TheSkipper

Jenn, just a poor selection of words, not an intended pun!! In hindsight "Checks in" would probably been better.

Debbie, Know how you feel. BTW, got an email today about an Azamara Transatlantic that looks great. Includes everything we had on ours except the on board credit is now $500 with the pre--paid tips, airfare, and transfers. PM me is you want more info. MaryLou: Bermuda is lovely, but there is a lot more of the world to explore! LOL, just kidding.

It is tough to name only one, but I guess that one would be: Venice, Italy

OK, now let's look at the other side of the coin. Question of the Day, Friday, June 13th: What is your absolute favorite Port of Call?? Remember only ONE, not a laundry list.

Our "least favorite" of all our cruises was Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. However, that was many years ago and hopefully it has improved since our visit.

Cruise Question of the Day, Thursday June 12th: Which Port of Call of all the ports you have visited was your "least favorite?"[/

Yes, Jenn, but I understand it was the NWMP who came aboard to see you off!!

Interesting point, never really thought about it. We have never sailed on HAL, but I'm sure the same thing happened aboard all the other lines. On the other side of the coin, I've seen a lot of waiters and bus boys "stiffed" by no show passengers on "Tip Night." So, in some ways we (the passengers) may have brought this change on ourselves. Just a thought.

Interesting point, never really thought about it. We have never sailed on HAL, but I'm sure the same thing happened aboard all the other lines. On the other side of the coin, I've seen a lot of waiters and bus boys "stiffed" by no show passengers on "Tip Night." So, in some ways we (the passengers) may have brought this change on ourselves. Just a thought.

Thanks for the post, Carmen. Reading it I guess I'm not surprised, but never really gave it much thought. I've done a few cruises out of San Juan, but nothing recently and I probably will not in the near future.

Joey, I don't know that I've seen a decline in service, but I guess I'm not that aware. What about the service has changed in your experiences??

Debbie, On our Azamara Transatlantic cruise, they included air fare, pre-cruise hotel, transfers, a $300 shipboard credit and pre-paid tips. Not sure how much of this was from the cruise line and how much from the TA, but it sure was a heck of a deal.

Reserved Deck Chair??? Never experienced that, or the Bon Voyage parties, but I have heard of them and of course seen them in the movies. On our earlier cruises there was no TV. Not sure adding it was a good thing. I agree with the "dress" thing. Cruising used to be a "Class Act." Now it is more of a "Crass Act." I'm enjoying this trip down cruisings memory lane.

Let's wait until Jenn "weighs in" before we run with this.

How do you really feel Joey?? LOL I forgot about he confetti streamers!!! That used to be fun during the sail away.

New Cruise Question: What has disappeared from cruising since your earlier cruises?? My list would include: Skeet Shooting Driving golf balls off the aft deck Midnight buffets every night Now, add to this list with things you have experienced that have disappeared.

Joey, Sorry to be so long getting involved. We have sailed from the West Coast dozens of times and while Mexico is not our favorite area, we always have fun. I have put together three Group Cruises from the West Coast over the last four cruises. One each from San Diego, L.A., and Seattle. The first two had the most cruisers, the Seattle cruise was a little sparse. I am researching another Group Cruise for our Church, as well as a West Coast Cruise for Roe and I in October. As someone else mentioned I'm not a big fan of NCL. Right now, RCI is doing the most for Groups. And, I'm really considering them for our next Church Group Cruise. A year in advance for planning and cruise selection works best for me. So, I have until this fall to break the news on the Church cruise. In any case, we would be interested. After all, I think we have the most sailing days with Crazie. A total of 22 days so far with Crazie in our cabin.

Joey, I have nothing to back this up, but I think San Juan and air fares combined are the factors that have slowed it down. In addition, prices are higher for Holiday sailings on most if not all cruiselines. As someone else said there are typically lots of kids on Holiday sailings, and I can confirm that from personal experiences, but, getting an entire family to San Juan would have to cost a ton!!

Don't hold your breath, Joey.

Wait until you sail aboard Azamara!! Without question the best by far of all our 52 cruises was the Azamara Quest.

We did the Inaugural of Celebrity's Zenith, years ago. No problems. Sailed aboard her exactly one year later and were invited to a private party hosted by Mrs. Chandres, wife of the line's owner.

"Steamed tamale"??? Very interesting.

here we go again

Somehow, it figures.

Reading all the replies, it appears that any port you can drive to is the favorite. Makes sense. I would say ours is Lauderdale, like the proximity to the airport.