SunsetsNSmiles

1 minute ago, schooner_Drinker said:

 

Screaming kids from 8am - 8pm

So I would say Noisy all day everyday 

 

But when you want to sleep from 11pm - 7:59am very Quiet 

 

So if you are nocturnal, don’t book it 

 

This was my fear as well!! 🤪🤣

cheers! 

3 minutes ago, Jzx1103 said:

 

Lol no one has sailed on Icon yet so I don't see how anyone can answer your question based on experience

 

oh I totally get that no one has experience I was just wondering if anyone else had thoughts/reservations about it as well

1 minute ago, Biker19 said:

Come back in a few months once there are actual cruisers with feedback.

That is what I’m thinking - or just forego the aft as it will probably be $2,000 more by that stage 😂 

Thinking about booking for 2026… aft balcony for 4 is about 7800 with gratuities.. but the more I think about it, I’m wondering if the noise for the splash away kiddie park in the aft on deck 7(I believe) will be loud. Anyone else have thoughts about this? 

 

I wonder if by actual Black Friday/cyber Monday they will lower “sale” prices for cruises further out - here’s hoping! 

Just now, js said:

Yes, I love the planning too. What ship are you sailing.

Oasis - booked it several months ago. My family thinks I’m nuts 😂 how about you? What ship are you sailing

Just now, js said:

Thank you.

I had hoped to purchase during the sale and just watch prices but at least I know it's not "me" LOL

No prob! I have a cruise feb 2025 that says the same thing. I love planning so I am with you - I get excited to see the options and pricing! 

6 minutes ago, js said:

My cruise isn't until April 2025, and when I try to add beverages/dining, it says "amazing experiences coming soon". Am I too early? I just put the deposit down this morning

from my experience, once you get closer to one year out from the cruise, is when the cruise planner options begin to pop up 🙂

1 minute ago, ReRe71 said:

We cruised in June and purchased the refreshment package for our kids and it was definitely worth it, especially with Johnny Rockets shakes included. 

thanks! I just purchased… it ended up being $225 for the 2 of them for a 4 nighter - I figure between virgin drinks, Johnny rocket shakes and even bottles of water it will be better off to just stay stress free and not have any surprises at the end of vaca!!

Taking our boys (15 and 13) on their first Royal cruise.. wondering if I should get them refreshment package? My husband and I already have the unlimited bev plan.
 

I booked the zip line for my husband and boys for 53.99 each. Lowest I have seen it since I have been eyeing it. 
 

Nothing else good for any other further cruises out…utopias selections are very blah 

20 minutes ago, marci22 said:

The website is moving slowly.

Luckily I got it to work on my home computer..no luck on the iPhone 

Is anyone else having an issue checking out? I can not click the check box so therefore I can not check out. Frustrating!

2 hours ago, klb1978 said:

Where do you see the port times?

If you click on “explore itinerary” it will give you the times 

1 hour ago, kitkat343 said:

We really like RC, but had a lovely time on Cunard to Norway and I would generally recommend choosing a Baltic sailing based upon  itinerary and not cruise line

I will def keep this information close to mind! Thanks 

18 minutes ago, klb1978 said:

This is a new interest of mine, so I’ve been doing a little looking.  I’m realizing based on upcoming laws that we may need to do this sooner than late

same!! 

i also have teens so Royal fits the bill to keep everyone happy 

38 minutes ago, Jimbo said:

I'm beginning to think since Royal really doesn't have anything that great for 2025, maybe do something like this. I think any cruise that doesn't have Flam or Geiranger really isn't going to be that great, like we would be missing the boat. Why not do Norway by Rail/Land?

 

https://www.vacationsbyrail.com/tours/arctic-circle-express-scandinavia/

I have to visit family in Europe so I was thinking after visiting them hopping on a cruise somewhere would be a nice way to end the trip… and since the Fjords look questionable in the future I was thinking it would be good timing. 
 

28 minutes ago, hallasm said:

LNG powered ships like MSC Euribia, AIDAnova, Costa Smeralda, P&O Iona and possible more, who can use bio LNG will be able to visit Flåm and Geiranger after 2026.

Thank you!! Maybe I should wait it out 

13 minutes ago, hollon said:

 

What would be the best schedule for Norway, I know thats subjective, but what are your must see?

 

Good question - I guess to sum it up I would say that I would put seeing the landscape, the waterfalls, all that the nature has to offer over seeing any specific towns. 

2 minutes ago, Saab4444 said:

Skjolden is in Sognefjord, a great Fjord thats also leads to Flam. Alesund is no Fjord at all but a nice little town. Geiranger and Flam will be closed for ships without clean fuel or shore power connection from 2026 latest. Other Fjords and ports in Noray are not clear yet but will also empose similar restrictions. However, you can make a shore exursion from Skjolden to Flam and from Olden to Geiranger. If you want ro stop in those ports from 2025 book ships like MSC Euribia, P&O Iona or NCL Norwegian Prima or a German ship from TUI (Mein Schiff).

this is amazingly helpful!! Thank you so much 

This is amazingly helpful. Thank you so much!!!

Good morning! 
 

I was hoping to sail the fjords before 2026 bans go into place. I have also read that some of the best fjords will be closing prior to 2026. From what I’ve heard, Geiranger sounds amazing. It is not on the 2025 itineraries at all. 
I am looking at the June 29 and the Jul 20 sailings and the only difference is one goes to Alesund and the other Skjolden. 
Is one more impressive than the other? 
Also, if there is anyone out there that has good knowledge about this whole 2026 shut down of ports, I would appreciate your advice. This would be a “one and done” trip for us… I don’t mind doing it 5+ years from now, if it looks like ships will be catching up to what the government requires of them environmentally - and more Fjords such as Geiranger would be back on itineraries. Does anyone have any foresight into this? 
thank you all so much for your knowledge, experience and advice! 

7 minutes ago, molly361 said:

Then 7 days Utopia here you come!!

That has a great ring to it!!! Cheers!! 

2 hours ago, molly361 said:

Perhaps the price difference between B2B Utopia and 7 days on Wonder will cover the penalty fees?

It turns out wonder would be about $200 more expensive than if I do Utopia B2B  so not a lot but I put $400 down for both cruises 😕 

2 hours ago, molly361 said:

I don't suppose you booked Utopia within the past 24 hours?  They usually have a 24 hour grace period where you can cancel and get your deposit back

Nope 😞 I booked it the day it came out! 

12 minutes ago, Mum2Mercury said:

Hmmm, thinking it through: 

Option 1: 

- Why fly into Orlando?  Why not fly into Tampa and save yourself the cost (and time) of renting a car /driving to Tampa?  

- I'd be a little stressed making that drive between two ports.  Sure, on paper it works out fine:  Make sure you're among the first to disembark, you should be able to start driving by 8:00, and that'd put you in Port Canaveral about 10:30.  I tried to search for Utopia's sailing time -- failed.  Most of Royal's ship sail away around 4:00, and you MUST be onboard 90 minutes ahead of time (that's some maritime law).  So you'd have a buffer of about four hours, and you'd probably be just fine -- yeah, that sounds okay, but I'd still prefer not to be pushed to make the drive.  

- Sailing two different lines seems like a good idea -- two different menus, two different sets of shows.  

- You'd essentially lose a day of cruising to the drive.  

- You'd have to completely pack up everything.  Moving from one room to another on the same ship isn't ideal.  Moving from ship to ship I'd consider "work".  

- The junior suite would not be a motivating factor for me.  

- You don't say which Mexican ports you'd visit, but I'd choose literally any port over Nassau.  I assume you'd get one day at Coco Cay with Option 1?  I do love Coco Cay.  

Option 2:  

- From a logistical point of view, this option is much preferable.  You'd remain in one port /on one ship. 

- You wouldn't "lose a day" to the drive.  You'd still be on the ship, and you'd have use of most facilities for the "in between day".  In fact, you'd essentially have the place to yourself.  

- Since Utopia is going to be a mega-ship, you won't find yourself bored of the amenities after the first cruise.  You'll still have new places to eat, etc.  The shows, though, might be repetative. 

- You'd have two visits to Nassau.  Ick.  But you'd have two days at Coco Cay, which most people on this board love.  

Thanks for helping me so much think this through! 
I live rural so it’s hard for me to find a direct route to Tampa. I don’t have to drive as far for a flight to Orlando. 
the stops are Cozumel and costa Maya. I agree with you about Nassau - I look at that as staying on board probably. But if we get the drink package that will work to our benefit financially. Also 2 days at Coco Cay would be great and no extra expenses as well! 
I am getting way more weary as well about the travel between two ships. I don’t want to be stressed about making boarding call!