steverk

I haven't had that happen en masse, but I have cancelled excursions, received a refund, but the excursions remain booked.

Gotcha. Since it's in AUD, the price would be roughly $3000USD and include tips. That's high, but last minute cruising can be a crapshoot. March is spring break in the US so I bet that has something to do with it. To me, a bigger issue is flying for Australia for a 4 day cruise.

I'm nit sure what's going on, but that price doesn't make sense to me. I live in Houston and sail Galveston a lot. I've never paid that much. For example, I've got a 6 night on Voyager at the end of April. Jr. Suite 3 people. I paid $2165usd plus port and gratuities. In Oct 2025 I have an A2 2br aqua suite 4 people on Harnony for $9156 plus port. Since it's star class it includes gratuities, dining, drink and internet packages. I don't have to fly, but the prices I see aren't anywhere near $4500 per interior room.

Seems to me that Royal is deploying Vision class to niche markets. It can't be all that profitable, but only vision and radiance classes can transit the Panama Canal or dock in Baltimore an Tampa. For those reasons. I believe visiin in particular will continue to sail in the Caribbean and Mediterranean. So no worries about them visiting Australia any time soon.

Cancel for any reason doesn't refund your full deposit. If you cancel, you'll forfeit about 25% of the amounts you've paid plus the cost of insurance. Do a cost comparison and decide your best option. It may be the CFAR insurance works best for you, but go in with a full understanding of the situation.

Generally, it has to be the exact same, but with a refundable fare you can always cancel and rebook if necessary. I book aa soon as the itinerary is announced. About 25% of the time I find a cheaper price. The key is to check frequently

I don't. Depending on pricing, I might by a refundable deposit, but lately it has made more sense to book ob board with the lower deposit and just take the chance

Hmmm. I always thought gross tonnage was a measure of the passengers after visiting the buffet!

Whatever it is, it as decided some time ago. I've heard more than once that they had a name for the third icon class way before they had a name for icon 2. Trinity maybe? Sounds sacrilegious.

It's rather strange. I'm booked b2b from Australia to Vancouver in April 2025. I've heard nothing from Royal about any cancelation. As noted, the first leg is no longer listed. So, is the whole thing going to be canceled with Ovation going somewhere other than Alaska in 2025? If not, how does Ovation get from Australia to Hawaii/Vancouver?

Royal rarely canels cruises and they usually give a clear explanation when they do. Examples include a whole ship charter or mechanical issue. They never say there aren't enough cabins sold. However, they do occasionally redeploy ships for a month or two. I suppose you could say that's canceling for insufficient demand, but it would be a group of sailings and done months in advance

I have an annual policy through Allianz. I'm not a big fan of cancel for any reason insurance so the annual policy fits me fine.

Please note that vision class balconies have always been ridiculously priced. There aren't very many. Enchantment is probably more competitive if you look at interiors or Jr suites.

I'm booked on that as well. Also missing is the 9 night April 3, 2025 South Pacific cruise. I'd say I'll see you on board, but maybe not!

According to the 2nd officer, it was mechanical failure due to undiscovered corrosion to the equipment. By removing the cover, or ceiling as he called it, they made it possible to inspect the equipment on a regular basis. That should solve the issue. Keep in mind that navigator has been in service for more than 20 years. It took that long for this to become a problem. Monthly inspection should be more than sufficient.

There's no question that cruises are more expensive than they've been for some time. Possibly ever. However, it is still possible to find occasional deals. For example, I just returned from a 9 day cruise on Explorer that cost me $500 per person. That's the exception, but it can still be found. My best advice is to book as far out as possible. 2025 sailings are still being released. Booking as soon as they hit the market will usually snag the best deal.

Now everyone has me worried about my November sailing on Explorer! No indication of a problem, but I'm really looking forward to an overnight in Aruba.

The difference between the ships is less than you might think. Both are the same layout. Both have very similar decor. Independence is slightly newer and bigger, but not all that much. As a practical matter, Indy has a sorrentos in the promenade. Adventure does not. Indy has cantilevered whirlpools, Adventure does not. Indy has a designated kiddie pool. I'm not sure if that was retrofitted to Adventure. Unless these features mean a lot to you go with the better itinerary

I struggle with this question as well. Generally, my solution is to use carry on only if at all possible. If I do have to check a bag, I go to the size and weight limit so I can check as possible. Once I arrive at the gate, I ask if I can gate check th carry on for free. I've never had them say no.

It's my understanding that at least one person on the original reservation must go on the cruise. I'm not sure what Royal would do in the circumstances you listed since you're still on the reservation but missed the boat. It probably depends on who, if anyone, notices.

I have at&t and usexwifi calling all of the time. I've never sailed Wonder, but my success seems to depend more on where we are sailing than it does on the ship. Generally, it works really well, but drops out completely between Galveston and Cozumel. This has been consistent on Allure, Harmony, Voyager, Adventure and Radiance.

I guess it depends on how you view insurance and how likely you are to have to use cancellation insurance. In my view, insurance should be purchased to protect against catastrophic, low probability events you simply cannot afford to lose. Med evac from a cruise ship is a great example. On the other hand, if a cancelled trip is going to break you financially, then why are you going at all?

I just ran a test for Allianz All Trips Premier, which seems Good to me. Cost for a family of 4 living in Texas was $435 for the year.

I'd start it the date you leave your house.

True, but one way from Vancouver to Seattle is essentially a round trip itinerary. The 2 cities are about 100 miles apart. You don't see more of alaska on one of these cruises than you would see on round trip Seattle. I'm in agreement with @OCSC Mike. Go with Radiance one wat between Seward and Vancouver. its not as nice a ship but the itinerary more than makes up for it.