silentbob007

The port is a decent distance from Rome or the airport by train or road so I would suggest afternoon for international check-in though I haven’t flown out that direction so can’t speak from experience.

The ports you stop at may not exactly be close to cities of interest. Definitely look at dress codes depending on excursions. Nightlife may be subdued if everyone is exhausted from the day.

Sad to hear about the frost damaging the plants. That cannot be an issue that is quickly fixed.

When I took my wife on her first cruise, we ate dinner in the MDR the first night (with the usual madness) and the food/service did not make it a good experience. We've sailed in suites since then and eaten at CK. Very close to booking Allure in April to be with family but will be back in a balcony ... I tried to sell her on the new menus but she was a bit upset when she realized shrimp cocktail (her go-to every day) was only on the MDR menu 4 nights. Oh well, I tried.

Partly time of year issues, but we are looking at balconies for the price we previously were able to get full suites. When I got a quote back of $17,000 for a grand suite on Icon, I just laughed.

If all goes as expected, we will be paying top spring break dollar on April 2nd. I really enjoy the Oasis class. I got engaged on the Harmony, which was my wife's first cruise, and then we had our honeymoon on the Allure. Right before COVID, we told my parents she was pregnant on the Oasis. Now I cannot convince her that it might be OK to cruise on a ship without a Central Park (though she is resigned to not have one when we eventually decide to go to Alaska).

I’ve not cruised post-Covid, but even years ago the limited vouchers were great. I remember packing into the tiny concierge lounges on ships many years ago and it was always a game of hope-for a-spot. I have enjoyed the social aspect of the lounges, but that is the biggest drawback for me. As someone who has done the last couple of cruises in full suites on oasis ships, I appreciated a better experience for the premium I was paying. I do enjoy benefits of my brand loyalty, don’t get me wrong, but I hate the animosity the extremes on both sides can have.

Good to hear positive things about Allure. Unexpectedly planning an April trip now with family who have never cruised. My first time out of Galveston and first time cruising with a toddler … feels like I suddenly have a lot to learn again.

Totally was all in with that group. I think I even got a press interview about it. Ended up liking the ships. Now my wife will only cruise a ship with a Central Park. 🤷‍♂️ I’m willing to say I was wrong. 🤪

I was on Quantum’s “inaugural” from NJ down to the Caribbean. Booked it last minute for a slight premium in a balcony cabin. Many things on the ship did not work well yet (never got on Northstar as it was a 3 hour wait) and there was almost no recognition about it being a milestone cruise because there had been the TA and other press cruises and already. I am very hesitant to spend top dollar on an early cruise.

$15k for a grand suite in February for me, wife, and child. Family suite on Surfside is 8k and is at least Sky Class but I know we are not spending that much for an interior balcony overlooking the splash pad.