ametrinel

Nope...you do NOT have to buy a package for each adult on RCI...that's the ONE good thing they have going for the packages!

 

Yes, packages are pricey, but so are the drinks! A domestic beer is in the $7 range....I think that's awful! Wine is worse, price wise!

 

If you plan on drinking about 3-5 drinks per day (bear in mind, some of the packages include non-alcoholic stuff, too), you will be ahead with a package.

 

Included drinks are: ice water, coffee, tea (iced or hot), lemonade or flavored water, milk and juice at breakfast. If you are good with the included options, a package might not be for you. If you want booze, soda or stuff like that, a package might be worth it. Each package is for the person who's name it's in.

Rules must have changed. Last time I looked at it (granted, that was when they first came out with it), each adult in the cabin had to purchase. I'm glad they've relaxed that. Thought it was ridiculous and crazy expensive to have to do that. This is much better!

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I believe on RCCL if you purchase one alcohol package, you must purchase one for each adult in the cabin. I would check their website to be sure. Most drinks run around $6-8, depending on what you get. My husband and I don't bother with it, but we never have more than 2 or 3 drinks a day.

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My hubby and I are headed to Alaska on July 10 to celebrate our 30th anniversary (and they said it'd never last!) Can someone tell me the best place to eat upon embarkation? We try to stay away from the buffet since that's where everyone else seems to head. Thanks!

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Any options for downtown Seattle to Pier 91 that isn't Uber? Not fond of their service.

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Actually, the ship will have crab legs in the MDR, which come from Tracy's Crab Shack. I had a double serving...:eek:

Thanks, but we can't eat crab or fish of any kind. I know...on an Alaskan cruise and can't eat fish! [emoji849]

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Do you know if there are any restaurants near the port in Juneau? Hubby and I will be celebrating our 30th anniversary in July and our Juneau excursion gets back to the shop around 5:30. We thought it would be fun to grab some dinner before heading back on the shop, but don't want to have to go a long way.

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Can anyone tell me if there are any restaurants near where Princess docks in Juneau? We have an excursion that will get us back around 5:30, so we were thinking about getting dinner in Juneau since the ship doesn't leave until around 10:30 pm. But we don't want to have to go a long way from the ship. Thanks for any help.

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Yeah. I'll be Platinum after one night on our upcoming cruise, but it won't count till my next one. [emoji853]

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Thanks! We wanted to disembark early and do some walking, but not physically able to walk all day. Thought we'd take a taxi to start off and work our way back.

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Are there taxis available at the Ketchikan port? If so, does anyone know how early they are available?

We always have a bottle of champagne waiting for us in our room to drink on our balcony during sail away. It's an extravagance, I know, but worth it to us. Makes it feel like a special start to our trip.

How formal do people dress on formal nights (headed for Alaska in 2016)? I know what Princess recommends, but on other cruise lines they recommend tuxes, gowns, etc., but people don't really wear that. Just trying to figure out what to pack. Thanks!

Wow! Thanks for all the info. Definitely helps!

I laughed when I read the title of the thread, picturing stored luggage full of popcorn. ;) Another free option is the Trident Grill on deck where you can get hamburgers, etc. Then there is the pizza station, also on deck, with great pizza. There will also be an ice cream counter in the same general area. Oh, and the popcorn is free during Movies Under the Stars. Afternoon tea in one of the dining rooms at 3:30 will have sandwiches and sweets, including scones. Don't forget the main dining room food for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Lol! I didn't even think of the title like that. Gave me a chuckle.

We are sailing on the Ruby Princess and wondering about luggage storage (we have a balcony room on the Baja deck. On RCL we can easily slide our empty suitcases under the bed. Is that possible on the Ruby Princess? If not, where do you put your luggage?

I know the Horizon Court is the buffet. What are the other included (free) options for food, meals, snacks, etc.

Thanks for the help!

My first cruise was 9 years ago when we took my parents (just my siblings and my parents, the original 6 in our family - no spouses or children allowed). I hated boats of any kind, so my sister literally had to push me from the gangway onto the ship. I spent the first 45 minutes in tears! But now........I LOVE cruising.

I stayed home with our son and also had my parents living with us due to health reasons, so we started late, too. My husband and I take all our change and "feed the piggy", a little pink piggy bank just for cruising. I am amazed at how fast it adds up! When we write a check for $7.23, we count it as $8 and put the extra 77 cents in a travel fund, etc. Little things like that add up quickly. We are able to cruise about every 2 1/2 - 3 years. Wish it could be more and hopefully, in the future it can be.

Hang in there. Raising your own kids instead of letting a "day care" raise them and being able to be involved in their lives as they grow up is something you will never regret. The finances for cruising will come later. Enjoy your children while you can. One day they will be all grown up and out on their own and you'll wonder how the time passed so quickly.

Until then, start planning your next cruise! Dreaming can be almost as fun as the reality!

Well.... My review has come to an end. I want to thank everyone for reading and sharing this fantastic trip. Everyone had a great time and I came out of it with some new friends.

 

If you have never been on Oasis or Allure you don't know what you're missing. Oasis is a truly remarkable ship. I don't believe there is any other ship that even comes close to it in so many ways. The old adage for cruising was "overfed, newlywed & nearly dead." This is not the case for Oasis as Royal Caribbean has made this ship to accommodate everyone. Get out there and enjoy! #RoyalWOW

 

I am going to scan and post the daily Cruise Compass starting tomorrow.

If you have any questions please feel free to ask.

 

Thanks again,

Nathaniel

Thanks for your review! Looking forward to seeing the Cruise Compasses as we sail on the Oasis this Saturday for the same itinerary!

 

 

 

 

As we pulled up to the dock all of these jet skis & boats came out blasting music and doing donuts in the water to welcome us.

 

Where is this?

So for those of us who don't have cabanas, whats the best beach to use just for swimming, walking on the beach, etc. Any good places to use your own snorkel equipment?

I have had some of "those" comments, as well. I just figure they are envious of the amazing photos I'll have to remember my vacation while they have nothing but their t-shirt they bought at the local market. What I get frustrated with are those people with their smartphones who stick their arms up in front of my lens to get "the perfect shot" and then claim it's good enough for National Geographic! Sigh! People can be rude, but I try not to let it ruin my experience. When I'm out shooting (photos), I actually enjoy helping others find a good shot so they can make memories, too. We all just need to be considerate of those around us and hope each person can get their shot.