Hearthosesteeldrumsplayin

Sigh.....if only I were cruising to AUS/NZ! But really good information! Thanks for passing along!

So, I too have debated the RSSC vs. Oceania booking conundrum. We have sailed on both and loved both cruises. On RSSC, no matter what stateroom, it seems you get the full upscale treatment. (But, we were in a PH suite, so had a butler, which was really nice!) We were also in a PH on O. My personal take is that RSSC is above O, but that is also reflective in the pricing! I love laundry service (and higher staterooms have it on O, RSSC it is included for all) and we tend to dress up for evening dinners no matter what cruise line we sail. We like the spa and casino, which is not included, anyway (at least at the price point I am willing to pay!) We are not big pool or lay out in the sun folks. The library on RSSC was phenomenal! I am looking at future cruises and really debating if the extra $$ worth it for RSSC, especially when I plan to make my own flight arrangements. If I wanted RSSC to make the flights (I'm talking business class overseas), and I was booking at least concierge, where I get the additional night included, then I would likely go RSSC. If your flights are within the US, then you won't get business class, anyway (if you are from the US). Then, you have to look at your budget and what your expectations are. I liked the RSSC food/dining arrangements, but they are limited in hours. Every meal was enjoyable, even in the main dining room. Seems like O was a little more active in the evenings. RSSC very small and refined (but NOT stuffy!) clientele, the ships officers get involved with the cruisers (ate in same dining areas, played games with us). O was more of a bridge between main lines and the luxury lines, but had enough of the luxury feel that we were quite happy with the experience (we were on VISTA, which is new and bigger). We were on Splendor with RSSC. I hope this helps!

So, Gary, once again I am following along as you look at another option that seems to fit my taste, too. We have Regent's in January for a Panama Canal, then Oceania in Oct/Nov for Rome to Istanbul. Very excited for both trips. Now I'm considering 2026. Was originally looking at AUS/NZ, but I may have to let that sit a little longer. Maybe I should be looking at EJ. Hmmmm. Such wonderful possibilities to ponder! And thank you again for your comparison worksheet. I have used it for multiple scenarios to make my cruise decisions!

This is good news. Wonder if they will no longer offer OBC for those who own 100 shares now that they have returned to paying dividends?

On Beyond earlier this month, there was the a la carte menu and the tasting menu. The tasting menu was NOT a slight upcharge. It was a HUGE upcharge (think hundreds!) The venue was lovely and the servers great, but the engine noise was loud and we left before dessert. Have no plans to ever go back. (Same upcharge issue with Le Voyage, but at least the venue was quiet.) I find it disconcerting that you paid for the cruise, then they want to upcharge you for a venue, and THEN a SIGNIFICANT upcharge should you be interested in the tasting menu.

We were on Beyond the first week of July. The craps table odds were horrendous, but we played daily and had fun. Table minimum was $10, but you were then limited to either even or 2x odds, I can't remember now. If you played higher pass line-maybe $25?-, then you could get up to 3X4X5X, if I remember correctly. We normally play pass line and 2 additional Come bets (or more Come bets if table hot). Under the table rules, that was not in our favor, so we switched to pass line and place bets. You could only buy 4 & 10 at $40. And while the sign indicated you could play a $5 field, we were told that was not the case and the sign was outdated.

Our experience on Regent also did not have the "stuffy" atmosphere. However, we usually dress up for evenings (not formal, but nice), anyway, so that was not an issue---not that there is a staunch dress code on either line. I, too, think the gap between R & O is becoming smaller. Looking at 2026 for next cruise and am hard pressed to pick between the two lines (yes, first world problem!). (Already have R in Jan and O in Oct 2025.) My main issue was the set dining times (between set hours, not that you had a specific time to show up) in the main dining room. I usually like to graze at multiple times during the day and the mainstream cruise lines have something available almost any time. Although, restricting the hours is probably why the food is much better!

So sorry to hear of your loss. You have had much to deal with, and I hope that you have the opportunity to take a cruise a raise a glass to your dearly departed! Prayers and best wishes for peace to you. You never know where life is going to lead and surprises, both good and bad, can be right around the corner! My prayers are that your corners all hold good surprises!

We had already booked a Rome to Istanbul cruise next November before the Jubilee was announced (or at least, before I heard about it!) When checking, the weekend we plan to be in Rome is not one of the weekends with planned celebrations. I have already booked a room in Rome. Haven't booked transportation from Rome to port yet, but worst case, would take the train. (Assuming MEFLowa's experience is not repeated!) Fingers crossed that the crowds will be less in November!

Okay, so normal wake time is 4 am, so I am certainly NOT up at 3 am! When on a cruise, I get to sleep in until 6, so I can stretch my bedtime until 10 (maybe 11 if the entertainment is hopping!) Regarding this topic, though, I would be happy to have more perks on Regent (or O!) based on my NCL status....we have been moving towards O and Regent for the past few years, but still want the option of NCL for cruising with grandkids! (completed 1 cruise on O and R, pending 1 on each next year). 'Course now I am also looking at Silversea, since I can status match with Royal and X. Gotta love options!

@-Lew- Thanks for the information on the Family Suite Town House! This is what I was looking for prior to our cruise, since it will be DH, myself, DS and his wife. Like you, we are going fall of 2025, so I have booked and am so happy! Appreciate the info! Karla.

Thanks all for helpful information! I will contact TA to see when the listing of excursions will become available for my cruise and go from there! As always, CruiseCritic helpful users to the rescue!

Okay, can someone please tell me about this extra 25% off excursions package? Where do you find this information? We have a 2025 cruise (so excursions not yet available) and this sounds like something we might be interested in. I have been looking on the website, and it alludes to the 25% off, but I can't find any specific information. Do I have to wait until the shorex list is available?

So sorry to hear your embarkation was such a mess. We went out of NY once, but honestly, I don't remember it being a hurdle. Then again, we were on a smaller ship and it wasn't late getting into port.