Ditchdoc

Never gone to one. Some times watched a bit that replayed on room TV. Questions were somewhat risque but in our politically correct world, that has probably been tamed down. The main draw is most likely a laugh or two. To capitalize on the laugh, it requires a good host and good questions, otherwise it probably falls flat. There are a number of 'events' that to me were interesting the first time just to see what it was about but afterwards ... didn't really car that much about. Love and Marriage, Scavenger Hunt , Belly Flop, Best Legs (usually men), Derby Horse Race and others I am sure are fun if you have had a few drinks.

That would make sense in that if you were flying, had an evening flight, and nothing else planned. Why not stay on board a few extra hours!

That would be tough for.me. To see all the excited people boarding, knowing I gotta get off, would make me sad. So what's next? A no cruise day pass? The ship docks and you get to board for 5 hours and then get off?

No interest in pigs at all unless they are bacon. So they can charge all they want to swim with them as far as I am concerned.

I have had this card for maybe 15 years or more. I don't really care for it that much Interest rate is high and to claim even a cheap 2 for 1 cruise means charging 60k plus on the card. In all those years, we have taken advantage of the twofer twice. We have cashed in a few hundred here and there for OBC, excursions etc. For some people that have a lot a cash flow and are able to channel that through the card, you could get some nice perks. Then again, those that have that much cash flow are probably not that concerned about the perks.

Not many pack carry ons' for the pool. Towels should be available, just pack pool necessities like suit and sunscreen and you should be good to go.

Line jumper

Ill be 92. See you there with my solar dancing shoes on.

The whole issue is unfortunate. It does highlight one issue if you are cruising outside your home country and your passport is lost for any reason. You will most likely have to contact your native embassy for a replacement. You will need your passport number. I keep my passport info on a card in my wallet and a photo of the passport in my phone. You could potentially email the info to yourself as well with appropriate precautions. Hopefully if you find yourself in need of the info, you will have it some where you can access it.

Your family may be different but my guess is, they are not going to want to do every thing together. Focus on family time, perhaps at dinner, to share stories of the days adventures. I am sure staff will work with you on seating, even with my time dining. Smaller groups will be easier to manage for interests. Pre teens, teens and seniors are probably not going to want to do the same things. There will be times paths cross and times the entire group can gather. Spontaneity is in large part what cruising is. Don't try to manage every activity. It just don't work.

Ain't Scared of the Seas

Find a bar that suits you. Find a bar tender you like. Confirm they work there on a regular schedule. Give them a fat tip on day one. Now when you go back, odds are you will get priority and stronger drinks.

If you can pack every thing in a good roller bag where you can leave the ship ASAP with no waiting in customs etc, you can potentially get started an hour, maybe two earlier.

A cargo ship took out Key Bridge in Baltimore last night. Vision cruises out of there. I would check if you are booked in the next week or two. There may be issues.

I spent 10 years in the two way communication industry. Police, Fire, Business radios and during the CB radio hey day. One of the things we had to teach people over and over was about the push to talk button. That it took half a second for the transmitter to come up and make a connection and to NOT start talking before the radio had a chance to connect. And not to yell.