SargassoPirate

BTW, the CVS on Federal Highway and 17th street in Fort Lauderdale appears to have testing appointments open on the 7th.

I recall testing and vaccination was required when I booked this cruise last June because I was looking to see where I could get a test in Fort L. This is the wording on my deposit confirmation from Princess: 3. It is the guest's responsibility to check with their travel advisor, the government authorities for the countries visited, and/or medical professionals to determine/verify visa and vaccination requirements and/or recommendations at sailing. Princess assumes no liability for a guest's failure to do so. Failure to present required travel documents, visas, and/or vaccination certificates at cruise check-in will result in denial of boarding without refund of the cruise or cruisetour fare. Visas issued onboard may include a service fee and prices are subject to change. See the Cruise Personalizer and Travel Summary for additional details. Visit the Cruise Answer Place at: www.princess.com/faq/. Then the rules were changed by Princess on October 21, 2022, that cruising was open to all with no testing or vaccinations required except for specific voyages. This voyage was not one of them. Later the rules for this voyage were changed based on Columbia's requirements, but I don't recall exactly when because it's a non-issue for me.. Here's what the cruise planner notification section currently states: Notifications COVID-19 VACCINATION AND TESTING REQUIREMENTS Please be advised that due to Colombian requirements, guests ages 19 and above on this voyage who are not fully vaccinated for COVID-19 must produce the results of a negative COVID-19 test at cruise check-in. This may be a PCR test taken within 72 hours of embarkation or a medically observed Antigen test taken within 48 hours of embarkation. Self-tests that are not medically observed are not accepted. Unvaccinated guests ages 18 and younger are not required to test. No COVID-19 testing is required for guests who are fully vaccinated. To be considered fully vaccinated a guest must have completed their final dose of an approved vaccine at least 14 days prior to embarkation.

I agree. While the package may be a convenience, I'd put the pencil to it, figure a reasonable daily consumption, and go a la carte if that's cheaper. The markup on booze is beyond reasonable on cruise ships. Does anyone think that when "the house" offers something as a package for your convenience they are losing money on it?

I usually stay at the Embassy Suites on 17th. Publix and Total Wine is close by. Another choice might be Holiday Inn on 17th, but I've never started there. They offer a free shuttle to and from the airport.

Really? The media sensationalizing any ship-related story? I'm shocked, shocked I tell you to learn that the media sensationalizes.

Interesting. It's wires and mirrors to me. When I order something from Amazon, my credit card number is on file and they automatically charge it when the item/items ship. However, it's a good practice to keep an eye on all of one's credit card billings and payment due dates and not depend on "automatic" payments and debits.

I've never had this happen because the big box requires my final payment two weeks ahead of the cruise line's final payment date - plus they send me email reminders. I can only imagine the nightmare scenarios if Princess kept one's credit card numbers on file and automatically charged the card when final payment dates approach.

In this day and age, why would anybody leave the US and not carry a passport? I don't understand, but then I've had a passport since I was in my twenties.

Classic transfer if accountability. Do something wrong or fail to do the right thing and it MUST be somebody else's fault.

I've always thought that some ship's cabins have been designed by people who never have to cruise in one. And with your experience from a wheelchair I would add that "accessable" doesn't necessarily mean it will work for someone who actually uses a mobility device

I learned from that same boss to develop a long range action plan and that has carried over to managing our bucket list travel. We have five trips in the works right now, with an action plan for each with planning milestones for hotels, flights, final payments etc It helps to be a little OC as well.

In the winter time, if I'm flying to Fort L or Miami for a cruise, I allow enough time that I can hop in the car and drive two days so as not to miss the ship if weather conditions are such that flights are delayed on my travel day. It's taking personal responsibility for getting yourself to the ship on time and thinking about a contingency plan when you book a winter time cruise months ahead. I remember what a boss told me once, and once was enough. "Poor planning on your part does not constitute an emergency on my part".

The best rule of thumb is to avoid blank areas and stick to cabins above, below, and across the corridor if you want to avoid being disturbed.

I agree on never flying the day of the cruise. For me the minimum is a day ahead and for January cruises it's two or three days ahead. I don't mind the extra days in the departure city and rather enjoy the slower, more relaxed pace instead if sweating bullets on the day of the cruise. But then, I am retired but can remember those days when I was on a tight vacation schedule trying to cram 10 pounds of mud into a 5 pound of sack.

With these sort of promises, I always adopt the philosophy of "Fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me". What they did to and for the OP is uncalled for and I hope he never signs up for SleazyAir again.

I've done several transatlantic and transpacific crossings and have found that the captains do everything possible to find smooth seas. When that doesn't go as well as it could, Mrs. Pirate uses ginger capsules for seasick prevention. I mostly cruise solo now and have found it easy and enjoyable to meet and talk to people. You are surrounded by an immediate affinity group with a common interest of travel. A ready smile and a raised glass for a greeting works wonders. If I'm sitting alone and someone asks if an adjacent seat is taken, I always say "No, I was saving it for you". One can cruise alone without being lonely.

The funny thing to me about class is that when I fly, I pay the extra to fly first class to lessen the chance for some feral child kicking the back of my seat and or cry/scream for several hours. I also fly first class for the comfort and extra service. When I cruise, I book Luxury Inside Suites to sleep and shower in. Once I step outside my luxury inside suite, as long as the ship has a full promenade, somewhere to get something to eat, and somewhere to get a wee dram or three in the evening I'm good

Will the lifeboats be seated by class?

When has passenger complaints ever helped? Passengers have been complaining about chair hogs, over-amplified MUTS shows all day, mobility devices parked in exit corridors overnight, and smoking in the casino among other things. Ever notice any changes? Right now a handicapped, chain-smoking, chair hog who parks his scooter in your path of exit travel is catered to regardless of the safety, health and convenience of the other passengers.

Love it, HB. I'd buy a couple if they were marketed.

A small roll of duct tape is standard in my travel tool kit and because of the info here I've added a small roll of blue painters tape. I took a shorty pencil and wound some blue tape around it.

No wrap-around promenade? That's a deal breaker for me. Lots of other lines and other ships to choose from with the amenities that are important to me. No sunrises or sunsets on the Sun for me.

I remember when it was two buck Chuck. Guess I'm getting old.

Speaking of the quality of wines, we did a blind taste test of wines at Pirate Manor several years ago. Whites, blush, and reds. She Who Must Be Obeyed did the pours and was the only one who knew what was what. Low and behold, the budget wines won out across the board. Even our wine snob friends were flummoxed and somewhat embarrassed that their palates betrayed them. But it was quite a fun party. I am reminded of the words of our town wino "wine is not wine unless you drink it from a brown paper bag behind the store where you bought it"

It's transitory and there is no recession. 😀