buddylover

2 minutes ago, beachbum6264 said:

It took me from 2004 - 2012. But I got in under the 'old plan'. Platinum used to be 10 cruises, I'm not sure exactly when it changed, but I got grandfathered in. I have a few more cruises than DH. He'll turn Platinum on our next Carnival cruise. We've taken several cruises on other lines too.

Yes, the 10 cruise system was a little unfair. I remember on our Med cruise we toured with 2 couples who were Platinum (they lived close to the ports) and had 10 cruises that were 3-4 day weekend cruises....so they had cruised like 36 days and were Platinum and had FREE LAUNDRY on that 12 day Med cruise....while we had cruised 60+ days in longer cruises, but fewer cruises and we were NOT Platinum.  I, for one, was happy that they tried to level the playing field with sea days....it is a little fairer (although there is still the argument regarding $$ spent - those who cruise in suites vs inside cabins and spend more $$ etc).

It took us about 7 years....but back when we started cruising the rules were different...you needed 10 cruises (of any length- I know, it was a very unfair system) to reach Platinum......and they changed the rules to the current 75 sailing days when we were 2 cruises away......so we ended up booking 3 cruises that year to get in under the old "10 cruises" plan.....so we became Platinum at 71 sea days......saved us one more cruise....LOL!!

On 7/6/2019 at 9:23 AM, angietimmons said:

Where do u return your rental car to?

Sorry this response took me so long we were out of town over the 4th.  We return the car to Port Canaveral rental sites (not far from the port) that shuttle us to the port after the return.  You have to do some research to make sure the rental company has a shuttle.  When we have gone, Budget, Avis, Alamo and Hertz had shuttle service from their off port location to the port, but make sure they still do (we went a year ago).

We usually book directly thru the cruise lines,  since pricing is the "same" and mandated by the cruise lines as such.  We have used a TA when the 'perks' they are offering (such as significantly higher OBC, free beverage packages, dining packages, and sometimes even more).  Otherwise, we book direct as the one disadvantage to using a TA is that you lose 'control' over your booking, which means that the cruise lines will not talk to you, only to the TA.  So, if there is a price drop, you have to call the TA, and the TA then needs to call the cruise lines.  Sometimes, by the time the TA does this, the price has gone up and you are SOL!  We prefer booking direct with the cruise lines - price is the same!

53 minutes ago, Barb Nahoumi said:

What about a mini suite.  The space is a bit larger with a sleeper sofa and a queen bed which can be separated into twins.

If I remember correctly, there is more drawer space and a larger bathroom.

No suite perks.

We travel a lot with 3 of us (all grown adults) in a balcony, but we have often upgraded to "mini suites" on the cruise lines that offer them when available.  The cabins are a little larger, thus a little more storage. Of course, we would prefer only 2 in the cabin, but like the OP says, the cost is double for the cabin containing only 1 pax.  It is definitely doable.

Balcony for Alaska to us is a MUST do!!  We spent lots of time on balcony in September - aside from the 'sights' which are non-ending there was a "Naturalist" on board that talked and narrated the 'bays' and what we were seeing which was piped in over the ships PA system.....it was just incredible!  Additionally, we saw all kinds of 'sea life' (dolphins, Orcas) swimming and jumping in the water as we cruised the Inner Passage.....photo ops non stop and breathtaking scenery.  In Alaska, a balcony to us is a "must"....it is a huge part of the trip!

25 minutes ago, rtkenmore said:

 

Where? What time? What hotels?

I answered all of those questions on multiple weekends and you still argued that they didn't exist.  I ran searches on marriott.com and found dozens of hotels under $150 (which is not what you originally argued, you said you couldn't find anything under $200)...  And several of those under $150 were in the in the $130's.  Even after give you specific dates and hotels, you claimed you still couldn't find the rates quoted yet I could and anyone who plugged the dates in using the Senior Rate I was using could as well.  So yeah, I still stick by my comment that you don't know how to do your homework when you kept on saying nothing under $200.  You want me to run the searches again?  I bet I can still find plenty of options under $150...

 

Also, as many times as you kept demanding to know what dates and what hotels.. You never said what your actual travel dates were.  Bet I could find under $200 and likely even under $150 for your dates...  😁

Under $200??? Yes, they ALWAYS existed.....re-read my original posts!  And "even under $150"......NOPE NOT what you said, you said you got rooms for $118/nite....BIG DIFFERENCE!  It is NOT your wallet paying, it is mine and anyone who thinks someone would WANT to pay 'close to $200' is out of their minds.  We ALL do our 'due dilligence' in researching to save our OWN pocket books $$$.  You are NOT the only person on CC who knows how to find "great rates".....I am a 'pro' at that....but to put in rates closer to $100 than to $200, as you originally stated,  is an outright fib, those rates have not existed since I began my search.  Don't quote if you don't know time of year....that is precisely why I asked you when you got your $118/nite rate....remember???    Sorry.........

On 5/31/2019 at 8:28 PM, beerman2 said:

Not picking sides and bored today so I checked Marriott web-site. Did find some under $200.00 using AAA rate for Feb. 22-23 , 2020. Did find quite a few by the airport.

 

I know rates change all the time on hotels, flights and car rentals. It pays to check often. Find a rate you are comfortable with and book.

 

The low $100's was a stretch, however there were some in the $150 range which for Miami in high season is very, very good. 

 

 

Yes, thanks......these are the rates that I have been discussing all along, $150 and UP is what it has been all along since I started my search.....AND what it has been for the past several years at that time of year.  I am well aware, as I have stated over and over, that it is "high" season in Florida which began this whole debacle.  Others had to jump in and tell me I don't know how to do my "homework", don't know how to use Marriott's site (among MANY other sites) and that they got rates of $118/nite???  That was when I asked, "where??", "what time frame??", "what hotels??"......just got lip service about how cheap they travel and I don't know how to find the "deals".  So be it.....I am off to other 'searches' now, but I thank you for your input.  It is exactly as I have been seeing and finding myself - and, YES, rates fluctuate but not by $100/nite.....LOL!!

53 minutes ago, Tinious said:

I have my eye on connected cabins on a sailing in January.  The best "reward" that I can find through a few TA's that I checked is Costco cash back cards.  Unfortunately, I can't book the specific rooms I want online -- but when I called they said to book with Royal, then call to have the booking transferred over and I could get the promotions as a result.

 

I understand why this is good for me. 

 

I understand why this is good for Costco.

 

But why the heck would Royal allow bookings be moved over like this?  Surely this means they get less money as they're paying a TA commission on something that I would otherwise book direct?  Or perhaps this is simply the cost of doing business -- it's a way for Royal to offer extra incentives to customers who are willing to deal with the extra steps of transferring a reservation...

 

Just trying to understand what the catch may be so I'm not shafted somehow.

I understand picking specific cabins not showing up online (we have this happen all the time).....but any TA should be able to call RCI and secure your specific cabins if available for you, including Costco TA's, if you call them.  You shouldn't really need to book with RCI to get these cabins then have to transfer to a TA in order to obtain 'specific' cabins that you want that are available but not showing up online.

11 hours ago, cincicruisers said:

We always cruise the last week in February.   The rates you listed are the same as I have seen each year for that timeframe.  Would love to see $100/night but no luck.

Thank you!!  That is precisely the pricing we have found and paid each year when we have cruised in late Jan - late Feb.  That is "high season" in Florida and rates have been quite high for several years now.  We would all love to pay a lot less....that is why I search non stop and book "cancellable" hotels....so if I do happen to stumble on a great rate, I grab it and cancel the next best one I had booked!  It does take work and time, since all we do typically is sleep in the room the night before a cruise.....just hate to pay close to $200 for less than a full 24 hour day!!

On 5/20/2019 at 11:29 AM, rtkenmore said:

 

February 22-23rd on an AARP/Senior rate direct from Marriott.com...

 

Miami Airport Marriott - $178

Sheraton Miami Airport - $175

Fairfield Inn & Suites Airport - $160

Townplace Suites Airport - $186

Aloft Miami Airport - $169

Four Points Airport - $152

Courtyard Miami Airport -$144

Townplace Suties Airport West - $169.

Springhill Suites Doral - $161

Aloft Doral - $143

Element Doral - $144

Courtyard Miami Lakes - $135

Townplace Suites Miami Lakes - $135

Courtyard Miramar - $118

 

Tell me again how I'm wrong?  14 hotels ALL under $200 and seven under $152.  The same results I've been finding all morning.  You stink at your research... Sorry not sorry.

 

Sorry Shoppie124..  Hopefully all this research will give you some additional ideas for hotels.  They can definitely be found well under $200/night with reputable brands throughout the area.

You insist on keeping a war alive.....however, we NEVER prepay as we fly in and don't take risks on losing our hard earned $$....secondly, can't find ONE rate that you have listed above either on AARPs site or Marriotts.....don't know where you are getting your info.  Plus, your argument has changed....you originally were stating pricing closer to $100/nite (like $118, $137), now you have upped your ante to my original comment and pricing of closer to and over $200/nite???  Since I am the one looking to book the hotel room, and must book at the pricing I find in my exhaustive search (whether you believe it or not!) I would LOVE to find pricing as low as you post....however, it is and has not been at those low rates since I booked and the hotels posted their rates over a year ago for Feb 2020!  Would snap up a Marriott, or like hotel, at the rates you started out claiming closer to $100/nite!!  Conversation with you is officially 'closed' on my behalf, I do know of what I speak and of the high pricing at that time of year in Florida!

On 5/19/2018 at 7:58 PM, coevan said:

 

 

 

Hostility? seriously, read it again. There is nothing hostile in my post.

 

FBW, there is no "funny stuff" going on, the bartenders have nothing to gain by short pouring.

The bartenders, i.e, CCL, DO have something to 'gain' by short pouring.....it's known as $$$$.

33 minutes ago, evandbob said:

 

 

Perhaps, but I'm often critical of Carnival in my postings, at least way more than some cheerleaders.  I just try to post my experience and feelings, positive and negative, about a cruise line I've sailed 40 times.

Nah,  I wouldn't call you "negative" at all, just honest and a realist......which is the best way to be, especially on CC where folks are looking for truthful opinions.  That is pretty neat, though, dinner with the Captain is really 'special'!!

19 hours ago, GA Dave said:

I like my own bowl of butter. 

 

NO, not on CCL........hey, there are tablecloths in this pic???

22 minutes ago, evandbob said:

We and another couple ate dinner with the Captain and 5 of his top officers in the MDR - they seated us at the first round table behind the Maitre'D's station.

 

Have no idea why we were picked - maybe being Diamond had something to do with it, maybe not.

Yeah, maybe🤔......and maybe your visibility here on CC too???

Great pic!  Thanks!!

50 minutes ago, rtkenmore said:

 

Wrong again buddylover...

 

January 11th with a AARP/Senior rate...  $135/night at TWO different Marriott hotels.

January 18th with a AARP/Senior rate...  $135/night at TWO different Marriott hotels.

February 7th for 2 nights with a AARP/Senior rate...  $152 at one hotel and $144 at another.

 

Again, that took me all of 5 minutes to find those rates.  You aren't trying too hard.

 

 

And since you demand names...  Aloft, Four Points, Courtyard are the ones I just found above.  Not hard at all buddy.

OK rtkenmore.....just NOW, here are the rates for my upcoming Feb cruise on Marriotts website (parameters:  Feb 22-23, Senior rate)

• Courtyard Miami Brickell  $246/nite
• Aloft $271/nite
• Springhill Suites $269/nite
• Residence Inn Coconut Grove $267/nite
• Residence Inn Miami Beach $349/nite
• Courtyard Miami Beach $399/nite
• Courtyard Miami Coral Gables $254/nite (cheaper further out?)
• Four Points by Sheraton $263/nite
• Towne Place Suites Miami Airport $186/nite (close enough to $200/nite?)
• Element $218/nite
• Courtyard Miami Airport $220

Hot off the press just now....on Marriotts own site.  Case "closed" rtkenmore.  Now who is right??  This is the proof you have been avoiding....I do know of what I speak as it is my $$$ being spent and my hours of research looking.  The costs hover and most are above the $200 dollar mark. Yes, there are motels and some hotels very very cheap, but that is not the point.  The point is that the typical hotel we have always stayed in has gone way, way up in price in the past few years to the pricepoints I have shown you above.  It is my vacation, and where we stay is our choice, and all that I have been trying to convey is that it has drastically gone UP in the past few years for the same properties in  the mid January to mid February time frames.  We travel frequently, so I research frequently...and my one and only point to the OP, was "Yes, it has gotten quite expensive" to travel to Florida (including very high airfare prices as well that increased when fuel went up in price and have not come down).  I am not talking about using "points' to pay for a hotel stay, but paying $$$, hard earned $$ and the prices indicated on Marriott's website (your choice of hotel chain) are well over $200/nite average.  Case closed on my end - I know of what I am speaking!

Just now, rtkenmore said:

 

What dates?

What HOTELS?

19 minutes ago, graphicguy said:

You have to do some leg work.  There are plenty of hotels well under $200/nite.  Personally, I'd pick my top 5 hotel chains and go to their web sites (hotels.com, and some of the other travel sites don't have rates any better than hotel brand sites, unless you bundle airfare).  Once at their site, pull up the day(s) you plan on being there.  See how fares change with the areas where their hotels are located.

 

Don't be afraid to take a room further from the airport or from the port and uber/lyft in if you find a good rate.

 

Like anything else, you have to shop a little bit.

 

Personally, I always include Holiday Inn, Marriott, aLoft, Best Western, and SPG in my searches.  Don't forget to look at all the associated brands aligned with the above hotel chains.  You may have to sift through 20-30 hotels.  And, it's a good idea to see how the rates change from one day to the next.  But, you can find decent rates.

 

It usually takes me as much time to find a hotel as it does a cruise when I'm planning.

 

Good luck!

Same here.....I always go to the hotel website....they are typically the same or more often than not, even cheaper with 'free cancellation' (which I always do book- as we have to fly in during winter...uggghh).  It actually takes me longer to book the hotel and typically a car rental than to find and book the cruise.....LOL!  If you book  further from the airport/cruise port, then you have to rent a car (an added expense) as shuttles from most hotels are only in a radius of the airport/cruiseport.  The Hampton Inn Brickell, Holiday Inn Cruiseport are at $239/nite right now for our dates .....and have been OVER $200 the entire time I have searched.  So good luck to all of you finding great rates.  We have a hotel booked, further out, but are renting a car too....still cheaper than a hotel close to airport and cruiseport for February.

13 minutes ago, rtkenmore said:

 

And just for sh*ts and giggles...  February 7th for 2 nights on an AARP rate there are 8 Marriott branded hotels within 5 miles of MIA under $200 a night and three of those are $160 or less.

 

And in March 13th for 2 nights on a AARP rate, I found the same 8 hotels under $200 and within 5 miles of the airport.  Also, three of them still priced $160 or less per night with one at $144/night.

 

For a seasoned traveler, I would think this wouldn't be too hard.  Again, took about 5 minutes to find these rates.

Ahhh, now you are getting more like it....YES under $200, like I have been saying all along.....NOT $119, like you said.  Thanks, but you still have not listed the specific hotels......not true unless your claims can be documented.  

Just now, buddylover said:

Not going to get in a match with you....but not everyone has AAA (we for one do NOT), but we do have AARP and we too are very seasoned travellers.  It is NOT BS, it is factual....the week of Dec 7 is "shoulder season", one of the cheapest around......January and Feb are 'high season' and if you go to your valued Marriott site and look you will be hard pressed to find any rates under $200 nite....I try harder than you do, as I compare all the sites....including Marriott's own site.  The subject of this thread started out about how much hotels have gone UP in price.....and YES, they have, especially in Jan, Feb March, their high season......comparing apples to apples (and not to shoulder season in Dec)....the rates are incredibly higher.  You need to do some more hunting yourself in the months being discussed, your narrow search is BS to what the rest of us are looking at!

Oh yea, and what "Marriott brand" hotels, by NAME have you found for under $140 and $152 and where are they located.  Name them....I have been looking at Marriott dot com since before the pricing was even open.....not close to what I find on their website.  State facts, ie, names of the hotels and locations...otherwise your information is not factual at all.  Like saying "the census of 2015" and not stating any parameters.....anyone can say anything, but you skirt the hard facts.  Please state them, so we can all jump on these great deals (that no one else can find).  Thanks!

8 minutes ago, rtkenmore said:

 

You must not be trying very hard...  

 

December 7th for 1 night in Miami - Found five Marriott brand hotels under $152 on marriott.com (AAA rate)

January 11th for 1 night in Miami - Found three Marriott brand hotels under $140 on marriott.com (AAA rate)

January 18th for 1 night in Miami - Found three Marriott brand hotels under $140 on marriott.com (AAA rate)

February 7th for 2 nights in Miami - Found one Marriott brand hotel under $150 on marriott.com (AAA rate)

 

The $119 rate I broked was the day the schedule released for that particular week (December 7th) at the Aloft Miami Airport.  They are currently quoting $137 (AAA rate), $139 (Senior rate), and $124 (Prepaid rate).  I only use Marriott.com as I'm a long time rewards member (legacy SPG) that typically winds up with at least a basic upgrade and I've just been loyal for over a decade to SPG/Marriott.  I'd rather book direct for the perks I get than go through hotels.com or travelocity.com.  Hotel rates can and do change constantly though as most hotels have gone to some type of demand based booking system.  I look about once a week at all of my current reservations and compare my current rate (usually AAA or Senior) with what the current rates are at the same hotel or other nearby hotels that may be of interest.  For December 7th, I'm not likely to beat $119 for the night but all this talk about "nothing under $200" is BS.  There are plenty of options under $200 and even a healthy variety under $150.  Are they all 4 or 5 star hotels?  Absolutely not...  But I don't have to have a 5 star Embassy suite for a one or two night stay before a cruise.  I just searched Hotels.com for December 7th and found 20+ hotels under $150 a night and another 14 under $150 in mid January (11th).

 

And since you mentioned LaQuinta..  yeah, found it on Hotels.com for $149 a night in mid-January.  I don't know what to tell you..  Try harder.

Not going to get in a match with you....but not everyone has AAA (we for one do NOT), but we do have AARP and we too are very seasoned travellers.  It is NOT BS, it is factual....the week of Dec 7 is "shoulder season", one of the cheapest around......January and Feb are 'high season' and if you go to your valued Marriott site and look you will be hard pressed to find any rates under $200 nite....I try harder than you do, as I compare all the sites....including Marriott's own site.  The subject of this thread started out about how much hotels have gone UP in price.....and YES, they have, especially in Jan, Feb March, their high season......comparing apples to apples (and not to shoulder season in Dec)....the rates are incredibly higher.  You need to do some more hunting yourself in the months being discussed, your narrow search is BS to what the rest of us are looking at!

17 hours ago, rtkenmore said:

 

What days are you searching?  It matters what sites, what days, how many days, what rate codes, etc...  The $119 is no longer available but I just found several around the airport in the $130's...

Exactly, which is why I am asking you what site YOU are finding these incredibly low prices.  I have been cruising for a while now, and always need to fly to the port, so this is not a new search for us.  So please answer, what sites are you using to find these prices, as I use probably most of them myself (hotels dot com, priceline, hotwire, expedia, travelocity, AARP, the hotel sites directly etc.).  I don't think I leave any 'stone unturned'....and the prices in mid January to mid February are double you quotes, and have been for quite some time.  Please do tell us where you are finding $119 or even $130 (for a Holiday Inn Express, Hampton Inn, Embassy Suites, Fairfield, Springhill Suites, Hyatt Place, Residence Inn or equivalent type hotel) in Miami???  Even LaQuintas are close to $200 nite??  Very confused with your information.  (The same holds true for the Ft. Lauderdale and surrounding areas as well - i.e., Plantation, Doral, Pembroke Pines etc).

22 hours ago, rtkenmore said:

 

We're cruising in December and booked at $119/night for one night prior at an airport hotel (Marriott brand).

What is the hotel name? and on what website did you find that price?  There is nothing under $179/night and most hover over $200/nite, especially Marriott brand, in late January/February...and I have searched Marriotts website for December and don't see anything for $119/night either??  Hmmm......you got a great deal, if truly $119, but one that I can't seem to find now, nor have been able to find for several years now.  The prices hover close to almost double that!

16 hours ago, bonvoyagie said:

Not sure when you booked your flights - but now the cost of jet fuel is low and airlines have good rates. I usually start looking at airfare about 300 days out from when I want to cruise. I see where united has some good fares between Buffalo and Miami right now at around 300/per person RT. I don't often travel on embarkation day and try to stay in a hotel that offers free pickup from the airport and delivery to the cruise terminal - saves a lot on taxi/ubers.

 

Once you get on a longer cruise (sorry but Seattle to SFO is not much of a cruise and it was for work. The cruise ship is a fantastic floating/traveling hotel with full entertainment and meals included.

 

Relax and enjoy it. You will love the suite life on NCL.

We, too, try to book when flights open about 330 days out (as we book cruises when they 'open' too).....but lately, even with the cost of fuel low, the price of tickets is HIGH!!  It depends, of course where you are flying to and from, tickets to FLA from Chicago are around $400 on the low side...we used to fly rt for about $225 and they had zoomed up when fuel went up in cost, and have NOT come back down....hmmmm!!