SnowBird Cruzer

Nothing is officially announced yet, but according to a lot of rumors, she will offer Med cruises from Southampton, and during winter period she may sail from Port Canaveral...

 

It seems QUANTUM sails also the 9-night-itinerary to Canada/New England in fall 2015 - if it's the same as the itinerary of EXPLORER, it won't be more than three days at sea - and I think the itinerary is appealing. ;)

A New England cruise would be interesting.

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Leaving from NJ going to the Caribbean pretty much means 3 days to get down there and 3 days back. Six sea days are a given then it is how ever many port days. I'm booked on the 12 day trip because of the six sea days and six ports, the best of both worlds.

The 12 day with 6 ports/6 sea days is enticing.

I've never cruised more than 7 days, so I'm looking for an opportunity to do a 10+ day cruise. I've also never had more than 2 sea days in a row. So 3, or more, will be something to try.

Not sure I can afford more than an interior on the 12 day though, but that would give me a chance to try out those virtual windows. They sound interesting!

I really could care less about where the ship is going. After a while, all the islands seem the same. I'm just happy to be able to leave winter in Chicago behind.

I guess I'm not as fortunate as you. Yet. I haven't been to all the islands yet. I still see differences in the ones I've been too, and I'm still trying to get to a bunch of them.

 

As for Anthem, I read on here (rumor....no official annoucement) that Anthem will be based out of Southampton.

Wow, I guess I won't be going on that ship for some time! I don't see me going to Europe to start a cruise. At least for a goodly # of years. Oh well

MIL and FIL want to cruise on Quantum, and I would like to get on the boat too. But I am not thrilled with the itineraries out of NJ. Too many days at sea! (It almost seems like RCCL wants you to spend more time at sea than onshore. But that can't be possible, can it?)

Part of me wants to wait for Anthem of the Seas, but I don't know where that will be based. Has that been announced yet?

I do like the NJ home port, as I could drive there (14 hours) and that would allow me to buy one of those 4-5 liter bottles of liquor for my bar. What a conversation piece!!

I could also drive to NO, and will probably do that someday.

I'm just looking for other thoughts on the Quantum itineraries. I was initially against private islands, but we had a great day on Labadee. And some of that was based on the feedback I got from other cruisers.

So, please, I want you to convince me!

Things are moving along nicely for planning the family cruise. I collected a lot of info on our last cruise and also from various articles here, or from other websites.

My plan is to send out some more info in a week or so. This will give families the time to start reviewing and thinking seriously of going on the cruise. Plus, with all the holiday activities coming up, I want to be respectful of those commitments.

I'm going to ask people to start letting me know if they are interested (seriously, or still thinking), or are not interested. And, then I'm going to ask them to start thinking of a date, or at least to let me know if they have dates that will not work.

For example, DW and I will be at a wedding in CA the end of January 2015, so February 2015 is out for us. But March 2015 is fine.

I'd like to begin the booking process about 12 months before the cruise, especially if we have 8 cabins (group rate!) committed. Of course, people would still have the opportunity to sign up later, as well as cancel with 100% refund for some time. But I gotta nail some of these people down, commitment wise, or nothing will get done!

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

....I can devote more time to this cruise.

Whilst on the Alaskan cruise, I took some pictures and collected some more info with an eye towards being better able to answer others questions.

And, from my Twitter feed, there have been some nice Royal Caribbean articles that explain the Wine Package and the All you can drink Liquor packages.

And there has even been some refinement of available dates. For example, it turns out that DW's niece is getting married towards the end of Jan 2015 and that will be across country in California. DW and I would have trouble getting off work right away again for an early Feb cruise.

Looks like we'll be looking at late Feb or Early March.

Still have to confirm Spring Break 2015 for those that have kids in High School. Once that is done, we can move right along.

Hoping to get some commitments by Christmas time, or at least early 2014.

Here is what I suggest. You organize the cruise for your entire family. However, you know that nobody will be satisfied with anything you do. There will be constant complaints and it will all be your fault.

 

So, right before final payment date, you cancel your booking without telling them and you take a cruise on another ship.

 

They are stuck and you can't go with them.

 

DON

LOL I'll keep that in mind.

Well, I made the PowerPoint presentation yesterday at the Family Reunion. Lots of good good questions, which and my brother and SIL answered. Even some siblings I'd never think would go on the cruise asked some good questions.

I've posted it on my Microsoft SkyDrive for them to review at any time. I've also sent them the spreadsheet of dates and prices.

Now it's just a matter of waiting for them to think about it and review. AND to answer follow up questions.

I'm excited!

Bus Man, I appreciate the comments.

I have to start somewhere so I've started with these. If the feeling is for a 5 day, then we'll do that. I just want to get people on a ship. And yes, 5 days have lots of flexibility.

I really wanted to cruise out of Galveston or New Orleans again, although I wasn't too keen on going back to Cozumel. My brother wants to take the others to the Islands (mon!) So just some more background on the decision making process.

PS Thanks for the comments LarryL and geduffer. Don't count out Summit yet! One of its itineraries has 4 stops, a day at sea, and then another stop. That helps break it up. OTOH, I do like a day at sea early so as to get to know the ship. (Although I'm still checking the "You are Here" maps on the last day.:cool:

As an above poster mentioned about the airfares....as you're in Wisconsin, flying to PR and possibly needing an overnight there, the air and accommodations could cost more than the cost of the cruise. If everyone is OK with that, fine, but if that's an issue, I think you have a LOT more options out of Fla, either FLL or MIA and even out of Fla, I don't think any cruise has more than 2 sea days in a row.

We'd be flying just about anywhere. And a stay in San Juan is like another port of call. I love San Juan.

I've looked at a large number of cruises, developed our criteria, and some that fit pretty well. I eliminated some because I didn't care for the stops, or the ship was too big (Allure/Oasis), or too expensive (Allure/Oasis)

If the consensus is for a 5 day, I'll re-evalute. I need to get them excited first. Then we can finalize details.

I appreciate the comments so far. Nothing is engraved in stone. But we like those 2 ships and those t

I apologize if this was in the thread, but why a 7-nighter out of San Juan as a first cruise? That sounds like a tremendously expensive option to take for folks who might not be certain about cruising.

 

Any chance there are some shorter - 5 or 6 night - options available that might work for your group? We introduced my parents and our kids to cruising by taking them on 5-nighters. That made them wish they could go on a 7-nighter the next time.

DW and I introduced her parents and her brother and his wife to cruising in February with a 5 nighter. It was good, but really too short.

I'd like to pursue a 7 nighter with the family. My brother and his wife agree.

Most of the family doesn't have kids to worry about either.

As for cost, the AOS cruises are really inexpensive. And a flight to San Juan is really cheap, and not much more than a flight to FLL or Galveston or New Orleans. (using Spring 2014 dates as reference)

Having never sailed the Summit, I appreciate the comments regarding what a nice ship it is. I believe it's been through its' Solstice update, and AOS has been through its' Allure updates.

And those who posted that the ships have a different feel/culture/atmosphere are correct on that too.

I agree with ScrapNana -- the cruise with the interspersed sea days is what I would choose. Your newbies will find out how much fun and, perhaps, how restful, sea days can be. I think the thing about port days, especially with newbies, is that these pax feel they cannot not get off the ship -- they fear they will be missing something -- they've "paid for all these ports, after all", haven't they? So 5 ports in a row would be a lot.

 

Obviously this opinion is predicated on my assumption that you have considered that the "culture" on board each ship will be equally acceptable to those in your party -- as I do think the cultures may be different.

 

The port-intensity of the Summit itinerary is the reason I have not chosen this cruise for myself, although I have considered it. I did not know there was the other type -- with the sea days -- out of S.J. -- just did not check RCCL-- I have never cruised with them, but maybe this one will be my first!

You hit my ideas right on the head! They don't have to get off the ship, but they might feel that they do.

JMO -- RCI

 

But I do have a concern -- is everyone able to get to San Juan? Have you checked air fares -- mock booking for any date? Have you considered that some people may have to stay in a hotel pre-cruise? Lots of things to consider.

Didn't I make it clear that I really am kind of anal retentive? LOL

Yes, I did look at airfares and they are pretty good out of ORD. Certainly much better than the flights I found when I did a similar cruise in 2009.

I have one brother in Colorado Springs and his airfare is the cheapest of all.

And I would definitely recommend they all fly in a day early. Winter weather in the Midwest is so unpredictable that it you have to give yourself a buffer.

Plus, those of us that live locally can, perhaps, rent a bus to take us all down to ORD. That would be a hoot and a half!!

I agree with Slidergirl....pick the ship and date, and let everyone else do their own arrangements! Not everyone is going to want to be "herded"....someone, guaranteed, will be unhappy with something...and you don't want them to be unhappy with YOU! So...give them the info, then it's up to them!

 

And...don't "talk it up" too much...that's pretty much guaranteed to leave folks feeling cheated....people LIKE to discover stuff on their own! Leave them something to discover!!!

Oh, I'm not planning all their excursions! No way! But getting them to agree on anything is the real challenge. I read somewhere that doing a dinner together was a good idea, otherwise every family unit should be on their own.

I appreciate the comments.

Hi, I'm an experienced cruiser, as you can see by my signature. Apparently I developed a whole in my head which can be the only explanation for why I would volunteer to organize a family cruise! ;)

I have one brother and his wife who have also cruised a lot but no-one else in the family has. (I've got 11 other brothers and sisters, BTW).

I'm trying to organize the aforementioned family cruise in Spring 2015. My brother and I were discussing what type of Caribbean cruise to go on.

Our own cruise requirements:

• 7 day cruise
  
• Eastern/Southern Caribbean cruise only
  
• Must not have 2 consecutive days at sea, especially at start*
  
• Specific Islands not important
  
• Will be either RCCL or Celebrity (due to prior cruising by me or brother)
  

*to avoid any complaints of "what am I going to do onboard a ship all day?"

I've heard this from every cruise virgin I've ever talked to about cruising.

We are also concerned by having "too many" stops. I don't want them feeling rushed, or feeling that they have to do something at every port. I don't want them complaining afterwards that the trip was too hectic. I want them to want to cruise again!

With that said, I have picked out 1 ship from each which has itineraries that we think will meet the above conditions:

1. Adventure of the Seas out of San Juan
   
   1. 
      
   2. 4 stops with two Days at Sea (stop, stop, Day at Sea, repeat)
      
   3. 5 stops with one Day at Sea at the beginning
      

[*]Celebrity Summit out of San Juan

1. Various itineraries
   
2. Either Day at sea first and then 5 stops, or
   
3. 5 stops with Day at Sea before final stop
   

I've not sailed Celebrity, and I have been on AOS. I'm trying to control my bias, but prefer the AOS with 2 days at sea, since they are spaced out. Plus, I like the climbing wall (I'm 50)

More details:

• Siblings range from 45 to 65
  
• 2 siblings will have high school age children, otherwise the rest of us would be just husband/wife
  
• We are all in the Midwest (MN/WI)
  
• Organizing these people is like herding cats
  

I'll be presenting a PowerPoint to them in a couple of weeks (I'm not really that anal, but the backstory is too complicated. Suffice to say, I got a new laptop and want to play with it)

I'm interested in opinions. For you well seasoned cruisers, who know all the ins and outs, you'll have to think back to some of your first cruises.

On the pool deck there are two pools and four hot tubs. In the Spa there is an indoor T pool (which you can use at no charge), which is a regular size swimming pool that is heated like a hot tub and has benches that shoot relaxing bubbles up that you can lay on and other water jets that you can allow to pour on your back and neck. There are also two more hot tubs in this room. Hope that helps. We used to be exclusive to RCI, but once we tried X we were hooked.

Thank you so much for your prompt response. I appreciate it very much.

I don't know about getting hooked on another cruise line. I need a rock wall to climb!

I have to say I'm a little bit disappointed by some of the responses that suggest that I'm being unreasonable.

 

Folks, whether I'm on a cruise ship, or in a hotel, I expect it to be reasonably clean and maintained. There's no excuse for bathrooms in the cabin not being clean when you check in, particularly when it's accumulated dirt, not just recent. There's no excuse for spills to remain on the floor under the coffee dispensers on the buffet line for an hour or more during late evening.

 

I can deal with a server forgetting my drink, or a meal that arrives cold, or a cabin that's not ready on time. That's just run of the mill operations stuff.

 

But when the bathroom is dirty, when there is a washcloth masking-taped to the end of the bed to keep you from cutting your leg on sharp metal, when the deck furniture has been allowed to deteriorate and food grime accumulated on the buffet restaurant's outdoor deck, there's a systemic problem with maintenance and housekeeping.

 

Raising things like this isn't whining or looking for problems.

 

Please accept this in the constructive spirit I intend it. I'm not suggesting that I didn't have a good time or that I let it ruin my cruise.

 

But I think it's perfectly reasonable to enquire whether a ship I'm contemplating going on is better maintained.

 

Reading all of this it might sound like I'm hard to please. Believe me, that's not the case. I let the little stuff roll right off and I know there will always be some problems that aren't worth worrying about. Just more than I expected in the maintenance area on this ONE occasion!

 

Happy cruising to all!

Really? You're disappointed in some of the responses? That's par for the course on chat rooms/threads where you get to remain anonymous. I thought you had some legit questions. I thought the first response was unnecessarily harsh too.

Anyway, that said, I'm doing research on the Summit for a potential family cruise in February 2015. We are looking at RCCL Adventure of the Seas or Celebrity Summit. DW and I have sailed only RCCL since 2007. My brother and his wife have cruised a bit more than we have and he sticks to Celebrity and Norwegian. One of us will be in for a change. Not sure who.

The rest of the potential cruisers will all be newbies.

I found the following website from Beyond Ships which seems to give a nice review of various cruise ships. Attached is the link to the Summit, http://beyondships.com/Celebrity-Summit-Tour-1.html.

I'm really trying to nail down the number of pools and whirlpools on the ship. Their own website doesn't list the total. RCCL does for AOS.

Have a good day all, first weekend of summer and all that!

a rental car from First City Rentals. For $59.95 we get a car for all day.

If you have a bigger group than just me and the missus, you can rent a minivan for $69.95. That would be pretty cheap for two or more couples.

We are going to a couple of state parks and do some hiking. One of the parks is mentioned in the RCCL shore excursions and is something like $89pp.

We'll hit up Totem Bight and other places too.

And we'll have a map to see other stuff. I've got a list of way more places than we will actually be able to go.

I hope some post the results of their cheap days in Ketchikan. I know I'm blowing the excursion wad in Skagway so I will need to save some $$ here.

Happy cruising!

Thanks to this thread, and my own research, we'll be doing our own thing in Ketchikan.

the car rental agency has given me some good places to visit and hike.

DW and I are looking forward to it.

FYI-I found one of the shore excursions will go to one of the parks we are going to on our own. They want $80pp. I will be renting a car for under $65.

Parking is free at the parks and hikes are free too.

And of course, all the scenery comes at no charge too.

This is all good as we are dropping over $400 total in Skagway to hike out and stand on a glacier. (But that's a bucket list item so it must be done)

I think DW and I will be in the same boat. I'm planning on blowing the excursion budget somewhere (Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan) and will need to be on a budget for at least one of the stops.

I had seen a TV show called "Motion" on the LiveWell Network (part of ABC), and they had a rainy show in Ketchikan (They also went to Misty Fjords another time). One thing they did in Ketchikan was to go to Ward Creek Park and hike around.

I've already checked into a rental car and for about $60-$70, I could have a car for the day. We could drive up to Ward Creek and hike around. And then see more stuff as we find it. The rental car agency already offered up some more things to do too.

The link to Motion is http://livewellnetwork.com/Motion/episodes/111?show=motion&ct=lwhd_Episode

Both Ketchikan and Misty Fjords should be on this link. Otherwise, they were on Page 2.

I'm bookmarking this chat for later reference too!

I tried to upload the .jpg's themselves, but it didn't work.

So I put them on Flickr and I hope this link works.

We got a Beach cabana on Nellie's Beach. It was great for us 6 adults.

FIL used a wheelchair to get around but he was able to climb the stairs. There was a cabana next to us with a ramp instead of stairs, but he did not want to switch.

I don't know any cabana numbers or anything like that.

The sand was pretty hard packed all over, except close to the water. We were able to drive the regular wheelchair over most of it. Rolex our cabana attendant also showed us some tricks of the trade. We saw the beach wheelchairs but no-one offered us one.

The restrooms were just behind us and FIL said he did okay. They were nice bathrooms, not porta potties.

I leave just two weeks from today on the Allure with my husband and three boys. I didn't realize there were cabanas to rent. The price is $250 online, but it says to inquire onboard. :( Has anyone had luck getting a cabana once onboard? The price is much cheaper than most excursions we have planned for a family of five!!!

 

Thank you all for the info!

I remember reading somewhere (probably another chat thread) that they hold some of the cabanas for onboard reservation. This will be my first time to a private Island (in <10 weeks too!) so I really can't answer your question per se.

Since this was your first post (and Congrats on that too!), go search for other chats on Labadee cabanas. There are hundreds of them, some older than others.

Just be ready to get in line ASAP when the Excursion Desk opens!

Good luck.

Opens just in time for our Feb 7th visit - never been to a margaritaville that wasn't just a restaurant this one is supposedly will have a pool, a water slide, a zip line feature and Jacuzzi.

 

Should be semi entertaining for those not interested in leaving the port area.

I'll be there a week later, 02/14/13. A zip line would be nice, even a small one.