Adriana

Oh heavens! Thank you JLMoran! I completely misunderstood! I was thinking the ultimate beverage package, that would have been a price to jump on quickly!! 

Yes, go for it! That is a good price for it and if the price goes down, you cancel and get the better price. 

The best price that I have seen were offered at the Lady’s Pamper Party. They were offered a few times during my last cruise on Anthem in May. They offered a number of discounts for those that attended. I do not recall the price, but it was lower than any of the specials offered throughout the cruise plus included add ons. If it is something you really want, book it and if a better sale comes along, you could get the better price. Remember, there will be the 18% service fee. Enjoy!!!

1 hour ago, yaya luvs to cruz said:

I see that the best time to book is early December or take advantage of the Black Friday sales. I'm booked for January 2019, so I will be paid in full by Black Friday. How will that affect my rate? Will I still be able to get a reduced fare if available or once paid in full,am I done. Thanks.

When I recently spoke to an RC cruise planner and stayed I would reach diamond during my next cruise, he told me to call back after it and see about extra discounts. I said my final payment will be done already and he said a refund or credit would still be able to be done. I am assuming the same hold for a discount. At least worth a try to call.

15 hours ago, WAAAYTOOO said:

Grand Bahama ??  Wow, I didn't think anyone except for Carnival went there.  That is, by far, the worst option (IMO) of any of the reroutes that I have heard.  Sorry to hear it.  At least you're ok with going to Miami.  Otherwise, it would be a double whammy.  It seems like you are one of those "glass half full" people so I'm sure you will just consider it an adventure and make the best of it.  It is a bit distressing, however, to find the Royal is using GB as a reroute for the Coco Cay debacle.

Thank you! I am def a half three quarters full person, I hang on hope and any ray of positivity to make things brighter. Life is much easier that way, especially in my field. I have never been to GB, so looking at it as an opportunity to see a new port. Of course, my November cruise in the Grandeur is set to go to GB, Nassau and Coco Cay, so let’s see. Maybe it will be so different that the multiple visits will be good. I have been to Nassau plenty of times, but could be nice.

Hahaha!! Okay, so it really is just my excuse. I have no moral objection to it, I just tend to get squeamish. It all started at about age 7/8; after a day of deep sea fishing, my parents cooked the fish we caught. My Dad, God rest his soul, said grace and including thanking God for this great dinner. He thought injecting humor would be a positive; “We thank You for this dinner. This morning he was in school with his friends and now he is ...” Yeah, didn’t go over so well with me. Ever since, haven’t been able to stomach it. 

I received my email yesterday for my January 24th sailing on Granduer. Instead of Coco Cay, we are doing Grand Bahamas. No email about the November 1st sailing on the Granduer. This itinerary already has a stop in Miami. I went to grad school there and lived in South Beach for years, so will say hi to friends and old colleagues. I am sorry for those who really don’t want Miami. I don’t blame you, it is def not a lazy beach day. You could grab a cab/Lyft/Uber and head to the beach. Stay south of fifth or go to mid Beach. Lincoln Rd runs perpendicular to the beach and is a pedestrian walk/mall with boutiques, lounges, cafes, eateries, art galleries, etc. I lived on the corner of Lincoln & Collins right on the beach across from the Ritz. Lincoln is much more local than touristy. Ocean Dr is a mecca for rip-off high prices. Walk along to see if you like, then at the end, between 16th & 17th, hang a left, walk west and do Lincoln. Collins & Washington (parallel to the ocean) has hotels, clubs, restaurants and stores. 

8 hours ago, twangster said:

I'm the opposite of Matt.  I'll swim and dive with fishes all day but hate seafood.  He will eat them any day but refuse to swim with them. 

Haha! I am sooo with you on that!! Besides, after swimming with them, I CAN’T eat them! They will be my friends!

Thank you!! I def want to do the Freedom Walk.... and donuts!! Sadly, I have a horrible aversion to any and all seafood. I have tried to retrain my palate, but have been incredibly unsuccessful, I have an unfortunate visceral reaction to it. Still, I try to do mind over matter and try it in certain places like New Orieans, so will try a tiny sample of lobster or something.

Sounds like you had a great time! Sorry to hear about Coco Cay. I will be doing that itinerary in January, you just got me more excited plus hopeful for the Chef’s Table offer!

How did you feel about the complimentary dining? I am trying to decide if I should go for a dining package or not. Will try it for the two Anthem ones, but not sure about the Granduer. 

Thank you for the review! I will be sailing in her fir the first time in November and again in January. I, too have heard great things about her, particularly her loyal followers. You inspired me to possibly do some live blogging since I will be sailing solo on 4 cruises between September and January (once a month except October). 

Heaven. That’s all that needs to be added. It is heavenly bliss!!

Great question! I am doing the New England and Canada on the Anthem in September and was wondering the same thing for those ports as well as Boston and Portland. Not sure to stick w RC or go independent (never have, always felt more secure w cruise tours) and which. Or just walk around? 

I checked the Compass for a couple of sailings and they have Chops open on embarkation day. I just assumed that would have been one of the included lunches.