jimbo5544

Was it worth the hassle?

Not a fan myself, but Ic an tell you they are not all newbies....

I was actually supporting your comment. That said, glad we agree.

bingo.

While I have only done Premium, I have been the difference, it is DEF noticeable, depending on what you want to do.

They did, but no longer do that.

Typically they would ask what time, but by default it has been evening vs morning. Lately, they have committed to just getting it done. So you may have a choice. I am sure they can accommodate you with towels. Some comments I have added into your post. The addition to the hub APP is the biggest change, You can embrace it or not, it is up to you. If you so not take a set dining time, I would strongly recommend using it.

that makes total sense

huh....thanks

It is and was great!

Celebration larger with significantly more food options. If you had the ability to get a Havana room on the Vista (separate pool area just for those guests) it would be a clear home run.

Not what I remember but it is history at any rate.

All opinions count.

It seems that we are headed into two distinct cruising experiences.

You do not have to guess about that, it is 100% factual.

I think RCCL does a really good job with the embark/debark process. The issue we all have to deal with in regards to mega liners is the whole “the ship is the destination”. This is across all lines but RCCL is the king in this area. There is no doubt that it is very profitable. For a lot here, cruising (both historically speaking as well as what they want) is NOT this. The interaction to the sea, the feel of cruising, the destinations.

I have never seen any data on it. In fact, prior to the first sailing when we were on the ship for a tour, they had no idea at GS what the price would be. I think it was set very arbitrarily and in fact their sister lines offer it much cheaper (Hal).

Pre covid it was north of 50, easily. I am not sure what normal is anymore.

You might be surprised on the average age of a Carnival cruiser.

Yes

No dog in the fight, but Carnival (corp) has had HMC before RCCL thought of a private island. Carnival had more private islands (GT, Amber Cove, HMC, Mahogany Bay) than RCCL for years. If you want to count amusement parks on private islands I concede, and would not go anyways. All that said, it is the trend, is it better for money? Yup. Better for me? Nope

I think the point is that they are different. All cruise lines get bigger (ship wise). Royal brags about the having the biggest and has consistently have made each ship (in class) bigger by 3 feet. Childish when you think about it. Nobody follows that logic. WHAT has changed is that with the ship as the destination, and the advent of more and more private islands, and more, it makes sense to go big. If Carnival was going to follow that lead, they would have done it 10 years ago (or more), but the other factors were not play then.

I bet

Interesting on how some over there are not happy with the increase in cruise tourism. They were begging 18 months ago.

Thanks for the update, enjoy your cruise.