bcarney

Back in Nov 2005 we sailed on Empress OTS (RIP) on an 11 nighter and stopped at Margarita Island. Had a lovely time, and saw a whale for the first time ever. Wouldn't mind going there again.

If I pass away on a cruise, just leave me on the sun deck, please.

The article starts with "An elderly Oklahoma grandma".

Lives in Oklahoma and boarded in Ft. Lauderdale... did she drive, or was it missed by TSA as well?

I'm going to assume this was a Spirit or Southwest Airlines flight... the only airlines I've ever had any issues with. And this sounds precicely like something that would happen to them.

I don't see this happening. They had enough difficulties trying to re-integrate Empress back into the fleet - a ship they built, sold, and then repurchased. I can't see them trying to shoehorn another line's build back into the fleet. Also, what larger ships are for sale?

Carnival changes loyalty program where you start to lose points after not cruising for two years... Click here for the article.

Slots are pretty simple. Just put some money in the machine, hit the button or pull the lever, and repeat until all your money is gone. At least that's my experience.

I'm of the exact opposite opinion. One of the things about cruising that appeals to me is visiting other nations and being exposed to different cultures. These "Perfect Day at Whatever" amusement parks have absolutely no interest for me. We've actively avoided cruises that go to places like Labadee whenever possible (been there twice which was one time too many), but with RC including those type stops on so many cruises, we've been forced to look at other lines unfortunately.

We were on Brilliance over Thanksgiving and Nate Goodlet (the best performer and most talented guitarist in the fleet!!!) was playing until just a few weeks ago when the ship went over to Europe. I followed him on Facebook, and he's going to Alaska soon (if he's not already there). Here is the first half of his "winter tour". (edited to correct spelling of name)

I sent you a PM with our experience, @Bowen.

I picked up one of these (the 12 bottle), and it's a surprisingly nice piece of luggage, very flexible, you can put clothing in it as well if you don't need the room for all the bottles. Has brought home many bottles of Caribbean rum! https://vingardevalise.com/collections/vingardevalise-wine-travel-suitcase

I second this - anything by Spencer Ambrose is worth booking!

Since you're on Brilliance run down to King & Country for the musician Nate Goodlet. He's AWESOME!

If you have a chance stop in at Lovango Rum Bar in Cruz Bay. Great cocktails and food! And an incredible rum selection if you are into that (I am!).