23 Comments

As per normal, a no-bullshit and very entertaining rant. I do very much believe that those with rose-coloured glasses on are still having a better time than those doing all the complaining online. After all they're are travelling the world, being fed, cleaned up after, and can now drink good beer while simultaneously watching the sun set oven the ocean.

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You're not wrong.

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And long may they continue to be happy now that they have lowered their standards and gotten over the long slow diminishment of the features they had originally bought into. However I draw the line when they actively try to encourage new people to risk the same while diligently hiding any true but inconvenient negatives and applying extreme social pressure on others to do the same.

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Samantha, have you ever watched those airline review videos on YouTube? You know the ones—someone books a first-class ticket and then critiques the cabin, the service, and the food. And fair enough—when you’re spending a small fortune, expectations are understandably sky-high.

Now, this is a little different. Compared to the only other residential cruise ship, this is the budget-friendly option by comparison. It’s a bit like flying economy: the headphones work… but only in one ear. The person next to you has taken over more legroom than they should, and by the time the meal cart gets to you, your preferred option is gone.

But here’s the thing—you still get the view out the window, arrive at the same destination, and go through the same security line. It’s all about value. Despite its shortcomings plenty of people seem more than happy with it, so far.

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If the company owners had any sense of humor they would make t-shirts that said “We’ll get back to you on that.”

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Thank you again Joe for a wonderful update. We all look forward to it! And Happy Old Retired Person 70th Birthday! Wow how awesome! You made it this far, so you might as well keep going! 😜

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You’re writing is so very funny! As a wannabe travel writer who used to post stuff when I had more interesting adventures I can’t wait to look forward to every single post! I can’t ever see myself on a long cruise, so this is fascinating because I identify with you😂👀

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Do you think the cheerleaders overlap heavily with wealthier Trump supporters. The love it or leave it is the same vibe.

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No and I say that because I’m onboard and know them. I’m one of them and as far from a Trump supporter as you can get.

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That’s wonderful to hear. I hope it’s all smooth sailing and fun from here on out.

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your childhood decision to mostly stay indoors to avoid bugs and heat is eminently reasonable. but it is objectively hilarious that you are on a cruise in the Caribbean, a thing many dream of, and are hiding in your cabin. a decision also eminently reasonable that I wholeheartedly endorse.

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The problem with you Segmenters, aside from being the next to the lowest on the social strata per one particularly elite Founder (DA), is that you aren't "Emotionally Loyal" (as said by an unfortunately deluded soul who purchased the Endless Horizons program whereby she can sail with VVR for her lifetime).

Have you found your tribe onboard?

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Yes. We have hand signals.

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Is one of the hand signals "Help, I'm surrounded by a group of indignant and self-righteous Founders!"?

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Chris was right. She said I'd like your writing.

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Joe, Rumor has it that residents are being threatened by the company again. Say anything negative about the ship, management or the company and you will be issued 1 warning email. Do it again and No imported Beer For You (or gangplank, your choice). Are you being gagged? Is it going to work on you?

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No one has threatened me. Don't know about anyone else. And, no, it wouldn't work.

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Happy Thanksgiving Joe. We've a lot to be thankful for.

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So you still pay rent for the full month of you are forced off the ship for repairs?

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May I suggest an alternate word for clusterf**k. Although it already existed, It’s a word recently made famous in Australia by Justice Lee when presiding over a very serious case here. He described the events leading up to the case as an ‘omnishambles’.

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Jen, we could also consider "fubar" (pronounced "foo bah", if you are from Boston). I am told its etymology is from the Navy, especially suitable to Joe's current locus, referring to an operation that has become f'd up beyond all recognition.

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Glad you got your nectar of life situation handled. Hey everyone why dont we leave politics in Washington and off the Villa Vie ! Happy Thanksgiving.

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I'm off to Antarctica 12/23. Ahoy, there!!!!

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