euroguy

Yeah when I wasn't cruising solo I did all the planning for the trips as well but maybe because I'm an A type personality and like to be in charge or in a previous life a party/vacation planner. The problem with doing it and doing it well the 1st go around and everyone had the time of their lives, the reward is that everyone looks to you to do it everytime after that...perfection can be trying 😀 FYI tip regarding loyalty matching. The cruise line will only loyalty match you once, so if you are close to the next level on your normal cruise line I suggest you wait for the loyalty match request from other lines until you reach the next higher level, this way you can maximize the benefits and rewards from the loyalty match as thier tier levels may be vastly different.

@Kendall James-Vargas you are way to kind. I think you know much more than you let on and i have tendency to try and be detailed, which leads to be long winded at times. With that said, im am glad you have found something in my ramblings to be of use.. hopefully others have as well. 😁 if I'm being honest I've never looked up or explored Seabourn. Not sure why but i havent and probably should just to see whats out there in them woods. I too looked up msc to see if they cruise out of California and like you pointed out only east coast which is a bummer. They are a growing line so I wouldn't be surprised if they already have the west coast on the radar for the future. Regarding doing a world cruise as diamond, I suspect mostly diamond guests would be on the ship.as they would be retired and probably have been cruising for a bit of time. I can't recall which CCL cruise it was but recently a cruise had so many Diamond people on it CCL sent out a letter to all Diamond travelers that certain loyalty perks would not take place. Priority boarding/debarkation, priority dining. Can't remember what else. That kinda takes the fun/reward of being diamond status. For the cruise out of Orlando in February, I finally have all the flights scheduled, hotel reserved, transportation to and from the airport and port set and finally in the R&D (research & development) stages for places to see and things to do at each stop. I sorta have system that I created and try to implement for each location, it's a process 🤪 Not sure if you've been to Amber Cove, but what I initially thought was going g to be a dud as CCL owns and developed the port and land around it, but actually Puerta Playa aka Amber Cove has so much to see and do beyond the CCL development. Amber mines, coffee/rum/cocoa/cigar production, amazing waterfalls, mountain cable trolly, old Spanish fort from 1800's, one of the amber pieces was used in Jurassic Park movie from Amber Covend...do you know which piece?? And the list goes on. It's going to be difficult to decide what to see and do but I have a pretty good idea what I would like to do. Care to guess??? 😆 See here I am once more long winded again ...😕 😞

The li k below is another live aboard ship that is coming out and is more affordable. https://www.insider.com/residential-cruise-startup-condos-at-sea-photos-2023-10 I might have to give this serious thought 😆 🤣 Would you do something like this??

@Cruising Caribbean here is another ship thats in process that costs less.... i might have to give this some serious thought. https://www.insider.com/residential-cruise-startup-condos-at-sea-photos-2023-10

Yeah I think I'm in agreement with you all that a suite would be great for a special occasion...well I wouldn't mind getting a presidential suite...I would do that if they gave to me even if solo 😉 @Kendall James-Vargas you are so bad!!! 😆 seeing those amazing suites on the Mardi Gras ...sigh i was salivating and thinking oh I could be the life of the party if I was traveling solo.. I might get some new friends 🤔 🙂 🤪

@3Sisters yes virgine certainly sounds interesting and I have looked into them as well. From what I can see and read it really is geared for adults and has a lot of to offer as an all inclusive cruise. I'm pretty sure I could get them to offer me a free cruise but I wonder about the loyalty match. I've looked at carnivals v msc and it appears carnivals loyalty program seems to offer more and the mores are what really appeal to me. Like priority boarding, priority dinner reservations, priority tender, priority debarkation, FREE Laundry, drinks party, chocolate delight sent to cabin i.e.chocolate covered strawberrys and I'm already receiving free drinks everywhere on the ship. I know ...I know.. I might enjoy another line better 😆 but my perks are pretty great. If I was you I would be pretty excited about the trip to Barcelona too. What ship will you be on?

@3Sisters glad I was able to make laugh... laughing is good for the soul. I do enjoy Christmas but not as much as before when I had a house full. Yep the house was fully decorated and had 2 different Christmas trees one in main family room and one in Formal dining room. Of course I would put outside lights too. 🙄 now I keep it simple, maybe one day I will have a reason to go all out again. Here's a link to some cute little trees for you to think about 😆 https://www.walmart.com/ip/20-30-40cm-Mini-Artificial-Christmas-Tree-Decoration-Table-Desk-Tops-Small-Pine-Perfect-Tabletop-Xmas-Your-Home-Office/439253961 The trip you set a li k too sound wonderful and most enjoyable. I grew up in Germany until I was 9. the Rhine River with castles on the hillsides holds many memories for me. I think you would enjoy it a lot. So you and your families 1st white christmas...that great you all finally got to experience it, nothing beats a white Christmas in the country, the smell of nut Meg and apple cider, hearing the crackle of a fireplace with all the Christmas decorations. Im sure I would enjoy a Christmas cruise however I think it would be best if with someone v. Solo. Have you planned any of those Christmas cruises yet??

over the years I've looked at suites and though hmm how cool would that be but end up booking a Balcony, due to cost and uncertainty that it's actually worth the price of admission. I've read articles that people say once you have a suite nothing less will do and to try a shorter cruise to try one out. What do you think? If you've had a suite what's your experience and would you do it again?

@Kendall James-Vargas ive heard of the Seaborn line but really have no explored them, but if I recall they are a high end line. By the time I retire and have the time to take a world cruise I will probably ly be a CCL loyalty Diamond level 🤣 who know maybe CCL will have world cruise by then. I will say I have been hearing not only from you but other that MSC seems to be really doing a good job and new ships coming out so I may take a cruise on the after my currently 2 booked cruises in 2024, maybe sooner if they have a short cruise here on west coast that I can squeeze in to try out.

@Cruising Caribbean typically i like medium to light body red wines as the have less tannins. I have found full body red wines have a higher alcohol content and more tannins creating a prety strong effect of dry mouth, which i dont care for. Usually i try to stick to Merlots or Syrahs. But even those are no guarantee. I really think be it a Cab, Merlot, Syrah, Pino etc it really all depends on the wine maker and how they produce the product and the end goal they have in mind. No I have not had Caymus, will have try a glass and see. On my recent cruise to Alaska the casino comped me a bottle of wine up to $50 and looked at the long list of choices and didn't see anything I recognized. I told the head waiter that I didn't like a very dry wine and asked what he recommended .... what a mistake that was. First it had a screw/no cork top which I was oh dear this was going to interesting. As for taste I've had 2 buck chuck that was far better. It was so horrible that I couldn't finish the bottle over several days, it became more of a table decoration. A well mixed cocktail should not burn going down. There are so many option that can be made that you don't even taste the alcohol. Like a strawberry daiquiri, Pina Colata, long Island Ice Tea and the list goes on. Additionally like wine all liquires are not created equally, thus I select Top Shelf as they are more refined and made better ingredients thus creating a smoother and better taste. maybe next time youre on CCL you should try out the Alchemy Bar which they specialize in mixology. Who knows maybe you will find a new drink that tickles your taste buds. Now that you know my wine likes and dislikes perhaps you can be my Sommelier and provide a wine list so I have a cheat sheet for my future cruises 🥰

@3Sisters thank you for sharing your insights about MSC. It sounds wonderful. Much like you I'm not really into the "part scene" but at the same time im not looking fir a sleepy crowd either. Guess a nice balance would be nice. Inwill certainly have to give MSC another look. I know I can get a free cruise from them but I'm already booked for 2 cruises for 2024. Maybe they have a short cruise that I might be able to squeeze in out of Long Beach to give them a little try. Your 2025 trip starting in Barcelona sounds so great. I've looked at those trip too and have thought it would be fun, but have never pulled that trigger. I'm so happy for you as I'm sure you'll have a wonderful trip with tons if things to see.

@RoadTravelled that is a really good tip, thank you for sharing it. It sounds like you have used it many times with success.

@Cruising Caribbean yes i have seen that before and couple others and i wont be to picky and settle for any 🤣 I really think it would be the most interesting and enjoyable way to cruise the world in style and enjoy life to the fullest. What you haven't signed the contract yet??? Geeeesh so disappointed 😞

@Cruising Caribbean lol yeah my cruises are certainly ly anything but dull. I think i might have been a travel guide or party planner in a past life 🤔 The world is actually pretty small so who knows maybe one day we will be on the same cruise and I can have the pleasure of planning an epic trip..that would be fun Im with you 4 hour limit for driving. Then I fly if possible. Since I'm in Northern California it's about a 7 hour drive to the long beach port, so I fly and takes about 1 hour and costs less than driving and not burned out. Uber is $40 each way to and from airport. A couple cruiseships are now going out of San Fransico which is only about 1.5 hrs drive but the choices for itinerary are limited. Sounds like you have some nice winter weather plans in Florida and able to catch a ship, which is great. It's probably good I don't live in Florida or nearby as I would be on a ship just about every free minute..3 Day 4 day holidays, etc. Oh yeah I would certainly be in trouble 😉 Nothing specific for the winter months this year but never know as I like spontaneity and some times just get a bug...to bug out. I love the ocean so maybe halfmoon bay 2hrs away, or Monterey or Carmel which are about 3.5 hrs away.

@3Sisters you really seem to like MSC. What makes you gravitate to them more than other lines?? What would MSC loyalty equivalent be to CCL Platinum? The Seascape sounds like it's larger than the Mardi Gras as I think it carries 5500 guests. The seascape sounds like a massive ship. What did you love about it that makes you want to go on it again? "World Europa"... sounds so elegant and prestigious. I really like that name. Where are going on it? Yes I do think my sea days are going to busy trying to take in the whole ship and experiencing a large portion of it, but that's part of the adventure...right?

@Cruising Caribbean you get points for just about anything you spend on the card.

I know many people talk about retiring and take one cruise after another and rarely stay on land. But know ships are being built exclusively for state rooms to be purchased and you travel all over the world and own your own cabin. The sizes and cabin amenities vary and of course the cost for them as well. I've looked at and researched this a bit. A decent size cabin and amenities and very well layed out, almost like a small apt. would run about 1.5M for 20 year lease.no you are not obligated to be on it all the time, you can come and go as you please as you own your own space. yes that sounds like a lot but it's pretty much an all inclusive and traveling all over the world and meals sourced from local ports so would be great variety. So if you had the money would you buy one and enjoy the sea life for 20 years or would you hope scotch to different cruise lines ??

@Kendall James-Vargas I'm ex military not retired military so won't be receiving a pension from them which is ok. My pension will be from my own investments and hopefully SS if its still around lol. Regarding a world cruise my imitial answer would be yes but as a qualifier it would depend on the ship. Why the ship??? Well you would be on it for a long time so it would need to be a larger ship with lots of activities and restaurants for variety..ok and a large casino too lololol. What about you would you take a world cruise? im sure your friends a decent amount in vegas to get free cruises, but look forward to what he has to say. I have a different way and for free... Smirk 😏

@Cruising Caribbean yes of course CCL has just about any kind of soda you would want plus all the various alcoholalcohol Rands flranging from well drinks to top shelf...guess which I select... yes top shelf. You sound very versed in wine which I admire as I do enjoy a glass or two of good wine but have a hard time knowing what's good v eeeks. Seems like everyone is making wine these days and difficult to weed out the yuk. I do prefer reds that are not super dry, a little wetter is good for me. Know that I have free drinks on the entire ship I will get to explore some during dinner and hopefully pick a good one.

@Cruising Caribbean I think each cruise line has its own shuttle services to and from the port, which would make sense. I'm glad you're going with a group it sounds like fun. In the past I traveled with my ex g.f., mother and a friend of mine with his g.f. and it really was a blast as I was very familiar with the ports, did all the planning for shore excursions with private drivers etc and was very rewarding to see them so happy and enjoying the experiences. They still to this day talk about it, even though it was from years ago. I was exhausted afterwards but it was worth it. You have any great plans for the trip in the winter? Driving can be good but I'm really not into driving 6+ hours when I can fly in 1 hour for a fraction of the cost. Smarter not harder. What's the furthest you've driven for a cruise?

@3Sisters I'm not sure if it's sticking with what I know as it is more about the rewards and benefits I'm receiving that pulls back in to stay with CCL. It's almost surreal what im being offered by CCL and having the personal assistant then compounded with the loyalty rewards I'm receiving now. It truly makes for a difficult decision to go to other lines, despite knowing I may enjoy them. It's almost like I might feel that I'm stepping backwards. I'm pretty certain I could get free cruises from 2 lines, maybe more but uncertain what loyalty level I would be granted. You are right though I do love cruising and try my very hardest to enjoy and experience the whole package as it designed to be i.e. epic adventures at ports and maximizing the ship. I was looking at the Mardi Gras again today, deck plans and viewing pictures of spaces, activities, restaurants, etc and frankly I'm not sure 7 days on that ship is enough time to get everything in and experienced. ITS SO HUGE!!! 🤣 Would love to see that ship or similar on the west coast as then would be much easier to go more frequently on it. Have you been on the Mardi Gras?? in Sept 2024 ill be on the Firenze out of long beach california, been trying to learn more about that ship which is another Costa ship aquired by CCL suppose to be larger in size and being refitted so not much info available yet. I'm sure it will be here near me for couple years. Have you heard anything about the Firenze? What is the largest ship you have been on and what did you think of it.

@Kendall James-Vargas have you been to Grand Turk or Amber Cove?? I've tried the MDR for breakfast and it's been hit or miss mostly miss because I do t make it in time lolol The uber to a beach for great price sounds smartly and like you had a wonderful time. I'm guessing you felt safe being at the beach?

@3Sisters i have not done an xmas cruise, as i spend it with my mother and never know how much time we have. If i did a xmas cruise i would pro ably get a small 2 foot tree that is pre lit and has decorations glued on it to take with me so could have it in my cabin. Ive seen them at different big box stores. I use to do live trees all the time but now that im an empty nester and single I've opted for an artificial one, but high end and difficult to see not real and have pine scented candles...lol Not sure what a xmas cruise would be like...doesn't sound like you taken one either. Think you would do one?

@RoadTravelled good info about the different levels. I'm usually pretty good about navigating airports and traveling but insight is always helpful when available. Rudies yep expect a review just for you... I might be sending you my paypal acct. Infor requesting reimbursement.... just kidding 😇 im sure it will be good. I am a little picky about my food though. Its not so much as to the location or ambiance but rather taste and being good. I have had literally street food in 3rd world countries that is made by momma in her beatup pan brought out to her leaning shack to sell and was absolutely delicious and on the other hand eaten at Michilin rated restaurants in New York. I'm pretty diverse as long as not spicy hot, tasty, and cooked properly.

I will be going to San Juan, Grand Turk, and Amber Cove. No I will not be hanging out at the CCL pools and cabanas in Amber Cove, I will find something more genuine to see for the location....maybe snorkeling or town or country side... not sure yet still figuring it all out I don't need to sit around a pool and drink. The itinerary was not really on my list of places to go, but for the price and the ship it serves its purposes. I think southern carribean might be nice be nice. Like curacao, LA Romana, Bonaire. These could be future trip. As for breakfast I have not been that impressed with the MDR, perhaps the new ship and menu might be better. Usually I eat a pretty light breakfast. Specialty dining I have already booked the bonsai cook at the table for you, did that on the Panorama and was good and entertaining, @RoadTravelled has highly recommended I try Rudies seafood, he twisted my arm 😅 so i booked it, so now as he put it waiting to read my review and crossing his fingers. I might have to send him my paypal act info for reimbursement..just kidding oh and i love sushi and years ago took a sushi making class so i sighned up for the shushi class on a sea day. Inwould imagine with young ones laundry service would be a practical and well used service for you. Are you getting close to getting that? Hopefully MSC sees the valurkebin you and you get your own personal assistant... I do enjoy having one and she has earned her keep. When booking these 2 up coming trips I was on the phone with her for 2 hours, when she pulled the rabbit out of the hat for the Mardi Gras.. the price was crazy and not an advertised one....think about it a very new ship, 7 days full size balcony cabin mid ship unobstructed solo traveler $700 with $400 in comps/ship money net $300 cost. $700 for a solo in balcony is nuts, as solo usually pays double i.e. double occupancy rate. Crazy...my head is still spinning on that one. So what ports are you visiting and what ship for your bday? Are you doing any specialty dining?