craig403

Delta (which we usually fly) shows prices about 10-11 months out.  Other airlines are generally around 6 months out like @JLMoran said above.  My strategy is the same, I will check it as soon as it comes out (assuming I have a cruise booked out that far at that point) or as soon as I know I need a flight (for example my Anthem cruise in March we did not decide until October 2017 so I missed the 11 month out mark already).  I make note of the price and flight times by taking screen shots of it and noting the date I checked the price.  Nothing fancy like Joe who probably has some super spreadsheet.  Anyway, then I start checking daily.  I use my app so it's not really hard work.  Takes less than a minute to check.  If you don't mind taking the risk, the 90 day mark is usually when it drops.  But that drop is not necessarily (as I have found in some past cases) the lowest price ever.  Sometimes it could be just a bit up from the lowest price.  The trend I have found is that the price is low at the beginning, then goes up and down a lot in the middle, then drops at the 90 day to something slightly higher or lower than the beginning and then climbs again.  I have done both, grabbed a flight as soon as it is released and at the 90 day mark.  The last few times I have waited till about 90 days and have been happy with the results.
The disadvantages of booking further out is also that the airlines might change the schedules on you as time goes on.  Then you are left scrambling to either pick a new time (assuming you can without penalty) or to deal with the new (maybe not as ideal) times.  For our Anthem cruise I had originally booked with United in November but within a month they changed the schedule twice on us.  The last change was for a departure out of EWR at 8:30am which I knew I would not make even with express self departure.  But since the schedule change exceeded two hours from what I originally booked I was able to cancel completely without penalty.  I am now booked back with Delta (thinking more about @twangster's tip about staying loyal to one airline) and I grabbed that fare at the 90 day mark which there was a considerable drop.  
I have not flown to San Juan in a long time so I'm no help there as to a rough idea of cost.  But I can say that tracking does pay off.  I lately, I have really loved the Hopper app that @tiny260 recommended.  I like how it watches your fare and predicts if you should wait or buy.  I've been using that as well to track the fares for my flight in July.  We'll see what happens come April.  The research continues ?

Hi Everyone,
Thanks for making my first cruise on Royal go well with all the tips and reviews on the board plus the blog post.  Just a quick story time.
The wife and I flew out of MSP on Friday, Dec 8th, 2017 to Fort lauderdale thru Atlanta.  The same day a massive unheard of soul crushing blizzard fell on Atlanta. Our flight to ATL landed 45 mins late but our flight to FLL was a nightmare.  We got on the plane at 3pm and then over the next 8 hours got on and off the plane twice, pushed back and then the flight got canceled because the crew timed out.  ATL only has 8 deicing trucks and they apparently breakdown easily.  MSP has 40 for a comparison.  All the flights the next day were past the set sail time so we had to improvise.  We stood in line for 2 hours trying to get our checked luggage back and Delta said no go at 1AM.  I started the search for a rental car and all the one way, one day rentals were gone and was told there is no way we can rent you a car.  Here is the trick:  If you reserve a one way car but for a weekly rate it will come up and you can get out of there.  It cost more but when in need its totally worth it.  Most programs have an early return policy so you will get a little money back.   In the end we got a car from Hertz for $360 and drove from 2AM-noon to fort lauderdale without bags.  Did a quick Walmart fashion stock up and got on the boat.   During the drive down talk to Delta and got our bags rerouted to Jamaica our 4th day stop and we picked them up there and enjoyed the rest of our cruise.  So we were the casual people on formal night :)
 

For me it's all about the fabric pattern.  We found a 3pc set with ships, palm trees, light houses, etc on it, from TJMaxx.  No idea if it's actually any good (haven't had a chance to try it out yet) lol, don't really care, cause we're gonna look super cool pulling it around ?
But seriously, I have a big Oakley suit case that I love.  We've had it almost 7 years now and it'll easily do another 7 (no idea if 14yrs is good or not, lol).

Most cruise lines do have upcharges now.  For example on Carnival's last investor call they stated their greatest source of new revenue is from on board upcharges.  
I have a different perspective on 'nickel & dime'.  As cruise lines have introduced new concepts such as specialty dining or Voom internet there remain guests that don't want or need it.  On my current 19 night B2B I'm quite happy with MDR food for the last 2 weeks.  To make specialty dining free they have to increase base fares, nothing is 'free'.  Why should I pay higher base fares for others who want specialty dining?   Why should people who don't want to be connected pay more so I get 'free' internet?   
You can cruise and have an awesome experience on RCI without buying anything extra.  There are people who want more and people who don't.  
At least RCI hasn't created a totally chaotic boarding process then created a paid program to avoid it like another line has.  
 

I'm calling pics or shenanigans on this one!  ?

Are they talking about the short stairway in front of the fitness center to overlook the navigational bridge of the Voyager Class ships?  That's the only class that I know of.  Most of the time you will not see anyone there anyway and you think, "Who's driving?".   :-)   

You could also ask for an extra comforter and put that underneath your bedsheet.

They swap out the kimonos for the bath robes.

Don't forget about the $10 watch sale.  My wife buys one every year because it's cheaper than buying new watch batteries.  Me, I don't wear one.  My wife tells me where to go and when.  :-)  

Don't forget about the $10 watch sale.  My wife buys one every year because it's cheaper than buying new watch batteries.  Me, I don't wear one.  My wife tells me where to go and when.  :-)  

Sorry you were disappointed with the price.  I don't think there is much you can do about it.  You seem to have a good attitude about it though.
My wife purchased a ring on one of our cruises.  I think it was only $25 or $30.  After a couple months the gold started to wear off.  On our next cruise on a different ship, we took it back to the store.  (they all sell similar stuff)   The store manager listened to our story, grinned, and said "You got it wet didn't you".  She also said "don't even think about getting soap on it".  After we all had a good laugh she exchanged it for us after we promised not to tell anyone.

you broke the first rule of Fight Club

A noon flight and on Thanksgiving weekend is somewhat risky.  As RB mentioned, check with guest services and ask for an early group or maybe bribe someone to change with you.     Also check on getting either separate or small group transfer to FLL.  RCI transfers are ok except they wait until the bus is full before leaving for the airport.  If your short on time you might not want to wait that long. 
Also you might want to work on that over packing.  My wife gets upset with me for only taking 3 pairs of underwear and a couple of shirts.  I tell her "Pffft, I'm not going to see these people again".     

In case anyone from RC reads this...My vote goes to the WOW bands and sea pass cards.  When I get on board my phone gets put on lockdown, I don't want to have to use it for everything on board.

A noon flight and on Thanksgiving weekend is somewhat risky.  As RB mentioned, check with guest services and ask for an early group or maybe bribe someone to change with you.     Also check on getting either separate or small group transfer to FLL.  RCI transfers are ok except they wait until the bus is full before leaving for the airport.  If your short on time you might not want to wait that long. 
Also you might want to work on that over packing.  My wife gets upset with me for only taking 3 pairs of underwear and a couple of shirts.  I tell her "Pffft, I'm not going to see these people again".     

I like thought of Oasis in Europe for a while after refit.
(Listen to me - talking like I know what I'm on about after finding and chatting on this site - having never cruised before!!)
Can't wait for my Ovation in March so I can fully appreciate all the excitement!!
 
 

We're back! The wedding was amazing, and we had an absolutely incredible honeymoon. We both really enjoyed the Allure, and agreed that the two weeks were much needed. We didn't feel rushed to do everything on the ship, and the crew was absolutely amazing. If you're going to be boarding soon, visit Antony and Rex in the Schooner as well as Li and Marlon in the Pub! 
A few stray thoughts I had - 
I was really, really impressed with the Oasis class. With most other ships that I've sailed on, they always seemed smaller in person after seeing them on YouTube. That was not the case with this ship. However, as others have mentioned, I really missed being able to see the ocean. It's easy to forget you're on a cruise ship.  All of that said, unless I was cruising with family (particularly family that includes younger family members) or with a very large group, I don't know that I'd book the Oasis class again for just one week.  If you are planning a honeymoon and want to sail on the Oasis class, I very highly recommend either considering sailing a B2B or sailing in a suite.  Our first morning on board, we booked a spa appointment for a couples massage. 10/10 highly recommend - book early morning (8 AM appointment) to save a little bit of $$! It was the best possible way to start the cruise after a stressful day of (same day!) travel following our wedding!  We dined at every specialty restaurant except for Chops (we've done it before) and Samba Grill (not big meat eaters)... and I guess Chef's Table, too, if you count that - I don't think we ever had a bad meal on board, even in the MDR and Windjammer. Our favorite specialty was Izumi (both the hibachi and sushi experiences) as well as Giovanni's Table. They still have a filet on the menu, which my husband (!!) greatly enjoyed. 150 Central Park was also a really wonderful experience and worth doing at least once. We had fun trying all the salts, and the Cucumber Martini really is as good as people have described.  Don't forget the champagne bar! They have a lot of really fun and tasty martinis that are worth a try if you have the drink package!  Food and drink fatigue is so, so real.  Sabor guacamole also really is as good as people have mentioned, but we struggled to eat there for dinner - it's SO MUCH FOOD! We went more than once on Sea Days just to sit at the bar and have guac and margaritas, and that was our lunch!  Not ship related, but port related - If you're going to do anything in Costa Maya that isn't a ship/third party excursion and you want to leave the port, just plan on taking a taxi door to door if you know specifically where  you're going. We had a pretty negative experience on the shuttle. Taxis are $2/pp whereas the shuttle is $3/pp. Walk out of the port area, and immediately there is a taxi stand. Taxis are readily available to bring you back to port as well. I'm sure I'll think of more, but this is off the top of my head. If you have any questions, let me know! :D

Its funny, I think I tend to get there early and never once have I seen any form of orderly lines being boarded in order. Orderly lines checking in ... yes, but its always been open boarding for me ... maybe I have been missing some secret.
Typically aim to arrive at 11 and usually on board by noon.

You'll get to see this cool machine!   
 

But you CAN get to the Windjammer before it becomes a madhouse, and get the best pick of seats at the pool before everyone else hops on board! 

What's so bad about staying in the balcony cabin?  

Thanks again everybody - much appreciated.
Craig - I am hoping they allow the 6 bottles based on a post I saw where 2 per cruise seemed ok - even if they take the 4 off us initially and deliver 2 each time we 'start' a new cruise! And 30kg is heavy until you see my wife's handbag and shoe collection!!!     
Twangster - I will keep looking an hoping that Thanksgiving Day next month does indeed offer a Black Friday super sale (as well as the Cowboys winning on the Thursday!).   
 
 

Just off the Explorer last month.  2nd time for Pacific Northwest.  In Astoria we like to walk around town, go to the Columbia River maritime museum, eat at Josephson's Smokehouse (Google for directions).  Maple flavored smoked Salmon. Just the best. Great little town.   In Victoria take the shuttle bus at the pier to the Empress Hotel downtown.  $10 per person round trip.  Walk across the street to the information building and buy a ticket for the harbor tour on the "Harbor Boats".  (Search YouTube for Harbor boats in Victoria).  Several things to see downtown.  Have not done Butchart Gardens.  No interests.     San Francisco.  Take the free shuttle to Fisherman's Wharf to catch the HOHO bus for a city tour or just walk around Fisherman's Wharf and go watch the Sea Lions next to the Carousel.  Eat fish and chips.   The Explorer was super.  We always enjoy the Voyager class ships.  Not much in the way of production shows.  Cruise Director Dan went a bit too far in selling on board activities.  Got tired of him very quickly. 

We tend to use MTD like a personal fixed seating. Make our online reservations in MTD for the same time every day. After boarding we go to the dining room and pick out a nice table for 2 that we like and ask the hostess for that table. If we like it on the first night( service, etc.), we just ask the hostess to make it the same for the cruise.
This may be harder to do for seatings about 7PM. Generally, a lot of the early diners are still there, so a lot of the tables are occupied. I find a little flexibility helps. 
This works well for early seatings, not sure about later(8PM on)

Will security allow you to board with 6 bottles of wine on the first cruise?  Having never done a b2b I don't know.   
30kg is heavy.  In the US we are only allowed 22.7kg and I struggle with that.  :-)   
There is a thread that discusses drink packages in detail.    https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/boards/index.php?/topic/4757-drink-package-and-exemptions/