The Fun Researcher

I get the attraction for some. I love some of the unique ports that you get when sailing out of San Juan. However, a port everyday is just a deal breaker for us. Now this is just me personally, but that would be exhausting. We're an active family, but a cruise is meant to be relaxing as well. I want at least 3 sea days on a 7 night or longer cruise.

My thoughts exactly. For such a major cruise port Nassau is sorely lacking in excursion and beach day options

All 7 Royal ships that I've been on to date has a smoking area near (or nearish) the pool area I believe.

I agree the ABC's have the best snorkeling that we've experienced out of all of our Eastern, Western, and Southern cruises, but I wouldn't say that you won't find much to do if you don't snorkel or do water sports. Aruba For instance, last year our excursion on Aruba, which was fantastic, didn't involve any snorkeling or watersports. ARUBA SEA & SEE ISLAND TOUR SeaWorld Explorer: Sit in the glass-windowed hull to see sea life and a shipwreck site off the coast of Aruba. California Lighthouse: Enjoy the views on the north point, with crashing waves on the windward coast and tranquil waters of the Leeward shore. Geological Wonders: Admire the unusual Casibari Rock Formations and a nature-made bridge formed by wind and waves. Bonaire In Bonaire there are the Salt Pans slave huts flamingo reserve (Goto Zout- en Flamingomeer) and many outstanding beaches just chill at. Curacao Curacao has that fantastic tour that I mentioned with Irie Tours. Only one stop is specific to snorkeling, which is to see the sea turtles. The others are National Parks, scenic flamingo viewing, or beautiful beaches (one of which has food and a full bar). Here's the description: "The west side of the Island is known for its nature, history and incredible beaches! Along the way our professional tour guide will tell you all about our island’s rich history. Our first stop will be at National park Shete Boca. We’ll stay here for 45 minutes where you can walk around and enjoy the spectacular scenery of the north coast. You have the option to visit the ‘Boca Tabla’ cave and/or watch large, unpredictable waves crush against the rocky coast. We then head to Playa Piskado for a once-in-a-lifetime snorkel experience with sea turtles in their natural habitat. The next stop is at breathtaking Kenepa beach, which is one of the most popular and photographed beaches on the Island. Here you have the opportunity to enjoy the breathtaking view or dive into the crystal clear blue sea. And last but definitely not least, we will visit Cas Abao beach. Voted in the top 21 best beaches in the world by National Geographic, Cas Abao beach is a must see! During this stop you can grab a snack at the beach bar, swim, snorkel or just relax on the beach. On our way back to town, we drive by the salt lake of St. Willibrordus to see the flamingos."

Well, yes. Maybe I should have worded it another way... What's the most you've ever spent on a single drink on Royal Caribbean, and what was it?

Just curious, what are some of the more pricey single drinks above the $14?

You go into the app and click the little person icon (circled) in the top right as in the first photo, then choose “select a different cruise” as circled in the second photo. Then scroll to the bottom, where it says ”Browse our ships” then click the ship and sailing date that you would like. Then find the dining venue are interested in and look at the menu. This works for the bars and MDR as well.

Thank you. This is very welcome news. One less thing to keep me from knocking the new menus. I'm not a rich, sweet dessert eater, of which almost all of them are. Love the cheese plate for a small bite after the meal (if I have room). Most of the time I take most of it back to the room for a late night snack.

They are offering the cheese plate on the menus again? It was sorely missed from the new menus on our Anthem cruise in March.

Ok thanks. That info came straight from Royal but must be dated.

One of the few shows on Royal that I wished I hadn't spent the time watching.

Just FYI, Royal no longer has the unlimited free drinks at happy hour. As Diamond you now get 4 free drinks daily (any drink up to $14) and you can get them at any bar (except Rising Tide and Bionic bars which are only on some ships) and at any time you like. It doesn't need to be during any 2 hour window or anything. It also doesn't need to be alcoholic. You can use them for specialty coffees (except Starbucks venue) or virgin drinks as well.

We sailed the NCL Getaway about a year and a half ago. Had a great time. There were better and worse things with NCL (based on our tastes). LOVED, LOVED, LOVED O'Sheehans on NCL. Full service, 24 hour restaurant, and complimentary. Good solid pub fare. I so wish Royal had something like this. Playmakers is a big step forward for Royal, but they aren't on all ships. I get so tired of pizza and finger sandwiches on Royal for a later night snack. Plus, on the Anthem in March the quality of the sandwiches was terrible. Very few proteins in the sandwiches, guessing from the cost cutting. Used to love the Roast Beef, Turkey, Salmon, etc.. The drink package was very nice to have included with NCL (even though you still prepay tips on it). It still came out far less than what Royal charges. YMMV though. NCL's prices seem to have gone up substantially and it's harder for me to find a good deal with them anymore. On the same note, we also had a complimentary specialty dining meal on NCL. We did the French Bistro and it was an amazing meal on Christmas Eve. Loved it. Royal Caribbean has better food in the MDR and buffet. No question. However, it wasn't like we disliked what we ate, but it was a step down for sure. Pool deck. As mentioned by previous posters, I can truthfully say is it terrible on NCL. It's industrial, and cramped, very cramped. Just not appealing, at all. The kids area and the exclusive Haven area take up far too much room, leaving a crappy small area for the rest of the cruisers. Entertainment in the main theater, at least on our cruise, was on par with Royal. Didn't care for the ship layout on NCL. They have "Centrums". This allows for more, smaller venues in the ship, but also leaves it feeling chopped up. We much prefer the Promenades and Esplanades on Royal. I would sail NCL again, but it would have to be for the right price, timing, and itinerary.

I can say from experience sailing Celebrity, it is wonderful sitting in the Casino without all the smoke and smell. Yes, it did actually get me to gamble at the machines. On Royal, all I do is my free Casino money from the Crown and Anchor status and that's it. The smoke and smell on Royal pretty much eliminates that venue for our family. People can choose to do what they like, smoke or not. Fine by me. No judgement from me. Our family personally would love the smoke free casino on Royal but it's not going to make or break cruising with Royal for us. I guess that's obvious with the cruises we've done with them to date. 🙂

Well said. We love to snorkel, and that's excellent at pretty much any beach in the ABC's. We also rented a couple of little sport utility vehicles in Bonaire and drove the island ourselves. This was the first time we ever felt comfortable doing that and it was amazing. Easy drive, lots of great views, great snorkeling spots, plus the beautiful salt pans, the old historical slave huts, and an amazing food truck at Kite City. Curacao has a fantastic guided open bus tour (third party), through Irie Tours. It's the "All west beach hopping". Fantastic tour. Takes you to the rock formations in the north, plus fantastic beaches to spend time at. We've done it twice and it doesn't disappoint. Curacao has a great place to swim with Sea Turtles at the Fisherman's wharf, guaranteed to see them there. Aruba has a lot to offer. You can make it a chill, inexpensive day and just take a taxi or bus and plop down at Eagle Beach, or find an alternate excursion like a guided tour. We did the Seaworld Explorer and island tour last summer (booked through Royal) and I was VERY happy with it. Got to see a lot more of the island than I expected. The combination of the cruises being a little longer, at 8-9 nights, plus the fantastic ABC islands, easily makes it our favorite itinerary. Having 4 days at sea is a great balance to the busy days in port. Provides ample time to relax and enjoy the ship, but then also excellent ports as well.

Of all of the itineraries that we have done the ABC islands are our favorite ports, more so than any other western or eastern Caribbean itinerary, Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao are just as south as most of the ports you get sailing out of San Juan. Not sure how you can say that they are not a true Southern itinerary. They are a true Southern cruise. Not everyone wants a port every day of the cruise. That can be exhausting as well. I’m not knocking the itineraries out of San Juan. It’s a great way to get to the more seldom visited ports I agree about the class of ships going out of San Juan right now. We prefer the classes that have a Royal Promenade or Esplanade rather than centrums. Just our preference.

Depends on what you were looking for. I love the eight and nine night itineraries out of Florida to the ABC islands. Typically they include either Labadie or Coco cay as well. Lots of sea days, which we love as well. We especially like the two sea days back because we are not packing up the day after we get done with all the port stops. We actually have a full sea day to relax before packing up the next day.

Wow that’s a doozy of a fall! Glad you were still able to go! Just stopped by and saw them and she’s doing great and determined to go on the cruise unless doctors say otherwise.

I did find this one. Check out 10:20 and 18:20 for thoughts on the Windjammer.

Agreed, we'll be on the Quantum in a month. Would love to see the video. Can you share? Thanks.

Thank you for all the suggestions!

Yes, exactly. She gets frustrated when she can't work out! I'm the same way. As I get older I get so frustrated with injuries (typically caused by working out, of all things). It just takes so long to recover, and I get frustrated forcing myself not to exercise. Thank you all who have suggested a scooter. That is much more her style. She doesn't like being fussed over. 🙂 Thanks to all who mentioned Amtrak. It certainly is an option. I'll mention it to them. My mom has taken it many times from nearby to see my sister in Milwaukee. I'll ask that they think of that option all the way to Seattle. My dad likes driving though. (not sure why LOL)

Thanks again for these suggestions! My dad did call this morning and the Chase card does provide $1500 for each of them. That essentially covers the cruise fair for their balcony cabin if indeed they cannot go. The rest, taxes and port fees and prepaid grats will get refunded automatically. However, the preferred option is still for them to go. Can't wait to go see her today, she's in good spirits all things considered. She's a tough little lady.

Looked into it, but is nearly the same price for an umbrella versus the same coverage I have for all our policies. Michigan is “unique”

No doubt I would be halfway there