steverk

I think you might have missed my point. Regardless of how you feel about the specific sailing, it was a very recent example of a price drop. Since I was responding to your post that such things weren't happening, I was simply putting forward a counter example.

I had a Caribbean cruise out of San Juan get a price adjustment just last week. They mat be rare but they do still happen.

I just looked. Seems like a complete load to me. They aren't cheap. I just priced an ocean view on Radiance southbound for early June. Total for 2 people including taxes was just under $3K.

I'd work on developing new ports and destinations. That could include private islands but also new markets. South America and India are notably underdeveloped. I'd also look for more destinations in the Caribbean, but aside from Campeche Mexico, I think it's pretty well tapped out.

I have recently retired, so I have plenty of time. I've been told there are 3 phases of retirement. Go-go years. Slow-go years. No-go years. I'm determined to enjoy my go-go years. My father managed a credit union and taught me to save for retirement from day one. Therefore, I can afford to enjoy these years and plan to see as much as possible. I choose cruising because it offers great value in travel. Yes, it is expensive. On the other hand, taking a road trip to a national park is surprisingly expensive too. Hotels are routinely $200 per night-or close to it. Tours, food, entertainment...it's all expensive and adds up in a hurry. I'm sure we can all find cheaper travel, but I'm not looking to be miserable just to leave a large inheritance. With luck, my last check (written to the undertaker) will bounce.

It's a ways back there. Follow the shops around just past the chocolate shop. There's a hallway that leads to another shopping area. Inside that area is a new pool and the new Flowrider.

Btw. Last time I was in Costa Maya they were building a flowrider on shore. It appeared to be complete, but wasn't open. I have no idea what it will cost or what tricks will be allowed.

Yes, but only for boogie boards

They have designated times for each. There may be a few hours for "mixed wave" but that's minimal

I usually stay at Comfort Inn. Their loyalty program is generous enough to get free rooms pretty regularly, but not much more. As far as airlines are concerned, there's a recurring theme in this thread. If you live near a major hub for an airline, then that's the airline you'll usually fly. It makes sense. The flights will simply be better on that line. If you don't live near a hub, then you're probably better off chasing the lowest price. I live in Houston, so it's Southwest or United all the way for me.

Sorry you had a bad experience. On the food, I usually find Royal's food to be good, but not great. They don't consider themselves a foodie line and it shows. That said, I was on one cruise where the food wasn't very good. I spoke to the restaurant manager, and the food improved immediately.

I'd book it. It's refundable u to final payment date, so you have nothing to lose.

The biggest reason is large waves making tender operations unsafe. How often this happens depends on the port-how windy it typically gets, how sheltered is the port and wind direction.

Does anyone know if Rhapsody has a military escort for this?

Interesting question. Since the ships aren't registered in the US, I don't think they can b pressed in to service. That leaves a request by the government, a voluntary offer by royal or a charter of the ship. Either way, kudos to Royal for doing the right thing at considerable risk.

I don't agree. Freedom and Voyager classes are my favorite, but I'd rather do a radiance or vision class than an oasis. They're just easier to get around and have a more relaxed atmosphere. What's more, the big ships offer pretty limited, uninspiring itineraries.

Actually, we get an extra hour on the ship. Does that mean I have to pay extra?

I don't like short cruises either, but they do appeal to first timers and Florida residents. Carnival became "the most popular cruise line in the world" by pushing them. Therefore, I guess we would have to talk to Royal about what they consider a long term solution.

I've booked celebrity at nextcruise before. You get the same deal as you would if you booked a royal cruise. $200 deposit. Increased obc. Maybe some swag.

I sailed Allure in June. The crowds were well distributed, but always present. It's not a ship to get away from it all. The railing was normal in every way. About chest high. I don't recall any glass on most of it. The front was higher as a wind break though. The elevators are the worst. They're always full and have a frustrating algorithm that sends empty elevators passing your floor many times. The ship is too tall to avoid the elevators entirely.

Liberty Navigator Independence Explorer Adventure

I should have mentioned this earlier, so please forgive me. There is a rare opportunity on Sunday mornings in Galveston to tour a drydock while it services a large ship. To raise money for preservation, the Battleship Texas Foundation is offering guided tours through the drydock, including the under side of the ship, while the Battleship is refurbished. I don't know how long this will continue, but the Sunday morning schedules meshes well with people sailing one of the Sunday to Sunday sailings out of Galveston. You can find out more, and purchase tickets, here: Dry Dock Tours - The Battleship Texas Foundation

Maybe today is my lucky day, but I'm checking my shore excursions and about 1/3 of them are cheaper than they've ever been. YMMV!

I just repriced a couple cruises because they are cheaper than they were. That indicates at least some softening of demand and price. Granted, this is the exception. Overall, there's no question that bookings and prices are way up. However, I'm going to watch the 2025 itinerary release carefully before I panic. The last couple years I picked up some really great cruises in the first few days they were released. It's the best way to save money on a cruise.

If you're buying for obc purposes only, Carnival or NCL offer similar programs and are much cheaper. Imo Royal is much better managed and a better investment, but if you really want the obc, then those other two would be a better choice