monctonguy

Not sure if someone here has a list or a screenshot...I know if you look over on CC they will for sure. There isn't a lot you get with gold...off the top of my head...buy a drink, get one free....I think 25% off a bottle of wine.....bogo deal for Johnny Rockets if the ship has one...10% off RCI logo stuff at the shops on board. Some other 10% off stuff like picture packages, spa etc. I am missing a few things, but you get the idea...there really isn't a lot for gold status. I have done 7 cruises as a gold member and besides the "free pull in the casino" you get, I think I may have used 1 or 2 deals total over 7 cruises.

I would share the cost for sure with a group...but they must limit the amount of ppl per? I usually travel alone or with one other person, so still pricey split in two. I think when I checked Nellie's it was about $700 CAD..... I think my first visit to Labadee will be just exploring around...seems a lot bigger than Coco Cay!

Frozen Mojito.....its my tradition...first drink when I get on the ship, head to the pool bar or sky bar and enjoy!

I guess those that stay in suite's can afford those for a few hours. I could never justify it....that's about what I pay for most of my cruises..... Wow...I haven't been to Labadee yet(heading there on my next cruise) but that just seems insane to me..... But then I guess if your paying $5000 for a cruise..whats $500 for a hut for a few hours. Its like me paying $500 for my cruise, I wouldn't think $50 was bad for a hut....its all relative. Maybe if I win the lottery one day.....

Looks like they are doing some different things with Empress...early boarding/departure.....and "Sunday brunch" everyday with free bloody mary or mimosa......and sounds like its going to be an active and happening ship...or that's what they are trying to sell it as....I am defn intrigued even more now to book!

My experience is pretty much all the beers are included with the select package..only beer I know of that is not with any package is the Foster's oil can beer for some reason.

I just wish it was either included in the price if they want the money from everyone no matter what you use or how the service is, OR they should find a way to make it easier to differentiate between different ppl on the ship you want to tip for service For example, when you eat out with your kids....yes you leave a tip, usually a percentage....so on the kids meals which are usually cheaper, its actually a smaller amount of tip your giving monetary wise. That's not a slight to the server...you are giving them a 10 or 15 or 20% tip based on the bill. However on a cruise ship...we all have to tip the same amount...so for kids that actually eat less(in some cases) your giving the server the same tip as for yourself which eats a lot more. So my point is the "grats" are just an extra fee they add to everyone's bill and call it tips basically. I don't like the system, nor do I think its fair nor does it encourage great service as they are all getting tips guaranteed from every single person on the boat. I pay them as I can't be bothered figuring out who should get what or deserves what...but I think if I had 2 kids with me..I would have a hard time tipping the same amount for them as I do for myself.....that's all. So I get the OP's question

I disagree..... I was only referring to the cost of the cruise and the grats as that is what the OP was asking about...the child's fare is the same as an adult..and they eat and drink less....that's a fact. Its not extra staff for Adventure Ocean really...as your children don't need staff in the bar or casino for them....just like you don't need the staff from Adventure Ocean for yourself, they are there whether they are used or not. Just like the casino has the same amount of staff for each cruise, although on some cruises maybe more people use the casino than other cruises...so that balances out if anything. So on the base cost of the cruise they are making more profit off them.... I am not talking about the potential extra's you may or may not spend on board. 4 adults in a cabin would eat a lot more and drink a lot more(non-alcoholic I am talking about) then a cabin with 2 adults and 2 kids...and there is no guarantee that if instead of these 2 kids it was 2 extra adults they would drink or gamble which is where the cruise would make more money I realize. The auto grats are only based on the base cruise fare....

I don't have kids, but I am on the fence on this one. On one hand, I get that the room attendant may need to make the extra bed up.....but other than that I am not sure what else would justify almost $200 in tips on a week cruise for kids. Maybe the do pay extra attention to your kids during mealtimes...but if that's why they do it, then your tipping is really for the wrong reason. I would rather they just include it in the fare if they expect it and want it from us. Only industry that I know that does this( I know some restaurants do as well but) They are already charging your children the same as adults I think for the cruise, yet they eat and drink less during the week so they are already making more profit off them then adults. But this a discussion that goes on and on. If it was me, I would probably pay it for the first cruise and then decide if you personally think its justified for future cruises.

Defn some great pricing.....I wish I could book something...but with 3 cruises already booked and a big one in April, plus our dollar exchange at over 40% doesn't look like I will be doing any more bookings till the fall... I really want to get on this ship..love the ports of call, and great pricing not to mention the excitement out there for this ship coming back to the fleet it seems.

Thanks...I am defn taking a cab over a shuttle. Yes, I was just at the port of Miami...was either $24 or $27 flat rate from port to airport

Anyone have a rough idea what it costs? I will be there in 3 weeks...usually take a taxi...but first time using this port.

I know I have booked and re-booked many of my trips multiple times. On the last trip I cut the cost in about half by re-booking with a better deal and switching currencies I booked in. I have never used an app..I just check sites daily for cruises I currently have booked or planned. I will have to try out this site though...may save me some time to say the least!

Thanks for the update...I will be on IOS in just over 3 weeks so I will report back if they do or not. Will be curious to hear about Adventure as I am heading out on her in April with a friend who really enjoys his cigars!

Well from what it looks like..its out of Miami..... going to Grand Cayman and prob one other stop...maybe Key West or Coco Cay?

Well don't really like the look of Harmony with the slides on the back...seems really out of place to me.....at least with NCL and Carnival they are on top and near the pool areas. I find it ruins the look of a very majestic ship from behind like that......but to each their own. It won't stop me..lol

Not really a beach area. Not sure what your teens are into. There is lots to do and see on foot....bars, restaurants, shopping, some historical stuff....sightseeing tours. I was there in Nov, spent about 4 hours touring around and could have spent another day easily. I can't wait to get back there for another visit........

I am seeing lots of info and activity on the CC site about her. Looks like April 2016 she is starting back...out of Miami....doing 5/5/4 day cruises apparently. Nothing official yet from RCI that I can find, but it has certainly stirred some chatter at this point. I am most curious to see what changes she gets when dry docked and when we can start to see booking and pricing options. She is on my list now for sure.....I loved Monarch and Majesty so I am guessing she will have a similar feel and size to her.

No, the cruise compass is something you get each day in your room to tell you about what is happening the following day. Usually it's put in your room early evening. If you check around on some other cruise boards, I am sure you could find the 5 day cruise with the exact same port itinerary you are doing. That would give you a pretty good idea what to expect each evening as it would be fairly similar from cruise to cruise.

Yes, I did once out of Bangor, ME which is about a 5hr drive.....now those flights are just as expensive. I would have to drive at least 12hrs each way to get cheaper flights. if l lived closer to the border I would for sure. I don't mind driving and travelling in the US to get cheaper flights!

I am on the same ship from the 11-16, but not the same ports. I can report back but by that time you will already be on her!! I have looked at the compasses as well..seems like there is some good nightly entertainment and bars. I have heard the nightclub is pretty cool, 2 levels....but of course it always depends on the crowd there if its a good time or not right?! With your 18 ppl, I am sure it will be a lot of fun....

I wish we had those options flying from Canada. Every airport here is about the same price give or take $. No competition or options. I often see deals from Cleveland or Detroit or New Hampshire even to Florida for a 3rd to half the price of what I pay flying out of here. If only I lived closer to the border or these cities it would be a great option. Airfare is always more than the cost of the cruise for me for each of the 7 cruises I have done so far. It averages about $700/person. That's booking way in advance., economy class, plus luggage fees, no seat selection and at least 1 if not 2 stops along the way. That being said I have managed to find some half decent flights to San Juan in April..but I have to drive 3 hrs to another airport...overnight it, pay for parking and gas and I think its cause its American carriers I am flying with as to why it is reasonable.

They changed the name of Downtown Disney? I was there in April..had a great time...didn't make it to that bar though. House of blues is where we spent the most time...had a great nite there. Will have to look for your bar the next time I am there!!

I would be happy if only 3 points away....if you have spent this much time and money cruising with RCI, you might as well book a cheap 3nighter and get your diamond status. That's when and where the real perks are imho. I just hit platinum, will hit emerald after the next 3 cruises I have booked.....at which point I will be 24 points away from Diamond so I am considering doing a long cruise solo to get there in one more cruise or book a suite and get 3 points/night...whatever is going to be cheaper and get me there quicker. Even if they make changes to the C&A program, those that are already at the diamond level I think would be "grandfathered" in or get to keep their current level of status and perks. Its those just starting or joining I think that would really see the difference if they are to change the qualifications.

I don't know US airfare prices that well, except that they are WAY cheaper than flying from Canada any day. That being said, I haven't found a particular time that seems to be cheaper or not and I have booked many many flights in the past few years. I usually use either an airline here in Canada (westjet) that has a price drop protection in the form of a credit for your next flight with them, or I book through Flight Network which will credit your account with them if your flight fare drops no matter what airline you book with through their site. Not sure if you have options like that down there...but if so, at least you know you have some protection from price drops!