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After 10 cruises, Donna and I will be taking a break and going to an all inclusive resort in the Caribbean There are reasons for this. First of all on our last cruise we visited Key West and The Cayman Islands. Both places were unbelievably crowded. The shops, the bars the streets-it was awful. The 7 mile beach in G.C. was the same.Now Royal Caribbean are going to introduce the 200,000 ship to further contaminate the popular islands such as Jamaica, ,St. Thomas, St. Marteen My question is WHY? Haven't they already put the biggest ships into the Caribbean at 150,000 tons not to mention the Voyager class at 138,000. I fear for the future of cruising. Many people I have spoken to reflect on their cruising experience saying not only are the major ports crowded but the"Mickey Mousing " of passengers on board for extra money even for bottled water is ridiculous. Don't get me wrong. I love cruising but not the hassle that is now a big part of the experience. I blame Royal Caribbean for their greed. Not only are they an expensive cruise line compared to Carnival, Ncl, Costa etc with the smallest staterooms afloat, but now they will be ruining the wonderful Caribbean Islands with the off loading of all these mega liner passengers.The Caribbean is not the Pacific or Atlantic Ocean with room for thousands of these mega ships. Caribbean cruising doesn't need any more ships. Many lines cannot fill the berths available now. I will be interested to read any comments. Regards, James.

Hi folks, I haven't been on this board for a few months but occasionally "drop in". This is one of those times! Your subject is one which really bothers me. Not so much on cruises but everyday life.On one cruise I think we asked the maitr'd to move us when we were seated with one of these "know alls" It drives me mad when whatever you have done they have done something more. Or they argue just for arguing sake! Another time we were so fed up with one guy we decided to eat at the Lido buffet instead of the main dining room.Regards, James

I really would like a balcony cabin overlooking the wake. Regards, James

Another great question. Well a few things spring to mind. Firsty smoking. I think at least one ship in a cruise line's fleet should be non smoking,like the Paradise USED to be. Secondly, ban childen from the adult hot tubs by having a cruise line employee assigned to the pools.Pool bands! they are for the most part dreadful- lacking in polish and rehersal.Boring table mates who only want to talk about themselves with absolutely no interest in other people. This last item is probably the most frequent gripe we have. Regards, James.

This is a belated reply to Gregswife. We are thinking of Sandals in Montego Bay as our All Inclusive. Read some great reviews-and some not so great (just like cruises).No doublt we shall compare AI to cruising.If we can possibly fit in a 7 day cruise this year-we'll do it. Can't stand the thought of no cruises booked!! Regards, James.

You guys ask some awesome questions!! I mean I could take days answering this one. I think I'll just list a FEW of my thoughts: 1. All of my ships to have a pool at the stern with adequate deck chairs 2. No smoking anywhere except at a designated outdoor bar. 3. Every stateroom to have a partitioned toilet/shower-similar to some NCL and Disney ships. 4. Like other posters-a good form of carpeting that is hard wearing and durable 5. More security guards especially around pool areas making sure pool and hot tub rules are followed. 6. Entertainment at poolside to be "destination themed" and of much better quality. 7. Cruise Director and their staff should be far more passenger friendly Well anyway that'll do for now. I'll continue on with the other 400 items later.(Joking, joking) Regards, James.

What great pictures you guys posted. Loved them all. I also like pictures of the pool areas with people enjoying themselves along with the ship docked at a lovely resort such as the Turks and Caicos. Regards, James.

Hi Frostyboy, I know how you feel. After just coming off a 5 day cruise which of course was not long enough, I'm yearning for more. I was amazed on our cruise how many people had done over 45 cruises and one couple over 70-made me so envious!! Nothing as yet planned for us this year but we are thinking of an All Inclusive week in Jamaica.This is to prove to Donna that All Inclusive is REALLY All Inclusive-apart from Spa Treatments.There again if we come into any money we'll do a cruise too!!! Regards, James.

Hi folks and a Happy New Year to you all (Tx Jason) Long time -no hear I hear Jason say!!!!.My wife Donna, step- son Tyler and I have returned from a New Year's 5 day trip on the Celebrity Century. This was a cruise for Donna really to meet some of her on line cruise friends she'd been corresponding with for 3 years or so.From that point it was very successful. The food was fabulous as was the service. This despite a feeling of being hurried up in the dining room as we were on 1st sitting. There are some lovely lounges on the Century particulary the Martini Lounge which changes colour every few minutes. There were things we didn't like though. Things such as children monopolising the hot tubs and diving into the swimming pools despite notices not to dive. Heavy smokers were everywhere and cabins were small and cramped. The pool band was absolutely the worst we have ever heard!!! The ship itself does not fit for us. We like a pool at the stern of the ship with restrictions on the children in the hot tubs.However despite these gripes we made some great new friends, went to some great parties and enjoyed the New Year celebrations on the Century. Regards, James.

Hi jtutak, Thank you for your reply. I agree most if not all the major airlines do not fly to Bimini-they do fly to Nassau though. However the smaller less well known airlines have been pulled up both here and in the U.S. for maintenance violations. That is my concern. Regards, James.

I think I made a comment or two about something like this a while back. However I'm dreading the day when the Super Mega Liner arrives at a port with 6000 people adding to the already overcrowded popular ports. People will be looking for the Windjammer type of cruise that calls at the lesser known islands.It's like everything else in life I guess i.e.Buisness wants more and more, bigger and better etc etc. This could lead to over saturation in the cruising industry with people turning away to other types of vacation. I really don't like what Royal Caribbean are doing. Regards, James.

As an Aircraft Technician for over 37 years, my advice folks is to stick to the major airlines such as United, Delta and American whenever possible. I've never heard of Chalk Airlines. This is not to say they are not a bad airline but for some lesser known airlines maintenance has the lowest priority in their operation along with staff training. Think twice before choosing your airline. Regards, James.

If you read Jacketwatch's printout it says "the cruise line can cancel the voyage". To me this is NOT bumping the passengers. The voyage was NOT cancelled. Unless my poor old eyes have misread this article, I think the affected parties should take matters further. Regards, James.

I think Carnival could have done more for their 10 cruise or more guests. How about dinner for two at their extra charge restraunts or a free shore excursion? Perhaps a tour of the bridge whilst in port. A special lunch with the Captain or one of his senior officers. Terry cloth robes to take home etc. etc. I know if you book a suite with some other lines you get some of those priveleges regardless whether you have done one or fifty one cruises with their line before. Carnival can do better. Regards, James.

Well Donna and I have not participated in game shows etc, but on our very first cruise on the Nordic Empress now the Empress of the Seas we were singled out on the dance floor. It was a 60's Sock Hop and we dressed up to suit the occasion. I guess I must have made a real fool of myself because we along with two other couples were told to remain on the floor and dance to a classic 60's song. Well we were interviewed prior to dancing and brought howls of laughter from the crowded night club when we told the Cruise Director we weren't married! Never felt more embarssed in my life!LOL. Anyway we finished 2nd and won a couple of RCI drinking mugs. The couple who won was an 80 year old and his 76 year old wife! Yes Honest! They received a great windbreaker jacket each. Regards, James.

Aw shucks, this channel is only available either on satellite or extended cable programnes-in Montreal anyway. One day I'll wake up and get a satellite! Hope you all enjoyed the show. Regards, James.

There's a ton of stuff that can be offered as suggestions over this one. !. Pick a good travel agent for imformation and pick up a few cruise brochures. These will certainly whet your appetite! If you don't know an agent then ask friends and relatives for the name of theirs. OR call the Cruise Line you selected 2. Don't believe everything you see and read in the brochures!!! LOL 3.Do read cruise reviews of the cruiseline and ship you are thinking of BEFORE you book. A great book is the Berlitz Book of Cruises. This covers virtually every ship on the high seas, gives reviews and tells of the advantages and disadvantages of each 4.Allow AT LEAST 400 dollars (For two people) for extra expenses such as drinks, photos, shore visits, tips, bingo, casino, spa visits and extra charge restraunts. 5.Be prepared to be surrounded by lots of people. If you suffer from claustrophobia I wouldn't advise a big ship for your 1st cruise. I'm exhausted now so I'll let other Crazies have their stay!!!!lLOL. Regards, James.

If your New Year's Cruise will be anything like the one we took on the Imagination 2 years ago it will be fabulous! We have never experienced a New Tears Eve like that EVER. The sound of the ship's whistle at Midnight sent shivers down everyone's spine right in the heart of the Caribbean. Regards, James.

Well I know it's run by the people who operate Easyjet a UK no frills airline. I believe you must stay at least 2 days on the ship. You pay for virtually everything! Apparently it is catching on with the younger folk especially the Brits. I would not recommend this type of cruise for the over 30's especially if you are used to any kind of service aboard.It is cheap but I don't think it's worth it. Regards, James.

Well as we normally fly in a day early, we attach the ship's tags the morning of embarkation at our hotel. Regards, James.

Do you mean MSC cruise lines? I have heard of the 5 language announcements on these ships but not for everything-just important issues. The American Dollar is the main currency in the Caribbean but some of the islands do accept the Euro. I believe the Euro is also accepted on board ship for shopping in the ship's boutiques. I think MSC will find things hard in the Caribbean as they are not only in competition with the other Italian line Costa, but 5 other mega cruise lines. I wish them well. As far as the conversion goes it depends on who you bank with. Some charges may apply though. Check with your bank. Regards, James.

It's sickening to hear of these happenings. Thankfully they don't occur very often -at least not reported. Actually I'm rather surprised that more of these assaults have not taken place. Think of these guys cooped up in a ship for up to 6 months at a time. Seeing barely clothed ladies walking around their ship for days on end must be a dreadful temtation to some. Many of the crew of the average cruise ship are under 35 and must be sorely tempted at times to try and make a pass at these women. Mind you ther's absolutely no excuse for rape. Regards, James.

Yes, have heard great things about the T&C. Sadly it will be only a matter of time before it will be crawling with cruise ships! At the moment there's only a few ships calling there such as Carnival on their 3 to 5 day trips, Holland America, Celebrity and I think Seabourne. The Caribbean is being saturated with tourists and cruise ships and this little island was for years an unknown gem to most people who visit the Caribbean. I do hope it will remain the lovely place it is today with Jimmy Buffet's Margaretaville right at the port in a gorgeous seaside setting! Regards, James.

Can't beat Carnival for a good time. Welcome home folks. Regards, James.

I must say that sounds a heck of a lot of fun. Makes me wish I was 12 years old again! Regards, James.