Chadster

I've been in this very head-space for a couple of weeks. I've been looking at a June cruise on Oasis that has a really good price, but I'm want to commit the money unless I knew for sure it was a go -- and sadly, there's a chance that I wouldn't know until a day or two before.

That might actually be a good idea, now that I think about it -- in case there's a group specialty-dining night or something. Maybe I'll just go ahead and take advantage of the lower price for it; I was planning on doing lunch at Chops on embarkation day anyway, so adding that in to the price of the 3-night and figuring in any other specialty lunches, the UDP might be the best value. It's currently only $154 for the 7 nights with the sale that runs through mid-May. Sorry...thinking out loud! ?

Do you think the 3-night package would make more sense on a Brilliance 7-night? I'm definitely planning on the UDP for an 8-night Anthem cruise, but of course there are a ton more options.

That's what makes me saddest about my June cruise on Adventure being cancelled: I snagged an aft-facing junior suite and was really looking forward to that view! ?

I had gallbladder surgery late last year and had a tough time bouncing back, and was worried I was going to overdo it, so It started out as "Oh, I'll just do it for January and see how it goes," and then "I'll see how it goes for February". And then... wham. I figured for the $41 price tag on the October cruise, I can stick mostly with my normal inhalation of Coke Zero and coffee, but add a beer or even mix a Jack or two with said Coke Zero and get my money's worth each day. Plus, I think we need more research...

Actually, the only reason I was taking an on-campus class this semester is because I wanted a break from the house for a bit. Most of my work's online. Everybody's been like "oh, this must be pretty easy for you, huh?" Yeah, no...it's definitely getting to me -- and yet, I've somehow managed not to imbibe since New Year's Eve. If I can keep the streak going, I'm planning on breaking it on Brilliance in October during the group cruise. I mean, RCCL clearly wants me to drink -- the DBP's only $41 a night on that trip!

Have two cruises coming up later this year -- one on Brilliance in October, and one on Anthem for Thanksgiving. I'm honestly still eyeing one in June just after the proposed re-start date. I've only been on one other cruise and was a bit underwelmed with the experience (on another line, and in the Western Caribbean, which for me was kinda...meh.), but as I look back on it, I really enjoyed the overall feel of being out on the water and having the choice of so many activities or to just do my own thing. And of course, enjoy the food. ?

That's where I'll be staying for my Thanksgiving trip!

November 21-29, 2020 (Thanksgiving at Sea!) -- Anthem of the Seas

You certainly are one of a kind... ?

Oh, trust me -- screen-shotted and saved in my Twitter messages! I was actually shocked they told me this...I wasn't really expecting it, but I'm the type who would rather ask for clarification and be told "no" than to miss out on a possibility.

This is exactly what I'm doing in November. Well, actually, even more direct -- flying or taking the train to EWR and then heading right to the terminal morning of. Yes, I know normally people wouldn't advise this, but I've heard it works well for Newark/Cape Liberty. All flights from here are non-stop, so I can grab a super-early one. I know things might look a bit grim in the New York metro right now, but I believe in the medical workers and the people of New York and New Jersey. Yes, there's a chance a second wave of the virus could strike in late fall/early winter. Or next spring for that matter. Until there's a vaccine, that's a risk. It's also nearly 7 months away for me. I believe that as long as cruise ships are sailing again by then, I and many others will be on them. And we'll be smart, follow directions, and adjust to any "new normal" aboard. Yes, all of this in spite of the possibility of being told to quarantine for 14 days afterward -- let's face it...at this point, 14 days is a cakewalk! -- and the possibility of people generally scowling at me because I'm "one of those cruise types". Dang right, I am. My first cruise (albeit on another line) was some of the most fun I've had on a vacation! And at this point, I need that. I need to get away. I need something to look forward to. I'll wear a mask. I'll spend a certain amount of time in my cabin (part of why I'm booking a balcony). I will do whatever I'm told as long as it means I get to be enjoying one of my favorite days -- Thanksgiving -- on Anthem, especially because I've got a friend who might wanna actually go with me! If I'm told I can't go, then I trust that Royal and others are making the decision that's best. Until I'm told otherwise, I'll look forward to going, and I'll be prepared to do my part to stay safe and well on board and in ports of call. @alamode123, I hope whatever you do, you don't make any decisions right now, 9 months out. While "Cruise With Confidence" may or may not still be in place to give lots of extra cushion, you still have 6 months before you hit the final payment date, and a lot can happen in 6 months.

I'm about to begin week 8 of being distanced -- week 7 of forced distancing (I left for spring break and never got to go back... ? ). My life thus far:

The "hump" balcony cabins you mention -- do you mean like 8262 in this diagram?

Is this just teasing the "Apollo 18" escape room that was formally announced recently? Or do you think they'll have another connection? I mean, I'd be all for more space stuff -- I'm such a space nerd, I spent my 18th birthday at Space Camp! ?

I know -- I was picking on the fact that you were suggesting Odyssey be a "fun ship" -- that's an entirely different cruise line all together. ? ?(I amuse myself too easily!) A show with actual cats doing acrobatics or just being cats? Yes! That other "show"? Will they let me sit in a lifeboat or down in the engine room til it's over?

Thanks; that's what I was thinking, but I don't judge things very well from videos or still images -- I'd much rather have some actual insight from folks. There's about a $150 difference, and I figure I'll just grab a regular balcony (if for nothing else, so I can stretch have a quiet "me moment" outside for a few). I really appreciate the thorough answers from y'all! ?

So, I'm looking at cruising on Anthem for Thanksgiving, and I'm already set on a balcony cabin because of the FCC I'll have. Of course, they can't make this easy for someone like me who is basically pathologically incapable of making a decision without thinking through every possibility! ? So, my question is: if you were going to pick a balcony on Anthem...where? And why? I see these interesting-looking "spacious balcony" offerings, but even after watching videos and looking at pictures, I'm not sure what to think. It looks like the balconies are bigger, but the rooms slightly smaller? Would these balconies provide more protection from the wind since it'll be November in the upper parts of the North American Atlantic? (I'm used to cold weather -- I'll use my balcony every day, weather be danged! :P) I'm a solo traveler. Regular balcony, and perhaps watch for a price drop or a RoyalUp opportunity? There's just $150 difference right now, but as we all know, there could be wild price swings between now and then! Some day, I'll actually take my first RCCL cruise and have some frame of reference! ?

So, before my June 4 cruise on Adventure was cancelled, they changed the itinerary due to Canadian port closures and offered us up to $450 in refundable OBC if we chose to sail, as opposed to cancelling for a refund or an FCC. I was curious, so I messaged the RCCL social-media team on Twitter last week. After checking into it, they notified me today that I'll still receive that OBC, and it'll be issued along with the FCC on or about May 22. I shall wait to see how that unfolds.

Thanks -- should've known it would be something straightforward like that! Apparently, cursing at my computer got things working again, but it's good to see this for future reference!

Are you suggesting by your thread title that Odyssey be a... FUN SHIP? ? --- My vote would be for "Phantom of the Opera" or "The Music Man" -- but man, "Hamilton" would be quite the coup!

Hey, all, is there a specific number at RCCL to call that can help me with cruise-planner purchases? For some reason, none of the browsers on my PC are logging in to cruise planner. I click on "Plan my cruise" and get dumped right back to the login screen despite already being logged in. ? I swear, if I miss out on a $41/day drink package because I can't buy it before prices go back up...