Joebucks

Welcome to another edition of much ado about nothing, on the high seas

Hi, I saw there was a sticky thread, but my scenario is unique... Would the drink package make sense for me? I like coffee, the other half doesn't. I hate wine, the other half loves it.

I'm sure most cruise lines would do a cruise to no where if they were allowed. I'm sure there would be a market for it, and options are a great thing. Although I would say it's a bold insinuation that "people get bored over the same plastic experience over and over" yet not making the same claim about cruises to no where. Not everyone has the same interest. Personally, I would not select a cruise to no where in most cases. One of the joys of cruising is the variety. 7 days in the same quarters gets old real quick on any vacation. The 3.5 sea days I usually get on cruise of those lengths are plenty. How people find negative and inconvenience in ports that include beaches, pools, and other activities, is beyond me. Sitting in the crystal clear waters of say Half Moon Cay, is a beautiful experience, even if I did it 5-10 other times in life. Some people just want to find ways to justify their $1000 drink package. Even if you want to stay on board, you still have that option. There is nothing wrong with liking Freeport. I had a great time when we were there. I just didn't care much for the port itself. It basically forces you to venture out to find something (like Montego Bay too). I'd much prefer having amenities there and the option of venturing out. Sometimes you just want a lazy day. Some of my favorite port experiences have actually being venturing out, then joining the party at the port before getting back on the ship. Options and variety always win!

And if you wanted to keep cruisers captive, why wouldn't you want them to go to your private ports? Businesses need to grow. We've all acknowledged that the growth isn't going to happen from the small, exotic islands. If they can't support more people, you need to look elsewhere. Creating these new private ports opens a completely new growth strategy. They control or get a cut from the food/drink, excursions, shopping, etc. Yes there is only so much choice, unfortunately, there is only so much land to go around. However, this is probably one of the best ways to attract those new cruisers. Lots of people who are intimidated by exploring different island may find benefit in what private areas can offer. Hell, I enjoy these areas a bit too. Sometimes it's just nice to be able to have a lazy day. Access to a pool, beach, bar, etc. without having to drop $20-$50 in taxis and wasting limited time. I know this place likes to pretend everyone here only travels the unexplored wilderness with a machete, but it is a nice choice to have. Personally, I really wasn't a fan of Freeport, but I will likely be checking out the new Grand Bahama port.

Poor example. That's like saying Marriott shouldn't build anymore Ritz Carlton's because "how's Iran?" Just because you can find an example that suits a narrative, doesn't mean that is the outcome if they proceed with a new asset. It is quite clear that Royal operates just fine with more mega ships in the US with a much higher capacity. If a ship doesn't work for a particular port, then they won't put it there. Bonus answer: Carnival has started work on a pier for Half Moon Cay. I'd also assume the new Grand Bahama port will be ripe for their growth. The business will continue to evolve.

I think the two most annoying topics in cruising is the group of "fee/free/included/nickle-and-dime" and food. For those who haven't been following, food is in decline posts have been happening for decades. Am I saying they are completely without merit? No. However, many of us have fared just fine on various MDR foods while people alongside us on these same cruises constantly cry "inedible." There's a lot to unpack here. First, cruises with the "experience of yesteryear" exist. However, people want that old experience, and this new price. Instead of seeking a product they may like, we are more likely to complain about one that doesn't conform to us. Next, food service has not become a cost-effective operation anywhere in our environment. It's easy to proclaim from your keyboard that you are being screwed because of your expert analysis of "executives lining their pockets." However, the policies and failures we've put in place that made goods and labor more expensive is a far bigger concern. Few seem too concerned in actually addressing it. Let alone the billions in debt that were unfairly placed on the industry. It is also not a "cruise specific problem." Anything that happens on the water isn't specific to cruising. Many restaurants have the same issues. Surging costs, lower food quality, smaller selection, etc. Mass market cruise dining is never going to be 5 star dining. Period. If you want that, it is out there.

Royal has many more massive ships than Carnival, and it works out just fine.

I had a friend just sail them recently. So I had to endure how a $3500, 7 day, mass market cruise was the best deal because everything was free.

Is there really this much discussion and thought how to plan everything with 2 free cocktails being at the center of the universe? You can easily spend many multiples more than the cost of those 2 cocktails in trying to get everything to align around this.

There are plenty of beautiful beaches in Cozumel. We went to some other random place and it was far less crowded than the other beach clubs. We didn't pay much to get in, there were plenty of chairs, I got to snorkel. I think you're doing yourself a huge disservice to go to Mexico and eat the AI slop.

Are in room bottles still gone for 5 day cruises?

What's the point of drawing this line in the sand? I have never been on a more crowded ship than the Vista class. Honestly, I don't care how big a ship is. They can hold 10,000 for all I care. As long as it has the right flow in the right areas. Give Lido/serenity, theater, punchliner, etc enough seating, and I'm good.

I always get a snicker out of the use of the word "fumbling" when referring to using your phone on vacation. I always picture someone sitting at the MDR trying to grab a very strong, slippery, live, fish.

If the context here is about kids, Oasis would be vastly more fun for kids than Venezia. It is basically targeted towards two, different markets.

I've done it before. The only time I do two entrees is lobster night. I usually get the prime rib and a lobster while foregoing some of the extra apps. It's a great meal! There have been times where they brought out extra lobster and I wasn't going to let it go to waste. It's definitely too much food and the last thing on my mind is that "cruising isn't special" if I don't get that third plate. I mean, I just had prime rib and lobster. What first world problems?

No one really eats 3+ entrees. it's mostly people who love to waste, overeat, or FOMO of not having every combination of every option at your disposal. I can put away some serious food. I have my salad, appetizer, and entree (on top of everything else I ate throughout the day). It's the most ridiculous thing to think my vacation is ruined because it would cost me $5 to get TWO more entrees.

While I certainly wouldn't pay $2000, to have my own reserved (and nicer) area for a week for $200, I would probably jump on that.

I was on the Celebration, and definitely do not remember a shortage of food around lunch time. Guy's is open until 6. I overate with the addition of Shaq's and Street Eats.

I did a super bowl cruise on a ship about 5 years ago. It was playing on every major screen (including lido and theater) and extra snacks were out. It was a fun experience. My biggest complaint is that the Super Bowl commercials weren't there. Since it was an "international feed," you literally saw the same 5 commercials every break. Although, the commercials are just political statements anymore, so I wouldn't mind as much today.

If you're looking for a product that is exactly the same as it was 4 years ago, you will be disappointed. If you're interested in hearing about some cruise lines that maintain a "higher standard" (and a much higher price) you will hear a few opinions shortly.

I always thought they should have done something like this. Make it a paid excursion that includes some kind of drinks, souvenir shotglass, etc. Have it end in a "private" bar that is an exclusive party. I'd sign up for something like this if it was reasonably priced.

It's a fantastic city. Some will laugh, but some of us immediately hit the Wal-Mart. The amount of snacks, beer, and souvenirs I got for $15 made it worth the while. Then we hit the Malecon and there are sooooo many shops, restaurants, etc. We grabbed some of the best tacos for $5. I can't wait to go back. You won't find me overpaying for an AI day pass there.

What people say and what they actually think/say/do, are often two-different things. I have a friend who is going on a mass market cruise soon because "it was a good deal and everything was free." $4000 later, it was a decision for perks. Not loyalty, but "perks" nonetheless. Honestly, after years of monitoring travel discussion, I can tell you one thing. People will spend thousands for their transportation, hotels, destinations, food, etc. The first thing they will point out is 2% of that cost that was "free" or "an extra fee." Some people absolutely cruise for perks. They may not admit or even fully realize it, but they do. That is why the perks exist.

The whole space thing is often a topic for busybodies to find things to be upset with. If one ship has "20% more common area space," what does that truly mean? Your vacation is 20% better? Every venue is 20% bigger? There are more venues you will never use? Sure it can be an indicator of what is to come. However, what is most important is size of the venue, proportional to the size of ship and capacity. I always disliked the small clubs and shows that require a half hour wait to get a seat. Those are poorly designed. Otherwise, I could care less about math equations.

Oh it is, 100%. However, when it comes to vacation, some people have an unlimited budget when it comes to luxury. They will also fight you tooth and nail why every marginal convenience is worth it. So why not offer this if people will buy it? I found the ceiling fan issue to be interesting. Seems like a small one-time cost that would add comfort for some. I'd be doing every small thing I could to improve sales of these.