Arrrrr, Mateys. The Captain has been confined to quarters for the last week, and no -- it wasn't seasickness! Cap'n Bob was born with Sea Legs, in addition to a Sea-Section. No, my ailment had Medical professionals and researchers baffled for years, before finally being able to figure a diagnosis and treatment. The Latin name for it is "Da Crud". But I'm back in action now, happily and jauntily swabbing the decks (as well as my ears -- thank you Q-Tips Brand).
So what's happened since my last Captain's Log? Well, Tampa Florida has both good news and bad news happening. The good news, The Rays are in 1st place and still playing excellent baseball. The bad news, the Harbor Pilots appear to have broken into the cache of Rum, and made some decisions that could cripple that city as a seaport. Sometimes the seaports see the cruise ships as a cash cow, and they want to milk 'em dry. Guess what. Ships have propellers, and they can MOOOVE (another hilarious cow reference.....sometimes I kill myself). Anyway, here's the story:
The Harbor Pilots who are so dreadfully overworked (not) have decided they need a 27% pay increase, during a time when fuel prices are ravaging the cruise industry. Oh by the way, I spoke to my boss to see if I could get in on that 27% increase action as well, and he's still crying. From laughter, of course. Carnival Cruises account for about 3/4 of the revenue of the port, along with Holland America and Royal Caribbean. If any one of them -- PARTICULARLY Carnival -- were to remove Tampa as their homeport, guess what happens to the 27%. It goes along with the 100% and 3/4 of the jobs and services for the Port. Maybe they could build another log flume ride, or do glass bottom boat tours to visit where the cruise ships used to be. In reality, Tampa would go back to being its normal "We're not Orlando, but we have still have Busch Gardens and Greyhound Racing" self, while hundreds of jobs and millions in revenue will be lost. Good plan, Harbor Pilots. There's an AA meeting tonight at the Bilge Club.
On a lighter note, gas prices continue to trickle down, and some destinations in the Caribbean are becoming more affordable. Palace Resorts in Mexico still have some bonus deals running, such as golf and spa credits, or swim with the dolphins. That's in addition to being one of the few all-inclusive hotel chains that offers FREE TOURS, as well as their standard all-inclusive amenities. So if you're staying in Cancun or the Mayan Riviera and you want to see the amazing Chichen Itza ruins, that is a complimentary tour. If you're on the West Coast in Puerto Vallarta, you may want to take advantage of the gorgeous Sunset Cruise. All built in to your package. We can get discounted rates to Palace Resorts from virtually any air gateway that services Mexico, and can advise you which properties are best for families, which for couples, etc.
Hope everyone is enjoying the Olympics.
YOOOOOOO ESSSSSSSSS AAAAAAAAAAAY
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