CCAubs

On 9/8/2022 at 2:43 PM, kelkel2 said:

I have.

Honesty for me, I just love the relaxation of a cruise. Everything is taking care of for me.

When I was a child we would vacation to a beach condo in Florida, but no meals were included. So we would grocery shop for the week for breakfast and lunch item and then would go out to eat for dinner.

I just like with cruises how drinks, food, snack, and entertainment are all at your fingertips. There’s no driving to dinner or navigating somewhere. Yes you have to get to the ship, but once you’re there, you’re set. 

So true! Now that I'm a parent, the convenience of a cruise that you described is even more appealing to me!

On 8/26/2022 at 10:03 PM, Susan in Maine said:

Sure I'd be interested in talking to them, depending on the publication.

Thank you so much for the reply! The interview has concluded, but I'll be sure to reach out if we get any similar requests!

On 8/26/2022 at 4:07 AM, calliopecruiser said:

Avoiding airports with a cruise vacation only applies to a small number of cruisers -- when I book a cruise, I still have airports (and air fares) to deal with.   The only difference is whether I go to a hotel or a cruise port after I get off the plane.

That's very true -- the decision to drive isn't one that everyone is able to consider. Out of curiosity, have you made any changes to your hotel/cruise port decision with the issues travelers have been facing at the airports?

On 8/25/2022 at 10:08 AM, YourWorldWithBill said:

Sure, I'd speak with someone, depending on the publication. Before a recent cruise from Greece up the Adriatic we debated doing a land package, but while we were on the cruise decided we were happy we chose the cruise. We've used tour companies, traveled solo, and now choosing cruises most of the time. Leaving for a cruise soon, and booking another.

Thanks so much for the reply! The interview has been completed, but will be sure to reach out if we receive any similar requests in the future. Glad to hear you had a wonderful cruise!

Aubrey from Cruise Critic here! We're working with a journalist who is looking to speak with a traveler who recently booked a cruise and can speak to why they've done so vs. another land-based option (avoiding airports, dodging high airfares, etc.). If you fit the bill and are interested in chatting sometime this week or next (before August 30, 2022), feel free to comment below and I can share more info/help connect you for an interview!

Thank you all for the voting and discussion! I clearly caused confusion -- apologies for that! While I do recognize most cruises are international (Canada, Caribbean, etc.), I intended to refer to those cruises that require intercontinental flights, and whether cruisers would prefer to sail those itineraries from the US vs. take a longer international flight to sail from a departure port elsewhere. Everyone's feedback is appreciated & noted!

On 4/12/2022 at 8:34 PM, cruisemom42 said:

After reading all of the comments, I would tend to agree that the survey question was not as clear as the OP probably intended. 

 

I took it to be a question regarding whether we would be interested in doing a far-flung itinerary but one that both began and ended in a US port to avoid the long-haul international flights. Something similar to the Voyage of the Vikings offered by Holland America that (I think) sails R/T from Boston up along Canada and Newfoundland to Greenland, Iceland and ending in Scandinavia. Then it returns. You can opt to do only half of the cruise (e.g., one-way) or the whole enchilada.

 

Fred. Olsen cruises, based in the UK does something similar. Almost all of their itineraries are R/T from various points in the UK. Apparently they have a loyal passenger base, many of whom apparently prefer not to fly. You might think they only cruise in a reasonable vicinity to the UK but in fact they offer some interesting options such as a Black Sea itinerary with many sea days (and a few judicious stops) along the way there and back again.

 

As the OP, I tend to agree with that as well LOL 🙂

That said, you interpreted it exactly as I'd meant for it to read! Wondering whether people would like to avoid international flights at present, and sail those itineraries from the US instead. Thanks for clarifying!

On 4/12/2022 at 5:03 PM, kochleffel said:

But a cruise from a foreign departure port, and there are plenty of them, wouldn't be departing from the US!

 

The practical issue involved is that a cruise from a US port to distant places is going to be a long cruise. I'm puzzled by the posts that don't seem to consider Canada, Bermuda, the Bahamas, Mexico, or the nearer Caribbean island to be foreign. For legal purposes, the ABC islands and all of South America are "distant foreign ports," but far enough from the Florida ports as to make a cruise to them too long for many travelers. NCL has its cruises to the ABC islands embark from San Juan instead of the mainland. Holland America offers long itineraries that originate from US ports, but that's a specialized market.

 

I'm beginning to think that the original post might have had a trolling intent.

I promise there was no trolling intent 🙂

We want to know: If you could board a cruise in a US domestic port and sail an international itinerary, would you choose that over flying to an international departure port to board your cruise?

Citing the impact of rising costs, Carnival will be raising prices of drinks packages, specialty dining and Wi-Fi -- in addition to gratuities (more on those price increases here: https://www.cruisecritic.com/news/6880/?preview=1).

If cruise lines were to implement increased fees, would you prefer fuel surcharges or increased fees for onboard services (beverage packages, Wi-Fi, etc.)?

On 3/6/2022 at 2:20 PM, Carnac767 said:

Great photos.  We just booked a TA on SD II for April 2023 and are trying to glean as much info as possible on the ship.  We've been cruising on NCL for the past 15 years and decided to give SeaDream a try.

Have a wonderful cruise! Colleen reviewed the ship upon her return, here's a link in the hope it's helpful! https://www.cruisecritic.com/reviews/review.cfm?ShipID=268

Greetings from SeaDream II!

19 hours ago, CPT Trips said:

I think the lack of an answer is the answer. 

+ @whogo

Happy to answer: Cruise Critic paid for this cruise.

Cruise Critic's editor-in-chief, @Editor Colleen, will be sailing on SeaDream II next week and would love to know if you have any questions about the experience (port stops include the Bahamas and Turks & Caicos). Post your questions here and she'll do her best to make sure she answers as many as possible in her report coming next week! 

On 1/24/2022 at 3:29 PM, Dazzlingred said:

What happens when the country you are doing a river cruise is Level  4 - High for covid?  Will (for example) Viking cancel the river cruise?

Good question. Based on how we're seeing lines handle the situation currently, the sailing wouldn't necessarily be canceled just because of the warning (ex: lines are still visiting Mexico). Guests can, of course, determine their own comfort level with disembarking.

The line does reserve the right to alter itineraries, though. So while they might not cancel the entire cruise, certain ports could be altered if they felt necessary (or if the country isn't welcoming guests, as we've seen in some destinations).

I hope that helps?

Here's the first report, including answers to some of the questions posted here! https://www.cruisecritic.com/articles.cfm?ID=6710

4 hours ago, Honolulu Blue said:

 

Yes, please ask all those questions directly.  Also post a link to the report when it's done.

 

In addition, answer the following IF YOU DARE (evil laugh 😈😞

• Any announcements from the Captain and/or CD about number and/or percentage of COVID cases among passengers and/or crew?
• Did any ports turn you away?  Why?  Did they explain?
• How is life in isolation? (don't go there just because I asked, but you might get there naturally)

Will definitely post the report here when it's up. Thanks for the questions -- they've been recorded!

One of Cruise Critic's editors is currently onboard Carnival Radiance to get a firsthand report of what it's like to sail during omicron — and she wants to address your questions/concerns, too! Wondering how strict the ship is being about safety protocols? Are passengers following the rules? Are some ship activities on hold? Is the ship at capacity? Post your questions here and she'll do her best to make sure she answers as many as possible in her Live From report later this week!

Please share your thoughts in the poll -- and any additional feedback in the thread below.

Cruise Critic also has an editor onboard who has shared her experience -- here's a link: https://www.cruisecritic.com/ab/agents/variation-a/news/6183/?preview=1

With the CDC hinting that cruising from the US could return as soon as mid-summer, how soon would you consider taking a cruise?

I know there are plenty of couples out there who found love at sea, and would love to hear your stories! Bonus points if Cruise Critic also helped play matchmaker in your love story ❤️

44 minutes ago, c-boy said:

 " Leaving San Francisco and sailing under the Golden Gate Bridge...….."

 

that's like a right of passage

I've never done it! I've just crossed *over* the bridge via car. Adding to my list, for sure! Must be incredible.

20 hours ago, clo said:

Antarctica

 

And where's yours???

 

I'm currently daydreaming about this view from the shores of St. Lucia 😍

Looking to daydream from home...

Tapping into cruise memories, what's been your favorite cruise port for incredible views? Bonus points if you have a photo to share.