Lovetocruise2002

So thanks to the heads-up from @Sabrinaklai, I've been tracking the flight prices on United and JetBlue for the last few weeks. It's been interesting, not leastwise because yesterday was the 90-day mark before my cruise, and today United's fares dropped like a rock to just barely more than the best price I'd seen when I'd started.
Flight itinerary -- EWR to FLL on Wednesday, March 29; returning April 9 JetBlue "Blue Plus" fare selected for all price checks, since it includes one checked bag for $2 less than checking it at the terminal United regular Economy fare for all price checks, since I need the freedom to choose our seats at booking and be sure the family is grouped together as much as possible JetBlue was holding absolutely steady at $494.40 per person ($1,977.60 total; taxes included) for the entire time I had been checking, going back to mid-December. But on Friday, they suddenly jumped up $40 per person for the departure flight ($2,138.40 total), and for no visible reason (apart from maybe that it's a holiday weekend right now); almost all regular seats still available, nothing else to account for it.
Meanwhile, United had started at $408.40 per person ($1,633.60 total; again taxes included). It very quickly jumped by a lot, to just shy of $600 per person at one point. It started coming back down a bit going into this weekend, and then this morning it dropped to $423.60 per person ($1,694.40 total), just a little more than the lowest I'd seen when I'd started tracking.
For those who want to stop reading here, the key takeaway is that this "90-day flight pricing rule" that Sabrina mentioned really does seem to be a real thing. So a big thanks to her for letting us all know about it, and to watch the flight prices like a hawk both decently ahead of this window, and also going into it.
 
 
 
 
 
For those who care what happened next with me, go ahead and continue reading. For everyone else...

 
 
 
 
 
I've gone ahead purchased my tickets on United, contrary to my original plan to fly JetBlue.
The main driver was the opposite swings in the two prices. The gap went from just under $300 more for JetBlue to just under $500 more. Between that, and the fact that United allowed me to upgrade just my own seat to Economy Plus (for the extra leg room I need) for what I considered a reasonable $150 roundtrip, it was really a no-brainer. Even after tacking on trip insurance for $110, the final price was $1,952.96 -- less than JetBlue at their lowest price I could find, and $340 less using JetBlue's current rate and adding their $160 trip insurance option. If I had upgraded my own seat on JetBlue like I did on United, the difference would bump up to $454.
Now, what's missing here is the checked luggage costs. With United I'll still have to pay $25 per bag when I check in each way, so there's another $200 out of pocket, putting me within $150 of the current JetBlue fare after their trip insurance is tacked on, but I'm still coming out ahead.
All that said, I'm going to take advantage of United's 24-hour no questions asked cancellation policy and re-check the fare tomorrow morning to see if it's gone down again (following a tip I'd read about many lower rates coming out on a Monday night going into Tuesday), and also to see if JetBlue comes back down after we're outside the holiday weekend. But given the daily fluctuations in the United prices, I figured I'd better lock this in while it seems to have come back down. If JetBlue drops and United stays the same, I'll cancel the United flight and switch over to JetBlue.
And if I do stay with United, I'll just have to hope they don't come on board and demand I give up my seat because of overbooking. 

Nope, you need to try it for "research purposes" and then live blog it ?

Nope, you need to try it for "research purposes" and then live blog it ?

I’m a born and bred New Jerseyan, enjoying good pizza is in my blood. I want to thank everyone here for the multiple warnings about Sorrentos. I’ll be sure to avoid it, as having it might lead me to swear off ever cruising again, and that would be a Bad Thing. 

For now....keeping an eye out on Celebrity for summer of 2020.  Hubby currently put me on a spending freeze so no new bookings for the time being ?

OMG! @JLMoran, I thought of you immediately as I read and then got lost halfway through @twangster's post above.  I was thinking, "Someone crunches numbers way more than Joe." lol

No brainer for me too...just to throw in a few more numbers...we booked the Seaside for July 21 in a YC deluxe suite. Total price for two was $3692.20. That includes a 10% off teachers discount which MSC gives but RC doesn't. Without the teacher's discount it was $4050.  Deposit was $49pp, fully refundable until 90 days prior. With YC you get: a butler, all drinks included, priority embarkation/seatings, all week access to thermal spa, 24/7 access to private lounge and restaurant for all meals, private sundeck with pool and bar/food area etc.  Booked a JS on Harmony for July 28 as a back up plan. That was $4550.86. Deposit was $500, refundable because I booked this before NRD kicked in. So JS not only more expensive but way less privileges and YC cheaper and more privileges than Sky class on RC. This is why, although I love RC, I could not walk away from trying Seaside.
@bcarney...when are you sailing? I really want feedback from someone who is a seasoned RC cruiser to compare the MSC experience...

Happy new year !
May all your cruises will be upgraded.
May all your cruise day will be sunny.
May you always find top locations near the pool during sea days.
May your favorite ship will embark from your favorite port.
May your desire itineraries will be always available and with special discounts.
May you always find top spots in the theatre for your favorite Broadway shows.
May Noro virus will be only something your read about but never experienced.
May your favorite food will always be served in the MDR.
And most important May you always be able to cruise with your friends and love ones as much as you want.
Happy New Year.

I too am booked on MSC Seaside, March 31... I was going to go with a Royal option, but the Next Cruise changes, plus some of the drink package changes really just put up a red flag for me.   I just finished a 12nt Anthem that was quite nice, but I really think now is the time to spread my wings and check out what else is out there.  I never thought I'd choose another line, but RCI has convinced me to do so.  The status match, plus automatic 15% off your fare for first responders and teachers, plus OBC & drinks, and the already low fare... it was actually a really easy decision for me.  
 
I consider myself pretty easy to please, but I just don't like to feel as though I'm being taken advantage of, and as of late, I'd be lying if I said I had not felt that way with my friends at RCI.   I'll never dispute their incredible product, but some of the changes are just a wee bit difficult to swallow as a veteran cruiser.  
 
I guess I now get to see if the grass is truly greener.  :-) 

Using VPN technology I presented one computer in the UK while using a second computer in the US. 
For the Symphony Transatlantic 12 night cruise in October 2018 I made a simulated booking in each country for a 6D balcony cabin, no C&A rates, assuming two guests.  I'm booked on this cruise which allows me to see cruise planner pricing for this exact cruise on the US site.
For the US site I am using the non-refundable rate since it is more comparable.  The refundable US rates adds between $200-$250 more per person.
UK - £4,018. Price includes gratuity and beverage package.  Deposit required today £300.
Total price with gratuity and beverage package £4,018.10
US - $3,628.00 with $100 on board credit.  Effective price $3,528.00.  Gratuity @ $14.50 pppd = $348.  Drink package for two $1,189.  Deposit required today $900.
Total price with gratuity and drink package $5,065.00
Exchange rates are a little tricky to calculate fairly or realistically based on buy versus sell, wholesale versus consumer rates, however according to Google at this moment:
4018 British Pound equals 5430.33 US Dollar
while 
5605 US Dollar equals 4147.25 British Pound
On the surface it seems like the UK pricing is a better deal with lower deposit requirements however with exchange rate variability some of the difference could be negligible.
Adding more guests to the cabin and it would seem the UK site is even better since drink packages and gratuity are not stated to apply only to the first two guests while in the US additional purchases would need to be made to have all guests enjoy them.  For four adults in a cabin in the US this represents another $1,189 drinks + $348 gratuity for a total of $1,537 more before considering the base fares.
Simulated booking with four adults in a 7D balcony cabin:
UK - £5,380, deposit £600.
US - $5,077, deposit $1,800 plus $2,378 for beverage packages and $696 gratuity for a total of $8,151.
Note - new beverage package policy requires all adults in cabin to purchase the drink package if any one does. So either no one gets it or everyone does at a cost of $2,378 for a cabin of four on this 12 night sailing.
This appears to make the UK promo a much better deal.
Side note - I like the presentation of the UK site, it's very different from the US site.
Details of UK offer:

The All Inclusive promotion includes the Deluxe Drinks Package for adults or the Classic Soda Package for persons under the applicable drinking age. A guest’s age will be determined at the time of boarding. Applicable to Europe, Caribbean and Transatlantics sailing in 2018 only.
Lastly - the US beverage package pricing above assumes advance purchases are made.  Buying it on board would add another 20% to the cost of the beverage packages.

Yeah, no one gets to tease me about my levels of detail diving any more. That’s WAY more effort than I’m willing to put in. ??

Happy New Year.
2018 has just begun here in little old New Zealand.
I hope everyone has a safe new year wherever in the world you are and have an amazing cruise to look forward to.
Thanks to everyone for making this such a great community to be part of. I am looking forward to seeing what RCI has installed for us this year.
Let the cruising begin.

we do :(  not just the cost of cruise but also getting there! 
Also once its booked thats it, we cant go back and get a better deal if one is advertised a month after booking
So they throw in the drinks package to temp us, as they know us brits will get our monies worth at the bar lol

Usually only things that are "purchased" show up on your cruise planner. If yours is included check your actual booking confirmation. There should be a code on there referring to it. Or if you booked it directly yourself, then it would probably show up on your cost breakdown when you log in to "view my reservations", that's not the same as the cruise planner. 

If you’re going to try CK and if you enjoy steak, I recommend doing CK on the first night. They have a very good filet and it is only offered on the first night 

OMG, I know! and was thinking of you with airfare all the time with the kids! My gosh, a small fortune!!  I think as cruise snobs we really need to win that lottery!! LOL

I don't think this is exclusive to RC.  Reading on other boards, there seems to be more of a trend among many cruise lines between suites and "steerage".  Even with MSC as mentioned above, I've been on CC a lot over the last two weeks reading from people on board right now and the general consensus is yacht club or don't bother.  Up charges, lack of personalized service, increased fees...it's all across the cruise industry.  Don't shoot the messenger...just sharing what I've read lately....?

I don't think this is exclusive to RC.  Reading on other boards, there seems to be more of a trend among many cruise lines between suites and "steerage".  Even with MSC as mentioned above, I've been on CC a lot over the last two weeks reading from people on board right now and the general consensus is yacht club or don't bother.  Up charges, lack of personalized service, increased fees...it's all across the cruise industry.  Don't shoot the messenger...just sharing what I've read lately....?

So, how long will you be in dry dock until your next cruise, and which ship? Need to put that date on my calendar so I won't miss your blog! Safe travels and Happy New Year!

Day 9 Photo Tour
Indy is very similar to Freedom.  So much so that I could borrow many photos from my live blog on Freedom and use them here.  Instead of posting more of the same, I'll post some different shots of Indy.
 
 
Vintages is more open to the Promenade compared to Freedom or maybe it just feels that way. 
 
 
 
 
The pub is similar.
 
 
Even though she is soon heading into a dry dock and refurbishment soon Indy is still quite pretty.
 
 
 
 
Boleros.
 
 
 
 
MacBeth dining room entrance.
 
The pool decks on the two ships is pretty much identical.
 
Olive or Twist bar and what used to be called the Viking Crown Lounge on deck 14 has great views.
 
 
 
The sports deck on Freedom and Indy are nearly identical.  That will change with water slides coming to Indy soon.
 
Independence Dunes will become the water slide area during dry dock.
 
The bellyflop contest is always a big hit.
 
The pool deck isn't normally this crowded.
 
The adult only solarium wasn't as busy.
 
 
 
 
 
 
The forward deck 12 area will receive new cabins during the dry dock.  This jogging track area forward of these stairs will become cabins and the jogging track diverted aft of the solarium area on deck 12.  St Tropez will become larger since it will be on roof of the new panorama cabins.  
 
This wood floor area within the Vitality Spa and gym area will be consumed for cabins as well.
 
Helipad access is open to the public like on other Freedom class ships, a feature I really enjoy. Who says I'm never in any photos - that's my shadow.
 
 
I always enjoy taking photos at night.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
With that my cruise was nearly over.  Just time for a last drink from the Diamond lounge and to finish packing.  Luggage is appearing in the hallways and it's time to face the reality of the situation.  Tomorrow I disembark.

I have seen people topless on the Flow Rider but I don’t think the riders were expecting that 

Sabrina,
You can do that anytime during the cruise. At the end of a cruise there will be a lot of folks in the guest services line and each one will have a different problem they need to get resolved and that can take some time. It has been our experience that after a couple of days we know who the star performers are for us, ie, cabin attendant, waiter, etc. and who the not so star performers are. I usually hit the guest services desk about half way through the cruise and increase/decrease the gratuity accordingly. Just be sure you get crew members name correct! Oh yeah, forgot to mention before that at the end of the cruise, I always tell the cabin attendant, waiter, etc. that I have pre-paid their gratuity. That way they won't think I have stiffed them.
Happy New Year!

Day 9 - Sea Day
As @Matt observed on his Indy cruise, Voom performance is quite good on Indy.  4 Mbps down, 2 Mbps up, ~210ms latency.  Wifi phone calls worked quite well.  
Last night the Diamond lounge bartender asked if I wanted one last drink as they were winding down.  I wanted a shot of Scotch as a night cap, she returned with a tumbler full to the brim.  I fell to sleep on my bed while thinking "I'll just rest my eyes for a minute before heading to the comedy show".  Needless to say I missed the comedy show.  A bottle of sparking wine was waiting for me in my cabin.  It's a French Brut and quite pleasant with Windjammer OJ this morning.  For those not yet Diamond it's worth it to be loyal and achieve Diamond.  For those long timers I know benefits have changed over time but from a newbie's perspective it's still pretty good.
The Diamond concierge was enforcing the dress policy on formal night last night.  A couple of guests wearing shorts and t-shirts objected and asked "Is there a sign?" to which she marched them out front and showed them the sign.    Everyone else was dressed up and you are going to challenge a polite request from crew to observe the dress policy?  Later she told me this happens a lot with suite guests who aren't Diamond members.  I personally was glad to see it enforced.  Long pants and a collared shirt would have sufficed.
On the future deck plans for Indy the current Diamond lounge is labelled 'Suite Lounge' so we'll see what happens.  On Freedom on certain nights the Viking Crown lounge or "Olive or Twist" bar was Diamond and above during Diamond happy hour.  It will be interesting to see how Diamond overflow is handled on Indy in the future.
Darn it - I just got the email that it's time to check in for my flight.  That confirms it, cruise is almost over.  Time to pack.
I'm working on a brief photo tour of select spots on the ship but time is getting away from.  Nine nights is not enough.  

Between gratuity and Voom price increases I found a mirror in the stairwell On Indy and captured my feelings on price increases:
 

o dear, besides a gofundme page for extra twangster cruise foto's we need to start one for him to go in therapy to unsee things to avoid cruise fears and we stop getting thoose good pictures :)