cruiselvr04

Royal is a family cruise line and that’s not going to change. However I do wish they’d build a smaller class of ships with longer and better itineraries. We really like the Royal product and would like to stay with them but other cruise lines are getting our interest due to itineraries. We still cruise the Caribbean some but really want to see more of the world. The big ships just don’t interest us for more than a one time thing. And we certainly aren’t flying across the country for a 3/4 night cruise. Right now they seem to targeting families in Florida vs. Disney.

I believe you’re referring to the cruiser who took a portable washing machine on board that was confiscated. It was large and is something you plug in. They don’t care about a collapsible wash basin.

Hoping for a British Isles in 2026. And if Royal won’t do one we’ll be switching to another line too. I’d do another Panama Canal cruise too so will keep watching for that.

Our parents are gone now and we are recently retired so our travel has opened up. We do have a fur baby. Fortunately we have daughters who really like her and they will keep her. We were gone 2 months to Australia and NZ and the dog did fine. This fall we’ll be gone 36 days again but I know she’ll be well cared for. Harder for us is being available for the grands and being involved in their lives. We try to plan so we can be home for graduations, ballet recitals, band competitions. That does limit when and how long. We don’t want to miss too much! Have a great cruise! Our first TA is next spring.

The area is not what I’d call scenic. Stay by the pool or go to a beach if that’s what you want.

Our first time there we took a shore excursion that got us around town, a museum and a rum factory. We just wanted to see the area. At the port, there is a pool, shops, bars with no need to leave to leave.

We want longer, more interesting itineraries!

We were on Brilliance 46 nights in a row this year. B3B. Each cruise I sent out underwear, socks, work out clothes in stuffed wash and fold bags. One nightgown came back a little different color, otherwise no issues. We use the collapsible bucket method, use the body wash in the shower, soak, rinse twice, roll in pool towels and hang to dry from magnets on the ceiling. I find it easier to do every 5 days or so rather then let it build up. It’s bit of an aerobic work out. We do not pack light and always check bags. I do wish Royal had self laundry. I air dry most of our clothes so I don’t send them out in the regular laundry, just use wash and fold for the stuff we don’t care about.

We did a 14 night Grand European with Viking from Budapest to Amsterdam. It was wonderful by the way. Most places in Europe do not have A/C at the places you tour or restaurants or shops. We were always so glad to get back to the boat to cool down. Chain hotels have A/C but some smaller ones do not. If you’re climbing stairs in a hotel I’d say you won’t have air. We were there during an unusual heat wave in June. Several days it was miserable hot with no relief until we got back to the boat. They don’t even run the busses A/C until they are in motion. It was in the 90’s with no A/C. No wonder the Europeans go to the beaches in August! I’m not trying to discourage you but it is different. We’re looking at France and Switzerland next. I might do Switzerland in the summer but not France. I’d choose May or September instead for France. Better rain then heat for us.

We have not but I’d be interested in hearing how yours went. One problem I have with land tours is the packing and unpacking. But of course you do see more in depth. River cruises, for us, is a better way to go but not everywhere is accessible by river of course.

DH had his done several years ago. I highly suggest a surgeon who does a lot of them and does them through an anterior incision. Do your research. DH had no issues at all. We went on a cruise 3 months later pain free, no limp, you’d never know he had it done.

We spent 2 weeks in the Keys during covid when cruising was shut down. We stayed for a week at a B and B in Key West and another week at a resort half way through the keys. The water was beautiful. Dry Tortuga was great. We spent time at several beaches, it was a super relaxing trip. I doubt we could afford it now, the deals for lodging were unheard of at the time due to covid. They just wanted people to come. We did a sunset sail and another during the day. Visited no name bar. Sloppy Joes. We saw some beautiful sunsets. Great memories!

There must be a reason. I think we’d prefer to just stay on board even if we were trapped there, then leave. Most wouldn’t do this though. The food is already there and most of the entertainment. This happened with Brilliance too. Everyone had to debark. The crew spent the time cleaning and getting some down time. Those on back to backs still had to leave the ship and find somewhere to stay for 2 weeks or go home early. It certainly would be less expensive to stay on board then get hotel rooms in Vancouver. Trip interruption on your travel insurance should cover it but what a hassle.

Personally I would recommend paying the deviation fee and going a couple of days early. You can get yourself to a hotel you book yourself and save money over Vikings arrangements. Budapest is a lovely city, easy to get around on the tram with many things to see and do. This also helps you get over jet lag before you actually start your river cruise. Chose a hotel near a tram line. Do a tour of the Parliament, see the market, enjoy a soak in one of the baths, spend time at the shoes of the Danube memorial.

So sorry you’ll have to return home. Hoping all turns out well for you. And yes if Royal does another world cruise, count us in and we’ll meet then.