ReRe71

I see you are a trivia fan like me lol. I always make sure to arrive at least 30 minutes prior because the venues get soooo packed (unless I'm already seated from a prior session which I usually am 😆).

16 hours ago, OBX-Cruisers said:

I saw on the daily paper that the Oasis is hosting the "Nations Scavenger Hunt".  NOW I am really really wanting to be on your cruise.  We did this on one of the Royal cruises and it was the best thing we ever did on a cruise.  The cruise members themselves love it and they help you out finding other cruise members from countries that you need often telling you where to go to find a member from a particular island, country etc. 

 PS:  Watch for the crew who look like they work in the engine room if/when you need Romania.  

I did it on Anthem in December, it was so much fun!!! 

31 minutes ago, firefly333 said:

Wow I sure didnt expect prices that high. I need solo for 1 from FCO, rome to mco, Orlando. When I look on priceline I see all sorts of airlines. Finland, Sweden, names I have no familiarity with. From $650ish up. One way. Idk if it's safe to book some airlines I never heard of like Finnish air or whatever. I'm still 13 months out, cant book yet with royal or see their prices. 

 

Premium economy means you can check luggage and cancel right?

We booked October 2023 and the cruise is September 2024, so yeah the pricing was very high even at a year out. I was adamant about flying direct to Barcelona and United is the only airline in my area so that's who we went with. 

Premium Economy on United has the extra legroom and includes 2 checked bags. Would have loved to go business class but the price was not worth it for us. 

45 minutes ago, HicksRA said:

As above, if you pay for the flight when you book (rather than waiting until final payment date), you can choose your seats immediately. 
I’ve used A2S twice for transatlantics and saved quite a bit each time as well as having peace of mind that they’ll be there to help if problems arise.  

That's what we did, pay for our flights when we booked (well, really paid for them 2 weeks later). I was not comfortable not being able to choose seats until final payment date. Our flights from IAD to BCN was $3400 RT for premium economy (for 2 people), the price on United's site was around $4K per person.

We took our son's friend (both were 14) last year, had his mom fill out the Royal form and we had it notarized. 

Loving all the Disney pics! We haven't been since covid and our son has kinda grown out of it (he prefers Universal parks instead). Looks like the weather is great and crowds seem minimal.  

Looking forward to your live! Oasis is my favorite ship (sailing on her this coming September and December). 

Have stayed in Boardwalk and Central Park balconies, loved them both. 

On 2/8/2024 at 7:41 PM, Ashland said:

I'm waiting for the itineraries out of Cape Liberty. It's one of our favorites.

Same here, anxious to book for next summer and it's a easy drive from Maryland. Fingers crossed for a good ship.

Same here, ready to book for next summer. 

3 minutes ago, Tlbecker1 said:

Don’t listen.  It is great for international flights and reserving your spot, delaying your payment, being able to make changes and cancel.

Hoping for a good experience.

1 hour ago, leisuretraveler223 said:

 

You saved $2,600, or 44%?

 

"97.3% of everything you read on the internet is made up" - Abraham Lincoln

 The roundtrip flight on United was over $6K, we paid $3400 via A2S.

22 minutes ago, leisuretraveler223 said:

 

They are basically operating as a crappy third party travel agent by booking flights. The potential minor savings is far outweighed by the limited options and inflexible itineraries.  Just book your own flights and don't be hassled.

We booked via A2S for our upcoming September cruise (Barcelona). We are flying direct to BCN and have a layover in Munich on the return back to DC (which we were fine with). Booking directly with United was over $6K and the A2S price was $3400 (premium economy).

5 minutes ago, leisuretraveler223 said:

Booking through Royal for flights is never a good move.

Why is that?

The debacle in Australia, albeit a hot mess, was definitely not the norm. We booked a suite gty for our recent sailing on Anthem. I would randomly check the availability of cabins (not looking to change, just being curious), one day it would be sold out, two days later there would be balconies only available, a week later everything was sold out except suites. Not sure when your cruise is, but keep checking the availability, if something opens up see if you can switch cabins. 

As firely stated, can't worry about what you can't control. 

Just returned from Anthem sailing on Sunday, took test when I returned home and was positive for covid. My symptoms started late Friday and I stayed in our cabin until we disembarked. Husband doesn't have it (lucky him lol). I literally told my husband on day one of the cruise that all these folks coughing and not covering their mouths that I will probably get sick 😩. Still had a great cruise. We had rough weather so it seems more folks were inside. 

So glad I downloaded some Netflix on my tablet to keep me entertained (we had the internet package as well).

We just boarded Anthem today and went to the Windjammer for dinner, it never disappoints. As much as I love Oasis I really have an issue with their Windjammer (less food options, flow is awful). 

We stopped eating in the MDR, not because of a bad experience but we just enjoy the flexibility of eating when we want.

2 hours ago, Sunshine3601 said:

IMO, that's a great price.   Selling for $58.99 on 2 of our future cruises.

It's $38.99 for my December cruise, too bad we are leaving the kids at home this trip 😆

38 minutes ago, SunsetsNSmiles said:

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 

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

Yeah just ask the room steward on day one for extra towels. 

9 hours ago, firefly333 said:

I'd assume the 20% service fee was written somewhere on the menu. We dont know if it was or not.

 

But I agree, wouldnt be back there to eat. State the prices fully.

The service fee was not indicated anywhere on the menu (I even checked their online menu and it wasn't there either). 

Believe me, I won't be returning. 

5 minutes ago, mek said:

I live in the mid west and haven't experienced this. Perhaps it's a common in certain areas of the country? Did you happen to ask what the service fee covered?

Our server (who was awesome) only said that it went to the restaurant and no specific reason is provided as to what is covered. We would’ve appreciated if it was mentioned on the menu, just felt blindsided when it was on the bill. 

On 11/1/2023 at 4:07 PM, njkruzer said:

I prepaid 2 cruises affer the last increase after final. But before boarding.  The increase was effective for cruises leaving before I paid.  The only thing was I had to prepay prior to sailing.

 

On another note some restaurants have added a service fee to the bill that was separate from the gratuity.  It went to the restaurants.  People have asked why the restaurants didn’t just raise their prices.

Just experienced this last weekend. Went to brunch at a restaurant (downtown DC) , food was very good (expensive but good) and there was a 20% service fee on the check. Server informed us that it was not a gratuity (which I’m sure most guests assume it is) and that it goes straight to the restaurant and we had to add the tip separately. Gotta admit that it didn’t sit well with us. 

1 minute ago, xeriod said:

Taking my grand daughter and her Mom on a cruise that just goes to Ensanada , Do we need anything in writing from the Dad ? They are married and he can't go as he will be working. Thanks

As long as they both have the same last name they should be good. I've done it many times with no issues. 

16 minutes ago, Engineroom Snipe said:

International airfare is a big wildcard combined with having to book a hotel for the day before in case something happens to your flight. This is a HUGE consideration when going anywhere let alone overseas.

 

I understand your concern.

Yeah and we definitely are not blindsided as we knew it would be high, it’s just the pricing is astronomical. We’ve booked our hotel (arriving 3 days prior in Barcelona).