Seeking a SYMPHONY in an OASIS INDEPENDENCE-ly 1/12/2025-1/30/2025

[Sweety]

7 minutes ago, OCSC Mike said:

A weekly flier with deals on cruises in the next few weeks or months. It used to be a great resource for those of us who can sail last minute with lots of good deals but it's become almost useless over the past year or so. That said, it still occasionally has something good. Here's the link...

https://creative.rccl.com/Sales/Royal/Promotions/rci_sales_event_USD.pdf

It used to be MUCH longer with lots of ships from all different ports. Recently it has looked like the current one. I still check it though and 2 weeks ago it had 6 March-May Wonder cruises with some good prices (for Wonder) and that's how we wound up with an Easter cruise to replace our cancelled Spring Break cruise.

I will be looking at this also. Thank you very much.

[WAAAYTOOO]

Ali, I have really enjoyed this blog...not that I don't enjoy them all, but I share so many of your feelings re: length of cruises, play in the casino, S2S without an overnight stay and also the idea that the ships' shuttles aren't all that terrible !

Sorry that your drydock will be so long.  Reason #1 to get your behind down to FLORIDA permanently !!....followed very closely behind the fact that your mother is here now...

Thanks for taking the time to document everything for us.  I know it's a lot of work...more than some realize. Those of you who are very good at it (and you know who you are....) make the rest of us who are too lazy, look really bad...

[asquared17]

55 minutes ago, Ampurp85 said:

the price of eggs in Chicago is $8.18!!!!!!!

good LORD. 

55 minutes ago, Ampurp85 said:

I really appreciate the shuttles Royal offers, never so much as when we were trying to get a Lyft to the airport. In fact, I think I would rather just use a shuttle from here on out. 

i loved that you were able to take advantage of this and also that it will be worked into rotation now when you travel. it’s so nice to discover new traditions.

56 minutes ago, Ampurp85 said:

I really enjoy blogging; it gives me a chance to relive the experience, and I really enjoy all of you that engage with me . I enjoy the added experiences and perspectives.

i LOVE your liveblogs!!!!!

40 minutes ago, OCSC Mike said:

Sometimes I think I post too much in other people's live blogs but so many of us have mentioned enjoying the interaction that I remind myself it's likely in my head.

mike!!!! no!!!!

i get worried when you don’t pop up and interact so please don’t worry that you’re too much!!!! room for everyone here

 

[Sweety]

3 hours ago, Ampurp85 said:

Okay so after some food and rest.......final thoughts.

Even though there are news channels on the TV, I realized that I don't get the news like I should. Yes, we all get the horrible things like plane crashes and swearing ins. But the price of eggs in Chicago is $8.18!!!!!!! No wonder the eggs have been bad on board.

Anyway, I think two and half to three weeks is the perfect amount of time to be on a cruise ship. The longer length gives you time to relax, do what you want, and maximize your vacation. I also loved that I eventually missed home instead wishing I had just a day or two more on board. I like that doing three different ships gave me a host of different experiences with the same thing, if you understand me. 

I loved going straight from ship to ship, I think hotel stays might break up the relaxing aspect of the vacation. I really appreciate the shuttles Royal offers, never so much as when we were trying to get a Lyft to the airport. In fact, I think I would rather just use a shuttle from here on out. 

I know with 100% clarity that I am not a suite person when it comes to Royal. While I loved CK's ambiance, the menu (so much veal and seafood) was not for me. Being D+ and Prime also means most of the perks become moot. So, paying at least 3x the cost for a slightly better room is not in my future. It will be interior/balcony and some dining package from here on out. 

There were far less shenanigans this time around, but still a lot .

I learn more and more about my casino strategies when I sail on these longer cruises. One thing I have learned is lower and slower works for me. I tried bigger bets on Oasis and lost money, I need to keep my bets below $2.40. The elusive hand pay on a ship is still out of reach. I did however earn more comps than I could use, which is a first for me.

I really enjoy blogging; it gives me a chance to relive the experience, and I really enjoy all of you that engage with me . I enjoy the added experiences and perspectives.

With that being said it will be a long dry dock for me......217 days. 

Since the restart I have been able to cruise 3x a year at least and the longest dry dock had been about 155 days. New work schedule means I am limited with no hope of getting in a cruise, other than maybe one 3/4-night. Which given the cost of flying and all of that, isn't always worth it. 

That being said I will continue my adventures on Oasis in Sept for a B3B of a 2n/7n/6n. 

Next Cruise: Oasis Sept 5-20th, 2025

And in keeping with tradition a S3S of Celebrity and B2B Icon sailings in Jan 2026. Hopefully the casino doesn't exclude it again this time around, but I booked refundable just in case. 

Try Food for Less.

[Ampurp85]

Let me just say even when we go off tangent in a blog, we are still on one. I have learned a lot by the members going off tangent.

Also, there is no such thing as replying too much in any blog.......Mike. 

@Sweety you are right the eggs there are under $4. I was at Tony's and shocked by the egg prices and the sign thanking the bird flu for the new cost. 

[Sweety]

12 minutes ago, Ampurp85 said:

Let me just say even when we go off tangent in a blog, we are still on one. I have learned a lot by the members going off tangent.

Also, there is no such thing as replying too much in any blog.......Mike. 

@Sweety you are right the eggs there are under $4. I was at Tony's and shocked by the egg prices and the sign thanking the bird flu for the new cost. 

Glad to help. I have to buy eggs for my parents. I do shop around. Did you get some?

[asquared17]

33 minutes ago, Ampurp85 said:

Let me just say even when we go off tangent in a blog, we are still on one. I have learned a lot by the members going off tangent.

tangents are literally the backbone of my liveblogs

[Cactus527]

There's a house I pass on my runs. It's waaaay back on a dirt road and they have a sign out front that says "Organic Eggs, $8/dozen." I've always thought that was omg expensive, but nowadays it's starting to look more like I might be shopping at the hippie's house...

[Lovetocruise2002]

11 hours ago, Ampurp85 said:

I really enjoy blogging; it gives me a chance to relive the experience, and I really enjoy all of you that engage with me . I enjoy the added experiences and perspectives.

Truth! We all enjoyed this too! Shenanigans Queen!  And re: long dry dock…you never know. Desperate times call for desperate measure. Those shorties look better than nothing after a while

[SweetPea]

On 1/26/2025 at 9:38 PM, Ampurp85 said:

I'm more shocked that a ship carries Hermès.

I'm slowly catching up, but obviously i agree with you. Royal is a mainstream cruise line. Mainstream + Hermès doesn't exactly add up.  To me at least. 

[SweetPea]

On 1/27/2025 at 8:48 PM, Ampurp85 said:

If we ass to ass, nobody should be talking.

Amen  

[SweetPea]

I'm finally caught up (I'm blaming Emmet). Sounds like even though you said you had less Shenanigans, you still had your fair share!

 

I'm with you. We're in dry dock as well till August, but have nothing further booked on Royal and will not book anything further on Royal with the new Star Class/UDP rules so I'm just here to keep up with you all at this point!

 

Welcome home, and i hope mother's hubby recovers well!!