coloradocruisers

Ole' Rose'! Glad to hear that the adventure has begun. Have a great time my friend.

Donna, sorry about that trouble with your mask, but looks like you had fun anyway. Isn't it fun, to see people having fun?!

I hope you enjoy Paris, and one another.

Bye Rose. We'll miss you, but have a great time.

Really enjoying this review, but I think I'll pass on the yellow hot tub!

Donna: I really like how you've inserted pictures throughout your review. Excellent. Thanks,

It's a great value, built-in child care, don't have to plan meals. Everything an "all-inclusive" resort has, but at a better price.

Relax and enjoy Shaunna!

Rest in Peace Miss Dean...

This is true but aren't wrist bands worn for underage people? It's funny the way you replied. It looks like you quoting me but really it was Deb! As for the wristbands, I don't think 18 - 20 year olds have to wear them.

My son, Evin looks older than what he is.....so what disturbed me was when he was out on his own on the ship, he was offered alcohol - no questions asked. He refused....just because he's such a "rule-oriented" person. But how many people like him didn't refuse. I think you really have to watch out for that! I think the resposibility falls on both sides - the server and the kid. Good for Evin. I think they play it pretty loose on the ships. Last year we went on the Conquest about this time. There were clearly a number of recent high school graduates on-board. I remember one of the formal nights Sharon and I were walking along around 7PM or so, and young lady came staggering toward us with a couple guys on each side holding her up. She was dressed very nice in a black evening dress, but she couldn't even walk straight without their help. It was still early in the evening, and she was already sloshed. Sharon and I both agreed that she looked too young to be drinking. Those two guys appeared to be taking her to her room, but who knows what could have happened in that situation.

We don't play bingo. We may wander in to the casino and play some slots, but that's about it.

Having taken our kids on Carnival, Disney, and Princess; it is very hard for me to differentiate between these mainlines from a teenager's perspective. Very competitive, so they try hard to keep up with one another. We haven't tried Royal Carribean yet, but plan to next time around. I would simply say that if you stick to any of these, you can't go wrong. I would steer clear of HAL, Celebrity, Azamara, Regent, or any of the premier lines. I haven't tried any of them, but from what I've read about them they cater more to the adult cruiser.

You've got to love the theme though. The Voyage of Great Explorers. Would love to be able to do something like that...

True RCL lost money this past quarter but they like Cranival are expected to turn a profit for the year. I hope you're right Joey. If they don't start turning a profit, it won't just be the pillow chocolates that go missing.

Nice looking ship; but dang it, they didn't install that figure-head design that I sent them.

Have fun!

I know carmen I did our best to promote the idea.. Joey, what was your full itinerary? Is it possible to take an excursion (tendered or un-tendered) along the Oregan coast?

Thanks to everyone for the responses on this question; and Howard, I couldn't have stated my opinion any better than you just did. These lines are not trying to boost their profits right now, they're trying to cut their losses in the toughest economy since most of us were born. My company is doing the same, and we're never "right." We can only hope that someday, when the recession is over, the free market once again requires better service.

I've been monitoring some of the discussion in the Daily Dock and in reviews about the annoying changes cruiselines are making to cut costs; for example, eliminating mints on pillows. Cost cutting is never pleasant, but I'm also mindful that these companies are currently losing millions of dollars every quarter. I don't know how much is saved in chocolate mints, fewer wine samples or how much is gained by charging for extras, but they have to do something or some of them may not stay in business. Companies, big and small, are failing everyday. As far as the cruiselines are concerned, what does everyone suggest? (I'll refrain, for now, because I've not got nearly as much experience cruising as many of you.)

I've never done the bridge tour; but I might do one next time. Thanks for the pics.

A new Cruise Review is now available: Ship Name: Mariner Of The Seas Sailing date: 5/10/2009 Author: JoeyandDavid View Review

Sounds like this one could be alot of fun. I hope you have a good time.

Come to think of it, I hear those drums too...."Hot, hot hot!" Have fun! I know that you will.

You don't have to wait until the last minute. Good deals are happening right now. Joey booked a last minute cruise, and I booked one over a year out. I think we both got great deals. You can't go wrong in this market. Just do your research and pick the right itinerary and cruiseline that suits your style.