ChrisMorgan

On the 10 cruises we have been on I have always heard stories from people about these huge upgrades and free stuff and all these perks. But have never actually seen any on our end. Only 1 time did the place we book thru, send us a bottle of wine that was in our room when we got there.

Routes usually take 2nd to price to us. We are also not a fan of the "superships" We also always look at flights to see if we could get "lucky" but I agree most of the time the flights are just as expensive as the whole cruise. Now since St louis isnt a huge hub anymore most airlines dont even offer us direct flights. We typically drive, it takes an average of 12 to 15 hours but our price is lower than the flights when we do the math. As of now I dont think we have even considered one of the large classes of ships.

Congrats, Miami airport is a bear! Try to learn the words to the song " I would walk 500 miles" by the Proclaimers. Hopefully it will keep you laughing while walking for days inside that airport.

First Cruise we went on we brought 5 big bags! Second cruise 3 bags 1 large and 2 small and pretty much all after that have been a 3 bagger. 2 for cloths and 1 for shoes and an electric fan. We try to keep a small bag with our swimsuits and 1 change of clothing in one small bag that we carry on the ship ourselves in case of the occasional loss of baggage. I would like to eventually go to 2 medium bags so we could just carry them on ourselves but 10 cruises later we still follow the same model...

I have to say I always wondered if this would eventually happen with the way you can book "guaranteed cabins". We typically book "last minute" within 3 months of sailing, and by doing so we have kept our cost down by watching until our flights come to a price we want. Then we book hotels, cruise, and airfare all at the same time. I believe from now on I will have to be a bit more careful about booking a cruise without a real room assignment...

If you want to dress formal, go crazy. The me and wife always love to get all dressed up in our best. She has a formal dress and I have a tux. We always get our pictures taken from the staff photos, makes for some great memories. But on the other hand if you hate dressing up or a suit and tie is everyday wear for you, skip the formal just bring your swim gear or casual cloths and have a great time. Really a cruise is about being flexible. You and you husband celebrate it with what makes you excited and happy. No matter is its in your swim gear or tuxedo and formal dress!

Honestly, I've always felt like the ship was a safe haven, even in port. When I walked onboard and see the security with sidearms. I always get that I'm home feeling. But if they ever did a 9/11 type event it would possibly mean they had been working on the ship and hiding among the crew for months. Secretly learning the ins and outs on the ship. Just considering that has me a little on edge now. May have to rethink cruising for a while.

Wow poor Costa, We went on the mediterranea a few years ago, and had a wonderful experience. One of the best times we have had aboard a cruise ship. the shows and the food were more geared for an international audience, but the service and the people were all top notch. I dont think I can remember a time when we were treated better. If we could get a good deal from a ship porting out of the US again we wouldnt hesitate. BTW if you are italian or from an italian family. They treat you a bit extra special! Hope they can make a come back!

All sounds good to me also, we always watch and pay very careful attention during safety drills. I know alot of people are laughing and talking during them but I have always tried to concentrate as my life would depend on it. Also I may go a bit over board on it, but I try to consider it a real life and death situation and I study the layout of the boat even before I step on and where are room is located. Having all these issues taken care of early in the cruise helps me to have a more relaxed time. Thanks for the article we are planning a cruise this fall we will watch for the changes.

very sad indeed I hope thet continue to find additional survivors, it seems like they were very close to shore.

wow sorry for the problems with the credit card issues that would not have been fun to deal with. sorry your waitress was bad also that would have soured the cruise for us, I'm glad you still had a good time even thought you had some rough issues. thanks for the revue chris

thanks for the review

wow I hope not we love formal night, its so fun to get dressed up all in our finest. But with that said it is a hassle to bring the additional dress clothes, shoes and accesories. Especially if you have to fly. I think alot of the cruise lines are looking to make cruising more "casual". But personally I always thought casual was an option, Lido deck, as much as being formal, Dining Room option.

we parked at a couple of ports Galveston TX and New Orleans, before I tell you about the port parking I have to tell you that my car is a convertible showcar, so I'm very picky about parking. We had a bad experience in Galveston, their lot was an open chainlinked fenced lot. When we got back from the cruise our car was covered in an inch of soot from some manufactuering plant next to the cruise port. Not the way to start a 10 hour long drive. Now New Orleans, I was extremely afraid to park there, a work friend who had lived in N.O. his whole life had told me it wasnt safe for cars with out of town liscense plates to park for more than a day or two down town unattended. He told me the criminal aspect of the town was large and looks to capitalize on out-of-towners. I was really concerned until I got to the port parking area, this garage only has 1 way in and out and it was cruise only parking with 24 hour guards and cameras. We came in very early about 10 am to make sure we beat the garage fill up since there were 2 ships leaving, and I went to park on a higher level and I saw a mercedes parked in the garage, then I felt I had nothing to worry about! We have never parked long term at a hotel or an off lot.

thanks I'm sure gonna check this out the next time we port out of ft lauderdale

Glad you had a great time, I'm still a bit wary of large ships after a couple bad experiences on carnival and princess. I didnt see anything about if you had to pay for the "Johnny Rockets" or if you had to pay any additional fees for anything else? I have to say though this review might make me rethink my postion on bigships. Thanks so much for the review!