Linda R

I often stay at Springhill Suites on trips. I like them. But have not stayed at the one in Newark so cannot comment on specifics there.

Thank you

flights and hotels should be covered by travel insurance. And possibly the cruise if not fully refunded.

I agree, always book travel insurance. I also do not do GTY cabins. I do not want a cabin in the bow, so always book the cabin location.

Looking for Symphony fall 2025. Anyone know when it will be out?

I think most ships now are pretty full. I never have felt overwhelmed with the amount of people on ships. There is definitely times and places there are lots of people at one time but also are places to get away from people. Even though the larger ships have more people, they also have more space. So it all equals out.

I would go for CP view personally. I like having a window and the light. CP balconies are nice too. Less money than an ocean view balcony and can get fresh air and some sun.

Also limited seating in Hibachi. Used to be they gave you a credit there, now is a surcharge. And I have also been on ships where Hibachi is not in the dining plan at all. Some ships Hibachj has lunch also. A better time to go I think.

I have not had any issues using Wifi on any of the ships.

Where in Seattle area did you live? I lived in Isssaquah. Moved there in 80's on plateau when no one lived there! haha

I do not know of any specific drink right now. But I often just go to a bar and just ask them to make something without alcohol. Often I will go back and ask what it was so I can have it again.

I do not get an opportunity to dress up very much and look forward to it on a cruise.

The kids sail free is never good for holidays, summer, etc. If the 50% off for kids is available for more sailings, ones where kids sail free is not offered, it could be a good deal.

My choice would be Harmony. I love Central Park area. Also has more restaurants, shows, bars, etc. Newer ship too. Yes, there are more people but it is also a larger ship. I never felt any more crowded on an Oasis ship than on a smaller ship.

Oasis class is my favorite. I like newer ships. More restaurants, entertainment, etc. Of the Oasis class my favorite is Symphony. Anthem class I also enjoy, especially Odyssey. Have not been on Wonder or Icon yet. Have Icon booked for 2 weeks next year though. I had to cancel Wonder 2 week cruise last month. Except for Wonder I have been on every ship Royal Caribbean has.

I like dressing up and wish more people did. But pretty much anything goes these days.

I cruise a few weeks a year. And have been cruising since the 80's. Just turned Pinnacle this year. I always use a a travel agent. I research cruises and choose the ones I would like to book and pick the stateroom I want. I mostly book a cruise as soon as it becomes available to get the best rates. My travel agent is in Seattle area, where I used to live. I now live in Montana and still use her. She has been my TA over 30 years. Mostly she has helped with issues/problems I may come across with cruises. Any problem she is right there to take care of it. Faster and with more knowledge than I have. Saved me lots of money and many hours of time. She can also help with any transportation I need, hotels, and tours. I highly recommend using a TA all the time. They can save you so much time and money.

I agree

There is always a possibility. But I would say unlikely. I did not know you could even book for 2026 yet?

Unfortunately I doubt if you will get higher that Jr Suite because they will offer Royal Up's to suite guests. They will bid on larger suites leaving Jr suites left.

Agree. Best prices are not as soon as you can book them, unlike cruise prices. Just check to get a base price and keep checking over next few weeks or months. Most expensive days to fly are Fridays and Sundays. London has 3 airports. As many cities have more than 1 airport or another airport very close. Check all those airport options when looking for flights. Look for deals. I have booked flights from less expensive airport to or from Europe, and then another flight within the US to home. Lots of ways to save money. Also get an airlines credit card. You sometimes can get enough points by just opening the account for Europe tickets. At least 1. Or roundtrip US tickets to a less expensive airport for Europe. Or be creative, like some of our friends. They got 3 credit airline credit cards for the points they offered for new accounts. They then took 3 different airlines to and from Australia.

Just keep checking every couple days. I am thinking you will get a better rate sooner or later. I always chack as soon as they are available for a base cost. Then keep checking over next couple months.

I just booked Comfort Plus on Delta for $1376 for next May. And used airline points for one of them. So on second free flight only paid taxes. This year in May I had got tickets for under $1000 per person main cabin. You just need to check around for flights once they open up and check with what the cruiseline can do for their flights too. I always book my own though, and do better. Check rates often, and usually on Tues or Wed. I also will stay a day longer or before if rates are better for a certain day of the week. As long as the savings are more than the cost of hotel room. Flights open up for booking about 10 months in advance.

I think they will still dock in Lahaina as many people go to other areas on the island anyway. I often rent a car when in Hawaii on a cruise stop. On the big island I rent a car as can see both Hilo and Kona. Plus orchid farm and macadamia nut factory. Have a great time.

I avoid summer cruises because of mostly too hot of weather and more kids. I also avoid holidays mostly for all the kids on the ship.