BB1

What ship is that? Do you think Celebrity will start a regular schedule from the West Coast? Sorry for being off topic.

I hope you're right. The last time I cruised out of California was in 2011 on a brand new Carnival ship. I decided after that cruise that I would rather fly than go on Carnival again. That's just my opinion. It's good that there are different choices for different preferences.

I am curious as to why Royal would be returning to California now. I have done that cruise many times in the past. People complain about limited itineraries and there is only basically one. When they stopped going, the reasons I heard were that Puerta Vallarta and Mazatlan had gotten too dangerous. There were truly a lot of reported incidents at the time. Have things gotten better? I also heard that the state of California partially was the reason because they were so difficult to do business with as well as the longshoremen. I would like it as I could drive instead of flying but I was wondering if all these obstacles had been overcome.

I can't wait to find out when. I don't think construction has started on the new port yet.

As I said, I personally don't go to Europe because the smoke is that offensive to me. I went many times when I was younger and the smoking truly took away much of the charm for me. On RC ships I am able to avoid the smoke for the most part as I stay away from those venues. I'm not a gambler but walking through the promenade on many ships, the smoke comes up from the Casino. I'm not saying they should or shouldn't make their ships smoke free. I do think that if they do, the hard core smokers will possibly move to other lines. This could drive more non-smokers to RC creating predominantly smoking and non-smoking lines. Maybe then everyone would be happier.

All of that may be correct but when I go to Europe, I don't see them changing the rules to accommodate others. This is totally a personal position, but one of the reasons I don't go to Europe is because of all the smoking. It definitely can be difficult to accommodate everyone. Trying to accommodate everyone and often make everyone unhappy.

I do sympathize with smokers. It is an addiction, but maybe they could put a smoking area in close proximity to the casino. It is difficult to please everyone. The problem with smoking in particular is that it has such a big impact on everyone else around.

I would also like to add, when smoking was banned from all the bars and restaurants in my town, the businesses all went ballistic. There was all of this gloom and doom about losing the coveted smoker's business and loss of revenue that would result. What actually happened was basically nothing.

It is very interesting. As of 2015, only 15% of US adults smoked. That's a very small minority. People think that eliminating smoking would greatly reduce the gambling. That doesn't seem very plausible.

The grandfather dropped the baby. There is probably video of it and if there is, it would eliminate all speculation and stories. Remember the original story was that the baby climbed up on a chair.The grandfather is the proximate cause. I wonder if any of the people who witness this catastrophe and are suffering from PTSD and receiving counseling will be lining up to sue the family for their distress. They will likely have claims too. I don't think it would be in Royal's interest to just settle.

That is an ineffective way of dealing with problems and opens the door to all kinds of abuse. There are much better ways to correct problems with better outcomes.

Just one piece of advice that I hope is helpful, the best person to report a room problem to is the ship's hotel manager. Your room steward may be wonderful but that the hotel manager will definitely take care of it.

It is totally up to you. Aggravation is understandable, but if you are going to make the Concierge's life miserable and by default be miserable yourself, you should do something differently. Sometimes things aren't done as well as they could be, problems aren't fixed. All you can do is find the best way to deal with them.

You now sound like a very disgruntled person, and over $50. You really may want to reconsider your future trips as there is a high likelihood of you being very dissatisfied. It's too bad but sometimes after someone becomes soured over something, everything changes for them.

Sorry but the only way to have things handled is to take care of them on the ship. There is nothing they can do for you now. Having a tantrum now is useless. People would have infinite complaints afterwards if they thought they would receive something. It's a good lesson for all of us.

That seems more consistent.

Concierge lounge and no Coastal Kitchen, interesting.

I can't imagine that they would only use their brand new terminal once a week. I'm guessing they will have more ships and possibly something from Celebrity.

Oasis class is coming. I'm wondering if Celebrity will move a ship there. The new port will be very large and I would think they would be using it for other ships. The number of cruises out of Galveston is increasing tremendously.

I've been reading a lot about the tremendous expansion in Galveston and new cruise lines trying to come in. Has anyone heard whether or not Celebrity might be one of the new cruise lines?

I'm also a little confused. Has anyone had laundry done on a cruise? They're now handling your dirty clothes. Just as a disclaimer, I have never had anyone unpack for me but I did see it listed as a service for Celebrity and I'm pretty sure it is on most luxury lines.

I think people are missing a point. This is an option. For elderly and disabled people this is a wonderful service. If someone has it as a benefit that comes with their room and they want it done. It's their vacation. Let them do as they please. It certainly doesn't affect anyone else.

If you get a suite on Celebrity, the butler will unpack for you.

My cruise went down too. You just have to do the math.

Wow, a concierge lounge. I wonder if they might be making the suite lounge exclusive to suites.