PuterMonkey

Thank you! I appreciate all the input =)

We are in the beginning stages of planning a cruise for next summer for the hubby, myself, and our son (then 5). It would be the little man's first cruise and we are thinking of flying to Florida to try the Oasis class because A) I've always wanted to and B) they look excellent for families.

I've done a preliminary cost comparison and it doesn't look like the overall difference in cost between the two ships is substantial when airfare to Orlando vs FLL is factored in. To help tip the scales, what can the well traveled members of CC tell me about the current state of the two ships? Is one going to be a better choice due to upkeep, crew, etc?

Yummy imaginary cookies for your troubles :)

Some of the posters here seem to think that I did something wrong here. I never asked for this room, they offered it to me, knowing well how old my daughter was, since I had cruised with them before. The ONLY reason I called was because I had future cruise credit that I needed to use and didn't know how to use them. When he quoted me the price, he came way more than what I got online for the same room, then looking, he said "oh I didn't apply the residency discount you are allowed" and then came with hold on a minute, I have a cabin that is midship that you can put your daughter in a playpen. I told him, that is fine, she won't use the playpen as the bed is big enough for the 3 of us. Even in a cabin of 3 she would have slept with us. The problem with this cabin I have is that that there is no couch that converts into a bed. It is a double occupancy with a pack and play. I can keep that room, it does not bother me one bit, but the agent I spoke to yesterday plainly told me, if once we get to the pier, if they feel that my daughter is too big for the playpen, they will deny us boarding if no other cabin suitable for us is available. I cannot risk it. I've been looking forward to this cruise and we are less than 2 weeks away and now I don't know what will happen. I hope this clarifies the situation for those who think I'm looking for more than what I paid for. I really just want a balcony that fits the 3 of us with no problems at the pier!:o

So wait, what is the official criteria for 'fits in a playpen'? Pack n plays have specific height/weight limits on them, there's no judgement call that needs to be made in my opinion. Either your daughter would be under the size limit of the ones RCI uses or not.

Unless I am misunderstanding something, originally poster referred to the child as a "toddler" and RC planned a pack-and-play for the child. Later the child is said to be a 3-year-old. In my opinion a 3-year-old is not a toddler, therefore, I think the original poster has some responsibility here. Might be a communications error as to the age and size of the child, especially if the original booking agent did not do the math as to the child's age and just heard the word "toddler."

 

Hopefully can be resolved.

The booking will have the child's birthdate on it. Their age is therefore a known thing, whether OP calls them a toddler or not.

I would not have accepted an interior in this circumstance. The OP booked the reservation for a balcony. I have no problems with interior cabins and have sailed them myself, but if I booked a balcony I would expect to receive that or better, especially in this circumstance which is the cruise line's mistake and not the client's.

In the equivalent table-side drink brochures at land restaurants they often don't list drink prices anyway, so it doesn't really surprise me. Annoys, yes, surprises, no. It's probably easier to convince someone to order a drink when they aren't staring at a $10 price tag.

Conversely it's why I rarely order mixed drinks at home because I have no way of knowing which are the $6-7 ones and which are more like double that.

we were standing in line for dinner and there was a woman in front of us talking with someone else about how they ruined the Oasis during drydock and somebody they were traveling with refused to go to the dining room anymore because they ruined the ship during drydock and they hoped they don't ruin the Allure during her upcoming drydock.

 

Look, the people who say these sorts of things are typically biddies who can't stomach the idea of change. You don't like the changes to the ship but obviously have plenty of money and time to cruise elsewhere, but would rather stay put and complain? Yeah okay.

The captain is there sort of as a treat to those guests at the table...I highly doubt it's good PR for him to start telling folks to keep their voices down.

I would have just asked if there was a more private or quiet location to be moved to. If not and it's really that big a deal, come back later. I mean no offense but I think the only thing holding you back here was your own disinclination to cause any work. There's a difference between a reasonable request and being an obnoxious customer.

Technically, viability of a fetus WHEN IN REACH OF A NEONATAL INTENSIVE CARE UNIT, is about 23 weeks gestation. Naturally most 23 weekers do not survive, even in ideal situations. Between 23 and approximately 32 weeks gestation, if someone was to deliver, and say at sea, it is would be extremely unlikely to have a good outcome. Even more mature at up to 36 weeks, the outcome may not be good. There are so many variables involved. I really don't know what type of ventilators that they have on a ship and whether the vent has pediatric function but you really have to know what you are doing.

 

I don't want to sound like a paranoid Debbie downer but there are risks associated with cruising while pregnant and I guess my experience is skewed by the worst case scenerio. Most pregnancies result in a joyous event and only about 10% of babies require intensive care. Your doctors' advice is always your guide.

Please understand I meant no offense. My point was that nobody is trying to argue about whether they should be cruising late in pregnancy. The OP will barely be at the end of the first trimester. Should anything unfortunate occur, at that stage it's probably nothing that could be prevented anyway.

Cruise ships aren't equipped to handle premature infants and the potential liability there is exactly why they don't want people cruising at that stage.

While I think Save the Waves is great concept, yes, it generally does go hand in hand with 'Save the Dollars'

Not washing your towels everyday *is* more environmentally friendly...it also happens to save a lot of time and money.

Not throwing your trash overboard *does* prevent pollution...it also prevents them from getting fined.

Same thing here. Yes, it is better to save all the paper. It's also far more efficient and better on the pocket not to have to waste time compiling and manually reading and tallying all those papers. You're right that if they really wanted to save paper, there are plenty of other things they could target.

I would download a copy of your statement as of this date, get on the phone with RC, ask for resolutions, explain the issue and offer to provide them with the copy of your statement showing the charges.

I do know that when they process refunds, it can take what feels like a really long time to show up on your card. (This has happened to me)

However, if they deny that a larger refund was processed or that the charge is correct, I guess the only real recourse is to dispute it with the cc issuer.

So very sad, end of rant. Any positive spin to this?

I find the sound of rain to be a very peaceful thing. Often even the Solarium areas end up deserted, so if there's one side that's dry you can sit and read and listen to the patter. (And enjoy a few extra consolation cookies)

Thunderstorms at sea can be pretty awesome to watch.

No, it's not the same. Our second trip was basically a washout too, so I get it. You just have to make the best of it though. See if you can find some indoor museums to visit on your ports. Make use pf the movie theater. This can happen to any vacation, anywhere you ever go.

The only time the policy matters is if you feel that your vacation is more important than your pregnancy. I have been caring for premature and sick newborns for 27 years. Pregnancy is a wonderful but not a risk free condition.

I'm not arguing with the statement about prematurity but that particular issue is moot while cruising, as technically you aren't allowed to go if you reach viability before or during the cruise. (I say technically as the documentation requirements for this have changed)

Prior to that point, it's a personal judgement call in my book. You just have to understand that the available medical facilities aren't capable of treating problems with the pregnancy, should any arise.

Most people are feeling pretty good by that point in their pregnancy. Just make sure to keep up the fluids as cruise food and the environment in general is a little saltier than you might realize. And recognize that if anything does happen to go wrong, the ship isn't equipped to perform ultrasounds or do anything to try and prevent a loss.

I have been reading through reviews of the Breakaway on the NCL board since we've been considering trying her, and was really surprised at first with how distinct the suite-level Haven area felt from the rest of the ship. I don't know if that's a new area on that class of ship or not, but I do have a feeling it's the future. (I think it looks beautiful, for the record, even if I can't afford to sail it yet). You don't mention a price comparison of the two suites, which in my mind would affect my expectations, but I do think RCI is trying to move in this direction as well.

Yes, there are some more upscale lines out there, but they also tend to be smaller and don't necessarily have as wide a range of itineraries to choose from. I think the more mass market lines are smart to be pursuing the upscale suite environment, even though I mourn the loss of the Viking Crown at the same time.

Plum Tomato Tartare

Okay feel free to laugh at me and my limited fancy foods experience, but what on earth are the eyeball-looking things in this picture?

Really enjoying your review :)

I didn't know a helicopter ride to the ship was a suite perk. Nice addition.

One time, at a reception, I shared my story with the Hotel Director...

He smiled and said that they know what they're doing when they "target" candidates....and it's all in the marketing....

They know who you are, especially if you cruised with them before...

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I'm sure this is how it works. Had a free inside-to-balcony upgrade on our last cruise...first time we had the ability to go in several years but (not to be weird or anything) we're a prime target group...young couple with good salaries and the potential to come back for many years. Hook 'em early, they definitely know what they're doing.

We felt to financially conscious to spring for the balcony this time, even though we could have afforded it, so I was about as thrilled as you get :)

Personally I'm with you that an Eastern itinerary is the preferable one....however...you gotta learn to roll with the punches! "Devastating" seems a bit extreme when you'd still be getting a perfectly good vacation out of the deal. Would it be what you originally envisioned, well probably not. But you'd find something to do. Be spontaneous. It's not like the Western ports are barren wastelands. Take that 2yo to the beach already! Put the grandparents on a bus tour. You'll be fine.

Also, please try to relax about what your agent heard through the grapevine "may" happen. I'm sure we can think of far worse "mights" that could occur to a cruise!

I would personally avoid doing the September/October time frame again. It's the peak of hurricane season and when it's good, I'm sure it's great, but we lucked out and got one of those trips where the hurricane is following right at your heels, cancelling ports and excursions left and right and making the weather generally too cloudy/cool to enjoy sunning or the pools. I can't say it was a *terrible* cruise because that's hardly RCI's fault, but it was a bummer when you're intending to be outdoors-y and active.

I'd love to try a winter season cruise next, when prices are lower and while our kids are young enough that we don't have to work around school calendars.

I certainly understand being bummed and annoyed about it, but you really aren't owed anything here. These things happen, and they're giving advance notice. On your end, you're allowed to cancel reservations for dinner and excursions without penalty...

Your review sounds very similar to the perspective I've developed (not yet being on the ship). Tech people think alike I guess :cool:

That's a bummer about that corridor with the smoking smell. I would not have been pleased about that at all. Hopefully they get it worked out soon.

If you're 20 - 35, on your own, love cruising, this doesn't work at all.... unless you have lots of vacation, and live in Philly or further north.

 

I want to go, but like so many others, I don't think they're making it make sense for me just yet.

Hey man, I get it. My young family is in the same 'boat' (ba dum ching).

Right now I'm waiting for the Anthem 2016 itineraries to come out and hopefully they'll have kept the 5-day hops to Bermuda. Mine aren't elementary-age quite yet but between the snow closings and illnesses you can't guarantee you'll have a lot of time left!

I don't know about privacy, but someone posted a review/photos of one of the studio balconies very recently and it sounded like the overall size of the balcony was a pleasant surprise.

Conversely if you're sailing within the next few months...how much will you use it? Your call :cool:

The PVSA (the term Jones Act is sometimes used) is likely preventing the short round trip cruises you desire from Baltimore or NY/NJ. The act says a foreign flagged ship from those ports must visit a foreign port (or make no stops at all) before returning to home port. While ships from Florida can bop over to the Bahamas, the distance to a foreign port are greater from NE ports, so 4 day cruises may not be workable from your vicinity. The US has many wonderful cities; without the PVSA, many wonderful long and short itineraries could be designed along the Atlantic seaboard, Gulf, and Pacific.

 

Very interesting. I'd happily give a reasonably-priced (ie, not the ridiculous inaugural rates) CTN or Canada jaunt on the Quantum a shot!

NCL does have a few short winter nowhere cruises that sail out of NYC scheduled this year...we were really close to booking one but ended up pregnant just a little sooner than expected and now I miss the cutoff. Maybe next year...:)

And 12 day trips....

 

Not even a question for us.

 

Not sure I understand that one.... ship is supposed to be aimed toward the younger generation, yet unless it's summer break and you're in school you don't have 12 days of vacation to use on a cruise.

 

big disconnect there in my opinion.

 

 

Am I wrong??? What young people are taking Anthem from jersey to labadee, jamaica, grand cayman, costa maya, roatan, cozumel, then all the way back up to jersey... 2 weeks off?

Man oh man, do I wish there were more short cruises from NJ or Baltimore. I know I'm not alone in that either, I have friends who also love to cruise but again...like you said, for younger working people and families, how often do you actually have 8-10 days of vacation to use on a cruise? And I'm certainly not flying to Florida for just a 4-nighter.