jmf123

You could order a bottle of wine, champagne, or a non-alcoholic sparking wine, along with some chocolate-covered strawberries in your stateroom, to surprise her with upon arrival. There is also a champagne/rose petal option. Flowers are also available, and are nice to enjoy all week. (I can't believe the number of ships that don't offer decorations). A dinner at a specialty restaurant one evening would be relaxing and special. And if shopping in a port, maybe gift her with something that catches her eye. Enjoy your cruise and each other. ;)

I had a wonderful experience on returning from north cape in norway a few years ago. It was late evening and the sun was still up. I was having a drink in the top bar and noticed sea birds circling ahead. As we cruised slowly past about 200 yards away lots of small fish started jumping and then BANG. it was a pod of Orca feeding on a bait ball. I feel privileged to have seen that spectacle with my own eyes :):):)

 

What was sad was that so many people in the bar took no notice :confused:

Like this video of a man so distracted by his cellphone, that he doesn't even look up to see a whale just a few feet away:

What are Dori noises?

Dory, from Finding Nemo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jJGeeryk0Eo, making whale noises. :D

We saw whales during an excursion in Juneau, amazing!

wdwluvin, I enjoyed your post and am so glad you had an awesome family cruise on Freedom! :cool:

Hi boundalaska, and welcome to Cruise Critic! First of all, you have chosen the perfect ship to see Alaska! The Radiance is the perfect size, and her three acres of glass provides views at every turn. Feel free to come over to the Royal Caribbean forum: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=83.

While our two Alaska cruises didn't include land tours, I can provide some memorable excursions that we enjoyed in the ports. And while excursions in Alaska may appear pricey, the experiences will last a lifetime. We loved our helicopter from Juneau, up to a glacier that we got out and walked on, awesome! The 'moon boots' that were provided to us were great! Another excursion from Juneau- we loved the Mendenhall Glacier Float Trip, rafting on the river. The whale watching trip out of Juneau was exciting too. And pop into the Red Dog Saloon if you get the chance.

Skagway offers the White Pass Scenic Railway, if you like trains- very scenic. Icy Strait Point (haven't been there) has the world's longest zip line! You have to see the video here: http://www.travelchannel.com/shows/ride-iculous/video/ziprider-at-icy-strait-point. Looks awesome! Ketchikan is a great 'walking tour on your own' port. Explore Creek Street, and take the funicular (incline tram) up to see totem poles- and possibly a view of your ship.

Regarding your stateroom, 7508 is more forward on the ship than I would personally prefer. Perhaps consider a Cat H that is located midship, on Deck 4? A more convenient location, and better in terms of motion- you'll feel less motion being midship and lower on the ship.

Alaska is amazing and you are sure to enjoy your first cruise. A May sailing will be cooler than those in summer and into September. You will likely be glad you brought gloves, and dress in layers. Our Gortex jackets (Eddie Bauer years ago) with hoods were perfect- lightweight, windproof and waterproof. I just want to mention to pack a swim suit- the ship's Solarium (covered adult pool) is nice and toasty. ;) Last but not least, the Alaska Ports of Call forum will provide much discussion and info: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=55. Enjoy!

You're very welcome, huntr104! For your additional inquiries I would suggest checking the Family Cruises board (found under the Special Interest Cruising forum): http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=49. You will find threads on Adventure Ocean or can do a Search there.

Regarding age groups on RCI, many say that it depends on the number of children sailing, how mature the child is, and to just ask on board but be prepared for a "no". (It would be great if your daughter could join the Aquanauts!). ;) Keep in mind that the age difference between 3 yrs. old and the Explorer's 6 to 8 yrs. old is rather significant, and the activities are geared toward those ages in each group. Both would have fun meeting new friends and taking part in the many activities offered. :)

jealdaka, here is a photo of 7014 on the Radiance. Not the best balcony on the ship- and also be aware that it doesn't offer a full divider. You can obtain add'l info/pics by searching 'Radiance 7014'. :)

This is the balcony for Radiance cabin 7014 as viewed from abpve.

 

Adventure Ocean is set up for ages 3-5 (Aquanauts) and ages 6-8 (Explorers). You mention your 'almost three year old' daughter, will she be three when you board the Enchantment? Here is some info on the AO program, (not sure if they will allow both to be in the same group):

Aquanauts (Ages 3-5)

These little at-sea adventurers will enjoy the magic of Bubbling Potions, uncover the dinosaur-sized secrets of Jurassic Jr., and take over the ship with the Pirate Party Parade. Parents of three-year olds can opt for pagers so that Adventure Ocean staff can stay in touch.

Explorers (Ages 6-8)

Space Mud, Fossil Fever, Meteorology Madness! Hands-on science gets young minds churning – along with explorations of the fine arts with Adventure Art and Adventure Theater. Round out the night with dancing through the decades and ice cream for all.

Regarding childcare, Sitters at Sea offers babysitting in a group setting or individually in your stateroom for a fee, and is based on availability of staff.

I just want to mention that you can consider booking My Time Family Dining (for ages 3-11). Here is info from RCI's website:

Opt for My Family Time Dining® in our main dining room, and your kids will be served right away before Adventure Ocean® staff pick them up for a night of fun. Parents stay behind to relax and continue their meal.

Details

My Family Time Dining is offered for the first seating time in our main dining room, for children ages three to 11. Kids enjoy their meal within 40 minutes of seating, before heading to the evening's Adventure Ocean activities. The program starts the second evening you're onboard. After that, you can use it each evening or whenever you wish.

Reservations

Already booked your cruise? You can easily pre-register online for My Family Time Dining right now. Or, visit the Adventure Ocean Youth Program area while onboard to sign up.

And I just want to mention that the Enchantment has bungee trampolines, for ages six and up. :)

In September we did the southern out of San Juan.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk - Jim

The Windward was our first cruise in March 1995, a southern Caribbean itinerary, r.t. from San Juan. Loved the cruise and itinerary- day at sea, Aruba, Curacao, day at sea, Tortola (BVI), and St. Thomas.

oceanboat, just google uss buckner, there's even a youtube video. :)

You could rent a car and explore on your own. You'll find dining, shopping, art on Las Olas Blvd., or take the Water Taxi. (Check these out on tripadvisor). Or here is a recent thread on a day room at Rodeway Inn: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2317570.

By chance has anyone stayed in JS 1038 on Serenade.Would like to find out about the amount,type of obstructed view?If anyone is staying in this cabin,a pic would be most appreciated.Thanks Very Much

atlaturne, we enjoyed JS 1540 and didn't give the overhang a second thought. It was a quiet, convenient location. (Here is a photo of JS 1584 on the Serenade, from another thread):

I never minded the overhang. It keeps the rain off your balcony so you can enjoy it all of the time.

 

All of the feedback so far has been fantastic.

 

My daughter is pretty advanced for her age and I am not afraid to leave her alone. She started pre-school in August when she just turned 2.5 and she had been fully potty trained for about a month. She has no problem with other kids and she likes the school setting which is what I am kinda imagining Aquanauts to be (arts and crafts, games type of thing).

 

The idea of being stressed out while on vacation thinking that not everyone (myself included) is having a good time has quite honestly caused me to have such fear in going back to cruising. But, it definitely sounds like a lot of your experiences have been good.

It sounds as if RCI's My Family Time Dining may be a good option for you, with regard to MDR meals. From the cruiseline's website:

Opt for My Family Time Dining® in our main dining room, and your kids will be served right away before Adventure Ocean® staff pick them up for a night of fun. Parents stay behind to relax and continue their meal.

Details

My Family Time Dining is offered for the first seating time in our main dining room, for children ages three to 11. Kids enjoy their meal within 40 minutes of seating, before heading to the evening's Adventure Ocean activities. The program starts the second evening you're onboard. After that, you can use it each evening or whenever you wish.

Reservations

Already booked your cruise? You can easily pre-register online for My Family Time Dining right now. Or, visit the Adventure Ocean Youth Program area while onboard to sign up.

I just asked my DH for a cruise-related idea and he came up with this: 82MCH :eek:

Out2c

sailn

(All caps didn't work for me, either).

I brought flavored coffee creamers on board our last cruise- a box of Italian Sweet Cream and French Vanilla. A nice addition to the Windjammer coffee! :)

I'm sure that paying their gratuities would be appreciated, that is very thoughtful of you. My DH and I treated my parents to their 50th anniversary cruise. It wasn't a family cruise, just the two of them on a big band cruise on the Mississippi Queen. I had their stateroom decorated and they loved it. I also sent them a flower arrangement that they enjoyed all week, sparkling wine, and chocolate-covered strawberries. Another option, since you and your family will be on board with your parents, is to consider having family photos taken to give them. I would also arrange to purchase a special cake to be served one night in the MDR, they can personalize it for you. And perhaps bring some favorite wine on board, to toast the special couple. ;)

Thanks for the photos, I think she's going to look beautiful! ;)

martzel2, you may also enjoy checking out the Northern Europe & Baltics forum for shore excursion discussion: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=192. You can also do a Search there (on the 'Search This Forum' tab). :)

I read last year that Rasul (an Arabian cleansing ritual of chakra muds and aromatherapy) cost $95 for 50 minutes. Not certain it is offered on Radiance, perhaps someone else can confirm, or check once you are on board. Also see if there are any spa specials/coupons offered on board.

I think that your descriptive comparison is misleading. I am 99% sure that NCL's "cabin square footage" includes the balcony. Royal Caribbean lists the two figures separately. i.e., that 204 square foot balcony cabin is 204 square feet PLUS a balcony. NCL..........not.

Yes, thank you, Merion_Mom. To clarify, Royal Caribbean's stateroom s.f. is separate from the balcony s.f., while NCL's stateroom s.f. includes the balcony s.f. With regard to the NCL Epic, the balcony s.f. is included in the 'Total Approx. Size' provided on their website. As an example, the Aft-facing Balcony is described as:

Total Approx. Size: 205-221 sq. ft.

Balcony Size: 54-70 sq. ft.

I should have included the word Total in my comparison.

You are very welcome, DizzyZiggy. That link isn't working for me either. Under ROLL CALLS, the first one is 'All Other Cruise Lines Roll Calls' (here is a link: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=72). If it doesn't work, just go to the 'All Other Cruise Lines Roll Calls', then do a Search (Search this Forum, upper right of page) for Hanseatic. That is where the two threads came up, although one is useless, as it didn't receive any responses.

Regarding starting a Roll Call, why not, you may find others. Granted, Hapag-Lloyd isn't a large presence on CC, but at least it's there if someone is interested. :)

I have already arranged for everyone to surprise him when we get on board and I have ordered masks of his face for everyone and tshirts.

x

LOL, I have done the masks for my brother and his dear wife, love it! The photos I used had brother sticking out his tongue, and poor wife's pictured her when she was wearing fake rotten teeth. :p

mamoune, the difference in cost is one thing, your comfort is another. You mentioned the Epic's cabin being 'really small' so to compare to Jewel (beautiful ship and wonderful staff btw!)...

Jewel's approximate balcony size:

Superior 204 s.f. (balcony 41-172 s.f.)

Deluxe 179 s.f. (balcony 27-47 s.f.)

Epic's approximate balcony sizes:

Aft-facing: 205-221 s.f. (balcony 54-70 s.f.)

Large: 216-251 s.f. (balcony 65-100 s.f.)

Mid-ship: 204-221 s.f. (balcony 53-70 s.f.)

Balcony: 216 s.f. (balcony 37-100 s.f.)

It's really up to you to decide as far as proximity to your sister, and the difference in size and cost of your stateroom. Royal Caribbean staterooms don't have the sink located outside of the bathroom, which should help with the overall feel of the layout. It's interesting, I didn't realize that NCL has 'aft-facing' and 'mid-ship' stateroom categories. Personally, if it were just me in the stateroom, I would be fine with the Deluxe balcony. But it would be nice (IMO) to be located near my sister and walk together to the pool, dinner, etc. Enjoy your cruise! :)

Thanks for that. Very useful. Are there roll calls for Hapag-Lloyd cruises or any other reviews of cruises down the amazon?

Sorry, no Roll Calls, although I did find two threads (in the 'All Other Cruise Lines Roll Calls') for the Hanseatic that may be of some use regarding the Hapag-Lloyd experience: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/search.php?searchid=83407112. No CC reviews for this cruiseline/ship other than the link I posted above.