budmeister

We are 26 days out from out Infinity cruise and I cannot wait! I just finished packing (clothes chosen but hanging) because classes start tomorrow for me. I would say we are experienced cruisers and not that fussy if comfortable and well-fed. I loved the comment about good seating for reading and having an ocean view. I look forward to sharing my review in about a month. I realize I have not added any actual information here, but I am just so excited... and I just can't hide it... .

So true!

I can't argue with the changes you mentioned. As an indoor or balcony cruiser, I have not lost much. But I have enjoyed the value of the awesome cruise experience that I could never pay for in a a land- based comparable experience for over 20 years. I have seen what I paid for last year double and triple in current and future cruise prices. I am very happy I have next month and Jan. long booked, and am sad to see my cruising days possible coming to an end. I have not booked for next year or 2025 ( other than that Jan. 2023 booked.) I usually book a bit more than a year out. I guess I will have to visit more different places, for less days. It has been great 23 years of cruising!

Thanks for the advice! My husband has those. I am thinking about investing in them.

Thanks! Those are the exact ones my husband has! Mine are higher and heavier, due to a desire for ankle stability on uneven ground and walking through rocky ground (not little bitty rocks) , which normally would be hiking trails and more scenic out in nature places. Do you think a hiking stick would help if I do not want to bring the boots?

Thanks! I was thinking that. I was hoping that what I read was really meaning not to wear flips flops, non-Birkenstock-like sandals or dressier shoes. Those hiking boots would be super heavy in the suitcase and uncomfortable to wear on a 10 hour flight.

I read in one that hiking boots were recommended for walking as streets are not paved in some places. We will be walking around the Acropolis, Delos, Rhodes, Lindos, Mykonos, Oia, Fira, and Ephesus. I have no intention of walking down the donkey trail. Do you think normal athletic shoes and hiking sticks will do the trick, or do you recommend bringing the hiking boots? I walked on a volcanic (rock? sand?) beach once, and really regretted not having them.

They really want cash, in Euros, based on my conversation with Santorini Transport. They said I had to pay cash for one particular actual taxi ride- as their drivers could not get into a port.

I have an interior for Greece next month, and did for Alaska too. I used to do only interior, until the lounges at the top front of the ship became high-tier lounges and I lost my read - water- quiet spot. The interiors rooms are really nice and quiet, dark for sleeping, and I did not leave it because I was unhappy with the rooms. I expect that you will be happy. I haver become spoiled with my balconies, but I have found that that lounge has opened up a bit on some ships and may return due to price.

I think it depends on how much you want to sail on the Icon. If your heart is set on it, keep it. The prices appear to only be going up, up, and up again. I am not as in favor of the Oasis cruise you mentioned as I would be of a different Oasis or other Caribbean choice. We do not get of the ship in Jamaica anymore, or Haiti , and are not beach people. While the ship as a destination is my normal first reason for my yearly Caribbean cruise, I have grown accustomed to my balcony. It would be hard for me to choose this cruise, unless it was this cruise or no cruise. I would recommend a third option- a less expensive cruise than the Icon- if prices were not so extreme as to be only a bit less on another choice and you did not have a deposit to lose. With that in mind, I am thinking keep the Icon is what I would do. I made a similar choice myself. I booked the Wonder, a balcony, at 1350.00 b4 taxes, taxes, ext., expecting the prices to go down. They did not. I decided to keep it when comparing to alternatives such as what you mentioned.

Alaska. It is a mind- enhancing experience. It is not that cold in June or and July. I once thought I could not handle the flight time, but I really wanted to go to Europe once in my life and found that I survived the 7-8 hour flight. I am glad I went. The Caribbean is a very nice, relaxing vacation but very ordinary in terms of eye- opening experiences, and will always have lots of options, many inexpensive compared to other choices.

Even at 1350.00(pre-fee/taxes/ext.)each for a cruise, and all expenses considered, I still found a 7 day less expensive and more relaxing enjoyable vacation than a land Florida vacation. The difference is that I can do a 5-6 day vacation, skip flying in the night b4, and cut my costs. So, they will not lose me be because of lack of value, but because simply too much money is required. Unfortunately, my 750-950 each preferred price point may be a lack of value to the company.

I am curious too.

Us too. Other companies are also going the business model of increasing prices and lowering services, losing middle income people cannot pay more and keeping people that can pay a lot and still find the service worth having, - rather than doing without. I may find myself as the middle squeezed out, but I do understand. This is business, and I am not owed a price or service if it is not in the best interest of the company. That said, I hope the company finds my customer level to be valuable in the future!

Hi, Were you ferried directly to Oia? I read on the boards that on passengers are ferried to the old port and then bused to Oia. I am on the Infinity on the Oia on your own excursion.

Hi, I have similar timing coming up, and have been wondering at lines around 7 pm. Were the other ships still there at that time? Our day, ship leave at 8,9,10, and 11. We are 10 .

You are right. Sadly, I think I am one of those people that will say "too much". I expected the cruise I have booked for Jan.2024 to go down. I booked it last year. Instead, it has gone up and rooms have sold out. I wont cancel, but I will not book again at these prices. Unless I can convince myself that indoor room will ok, as it was for the first 10-12 years of my 23 year cruising history...

I found my answer, but could not figure out how to delete. They are doing 9 and above nights. I had 6-8 filtered. Now there are a lot less of our basic 7 night Jan. Caribbean, which partly explains the high prices. We avoid Jamaica and Haiti in the same cruise, which further diminishes our choices.

I paid more than I can do again for Jan. 2024, and was looking into less expensive options. I pulled up all cruises for Jan. 2024 and 2025, no other filters. Where are all the greyed out ships? I am not looking for a one by one answer. It just seems as if our regulars - Allure, Independence, Explorer, Liberty, Mariner, and Voyager are gone. I did not limit to US, and Australian cruises did come up.

We went mid-June and it was perfect.

We loved the dog sledding too. Worth it if you can find an independent booking, We also did a hike, canoe, walk across a watery beach like landscape up to the edge of the bottom of a waterfall . It was a long day, something we avoid, but it was worth it if you can find an independent tour.

Why not ask while on royal at the next cruise desk. That is what I would do.

Complaining/venting releases stress. It is satisfying to feel heard. If people agree, if it validating of who you are and how you think- another stress reliever.

This is 20% more than I paid in 2023 for an 8 night Explorer cruise. Gratuities are added on top of that. If anyone notices a better price, would you please post? I can always hope for a better price! Thanks!