Drill-n-Fill

7 hours ago, TeaBag said:

Our upcoming cruises have been restored also.  I was thrilled when I saw that.  The bad news, some moron has made a mistake in the cruise prices and now they want $800 more.  One of our cruises is nearly $4000 and the other, same room, nearly $9000.  Now i'll take the first one as it's much less than we paid, but they can stuff the second one!  No way are they getting one cent more. 

I think we are finished with Azamara and will cancel the next two cruises.

You are aware that the system is having some serious glitches and they are feverishly working on it? To be "finished" with Azamara, or any cruise line for that matter when it's an unfortunate technical issue is unfortunate.  Dismiss a cruise line if they suck or it's not what you like, don't dismiss them if there's an internet issue that they know about and are fixing

If the posts here fall within your realm of whining then so be it.

I see the posts as legitimate reviews, critique, and comparisons of not only the smaller older ships but of ships of other brands.  

I did not see one post that disparaged or said the new Icon just sucks. None of us have even been on it!! We are making an educated decision and providing an honest feedback on what RCCL has already spoon-fed to us.

Many of us here have been cruising for a number of years and have been along for the ride with the evolution of cruising.  It's become a HUGE industry and is now considered a mainstream vacation choice when earlier it was a luxury option.  We know what ships are out there and have watched the documentaries of the Shipbreakers (quite sad to watch).  We are aware of what ships are out there.

All we (I) ask is that RCCL doesn't forsake those that wish smaller and more intimate cruising in exchange for greater profits.

To me, that's not whining....it's a valid concern.

This ship is an obvious attempt to compete with the likes of Disney, a company that is raising prices, has diminished product quality, and is having the most net income ever.

The Icon will provide a week's vacation at a fraction of the cost compared to Disney and provide a quality product.

This ship is a destination; there is no need to go to any ports, especially Labadee. The ship is 100% designed for families and kids. It's a party spot and if I were a kid I would love love love to be on this ship instead of a Disney vacation.  The "Family Townhouse" suite looks amazing. The water slides and pools.. lots of water features, is amazing as well.

But.. it's not for me. I still wish RCCL would build a ship like the old Sovereign of The Seas but with some modern touches.  There are MANY people that love kids but don't want to vacation around them!  Nothing against kids but there are many people that want a quiet and relaxing trip. The Icon doesn't look like it can deliver that.. and that's ok!!

The engineering and construction for this ship look absolutely incredible and I congratulate RCCL on this. I also hope those that develop future concepts remember that there are many cruisers that want RCCL to think of the old days of somewhat smaller ships.

Bon Voyage to all.

5 hours ago, BAYA said:

Looking for ideas for first time visitors I'll be cruising with. I've been here twice but family hasn't been. Royal cancelled our ship's excursion yesterday and all private tour companies I contacted are fully booked. Looking for suggestions, please. Prefer not to rent a car and drive ourselves.

We're arriving on Oct. 14th, 2022 in Saint John on Voyager of the Seas.

TIA!

Tour of the Moosehead Beer factory and visit to the tasting room. It's about a 3 mile walk along the harbor or just take a taxi. Buy tickets in advance.

The Northern  Lights have been visible in NH. Very pretty.

YEs, it has happened.

There was a special committee that convened and they decided that Bar Harbor will be limiting the numbers of cruiser. It will also shorten the season for cruise line arrivals; Both April and Nov are now no longer part of the season.

Check with your cruise lines as there will be changes for the next season and thereafter.

Update-

Just got off the Serenade yesterday.

The signage and general setup for Rita's Cantina is still intact. Even the bar is still present. Unfortunately, the area is only an extension of the Windjammer now. There is no specialty or complimentary dining available there.

I spoke with one of the restaurant officers and he indicated that there are no immediate plans to re-open the Rita's area to Mexican dishes.

Col. Mustard in the library would be my guess.

Aquatheater shows had technical issues last month as well when we were aboard. Most folks complained about some of the shows as being lame: I had to agree. Cats was good although the first act was slow causing some folks to depart early. Finis (headliner) was ok but not so much for the younger crowd. I’m not sure he’s still on board though as I just saw a billboard with his name and face on it for a Palm Springs casino showroom.

Solarium Bistro does not change for dinner. It should... the food in there was poor.

Overall condition of the ship was good. Central Park was relaxing. Boardwalk was fun for kids but loud at night. Announcements by crew was unintelligible in many areas.

Overall, you’ll have a fun time for sure.

I’m on the Oasis at the moment.... there were no changes.

By the way..... which hurricane are you referencing?

Boston prices can be quite high, especially in the later summer and autumn months. The transit options in own are very good and the trains have great service out of Boston proper.

Consider staying in a private rental or even out of Boston. We are going to Boston in September and are staying in the Kendall Square area which is across the Charles River not far from Cambridge.

Even there, for 3 nights it's $900+