Long Time Celebrity Cruiser tries Royal.......

[Lois R]

....well, sort of......I have been on Royal twice over the years but they

were "weekend cruises"......once on Sovereign of the Seas (a long time

ago) and then Enchantment.

 

So that brings me to now.....Serenade of The Seas does Canada/New

England out of Boston for a week and I love the sound of the this

itinerary:).....cruising in the middle of October.

 

I know Serenade is one of Royal's smaller size ships (that is good with

me:D) and the Radiance Class is supposed to be really pretty as well,

(same size range as Celebrity's M class).

 

Any information would be appreciated.....for those who have done

this itinerary, I am guessing the weather will be cool.....and before I

do all my research, are the ports easy to do "on your own" or would

you suggest excursions?

We go to Bar Harbor and Portland (Maine), Halifax, Nova Scotia,

and St John (Bay of Fundy).

 

Anyway, thanks for any helpful tips:)

Edited May 7, 2016 by Lois R

[blackshirt]

We did this itinerary last Oct on Brilliance (same class as Seranade). Plan for cool weather but it can still be warm. I still wore shorts most of the time. Though we opted for tours at most ports, they all seemed easy to do on your own. Unfortunately, we had to skip Bar Harbor due to fog. It is a tender port and was too foggy to operate the tenders.

[sjb317]

Radiance is my favorite class of ships, lots of windows so you get a real feel for the ocean. Beautiful ships!

 

We did a TA on Serenade last fall and had a great time. I really liked our day in Halifax. There is a lovely walking path along the waterfront and we hiked up the hill to the fort, we watched the firing of the cannon which is everyday at noon. Also spent a few hours at the Maritime museum and then checked out a few breweries:D along the way back to the ship. The weather was cool & drizzly, but we still had fun.

 

Sherri:)

[Lois R]

Thanks for the replies:)....shorts? I would think it would be too cool

for them but I will throw in a pair anyway.

 

The research begins;)

[mek]

By the middle of October it should be pretty. We went the last week of September and everything was still very green along the coast. We had light jacket weather most of the time, but it was so cold and windy out by Peggy's Cove, that you want to be prepared for that if you go out there.

[Desert Cruizers]

Lois, we did this cruise last Oct but from Quebec to FT Lauderdale, throughout the Canada Provinces, we were seeing 50's. Bar Harbor was the coldest except for Quebec. We didn't get to ST John and didn't warm up until we got to Boston and Charleston. The fall colors were gorgeous.

 

Gay

Edited May 7, 2016 by Desert Cruizers

[Lois R]

It sounds like I need to use the layering process but definitely long pants/jeans for daytime touring.:)

 

Thanks for the help. :) I have cruised enough to know the ins-outs of

it all......but I have to ask.....evenings? Black slacks and/or a long skirt

with nice tops are fine...?

[Jimnbigd]

The same company (RCCL) owns both cruise lines. I think some of your Celebrity past-guest perks apply to RCI also. I'm not sure how this works -- anyone else know?

Edited May 7, 2016 by Jimnbigd

[Lois R]

The same company (RCCL) owns both cruise lines. I think some of your Celebrity past-guest perks apply to RCI also. I'm not sure how this works -- anyone else know?

 

Yes, I think I get whatever the cocktail hour is for Diamond members

get or Diamond Plus...not sure. I am Elite + with Celebrity.

I will ask my TA.

 

Thanks:)

Edited May 7, 2016 by Lois R

[Lois R]

The same company (RCCL) owns both cruise lines. I think some of your Celebrity past-guest perks apply to RCI also.

As for RCI ships, I prefer the voyager class or higher -- the ones with an ice rink.

You might consider the Freedom of the Seas from Port Canaveral -- an easy drive from Jacksonville.

 

Hi,:) I am booking this cruise for the itinerary. And the "Bigger Ships" really

don't hold any appeal for me and I have been to the Caribbean more times

than I can count. This New England/Canada cruise looks very good to me:)

I have already booked my flights and hotel too.

 

Thanks for the suggestion though.:)

Edited May 7, 2016 by Lois R

[Jimnbigd]

As for RCI ships, I prefer the voyager class or higher -- the ones with the ice rink.

You might consider a cruise from Port Canaveral, an easy drive from Jacksonville -- The Freedom of the Seas or (starting Nov. 5), the Oasis of the Seas (the really big ship).

...UPDATE...I just read your last post. I got it now. Thanks...

Edited May 7, 2016 by Jimnbigd

[Lois R]

As for RCI ships, I prefer the voyager class or higher -- the ones with the ice rink.

You might consider a cruise from Port Canaveral, an easy drive from Jacksonville -- The Freedom of the Seas or (starting Nov. 5), the Oasis of the Seas (the really big ship).

 

You must have edited the earlier post....see my previous post. Sailing

"mega size ships" does not appeal to me....call me crazy;)

 

I have already booked my airfare to Boston and booked my hotel too.

 

I realize most folks love all the bells and whistles but I am booking this

cruise for the itinerary. It sounds fabulous to me.:) and so Pt Canaveral

does not come into the equation.

 

But thank you for the suggestions.

Edited May 7, 2016 by Lois R

[Tinkerbellcgy]

Lois, welcome to my country. You will be be sailing at the peak of the fall foilage and it will be beautiful, spectacular and stunning.

 

As for the weather at that time of year, it can be unpredictable. It may very well be shorts weather or it could be fleece weather.

 

Enjoy your cruise and Canadian hospitality!

 

Liz

[Xport]

Yes, I think I get whatever the cocktail hour is for Diamond members

get or Diamond Plus...not sure. I am Elite + with Celebrity.

I will ask my TA.

 

Elite, Elite +, and Zenith Captain's Club members from Celebrity get Diamond benefits on Royal Caribbean... Similarly Diamond, Diamond +, and Pinnacle members in Royal's Crown & Anchor Society get Elite benefits on Celebrity...

 

Cruise Points between Celebrity and Royal don't cross accumulate [as they do between Celebrity and Azamara] and reciprocity of membership tier between Royal and Celebrity/Azamara [and vice versa] caps out... I'm Elite + on Celebrity [Discoverer + on Azamara] and am recognized as Diamond when I sail with Royal... So from a Crown & Anchor perspective, I'm Diamond in terms of benefits reciprocity with 14 cruise points toward achieving Diamond + membership with Royal; only need 160 points more!

 

Assume you are already a Crown & Anchor member with Royal as you've sailed with them before but, if not, do enroll [membership #s are not the same as they are between Celebrity/Azamara]... You'll need to do so to be recognized as Diamond with Royal [it's not automatic]... And if you've booked a verandah cabin on Royal, know that your Diamond membership provides a very nice "balcony discount" that tends to be worth a whole lot more than Celebrity's one category upgrade within a "supercategory"...

 

Enjoy New England/Canada! I did the trip on Summit in October 2014 [yes, aside from a "fluke" in Halifax--the temperature reached 75 the day we were there--it was cold (and went below freezing while we were in Quebec City, not Floridian weather!)] and absolutely loved it...

 

Glad to see that you had an "awesome" time on your river cruise! I'm still debating as to whether or not it's something I want to try...

 

Be well and happy! Miss you on the Celebrity Board!

 

Best, Mike

[PH8]

Lois--here is a list of your Diamond benefits.....

 

http://www.royalcaribbean.com/cas/viewAllBenefitsLoggedout.do?memberTier=Diamond

 

Plus these "coupons" will be loaded onto your seapass card.You will get a letter in your cabin explaining all this..

 

1101) Buy any Wine, Beer or Soda by the glass and get a second (of equal or lesser value) FREE

(1103) Purchase any glass of wine, beer or soda and receive a 20% discount

(1108) One complimentary non-alcoholic specialty coffee with the purchase of dinner in any Specialty Restaurant)

(1151) 25% off the purchase of Royal Caribbean International Cookbooks

(1202) Receive $10.00 off a $30.00 bag of Wash & Fold (Only valid on the day of the ship's Wash & Fold laundry promotion. Not valid for any pressing or dry cleaning services)

(1204) $5.00 off $25.00 or more Dry Cleaning or Pressing services (Cannot be applied to any laundry special promotions)

(1302) 15% off Tuxedo Rental Package (Offer applies to only one tuxedo rental package. Discount does not apply to shoe rental.)

(1702) $5.00 off your Pets at Sea Package

(1902) Spend $25.00 or more on Royal Caribbean logo products and receive 15% off (Excludes: fine jewelry brands, trunk show merchandise and best buys and one day specials)

(2002) FREE Photo of your choice from your existing printed photograph selection (Cannot be a reprint of special request)

(2003) Get 10% off a Digital Photo Package or Photobook

(2103) Buy a Bingo Package and get 6 FREE Jackpot Cards. (Offer not available "Win A Cruise", "Win A Suite" or "Final Jackpot Session")

(2203) Receive 20% off any Spa or Salon service (Not applicable to media-spa services)

(2505) Buy an Internet Package and receive 20% off. (On your personal device or by visiting the internet cafe)

(2507) Internet is 24 hours of continuous usage per Diamond Member or apply discount to package offered at time of sign up.

(2701) Stateroom Phone discount of $2.00 per minute. (Guests will receive a discounted rate on stateroom phone call charges for the entire sailing. Phone calls must be made from stateroom [savings of 75%])

(2303) Three FREE Spin to Win at the Casino (3 (three) free handle pulls at one of our dedicated slot machines)

(2356) 25% off Casino Tournament Entrance Fee (Excluding Poker Tournaments)

Edited May 7, 2016 by PH8

[blackshirt]

Assume you are already a Crown & Anchor member with Royal as you've sailed with them before but, if not, do enroll [membership #s are not the same as they are between Celebrity/Azamara]... You'll need to do so to be recognized as Diamond with Royal [it's not automatic]...

 

Even if you do already have a C&A number, if your status is not Diamond you will need to call to provide your Captain's Club # to get your status upgraded to Diamond.

[shipgeeks]

All those ports are easy to do on your own, and all are worthwhile.

[pspercy]

Even if you do already have a C&A number, if your status is not Diamond you will need to call to provide your Captain's Club # to get your status upgraded to Diamond.

 

Should be able to get past RCL cruises credited as well.

[pspercy]

We did this trip on Jewel mid-October 2012.

 

Took a couple of hour excursion in Bar Harbor to see(!) Arcadia National Park - except it was foggy but we went anyway "If it wasn't foggy over there you'd see . . . . ."

https://olistrolley.com/

 

Other than that we just walked around in the ports. Probably should have taken an excursion in St John tho'.

 

By far the best Lobster rolls were in Boston.

 

 

Have a great trip:)

[Lois R]

Lois--here is a list of your Diamond benefits.....

 

http://www.royalcaribbean.com/cas/viewAllBenefitsLoggedout.do?memberTier=Diamond

 

Plus these "coupons" will be loaded onto your seapass card.You will get a letter in your cabin explaining all this..

 

1101) Buy any Wine, Beer or Soda by the glass and get a second (of equal or lesser value) FREE

(1103) Purchase any glass of wine, beer or soda and receive a 20% discount

(1108) One complimentary non-alcoholic specialty coffee with the purchase of dinner in any Specialty Restaurant)

(1151) 25% off the purchase of Royal Caribbean International Cookbooks

(1202) Receive $10.00 off a $30.00 bag of Wash & Fold (Only valid on the day of the ship's Wash & Fold laundry promotion. Not valid for any pressing or dry cleaning services)

(1204) $5.00 off $25.00 or more Dry Cleaning or Pressing services (Cannot be applied to any laundry special promotions)

(1302) 15% off Tuxedo Rental Package (Offer applies to only one tuxedo rental package. Discount does not apply to shoe rental.)

(1702) $5.00 off your Pets at Sea Package

(1902) Spend $25.00 or more on Royal Caribbean logo products and receive 15% off (Excludes: fine jewelry brands, trunk show merchandise and best buys and one day specials)

(2002) FREE Photo of your choice from your existing printed photograph selection (Cannot be a reprint of special request)

(2003) Get 10% off a Digital Photo Package or Photobook

(2103) Buy a Bingo Package and get 6 FREE Jackpot Cards. (Offer not available "Win A Cruise", "Win A Suite" or "Final Jackpot Session")

(2203) Receive 20% off any Spa or Salon service (Not applicable to media-spa services)

(2505) Buy an Internet Package and receive 20% off. (On your personal device or by visiting the internet cafe)

(2507) Internet is 24 hours of continuous usage per Diamond Member or apply discount to package offered at time of sign up.

(2701) Stateroom Phone discount of $2.00 per minute. (Guests will receive a discounted rate on stateroom phone call charges for the entire sailing. Phone calls must be made from stateroom [savings of 75%])

(2303) Three FREE Spin to Win at the Casino (3 (three) free handle pulls at one of our dedicated slot machines)

(2356) 25% off Casino Tournament Entrance Fee (Excluding Poker Tournaments)

 

Thanks Kathy:)

[Lois R]

Elite, Elite +, and Zenith Captain's Club members from Celebrity get Diamond benefits on Royal Caribbean... Similarly Diamond, Diamond +, and Pinnacle members in Royal's Crown & Anchor Society get Elite benefits on Celebrity...

 

Cruise Points between Celebrity and Royal don't cross accumulate [as they do between Celebrity and Azamara] and reciprocity of membership tier between Royal and Celebrity/Azamara [and vice versa] caps out... I'm Elite + on Celebrity [Discoverer + on Azamara] and am recognized as Diamond when I sail with Royal... So from a Crown & Anchor perspective, I'm Diamond in terms of benefits reciprocity with 14 cruise points toward achieving Diamond + membership with Royal; only need 160 points more!

 

Assume you are already a Crown & Anchor member with Royal as you've sailed with them before but, if not, do enroll [membership #s are not the same as they are between Celebrity/Azamara]... You'll need to do so to be recognized as Diamond with Royal [it's not automatic]... And if you've booked a verandah cabin on Royal, know that your Diamond membership provides a very nice "balcony discount" that tends to be worth a whole lot more than Celebrity's one category upgrade within a "supercategory"...

 

Enjoy New England/Canada! I did the trip on Summit in October 2014 [yes, aside from a "fluke" in Halifax--the temperature reached 75 the day we were there--it was cold (and went below freezing while we were in Quebec City, not Floridian weather!)] and absolutely loved it...

 

Glad to see that you had an "awesome" time on your river cruise! I'm still debating as to whether or not it's something I want to try...

 

Be well and happy! Miss you on the Celebrity Board!

 

Best, Mike

 

Hi Mike, thanks for the reply:)...yes the river cruise was fabulous.

So much so, I have a deposit down for another one in 2017.

[Tee & Chilli]

I'm booked on a Canada & New England sailing. Due to the chance of cooler weather, should I cancel my balcony cabin and put the money towards something else?

[PH8]

I'm booked on a Canada & New England sailing. Due to the chance of cooler weather, should I cancel my balcony cabin and put the money towards something else?

OHNO...........We had an aft balcony on the SR in Alaska...talk about chilly at times,but we just wrapped up in blankets...

 

 

You're welcome Lois!!!

Edited May 7, 2016 by PH8

[Snit13]

Yes, I think I get whatever the cocktail hour is for Diamond members

get or Diamond Plus...not sure. I am Elite + with Celebrity.

I will ask my TA.

 

Thanks:)

 

Hi Lois,

 

Grace and Rudy here. We sailed with you on Silhouette. We too are Elite + with Celebrity which makes us Diamond on Royal. You have to earn Diamond + with Royal, not reciprocal. We are switching to Royal as Rudy doesn't want to drive to Ft. L anymore. We are sailing on Oasis when she moves to Port Canaveral and also looking at some Tampa departures.

 

We went to PA for years in October/November and you never know what the weather will bring. Have seen snow in October and have also had very warm days. As you said, prepare to layer and above all enjoy your cruise.

 

Grace

[katydyd]

This cruise is actually one of my bucket list items. Even though I live in MA and can easily drive to the ports on the itinerary. I dream about spending my birthday (in October) sailing up the coast while sitting out on my balcony sipping wine.

 

I would definitely would keep a balcony cabin if I had one. And definitely plan on layers. I've frequently been in shorts and flip flops in October and a winter coat in May. I'd bring a couple of pairs of shorts, capris, and jeans. Short sleeved shirts and some light sweaters and a fleece.

 

Most of the ports could be done on your own, but, to get the most bang for your buck, small tours would be a great option.

 

Acadia National Park....don't miss it!