SPS

Sorry, everyone, but each time this subject comes up, I have to post this! 😄

@USCG Teacher May I ask when you got the initial offer to bid on a Royal Up?
I was surprised yesterday to get a Royal Up email offer 75 days before our Quantum sailing to Alaska. Now I'm weighing my bid options.

I tried to organize a professional Hide & Seek tournament, but it was a complete failure.
Good players are hide to find.

Sorry, everyone, but each time this subject comes up, I have to post this! 😄

The first time sitting on the balcony by myself and watching the ocean roll by all of my stress just drains out of me. 

I tried to organize a professional Hide & Seek tournament, but it was a complete failure.
Good players are hide to find.

I don't even know where to start, but all of the reasons above and more.
1. We like the ability to book well in advance and pay over time before the cruise. It's nice after a great vacation to not have large credit card bill or have a considerably lower bank balance.
2. It's much less stressful than a typical land vacation. I don't have to rent a car and get us from place to place on a daily basis. Our "Hotel" takes us from place to place with spectacular views along the way.
3. Other than the occasional specialty dining experience, we don't have to worry about shelling out money for restaurant food several times each day. And where else am I going to be able to try caviar and escargot for no additional charge?
4. So many activities that would cost so much extra on land that are included; Entertainers, Theater shows, Flowrider, iFly Skydiving sim, the North Star, and so much more.
5. We have been able to visit destinations that we had never even thought we would be able to see.
6. We like being able to do "as much" or "as little" as we want. Particularly on sea days. Nothing better than having a cocktail out on the deck while the waves roll by OR while soaking in the hot tub in the Solarium.
7. SERVICE: Sometime during the first day of each cruise, I'm reminded of just how much the crew and staff spoil us! They crew on each ship we've sailed on aims to please.
8. The chance to "unplug".  We purposely do NOT buy internet service so we can get away from the usual noise of our daily lives and live more in the moment.
THERE'S MORE BUT THIS POST IS GETTING TOO LONG! 

I tried to organize a professional Hide & Seek tournament, but it was a complete failure.
Good players are hide to find.

I don't even know where to start, but all of the reasons above and more.
1. We like the ability to book well in advance and pay over time before the cruise. It's nice after a great vacation to not have large credit card bill or have a considerably lower bank balance.
2. It's much less stressful than a typical land vacation. I don't have to rent a car and get us from place to place on a daily basis. Our "Hotel" takes us from place to place with spectacular views along the way.
3. Other than the occasional specialty dining experience, we don't have to worry about shelling out money for restaurant food several times each day. And where else am I going to be able to try caviar and escargot for no additional charge?
4. So many activities that would cost so much extra on land that are included; Entertainers, Theater shows, Flowrider, iFly Skydiving sim, the North Star, and so much more.
5. We have been able to visit destinations that we had never even thought we would be able to see.
6. We like being able to do "as much" or "as little" as we want. Particularly on sea days. Nothing better than having a cocktail out on the deck while the waves roll by OR while soaking in the hot tub in the Solarium.
7. SERVICE: Sometime during the first day of each cruise, I'm reminded of just how much the crew and staff spoil us! They crew on each ship we've sailed on aims to please.
8. The chance to "unplug".  We purposely do NOT buy internet service so we can get away from the usual noise of our daily lives and live more in the moment.
THERE'S MORE BUT THIS POST IS GETTING TOO LONG! 

I don't even know where to start, but all of the reasons above and more.
1. We like the ability to book well in advance and pay over time before the cruise. It's nice after a great vacation to not have large credit card bill or have a considerably lower bank balance.
2. It's much less stressful than a typical land vacation. I don't have to rent a car and get us from place to place on a daily basis. Our "Hotel" takes us from place to place with spectacular views along the way.
3. Other than the occasional specialty dining experience, we don't have to worry about shelling out money for restaurant food several times each day. And where else am I going to be able to try caviar and escargot for no additional charge?
4. So many activities that would cost so much extra on land that are included; Entertainers, Theater shows, Flowrider, iFly Skydiving sim, the North Star, and so much more.
5. We have been able to visit destinations that we had never even thought we would be able to see.
6. We like being able to do "as much" or "as little" as we want. Particularly on sea days. Nothing better than having a cocktail out on the deck while the waves roll by OR while soaking in the hot tub in the Solarium.
7. SERVICE: Sometime during the first day of each cruise, I'm reminded of just how much the crew and staff spoil us! They crew on each ship we've sailed on aims to please.
8. The chance to "unplug".  We purposely do NOT buy internet service so we can get away from the usual noise of our daily lives and live more in the moment.
THERE'S MORE BUT THIS POST IS GETTING TOO LONG! 

I like unpacking once and having the "hotel" transport me to new places. 
 

The ease of it all. Once you’re on the ship, all you really need to worry about is having a good time.
With a land based vacation there’s usually a lot of coordinating between parties and vehicles and activities. On the ship, the activities are planned. You simply show up.
The fact that there’s always something going on at all times. I know you can get that an an all inclusive resort but not for the same price.
Being out on the open water and the calm that comes with that.

All of the above…plus;
I usually sail solo. At first I planned cruises with others…and then tried cruising solo. Changed my life. Living in the northeast the winters can be annoyingly dull…short days with cold, wet weather. No outside activities for me…I don’t do winter sports. So I sail to summer. I love cruising out of the Hudson River in winter, usually on the Anthem in the fully enclosed, heated Solarium with the full glass forward view. And then, seeing how the temperature warms up virtually by the hour as we sail south. I’ll usually cruise from September to May. I love staying aboard at the ports (been there done that) and enjoying the near empty ship…although it seems a lot more passengers are opting to stay aboard. Port Liberty is a short drive. I love everything from planning, packing and driving to the port…and, after the cruise, I can’t wait to go back. I now do primarily b2bs. It’s a great feeling when seeing the luggage in the halls on the last night knowing I’m staying aboard. Being solo, I do what I want, when I want. I can meet people…or not. I can remain gloriously anonymous or join a conversation. I find cruisers are always welcoming and pleasant…heck, they’re on vacation. 
It’s a great lifestyle and I know that I am lucky to be able to do it…and grateful. Enjoy!

I don't even know where to start, but all of the reasons above and more.
1. We like the ability to book well in advance and pay over time before the cruise. It's nice after a great vacation to not have large credit card bill or have a considerably lower bank balance.
2. It's much less stressful than a typical land vacation. I don't have to rent a car and get us from place to place on a daily basis. Our "Hotel" takes us from place to place with spectacular views along the way.
3. Other than the occasional specialty dining experience, we don't have to worry about shelling out money for restaurant food several times each day. And where else am I going to be able to try caviar and escargot for no additional charge?
4. So many activities that would cost so much extra on land that are included; Entertainers, Theater shows, Flowrider, iFly Skydiving sim, the North Star, and so much more.
5. We have been able to visit destinations that we had never even thought we would be able to see.
6. We like being able to do "as much" or "as little" as we want. Particularly on sea days. Nothing better than having a cocktail out on the deck while the waves roll by OR while soaking in the hot tub in the Solarium.
7. SERVICE: Sometime during the first day of each cruise, I'm reminded of just how much the crew and staff spoil us! They crew on each ship we've sailed on aims to please.
8. The chance to "unplug".  We purposely do NOT buy internet service so we can get away from the usual noise of our daily lives and live more in the moment.
THERE'S MORE BUT THIS POST IS GETTING TOO LONG! 

Sorry, everyone, but each time this subject comes up, I have to post this! 😄

I tried to organize a professional Hide & Seek tournament, but it was a complete failure.
Good players are hide to find.

I tried to organize a professional Hide & Seek tournament, but it was a complete failure.
Good players are hide to find.

We cruise because we get assistance with our special needs kids/teens.  We travel with Autism on the Seas (AOTS) and they provide volunteers to provide assistance with our kids so we can enjoy and have a vacation.  It can be difficult traveling with special needs guests and parents need a break, too!  Cruising gives us a chance to travel safely and be able to relax.  RCL staff is fantastic with our kiddos and it provides the kids with opportunities to see the world and experience things they may not have a chance to do.
If you ever see a bunch or orange shirts that say STAFF on the back, pop on over and say hi!  That is what we call TeamOrange and they are the amazing volunteers that help families.
AOTS doesn't just help those who have autism or are autistic.  They deal with all specials needs individuals needing assistance from age 3 to adult.

I don't even know where to start, but all of the reasons above and more.
1. We like the ability to book well in advance and pay over time before the cruise. It's nice after a great vacation to not have large credit card bill or have a considerably lower bank balance.
2. It's much less stressful than a typical land vacation. I don't have to rent a car and get us from place to place on a daily basis. Our "Hotel" takes us from place to place with spectacular views along the way.
3. Other than the occasional specialty dining experience, we don't have to worry about shelling out money for restaurant food several times each day. And where else am I going to be able to try caviar and escargot for no additional charge?
4. So many activities that would cost so much extra on land that are included; Entertainers, Theater shows, Flowrider, iFly Skydiving sim, the North Star, and so much more.
5. We have been able to visit destinations that we had never even thought we would be able to see.
6. We like being able to do "as much" or "as little" as we want. Particularly on sea days. Nothing better than having a cocktail out on the deck while the waves roll by OR while soaking in the hot tub in the Solarium.
7. SERVICE: Sometime during the first day of each cruise, I'm reminded of just how much the crew and staff spoil us! They crew on each ship we've sailed on aims to please.
8. The chance to "unplug".  We purposely do NOT buy internet service so we can get away from the usual noise of our daily lives and live more in the moment.
THERE'S MORE BUT THIS POST IS GETTING TOO LONG! 

I don't even know where to start, but all of the reasons above and more.
1. We like the ability to book well in advance and pay over time before the cruise. It's nice after a great vacation to not have large credit card bill or have a considerably lower bank balance.
2. It's much less stressful than a typical land vacation. I don't have to rent a car and get us from place to place on a daily basis. Our "Hotel" takes us from place to place with spectacular views along the way.
3. Other than the occasional specialty dining experience, we don't have to worry about shelling out money for restaurant food several times each day. And where else am I going to be able to try caviar and escargot for no additional charge?
4. So many activities that would cost so much extra on land that are included; Entertainers, Theater shows, Flowrider, iFly Skydiving sim, the North Star, and so much more.
5. We have been able to visit destinations that we had never even thought we would be able to see.
6. We like being able to do "as much" or "as little" as we want. Particularly on sea days. Nothing better than having a cocktail out on the deck while the waves roll by OR while soaking in the hot tub in the Solarium.
7. SERVICE: Sometime during the first day of each cruise, I'm reminded of just how much the crew and staff spoil us! They crew on each ship we've sailed on aims to please.
8. The chance to "unplug".  We purposely do NOT buy internet service so we can get away from the usual noise of our daily lives and live more in the moment.
THERE'S MORE BUT THIS POST IS GETTING TOO LONG! 

Sorry, everyone, but each time this subject comes up, I have to post this! 😄

I don't even know where to start, but all of the reasons above and more.
1. We like the ability to book well in advance and pay over time before the cruise. It's nice after a great vacation to not have large credit card bill or have a considerably lower bank balance.
2. It's much less stressful than a typical land vacation. I don't have to rent a car and get us from place to place on a daily basis. Our "Hotel" takes us from place to place with spectacular views along the way.
3. Other than the occasional specialty dining experience, we don't have to worry about shelling out money for restaurant food several times each day. And where else am I going to be able to try caviar and escargot for no additional charge?
4. So many activities that would cost so much extra on land that are included; Entertainers, Theater shows, Flowrider, iFly Skydiving sim, the North Star, and so much more.
5. We have been able to visit destinations that we had never even thought we would be able to see.
6. We like being able to do "as much" or "as little" as we want. Particularly on sea days. Nothing better than having a cocktail out on the deck while the waves roll by OR while soaking in the hot tub in the Solarium.
7. SERVICE: Sometime during the first day of each cruise, I'm reminded of just how much the crew and staff spoil us! They crew on each ship we've sailed on aims to please.
8. The chance to "unplug".  We purposely do NOT buy internet service so we can get away from the usual noise of our daily lives and live more in the moment.
THERE'S MORE BUT THIS POST IS GETTING TOO LONG! 

I don't even know where to start, but all of the reasons above and more.
1. We like the ability to book well in advance and pay over time before the cruise. It's nice after a great vacation to not have large credit card bill or have a considerably lower bank balance.
2. It's much less stressful than a typical land vacation. I don't have to rent a car and get us from place to place on a daily basis. Our "Hotel" takes us from place to place with spectacular views along the way.
3. Other than the occasional specialty dining experience, we don't have to worry about shelling out money for restaurant food several times each day. And where else am I going to be able to try caviar and escargot for no additional charge?
4. So many activities that would cost so much extra on land that are included; Entertainers, Theater shows, Flowrider, iFly Skydiving sim, the North Star, and so much more.
5. We have been able to visit destinations that we had never even thought we would be able to see.
6. We like being able to do "as much" or "as little" as we want. Particularly on sea days. Nothing better than having a cocktail out on the deck while the waves roll by OR while soaking in the hot tub in the Solarium.
7. SERVICE: Sometime during the first day of each cruise, I'm reminded of just how much the crew and staff spoil us! They crew on each ship we've sailed on aims to please.
8. The chance to "unplug".  We purposely do NOT buy internet service so we can get away from the usual noise of our daily lives and live more in the moment.
THERE'S MORE BUT THIS POST IS GETTING TOO LONG! 

I can pay for the vacation over time. I can pay almost 100% of what it will cost me ahead of time so don’t have to count every dollar for the duration of the vacation.  The service is better than most resorts, the ocean is great, entertainment is included, and I unpack once to visit multiple places. Most of that stuff is unique to cruising (most). Royal has a lot of ships in multiple ports, there’s always a new experience to be had.

Wake up when I want .... sleep when I want .... lay out by the pool when I want .... eat when I want. Hmmmm I think I see a trend here. Vacations before I was the elected "activities" director and had to plan for everyone else with no one being happy about the choices. Now my wife is happy she can do the things she wants to do, so am I, and I can go off and do what I want to do. We still do a lot together but having choices with no pressure of time is what keeps us coming back, plus the free Diamond+ drinks.