ish drakes

I'd avoid deck 6 because the balcony wall has less visibility than balconies on other decks. I'd also avoid deck 10 to minimize the potential for noise from the pool deck above. You can't predict which side the ship will dock on.

Sorry to hijack this post, but I was wondering what you meant by your statement about avoiding deck 6. I just booked the Adventure and I am currently booked in cabin 6596, is this a bad room? This is our first time cruising RCCL so would like to make the best of it. Can we request a change, if we have only paid the deposit?

Thanks

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We loved our B2B on Radiance. It is very nice knowing you are staying on. We did change rooms, but it was nice only partially packing as they took our hanging items for us.

 

Another bit of trivia....the cruise staff seemed to look blank when we mentioned back to back. They told us it is known as consecutive cruises. The person we dealt with was the consecutive cruise coordinator (or something similar). We also had an issue in that we booked each cruise at different times. They didn't have a record of that. We nearly missed the meeting for consecutive cruisers as we had told the service desk first day that we were back to back people, and I don't think he understood, so he did not pass on the message. Luckily we had others in the diamond lounge mention the meeting.

 

We did enjoy also the relaxation of knowing that if we missed a show one time, it would most likely be on the next week. One show we enjoyed so much we went twice! Actually we did the same ship two months before that as well. Every trip has been so different. Different rooms, different friends (new and old). I think whatever choice you make you will enjoy it, and you can do it the other way next time :)

 

So that is another option, book your first cruise and then you can still wait and decide if you want the same or different ships. Whatever grabs your interest!

Ok, thanks for another perspective. Think I will take your advice and try it both ways. This time around I'll do different ships as I have never been on RCCL and would be able to experience 2 different class of ships :D. Next time, I'll do it for the relaxing vacation :)

I'm actually away working in China so my father called for me to book the Adventure, and they booked the Jewel recently while they were onboard the Oasis (They will be joining us on the Jewel). I've read a lot about long waits to get through by phone, we've never experienced that before for any of our cruises so I find it very strange, but it is definitely a problem lately. It might be a good idea to try to use a travel agent so you can avoid the long waits for the call centre.

 

We had a good experience using Priceline a few years ago for San Juan. Essentially, you go on their website and pick a certain area you would like to stay in as well as the star level. Then you bid a certain price to see if it accepts your offer. You won't find out which hotel you get unless it accepts your bid, so if they are any hotels in that star level you are unhappy with, Priceline might not be the best way to go for you. We ended up paying 110$ about two years ago for the Marriott Stellaris which many people on these boards seem to enjoy. It was great for the price.

 

There are message boards for Priceline and Hotwire that list the hotels commonly bought for each star level, in each area. (For example if you select San Juan - Old San Juan/ Condado area it shows which hotels would be considered 4* vs 3.5). If you google "Priceline and Hotwire Forums" the message boards should be easy to find.

Thanks for the advice/help

I wasn't sure how to use the site the first time either. They give you excellent instructions at the Priceline site. I also did a computer search for how to use Priceline. That provided a wealth of information with great suggestions. It turned out to be quite easy.

 

 

Jane (from the duo Dick and Jane)

Chicago, Illinois

Oh ok. Thanks

On my day in Boston I walked the Freedom Trail and took the (free) tour of the USS Constitution (take photo ID). I have had some days I enjoyed as much but none more.

 

Some of the FT 'destinations' are merely 'walk by' sites but some could detain you if you are interested in the history. And of course you can do as much or as little as you wish. All the best, Tony

Thank you

If you are not particular about the hotel or a certain chain (I.e., loyalty program), you might want to bid on Priceline. I have gotten some great deals on this site.

 

 

Dick and Jane

Chicago, Illinois

Ok. I've never used that site. Not sure how it all works

I just tried to look at the website and it appears that it isn't working, the domain is expired. Might just be a temporary thing. There are reviews on tripadvisor though and they are on Facebook as Hotel Plaza De Armas. We haven't stayed here before, but it's one of the hotels we are considering.

 

I find the best way to compare hotels is to read the reviews and look at the pictures on tripadvisor. There are quite a few threads on the San Juan port of call board as well with lots of hotel recommendations. That's usually where I start!

Thanks. Will get on that. How did you book the cruise? I am finding it difficult to find a RCCL rep to help me

Just to be clear, Old Town is not walking distance to the pier. I think there are no hotels whatsoever that you can walk to from the pier. Everything is at least a short taxi ride. Old Town around $15.

 

Personally I would take the extra 5 min cab ride into Old Town and stay at a hotel there rather than a 'resort' in Coronado unless all you want to do is hang out at the beach and in a resort rather than seeing the city. You will not need another taxi ride at all to see all the tourist attractions as you'll be walking distance to everything! Night-time walk along the water and the old wall is superb & safe, and only a few blocks from this hotel too. There's a few hotels to choose from... the one I stayed was one of the least expensive, easy to find, right in the middle of everything, and clean.

I definitely won't need a resort for my 1 night in SJU. I would like to explore SJU as I am there and I haven't been there since I was child (a few years back ;)). I was trying to find the hotel you suggested online, do they have a website. Also how do I find others to compare?

This is exactly what we're going to be doing in December. Week 1 on the Jewel and week 2 on the Adventure. Last time we did a b2b on the Adventure and it is one of our favourite ships. We really wanted to try a Radiance class ship though, and the Jewel has a really nice itinerary with 2 stops we haven't tried. We absolutely love the promenade though so we are hoping this will be the best of both worlds. Plus, I cannot think of a place I would rather spend an extra night in between cruises than San Juan - just thinking about it makes me happy!

 

We had an amazing time on our b2b last time though, and it really was wonderful not packing up after the first week. Whichever decision you make, I'm sure you'll have a great time!

Very encouraged to hear that someone is doing this as well. Makes me feel better about my decision ;). We are definitely going to go for the 2 ships :D. Just need to book now. I have never booked with RCCL, do they offer specials like Carnival? Should I book now or wait it out and hope for a price reduction closer to the travel time?

Then by all means change ships.

Thinking that is what we will you do.

For sure do 2 ships!! Couple of my favorite trips ever was a TA then a Med with one full day&night in Barcelona...awesome at night! I also did Freedom/Majesty with a night at Miami Beach... again awesome evening and experience! Man, did I ever feel like the king of the world heading back to the cruise pier the next day after a great night :D

 

Have you ever been to San Juan? Superb city, and especially Old Town. Great eateries, tons to see and do, beautiful forts/site seeing, great restaurants. This is a great city to spend an entire day in to explore... and how exciting is it to get off a Radiance class ship to then immediately explore a Voyager Class! :D:D

 

I've stayed at the Hotel Plaza De Armas (Howard Johnson) right in the middle of Old Town, 10min $15 cab ride from the pier. It's 5 min walk pretty much to every tourist attraction in Old Town. Very basic inexpensive no frills hotel, was perfect for overnight sleeping. This was perfect for me. Whatever you choose have an awesome cruise (s) ;)

Thanks, I will check that hotel out. Looking for something that won't cost too much as we will only be there for 1 night. Once it is clean and close to the pier that is paramount.

As amazing as a B2B is and how cool it is watching all those folks packing up and leaving the ship knowing you are staying for another go round, it would be just as awesome to pack up and leave a ship knowing you are going to get on another one the next day!! It's just a few hours of hassle to get a whole other cruise on a completely different ship.

 

The other thing to think about in having a day off the ship is doing laundry. If you stay in a hotel with a laundry room you could throw in a load or two and start the next cruise all clean and ready to go!!

 

Too bad about them not doing the hotel and transfers between cruises anymore. Maybe you could talk them into at least transfers....would save a few bucks on taxis.

Yes, all good points and I will ask about the transfers and hotel accommodation, worst they could say is no right?

Anyone know of any specials on offer?

Excellent points! There really is no losing situation here! Its a win win either way!

Yup :)

The beauty of the back to back is that you can stay on the ship and wave at everyone leaving ... I'd go on the Adventure and do something different in Dominica. Barbados could be a "sea day" for you.

Sea day or a chance to run home and get some new clothes? Lol

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Either would be great. Have done one back to back and will do another in May. I think I would go with 2 ships for variety. We don't have a choice as we are going out of Galveston. As for repeating menus and entertainment we choose something different for dinner or repeat it if we really liked it and did not try to do all the shows the first week saving some we knew would repeat for the second week. It is very relaxing that way, even leaving time for a game of mini golf just for two at 10 pm or a soak in a hot tub without missing out on anything. And repeating ports is no big deal either. We will go to Cozumel twice and have totally different things planned. Have a great time!

Thanks. Someone else mentioned that, the ability to truly relax because you have another week to catch what you didn't catch the first time :). Tempting very tempting, but also tempting is experiencing 8-9 new ports in 2 weeks on 2 different boats. Toss up to say the least

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I can only imagine! I bet there is something to be said about the end of the first cruise morning when everyone is gloom and doom, wearing a big ol smile thinking we are about to do this again! :D

 

Either trip would be amazing but I truly would like to experience a true B2B (14 nights total) one day where I even stay in the same cabin. Not possible now but in 15 years, I will be retired! Ill be in the my late 50s and I WILL do this! :)

Yea, there's just something about that, that is most tempting. One day, I'll do that as well. For now I'll experience the side to side. We are new to cruising and experiencing 2 ships over 2 weeks is just too hard to pass up.

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I have never done a b2b, but I think either would be amazing. I would personally rather switch ships to experience more of the royal Caribbean fleet in one vacation. I have been on both the Jewel and the Explorer (Adventure's sister) and both are great!!

Thanks, sounds that is the way we are going to go. Just have to find the best way to book it.

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We have done this all sorts of ways and on all different ships! We did the back-to-back on the Jewel in February and March. We did change staterooms between the two cruises, but it was an easy move. I love the relaxation of going to all of the different ports and having the ship basically to ourselves between the two cruises. We've done a side-by-side combination on the Oasis and the Allure several times. Royal Caribbean considered it a back to back, and they paid for the hotel stay at the Hilton between the two cruises. Unfortunately, I do not believe they offer this anymore. It would not hurt to ask! I did the side-by-side because I wanted the different shows and restaurant experiences. We only cruise with carry-on bags, so it was nice to reset our clothing at the hotel's facilities.

 

If you do the side-by-side, you might want to consider staying at the Sheraton convention center hotel. We walked there from the cruise ship. It was about a mile. There is a great view of the cruise terminal from the fourth floor infinity pool. We walked from the hotel to old San Juan and back. About 4 miles. There are plenty of transportation choices available if you're not interested in the hike.

 

Which would you rank more important: different shows and dining venues, or different ports? I believe that answer will tell you which way to go.

 

 

 

 

Jane (from the duo Dick and Jane)

Chicago, Illinois

Thanks, I am thinking I want to do the 2 ships, get a different experience for different class of ships and see new places.

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They NO LONGER do this. Found out the hard way. They pay for nothing.

 

We booked our Side 2 Side for March 2014 on our Adventure in March of 2013 cruise.

 

We were told by the Loyalty Ambassador that Royal would book and pay for the hotel for our Side 2 Side. About 2 weeks after we got home from our 2013 trip (mid April 2013) I called Customer Service to have them book our hotel for March the 2014 trip.

 

They told me effective April 1 2013 they no longer offer this service. Too bad for me that I waited 2 weeks to call. After me telling them I was offered this service just a few weeks earlier on our sailing, I finally was able to at least get some OBC after many phone calls to customer service and Crown and Anchor.

Aww man :(. Oh well, back to the original plan. At least you were able to get something back.

Obviously you can't go wrong with either decision! If you are looking to relax more, I would stay on one ship. That way you don't have to be forced into feeling like you have to see all the shows the first week. If its late and you're tired you can skip it knowing that you can catch it the next week!

 

On the other hand being able to experience 2 different ships in one vacation sounds great to me!

Definitely another thing to consider. All these different variables, just want to make sure we make the right choice.

I'd switch ships. Yes, it would be a PITA to have to pack and un pack but to me 1/2 the experience(if not more) is the ship. So to be able to stay on two different ships would be awesome! Good luck on your "difficult" decission! :D

Thanks. That's what I'm thinking :). Just need help booking it now. Want to ensure we get the best price.

I just remembered....here is another thing to think about. I am not aware if Royal still does this, but I would ask about it and maybe you can talk them into it. When we were booked a year or so ago on two different ships leaving a day apart this was offered to us.

 

They used to pay for your hotel and transfers if you cruised on two of their ships a day apart!!

 

Check it out and see if it's still something that is available...might make the decision easier. :)

I will definitely look into that. Would make the decision a whole lot easier :)

FWIW, we did the side 2 side, and I think I even coined the phrase here when we did it. Anyway, the cruising was great, but, moving was painful. When we did it (Liberty and Vision) the ships were to far to walk to and royal provided no help in moving us from one ship to the other.

 

Our other issue was when we got to our second ship, everyone was leaving. All the luggage was going out, and we wanted ours going in. We were worried it would not make it, since it was pretty confusing at the port.

 

It all worked out in the end, but, it was a lot more hassle then I wanted on vacation, so I probably won't do that one again.

 

Enjoy your cruise.

We have a day lag between so hopefully that will avoid those issues.

To me, either option would work. I love both Aruba and Barbados, and if you can't have them both, it's eenie meenie minee moe! :D

 

We love both classes of ships, and they are completely different in feel. We love the promenade of the Adventurer and we love the glass and luxury of the Jewel! And our one day in San Juan was wonderful!

 

I think I am talking myself into supporting doing the 2 ship option!! :)

You are talking me into it as well :)

Glad to hear you love Barbados, I kinda love it too :)

We just did this exact thing 2 weeks ago. Week 1 we did the Jewel (Tortola Route), Week 2 we did Adventure. The reason for changing ships was I wanted to go back to Tortola and we had never been to Dominica and Barbados, therefore the Jewell itinerary. We changed to Adventure to go to Aruba and Curacao.

 

To me it wasn't that big of a deal to pack up and spend the day and night in San Juan. It was like an extra vacation day as we enjoy San Juan. Plus it was still pretty cool to know we had another cruise ahead of us.

 

Both ships are great for different reasons. I like as many new experiences as I can get. :D

 

Unfortunately we were one of the lucky ones on the dreaded Adventure, March 16 sailing that canceled the ports of Aruba and Curacao (our whole reason for booking this ship/route). Extremely disappointing but another story for another thread.

 

I would base your decision on which ports you want to see the most.

Thank you. This helps alot.What happened on your cruise? didn't hear anything