AlmondFarmer

The article detailing Icon of the Seas contains the following paragraph- “Traditionally, cruise ships are powered by diesel. The advantage LNG has over diesel is it is more energy-efficient and will reduce fuel consumption and emissions.” While possibly true, some of these claims are incorrect or misleading. I will explain how this can be possible. Diesel fuel has an energy density of 38 MJ/L. LNG has an energy density of 22 MJ/L. (Ratio is similar with MJ/kg) Not all energy of fuel is converted into work. A modern Diesel engine is 50-55% efficient. A modern LNG fueled engine is 45-50% efficient. Take two ships, ceteris paribus (all else equal) one modern diesel, one modern LNG powered. Give each an equal volume or weight of fuel of their respective fuels. The LNG ship will use more fuel to travel the same distance as diesel ship. This does not comport with being more efficient or reduced fuel consumption. If fuel consumption is being measured by amount per passenger, Icon could use less fuel than a diesel ship due to higher occupancy. Or if using the price of the fuels at a given time, it may cost more per mile traveled using diesel than LNG thus making LNG financially more efficient. (Currently using free market prices, this is not the case) I don’t know what metrics Royal Caribbean uses to measure fuel efficiency so the quoted paragraph can be true, but if so, it is misleading. What is correct is that a modern LNG engine produces less emissions than a modern Diesel engine. Adding shore power or hybrid system will reduce engine usage and thus fuel consumption and emissions of both fuel type engines. A new hull design and drag reducing technology will also reduce the amount of power (fuel) required to move the vessel. For anyone who manages to read this far, I recommend always figuring out what exactly is being compared and how is the comparison being done. I once got myself in trouble when somebody asked me if my wife is pretty, “compared to who?” I responded.

Also make sure no Bromine is used in any cocktails. Contents of drinks can eventually end up in hot tubs by spilling and other means.

I heard that Royal hired some rebellious youth who paint freeway overpasses at night in between cars. They got Wonder painted in 15 minutes.

Cheapest cruise experience is to take one’s Razor scooter to the port area and enjoy watching the ship sail away while enjoying complementary drinking fountain water. Standard Sunday for my family. My kids get to enjoy a cruise ship many times per year. It appears the people on board may be having more fun.

One can also ask for drink ingredients to be delivered and then mix oneself. I have done this many times for mimosas and tequila soda. I have not asked for a blender to be delivered.

Use the available Star Class 15 minute packing window of 7:44-7:59am on debarkation day.

Not a question but a request for a waffle count from each family.

Book the first 6-8 sailings. One of which might end up being the inaugural.

The economist in me struggles with this sentence.

I would suggest Royal brings back $18 deluxe beverage package creator as a temp worker. This would appease some of the frustrations guests are having with the pre cruise planner and invoicing.

I think we found one of the professional advisors @smokeybandit was referring to, @twangster is more than a cruise guru.

Free bad stock advice is better than bad stock advice for a fee. In both cases one loses, but one doesn’t have a commission. *In this statement I am not inferring buying Royal Caribbean is a bad idea.

I have gone as far as deducting a star class suite from my business income due to a conversation I had with Sugar Beach manager about almond topping quality and packaging upon learning it was my product. This was several years ago and I’m not writing this in jail. I have not repeated this as my accountant recommended not jeopardizing my 1 for 1 record.

Potentially for anyone wanting to declare it.

The fact that Cat’s is still alive on Oasis proves the theory of cats having nine lives.

So I needn’t start a new “Rumor” thread regarding Wonder of the seas being for sale? I will also terminate my efforts on designing a Go Fund Me to purchase Wonder I planned to present to this Blog.

With the current cruise planner sale, the deluxe drink package might be less.

Until kids are old enough to be responsible in their own room, a two bedroom suite is the way to go. I’d rather travel less often but have a suite if constrained by a vacation ‘budget’

Okay on ‘ships’ too, or just the life ‘boats’?

Only If in Casino correct?

Dollar cost average.

With the best video of Cats having been filmed on Oasis?

Sorry to break the news but the Kennedy Space Center shuttle program ended in 2011, having started in 1972. This is probably why you can’t get a spot. While the program was operating, it was very difficult to get a spot on a shuttle.

Still go through metal detector on ship while docked at CocoCay. I walked through it, can’t verify it was on. I think this is to catch any successful secret pirate treasure hunters.

I have cruised three times since the restart. No masks, social distancing or other behavioral changes unless directed to do so. None in my travel party acquired Covid on any of these amazing cruises. I share this experience for those who think that unless they are hyper vigilant with all the alleged Covid reducing behaviors, they will catch Covid. Only guaranteed way I know to not get Covid on a cruise is to not go on a cruise. Same for avoiding shark attacks by not going near the ocean….or aquarium.