LuCruise

Thanks. Good to know! Would you recommend this, even for a first timer?

Thanks for the reply. We ended up booking it. Agree, also like the fact that it's just a few hours long and early starting time. Our cruise is in Dec so I can report back and let you know if you haven't gone yet and still deciding.

Fellow Canadian and we booked a Royal cruise that goes to Halifax next year. Never been out there so looking at excursions or what to do. There are a few interesting ones but I've also read two reports of bus tours where the stops were interesting but the person running it was horrible (which can just be luck of the dray, but strange 2 people said it for different tours) Has anyone done any of the following and have any comments (good or bad)? There are through Royal but I'm sure they are also offered on other lines. Peggy's Cove and Titanic Highlights and Peggy's Cove Top 10 Best of Halifax Historic Halifax Walking Tour Art and Architecture Walking Tour Am also interested in visiting the Maritime Museum for the Titanic part, but my understanding is that is walking distance to the port. Thanks.

Oldest: Grandeur Newest: Symphony (newer ones are booked) Favorite: Symphony

Yeah. We book during school holidays so know the week to book....but we always book refundable since it's so far ahead.

That's what I'm afraid of, but was hoping not. We booked Icon at a stupid rate, but that's xmas and newest ship so not surprised. However if other released rates are at current prices, not sure we'll be booking as often going forward.

We booked a balcony for 3 on Wonder for March 2024 when it first came out. Booked at around $4800 CAD. The price now is over $9600 CAD. That's an increase of $4800!!! I can say similar pattern for our other bookings. I just hope it stays that you can still get a decent price if you book when released, but doesn't help for last minute or later bookings.

We do the exact same thing. First thing we do when we board is check out our table (and make sure we were put at a table just for us). And as you say...the BEST time for a picture of the dining room. Voyager (and Freedom) class are just beautiful.

From this statement and looking at your signature, I put 2 and 2 together. Are you on the xmas Odyssey? Is so, we just missed being on the same cruise as we have the new year's one booked. First time cruising that time of year as our son is starting university and we wanted him to be able to come. I see from one of your other posts that your boys are in college.. Makes sense as they grow up. 🙂

omg...so excited to see you a post from harryfat1. You are one of the ones I remember and your "reports" stand out. I love your sense of writing and can relate. DH and I were just on a 3 night Navigator in July so looking forward to hearing your trip...and I love all the details.

Hard one, but I'd have to say Anthem. I'm biased as I really loved We Will Rock You. Also, I like having the option of an indoor pool in case or cold, bad weather such as rain and even not having to put on sunscreen. Also really enjoy Freedom and Voyager class. Booked but have not yet been on Odyssey and Freedom.

Lol probably. The all day pass was sold out though. We ended up purchasing it. Didn't realize that you book a time, so that would help control wait times.

Thanks for the reply. Great to hear you had no issue with wait times. Just watched a video and it seems like a lot of fun, and with nice views.

Going to Labadee for the first time since they added activities. Wondering if the lines for the Tail Coaster gets really long? e.g. What is the typical wait time? The all day access one is sold out, but I can see our kids wanting to get the single ride...but maybe not if they will be waiting for an hour (esp if in the sun). Note...we are cruising over December holiday time (but only ship in port).

Thanks for your review. We'll be on Wonder in March and looking forward to it. Wondering why you called out not to get the coffee card We really enjoy it as an alternative to the drink packages, when they are too much for us (or don't want soda in case of refreshment). Too bad you didn't enjoy the shows, but can see them not being for everyone. I really enjoy Royal's shows (but do wish they had a real Broadway show)

If you have your heart set on Icon, then keep it. Icon prices have skyrocketed and you may not be able to book it again for that price for awhile. If not set on Icon, Oasis is an amazing ship. It's a personal thing and some will say they would never stay in an inside. We have never done a straight inside but did just try virtual one and it was fine. And for a free cruise it's even more appealing. Only you know your budget and if the savings of giving up Icon is worth it.

Thank you! That is very good to know. I did note both Rodeway Inn and Best Western Fort Lauderdale Airport/Cruise Port as seeming like the best two options for basic amenities and being near the airport. Didn't realize they provide a shuttle as well from the port.

Thanks for the suggestion. We would probably keep things simpler (and really don't have anywhere to go in Fort Lauderdale) but will still keep it in mind.

Great hearing your experience. Sorry you had such a confusing time getting to the port. I know what you mean. It is not obvious (and not the nicest port or sail away tbh with the shipping containers - Miami is much prettier). Your spa experience sounds lovely, and how it should be. We had the same thing with the room attendant and the cleaning. Our guy was lovely, but he asked us if we prefer morning or evening. When I responded evening since showers are before dinner so it would be great to get clean towels after that, he responded "what if I did morning instead?". We said we really preferred evening if it was just once a day and that was ok. Our trick? We put the "do not disturb" sign on our door all day and removed it when we left for dinner. It worked (but of course we did risk getting no cleaning at all).

Following along. We got off Navigator a couple weeks ago, but it was just a short one for us over the weekend. Navigator is a wonderful ship. Don't miss the shows. Interested in hearing your experience. PS - We also stayed near the port. Our hotel was nice but and found a good coffee shop and dinner place, but found the area strangely quiet. Enjoy your cruise!

We are from Ontario and it's our March break. I imagine it will be spring break for some Americans too.

Yes thank you for the link. I was looking at that one and a similar one, but was hoping for a specific recommendation of one that is good and not far from the airport.

Our flight home on our departure day doesn't leave until 6pm. Since we are kicked off of the ship at 8:30ish, is there a recommended day hotel that isn't too far from the Fort Lauderdale airport?

Exactly, why I was just thinking uber or taxi...even if it costs a bit more.

Would they run that early?