Chadster

The awesome thing I discovered while comparing the cruise value (not just the price) was that if I pick the right 3 perks (classic beverage package, $300 OBC, and prepaid gratuities), I actually come out ahead, since as a solo cruiser, I'd get the entire OBC amount added to my account. I can do the upgrade to the premium beverage package and still have plenty left to put toward excursions or a specialty dining experience or something! 😃 I'm not sold on unlimited internet, simply because Alaska is port-intensive, and I'd have at least some semblance of mobile data and the ability to make calls in port. I honestly like the idea of "disconnecting" while I'm on the cruise, and just doing brief check-ins in ports. The one school-related thing I'd need connectivity for, I can simply do offline aboard ship, and then send it when we get into port using either my mobile data or wifi.
And I may book the refundable fare just because it's a bit further out than I want to chance, and then change to the nonrefundable fare later, like shortly before final payment.
So, I'm settled on X for sure. Now, to just decide between a 9-day journey or a 7-day journey (using the extra savings from the 7-day toward excursions or my airfare/hotel for one night each before and after the cruise).
I really appreciate your answers and insights! 🙂

I've repriced my May cruise to New England and Canada 3 times in the two weeks since I booked it. Two of those times saved me a total of $150, which I got back from Royal Caribbean the other day. The third time, though the price was lower, my TA alerted me that the lower fare would mean losing OBC that was basically equal to the third fare drop. I decided to just keep the OBC since it was basically a wash.
I never used a TA before I came across this blog and have started looking into cruising as often as I can; I'm definitely already a believer in having one! 🙂

That 11-day Ultimate Alaska itinerary would be fantastic! Alas, my only real free time in May of this year is spoken for by an early-season Canada/New England cruise on Grandeur from out of Baltimore, which means not having to spring for airfare!
If I do pull the trigger on Alaska next year, it'll definitely be in May. And as of now, I'm leaning heavily toward spending the extra money and taking the 9-day cruise on Eclipse, simply because X's prices seem really filled with value right now.
I saw Ovation when I originally started looking at Alaska cruises before I decided I wanted to sail out of Vancouver. That "virtual balcony" they include with most interior cabins looks fascinating, and an interesting money-saving alternative to an actual balcony!

I've heard great things about both Empress and Grandeur! I know Grandeur will be sailing off into the sunset partway into 2021, so I couldn't help myself -- I had to get one additional cruise on her; thanks to a #YOLO booking today, I'll be Royaling it up for Christmas! 😃
December 18, 2020 -- Grandeur of the Seas to the Bahamas including Perfect Day at CoCoCay by way of Charleston (history nerd alert!) and Port Canaveral (space nerd alert!). I actually chose this cruise not only to celebrate the end of the fall semester, but also so I can visit two places I've always wanted to; the Bahamas and CocoCay were actually just "bonus ports" that will get me my quota of sun for the winter! 😄

I've heard great things about both Empress and Grandeur! I know Grandeur will be sailing off into the sunset partway into 2021, so I couldn't help myself -- I had to get one additional cruise on her; thanks to a #YOLO booking today, I'll be Royaling it up for Christmas! 😃
December 18, 2020 -- Grandeur of the Seas to the Bahamas including Perfect Day at CoCoCay by way of Charleston (history nerd alert!) and Port Canaveral (space nerd alert!). I actually chose this cruise not only to celebrate the end of the fall semester, but also so I can visit two places I've always wanted to; the Bahamas and CocoCay were actually just "bonus ports" that will get me my quota of sun for the winter! 😄

May 14, 2020 -- Grandeur of the Seas to New England and Canada

May 14, 2020 -- Grandeur of the Seas to New England and Canada

The safe thing to do is to make a refundable deposit now on a future cruise.  This is assuming you are not booking full suites which are non-refundable deposits only.
Refundable bookings can be converted to non-refundable or cancelled without fees.  Once on board you can price the same cruise.  If it's cheaper or you get more OBC then make a new booking with Next Cruise and cancel your fully refundable booking.
Prices tend go increase over time so you may find your refundable rate is better than what Next Cruise can offer in the future.

I decided to get the Deluxe package on my upcoming cruise on Grandeur. The penny-pincher side of me figured out how many adult beverages I'd need a night to make it worth it (I also drink a lot of Coke during the day, as well as coffee now and again). We'll see how close I stay to that line...or how far I stumble over it. 😄

Back in the day before drink packages you'd be billed at the end of the cruise and you'd receive your account print out just as you do today; letter sized papers tucked behind your stateroom room number in the hallway.
If you woke up early enough not only would you get your bad news but you could see how many sheets of paper other staterooms received.
 
As embarrassing as it was for how big my tome would be; it was good to see that there were others that had screws from their number plate ripped out of the wall. Then there would be that quiet, older couple down the hall and their single sheet....I knew they were weird.
 
Drink packages are a BIG improvement.
 

I decided to get the Deluxe package on my upcoming cruise on Grandeur. The penny-pincher side of me figured out how many adult beverages I'd need a night to make it worth it (I also drink a lot of Coke during the day, as well as coffee now and again). We'll see how close I stay to that line...or how far I stumble over it. 😄

Thanks for the additional insight, all! It sounds like Empress would be a great ship for this particular cruise. I also like the fact it's a smaller ship, as of course is Grandeur for my upcoming cruise in May. I honestly feel overwhelmed just reading about some of the "large and in charge" ships in the RCCL fleet!

Thanks for the additional insight, all! It sounds like Empress would be a great ship for this particular cruise. I also like the fact it's a smaller ship, as of course is Grandeur for my upcoming cruise in May. I honestly feel overwhelmed just reading about some of the "large and in charge" ships in the RCCL fleet!

We checked ours one night on Harmony.. We had the deluxe package.. The screen went on for about 8 pages.. Yep.. we got ship-faced lol 

I decided to get the Deluxe package on my upcoming cruise on Grandeur. The penny-pincher side of me figured out how many adult beverages I'd need a night to make it worth it (I also drink a lot of Coke during the day, as well as coffee now and again). We'll see how close I stay to that line...or how far I stumble over it. 😄

I decided to get the Deluxe package on my upcoming cruise on Grandeur. The penny-pincher side of me figured out how many adult beverages I'd need a night to make it worth it (I also drink a lot of Coke during the day, as well as coffee now and again). We'll see how close I stay to that line...or how far I stumble over it. 😄

Well, the child tested positive for the flu. She has been quarantined to the shed in our back yard. Food/drink will be sent via sling shot.......Just kidding.....sorta. She does have the flu, she has started Tamiflu and scripts have been sent to the pharmacy for the rest of us just in case. Currently disinfecting the entire house and stocking up on OJ etc. We have all been taking immunity boosting vitamins so hopefully the rest of us will be spared.

Thank you for linking to @twangster's pictures -- Empress looks like a great "little" ship!