tonyfsu21

Choice # 1 seems like you get a better mix of ports + an RC private island and there is still overlap with 2/3rds of Choice # 2.

I agree. I don’t see how anyone would know enough about this gentlemen’s finances to say he wouldn’t opt for a Med cruise because it was too expensive.

To anyone who has sailed freedom these last couple weeks with young children (both younger then 10), what’s the best estimate for boarding time? We have 2 appointments scheduled for their testing and a boarding time of 1:30pm. What time based on experience do you think we will be actually walking on the ship?

My comment came off wrong. What I meant was that it’s like a 2 minute drive to the port from Embassy Suites. I haven’t actually ever seen anyone (maybe except for crew) have the ability to walk to the port due to the port entry security restrictions.

You could walk to the pier in 15 minutes from the Embassy Suites on 17th street. Great spot, close to multiple dining and convenience store options.

I would sail on any ship in the fleet, however, we prefer sailing Deck 17 style.

Make that 2024.

Pier 66 is in the middle of a complete top to bottom renovation and is closed for at least the next year. There’s a dozen choices for park & ride so I wouldn’t be too concerned. I also find it hard to believe that Pier 66 (formally a Hyatt branded hotel) was offering $5/ day parking, seems very cheap for a higher end resort hotel right on 17th street.

I hope so as well. I’m excited for epic Southern Caribbean sailings on Odyssey!

I wonder where his office set up is now that cruising is back in business?

Agree on that, RC is still best in the industry regarding member benefits. Disney is Disney and I wouldn’t ever expect to get a single perk from them.

Diamond is the new Platinum. With the 2X points perks exc it’s only a matter of time before RC revamps the system to level the playing field. As others have mentioned, Diamond is the first level you actually realize some “decent” member perks. IMHO RC needs to up the ante.

Important to note: 99% of the hotels in East Fort Lauderdale cater to the cruise industry so there will be shuttle service options from the hotel to the port. You are in such close proximity to FLL that it is easier IMHO to just take an Uber from FLL to hotel and from Port Everglades to FLL (less then 2 miles).

Local here. Ask away. Are you looking for a full service resort Marriott? If so, I suggest Harbor Beach Marriot especially if your expending points.

Southern Caribbean is always a winner! Aruba & Eagle Beach is perfection. We try to make it to the ABC islands twice a year.

Sailing Freedom end of July with a similar situation and will let you know. For now, check out @Matt live blog recently posted while onboard Freedom as he gets into some details that might interest you.

Anyone know where Sugar Beach is on FOTS? My kids will be on the hunt for it and I can’t locate this venue on the deck plans. The RC site says it was part of the amplification but I question that. T.I.A

I am fairly certain I was shorted at least $500 but it’s been so long I can’t find the emails to prove it.

Never bet the ranch on ANYTHING involving driving in Miami. It’s only 25 miles but it can be a very very long 25 miles. IMHO with the uncertainty of COVID-19 travel related to debarkation of the ship I would think a noon or later departure out of FLL is a safe bet. I was stuck in Miami for 2 hours this am waiting on Biden’s motorcade to pass by so you just never know!

I think this has to factor in for sure. IMHO, I would have to imagine most people bidding to go from something less desirable like an interior stateroom to a balcony would take up the majority of Royal Up bids. On the higher end where you already have a desirable room like a JS I can’t imagine it being as competitive to upgrade. In my experience this has been the case. I can’t however comment on the amount and whether I would have won bidding low because I normally bid on the higher end since it makes sense financially for the upgrade.

Also- important to note, it’s much easier (and fun) to get the best suites at the lowest prices by spending ALOT of money in the casino.

I really don’t think it’s that competitive. First off, RC is technically a family friendly budget cruise line in the same category as NCL, CCL and a few others. Most people are not looking to spend more then they have to on an already expensive vacation. I can see the lower tier staterooms from inside to balcony being highly competitive but once your at GS level and higher I just don’t see percentage wise being too competitive. I personally bid maximum on the highest level suite upgrade I’m offered and I win most times (so far). There clearly are not that many people who would part with $5-6k extra to upgrade suites. That’s been my experience.

And how desirable the cruise is (ship, holiday, level you are bidding on). I would assume it’s easier to win the higher levels like loft suites exc since presumably less people want to spend that money (also the reason I’m only saving hundreds not thousands). It’s most likely more competitive on the inside room to balcony upgrades.

I bid more like 70-80%. In the end I didn’t save a ton (hundreds not thousands).