DebbieandJerry

Jerry was not happy about the smoking change. Yes, healthy me lives with a smoker. From what I have read, NCL and Holland America are the only two ships that permit smoking on the balconies. That will most likely change down the pike as well.

Figured it would be coming. We still question whether the tips get to the correct folks. Our "standard" has been to take care of those that take care of us. We have yet to tell the purser's desk that we want to handle tips on our own, but I can see where that will be our norm.

I like that other ports are being used and considered. However, with that being said, I have also noticed that it is just as expensive for us to fly to Houston as it is to fly to Florida. I can see where the tourism bureau in Florida would be upset by the loss of the cruising market/industry. The stay before and/or after a cruise really makes no difference to us. At this time, we do not really have the luxury of extending our vacations. We look at overall cost and itineraries. Right now, we still find the best bang for our buck out of Florida. But, we still look elsewhere.

Love the extended balcony. And to have it on an Alaskan cruise - amazing. This sounds like a dream cruise vacation. Thanks for the post. Was it really cold in May?

Interesting observations. I wonder if it has to do with being in Europe and not Caribbean? Thanks for the review. I really want to see Europe. One day ...

We also prefer the longer cruises. We haven't been on any repositioning, but would love to venture in that direction. Wonderful meeting you Aleta. Cannot wait to learn more about you and your cruise adventures.

VanessaL and bp0903: If you don't know each other, find the link for the cruise crazy sign for your outer door. Since both families are sailing on the Carnival Breeze at the same time, I thought I'd wish both families an incredible BON VOYAGE. If you do know each other, I hope you kick your heels up and have a blast. I am really looking at the Breeze for one of my next cruises, so I am anxious to read your reviews.

Have a wonderful time on the MS Eurodam. Cannot wait to read about your vacation.

Celebrity Equinox has the distinct pleasure of hosting AndiD and her husband. Have a wonderful time. Cannot wait to read the preparation posts, the cruising posts, the port posts, etc., etc.

All my cruise crazy friends have their vacation plans lined up. Have a wonderful time on the Majesty of the Seas. Cannot believe that you'll be leaving in about a month.

Your Viking Sun coach is truly around the corner. Perhaps this post will get you posting!? Cannot wait to hear from you.

Have an incredible time on the Navigator of the Seas. Please come back and tell us all about your cruise.

Celebrity Silhouette, look out! Mike and Amy are about to join you. Cannot wait for the reviews. Bon Voyage

Have a wonderful time on the Celebrity Reflection. Cannot wait to hear all about this cruise. The before, the during and the after! Bon Voyage

I always figured that the gratuities were somehow figured in the cost of the cruise. Good to know otherwise.

Congratulations to your daughter. Great review. Thanks

Thankfully no injuries. But so sad!

Definitely look at Bayside. You can walk to shops and restaurants. A few years back we stayed at one of the hotels by the airport. I don't remember the name but I do remember that it was affordable.

We keep looking for more cruises out of California. Right now it will cost more to do a Mexican Riviera from CA than flying to Fla and seeing the Caribbean. Of course we pick the Caribbean. So if there are more ships in CA our hope is that the cost will drop (like it did "back in the day") Found a 15-day on the Miracle to Hawaii for November 2015. Definitely more than the 15 day that we took on Celebrity a few years back, but we will investigate.

I just don't like that the ships are getting bigger and bigger. But that's progress

I think it's wonderful that the cruise line does this for the traveler as I had some friends who travelled in Viet Nam and Cambodia (not in the 70's) and they said the visa process was painful! I know it's feeling like being nickeled and dimed, but $31 a person for them to do the legwork sounds like a good deal.

I thought a couple of you recently were on the Carnival Magic, but of course I can't seem to find the information. So, indulge me. Why the cove balcony over a regular balcony? Ship pros/cons?? Thanks, Debbie (and Jerry)

I love Momma Mia! Might have to look in to this.

Great article. Thanks for posting this

Wow