InmyElement

NON-negotiable..

it does happen..wishing the same for you - 11/21/25 on X!

Great read, Mike. It popped up yesterday while I was sitting in the dr’s office, and once I started I got so wrapped up in it I forgot where I was like getting lost in a good book. Really looking forward to following along on your March sailing. The added family/relative dynamics should make it even more entertaining…maybe even a little spicy Hoping this blog is already starting to ease your mind and help you drop that real-life baggage…time to grab that carry-on size bag you tout and get ready for embarkation

Last year a storm had us parked in Bayonne and we ended up with cruise credit… so like the two geniuses we are, we booked the same time frame out of Bayonne again. Different ship though! Who’s with us?” Pretty good prices.. Grabbed the Refreshment, Hideaway, and why not…the RBC..we’ve got to try it. Already moved our time earlier, which is a plus. Original time was 1:30 pm and I was like whoa…that’s not cool! If you’re on the fence, book it you can always cancel.

Exactly…in my case? Spam the shi$$ out of me. “Hey, I just booked a client on Deal of the Seas with a group rate and $100 OBC..thought you might be interested.” Or “Hey, I’m booking a few clients on an RCBlog group cruise..here are the prices if you want in.” I know that’s not how it always works, and I’m sure the job is stressful and nonstop, but when you throw that against the wall… it sticks!

It was around ’95–’96 when I worked in NYC. I think I was getting them for $25…or maybe $50 and selling them to family members for $75 Hey, I can finally admit it now..I should be well past the statute of limitations. It was portfolio diversification.. Honestly, I wish I had kept some. I literally had the whole briefcase thing going on..lol Who knew…

Sorry got off topic here...i'll shut up after this..lol Totally fair points, and I appreciate you laying it out. In our case, timing really isn’t the issue we’re retired, flexible, and can cruise last minute or three years out. The only window we avoid is the holidays, which of course tend to be the most expensive anyway. We also try to sail when school is in session to cut down on the youth factor…though that doesn’t seem to deter anyone much anymore. I’ve asked about deals, group rates, and monthly promos, and more often than not I end up finding a better option on my own. At this point, I can see the writing on the wall..I’m a small fish in a big pond, and it’s probably unrealistic to expect much individualized attention. Honestly, it’s probably a good thing I’m not in an abusive relationship, because I’d be one of those people who wouldn’t leave on my own until someone finally said, "You know you can leave anytime, right?" Some friends recently helped point me in a new direction, so I’m switching things up. I’ll own that I’m probably just a slow learner who tends to give people the benefit of the doubt, but I do appreciate the insight and the discussion.

Well Thank you for sharing that. Eleven cruises in the past three years with MEI, and I’ve never been offered anything like that or even group rates..i hear all about...shame on me for not being more aware and more diligent in my research. I’ll admit, it really burns my britches, but I honestly learn more from this group than anywhere else..

+1 I’ve never really used the Freestyle machines for soda since I never have my cup and I’m not a big soda guy. I mostly use them for a quick coffee run in the morning if I'm running late and don't want to stand on the Starbucks line...which I’m sure they're totally designed for. If not, I’m probably accelerating my slow toxic plastic death (Suites guests will live longer than GenPop) lol They really got me with the “both occupants have to buy the DBP” rule. My wife really doesn’t drink alcohol…but hey, now we just ship it with vouchers...take that!!! Oh shoot…soon I probably won’t even be able to share vouchers No Drinks for YOU!!!

This was a great read..straightforward, fun, and looked like a fantastic week on the big gal. By the looks of it, she definitely delivered Appreciate you keeping it real and sharing the experience. really enjoyed the pics! Safe Travels!

I did kinda get that vibe from your blog....long live the sunset verandah!!!

+1..good convo..

I have a tax person, so please excuse my ignorance but is there some kind of tax benefit to your loss, or is it mainly just to show that you did have winnings and need to pay taxes on them? Which, in my case, seems to be null… lol

+1 on the posts..Totally get where you’re coming from..it’s really about nostalgia and memories. I’ve bought several watches on and off ships over the years. When my Dad and I cruised, the running joke was we’d come home with a new Citizen dive watch every year. Drove my stepmom absolutely crazy I still have them all.. I still do it in honor of my dad…at least that’s what I tell my wife anyway You can keep the cell phone. I try and leave it in the safe during cruises..exfept for pics. My watch doesn’t wake me up from naps, try to scam me, track me, or talk back..I’ll take a watch over a phone any day. lol

I'm thinking Sunset Balcony on Apex..my wife is a balcony sun sloth..can't do crowds. (although in ports we will go up and enjoy the emptiness) Obviously its all about sailing direction, but do you think you get more exposure w the sunset?..your thoughts? Thanks!