young_ens

Starting to think of another vacation and I don't recall the process being this "money extracting".   They seem to advertise a price but that is only for a room RCI picks for you.  If you want a specific room, it's much more....  Not overly impressed with this.  

Also, anyone know if kids sail free promo is coming up sometime?  

Thanks!

I've been looking and have the same problem.  My pick is southern, aruba is really really nice!   I want to cruise harmony but don't really like the ports, so I will wait.  

Sounds like you have good options for flights.  My options just plain suck so far, most have to overnight in Toronto (uuggghhh).  

. This will be our first cool weather cruise (NE and Canada) so packing is different. Jeans/slacks instead of shorts, no swim shoes, but heavier duty closed toed shoes, so I'm trying to plan.

I see you're coming up in my home area. Taking advantage of the fall colors! Beautiful time of the year.

If you have any questions, feel free to pm me.

ok so I’m the first to admit I over pack for every trip I take :D Trying to get our clothes together for the main dining room and I’m really struggling. We very much enjoy dressing up each night and plan to do so this cruise as well. Of course this cruise we’ve added a child into the mix. Curious for those that dress up nightly do you take one outfit per dinner or do you rewear an outfit or two? We have always done one per night and I have rear but gosh that’s a lot of clothes for three people/ seven nights. We drive to port so airline fees aren’t a problem/ consideration

I'm sure if I had the option of driving rather than flying, answer would be different.

I have black and beige pants and bring polos and shirts that match. I'll fly down wearing one of those pairs and my thickest polo (space saving). DW brings a couple dresses, skirts, matching shirts. Some of our stuff matches well with shorts.

We manage to survive with a large suitcase and 4 carry one for us and 2 kids and at the end there are some things that weren't worn on the cruise!

I always wonder what some of the retirees pack when I see select few who give porters 4 large suitcases. A lot for 2 people!

:evilsmile:

You could also just stop at a beach along the way for a swim. Dania Beach is nice and on the way to Fort Lauderdale. You could also drive to Miami Beach but I think the beaches near Fort Lauderdale are more family friendly.

Curious, how Miami Beach less family friendly? Thanks from a foreigner!

It's like asking Coke or Pepsi.... You will get both as answers!

Go to both and formulate your own conclusion? Expensive, I know....

Both private islands in the Caribbean, so both terrific. However now I would give Labadee an edge due to construction at Coco Cay.

We are going on Allure of the Seas in May 19 and my daughter will be 2 years old. My husband and I are getting a drink package that includes soda, milk, juice, and water does my daughter who is only 2 need to have one or are we allowed to give her one of our drinks.

No. Go to Park Cafe in the morning and get yourself some milk cartons there. Your room has a fridge. They also have juice. There is water everywhere all day.

If you prefer, do buy the drink package. RCI will like you for it!

5 years ago my flight was scheduled to land in Miami at 1205 and anchor aweigh at 1600 in Miami. Lots of time. Plane was a bit late leaving, circled Philly for 20 minutes (stressed wife then). Land and get to gate, lots of time for connection.

Departure delayed, then gate change. I ask the agent and am told the plane broke, they are bringing another one from the hangar (thankully it's a main hub). Departure was 1215.... Landed in Miami at 1435 and all I can say is:

Thank you cruise port transfer and for the folks who book air through the cruise line! I knew the ship would wait.

Bonus: no lines or thorough checks when you're that late! They want you on the boat

Now, we go up the day before. It's more relaxed.

Never thought of the bus. Me, wife and two kids cabbed to Palm Beach and back for $20. Lovely beach (wife's favorite) and great people! Planning to go back soon!

They were still there last year. Gosh were they good! I must have had about 25 of them that week!

Oasis you have to over plan everything.

Was not a fan of that either. My idea if cruising is to not have to plan/think much. Just show up.

My first RCI cruise in August. One of the things I will miss about Carnival is their Guys burgers (which are not extra $$).

I've done the Breeze with the family a while back. I miss those burgers! I had too many but man alive were they a great feature! My wife loved the Blue Iguana for their wraps.

Have you been on CC lately? Have they also gone down in terms of service/experience?

We had a room on deck 6, a balcony room. We found it nice as it was quiet at night (for the kids) and still close to a lot of stuff: rock wall, carousel, central park and aqua theatre.

Either is good.

Check my signature for future cruises :D

I checked it and was curious about why you have one labeled "lousy cruise"?

I think Royal Caribbean shot themselves in the foot by discontinuing the future bookings w/o an itinerary.

Where did you hear this? I book a cruise based on both the ship and destinations....

3 days now!

This thread seemed interesting and I thought for fun I'll see what mine is now priced at. I figured it would be more; I booked on a sail (lol) where every 3rd night was free and kids were also free, and somehow a $75 OBC. Anyways, currently it's $2,300 more than what I paid!

I keep hearing the MDR food isn't as good. I suppose that is planned because of all the specialty restaurants, basically upselling food. Since i haven't sailed in a while, I hope I don't see/feel that way about the MDR!

I agree on upselling, don't care for it. I don't usually drink, so not having someone ask me if I want a drink is fine by me. If I want one, I am perfectly capable of going to the bar (I don't see the staff as my PAs).

Looking forward to my sailing on this ship in a few months.

Sailing on the Allure in a few months, I'm thinking I'll be declining the credit card link.

These charges seem to be mostly on the Anthem, is the the going consensus?

I noticed that as well. Being young with kids, mortgage, etc, we take a cruise every few years. Our latest has taken a good year to get one with a price I was OK with paying. Every cruise offer ("deals" according to RCCL or Carnival) amounted to $4,000+ for 2 adults/2 kids for an interior. Just poking around after Christmas one came up for a very cheap price on top of kids free and 3rd night free, had to take it!