WannaCruise

Our son turned 18, unfortunately a couple months before DH and I made it to Diamond.

He kept his Emerald status (i.e. our status when he turned 18), but his points reverted to his actual points earned.

Our younger one on the other hand, made Diamond through us.  She enjoyed virgin pina coladas, and other fun drinks without the alcohol.  She also had things like iced coffee or Frappuccino's.  (And she shared with her brother as 4 drinks are a lot for kids)

I agree with other posters.  This is a show that I do try and attend, but find the issue:

1. The last 3 cruises we've been on, it's been at 2:30pm as others have mentioned.  It's not an ideal time and has less of a vibe.  (Kids attend as well)
2. The last 3 cruises we've been on, its been the exact same questions.  So once you've seen one, you've seen them all.
3. The recent L&M shows, they don't take the other spouse off the stage. More predictable/easier to cheat when both on the stage.

Funny enough, we've had the same cruise director the last 3 cruises even though it's been 3 different ships (who is amazing...Ricky Mathews), but wasn't sure if the above points were his style or since he was running it, or if fleet side.

Keep in mind that GTY rooms can only be booked as non-refundable.  For that reason, we don't book them but if non-refundable is ok, then it's a good way to save money (well, in most cases as per your post).  I've seen that too the odd time where the GTY is cheaper than a selected category.  It's just based on inventory and dynamic pricing.  

Wow...that's great that you got assigned an ocean view even though you booked GTY interior.  I would think that is rare.

If you do book the GTY room, once you have your room assigned, if you don't like the location, you can move to another available room as long as it is the same category code.

1 hour ago, Candace Dempsey said:

We are in the same quandary.  We have an upcoming Alaska cruise where we booked Air2Sea. They booked us on WestJet.  I have the same screenshot showing 1st checked bag free. When I go to WestJet’s website it shows our seats as econo and tells us we can pre-pay for our bags!  It appears that you waited until you could check-in  (24 hours before the flight) and were prepared to pay for your bags at that time (would have cost $10 more than pre-pay) and low and behold you were shown a $0 fee for your first checked bag. Did the Air2Sea booking show your flights as econo-flex or just econo?

Would appreciate your take on this…looking forward to hearing from you.

 

Hello.  Correct...although it didn't indicate anywhere that bags were included  (except on the screen shot that I took at booking time), it showed $0 feel when we actually did the WestJet check in for a bag.  I just searched my documents that I had, and we had a flight time change and in that one, it does show the flight listed as economy.

Good luck...hope you experience the same (and enjoy your cruise!)

We're pretty easy going, but found the food in the MDR on Wonder (a couple weeks prior to you) was very good overall.  It's probably the best since covid that we've experienced, almost on par with what it was beforehand.  And agree with what was said...the lobsters were small but very good.

Both very similar ships, but I would choose Symphony since it has Hairspray and Flights vs Effectors 2 and Voices on Wonder.  Think Symphony is still my favorite ship overall (with Wonder probably right behind).

Both amazing ships though so you can't go wrong.  

1 minute ago, WAYNO said:

Okay, I know this is supposed to be about the cruise, but I'm gonna share my hotel experience in Cocoa Beach.  

LA Quinta on Hendry Avenue. The Ritz Carlton it may not be.  But is it convenient and clean and with the best breakfast buffet anywhere?  You betcha.

This is our 4th time at this hotel and I will choose this place again next time I cruise from here.

That's exactly where we stayed pre-cruise when we were on Wonder 2 weeks before you.  Very convenient with nice beach in the back (we got there too late to enjoy but still nice).  Went to a great grill for dinner a short walk away (forget the name but really good food and service).  We even had the front desk guy be our uber driver to the port the morning of the cruise.  (He asked at check in).

Enjoy your cruise.  Looking forward to hearing about your experience on Wonder.  We loved the ship!

16 minutes ago, OCSC Mike said:

ELF is the busiest I’ve seen so far (1:00 on a sea day so makes sense) but it’s still really not that bad. It’s pretty large & open on Wonder. Nice breeze up on deck 16 too.

I agree...the location works well with crowds. I also like how Wonder's ELF has dessert.  The chocolate one is so decadent and yummy.  I've only ever seen dessert there at Wonder and Symphony's version.  i.e. not on Oasis, Navigator, Odyssey and I'm sure other ships I've been on have an ELF but don't remember offhand.

It's a great perk, and makes a good cappuccino or latte (or expresso or americano).  Just note that you can't change the milk (i.e. it's milk vs if you want almond or soy milk if lactose issues) and you can't get flavors.  We went most mornings but sometimes I used a voucher instead at Cafe Promenade for a cappuccino with baileys or an iced coffee.  

Congrats on making Diamond!  Recent Diamond member here too.

I'll echo what others have said.  The two biggest perks are free  Cappuccinos or Lattes in the Crown Lounge, and the 4 free drink vouchers.  Your call if you tip, but we ended up taking out a bunch of $1 bills from the bank before we left so we could tip the bar or theatre servers for the drinks.  (You can also tip right on the bill if you want).

Also...we used to pass on getting our pictures taken by the Royal photographers, but now we stop often.  Then on the last night, look through them (they show on the app now) and pick the best ones (one per adult diamond member).

Another thing I loved on our recent Wonder cruise was the Backstage Tour.  I'm a big theatre fan and this tour was really neat, especially seeing backstage.  It's for Diamond and above (although they didn't even check our Sea Pass cards).  I guess it depends on the ship though as on Odyssey it  was just a talk with theatre staff.

We don't get internet on the ship as like to disconnect, but a free day is a nice bonus too for those that use it.

Enjoy your cruise!

2 hours ago, GatorCruiser said:

Onboard prices , lmao ! 

Watch for the 10 Drink Card.  We had it on the cruise before you....popped up around day 3, which is earlier than I remember in the past.

Currently sitting at MCO waiting for our flight home after getting off Wonder. Think we left her in pretty good shape for you. Beautiful ship with so much to do. Have a wonderful cruise!  Looking forward to hearing about your adventures. 

2 hours ago, Mrs. Regular said:

We sailed on her for our honeymoon in 2017 in Europe and had a fantastic time. Yes she's small, but if you aren't into all the modern bells and whistles of an Oasis or even Voyager class it's a lovely, low key time. We had a port intensive itinerary with only two sea days, but the time we spent on the ship was so nice and the crew is outstanding. Husband just asked if we could go back on her but I'm gunning for the Symphony next, lol.

We do prefer Oasis and larger classes, but honestly enjoy all classes so and appreciate all (mind you, I think DH can't wait to try a smaller class).  Great to hear tha tthe crew stands out.

2 hours ago, fa-li said:

We've sailed Rhapsody with our daughter when she was 16 and when she was 20.  Loved it both times.  Yes, it's smaller and more laid back, but the crew involvement was the best we've had.  The shows in the centrum are fun, and it's an easy ship for the youngs to meet and then continue to meet up with people their own age.  

Thanks  for the feedback. Funny as our kids will be 16 and 20 (i.e. your daughter travelled at both those ages).  The Centrum actually looks kind of neat, and have heard they do an egg drop that would be fun.

1 hour ago, steverk said:

I like vision class ships,  but they are a slower experience than the newer ships.  As long as you're aware of this, I'm sure you'll have a great time.

That said, I have a couple suggestions. First, travelling over Thanksgiving may be a better option. Most schools and universities, at least in the USA, have the whole week off, so it works we'll time wise. However, most Americans prefer to celebrate with a family feast at home,  so demand and prices are often more reasonable. 

My other suggestion is to consider voyager class ships. They're usually price competitive with Vision class but have far more amenities. 

Thanks.  We're actually Canadian so only get one day off.  Nice you get the week off in the USA.

Thanks for the suggestion.  I looked at Voyager and Freedom class too (after Oasis class).  Even these...with four of us in a single interior room...are very pricey.  Indy is $2500 more than Rhapsody (and our ideal price range).  Adventure is about $1000 more than Rhapsody ... but both of these prices are four of us in a small interior with the two pullmans. That's a bit tight.  

I saw some great itinerary ones, and with decent prices on Jewel, but the embarkment port isn't easy for us as it's not a direct flight, so scratched that one off the list.

Thank you both.  Appreciate the feedback.  

And true, I'm sure they won't be the only ones in their age range.

Ok...here's the situation....

We are regular cruisers and book when itineraries are released.  Our son is now in university so the only time we can go the four of us is Xmas or New Years.  I know...worst time pricewise for booking (which is our issue).

This upcoming Xmas 2024 we splurged and booked Icon.   Really wanted to go on Icon with both kids, and not sure how much longer our son will travel with us so booked it when it came out.  For that cruise, our room is now sold out but other rooms have gone WAY UP so glad we booked when we did.

Fast forward to recent release....cruises for Xmas/New Years 2025 pretty much start at what we paid for with Icon.  Wow!  That one was a splurge and not something we want to book at again.  So....we booked connecting rooms on Rhapsody at what was our previous price range.  It's a standard Caribbean cruise but one port is new to us, which looks nice.

Our kids will be 16 and 20 then so won't need the full amenities.  They mostly love just being able to eat in Windjammer and MDR for dinner, enjoy the shows, swimming, and enjoy the gym and cruise planner activities such as trivia, etc.

DH and our kids aren't worried.  I personally think our kids will get bored and keep looking at other options, but  nothing is in the price range we are ok to pay (I'll still check when short cruises are released this week...but then if we switch, we'd lose a couple days being a short cruise).  Even though I have second thoughts, we love Royal and it's still a cruise.  

So...for those that have been on Rhapsody (or Vision class), thoughts?  Tell me positive things that you enjoyed.

2 hours ago, asquared17 said:

i would advise you to exercise caution if walking around there, especially for a sustained period of time. @AshleyDillo has the right idea with an uber/lyft option

Thanks.  Think we'll cross the Tru hotel off our list since one of our criteria is to have stuff in the area for convenience.

So maybe Hotel Indigo (if we feel ok with the area as per Sabrina's comments) or another one.  

53 minutes ago, AshleyDillo said:

Not a big deal at all for one night and I'd take one of those over the premium that the Hampton Inn Brickell wants to charge for rooms.  The only drawback to that Tru from what I can tell is location wise, it's located on the other side of 95 from where the Hampton is and there doesn't seem to be a lot of the dining or nightlife spots immediately walkable.

Good point.   Looking at google maps, it looks like we can walk to the Brickell area where the restaurants are located...about 15-18 min walk depending on exact place to which we are heading.  Or can we not cross the 95?  (google maps has a walking path but maybe it's not accurate)

PS - Maybe not....Just did google maps but with the person, and seems like no side walks going under the bridge.

1 hour ago, AshleyDillo said:

While I haven't stayed at this particular location, Tru is a newer part of the Hilton brand.  Tru hotels are very minimalistic and give off college dorm room vibes.  They're new and clean, but feel very sterile compared to a Hampton Inn.

Thanks for the note.  I guess for one night it's not a big deal as long as it's clean and has the basics.

10 minutes ago, Lovetocruise2002 said:

Yes, they are literally the same hotel. It's the same building and the same check in desk. We booked "Atwell Suites" but we checked in/checked out through Hotel Indigo. I am not sure what their relationship is, but as far as location and building goes, it's the same.

Ah ok.  Thanks for explaining.  Maybe it's a way they can price rooms differently and see who bites?

11 hours ago, Lovetocruise2002 said:

We stayed at Indigo December 2022 before SY NYE sailing. It was ok. We ended up there because I booked that sailing later than I normally do, and the Intercontinental was sold out. Hotel Indigo was fine for what it was. I did not like the area. It was in Brickell but not in the heart of it. The hotel also a strong disinfectant smell that I did not like. It is newer, so that was a plus. And there is a nice complimentary breakfast area upstairs. I detailed that stay in this blog:

https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/boards/index.php?/topic/37498-shining-shimmering-splendid-nye-sy-123122-–-010723/

 

Thanks for the feedback.  I'm looking at your link though and you mention Atwell Suites-Miami Brickell....not Hotel Indigo Miami Brickell.  Having said that, I just did a google maps search and it seems like they are next to each other so your location comments would be the same.

I should mention that with our flight time, we probably won't get there until 4:30pm or so, so just need a place to grab dinner...somewhere that is walkable...and hotel clean, basic etc with breakfast. 

I was also looking at airport hotels but a lot of them have nothing in walking distance.  We've stayed at Hampton Inn Blue Lagoon before which was fine with stuff around it.  Rooms don't seem to be released yet , but the month before is just as expensive as these two (and can't imagine xmas time being any better).

8 hours ago, CanHardlyWait said:

OK, booked and prepaid for Hampton Inn Miami Brickell for May. Someone tell me the neighborhood isn't all that bad?

This was our Go To hotel.  It's been a few years but from what I remember, we just had to walk a block and we were at the main street with lots of restaurants and then not far from the Metro Mover. It's just a bit too pricey for us for this trip.

Looking for a pre-cruise hotel in Miami before our December cruise.  It'll be Christmas time so I know it won't be cheap (and hotels have gone up in general post covid) but having a hard time finding a decent hotel.  We've stayed at Hampton Inn Brickell and had good experience there.  We like the area and the hotel is clean and what we need.  Unfortunately it's about $500 CAD.

I've also found Tru by Hilton Miami West Brickell and Hotel Indigo Miami Brickell.  Both still pricey but easier to take.

Anyone stayed or knows anything about these?

We had our entertainment open up on the app for out March cruise about 24 hours prior to it being available on the cruise planner (computer).  Mind you, also got an entertainment email, which I haven't seen before, and by then it was available on the computer.