Linda R

We always do a transatlantic cruise in the spring. For many years. Never had the dates changed on us, but it could happen. We are also taking transatlantic cruise this next spring and flying back to states from Barcelona. We might be on same cruise. I usually use airline points for return flights and have got them for very cheap the past 2 years. Like 40,000 to 70,000 points on Delta, and that is back to Montana. Not sure what we are doing for our flights home from Barcelona yet. I will be looking into it soon, and can check air2sea also.

We were on Odyssey for transatlantic cruise this year April/May and that is when they had Quest in sports complex. So you must have went after us in May, when they did not have it at all. Interesting.

On Odyssey this year they held it in the Sports Plex, inside. You basically had to stand the whole show. I was not happy. And most of the people were watching from the second level that made it near impossible to come down to join a quest.

Ovation has my vote

I have no issues with using cruise credits.

I have the Reserve card with American Express. Free luggage, priority at airports, pre-check, Sky Club access, points for travel, etc.. And yes, I pay $550 annually for it but has paid off.

I cruise a lot. Have had a few issues but always been handled onboard to above my satisfaction. I am a happy camper.

When I did it they gave you 2 cupcakes. And I have celiac and they had gluten free cupcakes to decorate that I was happy about. But the class is a little spendy.

I do not know of a credit card, except the Royal Caribbean one that can be used on cruises. I have a Delta Amex though as I have to fly to any cruises I book and can get free flights and companion tickets. I cruise several times a year so the air miles and companions help a lot.

We are using a Super Shuttle in October, $20 per person. We are taking it from Hotel in Cape Canaveral area to airport. But we are unable to take it when we arrive in Orlando as it has its last shuttle leaves at 5pm and we arrive after that. So we booked a private transfer.

I have done it a couple of times and thought it was fun.

On Oasis class ships the Jazz Club is now a non-smoking casino. No more stinky clothes.

Personally I do not see that you will see better, or more, with a larger balcony.

I also sleep well on their mattresses

It could be that many of them had kids with them and the kids did not have passports. We traveled with grandkids last month. While we have passports the grandkids did not, so we had to go to the line for people with birth certificates.

Yes, always use a travel agent. They are fabulous to use for any trips.

Maybe the UDP is sold out for those cruises? They do sell out on some sailings far in advance. Just a guess

Costco does not take Amex

I usually have 3-6 cruises booked at any given time. Some are back-to-back. And I book almost 2 years out, or as soon as available. Currently though I have 8 cruises booked, 3 are back-to-back cruises though.

I book cruises early. Pretty much as soon as they are available. And prices change drastically in a few months. Or a year later. Connecting cabins are not readily available. And costs can rise sharply. I would keep the cabins that you originally booked.

Some of the same issues I experienced on older class ships. I will pretty much only sail on newer ships. We did take Brilliiance for 2 weeks last fall for Greece. And ship was fairly good. Very few restaurants though and had 3 bad meals in Chops. But I did book for ports not the ship. I usually book for the ship.

I decorate my door for the season. And still put up a white board. It is very fun

agree

While I do not carry on my luggage onto a cruise ship, I must say that I have had more damage to my luggage done on cruise ships or with porters at the docks that with the airlines. I have been on over 50 cruises and have to fly to all of them. I do carry on my carry-on bags and my other luggage is just over carry-on size. I no longer have large luggage. But I always carry off all of my luggage.

I have enjoyed central park balconies. But your sun will be limited. You also get less wind, so can sit out more often.