leisuretraveler223

After the complete documentation BS of the last two years, if someone comes at a doctor saying "write me a note so I don't have to buy a beverage package on a cruise", they're hopefully going to laugh at them and walk away, or straight faced tell them it's going to be $100. Stop bringing the medical community in to cover every angle of BS there is. Doctors are writing notes so people going to the islands don't have to get a Covid test because they were positive on an AT-HOME test the doctor never saw a month ago (how the Hell are they part of that equation?). They're writing notes so kids who were out of school for A DAY and they never saw they can return to school. The cruise line can't MAKE you purchase anything. And if they try to, find a more reasonable tool to oppose it than "I'm going to get a doctors note!". Either that, or it's $100 per note. Easy enough.

I understand that. But the fail is in equating the spend on food to the break-even or profit line for a cruise operation. Their marketing strategy undoubtedly runs complimentary food offerings at a slight loss. it's the premiums that drive the profit margin (why do you think they are constantly selling drink packages, specialty dining, and spa services?). So, to use that $10-15 rate to calculate reasonable cost of a premium dining option doesn't take their business model into account at all.

This is a complete logic fail. IF you find a cruise fare for $30/night, simply put, they are not breaking even on that. They are selling it in hoped of filling the ship and selling goods after the fact. But regardless, thinking you can itemize this fare and then say that's the standard across thousands of staterooms in nonsensical.

Does anyone know if it's possible to get an MDR option in Coastal Kitchen if you so desire?

So, I'm curious about where he lives! Do tell..... But regardless, I would say "no". If he likes sushi, that on board is bound to disappoint. It's nothing exotic (basically all salmon, tuna and maybe some yellowtail), it's borderline frozen for storage, and tends to be of limited flavor. Anyone who truly appreciates fresh sushi will be disappointed. If you like tricked out rolls where bland fish is hidden behind tempura batter, with eel sauce and all sort of other distractions, then it'll one okay. But as for simple traditional sushi and sashimi, highly unremarkable.

I love football. But if I'm on a cruise, I'm pretty ambivalent to it. So many other things I'd rather do.

Anyone?

In another lifetime, I recall emailing prior to my cruise to get information about performers (musicians, comedians, headliners). Anyone still familiar with the email address for this?

Is it worth it? No. I'm on vacation with my wife, maybe family and friends. I'm not interested in sitting with a bunch of strangers drinking cheap bubbly while the crew mails in a half hearted "thanks" that I neither need nor want.

I was in Labadee in February

Thanks for the input! It's hard to keep track of all the variables.

The pandemic did and still does impact this in a lot of areas. My stepson had to go to Western Mass, over two hours away, to secure an appointment to get his permit. Even now, DMVs here are by appointment only, so there isn't a good last minute option. While the pandemic has been over (but certainly not for a year), the impact on the workforce, particularly at state agencies is still being felt.

No, not a waterpark. I'd just like to see everything about it improved. The beach chairs are old, cheap and uncomfortable. Many of the swimming areas could stand to be cleaned up. The beaches are so so. The food service areas are small and crowded. I definitely don't need a waterpark (after all the one at CocoCay is a once and done for me as the lines are way too long and way too slow). But maybe a nice lagoon pool?

I haven't cruised since February and there has been a lot of other travel since then, so I'm just looking for someone to refresh my memory. I know they are doing staggered scheduled boarding times now. Does that apply to and do they really stick to it with Diamond Plus and Suite guests? Sailing Allure out of Port Everglades.

Our entire economy is being crippled by spiraling inflation and people here are surprised it's actually impacting upgrade bids on cruises. There is no hope for us.

I use to like Labadee, but it really doesn't do much for me anymore. Kinda dumpy little beaches and nothing that appealing. I'd love to see them juice it up a bit, but only time will tell....