[rocking apple]

...and we still have no information...

[AverageMetalDrummer]

There are so many external factors affecting everything that they’re probably not comfortable putting concrete information out. I kind of understand, but to give this dead horse another whack, they should communicate these situations with us and let us know the status of ticket sales, rationale behind the lack of band announcements, and the potential for a new destination. Like any business entity, they likely want to keep their public communications positive, but honesty goes so much further with customers, in my opinion.

[rocking apple]

Yes !

[rocking apple]

They owe this to the loyal fans who pay so much money for the cruise year after year...

[toby]

There are so many external factors affecting everything that they’re probably not comfortable putting concrete information out. I kind of understand, but to give this dead horse another whack, they should communicate these situations with us and let us know the status of ticket sales, rationale behind the lack of band announcements, and the potential for a new destination. Like any business entity, they likely want to keep their public communications positive, but honesty goes so much further with customers, in my opinion.

I dunno. In the current environment, if they say anything that can remotely be construed as political (even if it's simply economic or travel information), they're going to catch some flack from one side or another. We live in interesting times.

[AverageMetalDrummer]

There are so many external factors affecting everything that they’re probably not comfortable putting concrete information out. I kind of understand, but to give this dead horse another whack, they should communicate these situations with us and let us know the status of ticket sales, rationale behind the lack of band announcements, and the potential for a new destination. Like any business entity, they likely want to keep their public communications positive, but honesty goes so much further with customers, in my opinion.

I dunno. In the current environment, if they say anything that can remotely be construed as political (even if it's simply economic or travel information), they're going to catch some flack from one side or another. We live in interesting times.

So true. I remember when people could disagree about politics over breakfast and laugh about it. Now, it’s almost tribal. People ready to go to verbal war over the smallest disagreements. If a person is friends with someone outside of their spectrum of political beliefs, they’re seen as traitors. It’s a constant “ us versus them” battle that has bred extremism on both sides. This only hinders progress.

[toby]

There are so many external factors affecting everything that they’re probably not comfortable putting concrete information out. I kind of understand, but to give this dead horse another whack, they should communicate these situations with us and let us know the status of ticket sales, rationale behind the lack of band announcements, and the potential for a new destination. Like any business entity, they likely want to keep their public communications positive, but honesty goes so much further with customers, in my opinion.

I dunno. In the current environment, if they say anything that can remotely be construed as political (even if it's simply economic or travel information), they're going to catch some flack from one side or another. We live in interesting times.

So true. I remember when people could disagree about politics over breakfast and laugh about it. Now, it’s almost tribal. People ready to go to verbal war over the smallest disagreements. If a person is friends with someone outside of their spectrum of political beliefs, they’re seen as traitors. It’s a constant “ us versus them” battle that has bred extremism on both sides. This only hinders progress.

I wouldn't even say almost. It's extremely tribal. Makes it even worse for those of us that don't associate with a particular 'mainstream' dichotomous tribe. It feels like Andy is in the classic Far Side cartoon where there's two doors (Damned If You Do and Damned If You Don't) and Satan is there saying, "C'mon. C'mon. it's either one or the other." Personally, I'm eerily detached from the 2026 process since there's next to no chance of me making it next round due to tax situation blind siding me for this year. That should be resolved for 2027's round, though, so I'll be patiently waiting for my round 6 then. Hopefully all this chaos has returned to 'normal' levels by THOSE announcements.

[aleyeahed]

We have a ship, dates and, at present time, a destination. It wasn't that long ago that the first bands were being announced in September and October. Last year when announcements began in April it was too SOON for some! We're not owed anything other than 60(+) bands in a safe environ that ports in one of a half dozen or so Caribbean destinations. Once bands drop there will be plenty more to complain about, haha.

[AverageMetalDrummer]

I wouldn't even say almost. It's extremely tribal. Makes it even worse for those of us that don't associate with a particular 'mainstream' dichotomous tribe. It feels like Andy is in the classic Far Side cartoon where there's two doors (Damned If You Do and Damned If You Don't) and Satan is there saying, "C'mon. C'mon. it's either one or the other." Personally, I'm eerily detached from the 2026 process since there's next to no chance of me making it next round due to tax situation blind siding me for this year. That should be resolved for 2027's round, though, so I'll be patiently waiting for my round 6 then. Hopefully all this chaos has returned to 'normal' levels by THOSE announcements.

Sorry to hear you likely won’t make it next year. Hopefully, your situation changes.

I’m kind of on the fence, only because I won’t have anyone at home to look after my very needy animals. More than likely, I’ll figure something out, though.

[AverageMetalDrummer]

We have a ship, dates and, at present time, a destination. It wasn't that long ago that the first bands were being announced in September and October. Last year when announcements began in April it was too SOON for some! We're not owed anything other than 60(+) bands in a safe environ that ports in one of a half dozen or so Caribbean destinations. Once bands drop there will be plenty more to complain about, haha.

But I want my band announcements yesterday! No, make that last year!!!!

I do agree with what you’re saying. But, I also understand the frustration of not knowing anything aside from the assurances you listed. Either way, I’m sure Andy will deliver. It would be nice to hear something SOON, though.

[aleyeahed]

I get the frustration, but as long as I can afford it (!) I'm in the going-no-matter-the-lineup camp, admittedly skews my perspective. And I just think it's a slippery slope to fall into the entitled trap of feeling owed. The rewards levels are very generous, Skipper has said so himself numerous times over the years that he should've set them at more sails to gain the next level up. If I'm spending this much money on a vacation I don't want to bring a bunch of negative energy into it. Folks are certainly allowed to feel how they want of course.

[toby]

Sorry to hear you likely won’t make it next year. Hopefully, your situation changes.

I’m kind of on the fence, only because I won’t have anyone at home to look after my very needy animals. More than likely, I’ll figure something out, though.

Unless I win the lottery, 2026 will be an off year for me. I'll have it sorted by next year, though, and unless 2026 is the last year, I'll be back in 2027.

[Amalu]

I get the frustration, but as long as I can afford it (!) I'm in the going-no-matter-the-lineup camp, admittedly skews my perspective. And I just think it's a slippery slope to fall into the entitled trap of feeling owed. The rewards levels are very generous, Skipper has said so himself numerous times over the years that he should've set them at more sails to gain the next level up. If I'm spending this much money on a vacation I don't want to bring a bunch of negative energy into it. Folks are certainly allowed to feel how they want of course.

Agree! We are not particularly late with announcements. We were just particularly early last year.

I have booked my flights and some hotels already. I monitored prices for a bit and it seemed the right moment to buy. Everything will work out fine and the cruise will be fun as always.

I'm expecting bands in July and booking in August, early September.

[mooyagi]

There certainly are external factors complicating things this time, but there always seems to be something. If we start hitting late July or into August with nothing then I'll start worrying. Andy's been making appearances on the media circuit promoting the cruise, they sent out a newsletter recently, so at least there's something. I'm sure they're on a wait and see approach with the issues surrounding Labadee. That's a minor thing in the end. They could change the itinerary while we're on the ship... it happens all the time on normal cruises.

It would be nice, as we seem to go through this same thing every year. Hopefully we get something in the very near future.

[toby]

There certainly are external factors complicating things this time, but there always seems to be something. If we start hitting late July or into August with nothing then I'll start worrying. Andy's been making appearances on the media circuit promoting the cruise, they sent out a newsletter recently, so at least there's something. I'm sure they're on a wait and see approach with the issues surrounding Labadee. That's a minor thing in the end. They could change the itinerary while we're on the ship... it happens all the time on normal cruises.

It would be nice, as we seem to go through this same thing every year. Hopefully we get something in the very near future.

I would be surprised if announcements don't start by some time in July at this point, honestly. I'm thinking the announcement in July and sales opening to survivors by August. But yeah, the visa picture is more complicated for a while now (for those who don't already have tours planned). Exchange rates are wacky also. But this isn't the pandemic times. It will happen. If Haiti is still unstable, they will reroute to another port of similar distance. To quote The Guide, "Don't Panic".

[sflheadbanger]

There certainly are external factors complicating things this time, but there always seems to be something. If we start hitting late July or into August with nothing then I'll start worrying. Andy's been making appearances on the media circuit promoting the cruise, they sent out a newsletter recently, so at least there's something. I'm sure they're on a wait and see approach with the issues surrounding Labadee. That's a minor thing in the end. They could change the itinerary while we're on the ship... it happens all the time on normal cruises.

It would be nice, as we seem to go through this same thing every year. Hopefully we get something in the very near future.

I would be surprised if announcements don't start by some time in July at this point, honestly. I'm thinking the announcement in July and sales opening to survivors by August. But yeah, the visa picture is more complicated for a while now (for those who don't already have tours planned). Exchange rates are wacky also. But this isn't the pandemic times. It will happen. If Haiti is still unstable, they will reroute to another port of similar distance. To quote The Guide, "Don't Panic".

I always knew you were a Hoopy frood.

[toby]

There certainly are external factors complicating things this time, but there always seems to be something. If we start hitting late July or into August with nothing then I'll start worrying. Andy's been making appearances on the media circuit promoting the cruise, they sent out a newsletter recently, so at least there's something. I'm sure they're on a wait and see approach with the issues surrounding Labadee. That's a minor thing in the end. They could change the itinerary while we're on the ship... it happens all the time on normal cruises.

It would be nice, as we seem to go through this same thing every year. Hopefully we get something in the very near future.

I would be surprised if announcements don't start by some time in July at this point, honestly. I'm thinking the announcement in July and sales opening to survivors by August. But yeah, the visa picture is more complicated for a while now (for those who don't already have tours planned). Exchange rates are wacky also. But this isn't the pandemic times. It will happen. If Haiti is still unstable, they will reroute to another port of similar distance. To quote The Guide, "Don't Panic".

I always knew you were a Hoopy frood.

My towel is in arms reach pretty much all the time.

[cegr80]

Honestly, I don't mind waiting longer for announcements. I'm going through difficult moments right now and I could use some help while I figure things out.

[toby]

Honestly, I don't mind waiting longer for announcements. I'm going through difficult moments right now and I could use some help while I figure things out.

Yeah, if Andy could postpone announcements until I win the lottery, that'd be great.

[Swiss Jack]

I used to say no matter the bands on the cruise, but it was before they moved to thursday through monday, which means two more days off to get back to Europe, and more days and nights before the cruise

So to me it has to be worth the entire cost which means at least a few bands I crave to see

I am Sorry but last couple of years lots of last time fillers

[toby]

I personally prefer the Monday-Friday schedule for travel purposes. I like the weekend bookends for getting to and from. That being said, it doesn't seriously impact my decision since I don't have any international travel involved.

[MuzakMaker]

Mon-Fri is just soo much better for folks on the "regular" work week

Use 5 days of PTO for 9 days of vacation

vs

3 days of PTO for 5 days with no buffer for travel or pre/post fest activities

[AverageMetalDrummer]

I hope they eventually switch back to the Monday to Friday schedule. It seems that most, myself included, can work around this timetable much easier.

[MuzakMaker]

I hope they eventually switch back to the Monday to Friday schedule. It seems that most, myself included, can work around this timetable much easier.

Speaking with a bit of fest background knowledge. I don't think we will UNLESS Andy gets a good offer on a Mon-Fri boat.

US based fests are facing A LOT of economic uncertainty from their attendees. As much as Iike having the 9 days with both weekends to bookmark the fest, the weekend boats are cheaper.

I only need one night of lodging and depending on flights, I can even take it down to just 2.5 days of vacation (if I get that first flight out of Miami, I can get back to work around 1PM and work 4 more hours. It's hell and definitely leaves zero room for physical relaxation during the vacation, but the money aspect is nice.

[Madkill]

Maryland Deathfest, once again, is the standard on booking and keeping fans informed. 20 bands already announced for a festival happening in late-May 2026.

[Amalu]

I hope they eventually switch back to the Monday to Friday schedule. It seems that most, myself included, can work around this timetable much easier.

Speaking with a bit of fest background knowledge. I don't think we will UNLESS Andy gets a good offer on a Mon-Fri boat.

US based fests are facing A LOT of economic uncertainty from their attendees. As much as Iike having the 9 days with both weekends to bookmark the fest, the weekend boats are cheaper.

I only need one night of lodging and depending on flights, I can even take it down to just 2.5 days of vacation (if I get that first flight out of Miami, I can get back to work around 1PM and work 4 more hours. It's hell and definitely leaves zero room for physical relaxation during the vacation, but the money aspect is nice.

Reading something like that reminds me of what a privilige it is to live in a country with several weeks of garuanteed, paid vacation. Hey I am obliged by law to take at least two of my 6 weeks consecutively in order to be able to relax.

[AverageMetalDrummer]

I hope they eventually switch back to the Monday to Friday schedule. It seems that most, myself included, can work around this timetable much easier.

Speaking with a bit of fest background knowledge. I don't think we will UNLESS Andy gets a good offer on a Mon-Fri boat.

US based fests are facing A LOT of economic uncertainty from their attendees. As much as Iike having the 9 days with both weekends to bookmark the fest, the weekend boats are cheaper.

I only need one night of lodging and depending on flights, I can even take it down to just 2.5 days of vacation (if I get that first flight out of Miami, I can get back to work around 1PM and work 4 more hours. It's hell and definitely leaves zero room for physical relaxation during the vacation, but the money aspect is nice.

Reading something like that reminds me of what a privilige it is to live in a country with several weeks of garuanteed, paid vacation. Hey I am obliged by law to take at least two of my 6 weeks consecutively in order to be able to relax.

Indeed. I grew up in Germany; my mother was a German citizen, and she was guaranteed the same amount, if I remember correctly. I remember some kind of policy that allowed for additional time off for stress relief, like, several weeks off. She never had to worry about not getting paid.

My job in the US gives me 200 hours of paid time off every year, but that’s only because I’ve been working for them for 15 years. New employees start out with 120, I believe. Also, it’s use or lose, so I go to zero at the beginning of the year, meaning I have to request hours to roll over from the previous year to go on 70K. There’s always a chance it won’t be approved. Sadly, this leave policy is considered generous for my industry.

[toby]

I hope they eventually switch back to the Monday to Friday schedule. It seems that most, myself included, can work around this timetable much easier.

It's really more a matter of cruise scheduling. Charters only have existing cruise schedules to work with. They get some say in port selection/days, but they don't get to pick sail and return days. Most 5 day cruises have 2 port days, but 70K only does 1 to maximize the music. That means that they usually don't do the same ports as the sailing they charter was scheduled for, but that's typically the only change.

[cowboy71]

Indeed. I grew up in Germany; my mother was a German citizen, and she was guaranteed the same amount, if I remember correctly. I remember some kind of policy that allowed for additional time off for stress relief, like, several weeks off. She never had to worry about not getting paid.

My job in the US gives me 200 hours of paid time off every year, but that’s only because I’ve been working for them for 15 years. New employees start out with 120, I believe. Also, it’s use or lose, so I go to zero at the beginning of the year, meaning I have to request hours to roll over from the previous year to go on 70K. There’s always a chance it won’t be approved. Sadly, this leave policy is considered generous for my industry.

Australia is pretty good too - guaranteed 4 weeks Rec Leave every year which does rollover (although a lot of employers, mine included don't like you rolling over your leave - a little bit because you 'should' take it to recharge, relax, unwind. But a LOT because accrued leave is a liability on their accounting books ). So generally if you have over 20 days leaves saved up you will get a tap on the shoulder from management asking you to use it (which is why I'm taking next week off).

We also get 10 days personal leave each year which can be used for carer leave, sick leave, stress leave, etc. That one also continually rolls over - I currently have about 200 days worth accrued lol.

Then on top of all THAT, my company has 3 additional days of company-unique leave each year of the use-it-or-lose-it kind that we can use for volunteer leave, cultural leave etc.

EDIT: Oh and we also get whats called "Long Service Leave" here too. Basically a reward for sticking at the one company. It accrues at roughly 1 week a year but you can only use it once you've been at the same employer for 10 years. You get 8 2/3 weeks leave after 10 years with an additional 4 1/3 weeks after 15 years.

I'll have been at this employer 8 years in November, so only two more years and I'll be elligible to use my long service leave Although by that time I will ALSO be thinking about retiring from full-time work (I'll be 56 by the time I can take it) so I might hold onto it so I can just get it paid out in cash when I retire

[caddee313]

I hope they eventually switch back to the Monday to Friday schedule. It seems that most, myself included, can work around this timetable much easier.

Speaking with a bit of fest background knowledge. I don't think we will UNLESS Andy gets a good offer on a Mon-Fri boat.

US based fests are facing A LOT of economic uncertainty from their attendees. As much as Iike having the 9 days with both weekends to bookmark the fest, the weekend boats are cheaper.

I only need one night of lodging and depending on flights, I can even take it down to just 2.5 days of vacation (if I get that first flight out of Miami, I can get back to work around 1PM and work 4 more hours. It's hell and definitely leaves zero room for physical relaxation during the vacation, but the money aspect is nice.

Reading something like that reminds me of what a privilige it is to live in a country with several weeks of garuanteed, paid vacation. Hey I am obliged by law to take at least two of my 6 weeks consecutively in order to be able to relax.

Amazing...I have worked 50 - 60 hours a week since the late 70's, never a 2 week consecutive vaca. Retirement is my hope soon.
I get 200 hours a year, and can bank up to 240 hours before hours stop accruing. But, I find it extremely difficult to manage vacations with my workload. That's my fault. In fact many of my staff and Managers are taking 2 weekers this summer in the US. I imagine (like Cowboy71) that I will get a little kick in the wallet when I retire in 2026 or 2027 for funds for 2 or 3 of 70K cruises.

[toby]

Meanwhile me: 120 hours (3 weeks) max accrual after 20 years with the company. Thanks. I hate it.

[MuzakMaker]

We're facing increasing attacks from both the government higher ups and the citizens, but leaving the private sector for the public sector has done wonders for my vacation accrual.

Went from just over 3 hours of vacation accruing every other week to 7 hours (based on length of service). Both let me have up to 200 hours in the bank at the end of the fiscal year. Private sector I was constantly having to cash out hours because 70K and the occasional 3 day weekend were my only times I could get off. Now, I'm taking a lot more time off but sitting around 100 hours in the bank

(the real problem is now paying for 70K with the nearly 50% pay cut )

[Pellaz]

We have a ship, dates and, at present time, a destination. It wasn't that long ago that the first bands were being announced in September and October. Last year when announcements began in April it was too SOON for some! We're not owed anything other than 60(+) bands in a safe environ that ports in one of a half dozen or so Caribbean destinations. Once bands drop there will be plenty more to complain about, haha.

Yep, this right here.

Remember, WE griped about the booking being wayy too early last year, too #soooon after the previous 70K. I'd like to think that Andy listened to our concerns and has been holding off on announcements or bookings...but nahhh. It's likely just some other delay.

I preferred Monday-Friday just because the weekends would be "free" travel days for me, but I can work with the different "off-week" schedules. I accrue 8 hours of vacation leave and 4 hours of sick leave every two weeks, with a maximum carryover of 240 hours of vacation time each year...but I've been with my employer for 35 years. I have use-or-lose hours...but that will change after 70K, ProgPower USA, DragonCon (a multigenre convention here), and my cheap, "regular" cruise in October.