kurukthemal

Hi all - I just called the shore excursion department and they said that since I prepaid, I will receive $50 OBC after each excursion takes place during the week. I know there was some conflicting information, so I will report in again after our cruise next month. Happy sailing!

How does this work since when I booked my excursions I needed to prepay? Will I get my $50/excursion credited back to my cc or as obc? I am very confused on how this works. Thanks in advance!

Ebates routinely offers 10% on booking sites and I just booked a summer 2018 cruise for 14% cash back. Use a 2% rebate credit card and you are looking at a 16% discount. I've used ebates for years and have consistently received my money.

After reading the posts about just booking the restaurant for me and adding my kids on board...that would mean I would be making a reservation for 1, but then changing it to 4 on the ship? Do you think that would work? I think I would have availability problems. Again, appreciate the feedback and I still think I am going to just wait until we are on board and see whats available.

Thanks all and I think I am just going to wait and book on board. I realize this affects availability, but I am looking at 3 kids * $25-30 over multiple nights, so I would be quite a pre-charge to get rectified. Greatly appreciate the responses!

We are headed on the Allure later this month and I was trying to book some specialty restaurants with my family. We are one adult, 12, 10 and 9 in age and it keeps charging me for four adult dinners. Is this correct or do kids get a discount? I am a bit confused and any insight would be appreciated. Thanks!!

Hello Everyone,

 

 

2. Both of my foster daughters have special needs. My older foster daughter is type one diabetic and my younger foster daughter is on the autism spectrum. Do I need to let anyone know about their special needs?

Hi! My daughter also has T1D and my only recommendation is bring 3x what you would normally need. On our cruise last year, her CGM broke and we needed to do finger sticks all week. Fortunately, I had enough supplies to last us. Also - if you are bringing insulin and need it refrigerated, RCL will provide a free mini-fridge delivered to your stateroom. That is super convenient. When you go on excursions - recognize that you may be far away from the ship. So you will need supplies with you there too. It's an absolute pain, but worth it. I told my daughter there would be nothing in the world she can't do after being diagnosed and it's a tough promise to keep, but definitely doable.

Good luck!

Myself, 88 year old Grandmom and three kids 8-11 were there last year for the day. What made the day fascinating was watching the ignorant people getting blown away by the jets. And by ignorant, I mean truly uninformed or oblivious. Our kids were in the water and it was fun to see the planes land over your head. But by no means was any of us going to stand behind two large jet engines and attempt to hold on to a fence. We saw people get knocked over, lose their articles of clothing, etc. Somehow, our spidey senses took over and we immediately realized the potential danger. Did many people go unharmed...definitely. If I was a teenager or 20-30 something would I try it...most likely. Like anything in life its a risk/benefit and for us it wasn't worth it.

It was a crazy experience to watch.

What are the differences, besides price, of these two options? We have a group of three adults and am not sure which to pick. Thanks!

Cool! I never traveled without my kids, so bringing wine on board wasn't even on my radar. Thanks for the pinch!

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Is this policy real? We have a group going on Enchantment in a few weeks and I'm dumb founded by this policy. Pinch me!

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I am not a "loyal to royal" guy and have been on a variety of different lines. I was truly surprised that not a single RCL ship took a top spot this year. I've been on Brilliance and Majesty, having a decent time on each and setting proper expectations each time. We are headed on Enchantment in a few weeks and while I don't expect to be wowed, I do expect to enjoy myself, have good food and see clean rooms and common areas. I will say my expectations are very high for our Allure trip this August...the ship looks amazing.

So, what is RCL doing wrong? Where do they need to improve?

Somewhat off topic, but related...in order to book dining online and shows in cruise planner, is payment required in full? Thanks!

Great review! One of my favorite parts of the Brilliance is the self-leveling pool table (if they still have it). What was cool was as we stood near it the table top was moving. It took a few minutes to realize that the table top was completely still and it was US that was moving. Great memory and great ship! Thanks again for sharing!

I did the YVD via NCL on the Escape. It was a great little place and the catamaran pulls right up to the beach and wade right off. The Soggy Dollar is fun and the Pain Killers are a must. The nutmeg gives it the extra something flavor. I am assuming the excursion would be mostly the same regardless of the cruise line. It is a very popular place and many "locals" pull up in their catamarans too.

Have fun and make sure you do it!

I agree with the OP and mostly on sea days. My thought is you can only have one top deck where the pool is located. I was on the NCL Escape and it literally felt like a sardine can. It looked and felt unsanitary. We just were on the Fascination and even though it was sold out, I never felt it. The pool deck always had chairs available and it never felt crowded.

I have heard that the Oasis class ships on Royal are good because the s ships are wider. I would like to check that out some day.

Until then, give me a nice mid size ship.

Two adults and three kids = $10,000 plus is INSANE! I loved our DCL cruise, but no way in heck would I ever pay that price.

I'm glad DCL has found enough people to sustain these prices. I'm glad I found NCL, RCCL and Carnival to help satisfy our cruising passions.

A couple of quick comments from our trip last week on the Escape 2/13/16. We did get to see all the shows and they were quite good. During the Behind the Scenes tour, the stage manager said that they were on their 4th "Jerry Lee Lewis" to date. Finally, note that the Brat Pack John Hughes show is absolutely PG-16. It deals with ALL aspects of teenage growing pains, including what boys do in the shower. It was a good show...but be aware.

That's it and enjoy your cruise!

They took the camera off. Must have just been a slow departure. Hope they had Dramamine!

Very windy in Nassau and Norwegian Sky isn't moving just outside Port of Nassau. Tug looks like its on it the way.

http://portnassauwebcam.com/

Thank you! I think we are going to pass this time. Happy Thanksgiving!

We've used FTTF before and think it's worth the $50 or so. However, I am struggling with it for our upcoming cruise out of San Juan. We are coming in the day before and will spend most of embarkation day at the hotel swimming. The Fascination doesn't leave until 10PM as well. Then I notice that we do not have any tendering at any port during our cruise and our flights leave later in the day when we get back.

So, is there a reason that you would still get FTTF for this specific itinerary? Am I missing something?

Many thanks!!

Some are included in the fare, others have a cover charge.

 

Included:

 

Main dining room

Windjammer buffet

Solarium Cafe (lunch)

Wipeout Cafe

Vitality Cafe

Sorrento's pizza

Cafe Promenade

Park Cafe

Boardwalk Dog House

Johnny Rockets (breakfast)

 

Cover Charge:

 

Johnny Rockets (lunch and dinner)

Sabor

Izumi

150 Central Park

Chops

Giovannis Table

Solarium Cafe (dinner)

Ben and Jerry's ice cream

Starbucks

Thank you!

Never been on the Oasis or Allure, but it's on the bucket list. Of all these little eateries - are any of them included in your cruise fare or is everything a la carte?

Thanks!

Good luck to you and I swear my kids would tell you that I like the planning more than our actual trips! :D I remember getting a rental car on Priceline using their bidding option for $12/day and was giddy for a week! I think November 30th or the day after will be interesting as that passes the 75 day mark.