SparkleBee

yes, I just did this last week. was staying only 1.5 miles from port and the hotel was going to charge $7 per person for a shuttle. Uber was something like $5! it's a great way to go. I think if you are going to be picked up you ought to make it at a time when most people are already gone do the poor driver doesn't have to sit in all that traffic.

this question is addressed a million times in the Northern Europe/Baltics area. basically, all the private companies in StP get rave reviews, the most popular ones being SPB and Alla and TJ. I went with SPB and they did an excellent job. you don't want to go with the ship tour. it's more expensive and you are herded with lots and lots more people.

I have absolutely changed my ideas of where it is safe to take a vacation. I'm not referring to cruises in general but most of my dream destinations for land-based trips are not comfortable for me at this time so I've made other choices.

it depends... is it a non-stop flight or are there connections? I flew from CA to Copenhagen and had terrible delays and arrive 5 hours later than planned. thankfully it was the day before! on the other hand, my brothers flew in non-stop from NY that morning and it was fine.

I have not been keeping up with this so have no idea how it is now. but I did this May 2013 and disembarked at their brand new port. I mean it JUST opened. it was an absolute nightmare. your flight sounds early, but if you PRE-BOOK at taxi to be there waiting for you then you might be ok. check the Baltic boards for more current info. when I did it I don't think I could even get out of the port until like noon. it was horrible.

I had the same question and was told they are basically the same except for Cats vs. MM. I ended up booking Allure. the cost difference was only $100 more total and it fit my schedule better.

thank you for your input. I pretty much chose the ships I wanted and am trying to decide which of their itineraries are the best. Oasis/Allure have a big wow factor and I know my kids would love it!!! I have been reading about the ports but none of them seem too outstanding, which is why I asked for opinions.

I've got no experience in the Caribbean so not sure which ports to visit. It will be me and my 2 teens. would like to snorkel, see turtles and dolphins, anything especially beautiful and unique. ancient ruins good. not going to museums.

which of these itineraries is best in your opinion?

Cozumel/Falmouth/Labadee

St. Maarten/San Juan/Labadee

Nassau/St. Thomas/St. Kitts

(these are the choices for RCI Oasis and Allure next summer)

I'm a city girl and have no experience in the Caribbean. It will be me and my 2 teens. would like to snorkel, see turtles and dolphins, anything especially beautiful and unique. ancient ruins good. not going to museums.

which of these itineraries is best in your opinion?

Cozumel/Falmouth/Labadee

St. Maarten/San Juan/Labadee

Nassau/St. Thomas/St. Kitts

(these are the choices for RCI Oasis and Allure next summer)

I think I figured out what to do... sail in June 2016 instead. I can get the cheapest room on Oasis/Allure for $3460 for the 3 of us. I realize it's not a great deal but I know my kids would really be wowed by the biggest most extravagant thing out there! That would be instead of spending $3317 this year for Freedom. same price + better ship = I think waiting makes sense for us. we'll just have to think of something cheaper to do this summer. thank you all for your input, very very helpful.

that sale is BS. I was quoted something before the sale and guess what... the quote was EXACTLY the same during the sale.

I've kind of decided to book Oasis or Allure for next June instead. I can get it for $3460 for the 3 of us ($1300 less than doing it this summer!). or I can sail Freedom this summer. I'd rather wait for the WOWest ship out there. will find something cheaper to do this year.

that is so helpful. thank you very much. it does help to put that $1k in perspective.

we have no choice, can only go in Summer due to school and sports. I was thinking of the late June sailing so as to be as far away from hurricane peak time as possible.

I'm getting quoted about $1500 per person for 3 in an inside cabin for a 7 day Caribbean. doesn't that sound awfully high? that does not include gratuities.

trying to do the Caribbean in June with my 2 teens. I won't do Carnival or NCL so that leaves RCI. Went on Radiance of the Seas and was pleased, so we like RCI a lot.

I have a quote for a trip on Freedom for about $1,000 less than Oasis. I really want the awesome ship for all the amazing things to experience. especially for the kids. would you say Oasis is worth paying a premium? I also don't think the ports are that great but the days at sea should make up for it.

your thoughts?

thanks!!!

rethought a lot... if I was only 2 people I would try for the last minute deal... but I'm 3 people and I think that will be tough to come by. I'm not seeing very good prices at the moment but it might be better than not going at all.

try this website.. I love it

http://www.*************.com/

oh never mind. I guess that's not allowed. sorry!

I'll post back in a few months and let you know what happened :) thanks for your input.

I wouldn't see it as immoral. things change all day every day... it might not be the absolute most considerate thing to do but it's not really bad either.

you can certainly enjoy the cruise w/o incurring too many other expenses. I'm sorry about the stress, sounds like the vacation is just what you need!

you guys don't think my strategy is too good... hmm... ok, thank you all for your input. maybe rethink...

I want to take my 2 teens on a Caribbean cruise in June. None of the things I'm finding are perfect... either too expensive, or boring ports, etc. I've decided to try and snag a lat minute deal instead (never done that cause I'm a uber planner!). If it's not perfect it might as well be a huge bargain, right? I realize airfares could erase any savings I might get but airfares are not cheap now anyway so I am willing to take my chances there. are my chances of finding a last minute room that can handle 3 people ok? I guess if it was cheap enough I could just get 2 rooms. What do you guys think?

THANK YOU!!!! I definitely feel more confident about signing up for another cruise. I'll just assume I'll get seasick and wear the patch in the first place. hooray!

In Alaskan open waters I had a hellish day due to seasickness, taking Dramamine after that fact did not help. If I take meds BEFORE I feel anything should I be ok? does the patch really work to keep seasickness at bay? I want to do another cruise but am terrified of getting seasick again.