Practical Planner

It depends on how much you want to see, how much you want to relax, how much time you have, how fit you and your parents are, and how much money you care to spend.

Our first trip to Europe was a 12 night Mediterranean cruise - for we signed up for every excision. We didn't see nearly as much as we wanted. We were 50 and we needed a vacation when we got home. When we went back we went with 3 other couples for 2 weeks, rented a villa in Tuscany, rented a car and went at our own pace. We hired private guides for Florence and Rome. You won't be able to do everything. Your parents likely won't feel like doing everything. Half the fun is planning.

As for the kids - we had great kids. We did Disney cruises with them at that age because that's what they liked at that age. Good luck!!!

 

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It depends on how much you want to see, how much you want to relax, how much time you have, how fit you and your parents are, and how much money you care to spend.

Our first trip to Europe was a 12 night Mediterranean cruise - for we signed up for every excision. We didn't see nearly as much as we wanted. We were 50 and we needed a vacation when we got home. When we went back we went with 3 other couples for 2 weeks, rented a villa in Tuscany, rented a car and went at our own pace. We hired private guides for Florence and Rome. You won't be able to do everything. Your parents likely won't feel like doing everything. Half the fun is planning.

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None of this is “new”...

 

 

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It's new since our last RC cruise and used to not be industry standard. We haven't taken ocean cruise in last 12 months. Last 2 cruises were river cruises. This has been rude awakening.

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We are currently on Vision of the Seas. It's an older ship, so I asked if these new policies are RC wide or ship wide and was told, sadly they apply to all:

1. There is a CHARGE for room service

2. Even if you buy beverage packages there is an additional charge for in room sodas

3. There is an up charge for "classic" dining options such as steak in main dining room

4. Hair conditioner and hand cream are no longer furnished in bathrooms

We have always believed RC a good value for the money. These nickel and dime policies will make us rethink and will likely cause us to book with a different cruise line.

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Smart Traveler app will help keep you up to date re current conditions in a country. Cruise lines don't want liability for taking passengers places they will have problems getting them out. Travel insurance always a good idea as a back up plan to get home.

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