Va4fam

We will be in Alaska in less than a month and debating the coat/rain jacket/poncho and rain pants what to pack issue too. Most likely bringing a small jacket to wear over layers instead of a coat. I have a lightweight pair of rain pants that roll up, dry quickly, and offer protection against not just rain, but wet surfaces too (think about sitting down on wet seats/benches) etc. They are also nice on windy days.

Allure would be similar size as Wonder, just not as new. It would be the least "jazziest" Oasis class ship but still a very nice ship. Radiance will be significantly smaller with less bells and whistles but might be less expensive and less of a party vibe.

Because of the ship.......or the itinerary?

Are you saying Vision might not be ideal with 3 sea days at the beginning and 3 more at the end of the trip?

Thank you everyone for your helpful responses......I think we would be happy with either ship. How about the ports.....we have not been to San Juan, St. Lucia, St. Kitts, St. Croix, Antigua, or Barbados. What are some of the highlights? Can't miss things to see or do?

5 sea days on Anthem, 6 on Vision. Will be cold leaving/returning to NJ or MD that time of year

No kids for this trip. Have been on Anthem but not Vision.....is there a huge drop off in food options and entertainment?

Help us choose!!! Looking at 2 cruises in early 2024: San Juan-St. Thomas-St. Maarten-St. Lucia-St. Kitts on Anthem out of Bayonne for 11 nights OR St. Croix-St. Maarten-Antigua-Barbados-St. Kitts on Vision out of Baltimore for 12 nights. Bayonne is a 6 hour drive, cruise is more expensive, (3 new ports for us)but really like Quantum class ships Baltimore is a 90 minute drive, cruise is less expensive (4 new ports for us) but smaller/older ship. Can't go wrong with either choice, but appreciate any thoughts you have about the itineraries and ships.

We were on Odyssey last month and stayed on the 12th floor. Just 2 easy flights up to pool deck, activities, WJ, and El Loco Fresh. Easy to walk down to the Esplanade or take elevator. Take the 10th floor if you still have that option.

Sorry @Lombert that the trip has been disappointing. Seems like you were patient, asked for help, and some things didn't work out. It happens but still frustrating. Just my opinion........Several posts suggested bringing your tea if it's essential. Should you have to do that? No....but might be a good idea. Personally I have issues with the app during check in and bring a printed version of all documents just in case it happens again. No more headache. I agree the MDR food and service has declined significantly. Maybe Royal's plan is to prioritize the Key, Specialty Dining, and Suite guests? Our Chef's table was phenomenal but MDR was horrible. Do we have to pay more for better service? It shouldn't be optional. The crew and attendants seem to be working harder than ever .....many have admitted they are tired. I watched the airline industry go through this since the pandemic. They have had high profile meltdowns. Are the few extra dollars on the bottom line worth the impact on the people you trust to take care of your customers and assets? I have cruises booked on Princess next month and Celebrity next year. Curious to see if they are faring better. Again, wish you had a better experience. You can always vote with your wallet and try a different cruise line or a land based vacation.

We have been loyal to Royal since 2017. We enjoy the perfect mix of festive and fun over o stuffy/formal or party/party. Now that we are D+, two of our next three cruises will be on different lines....Princess in Alaska, and Celebrity for partial Panama Canal. We are excited that some of our status will be enjoyed on Celebrity.

At least those are in the ballpark. Cabana prices and Coco Beach Club have gone through the roof. As a stockholder, thanks to everyone paying the higher rates. I'll stick with Resort for a Day or Nachi/Mr. Sanchos for reasonable rates.

We just sailed Odyssey a month ago. It was Easter/Spring Break and most likely near full capacity. Many cruise planner activities were never made available before the cruise. The Book was sold out and unavailable during the entire cruise. We were able to see some of it from where NextCruise is located.

Agreed that many of these prices are unrealistic right now. We booked the prices I listed for internet, soda, refreshment and dining packages last summer.

I've seen the key at $18.99. Internet for $11.99 Soda package $ 6.99 Refreshment package $18.99 Drink package $18 !! (but $59 was best we ever used) 3 night dining package $ 89 And the one that irks me the most because I never got to use it.....Coco Beach Club $49. It's probably double or triple that now.

@Twangster......your remodeling example works but a more accurate scenario is having a rental house that you remodel to stay competitive with other rental houses or perhaps charge higher rates to get a better return on investment.

We've noticed ducks being placed or dropped into sculptures and artwork. We won't touch those, but others we find get adopted and released on our next ship.

Great pic. Glad Mr. Odyssey bear made it safely to his (or her?) new home!

The shipbuilding video is still on Channel 1 or 2. The videos vary but I saw one with the original ships like Song of Norway and Empress to the latest video for Wonder. I think it comes on the same channel that the cruise director uses for the morning updates and activities.

10 drink punch cards. Skypads. Paper Cruise Compass. Plastic straws even though I agree with why we don't use them anymore. Reasonably priced drink packages.

We always leave cash at the end of the trip. But on port days we always ask if they would like anything. Most politely decline. Sometimes they will ask and the most frequent request is chocolate/chocolate bars. Always get a great response when we give them the chocolate!

Just sailed Navigator in February and flew in/out of LAX. We walked off the ship at 7:45, in parking lot at 8, waited for UBER about 25 minutes, and were at LAX by 9:00 AM. No major issues with ship delays or traffic that day. 10:30 AM is doable, but you might be cutting it close. Does your airline have additional flights in case you arrive late that day?

You can't go wrong with port or sea day. It's a great experience to be so high up and looking at the ship, or port, etc. We did ours on Anthem in Port Canaveral during sunset and highly recommend.

@CrimsonCruiser......just got back from Odyssey and picked up a bear for you. Send me an email with how to get it to you.

We just got back from 8 day Southern Caribbean on Odyssey 2 days ago. It was one of the best cruises we've ever had. Perhaps the length of the trip reduces the frequency of Royal's schedule, but there seem to be numerous options.