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. 

1 hour ago, foxrunner said:

We are the April 13th 2024 Icon sailing and Hideaway goes for $70 per person. Mariner is also at CCC that day. Is it possible that the pricing will be different? 

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. 

9 hours ago, JasonOasis said:

I don't think Project Discovery is going to be another mega class ship like Icon and Oasis, but at the same time is isn't going to be the size of a Vision Class vessel either.  I think as others have pointed out it will probably fall somewhere in size between Radiance and Voyager Class but probably closer in size to Voyager Class than Radiance.  With a ship that size there are still a lot of ports around the world Royal can visit.  And I'd imagine depending on how successful/profitable Royal's upcoming around the world is they could even do another around the world cruise on their new Discovery Class ship at some point. 

When I read your post and saw "there is no loyalty benefits to crossing brands" my mind immediately went to airlines and their loyalty programs, where I can fly Lufthansa but have the miles added into my United Airlines MileagePlus account, that isn't going to happen in the cruise industry.  You can't cruise with Celebrity and have those points added to your Royal Caribbean account.  However just because Royal doesn't allow that does not mean there is no value in crossing brands or no loyalty. What Royal does allow is this Celebrity will match your Royal status on the cruise meaning you will get the benefits on Celebrity of the status that you've earned on Royal.  As far as the points go the points will go into your Celebrity account which they will open for you automatically.  

If your goal is to reach Pinnacle status with Royal I would suggest stay with Royal because as we all know the difference between Diamond Plus and Pinnacle is huge.  However if you are Diamond or even Diamond Plus with Royal and don't care about reaching Pinnacle then by all means book a few cruises with Celebrity especially if they are visiting ports of call that you are interested in exploring.   

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! 

On 9/8/2023 at 5:19 PM, smokeybandit said:

Looks like RC is hedging its bets on some of the further east Caribbean ports being a bit bumpy next week (due to how far out waves will get pushed from the storm) and several itineraries have been changed.

I think it'd be kinda fun to bounce around a bit. 

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. 

On 9/5/2023 at 12:13 PM, Doug_Texas said:

With a name like "Discovery" I hope it's not an Antartica expedition ship. 

I’d love some expedition type ships! 

3 hours ago, Mycalpal said:

Was booked on Anthem next month for her fall transatlantic.  Had to lift and shift off to a Nov cruise.  Was hoping for similar TA fall 2024.  Saw this summer she was not returning to NJ or Southampton after 2024 season.  I booked Anthem’s Spring 24 TA and Norway Fjords cruise.  Not waiting for 2025, and maybe Indy.  Emma cruises was on May 22 and Matt from RC Blog this past May and both liked it.  And we will be in Norway for Constitution Day on May 17th, looks like fun!  Got both cruises discounted from United, plus OBC and miles.  Can you perhaps book an Anthem Norway Fjords cruise in 2024?  Was thinking the 2025 departures may be even busier, pricier, as more people learn Fjords are closing.  Good Luck!  

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. 

4 minutes ago, MO & LO on the go! said:

I second this.......missed out on what this is.  Our son has a balcony guarantee room on Wonder in 2024 so really curious

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. 

4 hours ago, gi333 said:

Us too we are looking at Bermuda next year. Let me know how MSC was if possible. 

Royal offers Bermuda from Orlando Aug 16 amazing itinerary adventure of the seas and very expensive.

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.