Curt From Canada

Sorry for the long post, but I love this discussion.  One question (about less sea days) has led us down a path looking at a few different approaches to cruising.  Obviously, there is no “right” answer, but it was very interesting to hear the preferences of others.  I thought the “choices” comments were very astute and got me thinking … One of the reasons my soulmate & I cruise with Royal Caribbean, so often, is the wide variety of experiences on board. 
1).  The Ship is the Destination:  How can anyone disagree that the ships are so special that they want to maximize their time on the ship?  The large ships offer so much that visiting no ports would probably be fine for some.  Our last trip on Harmony was so busy, there was little time for afternoon naps (we think this is necessary if you dance all night).  Even their medium sized ships are packed with on board options.  So many ships (Oasis, Quantum, Freedom Classes) have so many itineraries, we have not run out of sailings yet that meet our needs.
2).  Travel is the Main Goal:  We have spent a lot of time in Europe with self-directed land vacations.  It is a different experience and has its advantages.  One thing that is an absolute pain is packing, unpacking and travel between destinations.  When we are in “Travel Mode” it is such a treat to unpack and pack once and wake up with a new experience almost each day.  These are not necessarily restful vacations, but they are stimulating and are normally filled with many special memories.  Although these can be had on the large ships, we find that small and medium ships are better to meet this objective.  We have been on Grandeur twice in the last year (and will sail one more time before the year’s end).  Lady G does not have all the “bells & whistles”, but she has taken us to many places we have never been before.  She also has been the catalyst, for our main reason for cruising …
3).  Make Your Own Fun:  We did not start with this strategy, but it is becoming our primary one.  Sometimes, day to day routines can foster a complacency that turns into a “rut”.  Travel is one way to shake this up, but we think the concept is a little simpler.  By using new experiences (ship or port), we “connect” better on cruise ships.  Relationship building is about shared experiences, and we find that we converse more, laugh more, dance more (and drink more too) on the ship.  It does not matter if the ship is big or small, if the number of days are few or many, or if we are in port or at sea … we make our own fun.
Regardless of how you cruise … Have a Blast.
 
Curt from Canada

Sorry for the long post, but I love this discussion.  One question (about less sea days) has led us down a path looking at a few different approaches to cruising.  Obviously, there is no “right” answer, but it was very interesting to hear the preferences of others.  I thought the “choices” comments were very astute and got me thinking … One of the reasons my soulmate & I cruise with Royal Caribbean, so often, is the wide variety of experiences on board. 
1).  The Ship is the Destination:  How can anyone disagree that the ships are so special that they want to maximize their time on the ship?  The large ships offer so much that visiting no ports would probably be fine for some.  Our last trip on Harmony was so busy, there was little time for afternoon naps (we think this is necessary if you dance all night).  Even their medium sized ships are packed with on board options.  So many ships (Oasis, Quantum, Freedom Classes) have so many itineraries, we have not run out of sailings yet that meet our needs.
2).  Travel is the Main Goal:  We have spent a lot of time in Europe with self-directed land vacations.  It is a different experience and has its advantages.  One thing that is an absolute pain is packing, unpacking and travel between destinations.  When we are in “Travel Mode” it is such a treat to unpack and pack once and wake up with a new experience almost each day.  These are not necessarily restful vacations, but they are stimulating and are normally filled with many special memories.  Although these can be had on the large ships, we find that small and medium ships are better to meet this objective.  We have been on Grandeur twice in the last year (and will sail one more time before the year’s end).  Lady G does not have all the “bells & whistles”, but she has taken us to many places we have never been before.  She also has been the catalyst, for our main reason for cruising …
3).  Make Your Own Fun:  We did not start with this strategy, but it is becoming our primary one.  Sometimes, day to day routines can foster a complacency that turns into a “rut”.  Travel is one way to shake this up, but we think the concept is a little simpler.  By using new experiences (ship or port), we “connect” better on cruise ships.  Relationship building is about shared experiences, and we find that we converse more, laugh more, dance more (and drink more too) on the ship.  It does not matter if the ship is big or small, if the number of days are few or many, or if we are in port or at sea … we make our own fun.
Regardless of how you cruise … Have a Blast.
 
Curt from Canada

Sorry for the long post, but I love this discussion.  One question (about less sea days) has led us down a path looking at a few different approaches to cruising.  Obviously, there is no “right” answer, but it was very interesting to hear the preferences of others.  I thought the “choices” comments were very astute and got me thinking … One of the reasons my soulmate & I cruise with Royal Caribbean, so often, is the wide variety of experiences on board. 
1).  The Ship is the Destination:  How can anyone disagree that the ships are so special that they want to maximize their time on the ship?  The large ships offer so much that visiting no ports would probably be fine for some.  Our last trip on Harmony was so busy, there was little time for afternoon naps (we think this is necessary if you dance all night).  Even their medium sized ships are packed with on board options.  So many ships (Oasis, Quantum, Freedom Classes) have so many itineraries, we have not run out of sailings yet that meet our needs.
2).  Travel is the Main Goal:  We have spent a lot of time in Europe with self-directed land vacations.  It is a different experience and has its advantages.  One thing that is an absolute pain is packing, unpacking and travel between destinations.  When we are in “Travel Mode” it is such a treat to unpack and pack once and wake up with a new experience almost each day.  These are not necessarily restful vacations, but they are stimulating and are normally filled with many special memories.  Although these can be had on the large ships, we find that small and medium ships are better to meet this objective.  We have been on Grandeur twice in the last year (and will sail one more time before the year’s end).  Lady G does not have all the “bells & whistles”, but she has taken us to many places we have never been before.  She also has been the catalyst, for our main reason for cruising …
3).  Make Your Own Fun:  We did not start with this strategy, but it is becoming our primary one.  Sometimes, day to day routines can foster a complacency that turns into a “rut”.  Travel is one way to shake this up, but we think the concept is a little simpler.  By using new experiences (ship or port), we “connect” better on cruise ships.  Relationship building is about shared experiences, and we find that we converse more, laugh more, dance more (and drink more too) on the ship.  It does not matter if the ship is big or small, if the number of days are few or many, or if we are in port or at sea … we make our own fun.
Regardless of how you cruise … Have a Blast.
 
Curt from Canada

This might help give an idea of activities, from my Edge sailing two months ago.


 

For just my soulmate and I:
1 - Roller-ed Suit Bag:  Good for all formal wear and all dresses.
1 - Roller-ed Large (25") Bag:  Good for virtually everything else.
1 - Roller-ed Carry0n (22") Bag:  Good for all the first day essentials (Something for dinner, pool, medications ... just in case luggage is late) + Wine.
We used to pack a lot more, but we have optimized our packing list over the years.  Each cruise we try to take a little less and see if that works.  Our next challenge is a 14 day Antarctic Cruise.  We did Alaska once (and ended up having to buy some clothes en route).  If anyone has Antarctic experience, we would love to get any hints.

Canada is very much dependent of years of service.  My current company gives:
0-10 years = 3 weeks
10-15 years = 4 weeks
15-20 years = 5 weeks
20+ years = 6 weeks
plus most provinces give 13 statutory holidays per year
Every single one of those days is required for cruising.
?
 

Canada is very much dependent of years of service.  My current company gives:
0-10 years = 3 weeks
10-15 years = 4 weeks
15-20 years = 5 weeks
20+ years = 6 weeks
plus most provinces give 13 statutory holidays per year
Every single one of those days is required for cruising.
?
 

Canada is very much dependent of years of service.  My current company gives:
0-10 years = 3 weeks
10-15 years = 4 weeks
15-20 years = 5 weeks
20+ years = 6 weeks
plus most provinces give 13 statutory holidays per year
Every single one of those days is required for cruising.
?
 

1.  Everyone has chimed in, and all the suggestions are good.  The best one that I saw on this thread used them with the folding shelves (Brilliant).  Independence rooms have lots of space, so it will probably not be required.  Still, for hanging up small items the hooks are great.  One big tip ... The first time I used them to hang up robes.  I forgot them as we left the ship (my rookie mistake).  You will become so used them, you may think they are a part of the room.  Make sure you pack them up when you leave.
2.  I always tell new cruisers the most difficult thing you will do on a ship is try to determine what you will NOT do at a given time.  On a ship like Independence you will frequently want to to do more than one thing at the same time.  The compass will be in your room each evening.  Take at least one highlighter and mark the events you MAY want to do the next day.  Spend the early part of each day to plan out your day.  Do not take on too much, hopefully you will have other cruises to catch up on stuff you missed.  We are starting to take a nap in the afternoon (age has its privileges), to help full appreciate the evenings on board.
3. We do not use The Key, but for a first time cruiser it can be a great idea.  Ask lots of Crew members what to do with it.  I am certain they will be very helpful.  You are correct that The Key will make embarkation and debarkation easier w.r.t. meals.  On the other days you may enjoy the Main Dining Room more for Breakfast and Lunch.  The Windjammer is a zoo (except if you eat a little bit earlier or later than the norm).  Any bad things you have heard about cruising are grossly and severely over-hyped.  You will have a blast. 
4.  Already suggested, but the promenade deck outside that wraps the ship of Deck 4 is quiet and tranquil.  There are places to sit in the shade and it is very relaxing.  Smart walkers use the deck due to the views, quiet and shade.  Also, Olive or Twist on Deck 14 (aft elevators) is normally very quiet with even better views.  We go there often to read during the day.  It is also a quieter place for Sail Aways.
5.  You are correct.  Port days are almost always very relaxing on board.  You will have the run of the ship.  We have been to Cozumel many times.  It is a 50/50 chance that we get off the ship these days.  
 

It is too bad that Denali is not an option.  We did it about 4 years ago and it was the highlight of the trip.  We made the trip 'kinda by mistake.
We wanted to book Vancouver to Seward and then southbound back to Vancouver.  The Royal Caribbean Booking Agent convinced us out of the return trip.  She said, "I am from Alaska.  If you are going that far, you need to go to Denali.  Do yourself a favour and sail northward, but take your own land tour to Denali and fly back from Anchorage".  Best advice I have received from any travel professional.  I think we had a little bit more time (than 3 nights), so you might have an issue getting all the way Denali and back (I think we had more than 5 days).
However, one option that might work (you need to do your own research).  There is a town north of Anchorage called Talkeetna.  They have phenomenal views of Denali and they are still about a day south of Denali (I think it took part of day to get there from Anchorage).  There is also a little coffee shop in town that plays Beatles Music every Sunday morning.  We went there for a coffee and ended up spending most of the morning.  Simple, relaxing, timeless fun on a sleepy Sunday morning in Talkeetna, Alaska.  Who knows if it is open.  Still that moment is frozen in time for us.
Other than that we just had fun walking around Anchorage for a day.  
 

Great for hanging a multi shelf organizer.
 

1.  Everyone has chimed in, and all the suggestions are good.  The best one that I saw on this thread used them with the folding shelves (Brilliant).  Independence rooms have lots of space, so it will probably not be required.  Still, for hanging up small items the hooks are great.  One big tip ... The first time I used them to hang up robes.  I forgot them as we left the ship (my rookie mistake).  You will become so used them, you may think they are a part of the room.  Make sure you pack them up when you leave.
2.  I always tell new cruisers the most difficult thing you will do on a ship is try to determine what you will NOT do at a given time.  On a ship like Independence you will frequently want to to do more than one thing at the same time.  The compass will be in your room each evening.  Take at least one highlighter and mark the events you MAY want to do the next day.  Spend the early part of each day to plan out your day.  Do not take on too much, hopefully you will have other cruises to catch up on stuff you missed.  We are starting to take a nap in the afternoon (age has its privileges), to help full appreciate the evenings on board.
3. We do not use The Key, but for a first time cruiser it can be a great idea.  Ask lots of Crew members what to do with it.  I am certain they will be very helpful.  You are correct that The Key will make embarkation and debarkation easier w.r.t. meals.  On the other days you may enjoy the Main Dining Room more for Breakfast and Lunch.  The Windjammer is a zoo (except if you eat a little bit earlier or later than the norm).  Any bad things you have heard about cruising are grossly and severely over-hyped.  You will have a blast. 
4.  Already suggested, but the promenade deck outside that wraps the ship of Deck 4 is quiet and tranquil.  There are places to sit in the shade and it is very relaxing.  Smart walkers use the deck due to the views, quiet and shade.  Also, Olive or Twist on Deck 14 (aft elevators) is normally very quiet with even better views.  We go there often to read during the day.  It is also a quieter place for Sail Aways.
5.  You are correct.  Port days are almost always very relaxing on board.  You will have the run of the ship.  We have been to Cozumel many times.  It is a 50/50 chance that we get off the ship these days.  
 

1.  Everyone has chimed in, and all the suggestions are good.  The best one that I saw on this thread used them with the folding shelves (Brilliant).  Independence rooms have lots of space, so it will probably not be required.  Still, for hanging up small items the hooks are great.  One big tip ... The first time I used them to hang up robes.  I forgot them as we left the ship (my rookie mistake).  You will become so used them, you may think they are a part of the room.  Make sure you pack them up when you leave.
2.  I always tell new cruisers the most difficult thing you will do on a ship is try to determine what you will NOT do at a given time.  On a ship like Independence you will frequently want to to do more than one thing at the same time.  The compass will be in your room each evening.  Take at least one highlighter and mark the events you MAY want to do the next day.  Spend the early part of each day to plan out your day.  Do not take on too much, hopefully you will have other cruises to catch up on stuff you missed.  We are starting to take a nap in the afternoon (age has its privileges), to help full appreciate the evenings on board.
3. We do not use The Key, but for a first time cruiser it can be a great idea.  Ask lots of Crew members what to do with it.  I am certain they will be very helpful.  You are correct that The Key will make embarkation and debarkation easier w.r.t. meals.  On the other days you may enjoy the Main Dining Room more for Breakfast and Lunch.  The Windjammer is a zoo (except if you eat a little bit earlier or later than the norm).  Any bad things you have heard about cruising are grossly and severely over-hyped.  You will have a blast. 
4.  Already suggested, but the promenade deck outside that wraps the ship of Deck 4 is quiet and tranquil.  There are places to sit in the shade and it is very relaxing.  Smart walkers use the deck due to the views, quiet and shade.  Also, Olive or Twist on Deck 14 (aft elevators) is normally very quiet with even better views.  We go there often to read during the day.  It is also a quieter place for Sail Aways.
5.  You are correct.  Port days are almost always very relaxing on board.  You will have the run of the ship.  We have been to Cozumel many times.  It is a 50/50 chance that we get off the ship these days.  
 

Sorry this is not a "Spending Control" tip.  Still, it is a great Navigator of the Seas tip:
The Deck 11 Aft Men's Washroom is the best public washroom on any Royal Caribbean Ship.  It has a fantastic view, when you are doing what you do.
Tell your male friends, tell people you meet on the ship, tell random people on the way to and from the ship.  You will become instantly popular.
There are lots of pictures on the Internet, but there still is nothing like being there.
?

Sorry this is not a "Spending Control" tip.  Still, it is a great Navigator of the Seas tip:
The Deck 11 Aft Men's Washroom is the best public washroom on any Royal Caribbean Ship.  It has a fantastic view, when you are doing what you do.
Tell your male friends, tell people you meet on the ship, tell random people on the way to and from the ship.  You will become instantly popular.
There are lots of pictures on the Internet, but there still is nothing like being there.
?

Sorry this is not a "Spending Control" tip.  Still, it is a great Navigator of the Seas tip:
The Deck 11 Aft Men's Washroom is the best public washroom on any Royal Caribbean Ship.  It has a fantastic view, when you are doing what you do.
Tell your male friends, tell people you meet on the ship, tell random people on the way to and from the ship.  You will become instantly popular.
There are lots of pictures on the Internet, but there still is nothing like being there.
?

I went twice in the last two years on Quantum.  It was pleasant.  It was interesting.  If we were just looking to relax it would be nice.  Now the "but"...
We love the live music on Royal Caribbean.  It was "captured" us 14 years ago.  As long as they continue to have great live music (Broadway, Standard shows, small Cabarets, live house bands), we will keep coming back.  Even on the small ships the RC Orchestra will play live intimate shows. 
We like to dance.  If there is pre-recorded Ballroom Music on a great dance floor, we will still seek out the live bands.  If there is a musician in Central Park under the stars, we will  easily sit there for an hour.
The Virtual Concert was nice, but we will always default to live music.

I went twice in the last two years on Quantum.  It was pleasant.  It was interesting.  If we were just looking to relax it would be nice.  Now the "but"...
We love the live music on Royal Caribbean.  It was "captured" us 14 years ago.  As long as they continue to have great live music (Broadway, Standard shows, small Cabarets, live house bands), we will keep coming back.  Even on the small ships the RC Orchestra will play live intimate shows. 
We like to dance.  If there is pre-recorded Ballroom Music on a great dance floor, we will still seek out the live bands.  If there is a musician in Central Park under the stars, we will  easily sit there for an hour.
The Virtual Concert was nice, but we will always default to live music.

I went twice in the last two years on Quantum.  It was pleasant.  It was interesting.  If we were just looking to relax it would be nice.  Now the "but"...
We love the live music on Royal Caribbean.  It was "captured" us 14 years ago.  As long as they continue to have great live music (Broadway, Standard shows, small Cabarets, live house bands), we will keep coming back.  Even on the small ships the RC Orchestra will play live intimate shows. 
We like to dance.  If there is pre-recorded Ballroom Music on a great dance floor, we will still seek out the live bands.  If there is a musician in Central Park under the stars, we will  easily sit there for an hour.
The Virtual Concert was nice, but we will always default to live music.

For just my soulmate and I:
1 - Roller-ed Suit Bag:  Good for all formal wear and all dresses.
1 - Roller-ed Large (25") Bag:  Good for virtually everything else.
1 - Roller-ed Carry0n (22") Bag:  Good for all the first day essentials (Something for dinner, pool, medications ... just in case luggage is late) + Wine.
We used to pack a lot more, but we have optimized our packing list over the years.  Each cruise we try to take a little less and see if that works.  Our next challenge is a 14 day Antarctic Cruise.  We did Alaska once (and ended up having to buy some clothes en route).  If anyone has Antarctic experience, we would love to get any hints.

+1 to dressing for only one person (my soulmate).  Each night I ask her what she wants me to wear.  It takes me less than 15 minutes.  Making her happy makes me happy.
With respect to what others wear, I like to apply the old French Proverb:
"Praise the god of all, drink the wine, and let the world be the world."
Wear whatever you want ... we are not watching.

+1 to dressing for only one person (my soulmate).  Each night I ask her what she wants me to wear.  It takes me less than 15 minutes.  Making her happy makes me happy.
With respect to what others wear, I like to apply the old French Proverb:
"Praise the god of all, drink the wine, and let the world be the world."
Wear whatever you want ... we are not watching.

Ooooooops ... just got it ... no it was "Drinking".
Nicely done.

A few quiet suggestions.  We too, like to be a little bit away from the "madding crowd".  Actually, I think there are many, many places to "get away from it all".  It does not matter if there are 1,000, 2,000, or 6,000 people on board, the ship designers are aware of the potential issue. 
Try:
Deck 5 on some of the ships (especially Oasis and Freedom Class, possibly Voyager Class [it has been a long time]).  They even have deck chairs aft.  I think Radiance class have on deck 4 (but it has also been a long, long time).  Maybe someone, with some recent experience can chime in.  However, the aft portion of the ship near the wake is very special. Deck 6 on Grandeur (aft again) in the South Pacific Lounge.  Again, you can see the wake.  It is not outside, but it is quiet if nothing is happening in the South Pacific Lounge.  It is right beside the Diamond Lounge.  It might be similar on other Vision class ships.  Quantum class has the Two70 lounge the is on Deck 5 aft (however the seating is not great for wake viewing ... still it is normally quite quiet). The Viking Crown Lounge on any ship that has not been taken over by Suite "expansions".  Again, I am looking for the veterans to indicate which ones apply.  I have not verified, but probably: Mariner, Voyager, Brilliance, Vision, Empress, Enchantment, Majesty, Adventure, Grandeur, Liberty, Radiance, Explorer, Navigator, Serenade, Jewel, Independence, Freedom and Rhapsody. I agree 100% with Central Park.  Especially in the evening when they have music playing in the park.  Very calm, cool and relaxing. Most, if not all, Solariums.  They are covered so it really does not matter on which part of the world you are is.  Just be aware that there might be some restrictions in Asia. I think Radiance Class and Quantum Class have an outdoor area aft of the Windjammer.  Not as good as the ones above, but still very pleasant. That's a start ...
 

A few quiet suggestions.  We too, like to be a little bit away from the "madding crowd".  Actually, I think there are many, many places to "get away from it all".  It does not matter if there are 1,000, 2,000, or 6,000 people on board, the ship designers are aware of the potential issue. 
Try:
Deck 5 on some of the ships (especially Oasis and Freedom Class, possibly Voyager Class [it has been a long time]).  They even have deck chairs aft.  I think Radiance class have on deck 4 (but it has also been a long, long time).  Maybe someone, with some recent experience can chime in.  However, the aft portion of the ship near the wake is very special. Deck 6 on Grandeur (aft again) in the South Pacific Lounge.  Again, you can see the wake.  It is not outside, but it is quiet if nothing is happening in the South Pacific Lounge.  It is right beside the Diamond Lounge.  It might be similar on other Vision class ships.  Quantum class has the Two70 lounge the is on Deck 5 aft (however the seating is not great for wake viewing ... still it is normally quite quiet). The Viking Crown Lounge on any ship that has not been taken over by Suite "expansions".  Again, I am looking for the veterans to indicate which ones apply.  I have not verified, but probably: Mariner, Voyager, Brilliance, Vision, Empress, Enchantment, Majesty, Adventure, Grandeur, Liberty, Radiance, Explorer, Navigator, Serenade, Jewel, Independence, Freedom and Rhapsody. I agree 100% with Central Park.  Especially in the evening when they have music playing in the park.  Very calm, cool and relaxing. Most, if not all, Solariums.  They are covered so it really does not matter on which part of the world you are is.  Just be aware that there might be some restrictions in Asia. I think Radiance Class and Quantum Class have an outdoor area aft of the Windjammer.  Not as good as the ones above, but still very pleasant. That's a start ...