Vancity Cruiser

Haven't seen that since 2020! Interesting its back. I wonder if that means less people are paying the ridiculous drink package prices.

Now we know what the name of the new tier of the C&A ladder is going to be.

Actually as you're going around towards the back of the aqua theater there are stairs there that will take you down to the jogging track level. There are often Adirondak chairs there to sit and take in those wake views. Pretty quiet spot for sitting and reading, except in the morning and late afternoon when people are likely to be getting their jog or walk in. Even then it's not that noisy, just a passing pedestrian. 

For views I love the wake view from the outdoor promenade deck!
 

I personally am all for having more slides and fewer staircases. 

We looked for bikes on our last trip to San Juan but only found electric scooters. Not sure you want to pike anyway as all streets are cobblestone and it would be quite rough

I used a travel agent for the first time, OMG why did I not do it earlier. Got me a rate about half of what I was pulling, can't wait!!!

Pros
 - Aqua 80
 - Portside BBQ
 - it has been 'amped'
Cons
 - Cats
 - Cats
 - Cats

We have done Anthem multiple times and Odyssey once. Going on Ovation in May. We really enjoy this class, mainly because of the cold weather aspect, since we like to cruise in winter and prefer not to fly. 
We are the exception to the rule, we do not like Oasis class. Freedom class is as large as we like. Radiance class is probably my favorite. All that being said, any cruise is better than being home!

I loved Ovation for Alaska! 
 

With all the hype surrounding the Icon class it made me think how seldom the Quantum class is mentioned or even recommended to  people looking for suggestions. There are folks who are big Oasis class fans (myself included), lots of folks who prefer the size and amenities (and price point) of the Voyager/Freedom class, and even a lot who prefer the relaxed atmosphere of the Radiance class. Obviously the Quantum class fill up and lots of people still sail on them and enjoy them (myself included) but I'm not sure there are many people who profess the Quantum class to be there favorite class. 
Just my Wednesday morning musing..........

Thanks! I was so worried and after you said this I went back and looked at my invoice from when we booked on the ship and it had a due date of Dec 18. So he has given himself a 10 day buffer! 
 
I was having a mini heart attack! We are in a CLS for a price that will never be seen again!

Its just another way to make things seem like a deal. Its worth 299 but we'll post it at 999 and offer you a 'discount' to 799 to make you think you are getting a good deal.
Kind of like black Friday deals for TVs
September price $499
October price $499
November price $899 on sale for Black Friday for ONLY $499

This lack of promenade thing is the one reason I don't book Odyssey as a first choice.
It's a beautiful, gorgeous, wonderful ship, but I just miss the promenade. 

With all the hype surrounding the Icon class it made me think how seldom the Quantum class is mentioned or even recommended to  people looking for suggestions. There are folks who are big Oasis class fans (myself included), lots of folks who prefer the size and amenities (and price point) of the Voyager/Freedom class, and even a lot who prefer the relaxed atmosphere of the Radiance class. Obviously the Quantum class fill up and lots of people still sail on them and enjoy them (myself included) but I'm not sure there are many people who profess the Quantum class to be there favorite class. 
Just my Wednesday morning musing..........

Makes much more sense to save big money on booking a Celebrity cruise and paying for drinks that paying 40% more for your cruise just to get the 5 free drinks per day

Its just another way to make things seem like a deal. Its worth 299 but we'll post it at 999 and offer you a 'discount' to 799 to make you think you are getting a good deal.
Kind of like black Friday deals for TVs
September price $499
October price $499
November price $899 on sale for Black Friday for ONLY $499

Twangster's entire comment was correct, but this part is spot on. "Rebating" is a hot topic here because it's a competition between small, independent agents/agencies (such as MEI) and big box stores (like Costco or Amex Travel). 

 
This is true and varies by agency, as well as what percentage Royal Caribbean pays the agency (the more volume you do, the higher the commission percentage).
So yes, repricing to a lower fare affects commission (as does adding a casino code, which DRASTICALLY affects commission, don't get me started on that one).

Bottom line- We still stand by our service, and we have to get paid. I simply cannot give away $300 when I'm making $200.  

I think Royal's pricing is outrageous but I will defend them a little here by pointing out the price discrepancy does make some sense as you are literally getting a 7 day waterpark pass included with your fare. 

I think Royal's pricing is outrageous but I will defend them a little here by pointing out the price discrepancy does make some sense as you are literally getting a 7 day waterpark pass included with your fare. 

I think Royal's pricing is outrageous but I will defend them a little here by pointing out the price discrepancy does make some sense as you are literally getting a 7 day waterpark pass included with your fare. 

This was a fascinating read for me as a non gambler. I was in the ignorant camp that assumed people lost 10k to get a 5k cruise. Seems like you have figured it out and have a great system going! Its not going to convert me to a gambler but thanks for this insight, it was informative and intriguing.

My wife and I are booked on a 9 night Greek Isles cruise aboard Odyssey next year. It’ll be the first time on Quantum class. I love Oasis class, but am excited to try something different. From the videos I’ve seen the junior suites look fantastic, also the solarium and seaplex area. Staying at the exact same hotel in Rome pre cruise as we did 13 years ago on our honeymoon, and spending a week in Florence post cruise. 

After reading the article on the front page of the blog, this Star pricing is insane. Celebrity is not for everyone but that fact that another newly released ship cost almost 50% less, and it's considered a luxury brand, is mind-boggling. I don't think this is sustainable, but it also will be a while before the prices become somewhat reasonable. 

This is what Disney has done and it's what converted our family from Disney World vacations to Royal cruises. 
Disney World used to be a manageable vacation where a family could choose between a budget, mid-priced, or luxury vacation -- but at the end of the day the core experience was the same for everyone. Slowly but dramatically, everything skyrocketed in price, while the focus of new construction and innovation shifted entirely to creating more luxury options. Disney stopped worrying about accommodating families on a budget and looked solely to becoming an experience where more money bought you a better experience and the baseline costs got you less and less.
Royal has seen the same increase in demand and sadly appears to be going the same direction in, 1) seeing how much people will pay for the baseline experience while 2) providing more and more pressure to upgrade to the next level.