klepton

I would definitely pick DCL Fantasy or Dream over any of the smaller RCI ships, no question. If you add in the bigger RCI ships the gap is closed a bit, but I'd still give the nod to Disney.

Choosing between Dream/Fantasy will mostly be a question of itinerary as the Dream does the 3/4 day Bahama runs, the Fantasy mainly sails the East/West Caribbean routes.

I can't speak specifically to the Dream, but we did sail the Fantasy when my son was almost 2. They have a much larger splash park for diapered kids than the tiny baby pool on the Allure of the Seas. The nursery on the Fantasy was also nicer than the Allure IMHO. And there was plenty for adults to do as well (good entertainment, different tastings, etc). Don't get me wrong, I loved our Allure cruise and I think that's my favorite class of ship, but when talking about a 2-year old I think the Disney Fantasy has the most to offer.

I would also consider ports, as some ports are easier with little ones than others. Ports where you can walk to a beach might be preferable to lugging car seats around, for instance.

Good luck and enjoy your cruise!

Last Nov I sailed in the Grand suite (top suite level on POA) and my brother and his family had a penthouse suite. The main perks were the same, the only differences were we got unlimited complimentary soda in our room, and we got 3 bottles of wine where they only got one.

Are the pools, slides, ropes course, etc. all open right when boarding? On the BA last month I was very surprised that the slides, aquapark, kids pool, and ropes course didn't open until sailaway.

The only restriction I'm aware of after paying the balance in full is it can no longer be transferred to a TA. Sounds like you have a TA already so no worries there. I have paid off the balance early before and had price drops and other promos applied afterwards, they just refunded partial payments to my credit card.

Good job getting it paid off early!

I'll echo the others and say Freedom. While I typically book cruises for the itinerary first and foremost, and the Valor itinerary is better IMO, I don't think you can really go wrong with a freedom class ship. Lot's more activities than what you'll find on the Valor (flow rider, ice rink, rock wall) that your kids will enjoy. In addition, the entertainment is far more varied on the Freedom.

But a lot of it depends on you and your family. If you're the type(s) who like to sit in peace and solitude on your balcony and read books, the balcony might be a deciding factor for you. Or if you're more concerned with getting to new/exotic ports, that may make a difference. Aruba and Bonaire are both great islands... Grand Turk is just ok, I'd never book a cruise specifically to get there. I'm guessing that itinerary also hits La Romana or Amber Cove?

I can't speak to the Summit, but depending on the time of year Bermuda is really awesome! I just did the same itinerary on the NCL Breakaway (sailed out of new york, 3 days in Bermuda) and we had a great time. We saw the Summit a few times on the way and it was docked right next to us all three days. It's a good looking ship to be sure, though doesn't have the activities I mentioned above that the Freedom has.

Good luck and enjoy your cruise! :D

Is any of this info verified? The only reference I can find to this "announcement" is at Royal Caribbean Blog, and he doesn't link to any source.

We are in the exact same situation but our cruise was the Jewel April 16, 2017. We also have the same two make up cruises to choose from, so now they are offering just two cruises for two totally cancelled cruises. I think that some people will not be able to be accommodated. The irony for me was this was part of a B2B2B that had been rescheduled from a cancelled cruise. I did book the Explorer last week as I was suspicious they were going to cancel. The hassle of changing ships and a layover day before the next two cruises may not be worth it though. We have time to figure it out.

Hmm... I had that Jewel cruise booked as the second leg of a B2B, but ultimately cancelled in favor of a Harmony/Freedom combo. Glad I did... Hope you get it all worked out.

I'm interested in hearing any first-hand reports about stops in Labadee. Was your genie able to secure your preferred cabana for you? There's a very particular one I want at the suites beach, not sure the best way to go about getting it.

Thank you!!!! My TA told me RC told them Starbucks was not included so thank you for confirming that and the candy! Trying to see if the my genie is with the extra $$$ above the sky level and every perk counts!!!!

Those that have done star is it amazing??

Those that had a butler/concierge are they pretty good? Our butler on NCl 4 years ago was not impressive. Room service took over 1.5 hours, an extra blanket to the room took 3 hours... Which seemed kinda long to us....

 

Disney we never had a butler but never needed one as service was stellar. Thanks again!!! Looking to make decision this weekend for Aug sailing!!

It's important to note that these are not published benefits, and even if they were they could absolutely change before August. Since I booked my Star class suite in Sept the published benefits have already been reduced. For these unpublished benefits they could just disappear with no notice. I wouldn't bank on them when determining the value, though in all likelihood they will be available.

Sorry to hear your Butler on NCL wasn't that great. It's amazing to me reading all the reviews here and how different they can be. Many people report stellar service, and just as many report disappointment. Sounds like Genies are a notch above NCL butlers though in what they offer, and the fact they only have 3 rooms as opposed to NCL butler's 6-8.

FWIW our butler on NCL last Nov was great! As was our room steward. Would love to take them with me on all my cruises! :-) I'll be on the Breakaway in a few weeks to see how the butler there compares, he's got a lot to live up to.

Our Kauai helicopter trip was absolutely spectacular! One of the most spectacular things I've ever seen for sure. I would recommend booking for the very first tour of the day the second day you're there on POA. That's a shorter day, but doing an 8:00 tour will get you back to the ship by 9:30 or so, and you can shop or go to the beach at the Marriott for the rest of the day.

We used Safari, much cheaper than NCL and we had a great time. There are many, many other operators there though so you can find the one that fits your style.

I have checked a few prices as well with NCL suites against Carnival. I know there will be no comparison in amenities but with that said I also know what my budget is. I travel with a friend whose daughter is disabled (she goes with us) and my son has severe disabilities (he stays home with his dad) so we don't have a large amount of disposable income. Both of us are working moms (me with 2 jobs from my house and her with 2 jobs as well). We are doing a Handicapped Ocean Suite on the Magic in April 2017 and when comparing a suite on some of the NCL we are looking at $3500 to $5500 more then what we paid for Carnival. I can't justify that in my brain. I don't envy those that can afford it because that means they worked hard to get to that point to indulge a little. But for me that is a lot of jack to spend for a week when in the end it is about relaxing and seeing a smile on a young girls face.:)

I think by-and-large Carnival is probably going to come out far cheaper, for good reason. You do need to look at individual sailings though to be sure. Later this year I'm doing an Escape cruise in the Haven, and then directly over to the Carnival Vista. Each cruise was cheaper than the alternate for that week. The Vista (same room) was more expensive than the Escape for the week I'm cruising the Escape. But the Vista was far cheaper the week I'm cruising her, again apples to apples comparison. Had I done a B2B on either ship rather than switching ships, I'd be paying about $2k more. So it pays to check around.

So has anyone else had an issue fining margaret's page this morning? I saw the two updates, but now her page seems to be gone? Wonder if Royal found out and made her remove it?

 

Which would be a shame because it was the best information we've been able to get as their call centers know literally nothing of the program.

I just looked and could find it either. It was up maybe 90 minutes ago.

So which of your cruises was that? Curious, since most of the major cruise lines require infants to be at least 6 months old to be eligible to sail.

It was on the Disney Magic in Jan. 2013, back when their limit was 3 months (it's since moved to 6 months). What surprised me a lot was that our DS was not even close to being the youngest on the ship. We met many families traveling with 3 month olds, probably a half does or so that we met. The nursery staff told us our son was maybe the 5th youngest that they had all week.

Still plugging the suggested arrival times I see. ;)

I guess at least we'll have contact before the sailing so I can relay my thoughts, but I just can't see myself waiting until later to show up in most cases. Hotel checkout time is usually 11, so we'd have nothing to do if we waited until 12:30 or 1:00 before heading to the port. I suppose I could see about late checkout, I do have status with a few hotel chains that are supposed to guarantee that.

No. I have seen too many people with babies in the hot tub because they are not allowed in the pool.

Just a point I'd like to bring up. Some ships have special baby *pools* where swim diapers are allowed. On Allure it was only maybe 3 inches deep, and a pretty small area next the big kids splash area. Our DS was 15 months at the time and was able to have fun sitting in there and splashing around. The best diaper-friendly water area I've seen on a ship was the Disney Fantasy.

at this point there's a sea of "yes" and "no" to choose from, but I'll add mine.

Yes - if you want to and can adjust expectations

We took our son when he was 4 months old. Even at that age he had fun. He splashed around in the water on the beaches (didn't like the sand one bit though) and seemed to love the ocean air on the balcony. He rolled over for the first time on that cruise, and it was also the first time he started making motions just to get a reaction from us. Speaking of milestones, he also took his first steps on a cruise ship. He's 3 now and will go on his 8th cruise in 3 weeks.

So totally doable, and we all had a great time even with him being so young. Just know that you need to adjust expectations accordingly. We had no problem leaving him in the nursery, which gave us a little time for quiet meals and spending dedicated time with our daughter. But there's a lot to consider with feeding schedules, naps, etc. I definitely wouldn't do it without a balcony to chill on while baby naps.

Extra special care with hygiene (we were *those* parents who didn't let anyone else hold our baby while on the cruise) and we washed our hands constantly.

Hope you have fun! :D

Call me a bit foolish but I still think there is an announcement to come about them. No official word from JH who said he would be announcing the perks around the end of this week. So I will hang on a bit longer. He said we would be "very pleased" and I am not seeing anything that is very pleasing to any of us. At least not yet.

I haven't been on FB today, but I assumed from conversation here that this came from JH. But if he hasn't announced anything, maybe you're right.

I doubt it though, I don't know why marketing would roll out a simplified version of new perks days before an official announcement of a bigger plan. Here's hoping though!

Well doesn't that beat all... :D Glad I didn't book a suite in anticipation of this bombshell release.

My expectations were pretty low, but somehow Carnival still under-delivered. Why oh why was there a 2 month build up to this?

We stopped staying at Embassy Suites after ten years. For us the product they offer no longer compares to their escalated price. We started staying at the Hyatt 17th St Convention Centre. It varies from $50-$100 less than ES, but they do not have a bell hop which is the reason to why we call a taxi. That is why the Uber idea VS calling a cab is what we are considering next time. There are many great hotels in Fort Lauderdale that have bell hops, but for the short overnight stay I can't justify the added cost. I'd rather put the money saved towards a private rental of the flow rider. :D

 

We always use the taxi when leaving the cruise port for the airport. The only time we used a ship transfer was our first time at Port Everglades, as we didn't know how close the airport actually was. I think for us Uber is the way to go for our next cruise departing from Port Everglades.

Makes total sense, I would also utilize Uber in your situation.

We have used taxis at FLL for almost 12 years. We always call for one, but rarely does the driver say that he is there to get "Andrew". The driver just gets whoever gets in first, and often people before me believe that they deserve that taxi as they have been waiting. We have waited long enough to know that the taxi that should have been ours has come and gone. In the meantime the hotel pimps their shuttle. Just not as easy of a process as it should be.

 

I have never used Uber but I would appreciate that they are there to get me, and only me.

Generally speaking you're better off having the valet call you a cab than you calling yourself, for this very reason. The valet works for tips, and will pay attention to the cab coming for you vs. others.

Not saying you shouldn't try Uber, I love Uber! I can't imagine there'd be any problem with Uber dropping off in port. There might be a problem with Uber picking up in port after the cruise though, depending on port rules.

Here's a couple of Breakaway tips that I wish I knew before our trips. When you return and are disembarking the concierge will escort you off the ship, but they only take you as far as the walkway. There is a special Haven line at the terminal, but the sign is just before the door. Everyone else will be waiting in line (and it will be long), but you can walk past to the front of the line. Of course be prepared for the comments of the people in line.:rolleyes: There will be someone at the sign that will verify you're in the Haven, but then they will take you past the lines to get your luggage.

 

And the 2nd tip.... use a porter. They don't have to wait in the regular customs line. ;)

 

On our 1st cruise, we waited almost 30 minutes in line to get to our luggage, and 45 minutes in the customs line. On our last cruise we were out of the terminal and in our car in under 15 minutes.:D

Linda

Thanks for the unsolicited tip! :) That will come in handy for us as I like as stress-free of debarkation as possible, especially when the kids are with us.

does the using a porter also pay if you are not haven

Speaking as someone who always gets a porter, both in suites and not, I can say it depends on the port. In port everglades and and miami we always seem to get funneled into the same lines as everyone else, no time savings. In other ports like San Diego, Charleston, and San Juan we have had porters take us to separate shorter lines.

You'll be taken up to the Haven and given some snacks (usually sliders) while the concierge welcomes you and briefly explains what he/she can do for you during the week. Then, you are free to do what you want. Some will go to the Haven Restaurant for lunch, many more will go to their cabins and drop stuff off and then explore the ship. Sorry, can't answer about the slides, ropes, etc. Hope you enjoy your cruise.

You can skip out on the Haven intro whenever you want. You don't have to wait for sliders or lunch. Your suite won't be ready, but you can usually drop off your carry ons. Wear bathing suits under your clothes, and head right on over to the pools.

Thanks guys, this tells me what I need to know. I figured it was the case but wasn't sure if there was any sort of "structure" to the Haven tour or not.

"holding onto your luggage"...

 

Our usual protocol is to drop-off luggage, park, then go into the terminal. We've got too much to "hold onto", so I'd guess we'll need to just drop it off and leave it at/near the regular drop-off (unless there's a way to leave them near the entrance to the terminal). Either way, I'd picture leaving Cheryl to guard our luggage (from getting scooped into the regular channels) while I park.

 

I'm sure we'll see more specific recommendations as time passes.

 

Tom

I'm curious to read reports on this as well. We usually have 4 big bags, one carry-on, a stroller, and a car seat. That's more than I want to lug into/through the terminal considering my wife pushes the stroller, DD is good for maybe pulling the carryon suitcase, leaving me to pull 4 daisy-chained suitcases. I'll wait to see what happens with others, it's still almost a year before I cruise. We might not even take the stroller by then.

I too was planning to arrive at 10:30. She hasn't told me yet to arrive later so we will see. Maybe they want the three of us to arrive at different times so she can escort us on separately??

I got a response to an email sent my our Genie, Israel, letting me know he had scheduled dining for us on Saturday and Sunday, a massage for my wife, as well as a couple of other small requests.

 

He asked that we arrive at 11:30A - perhaps the Genies are trying to schedule the arrival of their respective guests in a manner that lets them personally handle each one? That would make sense to me. He did say to hold on to our luggage instead of giving it to the porters, noting that the pier staff would know what to do we told them we were star class...

I think you guys hit the nail on the head, and it makes sense that they would do it this way. I just hope I'm the one that gets the early slot!

Just received a response from loop. Margret responded but said she was assisting my official genie who is also Smitha (so looks like RLS, OLS and GLS will be sharing). She suggested we not arrive until noon to expedite luggage. We're normally the people who are waiting to board and show up around 10:30...debating what time to arrive given her comments, despite staying at the ritz I'm sure we'll be itching to get onboard!

 

Haven't received the initial email as of yet.

Heh... I know exactly what you mean. Telling us not to arrive until noon would be like telling a greyhound dog not to chase the rabbit until the second lap around. :D Come embarkation day, our entire morning revolves around getting to the ship as early as we can.