Skid

OK, I have to ask. Even with a great deal, can a 4 night cruise be worth the airfare? When I looked at that kind of thing, the airfare was literally more than the cruise.

First off, I owe a big thank you to @Lovetocruise2002 for telling me to not wait any longer to book Symphony because prices keep going up. Increasing prices are one thing, but how they are structured are another. We booked on May 3. I just looked now (as I often do) and the price went up $545 net (we got $125 OBC)......the worst part of the increase was the difference in the upcharge for a refundable deposit. We paid $192 (there are 2 of us). Today's pricing shows $469.00 per cabin and loss of the OBC. Yup, that is not a typo on my part---the refundable deposit charge went up 244%. This is just plain unconscionable!

Hey Joe---I wish you would have asked this question last week! I did not take notice of all the signs but when we checked in at Cape Liberty for Adventure, the shortest line (actually no line) was for what the agent called "regular" check in. I guess we looked irregular! They did have lines for various C&A tiers, but sorry, I didn't read them and we were not in a suite. Plus, I remember from 2 years ago, Anthem check in is REALLY QUICK AND EASY--all done with iPads. So although I totally get you wanting to take advantage of every perk available, you don't need to spend any time thinking about check in. I'm betting you will be on board within 15 minutes of parking. Happy sailing!

Now I have a couple of questions: 1. Coast Guard boat was along side of us from Cape Liberty to the Verrazano Bridge, weapon at the ready. Is this normal procedure? I thought it was pretty cool, but also a little scary... 2. @Lovetocruise2002 ....PLEEEASE tell me this is NOT the ship for your July MSC sailing!!! (sorry---I just couldn't resist).

We are home--?. Here are the menus for those interested. At some point I will try to get the Cruise Compasses scanned and sent to Matt. Dinner and service were fine, but we are not fans of ordering appetizer, entree and desserts all together at the beginning (new this year). Also like last year better when the servers came around with rolls instead of having a basket on the table when you come in. As stated earlier, only issue was that entrees never arrived steaming hot. Warm enough, but not hot. On the other hand, Chops Grill lunch was GREAT. Will probably go there for dinner on next cruise. I added the Chops Grill lunch menu below.

We did a pontoon lagoon excursion. So basically we got off a ship and on to a boat! Spotted a bunch of dolphins, birds, etc but unfortunately no manatees. It was fun. Turned out that was one of days it rained so we all got pretty wet. All part of the adventure I say. We wouldn't have had enough time at NASA and may just make that our November family trip.

Yes, Joe, Symphony will be our first time on Oasis class. OK, a plea to everyone. Went to Windjammer the other night for Caribbean theme. There were about 30 people on line at the section of the buffet we wanted. I counted 12 of them either eating whatever was already on their plate or LICKING THEIR FINGERS while waiting on line! I am not the biggest germaphobe but we left and went back to the MDR. 12 out of 30? Really? Come on folks. PLEASE HAVE SOME MANNERS AND COMMON SENSE! Just not to end on a negative note, this has been one of our best cruises yet, even despite 2 days of clouds/rain. BTW, about 800 kids on this sailing, probably because Port Canaveral (Disney) was first stop. Mostly young children as oppose to teenagers. Most are adorable and happy. No issues.

You will love this ship. You will have a different entertainment staff by then and probably a whole different crew, but I have no doubt your cruise will be awesome, especially over Halloween! CD Chris and AM Marvin's contracts are for 4 months, so they should be moving on around September. As for some last day (?) uddates: Chris and Marvin were great at the Quest. I always love seeing the reactions to this game by those who have never seen it before. Hilarious! I was amazed to find out that CD Chris is only 33 years old. WOW!! He is truly wise beyond his years. They finally put the drink card on sale, but waited until day 7. Ten drinks for $75 and card may be shared. They also put together an internet sale----60 minutes for $10. Great for those who may need to go to the internet cafe to check in on line with their airlines. Next up cruise wise is Symphony in ONLY 366 days. Some land vacations in between (a June getaway to one of our favorite hotels in Jamaica and DW going on a girls trip with her sisters and our daughters in July to Antigua---sure, leave me home!-hehe). We are also hoping for something for a family trip in November. So...last chance for any questions and thanks for reading all this stuff that I originally said I wasn't going to write. But that's OK, because as I type this on my balcony enjoying a late breakfast, I am being true to my goal of being lazy!

Some updates: 1. CD Chris did a fine job with the Love & Marriage show. 2. Even if the pizza, as decent as it is, isn't NY quality, the food at Chops Grill is. We bought the lunch during a cruise planner sale for a mere $17.60 each. Didn't know it at the time, but it turns out that it the price even included the 18% gratuity (we left extra anyway). Included were unlimited appetizers and desserts and one entree. Filet mignon and red velvet cake were fabulous. Shrimp cocktail, soup, asparagus, tater tots, mac&cheese were all great. Amazing meal for under $20. What were the odds that there were only 3 other couples in there with us? 3. I asked about extra tipping: Head waiter said that Royal has not changed their policy YET....wait staff can keep any extra tips they get. He said that as far as he knows NCL now forces extra tips to be turned in and shared. On the other hand, cabin steward said that all extra tips received are shared with "team members"... the folks that help with linens, help the stewards, etc. 4. Have heard several people talking about what I said yesterday...this is maybe the best crew at sea. Everyone so happy and helpful. 5. Last night's show was an Eagles tribute band called The Long Run. F-A-B-U-L-O-U-S. -not to be missed if you get a chance to see them. 6. Formal night and Quest tonight. Looking forward to seeing how CD Chris handles that. That's it for now.

FYI - Starting day five: 10 draft beers for $49 cards for sale. Headliner was comic magician Bill Cook. Definitely one of the better ones we have seen. Very likeable and talented. Great family show if you are traveling with children.

No Sorrento's here--Windjammer and Promenade Cafe. Nope, not NY quality, but improved and OK. This is our second time on Adventure. We love Voyager Class. I'm sure you will also. We have been on Anthem but, we have never sailed Oasis Class---we are booked for next May on Symphony. According to an officer on CocoCay, new dock is currently scheduled for opening at the end of October.

First off...even though the weather is not really cooperating, this may be our most fun cruise yet. This is the best crew we've seen....Every single crew member is amazingly friendly and helpful. Hotel Director Bill Downey has been all over the ship and it is so obvious that he truly loves his job. His enthusiasm definitely trickles down to everyone. CD Chris Brown and AM Magic Marvin Wilson are the best team we have seen since Abe Hughes and Chris Hopkins. I think Marvin will be the next great CD. And now presenting...the highlight of the CD staff.... Fernanda from Mexico! This magnificent young lady is nothing short of an entertainment machine AND the nicest, friendliest person you can ever want to meet. They had the Disco Inferno 70's show last night (excellent show--sorry JOE01). Everyone was great, but Fernanda "rocked the boat". According to Hotel Director Bill, MOST of the suites got new carpets and drapes during the last dry dock. Bedding stayed on the rotating schedule they always had, so some suites have brand new, while others may not. We are not in a suite, but FYI our OV hump balcony cabin did get new bedding and our mattress is VERY comfortable to us.... mattresses, like food, are subjective. Windjammer: no issues there. Crowded, of course, but food (again, subjective) is fine and fresh. We've been in MDR each night for dinner and have enjoyed food and service there also. If any issue at all, it is that MDR entrees end up at the table warm, not steaming hot. Ok, though. Will be doing Chops Lunch on Thursday. Kathy, I am already jealous that we are getting off in Friday, and you will be first staring your vacation. Have an awesome time! Are you on Adventure now, doing a B2B from your time here on the 5th repositioning or were you talking about Grandeur??? DW wasn't sure about going with the weather being what is, but I think I have convinced her. Either way, I will try to get some information today. Other quick tidbits: WiFi cuts out about 20 times a day...but have never needed to re-enter the password...just need to click WiFi and it comes right back. No issues getting it anywhere on the ship so far. We are on day 4 and have not seen a drink card offer yet. Specialty coffee card on board is 15 for $31. Despite what I have read previously, we have had no annoying hardsell attempts at all for spa, specialty restaurants, etc. Reps are certainly all around if you want help, but have not been pestering or bothersome. Dropped off our luggage at Bayonne Port at about 10:30, parked at the garage, checked in and was on board and eating in WJ by 11:15. Easy peasie! WJ was pretty much epmty when we got there and packed by 11:30. And of ultimate importance....pizza is better than last year. Certainly not the best, but very edible. Other items in Cafe Promenade are really good.

That's amazing. I just booked Symphony for May 2019 and the difference for refundable for 2 people was $192. But, as we did for our upcoming cruise, know that you can call a little before before final payment date, switch to non refundable and get what the difference is at the time.

Thanks for your input. I booked on line through the RC website. Did not use a vacation planner because it was a pretty straightforward reservation, but I did call the C&A line first to verify a few things. They were very nice also. Now I have 60 days to think about whether I want to transfer to a TA. BTW, if anyone needs it, the C&A line that I've always gotten right through on is 800-526-9723 and then immediately press 9.

Please don't tie up their phone lines as I'll need to get through?! Just booked Symphony for next year---only 379 days to go--there will be a LOT of phone calls coming their way. And not just for prices. I couldn't believe that over a year out, main dining room early seating is already wait listed. Had to take My Time Dining because we definitely didn't want 8:30 dinner. This may be a good excuse to finally try some specialty restaurants. Nice problems to have though!

So true. We had a local one that was great on our first trip. Then we inquired about 2 more and she was totally unresponsive. I can't even guess how much business she lost from us and our friends/family and she is the owner of the agency. I did run into her at a store one day and let her know how she messed up. All she said was "give us another try". Yeah, right! Lately I feel like you have been MY personal TA. We are now booked on Symphony--only 379 days to go! Thanks!

Thanks for sharing your experience. I have seen good things about 3 or so of the MEI reps and some not so good things about some others. I'm sure this is true of all companies, but is exactly why I am on the fence about this. Good luck and happy sailing!

Thank you all for such quick responses. Very good points made. I think I may just book direct and take the 60 day period to transfer over to MEI. I guess now, in addition to being a control freak, I just became a procrastinator. I agree with dealing directly with the airlines. FYI, though, I did use Royal's Air2Sea last year for Puerto Rico and it turned out well. The other issue with this particular sailing is that the early seating in MDR is apparently wait listed already. So I guess we'll have to do MTD or try specialty restaurants this time since we do NOT care for an 8:30 dining time. But that is another reason I'd want to keep calling to check, which I'd probably do much more often than the travel agent would. Decisions, decisions.....but the way I see it, what great problems to have!!

My thoughts exactly. I'd be checking all the time anyway even if I believe they' will also. Frankly, the reason I am even thinking about it is because they sponsor Matt and this great forum!

Having never sailed Oasis Class before, we are probably going to book Symphony for May 2019. Being the impatient control freak I am, along with not having much luck the few times we did use travel agents, I usually book myself online. I was wondering what @Lovetocruise2002 , @Boston Babe , @WAAAYTOOO or any others that have booked both ways think about booking through MEI as opposed to continue doing it myself. I'm sure I already know what @Matt thinks! ? Thanks to all.

Hi Joe. Do you (or anyone) have any info/reviews on Chris Brown? We will be on Adventure soon. Thanks!

@KathyC We'll wave to you as you kick us off! We are going on the 11th.

This came up in another posting and thought I'd mention it here. It's been a long time (2006) since we did this excursion, but the company is still there. We had a great time. If you are going to Bermuda, check this. http://www.hartleybermuda.com/wp/

@Boston Babe - We haven't been there since 2010, but Bermuda is the only place we have gone back to 3 times on purpose (2 land vacations and 1 cruise). It is (at least was then) as beautiful as you imagine. Horseshoe Beach has pink sand and truly crystal clear magnificent water. We did a helmet diving excursion in 2006n that was amazing. Then you also have the town of Hamilton. I am sure you will have a jam packed couple of days there. HAVE AN AWESOME TIME! Actually, I just looked and the helmet diving excursion company we used is still around. Check it out: http://www.hartleybermuda.com/wp/

@meadowdrive I have never been to Tampa, but when I used the RC Shuttle service in Puerto Rico last year they were located at a kiosk in the baggage claim area. My guess would be that is how they do it at every airport. So even if you only have carry ons, go to baggage claim. Also, they take passengers and luggage on separate vehicles. The luggage goes on a truck and they wait for it to fill up as much as possible. So on the return trip from the ship we arrived at the airport about 40 minutes before our luggage did. I am not telling you this to scare you--just wanted you to be aware so you don't get nervous. And hopefully you are not cutting it too close for your flight departure. You can call RC to verify.