JohnK6404

Once again...

Happy New Year and have a GREAT cruise!

No, you're not alone! We all (our party) thought it was meh as well. I actually liked the behind-the-scenes Two70 show much better (where they demo all the technology and show off all the bells and whistles). We felt the same way about Blue Planet on Allure.

Prayers for your father and for you and your entire family. Of course, we'll all be following along!

Here's the RC flyer that's updated periodically through this link: rci_sales_event_USD.docx (rccl.com)

Sorry I missed this! Hope you had a Merry Christmas! Have a great time!!!

Yes, the DBP includes all specialty coffee items you would be entitled to using the coffee card. So, you would not need to buy a coffee card if you have the DBP. Also, you can use the DBP on all Starbucks products sold in the Cafe Promenade or Cafe270 on select ships. We used our DBP on our last 2 sailings on Wonder for everything on the menu shown below. Here is an example of the core Starbucks menu available in the Cafe Promenade that is included in the DBP: However, you cannot use the DBP or coffee card at any stand-alone Starbucks kiosks... Wonder had both a kiosk AND Cafe Promenade... at the kiosks, you must charge to your ship account or use Starbucks gift cards only...

Just an FYI for anyone is curious about the refund to CC turnaround of late with CP cancellations... I cancelled our Refreshment package and purchased the DBP this past Wednesday evening (12/20/23)... credit for the cancelled Refreshment package hit my credit card this morning (12/23/23) with a posting date of 12/21/23. Appears to be back to the "normal" turnaround time... at least for now! Final payment is not due for us until the end of January, but I'm going to make sure my o/s cruise balance is accurate when I make my final payment!

Thank you and Happy Holidays to you as well!

If you have not experienced Chef's Table, you may want to consider that instead. It finally appeared this week for our May 2024 sailing, and I booked it because we really enjoyed it on Odyssey last year. Looks like it's 5:30PM every night... takes 2-3 hours to get through all of the courses and wine pairings, etc. With the UDP, you only pay $49.99 in the end (can't speak to the mechanics of getting the price adjustment)... We skipped the UDP this time, but if you have any interest in an elevated experience, Chef's Table is great!

Yes, but apparently, it's not across the board... we sail on 5/11/24...

Yes, it finally dropped to the price I paid on Wonder last JAN and OCT ($72.99 pp).

WOW! You may need a vacation after your vacation! Have an amazing time!!!

Have a great time!

Have a great time! Two things on our wish list... sail on Harmony and go on a Christmas sailing!

Have an amazing time! Sounds like a great itinerary for sure!

I wonder if all the negative press/politics/attention this summer played any role and made Royal's decision easier to cut bait with the brand (I'm sure cost-cutting was primary reason!)... I'm assuming they want to steer clear of anything that may be considered controversial! https://www.foxbusiness.com/markets/ben-jerrys-independence-day-message-calls-stolen-indigenous-land-returned-native-americans https://www.benjerry.com/whats-new/2023/07/stolen-indigenous-land https://www.newsweek.com/ben-jerrys-icecream-indigenous-compensation-vermont-headquarters-1812807 This post made me think of this... maybe made the decision easier for Royal? Less expensive/cost-cutting alternative and avoidance of any possible controversy.

I think it also includes the scooter service back to your cabin after that 7th or 8th cocktail in 2-3 hours!

You will enjoy it! I agree with @RCIfan1912... Don't worry! Some of us (including me) are just nitpicking. We will definitely be sailing Quantum class again, we just personally prefer Oasis class if given the choice.

We really enjoyed our 8-night Southern Caribbean sailing early last year on Odyssey. Beautiful ship class with some unique features, but we still prefer Oasis class. The biggest issue in our limited experience (just one sailing on this class) is the crowd management/flow which is not nearly as efficient as Oasis class. The Esplanade was frequently congested since the Royal Theater and Music Hall dump directly into the Esplanade right near the pub. I was joking that it felt like the running of the bulls whenever a show let out! ... and that sailing was at reduced capacity (FEB 2022)! Also, since it's a more traditional ship design, you effectively only have two major common decks to traverse the ship... The Esplanade and the pool deck... no Boardwalk, Central Park, larger Promenade, or larger split pool deck of course to help traverse the ship. We will definitely sail this class again based on the itineraries they offer which are not available on Oasis class (Alaska, Bermuda occasionally, Greek Isles, 10-12 night Southern Caribbean sailings out of Bayonne, etc.).

Interesting read and comparison (pricing comparison to) between Star and the new Celebrity Xcel posted by Allie today: Royal Caribbean's new cruise ship prices are more expensive than Celebrity's new premium ship | Royal Caribbean Blog

Interesting comparison (pricing comparison to) between Star and the new Celebrity Xcel posted by Allie today: Royal Caribbean's new cruise ship prices are more expensive than Celebrity's new premium ship | Royal Caribbean Blog

Hi @JasonOasis! Yes, funnels are retractable… 42 second mark of the official RC video from their YouTube channel… I have no idea if it will clear the Verrazano, but one can wish! Here’s the official video of the bridge crossing… I also like the shot of the underside of the bridge deck looking up from Central Park!

I know! Insane! That is literally $1,200 more than my wife and I paid for midship OV balconies on BOTH Wonder (last month) AND Icon (next May) combined ($2,600 and $3,200 respectively)! We did book both sailings right after the schedules were released well over a year in advance.

Absolutely no desire right now due to the ridiculous pricing and since these are the identical itineraries we recently sailed on Wonder or will be sailing next May on Icon. This will give us a chance to book some of the many ships we have not had the pleasure of sailing on to date including Symphony, Harmony, Ovation, Anthem, Mariner, on and on!