RestingBird

On 12/19/2017 at 1:10 PM, WAAAYTOOO said:

This is completely unacceptable.  We need to start a GoFundMe page immediately.

 

People have set them up for worse reasons! ?

I'm with @Boston Babe, I would have lost my mind.  Well done.

17 hours ago, Boston Babe said:

Wow, it's not just me!! I was going to ask if people wipe down their stateroom, door handles remotes etc as I am planning on doing that! Having traveled for 20 years in hotel sales and seeing just the grime on airport escalators is enough to make your skin crawl!  Sabrina, which wipes are good for Noro Virus?

And ONE MORE Paranoid question!! Does anyone take their own Snorkel and Mask with them on Cruises? I know some say they are santized on the tours, but I don't necessarily trust this either!  LOL! 

We take our own snorkel gear for sure.  So gross to use the community gear.  No way I'm putting that thing in my mouth.

6 minutes ago, Sabrinaklai said:

Thanks!  I did not see that one.  I'm thinking long term.  Maybe 2020 for our 20 year anniversary.  When is the best time of the year to cruise Hawaii?  Weather wise and price wise?

If Ovation does well in Alaska maybe we'll see her do more stops in Hawaii down the road (or should I say sea?...).

I was wondering the best time as well, but I've only seen May or September offerings, from RC, since they're really repositionings.

@Sabrinaklai, I'm looking at Hawaii cruises now, just getting an idea of the prices, and there's one on Ovation in 2019.

Thanks @JLMoran (I'm out of reactions after reading the rest of @Traveler's blog).  I was thinking the same thing for a balcony or higher, especially after @bobroo reminded us of the high costs out there on the islands, and all the fun excursions mentioned so far.  I wanted to splurge on a suite for our anniversary, but we don't need the space, and could save a ton of money with an ocean view.

8 hours ago, bobroo said:

Royal Caribbean's Hawaii cruises are well worth taking. Many passengers do them year, after year, after year. (Once you've gone, you'll know why) I would strongly encourage all here who are Loyal to Royal to book a room. After my wife and I went last year; I came home with a much, much different idea of what of our fellow state of Hawaii really is. I learned that it is as diverse in nature as it is ethnically. Once you get off the island of Oahu, Hawaii is stunningly beautiful around every corner. The trip really added something to the history of our cruising experience.

But, while you are in Honolulu, yes, you should visit Pearl Harbor. It's a National Park. Whether you go with a private tour operator, take a bus, or take a cab; I don't think it will make a lot of difference. My wife and I got on an early morning private bus and did a self guided tour. The National Park Service does an excellent job providing an interactive, museum-like experience explaining the events leading up to and what occurred on Dec 7 (much like the good job the National Park Service does at the book depository in Dallas--another two thumbs up by Susie and I). Then there is the US Navy boat ride to the Arizona (and really a free boat ride on a US Navy vessel). No matter how you feel about war or what side you were on, the Arizona memorial is a very somber place. You will never forget it. It does step on your vacation buzz but in the same breath I would say Susie and I are better people because we went there. A definite "must do."

I should not be breaking any news when I say Hawaii is a very expensive place for tourists. You should accept this before you pack your luggage. Are there ways to save money? Certainly! However, would I travel all that way and miss out on a quintessential Hawaiian luau?  Time on a beach overhearing the conversations of surfer kids who live in Honolulu?  A sunset dinner cruise while overnighting on Maui? Walking barefoot on an emerald and black sand beach on Hilo? Miss seeing the Waimea Canyon while on Kauai? Or, not buying at least one drink in Mick Fleetwood's bar on Maui? NO WAY!!! 

 

That's it, you convinced me...and I was already convinced.  I've had it in my mind to do a Hawaii cruise in 2021 for our 10yr anniversary, now there's no question (unless something  unforeseen changes that).  Is a balcony or suite worth the extra money on a Hawaii cruise?

20 hours ago, Sabrinaklai said:

My prices for March 2018 have slight increase too but I think mine might be due to whatever currency rate RC is using.  The change is minimal (a few dollars) but it is an increase.  On the bright side, 2 excursions I have been watching finally went on sale.  The Kennedy Space Center tour is 10% off and the Dolphin Encounter in Nassau is 20% off.  Those are new.  They have not gone on sale until now.  Wondering if I should grab it now or see if the KSC goes cheaper as time goes on?  Anyone know if that one sells out early?? And still debating whether or not that Dolphin Encounter is worth it even though it is on sale.  It's still almost $500 for all 4 of us. Yikes!  I wish my youngest wasn't such an animal fanatic....

$500 for 4 people sounds like a good price for the dolphin encounter, if it's a good one.  My parents paid close to that 20 years ago for 4 of us.

And KSC can be a great experience if you don't mind a slower paced, information laden theme park/museum, so I'd personally take the 10% and book it before it fills up.  Just my 2 cents.

Great review!  I enjoyed the honesty.

Mine from 2015 was a mix of @twangster and @Matt's cups.  

13 hours ago, rjac said:

Never mind the water,  just think of the weight of the liquor in all those bars!

Only at the beginning of the week ?

I take a camelbak on shore.  Camera, extra set of clothes, flip flops or water shoes, etc.

I'm in ?

52 minutes ago, KathyC said:

It's  6 "points" not 6 documents. Some points are worth more than others, like a passport is worth 4.  You have to pick at least one document from the "primary" category, which range between 2-4 points, based on the document.  Then you fill the rest of the 6 with documents from the "secondary" category.  These range from 1-3 points each.  Some require more than 1 thing for the point(s).  Like if you use a school photo ID (high school or college) you must also have a transcript from the school to complete the item.   It's annoying. 

Aha!  Thanks for the explanation.  It does sound very annoying.

I saw a brief documentary a few years ago about people moving their yachts as you mentioned, blew my mind.  But as you said, I guess it's a good sign for the area, and maybe they'll spend a little and help out the locals.

On 12/5/2017 at 9:37 AM, KathyC said:

I can't imagine why NJ needs an extension - we need to show tons of identification to get our licenses.  The six-point system requires so much that we can't NOT be compliant.  I feel like it was easier to get a passport than come up with the 6 points for the license!  Even harder when you are married and some things are only in one spouse's name.  

6?!  That's a pain!  I think we only need 3 in Florida, and I thought that was bad.  6 is nuts.

On 12/5/2017 at 6:42 PM, UkuleleCruiser said:

The old, thrift store luggage we have been using is not in good shape, so it looks like we are buying luggage for our February cruise. We do not have to fly to the port, so we have that advantage. But I need some advice: Recommendations for luggage? What would be perfect for cruising based on your experience? How about cost: What particular brand or style seems most cost effective?

For me it's all about the fabric pattern.  We found a 3pc set with ships, palm trees, light houses, etc on it, from TJMaxx.  No idea if it's actually any good (haven't had a chance to try it out yet) lol, don't really care, cause we're gonna look super cool pulling it around ?

But seriously, I have a big Oakley suit case that I love.  We've had it almost 7 years now and it'll easily do another 7 (no idea if 14yrs is good or not, lol).

On 12/5/2017 at 1:07 PM, KLAconQueso said:

Reeeeally liked being on deck 6 on Oasis class - easy access no matter where you wanted to get on the ship! I was in 6668 on Allure for two weeks and loved it. 

Good to hear!  We have a cabin booked on deck 6 of Oasis.

On 11/30/2017 at 9:52 AM, Matt said:

I had the same experience.  At first, I thought "I have no idea what's going on, but this is incredibly weird" but once Britney Spears came out, it started to make sense for me and then I really got into the show!

Britney's in it?!  I'm there!  Glad I'm not her only fan on here.

7 hours ago, Bazza said:

Hi Matt

What is usual cost - and do they sell a life size model  

Someone on the forum, can't remember who, has all the ship models, they'd be the one to ask if they see this thread.

59 minutes ago, betatke1480 said:

We will be in 6240 next November, so treat her well.

lol, nice!  Will do.  We're booked for embarkation on Oct 28.  Thanks to @CGTLH I looked into Halloween week.

We did not receive any perks on our first sailing.  That first sailing was a blast and got us hooked though, so I don't feel like I missed anything by not having any perks that first time.

3 hours ago, clmsnskr said:

I was in JS 6242 on Oasis one time.  I didn't notice any noise at all from the Schooner Bar.   We loved that cabin!

Awesome!  I originally booked 6242, incase my TA missed the sale.  However, she was able to rebook for me, and get more commission or whatever for doing the whole booking instead of a transfer, and she got us right next door in 6240.  Thanks for the reply!

Again, what @DocLC said, really anything goes anymore.  I, like him, didn't do the full suit when we had to fly to our port of embarkation.  Some dress shirts, a couple ties, done.  No offense to anyone, I just don't know what else to call it...but personally, if someone comes in wearing "the preppy college kid look" (some nice shorts, nice collared shirt, and some boat shoes) I'm ok with that.  It's the "I don't give a ****" shorts outfits that bother me.

Loved the stingrays!  Lots of people can be annoying (long story short my wife finally had to shove people out of the way because they were being "ray hogs" and not letting others feed or get pictures), but overall a good time.  I enjoyed just snorkeling/swimming with them away from all the people.