Key West

[Kendall James-Vargas]

@SpaceCowboy9 I agree! Key West is much more than solely a cruise destination. As @kefthecruiser mentioned, Key West doesn't heavily rely on cruise guests for income. The region has tourists coming through all other facets besides cruising so it won't be too much of a financial hit at all. In fact, this reduction actually makes the area even more exclusive. However, I don't think that the reason for eliminating large cruise ship stops is by any means elitist. It's unfair to make that assumption, but cruising to Key West will be more competitive to get to. 

The food in Key West is super unique and delicious. If you enjoy snorkeling, Key West is a great place for that too. The beaches are lovely, but preserving them is what is most important. 

Edited December 20, 2023 by Kendall James-Vargas

[LukeJ]

Keep the environment and nature free from all large cruise ships. We should all be doing our bit to keep the world preserved rather than trying to destroy it. 

[Cruising Caribbean]

@LukeJ I'm assuming you and I both prefer the smaller or medium-sized cruise ships. As much as I personally prefer the lower-scale ships, I don't think the idea of keeping the environment from larger ships is going to happen. Clearly, the bigger is better mentality is gaining popularity, and guests are eating it up. The larger cruise ships are going to keep on coming with enhanced shower power capability. However, the greenwashing idea is something I'm not comfortable with. These large ships are being sold to the public eye due to their lesser environmental impacts, but the shore power isn't even being utilized! Cruise lines are saying the cost is too high and they are opting out of it. It blows my mind.

[LukeJ]

@Cruising Caribbean I truly understand why companies go larger with ships, it's all about power and business. But in all honesty, I just do not agree at all with it. It may give you the wow factor early doors, but that's really about it. The environment, the customer service, the personal touch goes on cruises like that. It doesn't feel as if the package is for you anymore, just another number in a large town on the sea.

[Cruising Caribbean]

@LukeJ I hear what you are saying, but don't you think the larger ships pose larger risks for cruise companies? It's almost like keeping up with the Jones effect. Everyone wants to stand out to be the biggest and best, but the quality of those companies has evidently declined in the process. Everything on the larger ships just seems more diluted. To be honest, everything is diluted. Just think about the crew-to-guest ratios. Larger ships notoriously run with more guests and less crew to tend to the ship's needs. As you mentioned, there is really no more personalized touches or things that make those ships stick out to me. The crew and the ship culture truly make a cruise complete. It's not about the large amount of pools or bars onboard. It's even worse when you have to wait at those bars for over 15 minutes during peak times for a drink! I will continue to choose more intimate cruises lines and ships as long as I possibly can. 

[LukeJ]

I do think and agree with you @Cruising Caribbean. I personally do not like the larger ships, but I understand why companies build them. It's everyone's choice, and yes it certainly is keeping up with the Jones', but as for me and yourself, a smaller ship is the perfect getaway.

[3Sisters]

@LukeJ Why do you think it is that people love larger ships so much? It almost seems like the more seasoned cruisers prefer the smaller ships and the newbies prefer the larger ships. Maybe it's because those newer to cruising cruise for the amenities versus the cruise culture/experience. I'm not looking for the loudest casino or the tallest adventure park. Many young families are attracted to these amenities, but I don't think those are the typical avid cruisers. It's interesting to see the new wave of cruise guests so enthralled with all of those new attractions. The customer service and culture of a ship are much more important to me than those newer additions like VR games. 

[LukeJ]

@3Sisters I believe many like the larger ships due to the perfect reasoning you just gave. New cruisers like the attractions as you suggested.