DebbieandJerry

Always amazes me as to how the industry can predict so many years in advance!

I must be old. Never heard of them!

I always delight in adding my upcoming cruise. Thanks for reminding us of this.

I would love to see Cuba!

I spend a lot of my spare time just walking around the shops. I very rarely have to have something. One trip, Jerry forgot to pack his cologne. He went to the shops almost every night and tried a different one until he finally decided which one he wanted to buy. The only true savings was no tax. But, he did get to sample colognes that he normally would not have thought about.

Good to know. I have 2 friends who sail single.

When I am on a cruise ship and in their exercise classes, I have to remember that I am surrounded by a lot of folks who normally don't take classes but want to give it a try. I applaud these folks. I think what gets me the most is that most of the ships are now charging for classes. I do realize that the spa, the gym, the beauty shop are all out there to make money. But if you advertise that your am stretch class is 30 min and it is only 5 min in length because 2 people are in the room -- come on! If Zumba or TRX is offered (and the price is affordable), I will give it the college try. You can bet that if I'm paying for a class and it is not up to par, I will speak up.

I think that the die-hard drinker will not even consider the fact that he/she is helping himself/herself. I guess it's like the buffet. Bigger, grander, better.

We were on the SS Norway a number of years ago at their private island. There were a group of us playing in the ocean and all of us just wanted plain water. No where to be found was a waiter who would bring us any. And, when one of us went to the bar to get a glass of water, we were given the tinest cup with tepid liquid. Obviously even back then NCL was only interested in alcohol. I am not anti-alcohol, and I think this relationship with Bacardi will be a profitable one for NCL. However, ...

January will be here before you know it. Enjoy the preparations as you get ready for your January 13th sailing on the MS Zuiderdam. Please come back and post! Happy Holidays

Enjoy your January 12 sailing on the Carnival Conquest. Please be sure to tell us all about this vacation. Happy holidays!

I am so sorry to read this, but am greatful for your honest review. I hope that this was an isolated incident and not an indication of Carnival. We have not experienced this type of "horrible", but truly understand a NEVER AGAIN as we have experienced that with NCL. I hope this doesn't taint your overall opinion on cruising!

I remember our first cruise when the neighbor got his bill and was yelling so loud that we all heard him, "There is no way that I drank this much!" Of course, we all knew that he had. While I think this is a great way to get you to sample something that you normally could not afford or would not purchase, I do see this as another money making opportunity for the cruise line. And the heavy drinker, once again, swipes and consumes!

Guess I'll be adding this vessel to my must watch price listing!

Thanks for the clarification. Yes, we have sailed more on Celebrity, so I will need to remember that 'level' when it comes to our next Royal cruise.

Can't wait to follow you on this cruise. We sailed round trip from San Diego to Hawaii and truly LOVED it!

Cruise ship mishaps attract a lot of news attention. I'm sure it's because it affects a large number of people and an even larger amount of money. All said and done, won't deter us from cruising.

I wonder if this type of information is common. It's sad to read that they knew! But a part of me says that many incidents happen and people then come out and say, "I knew that". Huge lawsuits waiting to happen.

Thanks for the tip about RCC&A. I need to get that sailing on my Celebrity Captain's Club account.

If my memory is right, this is a back-to-back. If my memory is jaded, blame it on age. No matter - have a wonderful time on the Emerald Princess. Come back and tell us all about this January 2014 vacation!

Congrats on your Jan 4, 2014 sailing on the Brilliance of the Seas. Have a wonderful vacation. Come back and post and tell us all about this vacation.

Congrats Shari! Well earned and well deserved

I am so jealous, Tom. THREE in the works! Congrats.

Interesting article. Even more interesting topic of discussion.

Thanks for the review, Mimi. I love how you categorized the information.