JeffElizabeth

Didn't have the soot problem but you would get a strong smell of diesel depending on the wind.

Mis typed. September, and fingers crossed that you are right about testing requirements by then.

I really was expecting the cruise industry to be back to normal by now, but with inflation, higher energy costs, and food supply issues I can see many people taking one more year off from cruising. The dedicated cruisers will still be on board but many will choose to stay home. Bankruptcy? Usually it is better for the creditors to keep the line going if they can see a light at the end of the tunnel but an expected recession after inflation might just make Carnival decide one or two cruise lines have to go.

We are boarding a ship in London for a cruise in December and the line is still demanding that we pre-test. Although we can do it online with a health professional observing us.

Exactly! I hope this decision by the US inspires more nations to do away with needless testing. It will make us more likely to cruise.

We just had a nice cruise on Oceania in March and April and normally be looking at booking another cruise but we both got tired of the hoops nations were putting us through with vaccinations and masks, and filling out documents. Plus airline service has been declining with our flights being late. We will book again when things get back to normal.

Illuminating post. I always thought I was too poor for Cunard but just went on a 28 day Oceania voyage. Might have to recalculate. Going on a 16 day Princess in September. I don't mind doing more things for ourselves and normal food offerings are a nice change from gourmet every night. Willing to mix it up.

Great point about the comment card. We were just on a 28 day cruise in the Neptune and gave $500 to our concierge and $500 to our steward. We got excellent service from both and due to our odd sleeping patterns, they worked around us very well.

We took an Oceania tour to see Venice. And we also had the ship provide a bus to take us from Trieste to the Venice Airport.