fmhealth

Took a wonderful family trip on the Harmony in a GS in March. We're considering another cruise on the Symphony in 6/20. Are there any particular suite perks on Coco Cay that we should be aware of? Thanks so much for any actionable insights.

Be Well,

fmhealth

Thanks SuiteLady for your actionable reply.

Be Well,

fmhealth

Thanks Mark for your rapier-like response.

Be Well,

fmhealth

Are all the activities (flow rider, rock climbing, etc) available on port days? Thank you.

Wow!! What a wonderfully comprehensive & incisive overview. Thanks so much. Just two quick questions if you don't mind.

1- Is the second ice show worth seeing & just skip the first one?

2- I believe you pointed out the lunch buffet as a superior choice to the Windjammer. Is this buffet available everyday?

Once again, thanks for all the effort & energy that went into your review. Much appreciated!!

Be Well,

fmhealth

Thanks everyone for your rapier-like responses. Extremely useful information.

Be Well,

fmhealth

Here's the backstory. We'll be on the Harmony in March. Two GS. We've taken numerous cruises, but the last one was 4-5 years ago so please bare with me. Here we go:

1- If we board around 11 am that Sunday, will the activities be available for the children (flow rider, golf, rock climbing, pools, etc?).

2- Is the Coastal Kitchen open for lunch that day?

3- What's the latest time we can disembark the following Sunday?

4- Is there a charge for the Internet if you're in a GS?

5-Is Uber readily available at the port?

6-Is the ice rink open at all times? My GS is 12 but already has plans to be an NHL player. He doesn't want to bring his skates if it's only open for a limited time.

Thanks so much for reading & any actionable insights would be greatly appreciated.

Be Well,

fmhealth

Just a thought. My wife & I had a sparkling cruise on the Oasis a number of months ago. Virtually everything exceeded our expectations. We'll be back!!

But, we hardly ever had any meals in the MDR. Our choice was usually the WJ or perhaps a specialty restaurant. Although we were in a GS, the perks weren't a material part of our decision to go with the GS. We simply enjoy the extra room.

Why can't there be a lower fare for folks like us who do not partake in the dining experience that so many enjoy in the MDR? I would deduct approx. $300.00 off the individual fare & name the new program "Cruise Class". This would entitle you to the WJ & other free venues. You would get a different color card to be easily recognizable by the staff. You would pay the regular specialty dining prices or if you choose the MDR, an additional charge of $50.00 pp would be added. This would allow a cruise to truly be customized to each individual. So, essentially it's a plan that allows you to pay for what you use & personalize your vacation.

So fire-away with any thoughts you may have. Don't concern yourself about offending me, I've been married for 45 years so my ego has more holes in it than my prostate!!

Be Well,

fmhealth

Most folks dress well in the MDR. I personally wear shorts every night, yes, even on formal evenings. Never had a problem or a comment from the staff.

It's your vacation, be yourself & enjoy.

Warmest Regards,

fmhealth

Just ask for expedited service. You'll be in & out within 45 minutes. This is actually the only way my wife & I would even consider the MDR. Enjoy!

Be Well,

fmhealth

You'll have a wonderful trip!! In regards to the rules governing dress in the MDR they are very simple & unambiguous. There are no rules.

On our spectacular Oasis January cruise I actually wore shorts & a t-shirt to formal night. Two primary reasons here, one, I didn't even realize that it was formal night. Every night on this floating city is the same to me. Secondly, living in Arizona I truly don't know if I even own pants anymore. Haven't worn them in at least a decade!!

In any event, relax, enjoy, & just be yourself. The Oasis is a magnificent vessel that will offer-up a lifetime of fond memories. Bon Voyage!!

Be Well,

fmhealth

My DW & I were on the Oasis two weeks ago. I wore shorts in the MDR every evening which of course included two formal dinners. No problems, no questions.

Although I was in the great minority, most diners dressed exceptionally well. I was comfortable & we were treated to our usual expedited service. Forty five minutes from seating to leaving. Precisely what we asked for.

So, a cruise is what you make it on any line. It's all about attitude. Have a good one!!

Be Well,

fmhealth

Thank you!! After recalling RCL they recalculated the numbers. They went from $6,279 to $4,384!! A savings of almost TWO THOUSAND DOLLARS!! Apparently they originally forgot the rather sizable "resident discount".

So, you folks are the best!! Always pays to admit when you're lost & desperately in need of some "parental guidance".

Happy holidays & once again, thanks a million!!

Be Well,

fmhealth

Hi,

My DW & I haven't cruised in a few years. This is what we've been quoted by RCL.

7 day Oasis 1/24---1/31

Grand Suite

$3,132 p/p + gratuities

$1,000 OBC

We truly have no idea if this is a reasonable price. Not necessarily looking for a rock-bottom price, simply looking for some insights from the more seasoned folks on this site. Thanks so much!!

Be Well,

fmhealth

M&S, I feel your pain. My wife & I ALWAYS cancel the auto-tips for precisely the same reason we don't tip in advance anywhere. We over-tip the last day & tip for service on an ongoing basis.

Yes, we carry a large amount of cash & eat virtually all our meals in the WJ. We tip after every meal & the wait staff becomes extremely attentive as the trip progresses. By day three we have a "reserved" table with the appropriate soft drinks awaiting our arrival. I realize that we may be overlooking some of the staff that we don't directly interact with this approach. But our personal responsibility can only be stretched so far. It's a shortcoming with this strategy. Nothing is perfect. We have been honored with magnificent service all our RCL cruises.

Auto-tip or not, it's simply a personal preference. Most importantly, you seem like a responsible, level-headed, kind, intelligent person. I'm sure you'll do what's ultimately right for everyone involved. Have a wonderful trip!!

Be Well,

fmhealth