New to RCI...need suggestions/tips

[ma23peas]

We've only sailed Disney, kids are 18,19,21 and must sail during May-August...so we're outpriced with Disney. Having never sailed another line, from what I've researched RCI might be our best alternative.

We can sail out of Florida/Puerto Rico/Texas/New Orleans...we'd like to stick to anywhere in Caribbean...here are my questions:

1. Better off getting bigger suite or two rooms? We always booked larger room on Disney and liked being together for late night chats to recap our days...

2. Bigger ship more fun for this age or smaller ships?

3. Any notables like drink packages or food options? On Disney, most everything was included except for 1-2 dining places.

4. Are shows/activities included? We don't gamble or drink alcohol...are there ships where the casinos are not that prominent or placed where you have to walk through them at all?

 

Thanks for all your help! It's our 25th wedding anniversary this year, and with us becoming empty nesters we want to send all our kids off to college with a good memory :)

[flgatorgirl]

We have never had a suite, but I think it would be more affordable to do 2 rooms that connect. The balcony can be opened up and the door can be locked or opened at your leisure. We love the oasis class- I think the kids will have more options and the entertainment is much better on the larger ships. You don't have to walk through the casinos at all on those ships if you don't want to, as they aren't in a prominent position. Most shows and activities are included.

 

 

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[Clarea]

Bigger ship for more activities. Shows and activities are included. You don't have to walk through the casinos. No RC ships out of New Orleans.

[SarahD112]

I'd book the ship by itinerary. Where have you not been? We've done the standard eastern and western so many times that we're finally biting the bullet and flying to San Juan to hit some southern Caribbean islands. We were looking forward to Adventure, as we've done Freedom so many times...and Freedom is moving to San Juan, a month before our June 2018 cruise. [emoji849] Not too much difference between Adventure and Freedom, but Oasis, Allure and Harmony huge step up in size. Not everything is going to interest your kids (carousel, ice skating, even maybe mini golf and bumper cars) so see what each ship has to offer that does interest them. My soon to be 18 year old is very much looking forward to the casino! [emoji6]

 

 

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[kwazi07]

Since this is your first time on Royal I'd suggest going for the ship vs itinerary. Oasis class would be the most exciting, but anything Voyager class and up would be great.

 

How's the airfare to Texas vs. Florida? Liberty is in Galveston and she has new water slides and Saturday Night Fever. But if you can make it to FL cheaply, definitely try to go on Oasis class ships!

 

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[Cel_cruise]

I'm sure that you and your kids would all enjoy the voyager/freedom/oasis class ships. I think that there is plenty of activities on all of them for those that don't gamble/drink.

 

Assuming you are trying to go in 2017?

 

I would prefer the connecting balconies over the suite I think - especially if you feel priced out by Disney, don't feel the need to overspend on RCCL.

 

Even if you can't get officially connecting staterooms - side by side balconies on the side of the ship allow the balcony dividers to be opened. I think this would be perfect for late night chats!

 

 

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[Cel_cruise]

The following items will be 'add-ons' to your price after you book:

 

- beverages (iced water, lemonade, ice tea, juice from concentrate, coffee, milk are included - everything else is extra)

- specialty dining - you can often get discounts in your cruise planner prior to sailing (there are plenty of complimentary dining options on board as well)

- Internet (purchasing ahead of time this can be purchased on sale usually for 8-10$/day per device)

 

There are other costs (room service is a new one) but nothing is too much.

 

If you go on Harmony - the puzzle break room is a recommended added option if you find it available.

 

The sports/entertainment options are all included based on your ship (flow rider, rock wall, ice skating, zip lining, mini golf, Broadway shows, production/comedy shows etc)

 

 

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[holden0301]

I'd recommend the non-alcoholic beverage package. Soda is included on Disney but not Royal.

[Grandma Dazzles]

The following items will be 'add-ons' to your price after you book:

 

- beverages (iced water, lemonade, ice tea, juice from concentrate, coffee, milk are included - everything else is extra)

 

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Also included in your price, hot tea, chocolate milk, hot chocolate, flavored waters. Former Disney cruisers are often surprised that soda is not included. You can purchase a soda only package for $8.50 per person, per day, plus 18% gratuity - if any of you are soda drinkers. By the can is around $3.50 per can. There is also a nonalcoholic drink package to include fresh squeezed juice, specialty coffees, virgin drinks like pina coladas, etc.

[Cel_cruise]

Also included in your price, hot tea, chocolate milk, hot chocolate, flavored waters. Former Disney cruisers are often surprised that soda is not included. You can purchase a soda only package for $8.50 per person, per day, plus 18% gratuity - if any of you are soda drinkers. By the can is around $3.50 per can. There is also a nonalcoholic drink package to include fresh squeezed juice, specialty coffees, virgin drinks like pina coladas, etc.

 

 

I think flavored water is a bit of a misnomer given most people think of something bottled.. - it's fruit infused (tap) water - nothing bottled. We love it - but just setting expectations!

 

 

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[Cel_cruise]

I'd recommend the non-alcoholic beverage package. Soda is included on Disney but not Royal.

 

 

I think that the non-alcoholic package is really expensive - it would be hard for us to get our money's worth given all of the things that are included for free...definitely take a look at the costs and make an informed decision.

 

Also - you do not need to get the same package (or any package) for your entire group. It's completely individual.

 

 

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[oldmom]

I would do an Oasis class ship-for those ages-zip-line-aqua shows-comedians. Central park and boardwalk areas are great. ENJOY!

[Rewind]

I agree with others - do a Voyager, Freedom, or Oasis class ship. All Freedom and Oasis class ships have FlowRiders and Royal is in the process of adding them to the Voyager class. All three classes have Ice Rinks, all three have multiple pools...

 

But if you really want a WOW factor, go for an Oasis class ship. There is just so much to do / see on the ship that the ship is almost a destination of its own. As an example, we did the Allure on a 12 night transatlantic and we still didn't do everything that was available. Plus it gives other options for balconies - get an ocean view across the hall from a boardwalk or central park view and then you can decide which cabin's view you want to recap your day in.

[keishashadow]

Soda package included for DH & me on our BW view balcony booked for next year.

 

If your kids are active types would think they'd love Oasis class offerings

 

Enjoy DCL but it is very pricey. We are combining a week in Disney with the cruise to get our 'fix'

 

 

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[ma23peas]

You guys are great!!! We have enough miles to get tickets to anywhere, considered flying to San Juan to sail on islands down there...we have been to St. John, St. Thomas, St. Maarten, Grand Cayman, Falmouth, Puerto Vallarta and Cabo..would love to see southern Caribbean if possible...I will go search the Oasis ships and see if any have availability for us...any tips on pricing cruises? I always booked direct with Disney on our cruises unless OBC offers were higher with travel agents...Thanks so much for all the help! I think they would like RCL!

[Cel_cruise]

We can't talk about specific agents here - but a few things...1) if you book with Royal, you have 60 days to transfer your bookings to a travel agent. 2) there are websites out there that will match you with several agents competing for your business.

 

I always pick out the cruise I want to go on, then price it out on Royal, and then send out my cruise compete request. From there - I compare the various offers from travel agents against price, comps, and also what rooms they have available (sometimes they have certain rooms in their blocks that might be better than others).

 

I liked the agent I used the first time - so when I went to book my second cruise this way, in addition to the compete website, I also reached out to him but he did not have any offer that was different than Royal, so I moved onto someone else who was offering a better group rate and OBC for tips. It's also been a pleasant experience - so I expect that I will keep reaching out to both of them in the future.

 

 

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