Jill

Ha try living in Florida! The tourists never go away! I love it though because we pay no state income tax because of it. Got to take the good with the bad!

We had a 7 night southbound (corner aft junior suite) on Radiance with a 3 night land tour booked back in 2022. Had to cancel because my daughter and I both got Covid the week before. Planned an entire year. No ship excursions, booked all private/small group. You save quite a bit of money booking off ship. Planning to rebook for 2026 on Radiance with same southbound itinerary BUT doing our own land tour, not through Royal. Cheaper again. I’d absolutely do the one way itinerary

Now Tropical Storm Ophelia

Norway because of what they’re implementing in 2026 restricting large ships.

I’m the week after you on Icon and it’s $43.99. I just don’t get this “dynamic” pricing. Maybe I’m the first week after all the spring breaks end?

Sooooo $43.99 for our April Icon. I bought it BUT if the previous sailings say it’s Jersey Shore and nothing but 18-25 year olds….I’ll be cancelling. Figure it’s a one and done because my October Utopia has it for $70.99. It’s like now they’re trying to get the Virgin passengers. How about catering to the passengers that made you who you are? The ones who put on damn masks and sailed your ships when you were sinking and still sinking in debt. Be very careful Royal because a lot of people who swore they were “Loyal to Royal” are starting to raise eyebrows and considering the competitors who will match status.

But it’s not a true match. I get 5 drinks a day. Anytime, Anywhere. Celebrity limits you to happy hour. That’s not equal. I don’t want to drink 5 drinks in 2-3 hours

I’ve got a balcony on deck 12 for April 2024 for $3200 Today, out of curiosity, I looked at the same date April 2026, balcony deck 12. $6400 After Icon we have Utopia in October 2024. After that, we’re going smaller ships to new ports. Honestly I’m soooo tired of the same eastern Caribbean ports. It’ll be interesting to see how final payment dates shake out. I think this first year of Icon most reservations will stay intact but if the economy doesn’t turn around, I see a lot of final payments not being made. We’ve already said Icon is likely a one and done for us. Too many kids lol

I don’t have any advice regarding the cruise but I’m hoping for the absolute best for you! I’m stage 4b (they say incurable) but I’m approaching 7 years cancer free. I do a lot of patient advocacy so feel free to message me here if you’d like some help navigating this. I would inquire if you could possibly move the cruise to another date after treatment. I had a “I kicked cancer’s butt” cruise and it was awesome!

We’re booked on her first 4 night out of Port Canaveral in about 6 weeks. She’s the only one we haven’t sailed and I’m excited to see an oasis class in her original “skin.” I’m secretly hoping they don’t add all the slides and market her for adults Put playmakers in, add Hooked, keep Diamond lounge where it is, keep champagne bar. Excited to finally see Mamma Mia!

Have you seen the video of what happened on voyager the other day? Hit by a rogue 70mph wind gust. Emptied the pools. Took captain about 5 minutes to right the ship. It was crazy! Not sure if this link will work https://www.facebook.com/groups/6138993053/permalink/10161268681758054/?mibextid=S66gvF

@sailaway_jason models for next weekend. Of course these could change a million times. Mikes Weather Page on Facebook is a good one to follow

We’re expecting large swells off NE Florida coast next Thursday. This storm is BIG! I would count on rough seas in the Atlantic.

I’d love some expedition type ships!

I’ve got Icon in April of 2024, Utopia October 2024 and a December 2024 Viking River Christmas Markets on the Danube with pre in Budapest and a post in Prague. No way we can swing Fjords in ‘24, unless I hit the lottery lol

It took us about 2 hours as we did a private tour for our group of 6. Our guide was excellent! It is a city in “ruins” so uneven footing. If you have any hesitation, I’d highly recommend doing a private tour where you can go at your own pace and not feel stressed to keep up with a large cruise ship tour. We booked with Ephesus Port Tours and it was VERY affordable and quite a bit less than Royal’s tour.

The “southern” fried chicken at Mason Jar is awful too. Zero taste. They need Publix’s recipe lol.

I don’t think it’s a QR code. The hack is putting your set sail pass into your Apple wallet and the last 4 digits of the bar code is your cabin number

Just read in a FB group that she’s headed to Victoria on 9/6 for dry dock repairs until 9/16. So another sailing will be cancelled as well. That’s a bummer. Heard she hit some ice that damaged the propulsion system

In the past, I’ve listed the shows we wanted and CK reservation times as well as any specialty dining.

I’ve got Chops+1 for an october 4 night allure. Not available for Icon and Utopia hasn’t loaded any dining yet

We bought during the pandemic at almost rock bottom stock price. $31. So far we’ve gotten a total of $700 in OBC.

We really enjoyed Odyssey. Did a 12 night Holy Land out of Rome last October. We love oasis class but besides Odyssey, I’d go Freedom, Mariner, Indy or Navigator.

Mariner has an 8 night Bermuda/Perfect Day September 29 with an inside cabin starting at $399! (Port fees of $202). There’s another Mariner Bermuda October 13 for $459 inside. Same port fees. You can find these at the link below. Bookmark this link and check it often. It usually updates on Tuesdays. I’ve never seen a Going Going Gone with only inside cabins available. https://creative.rccl.com/Sales/Royal/Promotions/rci_sales_event_USD.pdf

Book early and avoid prime season. Some of the least expensive sailings are between thanksgiving and Christmas. April will be more expensive. A good travel agent may have group rates available too.