owsaw

Seeking suggestions for 'Best Car Rental' on a busy January day. Prefer easy checkin & return and a clean vehicle than best price. Arriving at Punta Langosta pier.

6 hours ago, www3traveler said:

Does anyone know the time for the Conveyance to begin?   

In the last few hours I have seen postings with two different times:  2200 and 1800 Germany time. 

I'm pleading ignorance here, what is the Conveyance? And why is it a milestone generating so many posts?...Also, is the Encore on track for her November 2nd Inaugural Cruise and any noted delays in the finishing touches?

On 8/29/2019 at 11:51 AM, GA Dave said:

Everyone just needs to "vote" on the new deck layout with their wallet.  If you truly do not like the Encore's layout, don't sail her.

I embrace GA Dave's quote here as perhaps the best solution/answer for all the concerns and complaints regarding the smoking issue. I joined Cruise Critic in 2006 and have read many reviews, postings, threads and articles on this topic. I believe there is reason to conclude...there is no appeasement. Imagine all the changes in policy, location, layout, design and plans in thirteen years. Few people with an investment or concern in this matter have been satisfied...Nothing's changed, "where there's smoke, there's..."

On 8/22/2019 at 9:24 AM, RedwingHockeyFan said:

Cruises used to be mostly all inclusive.  They are trending toward making everything ala carte.  What is going to be left of what is included in the cost of the cruise except the cost of the gas and room?

I've been surfing CC posts and have been moved to 'put my two cents in' on the often noted complaints about 'nickel & dime-ing' practices on cruise ships...Extra fees, surcharges, gratuties, resort fees, service charges, VAT's. These 'pick pocket' expenses appear to be the norm in the travel industry these days, especially hotels and airlines. I don't like it but I get it...However when it comes to cruises I have no issue with the increase of these extra charges...IMHO cruising is still the best value in travel. Hotel accommodations, meals, transportation and entertaiment all included in one relatively affordable and competitive price. Individual purchasing of these basic vacation expenses easily exceed most cruise ship fares, including the standard taxes, fees & gratuties...If a cruise line makes profit, from elective purchases by customers with the ability to pay, well that's business...Again, I get the resentment and annoyance with all these extra 'value added' charges. But, when it comes to cruising there are few better travel values.