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Since it's my Mom's first cruise I want her to have a balcony, my daughter also is now a balcony snob after getting relegated to an interior and a virtual balcony on previous cruises (they were in JS this Summer). Seems like I need one of those 2 story suites with multiple bedrooms and a slide! Looks like a Royal Loft suite can accommodate 6 people.

So far I am leaning towards one of the Quantum class ships. Next question....there will be 5 of us. Most likely will book 3 balcony rooms and have to pay a single supplement for my mom's room. Is there a larger suite that can accommodate 5 of us that wouldn't be significantly more expensive than 3 balcony rooms?

That sounds right. Located in Juneau and they serve something called Duck Farts.

It will definitely be fun planning this bucket list adventure. My Mom is very independent and active which is great, but I worry she will be hesitant to stay behind if we do an excursion without her. Everyone is just excited to go and comfortable leaving all the details and planning to me. I would prefer to book a one way cruise, on Ovation, and have great weather. Unfortunately I can't control the weather and Ovation doesn't do one way Alaska cruises. I'm leaning towards a late May or early June 2024 trip and hope to make it to Skagway, Icy Strait, see the lumberjack show, do the railroad, and sled dogs! And someone mentioned there was great beer to try in Alaska....what was it and where do you get it?

Thanks Matt!

Hello everyone. We are beginning to plan a 2024 Alaska cruise for myself, wife, 24 yo daughter, 22 yo son, and my Mom (just turning 80 this month). My wife and I had planned to go next year for our 30th Anniversary but need to hold off for a year to align with everyone's schedules. All but my mom have cruised Royal before (Anthem, Freedom, Brilliance for the kids), many more for us. We are excited to take this trip but understand an Alaska trip may include a lot of port stops and physically demanding excursions. My mom is active and walks every day but I don't want to subject her to activities that are too strenuous (no snorkeling, maybe no hiking). Since it's her first cruise and we don't want to overdo it, would we be better off on Ovation of the Seas with a R/T itinerary and more to do on the ship...............OR a smaller ship like Radiance with a one way itinerary but less to do on the ship? I think my Mom would get a kick out of the cool technology on a Quantum class ship, but we want to enjoy the sights and see Alaska too. What are some excursions that would be appropriate and entertaining for young adults and a grandmother? I think my wife and I will enjoy it and try to go back in a few years. I am trying to run a marathon in all 50 states and would like to pair up one of the Alaska marathons before a cruise. What say you, wise RC Bloggers?

Cruise every week of the year and the OBC pays for your investment.

We attended our first Top tier event earlier this Summer and enjoyed it. It was nice to meet the officers and I was able to chat with the LA after the event. We would have gone sooner but the top tier events were scaled back and didn't include the lower tiers or cancelled due to COVID.

That sounds amazing. I use a backpack and small rolling bag for all of my clothes. My wife needs one bag for all of her shoes and workout clothes, and a separate bag for everything else. We will be D+ after our April cruise....free laundry! (is that for each of us or just one bag per cabin?)

The Balcony price on Symphony is hard to resist but the itinerary is not appealing. We have not done a TA but curious what the experience is like. Let me know how your trip went. Do they have the same amount of crew? Similar activities as cruises with sea days? Crossing the Atlantic could mean different weather and waves than a typical Caribbean cruise? Would you do it again?

I have the best answer...................Do BOTH!

Last time we had a Miami cruise, we found a great deal at the Embassy Suites (Miami Airport). They have transportation from airport to the hotel, but I don't think to the cruise port....we did an UBER from there. The hotel is very nice with large rooms and breakfast included.

Yes, the chocolate chip cookies are awesome at Coco Cay. Kummelwick at 270 is pretty good too.

WE got the Octopus for ourselves and take it on every cruise. The room attendants frequently use it as a prop when they leave us towel animals.

How about soda or water for a B2B? Anyone done this?

The blanket is 30" wide by 38" long. The octopus is 10" high and about 15" from tentacle to tentacle.

"Inky" is the name of the Octopus. Makes a great travel pillow. The blanket is pretty small. If you need exact dimensions, I can measure ours (once I find it).

We are sailing Odyssey and that itinerary in April and look forward to reading your blog!

The only offer I see through my personal AMEX is free specialty dining for a 6 night or longer cruise.

I have the Amex Platinum but do not see the offer listed. If I call my agent at MEI, will they be able to find it?

Very exciting for you @Lovetocruise2002......what are some fun things that happen on inaugural sailing compared to a regular one?

When is the group cruise and where is it going?

Icon looks fantastic and we are going to book a cruise with her very soon. I typically allow a new ship to work out the new systems and the crew to become familiar before booking. Most likely we will book in the Fall of 2024 or Winter of 2025. How about you, how soon will you book a trip on her? Anyone going to try for the inaugural sailing?

I have been successful finding the 3 night package for $100 or less.....so far. Not a lot of interest in purchasing above that price point.

Just read Matt's article about Icon. I can only summarize with the following 3 comments: Wow! WOW! WOW!!!!!!!!!