klb1978

On 3/29/2024 at 3:54 PM, Denversail said:

This would be so amazing to see. It looks like a SpaceX launch. Has anyone seen these launches before? Do you think we will be able to see it from the ship? That would be so cool.
 

I think the time has been updated to 3 pm on the website. Would love to hear about anyone’s experiences seeing these from the ship.

Last time we sailed out of Port Canaveral there was a launch.  I don’t know the exact time, but it was right before the early seating of dinner.  We were able to view the launch from the ship.  It was so amazing!  We live in Orlando, so see launches often, but this was a really cool experience.  I hope you get to see this launch.  Space X is pretty reliable as long as weather conditions are good 

2 hours ago, Neosophy said:

How do you sleep with your apple watch?  Thats my recharge for next day time.  When do you recharge?

I charge mine in the morning right when I get up.  By the time I’m done getting ready it’s charged.  It really doesn’t take too long to charge.  I like to track my sleep (I use a separate app) so I opt to wear when sleeping.  Once in a blue moon I don’t have much charge by end of day so I’ll just pop it on mt charger for a bit.  

18 minutes ago, aroundtheworld96 said:

I have been eagerly anticipating the 2025 Norwegian Fjords itinerary and would’ve been ready to book today but was extremely disappointed by the offerings… on both the June and July cruises the first stop only has a port time of 4pm-10pm.. allowing time for embarkation and disembarkation that doesn’t allow for much of an excursion. To fly to Southampton from North America and spend what ends up being only 3 and a half days in Norway is not worth it to us. I think we will instead do a Norway road trip so we can spend our whole week there and instead look for a warm weather winter cruise. Very disappointing in comparison to the 2023/2024 itineraries… 

I too was disappointed in the offerings.  I wonder if they will add more or if what they have on the site is it?  Where do you see the port times?  I usually look on my phone at the website and I don’t see that.  I like the May 2024 route but I don’t think that one is in the cards for us.  

I wonder if this is it for Royal for 2025 or if they will release a couple more sailings?  The ports I was hoping to do aren’t on the cruises listed.  There is one in May 24 I like but I’m not sure if it’s in the cards for us.  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 later.  Norway just looks magical and I’d really like to visit.  I know other lines cruise there as well, but I think Royal is best fit for our family given we have a 10 year old son.  

How exciting!  I’m glad you were able to book a dream cruise.  Norway has recently hit my bucket list as well.  It just looks beautiful.  Congratulations!

27 minutes ago, teddybear231 said:

We booked a balcony guarantee on Oasis last August because we couldn't justify the dramatic price increase for an ocean view. We were assigned a central park balcony, but we submitted a bid of $75/each ($150 total) for an ocean view balcony through Royal Up and we won! So you may be able to upgrade that way for a lot less.

I was wondering about that option as well.  We have only cruised once since they started that bidding option so I wasn’t sure how it worked exactly.  More to research I guess!  I personally think I’d be ok w a Boardwalk Balcony on a short cruise but I admit that we love an ocean view.  Just not looking to spend a ton on a short cruise right now

38 minutes ago, Biker19 said:

Then don't. Mariner seems to have a bit better prices.

I’ll have to look at the dates and also what Mariner has to offer.  We are traveling with a 10 year old.  I haven’t been on Mariner since 2006 😳 We have done Oasis and Allure and love those ships.  

3 minutes ago, OCSC Mike said:

 

Yes, and you most likely will, unless you specifically book an OV Balcony GTY but that would cost more.

 

I'm going on Allure on Wednesday (her 1st cruise from PC) b/c a good price popped up 3-4 weeks ago. I obviously live here as well. Some reasonable last minute deals are finally popping up again so take advantage of them if your schedule allows!

Thanks for the reply.  This one looks like it’s not an ocean view guarantee.  I’m going to have to talk to my husband.  We love Oasis class.  Cruised last year in December and oh my the weather was amazing (we typically cruise Sept/ Oct and it’s SO hot).  I also expect the week after Thanksgiving the Christmas decorations would be up which I love as well.  Guess I need to just start checking periodically and seeing if we can find a good last minute deal.  We prefer Port Canaveral as it’s just an hour drive from home.  

I found a good deal on Allure for a balcony guarantee room.  With those I can be assigned any balcony right- meaning possibly Central Park or Boardwalk right?  Any experience in booking guarantee on Oasis class?  We love an ocean view but I think I could deal with a different type given it’s just four nights.  We so badly want to cruise but I’m having a hard time swallowing these crazy high prices.  We do live in Orlando and homeschool so have a little flexibility as far as not needing airfare and such.  This particular cruise is the week after Thanksgiving.  

8 hours ago, bormus said:

Did you end up going on this through Royal?

 

I am looking at the same thing for the end of January 2023.

We did end up booking through Royal.  A bus ride was provided there and back. We met in the theatre at the designated time.  It was a little slow going but it’s been awhile since I did a ship excursion so maybe that’s the norm.  Looking at my pictures we got to the resort about 10:45/ 10:50am.  I think we had to be back to the bus at like 3:45 or 4pm.  The grounds of Baha Mar are absolutely beautiful.  The landscaping is amazing.  We loved the lazy river.  Good slides as well.  We did walk over to the beach but it was a bit rocky.  The water in the pools was chilly!!  It felt ok once you got in but wow was it cold at first.  There are lockers you can rent for your personal belongings.  Towels can rented.  We just brought pool towels from the ship.  The water park wasn’t crowded at all which was very nice.  There were only two ships in port that day.  Lunch was included.  We got the crispy chicken sandwich and fries and my son had chicken strips and fries.  Not a ton of options but there were a few.  A soda was also included with lunch.  The food was fresh and pretty good.  All in all it was a nice day and I’m glad we went.  The bus ride was nice bc you got to see a bit of the island.  All of the staff we encountered were extremely friendly and helpful.  

My husband struggles a bit with sea sickness when on cruises.  He typically takes Dramamine or Bonnie but ugh it makes him so drowsy.  I ordered him non drowsy Dramamine which is just ginger.  Has anyone tried this and had luck?

We booked an excursion for Nassau during the Black Friday sale.  For various reasons we have considered canceling it.  I see I can do so now via the app.  If we wait and decide onboard will I be allowed to cancel without penalty?  And if so, how far in advance do I need to cancel.  We board on Thursday and Nassau is Friday.  

We are having the same issue here as well. Set to sail on Thursday and Sunday my husband developed a cold.  No fever, just nasal congestion and a slight cough (he without fail gets a cough with every cold he gets) Son and myself are both fine.  We have so eagerly waiting this cruise as we haven’t been since 2018.  Ugh 😞

Just went to book an excursion for our upcoming trip.  Price said $118.99 for adults and $51.99 for children (30% off)- added to cart and now its only 25% off.  I don't understand this at all??  I will still probably book, but am very frustrated with this.  I looked on the app and website and now both show the higher price. 

We are traveling on Royal Caribbean in December 2022.  I see that the cruise line offers a day pass to Baha Mar.  Curious on reviews of this excursion.  Do they provide bus transportation to the resort or is the cost just the day pass?  This is for myself, my husband and our 9 year old son.  A friend of mine suggested the dolphin experience at Blue Lagoon but I don't see this as an excursion listed for our trip 😕  I know my son will want to explore a bit so just looking for something fun for us to do in Nassau.  Thanks!

Thank you!  I called early this morning and the fantastic rep helped me complete the booking and get my FCC applied as deposit.  We are all set for December on Independence 

I have a FCC from a cruise in 2020 that we canceled.  It has to be applied by April 30th from what I understand.  I am trying to book a cruise on the website and wanted to apply my FCC as the deposit.  I was able to successfully apply it, but it is still wanting me to put in my CC#.  I have $750 in FCC ($250pp) but my deposit is only $300.  I really don't want to pay any of my cash for this right now, as honestly I am guessing we will have to cancel (we don't fully meet current rules). Our thinking was to use the FCC to pay for $750 of cruise.  If by the time final payment is due and rules are the same, we will just cancel and will be out the FCC money.  I hope this makes sense!    I really wish they would extend these out a little longer, but I know that isn't possible.  

My mom is on this cruise with some friends.  I’m excited to follow along on your cruise to Alaska!

10 minutes ago, Cruise Suzy said:

You can see Pier 91 at Live Webcam | Elliott Bay Marina  Follow her out as she goes from upper left to lower left to upper right

Great!  Can see the ship nicely from that view.  Appreciate it

Thanks!  Seems that might be my best bet.  I’m so used to Port Canaveral as that’s where we typically go out of.  Great webcam there to watch the ships.  The space needle might just have to do.  I appreciate the response 

Is there a webcam for Seattle that we can watch the ships go out?  My mom is heading to Alaska today with Holland America.  I’d love to watch the ship leave if possible.  I’m not familiar with this port.  Thanks so much 

I booked a cruise for December 2020 in February.  I knew I had a non refundable deposit but was under the impression I could still cancel but loose $100 pp so basically cancel and get $450 of my $750 deposit back.  I called today to cancel and they say $750 in future cruise credit or lift and shift.  Is that accurate?  I’m so confused and now I need to make a decision as final is due on Monday 😩

I’m looking into cruise insurance and need some advice.  I called and got quotes today from a website recommended here.  One quote lists medical coverage as being secondary and so we’d file with our insurance first and then the cruise insurance (medical covered up to 75,000). The second quote would have the cruise insurance as our primary insurance and we don’t use our regular medical coverage from what I understand.  On that plan medical expenses are capped at $35,000.  Am I correct to assume that it’s best to go with the coverage where we’d use our regular insurance and then have cruise insurance be secondary?  Very overwhelmed with all of this!  Thank you for any insight.  

Makes sense.  We would know well before then.  Would my price then be adjusted to reflect that we only have 3?  Kids sail free but we still pay taxes and fees on him.  

Ok thanks.  That was my thinking too.  If #4 doesn’t work out what happens if I cancel him?