Jasukkie

I like to check my carry-on with the porters and then roll off self-carry for departure. I have a small day bag for essentials too. This is only for short cruises. Anything more than 4 nights I definitely bring my big suitcase.

$90 for a ropes course? That's insane. I know the economy is booming but there have to be better ways to burn money than that.

It's not walkable from anywhere so you will need transportation from wherever you leave your car and back. It can be worth the convenience of walking out and just getting in your car and going vs waiting for a ride and dealing with your luggage and all.

Please report back if you do attempt this.

I recently took my first Carnival cruise. While there are many things that make Royal a better fit for me, I was impressed with Carnival's dining room service. I hesitated to do breakfast in the main dining room because it just seems to take forever on Royal, but Carnival had prompt service and I really liked what I ordered. For dinner, their appetizers were small but their entree portions were large and good enough. I like Royal's food but I have noticed the portion size shrinking. Carnival gets the nod for pool deck food with Guy's Burgers and Shaq's chicken. I really like the Fish and Ships on Ovation and wish they'd expand that to more ships.

2 hours ago, Loracpin2 said:

As a Grandmother of 8, you asked and I will answer..... "I've completely lost my mind thinking I can cruise with her this young and it be an enjoyable experience?" 

I tend to agree with this but it's a personal decision. If you are willing to be 100% engaged in your child's experience over your own, then go for it. It's a good sign that you posted this thread of course.

2 minutes ago, LobsterStalker said:

LOL....Let me know how you make out with that revolt

I'm more of a quiet quitter. Been cheating on Royal with other cruise brands.

1 hour ago, taglovestocruise said:

Things are changing. Eastbound TA'S on Oasis Class ships are sailing with loads of kids. Westbound sailings are pretty much kid free.  We have done 1 east bound and 2 westbound on Oasis Class, far fewer cruisers on westbound and much better weather coming back in Oct as the seas are still warm. 

Do you have any idea why the eastbounds are more popular?

We all need to stop buying it until they put out an improved product.

Virgin Voyages has a much superior internet product that works anywhere on the ship. I thought, okay, brand new cruise line and ship, that's why it's so much better. Then I went on an older Carnival ship, and they also had internet that worked all around the ship, even in cabins. Royal just doesn't compare, even on newer ships. Starlink can't solve the problem of internet not working in cabins. 

1 hour ago, fletch1027 said:

 

It's per day

Also here's $5 go see a Star War... 🤣

Dying, lol!!

One could literally buy an additional balcony cabin. 

Are those casitas priced per day or per length of voyage? (reminds me of $10 bananas on Arrested Development)

I would pay $300 for length of voyage if I had an inside cabin. I would never pay $300/day. I can see the value in having a reserved space and being able to come and go, plush the padded chairs are a big plus.

Halifax is a very easy port to do on your own. I'd say it's a little more than 10 minutes to the museum but it's an easy walk and you can't get lost. Just head right off of the ship, which is where the majority of the crowd will be walking.

If you go left off the ship, after a little walk through the working port area, there is a very nice park to explore that overlooks the water. That's free and has an audio tour of landmarks as you explore. 

These are easy ports. No need to book walking tours. Qaqortoq is bigger and a little hilly but easy to cover the whole place on foot if you are not mobility challenged. If budget allows, the excursion to the Hvalso church ruins was beautiful and unique. I loved that they just drop you off to wander around on your own. 

Nanortalik is a tiny town, the church has a bathroom open to the public, bring some cash for the donation box. The local people sell crafts and souvenirs like a flea market, but no pressure. Considering cruise ships are more than doubling their population for the day, I was happy to spend some money here. We did an iceberg tour early in the morning, absolutely stunning! I think it was $10 to tour the museum there, a collection of several buildings which gave a detailed history of local life and culture. That was definitely worth it. 

6 hours ago, jean87510 said:

In 2015 we had a Led Zeppelin tribute band on our Explorer Reposition.  We loved it.  But there were many who walked out and actually went to GS complaining about that loud music.  Those who stayed loved it.  Probably the best I've seen.  But given the average age on that sailing was most likely 80, it may not have been the best itinerary to debut a rock tribute band.  I think I remember the roll call just complaining about it.  I should look at the comments as it was pretty funny from what I remember.  

The old folks should have loved it, it's their music! 

I love the Latin bands, guitar players, smaller act type stuff. I'm not really into the theater shows. Most of them just seem cheesy to me. 

I was on her for 14 nights in September. This was a Greenland sailing just after school started so there were very few kids onboard. I would say it's not a ship that attracts a lot of families with school aged kids/teens. There is a small child water slide/pool area and a teen club and arcade but it always seems underused.

I can only judge the suite lounge from quick peeks passing by but you won't have the crowding problem that the Diamond Lounge. 

I've stopped by the concierge desk for a couple of little things. Not really sure what they do beyond that but they were pleasant and helpful.

Rooms are dated looking now compared to more modern ships but they do have good storage and everything was functional in my experience. 

I've eaten in the Italian restaurant and Izumi. Both are fine. I had a positive main dining room experience on my last Jewel sailing, exceeded expectations and quick, accurate service. 

I really liked the entertainment staff on my sailing but they tend to move around so it's hard to say you'd have the same people. 

All and all, I really like Jewel and wouldn't hesitate to book again. 

GTY cabins aren't actually guaranteed. We were made to sit outside and wait. We did eventually get on but staff said sometimes people don't make it on. Never again. 

I don't have an iphone or kids who need tracking but why wouldn't it work on a ship? They rely on proximity to other active iphones and certainly there are a lot of those on a ship. Is it a satellite issue?

Syd Norman's is a more intimate venue than the Music Hall on Anthem. There is a sizable dance floor between the stage and the bar and the space is frequently used for game shows, non-rock type dance music and just people sitting and watching. Upstairs in the Music Hall is another bar, pool tables, and seating areas. There are definitely times it can feel like a rock club but it's not ever going to feel like your local pub with a band set up.

It does close early but it seems to fit what most passengers want. Royal is a family cruise line. I don't see the demand for a late night grill venue that some other cruise lines run. I'd rather see the pizza improved and the sandwiches kept stocked in the snack bar. 

How about Symphony out of Bayonne this May? Seven night sailings, and a quick check shows balconies for MUCH less than the 9 nights on Liberty. Gives you the big ship experience and no flying down to FL. The ports might be an issue but if you haven't been a frequent cruiser then maybe they won't seem as boring. 

Memories of the cruising in the 90s, people shouting into walkie-talkies. Absolutely not. 

I'd purchase one internet package and put an airtag on each kid so you know where they are at all times. 

48 minutes ago, DCruisinlife said:

Thanks @Jasukkie for elaborating. Very helpful post; most advice I've gotten here and elsewhere seems to be a lean towards Liberty. Any thoughts on nine nights being too long or just fine?

Agreed, you are asking the wrong people lol. I would have done the world cruise if I were retired. That said, I do know people who are ready to leave by day seven. I wouldn't think two days is a deal breaker though. 

9 minutes ago, island lady said:

Interesting route all the ships have to follow going back out before heading south.  Apparently deepest part of the huge river delta is along the northern coast of the long delta.  Channel markers all along the route, though many of them are missing their tops...becoming floating hull bashers available to discover.  😮  

 

Pilot left us around 6:30 am as I was doing my walk on deck 5.  Hmmm...much like the pilots on the Mississippi going up and back from NO I suppose.  Stay on board all night.  Once we actually cleared the mouth, we went way out east before heading south again.  Still following Celebrity Eclipse.  

I call that walk my morning ship's inspection. I love noticing all those kind of details, thanks for sharing. 

5 hours ago, DCruisinlife said:

Thanks, RG; that's helpful to hear...sounds like I've narrowed it down to some good choices, as I hoped. Appreciate your perspective. Since you've done several different classes of Royal, is the WOW factor of Oasis ever diminished by the long lines/kids everywhere concern that I had or is it not that big a deal? Did your Voyager/Freedom experience ever feel like it fell short due to lack of amenities, wear/tear, etc? (now that you've been on newer ships that may color your perception, I realize)

Oasis has some things that are pluses but if it were me and you were giving me a free cruise to pick it would be the Liberty one. There are plenty of bells and whistles and considering your group includes first time cruisers it will still seem pretty WOW.

My main complaint with Oasis class is that it's less sea focused. There is no promenade deck which is my favorite place to find peace and quiet and the sea. There is a partially enclosed running track so you can still use that but there are only a few chairs in the aft. The Windjammer is too small and frequently has lines to get in which you never see on other ships. There are other places to eat though which is nice. 

You may want to research more on CocoCay vs Labadee. I like both but they are different and some people have strong opinions. Bermuda and San Juan are both strong pluses for Liberty. Just a ton to choose from in either place and safe to explore on your own. Plus being able to leave from Bayonne takes away a lot of stress for your group. If you are coming from the same area, hire a van to transport you, the parking is ridiculous.

As I was reading your post I thought Virgin Voyages and then you wondered if that's what you should book. I'm D+ on Royal with many very happy cruise experiences and I would choose VV with your group. The food and drink quality is much better, the party is there if you want it, or easy to avoid if you don't. It's just really nice to be in a space where no one is in parent mode.