Linda R

Will not be out until late this year. I am also waiting to book cruises in 2025.

I have been on both ships a number of times. My overall favorite class is Oasis. More to do, more restaurants, and I like the layout. Odyssey is a newer ship though but overall I like Oasis. I do like 270 room on Odyssey and the 270 Cafe. Also like Giovanni's Kitchen better than the regular Giovanni's. Oasis class has some Broadway shows that I really like, and I do enjoy Cats. Although Cats is not most people's favorite. The Aqua shows are great and so are ice skating shows, which Odyssey does not have. Congratulations and have a wonderful time!

The new adults only beach will add more space and hopefully a restaurant in that area. But I hate to see the island being maxed for people all the time. I wish it was just for Royal ships.

The App will show when you can check-in. Usually about 45 days ahead. I have a Oct. 1st stailing and check-in is mid-August. I already wrote in on my calendar so I do not miss it.

Porter can hold them for you at hotel. And often your room is ready early. In fact, earlier this month our room was ready when we checked in at 10am. Depends on how busy they are and how soon they can be cleaned. You can often request early check-in also.

I am also waiting for Transatlantic schedule for spring 2025. I always book as soon as they come out. You can figure out a couple ships maybe but until they release schedule one never knows. I am doing Oasis TA next year, and did Odyssey this year. Do not like taking the smaller ships TA.

You can pretty much get lounge chair, but if you want one of the big beds or sofa's you need to get there pretty early. I just made reservations for lunch once I got there.

I always buy travel insurance. And use a 3rd party company.

I just traveled with our 3 grandchildren and since they are minors and in same cabin we could bring them into Coastal Kitchen. And I really was glad as I really enjoy Coastal Kitchen. But when you go to CK they will ask your cabin number and see who is staying in that cabin. Thus they will know that your father-i-law is not in the suite and be denied. With a nice tip you may be able to get his in occasionally though. Which is what I have done for my sister and her husband in another cabin. Just be flexible with the dates and times. Some nights are way busier in CK than others. Have a great time.

We once had a bag missing when we disembarked. It was taken by mistake by another passenger. When it seemed everyone had black luggage. Ended up the person who took it called right away and lived about 60 min from the port. Also lucky we had booked a rental car for a few extra days in Florida and could just drive up and get it. Am not sure what would have happened if that were not the case. A person in our party once also had a bag missing. And it was also black. It was again taken by someone else and the cruise line did mail it back, but took about 3-4 weeks to receive. We no longer carry large luggage. And for few years now always carry our luggage off ship. Just makes it easier all the way around. Plus we can just get off when we want. Problem solved.

I am not a fan of Labadee either. And every time I go I end up with bites, sand fleas I think. Much prefer Coco Cay. For the beaches, food, and what's available. I never feel crowded at Coco Cay either.

I like: Sensation Inspiration Pearl Elation Pride Joy

Yes, boarding begins when the ship is cleared. The back-to-back passengers are first to re-board. Then suites, then Pinnacle. Which are seated in a different waiting area. After that is the other guests, usually in an order, first to check-in to board first. That is how you are normally seated in the waiting area.

No, did not book. I do not go on 3 or 4 day cruises. So, am hoping later in 2025 they will offer 7 nights or longer. And when they offer 7 nights I will book back to back cruises. Hopefully they will offer longer than 4 nights then. Pretty much 10 days is shortest cruise I will book. Prefer 14 nights though.

I enjoyed reading your post. And agree with about all of it. The MDR is awful now. The past 2 cruises I have not eaten at the MDR. Except for a breakfast here and there. I also don't understand having all the flyers in your cabin all the time and they all get thrown out. Especially the big colorful one about the art auction. Bring back the paper Compass please. I do use the App, but really also like a paper Compass. Much easier to read at-a-glance.

I book cruises on new ships as soon as they become available to book, but I do not sail for about a year after inaugural sailing. On other bookings I also book about as soon as reservations are available. Booking often 2 years in advance. Those are the best prices. If they prices go down, which lately they never do, you can change the fare to the lower amount. As long as it is before final pymt.

I am sure they will have them.

I travel all the time with Delta mileage. I usually only use them for international flights, which I do yearly. Often saving up for 2+ years, or try for first class. Domestic flights I try and use companion tickets. I have used mileage for flights for years and start looking for the the flights early. The amount of miles you need change often, sometimes they drop by half. I have gotten great deals with mileage points. This year getting flight from Rome to Montana for about 40,000 miles.

Yes, you would have to pay the new room rate. It is like a new booking, rates do not hold for another cruise usually.

I also pay off my credit cards every month. And have high credit limits. If I ever had a need to gamble lots of money I would just take a draw on my SeaPass card, which is linked to my credit card. But I gamble very little and my draws on my Seapass card are $200-$300 for gambling. If at all. You can bring always bring cash and put in your safe when not using.

Try not to worry. And is way to early to see where Brett is traveling or if it fizzes out. I have traveled when hurricanes are around. Hurricanes move slow and ships can avoid them pretty much. Only problem is possible land fall to a place you will port. Then you could have a port cancelled or changed. I would not even think twice about it. And most all hurricanes are in September-ish.

Leave your passport on ship in safe in your cabin. They say to bring photo ID and drivers license will do. But I made copy of our passports and carry those.

As far as I know yes that is true. It used to be free all the time, but now just port days. I do not know about reserving in advance as I have just done it on the app once on ship. But I would think you could do it in advance?

Symphony is a newer ship. Symphony has Playmakers and Hooked restaurants that I like. And both production plays are good. Flight and Hairspray. Harmony has good productions plays also Grease and Columbus (a comedy). Harmony has 2 different shows in the Aqua theatre. The second one is Hideaway Heist, a comedy. Both are good shows. I am not as fond of the ice skating show on Harmony, kinda blah. In Oasis class ships I like being able to use my drink vouchers (or drink package if you have that) at Vitality Cafe. They have healthy smoothies and drinks you can get, and pick your own ingredients. I usually get a fruit based drink. On both ships, and all Oasis ships I think, there is no longer a jazz club, and I miss it. They put a non-smoking casino in it's place, which was much needed. You will not go wrong in what ship you pick. Have a good time!

No cruise ship is perfect., or the best. Everyone is different. My favorite Aqua show happens to be Aqua 80. I have favorite ice shows, or production shows, etc. etc. Overall though I like Oasis class for more options. But I will switch around ships for the variety in shows. Am going on Wonder in 3 months for the first time. Then Icon next year. I will see what those ships bring. No matter what I will enjoy them as I do all cruises. Just enjoy the ships.