Lovetocruise2002

If it's Oasis class, you can only make one per sailing.

We never thought cruising was for us either. We ended up on our first cruise as a Plan B because our Plan A was too expensive. We completely fell in love with it and haven't looked back at land vacations since (other than Disney World). We booked Indy for next March (2019) and then we cancelled it and changed it to Harmony. I agree with @melski94 in that 5 days is short, especially if you end up liking it. If you have to fly to a port, you might as well make it more worth your while and do 7. But, with less to do on Indy, 5 days might be sufficient. Full disclosure, I completely love Oasis class ships so my view is biased. All of the Oasis class ships are great and the "best" one depends on what you are looking for. If slides & escape rooms are your thing then Harmony/Symphony wins out over the other two. If that doesn't matter to you, then Oasis and Allure are good too. I have read some accounts that Oasis has a superb crew, if that is important to you. At the moment, Harmony is my personal favourite, because (this is going to sound superficial) I actually prefer the more modern decor. I would still gladly sail the other ones but with my kids, the slides are the deal breaker.

Great point here.

Two words....Oasis Class! And welcome to the boards. There is something for everyone on that class of ships. I know that some swear by Freedom class (Indy from above) but with your kids as teens, and your husband enjoying jazz and alone time, the Oasis class offers all of that and more. You cannot beat the quietness open air in Central Park, or the amazing entertainment in the Aqua Theater. And as big as those ships are, there are many hidden and quiet areas to retreat to. Believe it or not, I am also a huge introvert. I hate crowds. I need my alone time. I have never once felt crowded on an Oasis class ship (and I've cruise all except Symphony in the busy seasons). Those ships do move crowds through really well. Anthem, depending on the time of year, you might lose outdoor days due to weather. Also, having done both, I still feel like Oasis class is better suited for kids and teens. Entertainment wise and activity wise. There really are no bad choices from your choices above. And like @Dawn T. mentioned, on any ship, you can eat in the Windjammer and be a casual as you want. I would say because of your teens (if they are like my kids) the slides are the way to go. So Harmony would be best. She is leaving PE for PC in May 2019. My second pick would be Indy. If you do Oasis class, make sure you do your research. Those ships are amazing. Many first time cruisers who come back not liking them are also those who have not done their research. But you have found a wonderful community, full of knowledge and always willing to help. Let us know if other questions pop up.

....and we've hijacked the thread again!

Will be giving that a try ASAP!

Ok...I have to ask lol...I am a major tea drinker...what type of tea do you put Bailey's in?? I need to try it out!

Great point! Would never even have thought of it from that angle!

Safe travels @Joe01! Do you have a Periscope handle yet? Would like to catch some of your scopes if possible.

Matt had you take the photo?...how convenient ?

I'm really hoping he does something July 2020 or after cause I will be there!

This is the best option! ? JK...maybe not... Here's another thought...maybe hold off for a bit, see what @Matt announces for the 2020 GC and maybe we can finally go on one together and toast your belated bday with sail away margaritas! Some Insiders are pushing for another NE sailing for 2020....hint hint @Matt ?

@Lindsay....it is as I stated above... @Matt explains it here in a blog post: https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2017/05/09/royal-caribbean-announces-new-non-refundable-deposit-program

Pretty sure you will lose $100pp completely and get the remainder back in the form of a FCC.

@JLMoran...flashback post...not the Bliss but the Getaway...

Zero personal insight on NCL....however, I do have a friend (who cruises a lot, but unlike me, she is not loyal to any particular line) who has done NCL recently. She wasn't on the Bliss but the first thing she complained about was the tiny cabin and the tiny washroom for her family of 4. Also, my parents (again, not loyal to any line), who cruise way more than I ever can, have tried a couple NCL cruises too and they have commented that their food is the worst of all the cruise lines (and they have pretty much cruised all the major ones). Again, food is subjective, but just sharing their opinion. As I type this, I'm reflecting on my own reasons for testing out the Seaside. The main factor there was pricing. From your numbers above, are you really saving that much on the Bliss? Would you consider the JS on Anthem that has the pullman and 1 1/2 bath instead of 2 staterooms? Would that lower your cost? On the flip side, doesn't the Bliss have a ton of activities for younger people (like your daughters)? That might be a deciding factor for you too. And, I thought I had read somewhere that Meraviglia has a couple of sailings planned for the 2019-2020 winter season from NY. Have you looked into that? Their prices are hard to beat for what is included..... Hope this doesn't complicate things more.

Has anyone ever done the "Discover Atlantis Tour" from Resorts for a Day? Any feedback on it? It's $49pp. Worth it?

If you are referring to the drink card, those are offered on some sailings. There is not predicting whether or not it will become available. And even if it does, they don't usually show up until about halfway through the sailing. https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2016/06/23/spotlight-drink-cards-royal-caribbean-cruises

@WAAAYTOOO Great news! Just curious...did you catch the price glitch by random checking or did Michelle catch it?

In other Mariner news..was looking a cruise compass from this Monday's sailing and on Day 2, formal night has been replaced by "Wear your Best" night. "Say goodbye to Formal night and hello to Wear Your Best. Get glamorous, be chic. It's time to shine - Your way." Looks like the are dropping formal night on these short cruises. And....great news....2 days in a row now, the cruise compasses show Late Night Snacks in the WJ!! 10:30pm-12:30am!!

@CruisingKat(Kathy)...I have no recommendations since we usually just wander, but 21 years?! Amazing! Congrats!! Here's to many more!

PSA for @Matt all my American friends.....Contrary to myths, legends, and popular beliefs, THIS IS NOT WHAT ALL OF CANADA LOOKS LIKE! ... Hubby said there are usually way more igloos! Sincerely, Stubborn Canadian Scorpio ?

Hello!!! Glad you guys found your way to the message boards!

Uh oh...here we go again.....?

You might want to consider the Refreshment package. That includes all your bottled water, fresh juices, specialty coffee, soda, and non-alcoholic cocktails. If you catch a sale in your cruise planner, the going rate (on sale) is about $18/day. https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/royal-caribbean-beverage-package-costs-info-tips