chill6x6

I bet there is a lot of cruise financing going on these days...

I'm going to give Hilton Marina a try!

If it's going to be more than just an overnight, Snooze! Cute place and the price is right. Can park rental car right under the hotel. For just the night before cruise it's either Hilton Ft Lauderdale Marina or Embassy Suites.

"Have it all" is somewhat misleading. To me and probably most of us "Have it all" gives the impression that once I've paid the cruise fare I'm done as in "all inclusive." But as we know, that's not so. Signature beverage package- Sounds like it HAS to be the best or only beverage package but it's not. Let's say we decide to go to Pinnacle Grill for dinner.. with a cover charge of about $54pp. To start out of six "featured wines" none of them would be completely covered by your signature beverage package. Of their listed "cocktails" one of the five listed would be covered under the signature beverage package. Let's say I want to order "surf and turf" which is In no way unreasonable on a cruise. That will cost you $10 extra. What about a Delmonico steak? $25 extra. Now let's say it's a rainy day aboard the ship and you want watch some YouTube videos on your balcony mostly out of the weather. Well you probably can't because your "premium internet" isn't good enough, You'll need the "stream internet" for extra. Now let's consider you're staying in a Neptune/Pinnacle suite. That's nickel and diming. No need to take it personal but it is. They all do it. HA isn't the worst but they are somewhere in the middle. The only times I haven't experienced nickel and diming was Star Class on Royal and Celebrity suite when "all included" really was all included.

I will say that with the ever increasing "auto gratuities" regardless of cruise line and in some cases with a decreasing amount and quality of service received has given me pause in giving extra. To date I have always given extra sometimes because I felt like it was the right thing to do even for service that was very average. I'll continue to give extra but only for those going beyond "adequate."

I can't imagine my room attendant for instance, not keeping the cash I give them during a "$100 handshake." I'm going to ask.

I asked our waiter what WAS the best entree and dessert? The above was his exact reply. It WAS good!

Yep! I did the Guatemala, Roatan, Costa Maya, Key West itinerary out of Tampa aboard the previous Rotterdam. Great cruise!

I've always wondered the same. NCL has been doing the EXACT same 7 day itinerary out of NO for about 15 years,. Carnival does 3 different 7 day itineraries I'm pretty sure. Carnvial DOES offer 10-12 day itinerary cruises out of Mobile and NO a couple of times a year. But that's it. One thing that is neat...Celebrity HAS started using NO as a port of call a few times a year and even overnights. But you'll never go to the ABCs or past Puerto Rico or maybe St Thomas from these ports. Never. No idea why..

I have room for both and have done it both ways....with Oasis several times and Harmony AND as the previous Rotterdam. In fact I went from a cruise on Oasis TO Rotterdam. Both different. Both offered something the other didn't. I loved both cruises! Variety truly IS the spice of life!

My second HA cruise was aboard the Rotterdam. Before we boarded of course we heard more than a few negative comments about being run down, etc. We stayed in the PS and to this day that was the nicest furnished cabins we've ever had and one of the best cruises.

Thank you both for your comments!

I guess I'm going to bite the bullet and book a CS on Beyond. All are on deck 11 and 12 mostly forward of the forward elevator. Any reason to pick on over the other? I'd probably pick 12 since it's one deck closer to the Retreat. Thanks!

Anyone ever hear of moving that bench inside and getting a lounge chair in it's place?

Hey, I just want to know how those of you that have stayed in a CS on Beyond in particular like the bench seat? It's the ONE thing that's causing me to pause booking. I don't see the attraction/advantage of this seating arrangement and have always preferred a lounger or a reclining chair. How's this bench seat working for you? Thanks!

I have two CARNIVAL cruised booked BTW! Haven't been on one in 10 years! I'm thinking the service/food will be just as good and price will be less. No Royal cruises booked after Jewel coming up in March. I was a great customer too!

I've been in a A1, A2, and a OS over the last year and a half. Really there's nothing wrong with the Oasis. It's a little dated here and there, especially in the cabins but still a fine ship for a cruise. My only issue is it's generally the only Oasis-class ship that does the better 8-day itineraries and I'm kinda tired of it. The Aqua Theater production is still awesome!

Enjoy reading your post! You mind if I ask a question or three? How would you rate overall service? Did you have a butler/butler team? If you went to the Retreat sundeck, were lounge chairs readily available? Is there a Retreat line to get back on the ship at ports? Thanks so much!

Thank you so much for your comments! We have the Caroni Swamp Bird sanctuary excursion booked as well. We also have the Birdman of Tobago private excursion booked!

I enjoyed your thread! We will be aboard the Jewel March the 3rd in a GS too!

Princess is STILL claiming "suite guests get an exclusive invitation to 360." I went to book a new cruse on my current booking to check. Enchanted November 16 of this year:

I found that link last night. It was an easy google..

Here's a link that currently shows 360 as a perk: Indulge in extra comforts- Full Suite

Enjoyed your posts so far! I will be following along. We have this same cruise booked first Saturday in March!

Good or bad I absolutely will! Really there is no reason it should be anything BUT an excellent cruise!