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I tried "Show me cruises where I don't need a second mortgage to book one" and no results came up

So, it's working??

Here is my comprehensive video review of Wonder of the Seas in 2023. I review the drink package, unlimited dining package, WoW bands, ports of call, and much much more. Enjoy. If you don't want to watch it I can sum it up that we will continue to happily cruise with Royal Caribbean.

Did he look like this?

For Christmas we prefer to give our kids experiences instead of random gifts. Either we're on a cruise on Christmas or we give them a trip as their gift. This year they got a Quantum Vision of a Christmas gift: TWO cruises, Southern Caribbean on Vision March 31-April 10 and Alaska on Quantum May 29-June 5, hence this is Part 2. If you're interested I also did a live blog on our Vision cruise. Hubby and I have been on two Alaska cruises and after sailing on Ovation just after the restart we decided we should finally take the kids. We've been on two Quantum class ships, Anthem and Ovation, and are excited to experience Quantum of the Seas. Who's sailing: Hubby and I and our 4 kids: D16, S12, S8, D5. D16 has minimal time to enjoy Diamond benefits as she'll be relegated to Emerald when she turns 18 next summer, as I understand it. S8 is technically still S7, but his birthday is on embarkation day. This is not considered a birthday cruise, it was just the least expensive time to go to Alaska without missing school. Also sailing are MIL and FIL, as well as MM (my mom) and MD (my dad). We are all on deck 11. The adults are all in balcony rooms, and kids are across from hubby and I in an inside room with virtual balcony. We have cruised with parents before, but never both sets of parents at the same time. MIL loves warm weather Disney cruises and snorkeling all day every day. They just returned from B2B Southern Caribbean sailings on Disney on Saturday and snorkeled 10 days straight. So she's really unsure about this cold and rainy cruise and I can't wait to show her the beauty of Alaska and all of the fun stuff on a Quantum class ship. Where to: Ketchikan, Sitka, Juneau, Victoria. If you weren't aware, all of Quantum's visits to Skagway were cancelled this season. Some were moved to Icy Strait Point, others to Ketchikan, and some to Sitka, I guess it depends which ports were on your original itinerary. We got switched to Ketchikan. We're taking it in stride, but I am quite bummed. Our favorite excursion ever was in Skagway where we took a boat to a remote area and along the way saw lots of wildlife and waterfalls. We then canoed to Davidson Glacier where we got to touch the glacier and it was just really amazing and the college age tour guides were hilarious. They live in this remote area with no electricity and no cell service and in their free time make up skits using boxes. We had the three older kids as well as MIL, MM, and MD signed up for that. D5 isn't old enough so we were going to take her on the train with FIL, then a bus ride back down to see sled dog puppies and many other sites. Bummed to miss such exciting excursions but especially bummed my kids didn't get to see a glacier up close. Mendenhall glacier is just too far away. So instead hubby and I are going to wake up early in Ketchikan and do a 5 mile hike, MM and MD are doing an ebike and hike excursion, and MIL and FIL are going to stay with the kiddos and meet us for the 12:45 lumberjack show. Then we'll look for a delicious crab lunch. Good news: saved a ton of money...or so I thought. Last week Royal FINALLY released the excursion that allows us to get off the ship directly onto a boat in the middle of the Fjord. I figured since it hadn't been released at 30 days out that we wouldn't see it, so was surprised for it to appear less than 2 weeks before sailing. The ship will continue to Juneau arriving around 1 and we will meet it there at 2:30. This is one pricey tour, so no money saved by hubby and I in the end, but yay for my kids being able to see a glacier up close after all. However, MIL and FIL did have to cancel their helicopter tour in Juneau in order to go with us. I think FIL was relieved, he gets motion sick easily. MIL decided that she would be super disappointed if they got to Juneau and the helicopter flight was cancelled due to weather and so then they had no excursion at all plus she wants to be with the grandkids. Getting there: We were going to drive to Seattle, but then I checked Air2Sea and the flights were....drumroll.....$137. Roundtrip. Nonstop. First Class. On our preferred airline. It'll be the kids' first time in first class, but shhhh they don't know yet. I thought for sure this was some Royal IT glitch, but nobody has called me to up the price or return my money. I've never used Air2Sea but for this price I couldn't resist. The flights showed up on the Delta App within hours for us to make our seat selection. We fly out on Sunday!

If you are physically able, I highly recommend the self-assist walk off debarkation. It avoids all of that mess.

I always enjoy the onboard experience down under as some of the complaints I see in the US market do not apply down here. 1) The casino is non-smoking in Australia/NZ 2) Gratuities are included Most of my gripes relate to the land and Internet experience. For example, you used to be able to change your cabin number or upgrade your room on the website, I would like to be able to search on cabin type by price. However, the main change I would make is to change star class bookings to earn 3 C&A points per cruise as they are next level suites.

Just chiming in with my son and daughter in law's recent embarkation at Cape Liberty. They had a boarding check in time of 10:30. They were a bit early, parked the car and messaged me when they were ordering their first drinks on the ship - at 10:24. They said it was the fastest they have ever boarded.

IMO, if you are looking for higher quality, Carnival will disappoint.

At the CAS meeting this week while on the Radiance in Alaska, our Captain Merrek, said a new ship and class similar in size to the Radiance is being planned in the next 3 or 4 years. The name of the ship is to be the Discovery of the Seas. Does nybody have any further information or confirmation?

Hello, 7 cruises and Diamond now : 09/2016 Harmony, 09/2017 Freedom, 09/2018 Symphony, 09/2021 Harmony, 05/2022 Vision, 09/2022 Wonder, 05/2023 Jewel Next : 09/2023 Enchantment (B2B), 01/2024 Anthem, 05/2024 Odyssey, 09/2024 Anthem

I just spotted a new function on Royal's booking page. It's a "write in" search box right up near the top of the page. I was sceptical but I asked it to find me cruises to Europe in June 2024 and it did. I did try asking it to find me one-way cruises as that's something I'd like to see as a search option but, unfortunately, that overwhelmed it: "We're sorry, but we couldn't find any results that match your search. Please modify your search and try again"

Finally, I just reach Diamond. I know about the 4 drinks per day. I know I can go to the diamond lounge for the coffee. What other benefit do I get? Beside that's list here? https://www.royalcaribbean.com/content/dam/royal/resources/pdf/crown-and-anchor-society-benefit-grid.pdf

The best time is whatever time fits your schedule and budget. Cop out answer, maybe, but true.

The week of July, Thanksgiving and Christmas will be full, expensive cruises because that's when most families have time. While mid March is spring break for a lot of schools, you would be okay if you are sailing out of Galveston. Therefore my opinion is mid-March. But ultimately it comes down to what you want and can afford.

Wow! Someone put down the RC pom pons and gave an honest review! I really enjoyed your video and appreciate all the post production work, Thank You For Sharing!!!

There have been rumors of "Project Discovery". Royal likes to call new ship class developments a "project". However that's all that been known. Considering that Vision and Radiance class are all that can use the Panama Canal, it stands to reason that Royal would look to create a new class that could. Mega ships are great but they are a PITA when deploying ships between the Atlantic and Pacific. They need something that can. Without any proof or facts, I've always thought that taking the Edge class platform, the basic hull design, not an Edge class ship and painting a Royal name on it, they could leverage a successful hull design and save that engineering cost, and by using LNG engines, build on that hull design to create a new class for Royal.

Welcome to Europe, Some information: Split is easy to visit. The cruise arrives in the city centre. Split is a very beautiful and ancient city. Nearby, possibility with boat shuttles, to go to the small town of trogir. Dubrovnik: very easy to visit alone too. but the cruise does not arrive nearby. Either there will be a shuttle to the port or with royal caribbean, or the urban bus. Afterwards, the historic heart can be easily visited on foot. Naples: the ship arrives directly in town. there is just the street to cross. If this is the first time, it may be useful to take the sightseeing bus to visit. There is a bus stop right in front of the castle... in front of the port. Also, the possibility to get to Capri... Civitaveccia to finish: a shuttle bus to get out of the port. Then go to the station to take the train to rome (less than an hour by train).

I do hear that a young healthy child well nursed, is, at a year old, a most delicious nourishing and wholesome food.

@NoobCruise Thank you so much for posting this! I haven't watched the whole video but I will. Although I am sailing on a different ship this fall, I have both gluten-free & lactose-free dietary restrictions (actually I am on a Low FODMAP diet, which includes, among other restrictions, gluten free and lactose free). I keep seeing people talk about dining gluten free onboard, never gluten free AND lactose free. So I'm very interested in your travel party's experience.

You get the 2nd cruise parking free. This is a serious answer. It's an inadvertent perk of doing a B2B there. Spend the savings on a specialty dinner!

IMHO some of the promenade/boardwalk/Central Park shopping options are a complete waste of space. I would have preferred another bar/dining venue in the majority of the higher end retail shops. There’s no need for Cartier, Bulgari or Tiffany on a mid tier cruise ship. I feel RC missed the mark on this and should offer a nice mid to high end watch and jewelry shop (slightly higher end offerings then the current shop on promenade), mix in the logo store, mercantile, sugar beach and a beach lifestyle store with name brands and it’s covered. Swap Bulgari and Cartier (which by the way don’t even sell the love bracelets which is what 99% of people want) with a dueling piano bar or possibly the Tiki style bar that they have on Mariner. I have a close friend that is an executive at one of these luxury brands and insists the ship outposts are not money makers and actually dilute the brand. Tear them all out and replace them with useable venues!

There are still many out there who don't blink at losing the $250pp deposit for suites. For me, when I heard the news this morning, it doesn't matter in the long run. However, we are type to not book unless we have every intention of going so the money will have to go at some point either way. Not a big deal. What will make it a big deal for us is if they change the policy in place right now that allows you to change ship/sail date for $100pp penalty.

Very simple. Create a contest in which Royal Caribbean give one lucky person a lifetime cruising pass. Enter the contest. Rig things so that I win the contest. Resign in shame. Keep the pass.

Air2Sea is just a travel agent. Airlines cancel the flights and Air2Sea does its best to keep you on schedule. Sometimes it doesn't work

Got an email today from Royal Caribbean about the dining on ICON indicating about over 20 places to eat. The main new info I see is about the Supper Club which will be called the Empire Supper Club and is a new restaurant in Central Park: - Indulge in an evening of extravagance with an eight-course menu of premium American cuisine, carefully curated with expertly prepared plates from caviar to wagyu. - Each dish is exquisitely paired with a beverage that will elevate your experience to next-level nouveau. - All while a swanky three-piece band accompanies each course with upscale — and unexpected — renditions of modern favorites to transport you to a bygone era of sophistication and glamour. no price listed but it does have a 3 out of 4 $ indication Other locations discussed in the email: - Izumi in the park (the to-go sushi part) - Aquadome Market: the first in the fleet food hall featuring Feta Mediterranean, Mac's, Toast and Garden, Asian Faves (perhaps named GNGR, wording was weird), and Creme del la Crepe, plus a bar - Pearl Cafe - Surfside Eatery - Surfside Bites - Celebration Table (a VIP table for 12) - Main Dining Room

Sailed 38 nights since new menu and am okay with it. Tried some new to me menu entrees that were very good and some not what I want, that is to be expected from each person. Service for the most part was excellent but then a couple of nights not so good. For us each night there were menu entrees that we liked. Seems portion size has decreased but that helps with the waistline. If a person wants/needs more they can order another entree. Not selling my shares that have doubled. No complaints from us on quality of food!

Thank you for all the helpful responses. This will be our second Alaska trip, first one was with Holland America. We took our previous one about 15 years ago with our 2 oldest daughters. This time we are going with our 11 year son and MIL instead. Should be a fun and hopefully relaxing trip.

You don't need to pack a suit, but allow others to celebrate a special night in an elegant atmosphere. I would have one spot where dress code is followed. The rest can be casual. But I think we used to have that...

Yes, your kids can share the vouchers, although your daughter will have to use her card to get them.

October 22 (Oasis)

I also enjoy not having to pack & get my suitcase out in the hallway the last night. The old fashioned way went smoothly last time we sailed with extended family as well but that was in a suite so it’s not really apples to apples.

New menus went into effect around the first of the year. Stock price is up 58.61% since then.

Woud be lovely if it were to happen, but I'm not holding my breath.

The comedy shows seem to only show up on the website, also. So if you are looking at the app, it will show all of the other shows available for reservations but you won't see adult comedy show unless you're on the website planner

We were on Odyssey last month and stayed on the 12th floor. Just 2 easy flights up to pool deck, activities, WJ, and El Loco Fresh. Easy to walk down to the Esplanade or take elevator. Take the 10th floor if you still have that option.

I was on Allure last week. Blue Planet is a show in the Amber theater -- the same theater as Mamma Mia. We had both Blue Planet and the Comedy show on the trip as well as the other normal shows. The comedy show was in its own comedy club, which is a separate venue. I have had trips in the past where the entertainment was not listed in the planner until the last minute, so it may become listed. Just keep checking. Also, Allure is only doing long trips now. People will rush to see the shows on the first few days, but getting to the comedy club later in the trip should not be a problem.

I think COVID extended their time at Royal. Grandeur already had one foot out the door. The loss of Pullmantur, cemented shut by the pandemic, eliminated the pasture where Royal could transitions ships out of the RCI/Celebrity fleet. COVID also sent a lot of would be potential older ship buyers scattering into the wind. That's left many lines like Royal faced with two options. Keep them or scrap them. Not ready to scrap them, they keep them, for now.

Doubt we will ever know but the link in post 9 provides some color.

1. More food options outside the Facejammer opening times. There are times we were at a show/otherwise occupied or just eating later and it was disappointing to find the 'Jammer shuttered. I totally understand that a full buffet maintained 24 hours isn't feasible but it would be nice to have a mini self-serve food option with ample seating open later for those off times (say a simple salad bar, a few grill options, a few basic desserts, tea/coffee station). I know we could hit up Sorrento's or the Promenade Cafe during the later hours but one can only eat so much 'za and the food options at the Cafe were pretty meh (and the line could be really long with nowhere to sit to eat). 2. More transparent pricing in advertising. It's always frustrating to see "balcony from $899" only to find its always more like $1499. Just advertise the actual price without having to have a PhD in Royal Math. 3. Just include gratuities already. Stop giving people the option to remove gratuities from their mess tornado 2 year olds because they are not "using the facilities as much". 4. Less tacky weird fitting t-shirts in the shop. I mean, c'mon. Anyone else ever seen that sequin monstrosity? Is Elton John on board? And what in the actual hell is up with those "spirit jerseys". 80s linebackers, your shirts are back! Oy. Oh, and we need more logo pens. I freaking love pens.

Welcome home!

Not sure why NBC cropped the image quite like this, but he is in fact "Hurricane" Schwartz.

I think the hardest requirement to meet would be having a nautical themed last name. Anyone named Hull, Ocean or Keel should be a shoe in for the job.

Disney has done this for ages and it's NBD. However, as with @Lovetocruise2002 it WOULD become a big deal for us if Royal ended the flexibility to move cruise dates. While we never book with the intention of canceling, stuff happens.

Their ships sink more than Royal Caribbean's and they have cowardly captains. That's the only difference I know of

Me and Super Mario! He has a roped off office on the pool deck

From Royal Caribbean Cruises Long Term Debt 2010-2023 | RCL | MacroTrends In the 2010s, the company carried between 5 and 9 billion in debt on the books. Now there is $20 billion. They've got to pay that off somehow. I don't think firing the weatherman will make much of a dent in it, but I guess every little bit helps.

I hope Royal's bean counters factored in the cost of all the free PR they would receive when they planned this last cost cutting exercise. https://www.yahoo.com/finance/m/743ae22f-5a98-306e-89c8-8bdc6afd434d/royal-caribbean-loses-a-key.html

Pretty solid six figure salary but can only afford $300 per month payment. That blows. (or he does)

I've been twice, and I just can't find stuff to do. I'm sure the resorts are beautiful, but I can do the same type relaxing on the ship with my drink pkg so we aren't getting off the ship. I'm hoping everyone else gets off so I can have less crowds on the pool deck! Jane