortunate circumstances. I will be thinking of you and hoping your anniversary/honeymoon cruise in May turns out to be truly successful! Which ship are you booked on?

@jryka It's pretty cool you will begin your cruising vacations with a luxury cruise line! I have been cruising for some time on the more common cruise lines, but a luxury experience is certainly on my bucket list. Due to prices, I haven't had the opportunity yet, but all I hear are wonderful things! What I think is so wonderful about cruising on Explora Journeys is that the experience is truly all-inclusive. The cruise fare includes more than average cruises encompassing things such as gratuities, unlimited Wi-Fi, a bottle of champagne and wine, unlimited beverages, shuttles at ports of call, and access to thermal suites. These are all generally additional costs for the most popular, basic cruise lines.

@LukeJ This is a tough question because I seriously don't think there is an easy job onboard. I think those that work behind the scenes probably have very strenuous jobs but don't have to deal with disgruntled guests so that may be a bit easier. Those working in specialty restaurants or spas, those pay-extra services may get a better clientele. I also would enjoy the job of exercise personnel onboard. I love the dance classes and the sunrise yoga classes. It's a lot of exercise but usually, the guests who want to participate in these activities are ready to have a good time. Sometimes the job is pretty sweaty but it seems like a lot of fun. What do you think is the easiest job onboard a cruise ship?

Royal Caribbean's first beach club sounds pretty sweet, but it is going to take some pretty serious sustainability measures! The beach club will be free of single-use plastics, boasting of having zero waste-to-landfill. If you like your beachside beverage with a straw, I recommend bringing your own stainless steel options if you don't want a soggy, compostable straw! I'm proud of the cruise line for making all of these extra efforts to protect the local environment, including the beloved coral reefs.

@Missie4753 Did you see the search was suspended for the missing person onboard Quantum of the Seas? An Australian male was noted as overboard the ship on April 25 south of the Big Island of Hawaii. I can't imagine being stuck on that ship as everyone from the U.S. Coast Guard frantically searches to find the missing person. What a shame the body was never recovered. I send my condolences to his friends and family; this truly was a tragic incident.

MSC Seaside finally made it to its new homeport of Port Canaveral! This is my favorite MSC Cruises ship to date, and I think it's going to have such a successful summer season there. The cruise line more recently started homeporting some of its ships from Port Canaveral, and the port/cruise line relationship has truly flourished since its first time with MSC Divina in 2021. This will be the third MSC Cruise ship to dock in Port Canaveral following MSC Divina and MSC Meraviglia. Have anyone else cruised on MSC Seaside before?

@Karin You wouldn't believe it if I told you the cruise line just did it yet again! Royal Caribbean actually just canceled two cruises onboard Jewel of the Seas due to repositioning. Thankfully these itineraries are for next year, one in July and one in August, but still. I don't understand why it's so difficult for Royal Caribbean to follow through with its advertised itineraries. I feel like I'm seeing these cancellation notifications weekly at this point.

Since you enjoy history, you may like to read about the history and significance of a cruise horn, if you weren't already familiar with it. The cruise ship horn is used for lots of different reasons besides making itself known. It's actually used to display the size of its ship and signify interest to pass while at sea. On the other hand, five short horn blasts can actually mean the ship is in danger, and you can hope to never have to hear that one onboard a cruise!

@jryka I think you are going to have a blast. I'm excited you will be going on your first luxury cruise experience. I can only imagine it's going to be the most unforgettable cruise experience. Will you be cruising onboard Expolra Journey's Explora I for both itineraries or will you be cruising onboard Explora II? Recently, Mike Horn was named brand ambassador for the MSC-owned cruise line! The maiden voyage for Explora I, happening this year, is going to be epic, departing on July 17. This balcony-only ship will cruise the fjords and the Artic Circle on this voyage. Where will your luxury cruise experience take you?