monorailmedic

This is our plan, though I wouldn't live on an RCCL ship.  Nothing against Royal at all, but I'd want to be on a ship doing constantly changing itineraries to a wider variety of places.  This becomes somewhat limiting to smaller luxury lines (Crystal, Silversea, Regent, Oceania, etc) but it's hard for me to imagine the constant turnaround days, deck parties, etc, while spending time running the same handful of itineraries. 

This is our plan, though I wouldn't live on an RCCL ship.  Nothing against Royal at all, but I'd want to be on a ship doing constantly changing itineraries to a wider variety of places.  This becomes somewhat limiting to smaller luxury lines (Crystal, Silversea, Regent, Oceania, etc) but it's hard for me to imagine the constant turnaround days, deck parties, etc, while spending time running the same handful of itineraries. 

Hi cruise-y,
  
First off welcome to the site.  I've cruised Oceania a few times and in fact visited Montenegro while sailing on the Marina a couple years ago.  Kotor was actually one of our favorite ports, perhaps in part because it was so unexpectedly pleasant.  We did a walking tour (through Oceania).  I don't recall the name of the tour, but I can see if I happen to have it at home. It *may* have been "Town Of Kotor & Bay Of Kotor Heritage (KOY-004)" on https://www.oceaniacruises.com/Mediterranean-cruises/port-kotor-KOY/excursions/#all.
 
One highlight was a short (~3 min) boat ride to Our Lady of The Rocks, which is a tiny island/church/museum.  I'd try and make sure any excursion you take visits this island.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Our_Lady_of_the_Rocks
https://goo.gl/kgoqyK
 
Oceania's excursions have, in our experience, been top notch.  The groups are usually very reasonable in size, and the guides fantastic.  Our guide on this excursion was incredibly knowledgeable and pleasant, and being obsessed with polyglots, I was amazed that she was fluent in English, Spanish, Montenegrin (actually called something more complicated, and the same as Serbian), German, French, Dutch, and she spoke conversational Portuguese.  
 
https://goo.gl/17NGGr
 
--
 
Now, as far as Cruise Critic, I've been on that site for a long while, and for many reasons, it isn't quite the community that some other sites (including this one) are.  That in mind, it does have the largest body of cruising experience you'll find, so if mining for very specific information, it can be a great resource, just watch your step/mind the drama that sometimes comes up.  For Oceania information specifically, you'll find many cruisers on Cruise Critic, but Matt's right in that because their target audience is smaller, it's a bit different than the mass market lines.  No lack of information though.  Checkout the Oceania Excursions Facebook page too, they post frequently with neat information and amazing pictures.  
 
Let me know if there are any specifics you're looking for on Kotor (or anything else for that matter) and I'll dust of my brain...then ultimately ask a family member when I can't remember.  Either way, I'm confident you'll find Kotor to be lovely, and Oceania to be an incredible experience every time.
 
BH

Is this your video?  I just saw it on Reddit 10 mins ago.
 
Clearly it is, same username.  Good video.  I'm trying to decide on what to do before out next scheduled sailing (the next group cruise in Sept) and the Majesty is one of the options.  I generally prefer smaller ships, but still weighing some options.  Welcome to the site.  Be sure to follow Matt for his daily Periscopes (@RCLBlog).  I also show sail-aways from Ft Lauderdale every weekend (though today was kind of a failure), feel free to follow me as well (@monorailmedic).

Is this your video?  I just saw it on Reddit 10 mins ago.
 
Clearly it is, same username.  Good video.  I'm trying to decide on what to do before out next scheduled sailing (the next group cruise in Sept) and the Majesty is one of the options.  I generally prefer smaller ships, but still weighing some options.  Welcome to the site.  Be sure to follow Matt for his daily Periscopes (@RCLBlog).  I also show sail-aways from Ft Lauderdale every weekend (though today was kind of a failure), feel free to follow me as well (@monorailmedic).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rQ0zW-f91n8
 
In this video you'll see the entertainment offered on board, a look around the cruise ship, a peak that each island has to offer, and some excursions. Let me know if you have any questions about the Majesty of the Seas! I'm happy to help and would give it a 10/10.

You are correct.  As such, no level of discussion here will change that.  Probably not a bad thing to point out to RCCL via email.  I'll be completing my on-board experience survey today, will mention it in the comments section.

The corkage fee is most certainly not applied. I have brought enough wine onboard in the last 12-18 months to prove that.

I think Matt was in the 300 range.
 
I was in 12655 and it definitely taught me to consider a few things about a CP verandah.
 
-There are bowed vertical beams that run between some of the verandahs, and because they bow our from the staterooms, they can, on deck 12 (and probably others to varying extents) block part of your view looking down the side of Central Park.  I loved our location for being next to the aft elevators, very convenient.  As such however, we only had one direction to look (right/forward), which was a bit blocked by the beam.  The stateroom next to us didn't seem to have this issue.
 
-The bridge that runs across the pool deck half way down Central Park plays host to pool music sometimes.  This could potentially be a bit loud if you are near that bridge and want to take a mid-day nap. 
 
-The view is unique and peaceful.  We enjoyed it a lot, but not being able to see the water is a bit of a downside IMO.
 
BH

Hindsight, I should have booked a suite so we could have then been confused why they were so mad about us making gin in the bathtub.  Theming, it's all or nothing.

Gotcha.  Yeah, thats from my twitter bio (Periscope is owned by Twitter so it just pulls from there).  I'll update that to make it less confusing as that show has been long gone.  Thanks.

Hindsight, I should have booked a suite so we could have then been confused why they were so mad about us making gin in the bathtub.  Theming, it's all or nothing.

I had family on Anthem and their representations to me were that the media blew it way out of proportion (no surprise there) and that RC did everything they could to rectify the situation.  They claimed the bars and restaurants all were free once they turned back, and that the shows went on as scheduled the next night.  Once back In NY they ate in Chops for free and spent the night in port on the ship, the bars had bands playing all night, free alcohol and what not.  RC was not pushy at all in making people leave the ship, and that by the next morning the ship appeared completely back to normal.  All for free plus half off the next cruise - it didn't seem all that bad to me.  

Just a reminder in this thread that the RoyalCaribbeanBlog.com group cruise is coming up in just a few days!
 
I'm sure several of us will be Periscoping throughout the week (from Saturday's group meet on through the 7 night sailing leaving this Sunday).  Be sure to follow my account (@monorailmedic) and if you aren't already, Matt's/RCLBlog's account (@theRCLBlog) on both Twitter and Periscope.  I'll be sure to share any others sharing our trip live.

While I can't speak for every cruise line or travel agency, I was forwarded by my agent, information the CDC provided on the Zika virus.  Many cruise lines and other operators have also been allowing affected persons to re-book trips for future dates without penalty.

 

Eighty percent of persons infected have no symptoms.  Those who do find that the symptoms of the virus and similar to a common cold and aren't severe.  The risk is due to the possible link between pregnant women infected with the virus and microcephaly, where no significant risk is known to exist for healthy persons who are not pregnant or trying to become pregnant. 

 

Symptoms: http://www.cdc.gov/zika/symptoms/index.html

Good article on the matter: http://vitals.lifehacker.com/your-non-alarmist-guide-to-the-zika-virus-1756627224

 

As always, I don't provide medical advice and you should talk to your doctor about personal risks, avoidance, and mitigation.

While I can't speak for every cruise line or travel agency, I was forwarded by my agent, information the CDC provided on the Zika virus.  Many cruise lines and other operators have also been allowing affected persons to re-book trips for future dates without penalty.

 

Eighty percent of persons infected have no symptoms.  Those who do find that the symptoms of the virus and similar to a common cold and aren't severe.  The risk is due to the possible link between pregnant women infected with the virus and microcephaly, where no significant risk is known to exist for healthy persons who are not pregnant or trying to become pregnant. 

 

Symptoms: http://www.cdc.gov/zika/symptoms/index.html

Good article on the matter: http://vitals.lifehacker.com/your-non-alarmist-guide-to-the-zika-virus-1756627224

 

As always, I don't provide medical advice and you should talk to your doctor about personal risks, avoidance, and mitigation.

Symptoms of the virus and similar to a common cold and aren't severe.  The risk is due to the possible link between pregnant women infected with the virus and microcephaly, where no significant risk is known to exist for healthy persons who are not pregnant or trying to become pregnant. 
 
Symptoms: http://www.cdc.gov/zika/symptoms/index.html
 
As always, I don't provide medical advice and you should talk to your doctor about personal risks, avoidance, and mitigation.

Symptoms of the virus and similar to a common cold and aren't severe.  The risk is due to the possible link between pregnant women infected with the virus and microcephaly, where no significant risk is known to exist for healthy persons who are not pregnant or trying to become pregnant. 
 
Symptoms: http://www.cdc.gov/zika/symptoms/index.html
 
As always, I don't provide medical advice and you should talk to your doctor about personal risks, avoidance, and mitigation.

Those of us without kids really like the lower pricing and quiet of non-school break sailings ;-)
 
I often wonder how greater adoption of year-round school schedules would affect the travel industry.  Plenty of data already suggests it'd do incredible things for education, and retention of curriculum.

That's not too bad, thanks.  Will think about it.  We'd use them again on RCCL I suppose, just a matter of how much I want them taking up space in the closet. 

Norway is my favorite destination.  I've done Bergen, Tromso, Trondheim, Geiranger, Flamm, and Stavanger.  Out of that it seems like the one crossover is Bergen, which was probably my favorite port.
 
As mentioned, lunch at the fish market is a must, but also take time to just walk around the market as it's an interesting set up with a few things you may never have seen.  The shops along the water are actually interesting (and I'm not a big shopper) as some (though not all) feel less touristy and have some unique offerings.  
 
For Stavanger, I remember the houses right next to where you doc (or just across the water from it, depending on which side you berth) being very neat, looking like something out of a movie...or the end of Maelstrom in Epcot. 
 
The people in Norway are amazing.  I recall that once we asked for directions and the gentleman started to tell us, then turned around and told us to follow him.  He guided us a good 5 mins out of his way.  
 
Much like Alaska, you'll spend hours on your verandah or on deck just watching the fjords go by.
 
I'll have to dig up some dusty memories and pics and come up with some 'must do' attractions, but wow do I want to go back now.

I can't speak to RCCL specific options in Alaska, but I do have a few points to share based on our recent experience.
 
We did Alaska on Oceania in May.  SF, Astoria, Sitka, Hubbard Glacier, Ketchikan, Juneau, Victoria, Vancouver.  Fantastic trip in every way.  After many cruises this was our first time doing Alaska and we'll certainly go back.  
 
One consideration though is that many of the Alaskan ports of call are very small towns, so along with all the other things you account for in picking a ship/itinerary/schedule, I'd look at a site like www.cruisett.com and see how many passengers are scheduled to be in a port on a given day.  Ketchikan may be a lovely stop to spend time in when there are 4k pax, but when there are 10k pax it could be like Main Street in the Magic Kingdom on Christmas day (or Times Square on New Year's Eve - as my wife points out this is a more universal reference to *insanely crowded*)
 
Also, while I usually consider a verandah a 'nice to have' but make the decision based on price, for Alaska it should be a priority.  If you're on a larger ship the open decks could get a bit busy when cruising past glaciers, fjords, and small towns.  Even if on a smaller ship though there will be hours you'll just want to sit and relax as you watch the sights go by.  We spent more time on our verandah on the Alaska trip than all of our other sailings combined.

We did not.  I'm not going to claim to have so much as Googled for this, but I'd suspect seeing them during a sailing could be challenging because they're generally visible during the winter months.  It is also possible that I've destroyed all the brain cells that were previously responsible for this knowledge I absorbed in 8th grade and this is all incorrect.

Norway is my favorite destination.  I've done Bergen, Tromso, Trondheim, Geiranger, Flamm, and Stavanger.  Out of that it seems like the one crossover is Bergen, which was probably my favorite port.
 
As mentioned, lunch at the fish market is a must, but also take time to just walk around the market as it's an interesting set up with a few things you may never have seen.  The shops along the water are actually interesting (and I'm not a big shopper) as some (though not all) feel less touristy and have some unique offerings.  
 
For Stavanger, I remember the houses right next to where you doc (or just across the water from it, depending on which side you berth) being very neat, looking like something out of a movie...or the end of Maelstrom in Epcot. 
 
The people in Norway are amazing.  I recall that once we asked for directions and the gentleman started to tell us, then turned around and told us to follow him.  He guided us a good 5 mins out of his way.  
 
Much like Alaska, you'll spend hours on your verandah or on deck just watching the fjords go by.
 
I'll have to dig up some dusty memories and pics and come up with some 'must do' attractions, but wow do I want to go back now.

I can't speak to RCCL specific options in Alaska, but I do have a few points to share based on our recent experience.
 
We did Alaska on Oceania in May.  SF, Astoria, Sitka, Hubbard Glacier, Ketchikan, Juneau, Victoria, Vancouver.  Fantastic trip in every way.  After many cruises this was our first time doing Alaska and we'll certainly go back.  
 
One consideration though is that many of the Alaskan ports of call are very small towns, so along with all the other things you account for in picking a ship/itinerary/schedule, I'd look at a site like www.cruisett.com and see how many passengers are scheduled to be in a port on a given day.  Ketchikan may be a lovely stop to spend time in when there are 4k pax, but when there are 10k pax it could be like Main Street in the Magic Kingdom on Christmas day (or Times Square on New Year's Eve - as my wife points out this is a more universal reference to *insanely crowded*)
 
Also, while I usually consider a verandah a 'nice to have' but make the decision based on price, for Alaska it should be a priority.  If you're on a larger ship the open decks could get a bit busy when cruising past glaciers, fjords, and small towns.  Even if on a smaller ship though there will be hours you'll just want to sit and relax as you watch the sights go by.  We spent more time on our verandah on the Alaska trip than all of our other sailings combined.