sk8erguy1978

Wife and husband portrait on a formal night.
The folder of pictures is like a time machine...

A reminder this is not the place to debate politics, or the science of epidemiology.

We collect shot glasses from new places, could be from a country to state to museum and anything in between. Biggest issue we sometimes get a few because we like more than one.
We bought two shot glass holders from Michael's (it's a crafty DIY kind of store) that hold 36 glasses each. It's just about time for a third. Only issue they only hold a traditional shot glass so some sit on top of both. For the third I'll keep different sizes into consideration when shopping.
Think I might add cruise ships to the shot glass list, they are a place after all.

We collect shot glasses from new places, could be from a country to state to museum and anything in between. Biggest issue we sometimes get a few because we like more than one.
We bought two shot glass holders from Michael's (it's a crafty DIY kind of store) that hold 36 glasses each. It's just about time for a third. Only issue they only hold a traditional shot glass so some sit on top of both. For the third I'll keep different sizes into consideration when shopping.
Think I might add cruise ships to the shot glass list, they are a place after all.

We collect shot glasses from new places, could be from a country to state to museum and anything in between. Biggest issue we sometimes get a few because we like more than one.
We bought two shot glass holders from Michael's (it's a crafty DIY kind of store) that hold 36 glasses each. It's just about time for a third. Only issue they only hold a traditional shot glass so some sit on top of both. For the third I'll keep different sizes into consideration when shopping.
Think I might add cruise ships to the shot glass list, they are a place after all.

I want  to start collecting magnets or ornaments or something of the like for each new ship...but honestly they never quite scream to me when I'm on board.
BUT...I do always buy photos and somehow end up always buying something from the "street" sales.

We always get a ship model but the little one on a key ring and then take the chain part off.
We were gutted we couldn't get one on our last cruise on the Independence of the seas!  they sold out.

drinks
 

Good question! We get paid when the cruise sails (or is cancelled but paid in full). However it's not a waste of time to quote, book, or anything and change it. It's all part of the services we provide. MEI-Travel is not the only agency out there and we get that, but we do personalized service and I don't ever pressure you to book if you're not ready.
 
So ask us to quote or anything, that's not a problem at all! 

I've dabbled with some big box store and outfits like AAA.  Many of them are outsourced to agencies that wear many different hats.  They may answer the phone for one company one call then another company another call.  
In general my experience with these types of outfits is that they are fine when everything goes well and there no issues to deal with.  Prior to the pandemic many sailings worked this way.
The problems begin when things don't go right or you start getting off the well established "normal" path.  If you introduce FCC or FCC has to be reissued then a cruise cancels and now the FCC is from 3 cruises ago.  It's when things don't go well that I've regretted using these types of companies.  
It seems to me like all these agents want to do is book new cruises.  Maybe their comp plan works that way.  Simple requests are no problem like a cabin change.  If an issue will require them to spend hours on the phone with a cruise line they start inventing rules on their own.  "Nope, not allowed to do that, goodbye".  Sometimes they don't reply to an email.  
The last thing I would want during pandemic cruising is booking direct or booking through these types of travel companies.  

Hi Paul- Full disclosure here- I am a Travel Agent. 
We will always offer the same price Royal Caribbean does, with a few exceptions (and those exceptions are special contracted group rates that are lower than you could get booking direct). The benefit to booking with us is that you have an advocate in your corner to help you plan your trip. This means: 
- You have someone to continue to look for and apply discounts should any be released (which is very often with RCCL), so that you do not have to spend time doing the same, or potentially missing a better offer. 
- You have someone to help you navigate the Cruise Planner program.
- You have someone to help you make your dining reservations if you'd like. 
- You have an expert in all things cruising and travel to help you plan the best vacation you can. 
- You have someone you can come to directly to ask questions to instead of spending time looking around on the internet for your answers. 
- You have someone to turn to should something go wrong while you are traveling. This has been key for 2020/ early 2021 bookings. 
And the best part is, we provide all of this for FREE to you. You get our concierge level service at no extra charge. The difference when you book with me is the difference between information and expertise. Anyone can look up information on the internet. When booking your trip with me you know you have an expert in your corner that can help tailor your trip to your desires and make sure you see everything you want to do!

Also- you're paying for our services anyway- what we are paid comes out of the cruise line's pocket. So it's factored in whether you use a TA or not. 

"If you've seen one women nekkid.........then you want to see the rest of them" I believe was his quote lol

If you're a fan of Ron White, he answered this question LOL.

The brightest moment since March but the experts have warned we still have some dark months ahead.  Keep the faith, we'll soon turn the corner on this thing.  

Getting emotional...
The first shots of the vaccine have been administered. THIS IS IT!!!  The tide has turned in the war against this Coronavirus!  Hoping this will fast track our return to cruising.
Praying against issues and complications.

I’m ok walking around the ship, getting from point A to point B. Not ok wearing it on the pool deck/outdoors. That’s just ridiculous, especially in the hot Caribbean. 
 
For my end of May symphony, I don’t mind doing the ship excursions. We always go to the beach so just use the excursions to get there. 
 
My October Odyssey in the Mediterranean is another story. I’ve got the excursions booked but may cancel before final payment. I want to freely explore. That’s a once in a lifetime trip. 

I just pack last minute. I'll "prep" the week of but getting suitcases and stuff but otherwise, order pizza, poor a Guinness and start randomly tossing stuff in my bag. I do it so quick that I triple check I didn't forget an essential, like underwear. 
That's cool you have an Irish Pub you get to look forward too! I will have to remember that pub next time I fly into FLL!

We did two short trips this past summer. Wildwood NJ since we could drive to it & NY Adirondacks where wife & family own property in a small town (also driveable).
Probably do something over the summer if a weekend getaway to Florida or something in the Spring still looks like a bad idea.

Every cruise we buy a few of our favorite photos captured by the photographers.

I knew it was Apple's fault. It's the 5G radios in their new phones...

I always get a photo folder/holder and have ONE photo of me taken by a ship photographer

Looking forward to starting  a collection of RC Facemasks ?

They really are. I scan each one to preserve a digital copy as well.

Souvenir pen!  I always try to buy a $10 watch.

As long as it's a new ship for us, we buy a magnet and a Christmas tree ornament (if they have one). Our tchotchke cabinet is already full, so I've never been able to convince the missus to buy one of the regular ship models. ?
And then we take full advantage of the T-shirt sale to get either a port-specific or ship-specific shirt. Port ones only if we didn't find any we liked in the port's local shops.