bmswart3

RCCL Excursion out of La Rochelle, Saintes and Cognac, has anyone done this, I'd love to hear some reviews. Thanks!!

Going to be on RCCL Anthem in a couple weeks and ship is docking in La Rochelle. We have opted for the "Bordeaux on your own" excursion, but it looks like Bordeaux is a 3 hour ride away and the excursion is only 9 hours. Which means, only 3 hours in Bordeaux and 6 hours traveling. Has anyone done this excursion? is it worth the long ride? Honestly, I'm a Bordeaux-blend wine addict...so I'm truly just going for the wine. Does that make it worth it? Would we be better served just staying in La Rochelle? I would love to hear about anyone's experiences with La Rochelle, Bordeaux, etc. thanks!!

Just as an FYI, I wasn't actually asking financial advice. I prefer to look at most of my decisions from different perspectives. Therefore, it made to sense to ask others' opinions so I could see those different ways of looking at it. In the end, I will make my own decision, but crowd sourcing different opinions so you don't get roadblocked by your view of things doesn't seem "unwise" to me, it seems to make the most sense to ensure you can make the most informed decision. I have found this thread to be both informative and interesting. I've relished the opportunity to see how others use the package and how others view the cost-value proposition for themselves.

Hmmm, I've never cruised out of a non-American port...this is news to me. Do you mean they charge more? Or drinks are higher end and worth more?

2 sea days (plus embarkation day) and 4 port days

We are cruising on Anthem in late August out of Southampton. But, we are struggling with a decision about the Deluxe Drink Package and I would love to crowd source some outside opinions. Right now the Deluxe Drink Package is $81.99 per day, so $573 before gratuity. (I am not factoring in gratuity because I'm paying that either way, with or without the package) I'm trying to figure out if its "worth it". There are SOOO many calculators out there and I have looked at them all and I just can't quite justify the price. I love the convenience of the drink package and not having to count drinks, look at prices, etc, but at such a highly daily cost I really think we would end up paying more for the package than the drinks. I also read that the wine machines at Vintages aren't included in the price, and while I understand the why, that is very disappointing, because if I have the package, why would I bother with the machines. And then I would be potentially missing out on opportunities to try some new things. I know I will have a tea from the cafe every day, and my husband will have coffee and we love the option of grabbing bottled water from the nearest bar so there is value there. Drink wise we aren't super heavy drinkers, but we do have maybe 3 or 4 at the most a day on port days and perhaps one or two more on sea days. I gravitate to higher end wines, so I will most likely be paying over the $14 for better wines. Hubby drinks whiskey, Gentleman Jack, but again, probably not the 6 a day that's needed to "make it worth it". So, I'd love to hear everyone's thoughts. I do enjoy the convenience of the drink package and we tend to get it on our cruises...but, this price point really has me rethinking. I thought maybe it would drop for 4th of july sales, but, its still hanging strong at the $81.99 mark. In anyone's experience is this likely to drop before we set sail? Any input/thoughts appreciated. Thanks!

Thanks! that is a relief!

Thank you, i had read differing opinions about booking lunch, so , we are definitely going to book our lunches

Yes, i know its more, but, we have NEVER done hibachi on a RCCL ship...so its been on our bucket list for a while. So, regardless of the upcharge...we will definitely be going.

Good Morning All! So, today was check in day for our cruise on Wonder in September! We purchased unlimited dining for the 1st time, so I'm hoping I could pick a few experienced brains for some of our questions. I know we have to book all of our dining as SOON as we get on the boat. So, to that end, I scheduled our check in time for 1030am, happy I could get it. However, my family is a party of 5, but we are traveling with extended family that will make us a party of 7, all with unlimited dining. However, the other two aren't checking in until 1130. So, please see below questions: 1. I have read all dining reservations can be booked at any of the specialty restaurants at a single time instead of running from restaurant to restaurant to book each, is this true? 2. I know Hibachi is the hardest to get, is it better to go TO the hibachi restaurant to book my dining reservations so i can try and book that first? 3. without the full party of 7 being on board at the time of booking, will they still allow me to book for all 7 if I have the other party's room and reservation number? 4. I think I read that we can use our UDP on embarkation day for lunch at one of the specialty restaurants? Is that true, and, if so, does anyone know which of them will be open? 5. any other hints, tips, tricks, etc about the unlimited dining would be super helpful. We have the unlimited drinks and unlimited dining...so its sure to be quite the trip. I am always looking for ways to make the most of it. We are foodies and haven't been enamored with the main dining room, so we always gravitate to the specialty dining, and being an Oasis class ship the dining plan will allow us to try them all. Thanks everyone, appreciate it!