nferr

They allow you crackers and water!

My Indepence cruise is scheduled to stop at Labadee on Nov. 6, 2026. I'm sure I'm going to worry and lose sleep for the next 19 months. What if they run out of Tequila??!!

I don't understand. If she doesn't have the full drink package they'll just charge for the drink. I'm sure there's plenty of people who buy the refreshment package who still enjoy an occasional cocktail.

Royal's pricing has shot through the roof, especially if cruising solo. My last two cruises have been on the MSC Meraviglia out of NY, and I'm leaving in two weeks on the same ship for ten nights to the Carribean. My last cruise in December was a seven night to the Bahamas. I had a solo balcony facing aft, the unlimited drink package and free wifi for $825 and a $150 OBC, basically a net of $675. I find the MDR food to be better than Royal's, the buffet has more variety on Royal, but MDC has by far the best pizza at sea. Royal has more complimentary eating venues, better entertainment, and overall, I prefer Royal but at maybe a 20% price differential, not double or triple. And I'm over halfway to getting from Diamond to Diamond+ on Royal. The Meraviglia is a beautiful ship and is very well maintained, still looks brand new. That said I'm booked on a ten nighter from NY to the southern Carribean in Oct. 2026 on the Independence. That one ends in Miami so the prices are very good even for a solo. Might still make that Diamond+ if I find a couple more to book.

I take Amtrak from Bridgeport CT to Cape Liberty every time. I get off at Newark Penn Station and Uber from there. Bridgeport is only about 90 minutes from Newark by train so I do it the same day. I think it leaves about 10am or so. I usually get to Cape Liberty around 12:30.

On Anthem I usually hit 270 for breakfast. Get the egg mcmuffin type sandwich and a fruit cup. Kummelweck sandwich or two for lunch a couple of times on each cruise. Very relaxing atmosphere.

I take Amtrak from Connecticut to Newark and uber from there. I would just take more than one uber for 12 people. I don't know if you can find a private service for that short a distance.

They sat me alone on the Anthem in December and that was a full sailing. They didn't ask me but that what I would have requested anyway. I had My Time dining but I reserved the same time each night in advance.

10/15 Oasis

I agree from just looking at the menus. I'm glad the Oasis still has GT for my cruise next month.

I understand, but it's an OPTION. If it's not for you simply don't pay for it and find another nice quiet spot on the island. And if the RCL cruise experience is not what you prefer - again look for a cruise line that caters more to the quiet, more sedate style of cruising. Holland America, maybe Celebrity for example.

I think some people would be much happier with 55+ only sailings.

Reserving in your cart really does nothing until you pay. It "reserves" nothing.

I'll be on that cruise. Far from Star Class though. Booked in a 14'th floor interior room, actually right next door to the Aqua Suite. We'll see if any Royal Up bids are successful but I'm doubtful. Going solo and looking forward to a great cruise. I'm also about two hours from the port in Connecticut. Taking Amtrak in the morning from Bridgeport and a Uber from Newark.

That's what it shows on the lunch menu where I can book online. On the app it doesn't even show a lunch menu. In fact it doesn't even show any lunch hours for Giovanni's Table. This is for the Oasis on 10/15/23 cruise. And I corrected my earlier post. They do show Garlicky Prawns on the lunch menu also online. They need to update the app.

No, it's a little different. The lunch menu doesn't have the Osso Bucco. Only real difference I can see. The lunch is absolutely a deal versus the dinner price.

I also have one with RC in October (Oasis 10/15), and MSC in January (Meraviglia 1/26).

Not embarkation day, but the next day (first sea day), you can definitely hit 60 degrees in the afternoon. Day after that you're in Florida.

I really don't fully understand the griping about the new menus. Seems like most of the items on the old menus are still there but grouped differently with the "themed" night scenario. Now preparation might have changed some and that's a different issue. But people saying they can't find anything to eat on the menu is.....

I've done many out of NY in winter, doing another this January. Of course weather varies, but most of the time the very first sea day is warming up in the afternoon. The next day you're in Florida. Love it. So much better than flying south to catch a cruise. Plenty to do inside the ship if it's cold anyway.

I'm booked on this one. Can't wait.

On Anthem in December I was expecting small pours and ended up getting pretty smashed! They were definitely not 3 ounce pours. I guess it's up to whatever server you get.

Early - Like

I agree with the majority here, I would skip Izumi.

That's a great idea!!