Taxguy77

My tuxedo is tighter and for some reason the old photos of me make it look like I have darker hair. :)

The photographers were better then, my last photo they even missed my hair!:p

Don't have a tux and just gave my suit, which shrunk badly in the closet, to charity.

We spent a night on the Queen Mary, now a hotel in Long Beach, California, in what had been a first class room. It was huge and the bath was as large as a couple of rooms we've had on modern ships. The portholes (no windows then) were so high DW could hardly reach them and I could not see out. Of course the Queens are liners, not cruiseships.

Prices for 3rd and 4th passengers in a cabin have everything to do with shortages - but not in the way you might guess.

 

First you need to realize that in the cruise industry - EVERYTHING IS ABOUT THE MONEY.

 

Now that we all know that fact, we can move on.

 

Cruise lines do not especially like 3rd and 4th passengers in a cabin.

Why?

Because they are usually children.

Children do not drink, do not gamble, do not go to the spa, and quite often do not tip.

We don't make any profit from having them onboard.

Their parents, more often than not, do not have very much money either. They spent most of their money on the kids - before the cruise started.

 

Cruise lines that are having (low) occupancy problems are the only ones that give lower rates to 3rd and 4th berths - only because they must in order to fill their cabins. A cabin filled with low spenders is better than an empty cabin.

 

The rest of us (Disney excepted) go to sometimes extraordinary lengths to keep those 3rd and 4th beds empty, and the first 2 beds occupied by people who are able to spend more money.

As usual, you know the answer and can articulate it so we can all understand. Thanks for all your informative posts.

Depends on what ship you're on and the docking schedules. We were on Azamara, docked and swam for an hour or so, then walked to Margaritaville for a beer and music. Walking back, a Celebrity ship had docked and had two doors open for pax to head off the ship.

I put my cane in front of me and leaned it and the mob parted enough that I wasn't knocked down.

Another reason NOT to take a big ship! I don't like mobs.

A few years ago we made a TA on X and enjoyed it very much.

Two years later, we made a TA on HAL. No additional comment.:(

They do just that in Asia out of Hong Kong and Singapore on a daily basis. One of those "gambling/casino ships" is Norwegian Cruise Line's former Skyward and another is then RCCL's former Sun Viking

We used to have 2 gambling ships on the South Texas coast. They got past the line so they could open the casino, but were still in cellphone range.

They served an included lunch on the daytime cruise that was very good.

I also like the smaller ships, but their age and lack of repair is what is causing some of the A/C/ and plumbing issues that are causing many complaints.

 

I have a 2005 Toyota Avalon with 70,000 miles on it. It has had good care and proper service and I expect it to give me another year or so before I have to replace it. If it starts to give me trouble, then it will be replaced sooner.

 

The problems with some of the smaller ships is their problems.

Our 2003 Avalon has 74,000 miles, mostly due to having a second car until recently. Would love a new car, but the Avalon has so many luxury items it's hard to find a new affordable car. Not to mention the higher insurance cost in this area.

Many folks who haven't done it, believe they will be in a small rowboat type of thing....they don't realize what a real "tender" on these cruiseships is all about!

 

I don't think many able-bodied folks who have tendered are fearful....it seems to be those who have never seen it done!!

 

And yes...it is an inconvenience compared to docking!

In Capri they have a strong union that won't let a ship use its own boats. The boats they use look like wooden rowboats, only quite a bit larger and with a motor.

My first suitcase was purchased in the 50s for a trip to Peru with a friend whose sister was getting married. She saw it and asked if she could borrowed it for her honeymoon in Argentina and of courses I said yes.

After graduation (and a year to save some money) I took it to Europe where it spent every day for 3 months in a luggage rack on top of the car. Only damage was a crease in it from the rack, after being loaded about 85 times.

I never could wear it out, but now it is to heavy for the planes, and without wheels, for me too.

No longer buy quality, just use duck tape when needed on cheap luggage.

Hi

 

I have a few

 

Can I use American dollars in Alaska' date=' do they speak English will I see igloos.

 

 

 

also its has been warmer in Alaska than its been in Boston this January[/quote']

 

My cousin grew up in Indianapolis and was stationed in Alaska while in the Army. He said the average winter temperature was warmer in anchorage!

Our average temperature here is in the 70s now. I'll stay here.

I think one of the funniest ones I have seen was a post on these boards where a poster stated that the people on the catamaran tour had to use the Jacob's ladder to get to the catamaran in Tracey Arm.

 

too funny - for those that don't know - that's that rope ladder thing - you seriously think HAL would ever use that for tours :p:p

 

I think you would need 17 walking people for the symbol for that tour if it were true. ;)

Wish we had had one on a snorkel trip in Cozumel! Climbing up onto the Cat was tough for we older folks. :(

The good part was we got a glass (or two) of Tequila when we made it. We seemed to be a generation older than most of the folks, and when they said "Jump if you want to swim" a lot of folks stayed on board.

As you have already discovered that you don't like sea days, I would pass on it. A cruise that you know that you will not enjoy is not a bargain, irregardless of the promotion. Skip it and use the money for an itinerary that you will enjoy.

Absolutely!

DW and I love TAs, but a good friend was bored with two sea days in a row.

Do what you enjoy most, it's your vacation!

Please believe me I am not trying to slam Travel Agents. But the question is "What is the worst Problem you have ever had with a Travel Agent and what did you do to resolve it?"

Booked us to leave from an airport 400 miles away. Made her find air and motel allowing us to make the cruise. Never used nor recommended the agent again.

This is our second cruise (Celebrity Reflection, Eastern Caribbean 7-days, out of Miami, 1/25-2/1/14); however, it's been 12 years. Our cruise was booked by a travel agent both times. I have a few questions.

 

(1)

(2)

(6) (7) on the ship (in other words, are evenings outdoors on the ship, considered cool)?

 

Thanks.

You really should ask your travel agent.....BEFORE you book.

Among mass-market lines (which category probably should not include Oceania), I would say HAL, Cunard and Celebrity are best, then Princess and Royal Caribbean on a par, followed by Carnival, then NCL in dead last . Of course, the speciality restaurants on all lines are generally better than MDR's.

Cunard mass market? Thought they were higher.

I would put HAL below Celebrity, but tastes differ, and cruises do, too.

Lima (Callao) , visited friends and family.

Dubrovnic, beautiful old city, friendly people.

Ireland, talk about friendly people!

Venice, see it before it's underwater all the time. I stayed there over 50 years ago and revisited a few years ago. Wear old shoes if you don't know the tides.

Yes, I've been to the Carribean and Bermuda, spoiled by too many tourists and too much commercialism. Please excuse spelling.

When I had a fishing boat, I always told my guests where the lifebelts were. Even though I had some different kinds of belts and had been on several cruiselines, I found an entirely new kind on one ship. I'm glad I went, it would have been embarrassing to go into a lifeboat still trying to get ready.

Understandable, but we all know the rules prior to paying for the cruise. If you go to a restaurant, do you bring your own alcohol if the alcohol prices aren't reasonable? Probably not because you know the consequences of doing it. Royal doesn't seem to be enforcing this rule which they should.

Knew a person that did. :(

If I have a drawer that won't stay shut, I'm going to call for someone to come fix it, not try to cob job a solution myself.

At least on our last two ships there were catches that kept the drawers from sliding around and doors from opening. I would assume they would be on all ships, but I guess not. Instead of duct tape, why not bring along those felt dots so that the drawers don't bang? Duct tape leaves as sticky residue but the dots could just be left in place.

 

 

Autocorrect responsible for most typos...

In 1957 I crossed the North Atlantic on a Japanize freighter, very small compared to ships today, with no stabilizers. The dishes all had curved edges so liquids could not spill and peas could not roll off the plate (they rolled very well the 2nd night out. Never had a drawer bang. Passenger capacity was 12, but we only had 11 on board.

Does anyone remember the chimes to announce mealtime? We had a boy who played them outside the cabin for breakfast, and the other meals if anyone was in their cabin. Each meal had a different tune.

While I'm sorry to hear your disappointment with your Eurodam cruise, I appreciate your sharing your comments with us.

 

I do wonder though if there may not be some nexus between your statement above which I have quoted and the level of food quality and service? When people don't pay much, how much can we hope to receive?

 

When the price is so 'excellent', it is hard for the food to be five star along with the service.

 

Just me musing......

 

Talking about NCL or HAL?

I empathize, Chief, with what you experienced. Disembarking Celebrity Eclipse last February was the worst cruise experience I have had. I wonder if this is a Fort Lauderdale issue rather than a Federal agency nation-wide issue. Disembarking Eurodam in New York on September 12th, there were 16 Customs agents in the terminal processing passengers. It was quick, smooth, and easy!

We were off at FLL and went thru the airport line for SWA only to find we were too EARLY! Another trip through the line made it late enough to go through the gov't C#$%^&*( and get something to drink.

I wanted coffee when we got to the airport, but by the time we got through immigration, I was ready for something stronger!!:):p

They also have some good food at the bar if you ask.

Yes and Yes, in most cases. There might be an odd exception when you cannot go immediately to your cabin but most of the time, when they begin boarding guests (usually around 11:30 A.M., give or take), guests' cabins are ready for occupancy.

 

And yes, you can wait in your cabin to debark but you likely will be off the ship by about 9:30 at the tail end of debarkation...... in most cases. Our debark times are predicated upon our ongoing travel plans such as early flight, no air travel required etc

No and No, in our case.

Debarkation I watched the ship come to the dock and tie up, then had to fight my way through a mob (MOB!!!) of people to get to my stateroom. I am no longer strong enough to disembark early (or middle :().

Like the other lines we have used. First and last days are the reason I may not cruise again. Love the shipboard days, and the sea. :p

I'm sorry but I just don't understand. If you are super happy with one line why would you cruise another? I cruise Princess and I do enjoy it. The reason I cruise Princess is because I'm not completely thrilled with Hal. I generally get better pricing on Princess. If I was completely thrilled with Hal I wouldn't consider another line.

They didn't say they were "completely thrilled" with HAL.

I loved the beds (Best I ever had on any ship, including a couple of freighters) and the buffet was great, but I was not completely thrilled with several lacks, including the MDR.

Sorry to hear of your loss. I would hate to do a cruise without DW, and hope this helps you at this time.

Years ago, NCL had smoking on one side and not on the other. The side made big difference to some people.

Times change.

Gee; and I was only worried about all the "snowbirds" crowding the bar when I went to play trivia1 :( Oh well, they're friends I only get to see in the winter. :)