CharmMicah68

We jump to Rome on June 25 then hop on Odyssey June 29th. My family (10 of us) are incredibly excited.....me.....I tend to want to stay on the boat where I know the rules AND the math. lol. Not fearful of the unknown....just the COST of it! Hearing the family consistently say it's Europe, it's worth it, when you're the one flipping the bill has fostered my skepticism. This is helpful information and will check into it.

Same question! Also, new to Europe travel and wondering the same thing. We are there end of June for Rome then jump on Odyssey. Transportation options are all over the board, as well as, pricing. Any logistic advice or counsel from royalcaribbeanblog nation would be appreciated.

August 16th - Ovation of the Seas out of Seattle. This dedicated Caribbean cruising only couple is hitting ALASKA! Bucket list for us....well....my wife isn't happy about seeing puffer jackets on a cruise ship. NOPE! She says, these two things don't belong in the same space. SO, she leveraged it and made me book a family Med cruise in 2025. Alaska has now cost me dearly. Worth it!

So, our latest counsel on Alaskan cruises in August....from folks that say it is the "best cruise ever", "a must do". Currently, those lines are ineffective with my wife when they are followed up with...."you need to pack for 60 degrees to 90 degrees and around 50% rain". First off, confessions of an "over-packer"....yes, we even bring a shoe bag. That range causes individuals like us great consternation. Don't judge, we know we have a problem. It is quite embarassing prior to our trips.....but once we experience the joy of multiple choices of clothing/shoe options each day as we are two or three beverages deep, makes us feel like royalty. Yes, we are that shallow, and yet lovable just the same. So, we are still looking for solid advice on what actually to pack or even weather to expect in August. Are Alaskan cruises just a little less formal? I mean, I know we've all seen the passenger that must have packed his one "I bought the drink package" tank top, swiming shorts, and flip flows in a reusable Wal-Mart bag. But overall, is there just a less formal feel to the Alaskan cruise afternoon and evening events?

Ovation, August 16th to Alaska. I've cancelled and rebooked the beverage package 3 times! Just cancelled and rebooked again. I grabbed $56.99 per day. Mic drop! Best I've got in recent years. Oh wait....that is still a rip off.....BUT I love it!

My wife and I will be on this cruise with another couple we are introducing to Royal Caribbean cruising. We are all first timers to Alaska. It took some convincing, coercing, and frankly....spending....to get my wife on this cruise. She takes a pretty hard line on warm weather and palm trees in view for vacations. After much negotiating....needless to say....this one cost me in many ways more than the price of the cruise. Having said that, 3 of the 4 of us CAN'T WAIT!

Same here.....UNTIL YESTERDAY! We were 12 days out until our Oasis cruise in Miami. Crazy thing, is this is 2 times in a row for getting the upgrade. We were awarded one on Wonder in July. That makes me a moderate professional at the art of upgrading........ That settles it. In an effort to show love to others.......I officially allow anyone gambling to get an upgrade (find the fun in trying) to call it a CharmMicah68. Like using a rabbits foot or blowing on dice before a roll. You're welcome. Seriously.....I don't know how it happens. It feels like dumb luck.

By NO means could they repurpose larger ship venues that we all have witnessed to be EMPTY.....instead reduce/remove/restrict loyalty levels. It's a cool trend right now, Delta/AMEX is doing the same thing. Good news....looks like we may be able to gain loyalty points cruising Celebrity going forward under a possibly merged program. It's the other side of the poop sandwich.

On Oasis this November. Any suggestions on private shuttle/limo services from FLL area (where we fly into) to MIA cruise port? We will overnight in FLL area, then go to MIA cruise port in the AM. Off the ship at earliest time coming back to take private shuttle/limo back to FLL.

We just got off Wonder and it was a great cruise. More "Groups" cruising than I can ever remember. It really felt more than the usual. Having said that, there was a significant reduction in young children then when we were on Wonder in February. That was insane. @Neesa knows what it is like on Wonder with an out of wack/crazy kid to adult ratio. Emphasis on crazy. We love to tip people who genuinely try to "love" on and engage us. Selfishly, on busy and crowded ships, it helps to be remembered. If my wife and I hung out at the Mason Jar Bar nightly. We tipped the bar crew very well each night. They were incredible. We connect (converse and tip) with a pool attendent that will care for us and the Solarium bartenders that will see us through the masses. We don't do it to be flashy, but to find those who bust their butt. Especially in light of each day of their lives on a cruise ship being a redundant commodity, and yet they find a way to NOT make you feel like you are part of a "job". We find THOSE people and tip, tip, tip. My grandmother constantly told me, "Error on the side of generosity". So, budget to tip those who make the effort......and then tip to cheer up those poor Cabin attendants that need more smiles in their life.

....uh....2 weeks.

@Neesa So.....I am hoping you did @Lovetocruise2002 and me a solid by taking all the crazies with you on your week cruising Wonder. NOT that we wished it upon you.....but....if the unhinged, me me me, lacking preciousness of others, summer vacation seeking newbies were ALL on your Wonder cruise.....we would be in your debt. Thanks for taking one for the team.

July 16th on Wonder

Good Evening, @Neesa. It's time to head to Mason Jar. Side note, avoid every dessert...and the brunch. This is your only warning. I cannot be held responsible for your actions. Grab one of these: ....pardon the 2 other watermarks....I believe, from what I remember, they were from pre-sugar drink warm ups of Eagle Rare Bourbon (featured at Mason Jar).

@OCSC Mike @Sweety Ditto and echo your thoughts. My wife is a SPED Occupational Therapist early childhood development. it is obsurd the conditions, numbers, and bureaucracy she has to deal with. Not to mention....the expectations of parents. ON A LIGHTER note, that daily chaos has conditioned her and allows her to STILL completely relax on a crowded cruise ship! @Neesaupdate on activities....LET'S go slacker!