tfred

once you select non guarantee with booze, tips and wifi it is about $3k for two pax. One can certainly go bare bones but many wouldn't choose that

the non suite pax is still important but there are certainly going to be some changes - you may call them cutbacks . Suite pax pay for privacy and space - that can be in a resort hotel or flying first/business class. They also pay for service and generally that means labor is higher but so is revenue and profit for X. You cant go to a resort hotel these days that doesn't have a set aside are/pool/lounge for higher paying guests. Look at some frequent flyer boards discussing lounge access or even bathroom access on board a plane. previously X (and others) ran a ship like a Holiday Inn - everything was open to everybody. Now it's a beach resort that has different areas for different guests . If that mean the front of the ship if off limits then so be it. Not many people would be disappointed if they can only see the ocean on 3 sides while on board.

We have sailed O and liked it for your same reasons pro and con It is not a medium cost line by any stretch as it can approach X suite prices It is still a good value but at higher costs

I saw an interview with a Marriott executive a few years ago. His statement was that hotels don't do last minute room discounts since that "trains" customers to wait for the good deal. Airlines also rarely upgrade or discount internationally for the same reasons if you have good product why give it away

there is no money at or near the bottom in pricing - or whatever it used to be . X thinks that their product is heading in the right direction and will tweak it along the way. It will become too expensive for some people and they will go someplace else If X is selling out Retreat then that is good for them. Retreat is a high margin customer who isn't commenting on steak and lobster every night. X knows the demographics of who does what in the ship and who spends money. Hanging out in the room watching movies, doesn't buy liquor, internet or spa services is not someone they are looking to retain - they can go to HAL They want to keep the high spenders from switching to Oceania, Seabourne or Silversea and think that a ship within a ship on a big ship experience (suite) can keep them on X. I actually think the food on X in the MDRs is pretty good. Interesting variety, not the run of the mill chicken parmigiana OV for dinner was always low attendance and it is hard to add value to that with onboard service as the MDR can. It is what it is - end of a long day in port and we just want to eat something decent

I would say so just to be sure. Sometimes a standard Uber is a Toyota Corolla and that would be a problem with 2 people with suitcases

This will be a troll feeding frenzy

we have always flown business (ton of miles) but with a longer Europe trip it is easy to overpack. Pretty easy to get over the economy weight allowance. I think UA is $200 for 42-70 lbs and $400 for 70-100. I have found it cheaper to fly business intra Europe with the luggage allowance rather than fly economy and pay extra

1. you should be flying in at least a day early to account for any travel issues. Need more time in Athens - add a few days on for arrival. You should be o the ship at the earliest they will allow you. 2. was in the Baltic last year and never took our passports . 3. there are hop on hop off busses available that can take the place of expensive tours. Get a guidebook and see what interests you an then go there 5. Business class is always better in both directions more room and a higher luggage allowance You may gag on the price these days

troll

we received the same Mexican offer. We live in Florida (literally 30 minutes from FLL) so it isn't that attractive for us once you add in airfare, tips and drinks we also received the 10% discount we really aren't gamblers ($100) but we have been booking suites so that may be a factor

prices are run by revenue management based on bookings placed and time to sail. Why lower prices when you dont have to ?

Blu is a big part of the AQ experience - and price. If you aren't taking advantage of that (and haven't booked yet) go with a standard veranda

you should probably find another way to vacation

X didn’t but the Royal Caribbean group did. It’s called Silversea suites are sold out here on Apex this week. Pax obviously want a suite experience with big ship amenities. Big shows Big casino Big spa. Can’t get that energy on Silversea

We have been on and liked Oceania Looking at Retreat pricing climbing into the $10k range does make one think. No complaints about the Retreat product and food. oceania is great food and service. Where it lacks is any “big” entertainment. Generally consists of duo singers or small ensembles around the ship. Realistically the food is the entertainment

Last night on Apex there a smaller buffet than I saw last summer same ship. Salad bar, sandwiche bar, roast chicken and half dozen steam table Asian style dishes. Deserts. All looked good Same number of people eating that I normally saw last year about 50-60. if you are just looking for something to eat after a long day you will be fine. If you are looking for a OV lunch buffet but at dinner you will not be happy. They should probably add a stir fry or pasta station to give some choices.

We like it. The menu is good and has an edge to it. You may be able to order off MDR. Maybe not. They do have the classics menu steak chicken salmon. if you are a really picky eater it is not the place to be

They can. I would just tell them that you are a group on day one. Helpful if you could tell therm about what time you would like to eat. There is usually a larger group on every cruise in Luminae.

If you are eating in Luminae one’s concern for the dinner buffet is pretty low. I have eaten at high end tea and it is common for the executive chef to wander the room and talk to guests.

We are on Apex now in a suite. If there is anything cut back it is hard to see. There may be one appetizer and one entrée missing but there is always something good to eat on the menu. you have to ask for some specific types of wine by the glass or you will get the everyday variety. we also talked to the FB person and executive chef table side. Mostly a PR tour of the restaurant but it is appreciated

It’s dinner not a panel discussion

its nice to see those Crystal River ships again. Really one of the best cruises I have been on - twice as a matter of fact it would be interesting to see if the soft product matches what Crystal did . I see some pricing but not any of the details of what is included. Excursions, booze?

that doesnt sound attractive. I have flown Virgin Atlantic (Upper Class) many times. Fun, hip with high quality service. The Clubhouse in LHR is absolutely great. I am sure they tried to have that same atmosphere with the ships. We, like you, are looking to minimize the craziness. We have tried Oceania and liked it. Some of the X suite prices are now over $10k and starts to make smaller ships more attractive. We like the X suites because of food and service. The bonus is big ship activities after the sun goes down. Doesn't exist on O. Dinner is the activity

Your definition of an upscale line is a better buffet and cheaper room service?