coolbluegreenseas

Thank you for the pictures! The larger bathroom is another plus. It is likely what I will do is use the same standard as when I have previously booked cruises: choose a cabin we will be absolutely happy in and if a good upgrade shows up, take it. But, if nothing comes our way, that is fine too. Thanks everyone!

It is the Vista.

I appreciate the responses! As far as budget goes, I can make either work. What I hate to do is purchase a service and never really use it. Still, the larger cabin and bathroom just might be worth it. I have time to think this over. Thank you so far!

It is the Vista.

I have read the literature on Oceania’s site and scoured through here, but still undecided. TL/DR: Bucket list item for hubby. Trip is in October 2025 11 night Antiquity starting in Rome and ending in Istanbul. We tend to spend a lot of time on our veranda and enjoying each other’s company but do like to venture out. With this tiny bit of information in mind, is the suite worth it? The Concierge level is really, really nice, but the butler serving dinner from the speciality restaurants in the cabin sounds really luxurious. Does anyone have personal experience and thoughts? Thanks for any responsess.

There is good information on the board. You will have a great time!

The time of year you sailed is likely why there were 160 children on the Carnival cruise opposed to appealing to a different demographic. Go over spring break and you’ll see many children on any 7 day mass market cruise. Now, the scooter set and a mosh pit might actually be worth checking out! 🤣

We are going to agree to disagree on this subject as your experience and mine are absolutely the opposite.

That very well maybe true, but families are also notoriously poor tippers. Why, you ask? Well, the family has pretty much blown their budget on everything else which leaves the hospitality crew out to dry. But, CCL/HAL does not care about that as it does not affect shareholder value. It hurts the people who actually work on the ship. Best tippers? Boomers followed by GenX.

Well, I can tell you that would be a hard no on seating at that table.

My guess is you will find entitled parents result in poorly behaved children.

Ah, exactly why I chose the Caribbean for our December cruise: we are only getting off once. I want to enjoy the ship while everyone else is gone. For hubby and I, this is pretty much a cruise to nowhere. Also, we have seen enough of the Caribbean to know we have seen enough of the Caribbean.

Actually, Carnival is the opposite of refined, so if HAL is marketed to refined adults, it is nothing like a Carnival cruise. Or are you suggesting HAL is becoming Carnival without the moshpit? 😋

As previously noted, there are cruise lines that are child free. Also, there are lines such as Windstar that restrict smaller children, but allow older kids with the caveat that parents are responsible for entertaining their child. In general, it keeps most adults with kids, off. Now, as far as the OP indicated, they went at one of the worse times possible for the kiddos. Schools break between Palm Sunday and Easter increasing the likelihood of a large number of little people on board. But, here is the beautiful thing: traveling a week or 2 before/after will result in reduced fares and smaller crowds. I planned my (almost) birthday cruise around Christmas by selecting the week before winter break which means lower fares and fewer people. If you are unhappy with HAL, that is fine. Cruise lines are businesses and their first priority is the shareholders with customers a distant second. The best way to get their attention is by hitting them at the bottomline and spending your money with a line that meets your expectations. If there is enough of a downturn in revenue, they’ll pivot.

Honestly, I do not think CCL has any idea what to do with HAL. The low entry line, Carnival appeals to families and budget minded tourists. The upper end cruise line, Seabourn, captures the attention of more affluent, more luxury minded cruisers. Where does this leave HAL? The business people clearly do not know. Why they don’t pivot to an adult only line that attracts couples or groups who are childfree or not interested in traveling with children is perplexing. DINKs (Dual Income, No Kids) have money and time to travel. You’re welcome, CCL.