DocLC

I'll disagree with not needing a car at Disney. We've travelled to WDW 4 times over the holidays using Disney transportation all but the last time. Having our own car was much more convenient than relying on Disney transportation especially if going to the parks around opening or closing and/or park hopping. Plus, Disney doesn't charge for parking for resort guests.

Sorry; I thought you were referring to a car service.

 

Given the proximity of the airport, that would probably be your best bet in terms of options. You'll need to price drop off locations. Sometimes airports are cheaper than in town. It also depends on if you need/want the car while in Orlando.

Smart. It's the best source of advertising any cruise line could hope for in the end.

Yes, you can.  They were actually selling it all week in the Windjammer, although I've read previously that it has to be purchased during the first two days of the cruise.

There is a bus that runs from Miami and FLL to Orlando, but to be honest it is probably cheaper and more convenient to rent a car one-way.  We did this last year for a Miami-based cruise and it was much cheaper ($100 + tax = $140) than the cost of the bus.

For those contemplating a cruise to Europe this summer, now may be the time to consider going.  I just read an article in the San Diego Union-Tribune stating that the US dollar had strengthened over the past year.

 

While this won't likely affect cruise prices, it may make the related costs (e.g., precruise hotels, transportation, etc.) much more affordable.  Thus, if you're considering a European cruise on Royal Caribbean, it might be worth putting down a refundable deposit if you live in the U.S. and letting the strength of the dollar and associated airfare costs determine whether you make final payment or not.  While the cheapest airfares to Europe from the U.S. seemed to be offered around Thanksgiving for this summer, the article suggests that the weakening Euro and British Pound may force foreign airlines to reduce fares if fewer Europeans book travel this summer.

 

The article can be found at utsandiego.com - Strong dollar make world traveler cheaper for Americans

 

For those of you on the fence, this might be a good opportunity to take advantage of a strengthening dollar.

We did the train as well and did enjoy it, but felt that it offered the lowest value in terms of price compared to some of our other excursions.  Fortunately, we had a discount through Royal, which significantly reduced the cost for us.  If I had to do it again, I'd probably consider a private taxi tour and do what you stated that you did on the second visit.

 

I heard great things about Nevis, so I can't argue with your logic.

Sometimes lines have to leave ports for a year or so and then come back - weird rules - but also the lines like to try ports they see other cruise lines trying

St Kitts is one such port - and Dominica is starting to get a lot of news lately too - not sure about all these, I think Aruba is one of the best

island in the Caribbean -

We did Dominica last week on the Jewel; it was awesome. St. Kitts was nice, but wasn't one I'd personally rush back to necessarily.

Perhaps you need to enter from the rear of the Windjammer, then.  When we went by just after 9 p.m., the main doors were closed and there were ropes across the sliding glass doors on the side.

Had a great time and it was a great return to RCI after having not sailed the line in quite some time.  Weather was great, ports were great, excursions were great, etc.  What was most striking, however, was the friendliness of the fellow passengers. 

I agree that cruises out of San Juan are quite nice. Also way more exotic destinations than cruises originating in Florida

Completely agree, Matt. Everyday last week was pool/beach weather in every port including San Juan. In addition, the nighttime temperatures are quite warm (70-75f), meaning that it's pool weather even at 2 am if you're at a hotel with a 24 hour pool like we were.

I did the Royal Replenish package on the Jewel last week after having enjoyed a similar package on Celebrity. After trying it, I won't likely purchase it again. While I did break even, I felt like I was ordering that extra specialty coffee and/or soda just to make the package worthwhile. In addition, unlike Celebrity, Royal only gives you the small bottles of water rather than the larger, better water (I.e., Evian). Celebrity also gave you cans at the bar so you could take them back to your room unopened to enjoy later and/or with room service.

 

I will say that I did enjoy the Latte-tudes and the Starbucks offerings. I used that much more than the virgin drinks that were included in the package. If the soda tasted better onboard, the package may have been more worthwhile.

We love the freestyle machines locally and were really excited that they had them on the Jewel. However, the flavor of our preferred drinks was off. I could tolerate it, but my wife ended up requesting a refund for her beverage package as a result, which RCI granted.

I think it was my first cruise after the Viking Serenade. Then after sailing Carnival based on a TA's, we quickly retreated back to Royal. After the birth of our son, however, we've floated among various cruise lines primarily because of itineraries and/or pricing. However, we're now back to Royal.

On the Jewel, the soft serve was available most of the day in the rear of the Windjammer, which closed nightly at 9 pm. However, there was a beverage station available even after closing time. Remember that room service is another option especially for coffee and tea by the pot. I can't remember if ice cream was available or not, but there were other dessert options available.

Yep winter is great - and like others have said if you can go out of San Juan you should always have good weather

The key is if you live in a snowy place, fly several days early in the winter so if flights are cancelled you don't miss the boat!

excellent point, Michelle. We had dinner with a couple last week on the Jewel out of San Juan that had this occur. Fortunately, they left Montreal several days in advance as they ended up stranded in New York on the way down. Had they flown day of or even the day before, they would have likely missed the ship.

 

We toured with another couple last year who had to change airlines at the last minute out of DC to make the cruise; unfortunately, their luggage didn't make it as a result so they spent time in every port buying necessities and ended up with a lot of souvenir clothing.

My son (7) bought this was the coolest thing ever.

You will need to pay for sodas either by the class or through a package. RCI hasn't included soda since the mid 1990s and even then it was only in the main dining room. Everything else your TA said is correct.

 

Juice is also available in the mornings although it will not be the fresh squeezed variety.

Come to Southern California and I'll hook you up. :)

 

Now if we could only get a Royal ship back out here . . .

We're getting married on Radiance Jan 13th 2015

Congratulations!

You're even giving attention to Sabor over Izumi. Changing loyalties?

Any disappointment that Sabo wasn't mentioned or are you still holding out hope?

 

These changes are making think of moving from Liberty to Freedom; that way, I can sneak in a WDW precruise trip rather than waiting until 2017.

That was back when Platinum meant something. Now it's just a lowly level on the way to Pinnacle, and I'll admit that I've been looking at ways to rack up points, like sailing in a suite on the 12 night Brilliance cruise, then reality (price) sets in.

Excellent deductive reasoning, WhitesSoxFan. I hadn't even considered that. There are several lines like MSC that are much cheaper by comparison, especially if 3rd and 4th berths are for children.

Good points, Michelle.

 

The TA I use doesn't offer any perks unless the agency has a promotion with the cruise line.  We often get a small gift once onboard (e.g., $25 OBC, photo, or bottle of wine) as a thank you, but nothing big or upfront nor expected.  While I know I can get better deals out there, I'm loyal to myth tried and true TA as she makes time for me and doesn't charge a fee to rebook if prices drop.

 

I looked into a warehouse club agency once because of an add and past experience with them on a land trip. However, when I asked about price drops, they informed me that there'd be a $75 change fee each time.  In addition, I could never speak to the same person and often had to wait 20 minutes on hold each time.