euroguy

@Cruising Caribbean the only ones that will have the ship name will be the Siler one which is for platinum and diamond members. You have a nice collection started, im thinking you need one of the new ones. Whens your next cruise on CCL? i missed out collecting my pins on the last 2 cruises as I didn't know you had to ask for them at the pixel gallery. I'm use to getting them in the stateroom and wasn't aware of the change and thought they did away with the pins...grrr

@Cruising Caribbean im an enigma or multi faceted or like an onion with many layers.... 😃🤣 yes i clearly remember furbies. I thought they were so cute and man can they multiply, but you have to watch out for the leader stripe he is a mean one. From my understanding the cabin stewards got together and put about a 100 towel animals out on the lido deck. It was hilarious and amazing at the same time. Sorry to hear that MSC isn't taking care of you. I know if I leave my towel on the bath floor my steward replaces it promptly. Perhaps it's time to jump ship to CCL ...just make sure you have life preserver and beacon on so can find you if you land wrong. 😉

@Cruising Caribbean, I failed to see it or get a pic but someone on the same ship showed me the pic they took of the entire lido deck filled with towel animals all over the place. It was pretty amazing... it reminded me of feeding furbes after midnight 🤣

@3Sisters with all the cruises I go on and the vast number of people on each one, I just might have an opportunity to accidentally bump into the future special someone. If it's ment to be it will happen. How did you meet your husband...how long have you been together?

@3Sisters 🤣 its like i cant have it so now i want it even more situation. It sounds like you have been a pie making machine, good thing im not near or i would be visiting regardless if invited or not 😋 And to think I started this... to funny. Hopefully you can get some rhubarb soon to satisfy your fix

@Kendall James-Vargas yes I saw and read about the mess with 3 year cruise. I think the start play is to only invest in a ship/program that is already established. The fact that they never had a ship locked down and actually acquired poses a serious problem. From what I've read people will in fact be receiving refunds however it will be in monthly installments. I think the situation is really sad and has put many in a bad place as some sold their homes etc and now have no place to go and technically homeless. I do think it for those that sold homes to participate in only a 3 year cruise was not a wise decision as it sounds like many didn't have a exit strategy.

@Cruising Caribbean the new pins are not being given out until 2024 sailings which means i will be receiving the one in february. I think the pins will be close to the size of a quarter.

CCL has redesigned their VIFP loyalty pins that are given to Gold, Platinum and Diamond card holders on each cruise. The new pins will be available starting in 2024. Below is a picture of the new pins. The gold one will be given to gold card holders and the silver one will go to Platinum and diamon card holders.

@RoadTravelled that's good to know, glad I'm not going crazy. It looks like thwy have updated the deck plans. Im really eclxcited for to be on the Firenze. Ive watched a few more videos and it really looks upscale.

@3Sisters sorry for the delay I've been pretty busy. Did you fi d the rhubarb and make the pie? It's usually found in higher end specialty stores in vegetable isles

@3Sisters yeah dating now days is for the birds the whole bar scene days have long passed for me and now days seems like its a swipe right or left generation which is not very personal. Then add the fact age is coming into play as well...yeah dating is so fun but who knows what might happen, maybe i will find someone on a ship lolol

@Cruising Caribbean you have to keep in mind that cruise ships fall under federal regulations. Despite some states approving Marijuana the feds have not.

I'm really sad that everything seems to be geared to keeping people's faces in there phones. When I go on vacation it to disconnect from life's stresses, hit the rest button and connect with people in a friendly environment which is rewarding g in so many different ways. Now days on the ship I see people noses barried in the phones, what's the point!? When I'm on ship I only use the carnival app for schedule of events and reminders of such and leave it in airplane mode. I do see @RoadTravelled point of when on shore to use for directions and information. I can also see the need if on shore and have an emergency. Not sure if at&t will work in domican Republic or Puerto Rico guess I should find out hmmmm

@Cruising Caribbean yes they still do towel animals everyday. I always look forward each day to see which new animal will be added to my new zoo and once seen brings a smile to my face, then with care move it to my couch. That is a good question as to who makes them, like @RoadTravelled I've always assumed it was the cabin steward.

@Cruising Caribbean I feel your pain everytime I go to the store or gas station. California cost od living has always been high compared to other states but it has gotten out of control now days. Gdayslone is $2 a gallon higher than most other states..uhg

@3Sisters so have made the rhubarb pie yet????

@Cruising Caribbean that's a pretty brilliant idea to rent/lease for a month to give it a go and see how it feels. I think you're spot on and will be looking into it further down the road when I retire and the resident ships are more common. I do think you're right that I probably would fit right in and would enjoy it. I'm with you all the flights to catch ships not only is a pain but also financially costly. I do see YouTube and articles about people retiring on standatd cruise ships and to some extent thinknits plausible but that comes with some challenges as one has to be very disciplined not to over spend as cruise ships are geared about making money, then comes the regulation that you can only be on one cruise ship fir 20 days and then you have to exit. So you have to find another cruise line or stay on land for 10 days. Plus would you want to be on the same trip to the same parts for 3 weeks? These are just a couple of issues out of a longer list

@FJB @Kendall James-Vargas I think Christmas is what you make it no matter the location. You can always take a little pre decorated and lit tree that is 1-2ft tall to put in your room and decorate the room and give smaller presents. Sure it's not 100% traditional but isn't it about spending time with family and celebrate the birth of Jesus. No I'm not trying to be overly religious but point is spending time with our loved one is wonderful regardless of location. Yes exceptions do exist like relatives that are getting older and spending time with them is important. Another thing to keep in mind a lot of people are single/alone and may not have any extended family to spend time with, which im getting close to that stage and a Christmas cruise can bring great joy to them to be around others v. Being home alone. Something to think about

@3Sisters I have ice skated before without issue but never on a cruise ship. it sounds like it could be a bit problematic if in rough waters and the ship is bouncing around....then again it could be a level up challenge...which im always game for 🤣 as for the suite I'm hoping that with my increasing status along with all the offers CCL is giving me that they will offer me a suite for free. The one exception is when i get a new significant other it would be nice to splurge and surprise them...but that could become a problem of creating expectations...oh dear!!! 🙄 Yes I wish I could take my mom on another cruise, but it would be challenging. I do however buy something on each cruise that is special just for her. Example on my last cruise to Alaska in Sept I bought her some 14k gold whale tail earrings. She loved them!!! Put them on looked in the mirror and made them shake and said "I'm shaking my tail" I busted up laughing 😃

@Night Owl that's awesome!!! I did the same thing. I hope you left them food and water. 😁

I must agree that the "free" activities do seem to be slimmed down from years past... I remember when CCL would do ice sculpture carving on the lido deck and then Displayed either in MDR or midnight buffet. The the hairy chest contest, bikini contest, and some other contests which I can't remember but it seemed like something was happening. Now a days it certainly seems to be much more watered down and replaced with large group gatherings around show cast singing in the atrium, white night, and money driven activities. Guess that's what we old folks call the good ol' days 🤣 I will say now that I've matured matured and become more financially secured the casino has become my new friend .... which CCL is rewarding me very well for it.

I'm pretty sure I've seen signs by the doors to be careful as doors will slam shut. Don't remember exact wording but certainly got the drift... but I can read so that might cause issues for some 😅

@thejerseydevil @Kendall James-Vargas a number of years ago when I first started with CCL they offered this tour which I did take. It takes you through kitchen crew areas, the main walking deck for crew members called the I-95, went out on the front bow and grand finally the bridge which we met the Captain and got a pic with him. Was very much worth the cost imo. I think back them was about $100

@Kendall James-Vargas i too have thought about NY as from California we do have direct flights which makes it nicer but I won't do that in February-April and october (my normal cruise dates) due to weather concerns.

@RoadTravelled I will be on the fun Italian ship Firenze in Sept out of Long Beach California. Ireally am looking forward to it. Ive seen a couple of youtube video walk throughs and it created more excitement. The video showed multiple decks and different areas and my impression was it felt so much more refined than a standard carnival ship. Yes I'm going to same old stops which I've been to many times but I'm really excited to be going on one of the Italian fun ships. I will say I'm a little confused as to why CCL site isn't really saying what restaurants are on it and can't book any specialty dinning. I'm guessing it might have a quick refit before it arrives to the west coast.