Cruising Caribbean

@LukeJ That makes perfect sense! It seems very logical to me. I just didn't know you were supposed to change them that often! I used to use one per day (or two), so maybe on day two, it wasn't that effective anymore. I'm not quite sure, but I'm glad I don't have to bring one around anymore. If I go somewhere they are required, they usually have throwaway ones at hand for me to use. I don't mind putting one on as long as I don't have to bring it around everywhere!

@Fredkelk That's a great way to live! I would imagine you have the national park pass as I do. It's so worth it if you are able to travel and experience many national parks as you go. I think cruising is a great alternative to using your RV to get around. How long have you enjoyed living out of Winnebago? It seems like such a great way to explore the world. Many of my friends rent them for a couple of weeks at a time, but they are not cheap to rent! Sometimes, depending on the weather in Alaska, the ports of call have to be skipped, but I truly hope you get to visit all of them. Here are some great options to experience while in Skagway! https://www.cruisehive.com/15-ideal-things-to-do-in-skagway-alaska/55307 Have you booked any excursions yet?

Royal Caribbean's Symphony of the Seas just had a "hoot" of an experience as it cruised for two weeks with a burrowing owl onboard! The photos were "wild." This is the first time I have heard of an owl onboard, but I have seen birds here and there. Have you encountered an owl at sea before?

You can't go wrong with Carnival Cruise Line. It has something for everyone. I'm not surprised CCL won this award! Which is your favorite cruise ship? I found this article about all of Carnival Cruise Line's fleet, and I can't believe how quickly the cruise line has grown. It has such a youthful fleet! https://www.cruisehive.com/easy-guide-on-carnival-ships-by-age/27734

@Woody14 Don't miss out on these dining options in Cozumel. I personally wouldn't want to skip having some Mexican food on this Mexican island. It's one of my favorite cuisines, and it's hard to find anything truly authentic in the U.S.!

@FJB That's a great photo! It's not that easy to get a shot of a cruise ship like this. It looks like a lovely port day too.

There are so many different ways cruise ships are becoming more environmentally friendly. This particular ship, Norwegian Jewel, got its hybrid technology installed in 2016, towards the beginning of this really big industry push to reduce emissions and overall pollution. Norwegian Jewel has a Hybrid Gas Exhaust Scrubber system installed, assisting with the cruising line's initiative to reduce the overall sulfur cap. Several NCL ships were retrofitted for this system. I honestly don't know much more than that, but this website has some really good info on the global sulfur cap. https://www.dnv.com/maritime/global-sulphur-cap/FAQ.html

I agree, there are so many nice perks to living near a cruise port! I could understand 4 hours of driving to be a bit much just for a weekend getaway, but it's definitely not too bad either. Avoiding paying for and coordinating flights is so nice honestly. It helps keep the price of cruising more reasonable. It's also nice to show up at a port you are familiar with; being aware of parking and drop-off procedures ahead of time makes the process simplified.

@kefthecruiser I feel you there. I think if I ever did a world cruise it would need to be the base-level cruise experience. I'm sure there are plenty of other cruise lines that offer world cruises at better rates. Those alternate itineraries may not have all of the luxuries but at least I could still experience seeing so much of the world via cruise ship without going bankrupt! Regent Seven Sea Cruises does sound like an amazing cruise line though. I'm sure a shorter cruise may be more reasonable. The line's new ship, Seven Seas Grandeur recently had its float-out ceremony actually. It will begin public cruising in November 2023.

@Zac Have you been able to cruise onboard Royal Caribbean's new mega-ship, Wonder of the Seas? It ended up over-booking for spring break! @FJB What was your favorite part of cruising onboard Celebrity Millennium? Were you able to do any good shopping in Old San Juan?

@Fredkelk You are welcome! I'm excited about your cruisetour too. I can't believe you haven't cruised in 10 years! Why did it take you so long to get back to cruising? I get the itch if I don't go for a year. Every other vacation just doesn't seem as relaxing. I try to take family trips and we rent larger houses in large groups, but I still end up cooking and cleaning on vacation. One thing I don't know if you are aware of, being this is your first time with Norwegian Cruise Line, is that the cruise line is requiring pre-cruise entertainment reservations. Be sure to book your entertainment reservations ahead of time so you can have access to all of the fun onboard!

I hope those excursion horses are still alive! I don't even know the lifespan of a horse actually. If you are saying it was amazing, even if it wasn't on the beach, I will take your word for it. You have probably visited Cozumel on several more occasions than I have. I always prefer to book my excursions through the cruise line for security reasons. I have this fear that if I don't make it back to the ship in time I will be stranded at the port.

This new cruise port is going to be so huge for Carnival Cruise Line! I wonder when it will be open to the public.

@Busia42 One of the cool features of Norwegian Jewel is its hybrid technology! It was actually the first ship in its fleet to feature this eco-friendly technology added in 2016, all the while cruising with passengers as it was being installed.

@Woody14Port of Galveston is growing like crazy! Believe it or not, I actually haven't cruise out of there before, but I'm sure I will get there in due time. I will be cruising out of Port Miami. Galveston is actually seeking to add another cruise terminal to keep up with the demand. I love cruising with MSC Cruises and the fact that the cruise line is partnering with this idea to improve the Port of Galveston and add another terminal at Pier 16 is so exciting to me. https://www.cruisehive.com/galveston-port-seeks-funding-for-new-cruise-terminal-and-upgrades/95867

I would hope all cruise lines are conscious of avoiding whales. I had no idea that there are only 350 whales lefts in our oceans! I went to SeaWorld recently and although lots of people don't agree with the premise behind show-whales, I happen to commend the park for conserving and rehabilitating so many animals. Most sea animals in Sea World were previously harmed by things such as boats/cruise ships. Honestly, we need more programs like this to protect our precious wildlife! Port Canaveral in Florida has a new seasonal speed regulation that should assist with protecting whales and their natural habitat. https://www.cruisehive.com/new-speed-rule-could-pose-problem-for-cruise-ships/79299

@Fredkelk I would say if you could book on a port day in the evening while still docked, try to get a window seat and enjoy the beauty of the port from the window while dining. This experience would obviously require some planning to make sure you got a great table, that could give you the perfect views to accomplish this dining experience. The most important thing though is truly good food, in good company.

@Woody14 Which cruise port will you be embarking from? I will be cruising out of Port Miami shortly after you, on August 6th.

@FJB Were you able to horseback ride on the beach in Cozumel? I haven't seen that type of excursion offering for my upcoming Caribbean cruise, but I'm going to look again. I usually opt for a beach experience and bask in the sun the whole time.

@LukeJ I prefer longer cruises for sure, but if it's the most convenient option for work/school/financial circumstances then might as well go for it! Costs for a 3-night cruise are more affordable all around. I personally think shorter cruises are the best when you live near the ship's homeport; that would allow you to avoid paying the cost of a flight. Shorter cruises will have better rates, including cheaper fees and gratuities because of the minimized duration. Do you live near a convenient port of call where you could embark without the need for a flight?

That's true! I also like to try and eat at home when possible to make more wholesome meals. Last night I made avocado brownies and they were amazing! I wish cruise lines would integrate more healthy dessert options. I try to stay away from excess sugar and I used date powder instead of sugar; it was just as good.

Royal Caribbean is fun no matter how long your cruise is! I love the nighttime entertainment options onboard. It's something I don't get to experience often so even if I'm sailing on a 3-night getaway, I still get all of the good amenities of a longer cruise. Even if my schedule doesn't allow for longer cruises, I know it's still going to be a good time. I just hope the cruise entertainment doesn't become sparse or at an additional cost like some other cruise lines.

With all of the cutbacks cruise lines are making nowadays, now Royal Caribbean is slimming down on its traditional housekeeping service offerings. Royal Caribbean used to offer guests housekeeping service twice a day but now it is being shortened to only once per day. At least the housekeeping crew won't have to work as hard and this is a sustainably-focused initiative. Royal Caribbean is not the only cruise line making these sorts of changes. Recently, Carnival Cruise Line and Norwegian Cruise Line made similar changes.

I'm very excited about the package enhancements! This means more amenities for a better rate. Princess Cruises will hopefully start a trend here on savings options for cruise guests. Everyone is looking for a way to save on their next cruise vacation.

@ombud I would imagine now the Starlink service is so much better! I haven't used it yet, but it seems so worth it. I don't really utilize the onboard wifi much and it's usually so patchy anyways. Starlink has changed the game for the cruise industry. All of the past service issues aren't a burden to guests any longer. Have you been able to use Starlink on a ship before?