AtlFolks

My kids are veterans of four lines and they report DCL kids programs are at the bottom of their list. This has always been a shocker to me - Disney is supposed to be the entertainment king.

Good points. I also find it interesting that while the economy is still struggling (Dow still inching back to 18,000); there are a lot of folks who have the funds to enjoy that kind of vacation. Even in Asia, which is the next biggest market for the cruise lines, the growing middle class (especially in China) will be able to book these. I find the whole thing very interesting.

As a long-time loyalist who will probably not enjoy that level of service or amenity (I prefer to cruise more often for the experience than less often for more bennies), I become disappointed when my experience is chipped-away to enhance another class of service. RCI bet the company on Oasis and they won, so they're obviously making good decisions.

I think RCI is trying to compete with the upscale lines like Silver Sea and Crystal - a definite opportunity for them, and for guests who want an all-inclusive experience with that level of service.

New cruisers don't really notice how open ship space and existing venues (like the VCL and center seating in the theatre) are chipped away to make suite only areas. It makes me feel RCI is becoming a more class-based.

I love to cruise RCI, as can be seen from my history, just trying to visualize where this is all going.

Anyone else get a slick brochure in the mail on the new suite program? What do you think?

I'm still reeling a bit that the Viking Crown Lounge was removed from Oasis for the suite guest-only Coastal Kitchen.

The Chocolate Sensation is sensational! Comes with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a chocolate stick. Not to be missed.

Must be a new thing. On Oasis, Starbucks folks said their system didn't tie-in with the corporate system. If they are now accepting gift cards - that's a bonus!

The main takeaway I'm getting is that the lines have more similarities than differences, yet the subtle differences are enough to make cruising from line to line interesting.

For us, being a mid-tier loyalist (Emerald) on Royal really does not net us any real benefit, so loyalty really doesn't seem to pay anyway.

The theme on dinner seems to be Freestyle dining versus traditional MDR kind of sets the tenor for the cruise. On Royal, I've seen folks who skip the MDR altogether for the buffet each night, doesn't get any more freestyle than that. MDR can be successful or a disaster depending on who's at your table.

Exactly:)

 

We turned (RCL) Diamond (80+) on our last cruise but our next is as first-timers on NCL(Jade):D

So I hope Jade doesn't disappoint, sorta doubt it, seems to get good reviews, we"ll see . . .

It would be great if you would be willing to post your experience and comparisons to this thread after your trip on Jade. Have a great time!

Royal's food has consistently (+/-) been better than average, and it still amazes me how these kitchens can crank out 2,000 plates of good food in a seating. For us, we don't want every meal to be 5-Star, but is must be better than good restaurants back home because it's really part of the experience IMO.

I am really interested in exploring NCL, along with Carnival just to see what the others have to offer as far as experience. We live in Georgia, so for us it's Tampa, Port Canaveral, FLL, or New Orleans.

Along with cuisine, nighttime entertainment is something to consider. What happens after dinner on NCL?

Very good feedback - thanks cruisers. Mr. Spaniel put it best, we are lucky to be able to cruise! Incidentally, my favorite ship has always been RCI Radiance, it's small and doesn't have all of the latest and greatest features, but it has a great feel and flow that call us to the sea. Oasis was an interesting cruise (been twice), but for a couple, I really enjoy something smaller with less people.

Since I have attracted quality cruisers for this discussion, let's go a step further and talk about cuisine. Royal does well in that area in the MDR and the buffet is average. How does NCL, or even Carnival compare for that matter?

Let's cruise!

We are RCCL loyalists (Emerald Level) entertaining trying out the Star from Tampa. Anyone sail both NCL and Royal care to offer some thoughts?

It's a chocolate mousse with a chocolate topping and a little chocolate stick. Not overly sweet or filling and comes with a small scoop of vanilla ice cream. I wish I had one now. I really want to make it at home.

We really dig this very popular dessert. Having trouble Googling for a recipe. Anyone out there have an official RCI recipe for this decadent treat?

Hi CJ - you will love Labadee, it really is a cool place. It's true the zip line and coaster are extra - you can find current pricing on RCI's website, and yes, it's expensive but If that's your thing it may be worth it. The market is full of local vendors and they are pretty pushy, but there are some really nice things and you need to be prepared to do a bit is

Yes, the sign was there. I always tip my porters, but I also try to follow procedure and protocol. Just checking to see if anyone "in the know" has any intel.

At the Port Canaveral bag drop there used to be a sign that said something like "No Tipping - the porters are paid by the cruise line". In the new RCCL terminal, I did not see that sign.

Does anyone know the current situation as to how the on-boarding porters get compensated?

Of course the guys who take your luggage and accompany you from baggage claim, through Immigration, and then to your transportation are certainly working for tips.

Cozumel is the next best drift dive experience next to the GBR; crystal clear waters and excellent chances to see turtles, eels, and spiny lobster.

Belize has the Blue Hole, but on a cruise that might not be possible. Parkey's Dive Resort does a good job.

Roatan is awesome. Dive sites are just minutes off the shore on beautiful walls. They cater to Americans too.

Labadee is really a peninsula with the port side on a bay having calm water, a nice beach, and nice view of the ship. The other side on the sea with more of a rocky bottom and more surf. Water shoes not required at Columbus Cove and Nellies on the bay side. All attractions are over-priced, so avoid them unless money is no object or you just must zip line. BBQ lunch is the same at all open eating areas (ribs and mild jerk chicken) and I'm a huge fan of the lunch. Suite guests get a fancy-shmancy lunch, but not the BBQ - they are really missing out on that experience. Bar guys that roam the pool will roam the beach with frozen drinks, but bar service and BBQ stops around 2pm when they all clean up and head back to the ship for dinner service.

Breakfast is a quick sandwich, and I fell an Egg McMuffin is better than what they serve. Parfaits too.

Lunch is a customized huge salad - the best you'll ever have, and a to-die-for fresh carved roast beef sandwich with aujus.

DHS will be able to answer that specifically. If you have a passport, bring it as it makes things easier if you are expecting you might need to return home early. If nothing is expected, don't worry about it and have a good time. Anytime you leave the country, you really should have your passport.

We typically head to Columbus Cove; nice out of the way area close the BBQ - but, we need to run the gauntlet of the island vendors! Looking for another area to park this month. Any suggestions?

Stop beating this gal up; it's an honest question. Reality is where the rubber meets the road - my SIL had the soda package for her on Oasis and they brought her kids sodas at dinner on her package. I'd say for a drink or two it's not an issue, but like the others said, if you are observed abusing it, the ship will revoke your package without a refund.

Hi Cruisers - May parents are celebrating their 50th on Freedom of the Seas this month and I want to decorate their door, which I think they will get a kick out of. I am not a decorating kind of guy so I'm looking for simple ideas - kind of like a "door in a box" if that's a thing. Fellow cruisers on Royal's Boards say the cruise line's decorations are a rip-off, so I'm avoiding that. Ideas?

Thanks Shipmates!

I know this thread is a bit old, but I have a related question for y'all. We will turn Emerald four days into our next cruise on Freedom this month. Does the C&A staff recognize that while on-board?

Concur with Clarea; if you don't get your show times in advance, you'll wait in line with no guarantee of getting a seat - especially for the adult comedy show.