FaithPlus1

20 minutes ago, Chiliburn said:

Only smoking on deck 6 and near pool on Australian cruises.

 I feel sorry for them ,with the stressful look on their face and trying to get their fix.

So do I because fresh air must get to them. 

31 minutes ago, njkruzer said:

Sailing from which port?  If sailing from Australia no problem as smoking not allowed.  Otherwise smoke is smoke.

Seattle. I just don't want to be in a casino for an hour sitting in the strench, and then having the smell stay on my clothing. 

20 minutes ago, wolfcathorse said:

I don't think they guarantee they get you to the ship. There is a time for the last shuttle. When I travel with someone else, it's always cheaper to use a van service or Uber/Lyft. But I've found if I'm alone, sometimes RCI's service can be either the same price or very slightly more. When I sailed out of Galveston, the last bus left Hobby at 1:45 (I'm trying to remember that far back). There were tons of people and we were broken up into 1st bus and 2nd bus. The agent even sold seats to walk ups so at least at Houston, pre-purchase was not required. She had a list of arrival times for everybody who had pre-purchased. There was a delayed flight with some guests and I think she said they would pay for a van or taxi to get them to Galveston. If your flight gets in too late to make the 90 min cut off, you're catching the ship at the next port, they won't wait for you.

Ah okay. I thought they had guarantee rides like how if you book an excursion with them that they are guaranteed to wait for you. 

How badly does it smell from cigarettes? I believe there is a nonsmoking section, but smoke generally lingers. 

On 5/11/2020 at 7:16 PM, Merion_Mom said:

https://www.cruzely.com/how-to-get-from-the-seattle-airport-to-the-cruise-port-without-a-car/

Yeah I saw that too but my question was about a guarantee shuttle booked through RC (no offense). I know I could just Uber in lol. 

This is a good thread... I'm curious if anyone had book a studio balcony (very few of these), and couldn't use the lift and shift due to all rooms being booked. I asked my agent I'm working with about this, and she wasn't sure what would happen saying she just thinks that they would give you a better room if that room is taken (I doubt this). 

I think it's the room category that they are the most concerned about. I'm worried about this for me as I'm booked for July 31 in a studio balcony with no obstructed view. I looked at all the ships next summer with a similar itinerary that have the studio balconies and what's remaining are the ones that all have obstructed views =/ If my worst case scenario is having a partially obstructed view (I've looked at the videos on youtube), I guess I would take it since I got the cruise and a very low rate. I would have a life boat under me, but still be able to look at. 

I would just do the Lift and Shift to move it back, or just take cruise credit. 

16 minutes ago, bigrednole said:

I don't know what will happen. I have not been on a cruise. I have heard dining in the MDR can be 2 hours. When things get sorted out more, I will have to read up. I will go crazy if I have to sit for 2 hours to eat a meal. 30-45 minutes is what I can stand. If there was a dinner show and stuff going on, I can understand the time. I would be perfectly fine with serving stations where the buffets use to be. 

I'm the same way. I hate set dining schedules, and I've never liked dining for that long. That said in the MDRs that I have had lunch or dinner at, I would just go within 30 minutes of them closing for dinner (place would be empty and workers want you gone which is fine with me as I want to just eat and dash), or right when they open/end for lunch.  It's not that I'm a huge buffet fan, it's just that it's a faster and more casual experience. I agree that they should just keep the buffet as is, but have workers have to serve (which they often already do anyway). That said, I think they could just have passengers wear gloves when handling food although it won't always be perfect which is why the cleaning stations are good to have. To me the problem is mainly the capacity. They could leave more space between tables, but this would cause delays for people to eat (may not be an issue though if ships aren't filled to capacity). What they should do imo is just to have any available restaurant space open up to allow for more space, as well a remove room service fees. This won't happen though. I'm booked for an Alaskan cruise on July 31. It will probably get canceled, but if not, I'm fine with being among the first group back on. I imagine that yes there will be delays and people not knowing what they are doing, but it will probably at least be super sanitary since the ship would have had a lot of time between guests to air out. I think dining is actually the easiest thing to change, but everything else will be harder like the pool/hot tubs, gym, sauna, and any activities. 

I'm assuming the answer is no for this lol, but could I use the coffee card to get an Irish Coffee? I'm not a huge drinker so the beverage plan isn't a good deal for me (I may have 1 drink at night if I go to one of the "clubs", but that's about it), but I love my cappuccino and espresso shots. 

How important is it to book through airport transfer with RC if you are not spending the night in town? I'm a party of 1, so to me it seems like booking through RC is the best way to go, however does the guaranteed to get you to the port thing still apply if your flight is late (flight isn't booked through RC). Thanks

On 5/7/2020 at 7:35 PM, ennjay said:

I'm between actually both those itineraries myself for a 3rd Alaskan cruise (I just find the relaxing) . I've gone on 2 Alaskan cruises with the same itinerary (leaves Vancouver, returns Seward) but on NCL. Here are my thoughts (I'm not a seasoned cruiser though so my thoughts might be meaningless lol).

For me the big appeal of Seattle is it's a short flight from me, and I wouldn't need to spend a night before a cruise (I've done that when sailing out of Vancouver, but because there are frequent flights from my airports to Seattle, I'm just going to pass on the hotel). 

On 5/7/2020 at 7:35 PM, ennjay said:

Juneau (12pm-9pm)- I liked Juneau. The first time I was cheap and just took the bus to the fishing hatchery (I liked it), and then took the Mendenhall Glacier Express Bus to walk around the grounds to see Mendenhall. The second time, I paid to do the row boat thing to Mendenhall because I regretted not doing it earlier. I would have liked to have done whale watching, but there wasn't enough time based on the time the ship was going to leave. I've gone on whale watching boats many times, so I could pass on doing it again. I do like seeing them from a cruise ship though since it's a surprise to me when you see them. My parents (they pay top $$$ for the best room and excursions...I'm cheap) did whale watching through Harv and Marv's. I would just barter with any of the vendors when you go to Juneau (they want last minute people....that said, you are a family so it probably wouldn't work for you as I went solo so I'm an easy person to get last minute). I also got fish and chips from some small casual restaurant outside that had a few tables (name escapes me, but I don't think it's that well known as the others). It was good. Not amazing, but good. 

 

Skagway (7-8:30)- I love Skagway, but I think I've done everything that I've wanted to do there. The first time I took a ghost tour which was fun, and ended at the Red Onion Saloon. I then took the train to White Pass which was beautiful and definitely is something you should do imo on your first trip. I did get a migraine on the descent though (but I have a history of migraines) On my 2nd trip to Skagway, I took a full day bus tour that did Emerald Lake and stopped at that place for donuts and lunch. No joke, as touristy as it was, the food was really, really good!  

 

Victoria (8am-6pm) I've never been. This is the reason (along with the price) I'm leaning towards Ovation. I've never been to Victoria and really want to go. Most of the cruise ships don't give you a day in Victoria. My plan for Victoria is to go to Butchart Gardens, have tea at The Empress, and either do a self guided ghost tour on my own (provided I find one since I won't have time for a guided tour), or possibly a whale watching express trip (probably won't have time...again I have to pick what I can do). Until Coronavirus, I actually was planning on going to Victoria this month for 3 nights. 

 

QUANTUM:

 Ketchikan (7am-5pm)Similar to Skagway (but not as beautiful imo), I've seen everything I wanted. First time I walked to the fish ladder (it was too early to see spawning), went to Dolly's Brothel which was fun, and then bartered for one of those trolley tours which stopped to see some totem poles, and a short bear viewing (saw 1 in the distance....I would not pay for a bear viewing tour tbh because you cannot guarantee them). Took the free Walmart bus too lol. On the second trip I had planned to go bike riding but due to the weather, I skipped it. I ended up walking to the fish ladder (did see some spawning!), took the free bus around town, and did a short hike. Ended up getting salmon chowder early in the afternoon which was really, really good (100% recommend). It was a short day in Ketchikan for me. I did meet people on the cruise who did the rainforest led walk and they said they did see a number of bears. 

 

 Icy Strait Point (10am-7pm) Never been. Would like to go, but it was between that at Victoria. 

 

Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier / Juneau (1:30pm-10pm)- Ovation goes there too but I excited cut off the quote. Never been, but I'd like to see since I've been to Hubbard and Glacier Bay. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

13 minutes ago, Ourusualbeach said:

Probably a choice of those two.

 

 

Thank you!

13 minutes ago, Ourusualbeach said:

Cruise lines will most likely be reducing the size of their fleet.  Empress is oldest and smallest. 

If I book it and they later dump the ship, what happens? Just a refund or credit at 125% (if that)?

22 minutes ago, Ourusualbeach said:

I would book Brilliance.  I think there is a good chance Empress won’t  survive. 

COVID 19, or just sailing altogether? 

This would be for the beginning of January for the Western Caribbean (and like everything now, assuming it actually sails). I know Dec/Jan to expect a lot of families, babies, and young kids. That said, which do you think (yes I know you cannot predict this, but I'll still like to hear if anyone has experience with this) would have less of them overall on the ship especially around the pool area? Empress has no solarium or adult area (but few amenities for kids), Brilliance does have solarium and amenities for kids. I'm just trying to figure out which one is better for me (never been on RC). Empress is 6 nights leaving Miami going to Roatan, Cozumel, and Costa Maya, and Brilliance is 5 nights going to Cozumel and Costa Maya. 

2 hours ago, Heymarco said:

Being the smallest ship in the fleet, there will likely be a lot less families onboard verses the newer counterparts. I also agree with Biker as Royal is currently considering putting some ships in long-term storage.

That's what I was wondering. The larger ships I would imagine attract more families because of the amenities, but the smaller one's with less amenities wouldn't. There's 2 at sea days (3 if you are including the day you embark) and was just hoping to be in area really with just adults (the pool/hot tub is how I have always met people). 

Just dabbling into a Western Caribbean 6 night cruise out of Miami in Dec or Jan. I just wanted to double check something (assuming this cruise will be up and running). There is no adults' only pool right? I know this is a family time of year (but it's the time I will have off...inflexible work schedule). 

20 minutes ago, stevea36 said:

the new sailing has to be within 4 weeks of the anniversary of the one you are moving, same sailing length (days), similar itinerary, same cabin category.   Must be done by August 1, 2020

 

What happens if the room is a studio balcony if those are already booked?

Couldn't I just deliberately find a cheap RC cruise for this year, and have them lift and shift to a more desirable (and expensive) date next year since they are locking in prices?

16 minutes ago, barbeyg said:

On the coffee card, typically if you get anything larger than a 'tall', many of the baristas will punch two spots on your card, which means you just bought two of your drinks from the card.  We've always been happy with a tall, and the card pays for us.  Not so much if there are multiple punches.

 

And I agree with Tree_skier.  Next season is booking up quickly, from those of us who had to move to next year already.  If Canada extends the closure, there is no guarantee the US govt would allow the ships to sail roundtrip without a Canadian port.  If you "Lift and Shift" now, you should still have a good selection for the same period next year, at the same price for your category.  

What do you mean by lift and shift? Does this mean if RC cancels the cruise, they will just book me the same cruise or similar the following year without me paying additional fees if the cruise is more expensive?

On 5/2/2020 at 12:36 PM, gerelmx said:

you book a concierge guarantee you will get a C3 or C2 or C1,

you book a veranda guarantee you will get a veranda CAT 2 or 1

if you don't like the location of the assigned cabin you can change it for other in the same category

So then all of the concierge guarantee rooms have a balcony that is not obstructed yes?

I know as of now Canada will not allow any cruise ships in the ports until July 1(but could be extended...). That said, if the cruise has a day in Victoria from 8-6, is the cruise likely to get canceled due to The Jones Act?

Unrelated, does RC still offer the coffee package card thing, or would you have to purchase the more expensive package which includes booze and sodas? Thanks

I'm not loyal to any company. I just go based on price (this is huge for me as I am a party of 1, and will only go on a cruise that is really a good deal), itinerary, and the date. I've only gone on a few cruises during my life as an adult (I'm 35 but went on some cruises with a kid with companies that no longer exist) and they have been NCL (3), Carnival (1), and Princess (1). It just happened to be that NCL just always worked out for me. On each sailing I always was able to meet people of all ages by going to the hot tubs every day (you always see the same people lol), and because NCL does actually make an effort into arranging solo travelers to meet, so socially good experience. 

That said, I always have wanted to try Celebrity. It's my parents favorite line (my parents though aren't cheap like me, and don't really go by price when planning), and the experience just seems more low key, upscale, and relaxing. I don't really want to be around a lot of kids when I travel (no offense) and prefer more couples, friends, and just generally more of an adult experience. Anyway Carnival to me wasn't as bad as everyone made it out to be, but I most likely wouldn't sail with them again (it was just mediocre, but not terrible). Never tried Royal Caribbean ,but I am open to trying it, but I know to expect a lot of kids on it due to their amenities (Yes I know you can just sail on dates when kids should be in school, but I don't have the luxury of traveling whenever I'd like). 

But yeah if I had to pick one that I would probably end up with it would most likely be Princess by default. 

3 hours ago, jxtgreek said:

Who in their right mind would spend even $1 on a cruise reservation right now?   I booked a cruise next January but only used my cruise next certificates since I would never get anything back on them.  The balance will stay there until the last possible second.  It is hard to trust these cruise lines at the moment.  I also have FCC and Insurance credit from my canceled cruise.  I wish there was a way to get my $$ back but it is what it is.  

I'm going to be in the "negative" group here and join you. I've always planned cruises within 2 weeks of the departure because I often have avoided the single supplement or at least had what I'd consider to be good rates for a party of 1 (I'm flexible on where cabins are located). I was really tempted to book Alaskan cruises for July or August (of this year lol) since the rates right now are fairly good. That said, the Canadian ports won't let people in (until at least July 1, but I have a feeling they will expand it). That combined with them possibly becoming bankrupt or with them canceling (I would never want my refund in the form of credit that expires) are keeping me from booking despite the rates. I'm just going to go back to booking 2 weeks out. I figure the cruises that I want will end up costing around the same as booking now. I'm the gambling type, but I don't want to gamble on this. In the scheme of things you probably will end up getting a refund if things get really bad, I just would rather not go through the headache of trying to get a refund (I had issues a couple of years ago with NCL where it had to go through my credit card company to take care of it and it was a long experience). In the end it still might be worth the risk for people, or those who don't mind having to make some calls. I just wouldn't bother right now.