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I have some friends who use this. One guy in particular put together an incredible 'round the world trip on this. If I can find the link, I'll post it. It's really incredible what he did using mostly Mileage Plus points. It is the most complex, detailed itinerary I've ever seen in my life. Absolutely incredible---I could never repeat it, and I doubt many other people could as well. He only paid something like $200 for a trip, literally, around the world. He maximized his overnights somehow, and made it about a 10 day trip. Hopefully I can find that link.
Posts: 2355 | From: Pleasanton, CA | Registered: Apr 2007
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Horray, here is a chance to get this thread back on topic - well of sorts.
I guess there are airfans out there who are as deliberate about maximizing the value of their points as many here seem to be about Amtrak Guest Rewards (AGR) points.
For me, I just donate my Mileage Plus points - can't be bothered with all the hoops you must jump through to use 'em - and there ain't enough of 'em to get too excited about. If Amtrak offered a donation program for AGR points, guess where they would be going.
Posts: 9976 | From: Clarendon Hills, IL USA (BNSF Chicago Sub MP 18.71) | Registered: Apr 2002
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Meanwhile, 'back off topic', while Smitty has reported he enjoyed the cruise experience as I know the others here that also regularly engage in the pastime hold same, it appears the industry has taken the a la-carte pricing model to the extreme. Herewith pertinent quote from the Princess Cruise Contract:
quote:'Cruise Fare' means the amount payable by You to Carrier for Your Cruise. It covers the Cruise, scheduled meals and accommodations while on board, air programs and/or other travel components that Carrier may add to Your Cruise Fare and charge to Your stateroom account and/or credit card. The Cruise Fare does not include beer, wine, spirits, sodas or other bottled beverages, or charges for other incidental items, activities, excursions, transportation or personal services during or in connection with the Cruise; or any Government Fees or Taxes, airline or other carriers' services or baggage fees, for which a separate charge may be imposed.
What could be next; well how about an 'amenity fee' to get near the deck chairs and the pools. Otherwise, your deck space would be confined to some area way aft - just as were the steerage passengers on the Titanic.
How about a 'housekeeping fee', if you are content to have your stateroom a pig stye, be their guest; otherwise 'pony up'.
A 'Tender fee'? pony up if you want to go ashore, a 'priority tender fee' (hey, airlines and theme parks now have that one) I'm surprised they haven't dreamed that one up yet.
When cruising first developed during the Great Depression to find some use for vessels that otherwise would be laid up, the product was by and large all inclusive - booze no exception. By the time I took my six cruises in this life 1979-88, the product was still reasonably all inclusive ('registering at the bar' would cost), as there were plenty of lectures, movies, shows, arts and crafts, galley and bridge tours (even engine room if you pushed the right buttons), included.
But now, based upon Smitty's reports, cruising today is simply a platform with 'three hots and a cot' to confine you for the duration and present you with a smorgasbord of extras for which provide the cruise line with the profit, and ensure that the passenger who declines any of such is some kind of second class passenger.
Posts: 9976 | From: Clarendon Hills, IL USA (BNSF Chicago Sub MP 18.71) | Registered: Apr 2002
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Are you sure it was a 707-400? The -400's were Rolls-Royce Conway equipped aircraft and as far as I know Continental never had them.
As for cruising, the picture you paint is not the one we have experienced in close to 30 cruises. We generally pay no more than $150.00 a day per person for a balcony cabin in a good location with all meals, including room service, included. True, alcohol, is extra but we have now reached the point in the Celebrity, RCCL and Azamara programs where cocktails are complimentary from 5 to 7PM each evening.
On our most recent cruise the Classic Beverage Package was included (as were pre-paid gratuities). We upgraded to the Premium Package for about $10.00 a day per person extra. Our total bill on leaving the ship was $137.04. We used only about 70 minutes of the first of two 200 free internet minutes packages. We used one of our complimentary laundry coupons.
Frank in sunny but cool SBA
Posts: 2160 | From: Santa Barbara, CA, USA | Registered: Oct 2003
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quote:Originally posted by Gilbert B Norman: But now, based upon Smitty's reports, cruising today is simply a platform with 'three hots and a cot' to confine you for the duration and present you with a smorgasbord of extras for which provide the cruise line with the profit, and ensure that the passenger who declines any of such is some kind of second class passenger.
Unfortunately, you are correct. The "nickel and diming" that I found on-board was, well, ludicrous. I know I'm not an experienced "cruiser", so I'm sure I missed out on some tips and tricks. But what I did during my cruise was, I used the "Notepad" app on my iPhone to write down a new tip/trick that I learned----so it was written down before I forgot about it. The result is that I have 3 ½ pages of tips and tricks! These are things that were never mentioned on Cruise Critic or anywhere else. The extra charges for things really irked me. The LINES---oh my gosh, the lines.....lines for EVERYTHING. It didn't matter what you wanted to do---you were guaranteed to have to "hurry up and wait" in a line. I would have to say that my biggest disappointment of the whole cruise was that I never got to swim in the ship's pools, and I never got to lay in a lounge chair. The reason? TOO MANY PEOPLE! I certainly don't want to offend anyone here, but my ship's passengers were mostly made up of very rude New York/New Jersey residents. I used to live back east, and I remember what it was like (and 100% of my relatives live back east). I know all about that "New York attitude", and it was on FULL display during the entire cruise. Just extremely rude people---very, very rude---who only cared about themselves and their own comfort and well-being. I saw it and personally experienced it time and time again. I could tell specific stories, but I won't bore you with that. Suffice it to say, what they would do is, they would get up at the crack of dawn (or earlier) and "stake out" their lounge chairs for the day. And that would be that---those chairs were THEIRS for the entire day. Hundreds and hundreds of people did this. Even when they got up to go eat lunch and maybe go back to their cabin---it didn't matter---they would leave a book, their towel, sunblock, etc, to make the chair look "occupied". But I saw these "occupied" chairs remain unoccupied for hours. It was such a disappointment to not be able to swim in the pools, and then of course The Sanctuary (the adult pool)---what an absolute mess that was!!! Not the facility itself----it was very nice. But the process involved in getting reservation is something I'm simply not willing to do (be up and in line at the front pool at 6AM---before the sun comes up---and stand there for TWO HOURS until they open at 8AM. Reserve your chair, pay your money, and then go back to bed, or go eat breakfast, or whatever.....but either way, you have to get up at around 5:30AM just to get up there to reserve a stupid chair. I couldn't believe it).
Overall, I really enjoyed my cruise. But there were some surprises that really wiped the smile off my face. $150 for a bridge tour? $20 for a chair at the adults-only pool, and a ridiculous reservation process? The Grand Turks tour not happening because they couldn't find a driver or a bus? The extremely rude passengers on-board. I easily could have done without all of that stuff.
Posts: 2355 | From: Pleasanton, CA | Registered: Apr 2007
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Wow, that was not our experience on a family Disney Cruise last spring. I don't recall any extras except: a bottle of wine at dinner, a great excursion or two, one night when the 'guys' hung out at the cigar bar topside, and one night at their fancy French restaurant, Remy. Only line was maybe 10min. to disembark. No problem with access to pools or ship activities.
Of course being able to take on our liquor of choice on board helped. Each son had a preferred beverage and each evening we had our own cocktail party on our adjoining balconies. The staff was wonderful (a special treat for our granddaughter each night) and the passengers were fine. Although we didn't mingle at dinner as the eight of us took up an entire table at meals. But, then it may have been a case of you get what you pay for as it wasn't inexpensive.
Posts: 2397 | From: Camden, SC | Registered: Mar 2006
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Unfortunately you're just confirming my worst fears about cruising. There are three main things I hate about vacations: crowds, queuing (lines), and the money drain. I'm sure there are good points, and people that enjoy that sort of thing. Probably not me.
At this point I wrote a whole load more but then realized I was off on a major whinge fest and deleted it! Suffice to say I think our next major vacation to the Mayan stuff in Mexico will be self-organised - not on the cruise ships that the wife's aunt keeps trying to convince us to take.
Great photo on the previous page.
-------------------- Geoff M. Posts: 2426 | From: Apple Valley, CA | Registered: Sep 2000
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The Plane Spotting Area at FLL is on SW 39th Street just east of W. Perimeter Road. Check it out on Google Map -- a very clear picture with lots of cars parked there watching the planes.
My own favorite spot for watching aircraft is the In 'n' Out Burger on Sepulveda at LAX. Great burgers ("Animal Style" if you know the lingo…) and views of approaches on the North Runway. Lots of "heavies" coming in from Europe and Asia. Ah, the smell of jet fuel…
Frank in dark, cool and WAY TOO DRY SBA.
Posts: 2160 | From: Santa Barbara, CA, USA | Registered: Oct 2003
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Interesting to learn; I just presumed post 9/11 loitering anywhere around O'Hare was a nono. The only reason I have to go near any airport is 1) depart 2) arrive 3) pick someone up 4) take someone out.
Of course there is always daredevil planespotting at TNCM; 'been there done that' myself:
posted
Frank: Yes, that is actually a VERY well-known location....worldwide believe it or not! On "Airliners.net", you will find lots and lots of people from all over the world take awesome pictures from the "famous" In 'n Out lot. It really is in a perfect location. (And yes, I know the "Secret Menu". Heh heh.....).
Posts: 2355 | From: Pleasanton, CA | Registered: Apr 2007
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In'n'Out publicize their not-so-secret menu. I've eaten there a few times and don't quite see the attraction personally and I like my burgers as much as the next person.
The dangers of assumption without knowledge GBN. Yes, plane spotting is alive and well - and more fun with the numerous flight tracking apps you can get on smartphones telling you exactly what that aircraft is above you, its route, altitude, direction, etc.
-------------------- Geoff M. Posts: 2426 | From: Apple Valley, CA | Registered: Sep 2000
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That's not the COMPLETE menu… You can also get your fries "Animal Style" and a "6X6" or even an "8X8". I like their burgers but also like them at The Habit (Sorry, folks, only in the West…) and 5 Guys. The fries at In 'n' Out are best eaten quickly. My current personal fav for fries is at Carl's, Jr. -- Hardee's in the east. Order them with out salt and they will usually be fried to order.
Another little secret at In 'n' Out is the Biblical quote inside the bottom of the cup. Unobtrusive and non-confrontational.
Frank in sunny and warming SBA
Posts: 2160 | From: Santa Barbara, CA, USA | Registered: Oct 2003
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The Habit started out in Goleta as The Hamburger Habit. Two guys who worked there as teen agers bought the business and have lead the expansion.
One other thing about In 'n' Out -- it's still a family owned business. No franchises.
Frank in sunny and warm but far too dry SBA where Sapphire Princess had to delay tendering today because of fog!
Posts: 2160 | From: Santa Barbara, CA, USA | Registered: Oct 2003
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Yep. About 20 visits a year. Most are by Princess but we also get Celebrity (We were here in September on our Wine/America's Cup cruise on Solstice.) and some of the smaller ships like Azamara and Crystal.
We are doing a Panamá Canal on Celebrity Century in March and then it will call here twice on coastal cruises.
Frank in now clear and sunny SBA after a brief shower earlier.
Posts: 2160 | From: Santa Barbara, CA, USA | Registered: Oct 2003
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I'm sure you've heard by now that ship #2 has a norovirus outbreak. This time it's on Princess (Caribbean Princess). Whew!! So glad I missed out on that type of "fun".
Re: My parents taking that cruise around the same time as you, Frank.....well, they are doing everything they can now to cancel it. For some reason, they are suddenly very nervous about being away from good medical care for that long. They are 80 and 82 years old (in fine health), and they're afraid that if something happens, they would have to be airlifted off the ship (since there are 11 "At Sea" days) and taken to a third world hospital. I don't know what made them think of all that stuff, but for whatever reason, they absolutely don't want to take the cruise now. They purchased trip insurance, and now they're working with the insurance company, Princess, United (flying on UAL points), and Marriott (staying on Marriott points). What a major undertaking this is for them to cancel! Doctor's appointments to get letters to say that they can't go, phone calls, more letters, etc, etc, etc....I said to them, hey, let's make this easy. I'll just go in your place! Actually, that may very well happen if they can't get this thing cancelled. I wouldn't mind cruising the Panama Canal and having 11 days at sea. That would be just dandy with me!
Posts: 2355 | From: Pleasanton, CA | Registered: Apr 2007
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Actually, that may very well happen if they can't get this thing cancelled. I wouldn't mind cruising the Panama Canal and having 11 days at sea. That would be just dandy with me!
