BlerkOne

Then we agree.

I am amused by those who complain about having to pick up a free gift, and then complain about the gift.

Thank you. But still, some resources are now being reallocated. Flight attendants don't have the juice that pilots have, so may not end up with similar perks. Not saying that employees don't deserve more, especially considering the compensation upper mismanagement receives.

One of the concessions made in the new contracts is more first class seats reserved for non-rev crew, and so fewer available for even the tip toppest of tiers. Some of the perks for paying customers are now perks for employees. They don't have a choice. I think American is the easiest to buy status on without having to fly the airline.

The good old days still exist on Princess. They still count cruises or cruise days toward loyalty levels.

On my current cruise, they simply handed me $25 cash, which is just as good as money. They can keep the tournaments. You are correct that all cruise lines have cut back on loyalty programs. No program is sustanable without change.

More hovercraft

Found my next cruise ship

The hovercraft looked like it had a flat.

Yes. This is the third time we have gone in September and the others times had great weather. I think what we had this time is more like October weather. But with climate change??? The excursions we had canceled were those that were most susceptible to the weather (like boat trips or the zipline). The zipline would have gone if the winds had diminished some. September is the end of the season and some great sales to be had, although stores could be running out of stock. Prime time for Aurora is around the solstices. June/July might have the best weather, but also the most kids and higher prices.