Caz L.

So sorry this happened to you, @bentl1. It can definitely be frustrating to see that the fare dropped after you paid - especially by that amount! I think we've all been where you are at one point or other, so I think we can all understand the feeling. New policies can be frustrating and have its adjustment period. We just have to be even more diligent with deal hunting these days! But y'know, it's always such a lovely time on Royal ships and I hope you'll feel better once you step onboard for your vacation! Maybe you'll have an exceptionally good time while you're onboard this time! Hope you won't let this ruin your lovely cruise 🙂

Truthfully, I don't mind the testing part so much as the PAYING part. It's an additional $80-100 CAD (per person) just to do the antigen test! Really wish there was an option to do the test for FREE, so either they swab us before we board, or have a testing facility just for cruise passengers. Come on, Canada!

Brilliant! Have a wonderful cruise on the beautiful Allure. We love this ship!

Yes, definitely on the Allure they have a dedicated hand-washing station before entering the Windjammer and you will be forced to wash your hands. 😄 Haha. There's also hand sanitizer dispensers at the entrance of the other food places and shops. 🙂

I'd say the main and most significant difference is that Royal ships have more to do in terms of fun and unique activities, such as rock climbing, zip-lining, mini golf, etc depending on the ship. On the other hand, I'd say Celebrity ships are lower in activity level, so things to do are eat, watch, sit, drink. So, really depends on your own activity level and how you like to relax! 🙂 In terms of crowding, we usually go during shoulder season so we avoid most of the kiddies. Should also help with space in the pools and such. There is often low traffic areas as well depending on the popular activity at the time (check the activity schedule/cruise compass). Service on both are equally lovely and attentive - I personally did not find a difference! Just my two cents. Hope this helps. 🙂

Yes, good advice. Haha. I won't let it ruin my vacation - I was just miffed when it happened and wanted to share my experience. But I'm not going to be unreasonable and sulk on my own vacation! 😄 Hope you've got something fun planned too!

Argh - I feel you 😞 It'll still be an amazing trip, and I really hope your family have a beautiful time on the Oasis! 🙂

Definitely never booking this far out in advance again (unless the port is very far away)! Yes, learning about inventory was helpful. Another user above had mentioned this so I looked it up! Thanks for the suggestion as well!

Wow, that's lovely! Yes, the hope is that I'd qualify for something nicer later. We will definitely continue watching to see if anything better becomes equivalent to what we paid. 🙂

That's lucky! Glad you got to adjust your payment, and hope you enjoyed the cruise! 🙂 There was some policy change in March that makes it harder for you to do price adjustments now. They narrowed the window to 48 hours of booking date (is what we were told on the phone). 😞

Thank you so much, Mimi! October. 🙂 Hope you have something fun booked this year too!

That's a really good tip, Biker! Thank you for the helpful answer! I will look up how to do that.

That's a really cool idea, actually! Thanks for this suggestion! Hope you've got a fun cruise planned soon! 🙂

Yes, we were told of this change. Still sad. 😞 But thanks for taking the time to share. 🙂

Yes, that's a good thought, for sure! I also suspect the ship won't be full. Argh - did this exact situation happen to you too then? We've definitely got some really good last minute deals before, so maybe stick to the old strategy going forward! 🙂