Panda3

I think there is a port area somewhere on here. I think curacao would be your best bet if you wanted to pick one spot. The ABC islands are just lovely!

My Aunt and Uncle said Barbados and St. Kitts were really not even worth getting off the ship although I've not been to either.

My vote from your 4 choices is Curacao!!

Sorry you witnessed that. I just want to point out that it's not the cruiseline, or the ship, but society. I actually feel bad for the staff that has to clean up and serve slobs like the one you described who picked up buffet food with his bare hands, ick.

I do hope RCCL continues to address bad behavior. Like moving towels from the chairs, and even proper attire. One person was on here bragging that he wore jeans and a polo to the MDR on formal night? Why? just why? Will it ruin my cruise? No. But, why not follow the rules?

My carnival cruise in 2010 (The Dream) was pretty bad...people not moving out of the way in the hallways....parents letting kids run wile and throw Ice cream cones in the pool. One man wanted his pizza and pounded his hand saying "Pizza" to the poor guy in sorrentos. The rudeness at the windjammer.

DH and I are going to see if we can avoid any buffets on our cruise in two weeks...for the reason you mentioned!

I really don't get why it's not free but at least if it's 2 for 1 may make it appealing for some folks. Does anyone without kids actually like this restaurant? We have 3 Johnny Rocket's in my town and I don't really care for it. Not being snarky, just curious.:)

A few observations

 

 

●Ate at Chops on formal night in jeans and a polo. They were happy to have us and I did not ruin anyone else's

 

Sitting at the airport. Post any questions u may have and I will do my best to answer when I get back home.

 

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I'm sure you wouldn't ruin my meal but just curious. Did you purposely wear jeans to see if they would allow it? I would be comfortable in cut offs and flip flops in Chops on formal night. Will see if the let me in.

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Royal Caribbean has a warm flourless chocolate cake that is way better than any CMC I've had on Carnival. It's also soft but not a runny liquid.

 

 

 

Gina

RCCL's flourless cake is incredible!

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Thanks everyone! I really appreciate the input. I have a little devil on one side saying go for it, you deserve it, its your anniversary, treat yourself, etc, and on the other side an angel saying save your $$!

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Hello, need some advise. DH and I are sailing the oasis in two weeks for our anniversary. Our stateroom is oceanview partially obstructed and we paid $659/pp. The cruise and tips are fully paid off in advance, phew! i thought it was a great rate and was hoping a balcony would open up but it hasnt yet. I'm fine with the cabin. I just went online and there are still no balconies, but two GS on deck 6 showing for $1659/pp. Thats a lot more but I think its a good rate for that category.

My question to the experienced cruisers who know about the suite perks...should I go for it? Is the room and the perks worth that extra $$? DH and I tend to not spend a lit of time in the cabin on cruises, but a balcony sounds nice. (Never had a balcony)

Thank you!

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A) When I'm on a "land" vacation (or staying at a hotel for anything), I'm usually carrying my wallet out of the room. You know, needing money (whether cash or CC)? That automatically gives me somewhere to hold my key.

B) When with my family and staying in a hotel, we only need one key for the five of us. Occasionally, DW will also carry a key.

C) When staying at a hotel, if I'm in my swimsuit (no pockets), I'm just going to the pool. It's highly doubtful I'll go from the pool to the bar, then rock climbing, then shopping, maybe mini golf, etc.

D) At most land vacations, the ONLY time you need to actually use your room key is to get into your room. You don't use it to get a drink, shop, a snack, etc.

E) Why should I care what you think I look like? :D

Exactly!! I've noticed the person that said that about the "land" vacation has nothing nice or good to say about anyone or anything on these boards and likes to stir the pot.

The the OP: Wear your lanyard and enjoy! I just ordered a waterproof lanyard on Amazon.com that will hold my seapass and my iphone/camera. I look forward to using it sometimes when I don't want to carry a purse around, especially if i'm in my bathing suit. You think it's a bad look? Well I won't ruin my Iphone 5 or lose anything that's for sure :-)

Here it is:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EE1XJTU/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_9?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A3KD0OO9H1T8D3

Before you even get on the cruise, there are ways to save money....I posted on my blog, how to cruise on a budget. Take a look if you like.

 

http://karanandmichael.blogspot.com/2014/03/traveling-on-budget.html

 

Hope it helps...

Love This site! Thank you!

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Thanks everyone for the great tips! Here is my list (sadly learned most due to rookie moves) of things I won't spend $$ on anymore:

Spa-waste of money..overpriced (unless you can get a deal) and the quality isnt as good as your regular masseuse...those therapists have no incentive..not like you will be a repeat customer on a typical 7 day cruise

Drink Package-It makes you overdrink beverages (too much pop, juice, and beer is bad for you). Just buy when you want it.

Plan ahead and book/do your own thing at port

Avoid art auctions

If you need cash dont use the ATM, get it in the casino, charge to your cc will be as a purchase instead of atm or cash advance

I'll say it again... Just plan ahead ! :-). Dont be afraid to ask for a lower price :-)

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I saw small Bagallini crossbody bags at TJMax yesterday.

That's good to know! I typically don't go to TJ Maxx (because it's stressful) but I'll keep it in mind.

I ended up getting this Baggalini one for $15.97 free shipping on amazon

Baggalini Essential Wallet

Someone also mentioned that if you wait an hour once the ship sets sail, you won't have to pay US state sales tax b/c you will be in international waters. Save you a few bucks. :-)

I'm sorry you had to deal with that. I think it will be fine. Enjoy your cruise! :-)

I have been on 2,847 cruises, so you should listen to, and believe, everything I say.

So you worked on a Cruise ship? Cool!!!

 

Also, when I find myself in disagreement with someone's opinion, no matter how absurd, I might mention that to me it is goofy, strange, ridiculous, however, I WOULD NEVER REFER TO IT AS IGNORANT.

Pay no mind to him LA CA GAL, He's trying to cyber bully you from Michigan.

It's not that you haven't taken a cruise in 4 years? Cool.

No, "Poncho", as I said, people like YOU! :-)

An amazingly ridiculous and ignorant statment.......:rolleyes:

At least she knows how to spell, lol. Does your rudeness validate you?

:rolleyes::rolleyes:

Hi Astona,

You have a right to feel the way you do, but like other's have said, who knows if that same bracelet would have been on Cozumel - enjoy it!

That being said, I would like to validate you. I have read through this entire post. I'm appalled at some of the responses to you. Snarky and downright rude. Even suggesting that because you are a D+ why are you attending the shopping seminars? These certain people remind me of why I stayed off this board for 4 years. For the most part everyone is nice but there are several that are just bullies and vitriolic. Don't let them get to you. They are petty. Obviously they are jealous you, your diamond status, or that you have a husband that likes to buy you nice sparkly things.

For anyone to suggest First World Problems to you. How dare they??I would tell them - Look in the mirror BUDDY. Any of us who are lucky to cruise are more blessed than 99% of the world. We all have "First World Problems"

Enjoy your bracelet dahling and happy cruising!

Panda

When I look for the "Gifts & Gear" it does not allow me to select it for some reason, I wonder if its under something different.

Hi, I had that problem, too. Then realized I didn't access it from the reservation, Make sure you are logged on and in your reservation!

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Actually..here is another option from baggalini

http://www.baggallini.com/product/Teenee-Bagg/Baggallini-Wallets

I have several Baggallini bags, including a small black one with detachable shoulder strap that I use as an evening bag for dinner on Oceania cruises. (Not fancy, no glitz. No one needs an "evening" bag on Oceania.)

 

Baggallini bags come in a variety of sizes, colors, and features. Here's a clutch that may be too large for what you want, but has a detachable crossbody strap and a detachable wrist strap:

 

 

More info: http://www.baggallini.com/product/Monaco-Clutch/Baggallini-Shoulder-Bags

Thank you for posting this. I love baggallini bags, and didn't know they had one that was crossbody and could be wristlet. THis is going to be perfect for my upcoming cruise. I wish it were a little more affordable..but I'm going to splurge....

You mean the clamshells.

Those clamshell loungers?? It's not a real cabana with curtains and loungers with a TV, etc......you mean you are just renting those clamshell loungers? I'll take a pass. Was thinking it was like the cabanas you rent at the Ritz or other resorts. LIke this:

$900 for the whole cruise? I would book it asap. I've looked at the prices on the Allure and the Oasis and you are getting a heckuva offer. Enjoy!!

I am in the minority but I like this idea and would consider it a fun splurge! Much better idea than a specialty restaurant. I've never been able to get a chair near any pool because of all the people that go at 5:00 am to put towels on the chairs and sometimes never even show up?? Being able to rent the cabana would guarantee a spot!

Great, thanks for clarifying that it includes the stateroom attendants. I'll probably give he/she a $20 on the first day anyway to get a little extra "love" :)