chisoxfan

While we've been at many Carib AI's a sweet spot for us is Cancun, Play del Carmen. Easy, cheap, non stop flights from Midwest. The props we have stayed at have buffet dining but as on many ships it is augmented by many finer dining options (we rarely eat at buffets). I would rate the dining experience as similar to specialty dining on cruises. Outdoor dining is common and spacing between tables not an issue. Almost all of the AI's there are right on the ocean and always many multiple giant pools usually with swim up bars. Rooms are typically 3 times (or more) larger than cabins with large lanais and it is unusual not to find an oversized rainshower and tubs/whirlpools in huge tiled bathrooms. WI Fi is free, no tipping, and a daily stocked mini bar-typically premium booze. It is also simple to find adult only if that is desirable. The cruises do offer more extensive entertainment and casino if that is important. I was surprised by comment on pricing- while I know you can spend as much as you want, our experience has been that you can get a suite in AI for 500-700 a night in a 4 star prop which is cheaper than any shipboard suite with dining drinks etc. We have also been able to utilize hotel program points for some trips. Although we don't do it I think combined airfare deals with the major tour operators may offer better deals. I know these are all generalizations and every travel has good and bad but that is what we have found. So for us AI as a 'no hassle' flexible winter getaway and we will continue to cruise when we want to experience a special itinerary which is a great advantage of cruising. Happy vacationing!

Close to you..... a Carib cruise was part of our routine for a few decades and at the time it was (seemingly) a simple process and good value. I have looked casually at cruises from HAL,X, and MSC YC for the past six months (for winter 23,24) and haven't found anything that I feel is a good deal- to add insult to injury cabin selection seems spotty on many cruises into 2024. we've been to all of the Carib ports and typically just want to be able to have a seat at the pool and have some low key fun. Getting a spot at the pool often an adventure. We did book on the X Ascent Retreat in 24 - the suite was lower priced and had lots of benes and we will do an Apex Med next year because of itinerary (hoping I am wrong about IV). Sorry to be so negative but do believe that cruising will have to readjust pricing in the future or lose many of us. However, with our shift from cruising have found all inclusives to present some real value. Nice to have direct flights to resort and not worry about night before travel, cancellations from 2 weeks to 3 days with full refunds, and actually spend some time swimming in the ocean without looking at my watch to see when I need to rush back to ship. JMHO

I cannot agree more about the HAL Cabana except we want one poolside which is only available on Eurodam and Nieuw Amsterdam. In fact (now that you mention it) I may look at a two week HAL balcony with cabana which will likely be about the same as one week suite on X or YC. Your comments about the move up bids to retreat are something I also had not considered- probably insures a full Retreat. The options in cruising today (for an 'old time' cruiser) can make your head spin and not always in a positive way.

Thanks for the comments. Not looking for any special seating at pool just reasonable assurance we can find a lounger. Agree also with points about the larger YC balcony, and the private island experience of MSC which (private island) is one place I always enjoy visiting for some beach time. Even the tub vs. shower gave me some pause (much prefer shower only). At the end of the day the thread has raised my antennae a bit to understand more the virtues of Retreat vs. YC.

Stumbled on this post seeking general impressions of MSC vs. X. We loved YC (Seaside) but were not excited about the rest of the ship (entertainment, specialty restaurants, etc.). We would go back in a minute to YC but after deciding from this one pre Covid cruise that YC was the future path for our cruising (mostly X S class and HAL) prices went up dramatically (as for all cruises) and we starting booking all inclusive resorts that seemed a better value and option for us. Anyway had kicked around booking a non YC suite on Seascape which is why I was surfing this board. We are booked on Apex next year in IV and I already hate the concept but will give it a shot because of the unique itinerary. We also booked the X Ascent in the Retreat in Jan.24 at what was a very good deal competitive with YC but more OBC, tips, etc. Getting to the point I am alarmed at comments regarding pool seating in the Retreat as we plan to spend most of our time there. A major reason for our suite choice is to have unfettered pool access. I understand every cruise is different but would hope that the pool and nearby dining options on Ascent would be similar to YC class ?Also 'assumed' Luminae would be a comparable venue to YC dining which we found good but not 'excellent'. Apologize for the 'rambling' nature of the post but would appreciate any comments so that we might have reasonable expectations.

Excellent advice. The cruise lines should be ashamed of the Shore Shopper model and be forced to advise passengers that they are paid shills for port retailers. I am still upset when recalling a shore shopper manipulating an older couple at a Tanzanite International store to buy a sizeable Tanzanite stone (during her on board presentation she explained how 'rare' Tanzanite is and that supplies would soon be depleted). A few weeks later I found a tanzanite of equal size and quality with platinum and diamond setting and necklace chain at a local jeweler for the same price that the shore shopper had negotiated for just the stone (she should have gotten an Oscar for her hard line act with the store owner).

Alcohol allowed for sure (assume OP wanted this but was not clear). Not sure about glass though. One very poor experience was a few years ago on Reflection. I actually cut my foot on a piece of glass in the pool and retrieved it (the shard of glass not my foot). I sat on a chair and asked a pool attendant for some help (maybe a few towels and bandage) and he promptly disappeared. I waved down another person and he suggested that I go to the medical facility.... really, walk down 15 levels with a bleeding foot. At this point I self medicated with some napkins and tape my wife scavenged from buffet. I was quite upset with the response, complained at customer service desk later and when I questioned why glass would be allowed in pool I was told by several people that customers 'liked it' and that broken glass was not all that unusual in pool. It was a small cut and all I wanted was a little attention and got more frustrated when all I received was shrugged shoulders. We just got off the Enchanted Princess and glass beer bottles were delivered while I sat in hot tub.

Thanks for chiming in. We are considering just that (booking a specific land tour) where we will have more 'control' over land portion and accommodations.

We were a full boat also and you could venture inside but not find a place there to sit and see anything. Before boarding the tour guide recommended not to sit directly in the sun and remarked on how hot it was (Captain Obvious). At that point they jammed our bus as last to board and seating was limited. We moved around a bit and finally sat in the last row of the area you show in your pic where the overhand from wheelhouse gave us a sliver of shade. Those outside bow seats were all occupied on our ride. Without the drama it was a very memorable trip. I think we will do a full transit next time.

Thank you for taking time to provide the clear description!. Always hesitant to ask for what would seem to be easy to gather info (and not always is). I will check the website again and probably call HAL and hope to get more informed rep. Sounds as if you enjoyed your trip and the Koningdam.

Hello. We have done the 7 day Westerdam cruise to Alaska some years ago (our only Alaska cruise) and a 7 night Eurodam. While we mostly cruise on X with some MSC and Princess thrown in we really like HAL and always look at this option. Anyway, very intrigued by the upcoming subject cruise as a way to experience Alaska better. I called HAL and they were less than helpful so I thought I would go to where the knowledge really lies- CC. I am seeking any brief insight regarding the land/ sea HAL Alaska travel others have experienced . HAL told me everything (air fare within tour and returning to Seattle ) was included. Is this on charter planes and is this in fact accurate? Can anyone comment on the lodging that HAL uses in Alaska. Are you given any choices as to accommodations? While this trip seems ideal to see 'more' of Alaska we are just trying to get a feel of what to expect. I am excited to try a newer HAL ship but obviously most of the trip is on land so perhaps the ship is not critical. Noordam makes a similar trip but it is really attractive for us to leave from Seattle as we can use many existing WN points. Many thanks in advance for your comments!

Yes I get it sorry.

Hello. We have done the 7 day Westerdam cruise to Alaska some years ago (our only Alaska cruise) and a 7 night Eurodam. While we mostly cruise on X with some MSC and Princess thrown in we really like HAL and always look at this option. Anyway, very intrigued by the upcoming subject cruise as a way to experience Alaska better. I called HAL and they were less than helpful so I thought I would go to where the knowledge really lies- CC. I am seeking any brief comments regarding the land/ sea HAL Alaska travel others have experienced . HAL told me everything (air fare within tour and returning to Seattle ) was included. Is this on charter planes and is this in fact accurate? Can anyone comment on the lodging that HAL uses in Alaska. Are you given any choices as to accommodations? While this trip seems ideal to see 'more' of Alaska we are just trying to get a feel of what to expect. I am excited to try a newer HAL ship but obviously most of the trip is on land so perhaps the ship is not critical. Noordam makes a similar trip but it is really attractive for us to leave from Seattle as we can use many existing WN points. Many thanks in advance for your comments!

We did this tour also and it is highly recommended. We entered the new locks and transferred to this tour by bus (winding up on the Pacific side). I am envious at your pic as you show many open seats on the bow. Princess brought us to the tour just before departure and there were few choice seats available. We got 'lucky' sitting on a packed bow and getting some limited shade. Bring lots of sunscreen, hat, and coverup if you take this tour. It was cool being in a small boat and having that perspective along with being able to touch the canal walls. Seeing the canal was memorable and we will plan on a full transit in the future (just not on Princess... the Caribbean Princess was a hot mess and they handled the PC experience as badly. I am sure X or HAL would do a better and more professional job.

On paper the cruise lines are a financial disaster. That said, this is old school stock valuation. Everything is driven by the distortions of the Fed. Now if I could only find out what Jay Powell is buying....

Have been viewing this post with some interest and envious of those who had memorable Antarctic cruises (or expeditions). Just retired and we had booked 14 day Infinity in 2023 but ultimately canceled. Our concerns were weather (of course not predictable but understand potentially some of the roughest seas in the world. We tried to combine with other cruises trips out of BA but couldn't find anything that worked. Doing some research we were also very late in season (end of Feb.) Had some concern with Infinity as a older ship and one 'rumored' to be on the block and which has not been rehabbed. The killer for us was the horrendous air travel from the midwest. Tried to use some points but at the end of the day a lot of money and time with what we were convinced would be a strenuous day(s) of travel. Just sharing my observations and know they are specific to me and opinion but that is why we opted to do other travel instead. We hope to make this trip someday (God willing) but will immediately focus on some other trips. ps. we booked an exclusive all inclusive in Mexico in place of our cruise - somehow leaving the Midwest in WInter to see icebergs was less exciting than a swim up bar. Doesn't say much for our sense of adventure.

Irrespective of the nuances regarding the 'improper' response due to missing an order of toast I personally would be most reluctant to bring this to the attention of management. I have been pretty upset with many things over 40 years of travel but at the end of the day, unless some egregious act was committed, I do not see the virtue in causing a working stiff direct job grief (which I am sure will be the outcome from a complaint to management). If I did feel it warranted (because I am not proud of it but have been known to get upset over some minor things) I would address the individual directly, express my concerns, and tell him this will not be carried up the line. Maybe the butler just broke up with his girlfriend or has a sick child at home (thousands of miles away), and his performance has drifted or maybe he is ill suited for the job in which case he will be replaced (or promoted to CEO)but I can only imagine reporting dissatisfaction late in the cruise probably helps no one. Ultimately one can elect to leave no tip. Don't mean to come off as a working class hero (which I am not) but I do get frustrated that so much of the substandard service in the world is a direct result of management who control things and not the workers who are thrust into the system. JMHO

Kudos on your response. Thanks for bringing things down to earth. The few times we have had a butler on board we were somewhat uncomfortable and really felt it was unnecessary. I am sure the posters butler at home will not dare to make the same mistake😁

I have to agree that this pricing makes little sense. We booked an S1 this morning at around 5800 and based on comments from others here just checked X and same suite was over 9k. Frankly at the price we booked this morning was on the 'edge' (no pun intended) for us on a 7 night cruise. Pricing changing this dramatically over a year out it feels as if we are bidding for tulips during the infamous 'tulip mania'. When booking cruises over the past years I always felt that there was some consistency in pricing (ie. maybe plus or minus 20% with some greater last minute savings for unsold cabins) but it is disconcerting to me that rates can change so much on cruises out so far and 'overnight'. Anyway I hope everyone gets the cruises they desire at prices they feel are reasonable.

I would be remiss if I didn't thank you for the heads up on this. We just booked an S1. I know this is a good deal in the 'new world' of cruising and we are excited to try a new X ship and Retreat. We will be on Apex in October with an IV which I am not looking forward to but should be OK with our port intensive itinerary. As a sidebar we really like the MSC Yacht Club but these cabins price out about the same as the Ascent and we are thinking X will offer more. Happy sailing.

Yes, I get it. When we lamented about no bottled water on NCL we were bombarded with people who said the on board tap water was fine to drink. Not intending to get into a 'water war' but many of us drink bottled water routinely (even when we have 'safe' tap water at home)and when I am on vacation don't expect to change this preference/habit at the whim of a cruiseline. From an environmental standpoint glass would be a substitute that I would pay for (just in London and all the water at our hotel was served in wonderful glass bottles). Did not mean to come off 'on the attack' as I know you were just trying to be helpful but wanted to expand upon our impressions whether popular or not.

Thank you for taking time to answer so completely. Everything sounds good except for the no bottled water. We bumped NCL from our cruise list a few years ago when they dropped bottled water from their 'free' drink package. It sounds as if Virgin has some environmental concerns regarding plastics but there are many sources of water in glass bottles which we prefer anyway. Good to know and thank you again.

One more question please (I spent some time seeking an answer without success). Bottled water apparently is not included. Can anyone give some guidance on this. We are looking at this line as an option but we likely have 8 bottles of water a day and are used to drink packages an just wanted to get a sense of addition cost for lack of package. Thanks.

Thanks for responding!

Went to their site...was surprised at the low costs for these cruises. If readers would be kind enough to indulge a few questions...... by comments above sounds as if 'table for 2' dining is not the norm. Also it appears that they only assign cabins (no preselection)? Also it seems you can only book directly (no TA's). Thanks in advance.