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I like NCL for their freestyle cruising and itineraries. Things to watch for: -if you're a wine drinker or like coffees, water, or soft drinks you will need to upgrade the drink package -new thing of cabins not ready till after 3 on the first day? No way. I have a 2025 cruise booked, hoped they've addressed this by then -taking entertainment options away....this is ongoing and again, hope they have it fixed by 2025. The product is not what it was pre-Covid or even after the re-start -housekeeping very late to get to cabins, deal breaker for my sister who sailed them once and will not book again due to this I really, really used to enjoy NCL but they need to get their act together on the housekeeping and entertainment.

The pizza is great on MSC. As long as you accept that there are many other nationalities on board, many with different conduct rules than those in America you’ll be fine. A friend sailed with them awhile back and was furious at what she took to be rude behavior. Everyone in the world doesn’t wait their turn…when we were stationed in Germany in the 80s one of the orientation teachers was giggling about our four way stop signs. She said they’d never work in Germany and that if we wanted to be waited on in a shop we couldn’t just stand meekly at the back. Print and have handy ALL package details and don’t make changes to your reservation close to the cruise. DH and I really liked MSC, it was like a trip to Italy and a cruise at the same time.

Thank-you for this. I've now spent an hour looking at floor plans at the various Margaritaville communities 🙂

I use Cruise Plum. Ok for me to post since it isn't a travel agency. They have a price drop section, solo deals, hot deals, and last minute deals. I've found excellent deals there in the past. You can search by cruise line, # of passengers, length of cruise, embarkation ports, etc...

The big box TA shows connecting cabins.

I use two computers and book simultaneously. It’s irritating that the Princess website doesn’t allow you to book two cabins at the same time, some other cruise line websites have this feature.

Fly first. The long flight after is a downer.

Thank-you for this. Have CB booked for next summer and your balanced reflection helped calm some of the jitters caused by recent threads.

The Carnival Cheers package is a good deal. Specialty coffees, energy drinks, and decent wine. Buy or don’t buy, it’s the best deal you’re going to get on any of the cruise lines.

The thermal suite is not coming out of the Observation Lounge. Cabins will take the extra space so those of you wanting to use the spa and Vibe will have more people to contend with. None of us are winning.

I really liked the Joy when I sailed on her in June of 2019 but not at all happy about the smaller Observation Lounge. That was such a great part of the ship and to make it smaller is just greedy. Yes, I know it was originally smaller but that is not how the North American cruiser was introduced to the ship.

How are fake flowers that stay in the suite through many guest changeovers healthier than fresh flowers? I absolutely loathe fake flowers, plants, and greenery, as you said nothing but dust collectors.

My last day of work will be December 20, 2024. I’ve been counting down since the five year mark, cannot wait to be done!

A $10 Carnival gift card.

Great report, we're doing BI next July so taking notes 🙂

I LOVED the studio cabin on the Bliss. As others have said the lounge was great for coffee and meeting people. Have a wonderful time!

Yes, thank-you to @cr8tiv1 and @kapsgp I have 303 and 305 booked for a British Isles cruise next July. It was a good deal, no single supplement for DS’s cabin. I’m looking forward to the space and the free laundry.

Had a great experience at CT on Sky 6/17-7/1. I was only gold and in a mini-suite so no status and no suite preference. $130 with wine, well worth it. I requested immediately on boarding. That said like Carnival’s CT better as you can reserve a spot and pay before boarding. No wondering if you’ll be chosen and the experience was equal.

Thank God!!!

Fingers crossed, thinking good thoughts, etc...

Here we go again....

@CTGirl Yes, that was us 🙂 DS likes RC as well, especially the boardwalk view rooms on the Oasis class.

Thank-you @curlybelle2!

Hello @pikwe012, I put the medallion app on his ipad for check-in purposes, and used my credit card on his app for the payment. I added him to DH's and my dining and it worked perfectly. Once you've added him to one dinner or activity he will come up as an option for the remainder, and you can track him if necessary 🙂 Actually DH and I only had to use that feature for each other.

Rats, nothing for me and I have a cruise to pay off.