DublinFC

I was looking around for a 4 night cruise in Oct as well and I have been having a hard time keeping it straight, so I asked a travel agent from MEI who was assisting me with a stay at Universal. I am pushing my 4 night cruise out till 2020 though. We have enough scheduled for this year now. Unless it has been the new promotions and/or people booking and canceling it is confusing. I doubt people are booking and canceling that much in such a short amount of time.

I saw this posted on facebook today. I did not prepay my gratuities when I recently booked my cruise. Would it be a good idea to pay them now so I don't see the increase if it happens? I know its a small amount, but per person per day all adds up. Less money to spend on vacation, when its going towards vacation.

I am going to keep an eye out for her. Costs I',sure are going to be high since she will be brand new. I would be interested to see what they have on board compared to the other Quantum ships. Maybe its a mystery cruise?? Hopefully its clarified soon so we know where she is headed. I would like to sail Europe, the British Isles cruise specifically, so maybe Odyssey will be available for one of the European cruises that look intriguing.

thanks for the details. I know sitting idle means no money coming in. I saw a map of ships moving around and wasn't sure if that was common or a every now and then situation. Knowing the Ovation is coming to Alaska just means a trip there will be sooner than later I guess. Win-Win!

Ok that make sense I guess. I was checking them out their Solarium's look amazing, plus the other great features. So only having the 1 option here currently was a head scratcher. Thanks for the info.

So I was searching around here looking for information on the Quantum ships and didn't see what I was looking for. I was pricing cruises on the 3 available Quantum ships last night, then noticed there is Spectrum coming soon. I was wondering why 2 of the 3 are sailing in Asia only? Also, will they be moved around when the next ship is available? And, lastly does the fleet rotate where they sail from yearly or how does that work? I really hope this doesn't sound too ignorant, just hoping to learn a bit more. Thanks!

Ok, ok I got it now. That's different to NCL. We bought and booked early. Thank you for the clarification.

Quick question on the dining package. I was listing to an older podcast last night and I was a little confused about the reservation process. If I purchase a 3 day package can I make reservations on the cruise planner when it opens up? I am sailing on the Oasis.

@MarvinS Yo!

"it tastes like an orange" hahaha Well at least it was good!

I would hazard a guess that it would be standard-ish line wide. gives me a good idea where to start :)

Ok, I was on NCL Escape and I never saw that. I didn't ask either. The juice from the machine was good enough so didn't question it. Thought I would ask the pros so I know where to look next time.

I have been looking around and I have not found the answer. Where do I get the fresh squeezed juices? Are the only in MDR or at the buffet?

Just made a list to be saved for later experimentation from all of these suggestions!

oh ok good to know. I plan to keep an eye out to see if something like that is offered, but wont hold my breath. I 100% plan to take advantage of the sushi workshop though!

This is a topic I am interested in as well. Other than the cupcake, sushi, and jewelry making workshops what else is offered? I have noticed some lectures. What have past topics been? I think its interesting these are offered on board.

I see what ya mean and I get it. more fun factor over convenience will most likely win out every time. RC adding the slides to ships and having more to do is probably going to bring in more customers over a wrist band. Also, I hope your crystal ball is right. I'd still like that little convenience :)

Good to know, I will keep that in mind. Thank you.

thats true too, they are not that expensive when its just a few here and there.

No to all of those except bottled water and the very occasional drink. Thats why i was thinking of the drink card for her would be more economical. But, being on vacation could be a totally different situation. The drinking won't increase too much, but the specialty coffee would probably tempt her. Something to think about for sure.

Ive never had a Johnny Rockets milkshake and I plan to have a few while on my cruise. If they are indeed included with the drink packages I am gonna have like 1 a day! hahaha! Required to buy something to get the shake on the drink package might limit my milkshake intake though ?

@tiny260 @Matt @Todd W Thanks for the clarification. Im used to being my own advocate and doing the research myself. We used a TA for a land and sea package for DCL and they only thing I felt they helped us with was the flights down to Orlando, she found a great deal and saved me around $500 on the flights. Again I am not against using a TA for the next sailing, but wanted some extra info. The comparison to the lawyer makes sense. All this leads me to the next cruise office on the ship. They offer perks/bonuses for agreeing to another cruise while on board from my understanding. Can I sign up with a TA there or is it all through RC? Again, newbie over here wanting to be more informed so thank you in advance. I do really appreciate it.

Ok, so I have heard Matt talk about it on the podcast. But, why use a travel agent? I mostly hear about the checking of several cruises and pricing them all. I personally don't mind the legwork. I plan out all our vacations, I enjoy the legwork/research actually. So what other benefit comes with a seasoned TA? I am open to using one for the next time we book.

I understand your point 100%. My wife had a manicure on NCL and was shocked when the lady told her that she doesn't take that much time off when she is allowed to. "If I am not working, I am not getting paid". The tips are how they make their money and I get it. I just wont pay extra for "normal" service. I had a waiter that went out of his way to take care of my wife and I on the Escape and I slipped him some extra cash after I had signed the bill. He found out it was our honeymoon sailing, we didn't tell him, and brought out some campaign and a cake for the two of us. That was on top of the already wonderful and timely service already received. So definitely not against it, just needs to be earned that's all :)

I personally feel the prepaid gratuities have been sufficient. I have yet to experience over the top service that would warrant an extra tip. Maybe I will notice the difference with RC. When I was with DCL the room steward actually asked us to leave so they could do up the room. We were in the room watching a movie enjoying some family time. I figure they were having a bad day, but really??? I only have 2 cruises so far :( hoping to have many more to come. So maybe I will have a more seasoned perspective in the future.