Cruising Caribbean

@LukeJ I think as long as your body parts aren't too exposed, cruise lines are pretty open-minded with wardrobe. If you are wearing a bikini in the indoor buffet line, you may get pulled to the side, but for the most part, anything goes. Of course, in the MDR you should try and look halfway decent. It is a white tablecloth dining experience! Pajamas in the MDR shouldn't be a thing either. I find this all common sense really. I think pajamas are just for sleeping. I thought everyone agreed with that, but you will catch lots of guests in pajamas at the buffet.

@Woody14 How did you enjoy Galveston? It's super cool that you choose bikes are your primary mode of transportation! You must have visited during a nice time of year. That's a very fun way to explore and I would love to try that someday. It's crazy because I always end up renting a car, but it could be so much more fun if I tried the rental bikes! I don't know how you would manage the carry-on and a bike, but I have seen some wonky things done in cities. Carts have become quite the commodity in my city, and you would think they are the next big thing. People will skateboard with them or pull them with a bike. The options are endless really if you put your mind to it!

@LukeJ It's a coin toss really! If it's too clean your immunities get weakened; if it's too dirty, you get sick all too often. I think everyone should wash their hands, but I also don't think there is anything wrong with catching a cold. I don't want to go back to the pandemic times. It was brutal. Guests have to realize they are going to get sick. They also have to realize they are more likely to get sick if they protect themselves 24/7 and then let loose while cruising. Your immune systems aren't going to be strong enough to kick real germs if you aren't going out and catching a cold every now and again. Do you agree?

@LukeJ Sometimes kids don't know any better until they try out something new. There is something to be said about making real, tangible memories and being present with your family. The engagement you have without accessing phones or media is significantly different than the tech-focused world we live in. Your children appreciate you more when you are giving them undivided, relaxed attention. When I'm in my day-to-day I'm distracted and easily aggravated, doing many things at once. The engagements I have with my kids on vacation are slower; it's kinder and more patient. It's different. I'm like a yes-lady instead of a constantly no-lady. It's important your kids get to see that side of you too! I consider that time with my family the most important engagement of the entire year.

@Mavis I can't believe it took so long for the cruise line to get back with me! You are likely going to be using another terminal. There is another terminal option so that's likely the change that will be made. I'm not quite sure how close the Quinquela Martin Cruise Terminal is to the Costa Salguero terminal. I'm glad you will still be able to cruise out of Buenos Aires. It would have been such a hassle if you had to cruise out of another city. Your cruise is almost here so I hope they don't notify you of anything last minute. Keep us posted.

@euroguy The perks you earn from CCL almost make me jealous! It definitely pays off to remain loyal to one cruise line! Where was this private waiting area? I wish I was a Platinum member. You are making me rethink my loyalty to the line. I have been an avid cruise hopper lately, going with the best itinerary/rates for my family. How many cruises did you take to achieve Platinum status? I know you are supposed to be so close to Diamond!

@Woody14 That's a good observation. I actually haven't checked out the ports in the back of the television. Typically, the channels onboard are no good in my opinion so I rarely watch the TV. For gaming, usually, the teen/pre-teen clubs have tons of gaming consoles the kids play and share together. I would recommend bringing any gaming device that is handheld, and playing with the communal consoles instead while socializing with others! The kids in teen clubs have competitions and such. It's a fun time!

Hi @aemarle ! I love cruising ducks too. In fact, my children think they are the funniest thing ever and we collected a few on our last MSC Cruises itinerary. Disney Cruise Line is discouraging ducks, but at least CCL isn't banning them. I hope the ducks stay alive onboard. It's such a fun tradition and a great way to spread joy.

@Diana88 Are you booked on this itinerary? I'm seeing a few itinerary options for Island Princess departing from Dubai on March 11. There are options from 22 days to 59 days. From what I'm seeing the plan is to go through the Suarez Canal as planned. Were you notified of something different? If you are booked on this itinerary, you should receive any updates directly through your email. This does sound like an epic itinerary!

@euroguy Our world really is smaller than we think. I have been on cruise ships and seen the same crew members from other ships and even seen friends from highschool on a couple of RCL itineraries. That was actually really bizarre because I was engaged with my partner, and they were all still in their college party stage. I guess I got over that scene faster than most. I love the idea of being the captain of my own ship! I haven't cruised out of Long Beach since I was a child. I saw the area has experienced lots of flooding lately. Have you seen that news?

@LukeJ That's an interesting theology! I want to go to the UK where everything is very clean. I couldn't claim the same thing about the US. Most things are dirty around here. I believe it to be true, but people in the US get sick all the time too and it's dirty here. My children are sick right now actually so I can testify to this remark being true. I think cruise ships are pretty clean actually. The crew is visibly cleaning all day long!

@euroguy Since you are a platinum guest, it's hard for me to believe the disembarkation process could get any better. It's always worth an ask, but the perks of being a VIFP Platinum guest will likely outweigh those of the new process. I love that CCL prioritizes you based on your flight time. I have yet to experience such a priority! I always despise the disembarkation process. I'm always salty I have to go back to cooking my own food, so my attitude isn't always the best. Not to mention I go home with loads of laundry to do! It's a rude awakening back to reality.

@euroguy Yes! The invitation is for anyone who wants to hang out. I love that. I'm surprised you haven't come across the board members already! You are a VIP cruiser. I love keeping in contact with cruise friends after the cruise. As a child, my family always did that and we would meet up in random parts of the world for hangs. I have many friends from travel I keep in contact with via social media. It's a treat to come across wonderful individuals while traveling. You know how to keep a conversation going! It's likely all of the above. You may think it's crazy, but I have yet to take a solo cruise! I always end up cruising with others, but it would be so cool to cruise on my own terms and do whatever I want all day. That hasn't been an option for me for quite some time!

@RonNYNJCT I'm so glad you shared your perspective! @May Murphy's cruise to nowhere definitely was a bummer, but you can't control the weather. I love that you had a wonderful experience on Oceana Insignia without any issues! Oceania Cruises is known to be an exceptional cruise line with wonderful customer service. I'm glad you noticed guests receiving assistance per usual. It's excellent that you have been able to spend over 100 days on Oceania ships. That's very impressive. What has been your favorite ship to date? Vista is gorgeous! It's a dream cruise line for me, and I would love to know which ship you would recommend to a first-time cruiser of the line.

You actually can buy crickets online for multiple purposes. Some of meant for human consumption, others are not. https://www.amazon.com/edible-crickets-humans/s?k=edible+crickets+for+humans Here is a link if you want to do a little taste test. From smoky BBQ to chili lime, crickets can be filled with crunch and flavor. This is something that really doesn't appeal to me, but if you are adventurous in spirit it may be the best protein-packed snack for you.

@LukeJ Crickets are actually consumed in many countries believe it or not. It's said to be the sustainable protein for the future since cows "emit too many pollutants" apparently. I saw some cricket options on Amazon. You can purchase them in all sorts of flavors. It's obviously not for me, but they are known to be protein-dense. I will always prefer cow protein over insect protein, but I know that will soon be an antiquated mindset. This is where the Mexican taco dish is most often consumed. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chapulines

@GeeVee Where did you read that you could receive a discount? I haven't heard of this. Indoor parking garages are definitely an option for you. You may find this article helpful. https://www.cruisehive.com/extensive-guide-to-port-of-galveston-cruise-parking/30943 This article has plenty of information on covered parking options at the Port of Galveston. There are prices listed and reservation information options here as well. Let me know if this is useful to you! @Woody14 Biking to the cruise terminal is genius! That probably saved you a pretty penny. Are there bike racks near the port? How did you bring your luggage along? I always travel with such large suitcases. I can't imagine how you did it unless you backpacked!

@Gainer You should be fine in animal print! You could always double-check with RCL to make sure. Keep me posted if you find any other details. If you don't feel comfortable with it, don't wear it, but if anything you could always wear it onboard! I have seen many cruise guests rocking animal prints out by the pool. Don't forget when the super-sized pandas were installed onboard Ovation of the Seas! Animals and their prints are accepted onboard.

@brian amos I'm very surprised at how MSC Cruises has handled this. Why did it take the line so long to get back to you? Was this information sent to you in an email form? Did you receive options for reimbursement? I'm most concerned about your flights! Will you be able to receive a refund for those? This is very disheartening, and I'm sad this is all unfolding to be such a negative experience. It's hard to believe the changes are due to the conflict in the Gaza trip. The itinerary could surely be rerouted! Did MSC Cruises provide you with an alternate itinerary option to book on instead? This is so frustrating!

@SpaceCowboy9 That's music to my ears. The unlimited soft serve is so readily available it's hard to pass up. In fact, I probably consume one daily if I'm being honest with myself. What is your junk of choice? I typically gravitate towards the nachos and cheese fries when available. Anything greasy and cheesy usually catches my attention. Are you a fan of CCL's warm chocolate cake? It's rare to find someone who doesn't love it!

@curlygirl2424 I have heard about the option to opt for the room service instead! https://www.cruisehive.com/royal-caribbean-the-key/90734#h-welcome-lunch-in-the-main-dining-room I definitely think a call to the cruise line is appropriate, but I also think, once onboard, this adjustment can be made. It may be considered an upgrade based on your particular itinerary, so I would ensure your itinerary qualifies for it! I wouldn't want you to miss out on the scrumptious lunch and the room service option.

@FJB The island tour sounds fun! You have to love it when they throw in a little house drink in the mix too. Are both of these excursions at the same port of call? I'm assuming the powerboat/snorkel tour is for another day. I love snorkel tours. They are the best. The only thing that bothers me is the age requirements. I have a young child so usually the child has to be at least 8 for these experiences. Eventually, you will catch me back out on a powerboat! Let me know how you like it. As long as the weather is right, I'm sure it will be a successful excursion.

@FJB I certainly trust your judgment when it comes to Celebrity ships. I know you have enjoyed quite a few of them. The ship is surely lovely. I can only imagine it's going to be a guest favorite. @Seaawgs In comparison to the massive 5,000-plus mage ship guest capacities hitting the seas lately, this 3,248-guest ship doesn't shock me. I'm actually surprised the line isn't going bigger to keep up with industry trends. As someone who hasn't cruised on an Edge class ship, it's hard for me to compare, but I think the line is doing an excellent job at keeping up with the mega-ship trends while still maintaining its signature elegance that so many love and enjoy. It has to be difficult to do both!

@FJB They certainly are not, but seeing images like this is worrisome. I guess it's comforting to know that other cruise ships experience things like this and continue to safely host guests without any major issues. However, I don't think that the carpeted areas onboard are meant to become submerged in water. @Dougal I didn't realize that the mid-deck height promenade decks were more susceptible to this type of water damage, but it makes sense. I always figured newer ships were designed with better waterproofing seals in the doors to prevent the water from seeping into the interior of the ship.

@euroguy You know I wish I was! A few users have posted about their upcoming solo CCL itineraries for 2024, but I have yet to see any cruising on the same date and ship. I know @Chris Yates will be cruising on a CCL ship in April as a solo cruiser. Maybe one day you guys can connect on another cruise. You both seem like avid CCL cruisers. A meetup cocktail would be so much fun. Hopefully, you find a great group on board to vacation with during your cruise!