PeterElicy

I am trying to compare the cost/value of a cruisetour vs booking just the cruise and planning my own land vacation. For comparison I am simply using interior stateroom pricing from 2016/17 RCCL printed tourbook.
 
The 7 night Seward to Vancouver interior cabin cruise prices start at $1119
 
The 7B Cruisetour featuring a 6 night land tour prior to the cruise has prices starting at $2602 adding $1,483 over the cruise only price. This is $247/night compared to the cruise portion of $160/night.
 
Considering that we will be traveling as a couple the nightly land tour portion is ~$500/night. I recognize the price includes transportation and travel guide as well as the convenience of having the trip planned and managed by someone else (a very big convenience)
 
One other dimension to this is that we may be traveling with children/spouses and and possibly some other couples (13-20 adults total). One view of this is that we could plan our own land tour (lodging, guide, transportation) getting a more tailored trip (and possibly save costs?) and the other view is that we would struggle to put together a plan that suits everyone.
 
I am assuming there is not much to be saved by planning the land tour ourselves and that there is a higher risk of having an unpleasant experience but we are interested in what others have experienced.
 
Dave
 
 

I want to know your best RCCL moment. Any cruise, any place, anytime. I want to know what made you say," I'm never going to take a cruise with anyone else, ever again!"

Hi we are going on our first cruise on the Harmony of the seas in April to Labadee, Falmouth and Cozumel and are trying to find out if we need any vaccinations. Have contacted the doctor but they haven't given us any awnsers. Has anyone been on this cruise and know any about vaccinations for it?
Thank you in advance

Eventhough this will be our first cruise, I figured what the heck and went all in, by signing up for the Crown and Anchor Society. Are there any benefits to receive on our first cruise or do they start on following cruises? I've also read that sometimes, first time cruisers are invited to the Captain's Table for dinner. Long shot of course, but has that ever happened to anybody you know? Just curious.

I'm assuming you received those perks mainly because of your suite, and not just your C&AS status.

We are planning a multi family cruise in Alaska on the Explorer of the Seas for 2018, with one family comprised of 2 adults and 3 kids.  A balcony/oceanview room is a must, so we're thinking of options for a family of 5.
 
I realize it's impossible to know exact prices for these rooms until the sailings come out next week, but can the group give some perspective on how the general prices of these room compare? 
 
Family Panoramic Oceanview
2 Connecting Balcony rooms
A balcony room connecting to a oceanview room
 
Any input is appreciated!! Thanks in advance!
 
 

Wouldn't you know it, just before they release the Alaskan schedule. 😠 Is there any word on the street for sales after this one ends?

At the suggestion from many of you guys, I got us added on the wait list for early dining.  Well, just found out yesterday that they have changed us to the 5:30 pm dining time.  With the two youngest grandgirls (and hubby too) this will be so much better. 
 
We have our excursions picked and paid for, drink packages done, formal outfits figured out (for the most part) as we are doing the first formal night for family pictures.  I have an over the door (big pocket) organizer as the two grands staying in our cabin will have too much stuff I'm sure.  I have a USB charger that has 8 ports so that we can charge everyone's phones, tablets, and watches.
 
I still need to get some of those magnet clips to hang stuff up (swimsuits to dry and etc).  Any others good ideas that I might need?

I thought I read a while ago that the electrical outlets turn off when the lights are off at night. Is this true?  If so how do you charge your phones at night when you are asleep?

Just got off the $1.3 billion dollar mega ship Harmony of the seas and it was amazing! This ship is top notch! I am really annoyed that the engineers did not extend the perimeter glass low enough to the ground in the ping pong area to avoid the balls from rolling under and all over the deck. Pretty crazy having to chase ping pong balls all over the sports deck. What a dumb engineering mistake!

I notice in my cruise planner that there are various discounts for spa treatments depending on what day and time you book ie: cruising days are more expensive than port days.
 
I remember on Oasis last year they offered $99 for 6 mini treatments on the last cruising day.
 
Will there be better discounts offered on board? Or like with everything else, is the best discount offered pre cruise?
 

I have been searching online everywhere and can't find an answer.  Can anyone who has recently cruised on an Oasis class ship provide a list of the in-suite movies?  Thanks.

Regarding the Luggage Valet Program;
 
I have read that for Delta Airlines this is only available for domestic flights. But how will that be if first part of the flight is domestic, and rest is international. We will travel from Ft. Lauderdale to Atlanta and the  to Amsterdam.. Can we then use this program ?
 

I am pretty certain I am driving from TN to Tampa for the June 3 Empress sailing. Has anyone run across any Tampa cruise port parking promo codes?

Is it okay to pack the CPAP with check-in luggage or best to carry thru airport security and onto ship? Will RC allow me to bring an extension cord, ETC.

I need help. I know I'm an over planner, but I can't seem to help it. I once told my wife and kids on a Disney trip that there was "no time for pictures." It has become a source of humor since then. Does anybody else have this problem? Any suggestions? I want everything to be perfect, since this is a surprise anniversary cruise for my wife.

Just a quick question about Voom.  When you login do you stay connected to Voom until you disconnect or connect with another device?  Does Voom automatically disconnect you from inactivity or when you close an app/browser?  Thanks

I've heard the best deals are to wait and book onboard, especially during port days, true?

Over time my wife and I have learned a few tricks and established some habits when on a cruise.
 
Here's two of ours:
 
1. Take the stairs. Only exception is going to the Diamond Lounge on Deck 14 and then to late dinner. Otherwise, it's the stairs 100% of the time, no exceptions. Even coming back from an excursion on deck 1 and up to the deck 10 stateroom. No rush, just take your time and get it done. Hoping this keeps at least 5lbs off the scale...
 
2. Light in the bathroom at night. Nothing worse than getting up in the middle of the night to pee (when your 40+ it's at least once, 50+ at least twice) and flipping on the light switch only to blind yourself. Then exiting the bathroom only to greet complete darkness...stubbing your toe and causing a general ruckus. Since the electrical outlet in the staterooms is only active when the light switch is on, we bring with us a small LED light that sits on the counter that we only have to tap to turn it on or off. Just enough light to do what you need to do. Far easier on the eyes and at least you can see the obstacles on the way back to the pillow.
 
What are some of your tricks and things you've learned to do?

Any day now, I think.  Keep checking !!

Ok folks, I am super excited! Only 4 days until we set sail on Freedom for 6 days in the Caribbean! We are celebrating our 22nd wedding anniversary on day 2 and celebrating St. Patty's day on day 6 (I am 1/2 Irish).
 
* Drink packages have been bought
* Specialty Dining package has been bought
* Excursions have been booked and paid for
* Couples massage has been booked and paid for
* Online check in complete
* All documents signed
* Set sail passes printed
* Luggage tags printed
* Parking arranged and paid for
* Driving so, no need for airport or hotel room
* Bank/Debit card ready for travel with my bank
* All documents required are ready
 
 
Am I missing anything?????? Is there anything that I may have overlooked??????
 
I appreciate all the help you all have given me during my planning period, I learned so much from this forum and I loved reading the blog! I plan on posting and sharing about my experience with you since this is my very first RCCL cruise but, I think it will only be the first of many!!!

As many of you know, Royal Caribbean will begin releasing its 2018-2019 itineraries on the week of March 6: http://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2017/01/24/royal-caribbean-announces-2018-2019-deployment-opening-schedule-dates
 
Please use this thread to discuss changes you see of interest, as well as any particularly good deals.  Personally, I'm always interested in odd-ball sailings, like a weekend sailing on a ship that does not offer it usually.

Where and how many outlets are in a promenade stateroom on Freedom of the Seas?

Hi all... Although I know its not set in stone and factors at sea can change the plan... but has anyone been on the 12 Night Mediterranean/Greek Islands cruise out of Barcelona on Brilliance of the Seas this season that can share which three nights were the formal nights.  Would like to make specialty dining reservations without having to switch it later on.
 
Thanks in advance.

I have a question on the Deluxe cabins that are located on the Hump of the ship.  We are sailing on the Freedom of the Seas in 2018 and booked a Deluxe cabin.  It's located right where the hump meets the straight part of the ship.  The balcony is not listed as an "obstructed view", but I wanted to see if anyone here has stayed in one.  Does the curved hump in any way block the view.  Thanks.