steverk

Great earnings report. Stock up 12% today! The market hasn't even been open for 2 hours yet.

I'm on my third agent. The first was independent. The second with Cruise Planners.  And now I'm with MEI. the one from MEI is by far the best. She pays attention to details and gives fast service. MEI has group rates on most of the sailings that interest me.

3 hours ago, Jamesszy94 said:

The original Queen Mary sailed from 1936-1967 (this one was an ocean liner, but still counts)
QE2 sailed from 1969-2008 - QE2 was converted into a cruise ship

So definitely possible for a cruise ship to get more than 30+ years

HMS Victory is on her 247th year of service.

According to Google, the MV Astoria was built in 1944 and is still operating. 

The SS Badger entered service in 1953 and is the oldest operating coal fired steam ship on the great lakes.

So they can operate as long as the owners want to keep spending money on them. However,  30 years seems to be the point where most owners give up and scrap them. 

I don't have anything coming up, but I stopped there in late November. I didn't have an excursion, but those that did enjoyed them

The things that stand out to me about Adventure is the golf course that spans 2 decks and Izumi on the Pronenade. She's a fine ship and I've enjoyed sailing on her.

14 hours ago, pat8635 said:

But edge is bigger then what they are hinting at edge being...

I'm not sure that's really true.  I've heard statements from Royal captains that range between something the size of a vision class to something slightly larger than Voyager.  Celebrity Edge is at the high end of this range 

So I'm on board now and asked the room steward for a mattress topper. His response was he would try but that's to be requested pre cruise.  New a to me! I can't find how to request it. Does anybody know?

As far as other options, I've grabbed an UBER to the airport and rented a car. Then you're free to explore to your hearts content. With a 5:30pm departure, you'll probably have about 6 hours to kill.

I believe Biscayne Bay National Park is about 1.5 hours south of the port, so you could probably check it out.  To enjoy that park, you need to schedule a boat tour well in advance as they sell out.

I'm sure the Miami/Ft. Lauderdale area has tons of other things to do, but I'm not the best person to ask.

10 hours ago, wordell1 said:

I booked a BTB from Seward - Vancouver - Seward.  

Will we have an opportunity to explore a little in Vancouver after completing the reboard process?

Talk to guest services during your first cruise.

On the B2B cruises I've taken, we had the option to explore for a few hours. In fact, one of the cruises even had a cruise line based shore excursion as an option.

For those that wanted to get off (I never did), they would issue a new card first thing in the morning and then get you off the ship ASAP. You were expected back during regular boarding.

But be sure to ask during your first cruise.  The procedures could change depending on the port or whims of the cruise line and immigration officers.

On 1/14/2025 at 3:02 PM, D.Jenkins said:

I recently shared a summary of research I conducted for a paper during my MBA, a project I truly enjoyed exploring. As I prepare to embark on my doctoral journey, I’m eager to hear from others who share an interest in this topic.

If there’s anything in my summary that you see differently, I’d welcome your perspective. Constructive feedback is always appreciated and can help me enhance my analysis and approach the subject with greater depth and insight.

V/R
Jenkins, Donovan G.

I think your analysis was spot on for the company and well written.

From the perspective of "should I invest?" I'm a bit less convinced. Stocks move on the difference between expectations and reality. Expectations are very high for RCL. If it meets those, then it will hold its value and probably be a good investment. If it fails to meet them, then it will decline. My guess is that it displaces CCL as the industry leader and is a great long term investment. But there are as many guesses out there as there are investors, so don't take my word for it.

I hope this is helpful and good luck on your doctoral studies!

3 hours ago, Phillip Diamond Plus said:

UH - OH    NOW I AM SEEING DIFFERENT SHIP SIZES ON OTHER SITES.  SO DOES ANYONE KNOW THE REAL DIMENSIONS OF THE ROYAL CARIBBEAN SHIPS ; AND, WHICH ROYAL CARIBBEAN SHIPS WILL FIT THROUGH THE EXPANDED CANAL?

Not sure of all dimensions,  but Royal doesn't have any ships that are sized for the new locks. Celebrity does, but Royal does not 

9 hours ago, J_Keeble said:

Personally I think Discovery will happen, it has been discussed for years and most probably in the late late design phases with just finer details being confirmed. if work is to start in 2026/27 then the designs will already be out there.

At the Captain's Corner on Adventure the subject came up last week. In fact, the Captain brought it up without really being asked.

He said it will be sailing by 2028. 

As people have already mentioned, this isn't definitive, but it's encouraging!

7 hours ago, Wine Man said:

Looking to book my first cruise do Royal give you discount if you go party of 15 people plus? Also when will be cheapest time to book for next year are there still cruises to be added for 2026? Also any chance oasis or Icon ships come to Australia they look amazing? 

Let me try to answer these.

Discount for 15 people? Yes! Contact a travel agent about a group booking. They'll get a better rate and the organizers get a credit towards his/her travel starting at 8 cabins 

When is cheapest time to book? Hard to say. Some countries allow repricing if the price drops. (In which case the answer is now) some do not. Your travel agent should be able to help with this.

Any chance of Oasis or Icon ships coming to Australia? This has been widely discussed on this website with no real resolution.  FWIW I seriously doubt it. Most of the ports aren't set up for ships that large. I don't see anyone making that investment anytime soon.

On question number 2, I'd suggest doing the math. I think One day internet on board is about $26, so that's probably cheaper than buying an unlimited package.

A few ships have a power outlet bear the bed. In my experience, most don't. As mentioned, Royal will provide an extension cord. However, I recommend buying an extra long cord for your device if the cord is detachable. 

I think you're limited to Uber or lyft.

I'd take an Uber.

If you're planning to spend a day or 2 in the area around  NASA, I'd strongly recommend the Boardwalk hotel in Kemah instead of Hobby. There's much more to do, it's more pedestrian friendly and it's much safer.

Enjoy your cruise!

I'm sure they do share the list.

However, I've often wondered how it is enforced. After all, you can request a new passport with a new number at any time. You can move and, if you're really determined, even change your name. Skip entering your  C&A number. 

That would only leave your birthdate to identify you. Not exactly deterministic. 

On 12/20/2024 at 9:39 PM, Ryan79 said:

Maybe next year they can schedule on Diwali and that will make things better! 

I'm thinking Hola Mohalla.  That's the festival that follows Holi.

16 hours ago, baltodave said:

That’s a pretty ignorant thing to say. All they needed to do is check a calendar or Google. Also, I’m sure there are some Jewish employees they can check with. 

I'm sorry this date falls on an important holiday for you, and I sympathize with you irritation.

However, I once saw a calendar that tried to list the holidays for every culture and religion in the world. Every single day is a holiday for someone. Most have 2 or 3. Hopefully, next year will work for both of us and I'll see you on board. 

I've had this problem while using the wifi on board.  Turning on a VPN has always resolved the issue for me.

I do a lot of 5 day cruises out of Galveston.  No real difference in atmosphere. 

I do a lot of 5 day cruises out of Galveston.  No real difference in atmosphere. 

It sounds like you really don't have many options. Either a Radiance class or nothing.  If that's really the case, then there really isn't much of a decision 

2 hours ago, ChessE4 said:

we could stop if we wanted to...

Speak for yourself!