HiCSailor

Hi all

1. Just booked my first cruise (sailing on Allure in September for honeymoon).

We bought the SELECT drinks package and wondered what soft drinks are available within this package, I keep reading about fizzy drinks machines then discovered the separate package for bottled water but are you able to get squash or flavoured water also?

2. Read that travel irons are not permitted, so to get something ironed is it expensive?

3. What is the Med waters usually like in September??

4. Is there free classes on during the day e.g. cooking classes

 

Many thanks in advance for your replies!!

Hi and welcome to Cruise Critic and to cruising!

If you haven't already, I recommend you seek out the Roll Call for you sailing, where you can interact with others going on the same cruise. Allure's Roll Calls are here: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=578

1. I'll defer to the drinks package experts, but I have enjoyed complimentary lemonade and flavored water; so you should be fine. I did find the following link to a summary of Royal's drink package that may help or just confuse matters more. http://media.royalcaribbean.com/content/shared_assets/pdf/menus/beverage_packages.pdf

2. Yes, getting something ironed will be expensive. I try to pack to minimize wrinkling. Others have recommended products such as Downy Wrinkle release and still others have successfully taken steamers aboard.

3. While bad weather can crop up anytime, you have two things working in your favor: 1) Your honeymoon falls in the peak Mediterranean cruising season (May-August) so it's the best time to go and offers the best conditions of the year and; 2) You're going on one of the biggest and most advanced cruise ships afloat and a whole lot of effort goes into keeping you comfortable, happy, and safe.

4. I can't answer about cooking classes, but the array of activities on Allure will no doubt have you wishing for more hours in the day. You can probably find a recent Compass, the ship's daily newsletter, that will give an idea of what Allure will offer each day. Bear in mind that the specific activities change from cruise to cruise.

I hope you find some helpful info in that. Have a great and romantic Mediterranean honeymoon sail in Allure!

And look for a Daiso (more on that tomorrow!)

Those stores are awesome. I hope Daiso becomes the turning point of your rough times. I wait with bated breath.

IMHO, this is not a good way to look at cost per day. You really need to look at your total projected expenditures for the entire time away from home - door to door.

 

If you've ever thought about upgrading to a premium or luxury cruise line, you might shy away if the cost per day figure you were using was only "cabin cost." That cost on a premium or luxury line would be misleading in a comparison with mass market lines because of everything that's included in that "cabin" price, including all or some combination of airfare, specialty restaurants, beverages, alcohol, excursions, gratuities, internet and OBC (including TA OBC).

 

So, I suggest that you look at all of your projected expenses door to door and divide that by itinerary days for a true daily cost. Then, even if only for the science, compare what you find on mass market lines with, at least, a premium line like Oceania.

Lastly, when you look at whatever is the remaining daily difference, think about what any remaining extra cost on a premium or luxury line will NOT get you:

Incessant announcements, mediocre food, hordes of people, nickel/diming, bothersome photogs, art shows (the list goes on).

Bottom line: with the right itinerary and TA, you might be pleasantly surprised.

Great advice for comparing apples to apples, and I will remember it for the distant future. For now, I cruise with my young teen kids; so mass market it is. [emoji323]

Now, off to find that elusive $100pp/day fairy! [emoji256]

I've been watching prices for about a year, and I doubt you will find a significant drop in prices, but you also shouldn't expect a dramatic rise. Both of my previous cruises have been bought last minute.

Taking me back to prob/stats... Argh! [emoji37]

Most memorable quote from probability: "the passengers on a crashing plane don't care that it's the safest way to travel," which highlights a lot of the main points... Probability gives insight into long-term averages and not any individual event. [emoji44]

None of this discussion, however, will help the OP feel more comfortable about their vacation choice, so I didn't get into it.

Bottom line: while bad things happen in life, cruising is an industry that depends on being seen as safe, fun, and an overall good value for your vacation dollars. Unlike airlines, where sometimes travel is a necessity, no one is forced to go on a cruise, they all have a choice.

Cruise lines put a lot of thought and effort into giving you a safe, relaxing, and memorable vacation.

Which is yet another reason why us old folks have trouble getting a job. My favorite ad I came across was an ad for personal assistant to the CEO. On call 24/7 and the pay .... wait for it.... $11 an hour salaried position.

Oh wow... [emoji7] [emoji7] [emoji7]

Is the position still open? [emoji28]

What is it she didn't like about cruising?

^^ That's the key question. Cruising is so dynamic and multifaceted, that you can probably find an option that addresses anything that put her off the first cruise.

Bigger and newer are probably better for hooking new converts to cruising because they offer more onboard activities and choices, but it does all come down to what didn't she like.

I tend to agree with those that have said longer cruises might be better for newbies. I leapt into cruising with a 9-nighter and think the longer trips allow more time to unwind and find things you enjoy.

There has been a lot of disgruntlement about the prices. Often many accuse RCCL of "ripping them off." I am 63. I went to college in 1969. Back then we took "economics" as a matter of course. What they taught us was products are priced to what the market will bear. That's why the prices are up. Royal Caribbean will price their product to whatever the consumer will pay. Whatever business you are in likely does the same thing. If you sell "widgets," and people will pay $100 per "widget," why would you sell them for $50? You wouldn't. The economy is doing very well. Prices are up, profits are up, employment is up, pay is up. So people are spending. If Royal Caribbean can get $1500 per person for a cabin, and 2 years ago they could only get $800 for the same cabin, same week, they aren't "ripping you off," they are "maximizing profits." That's what businesses do. If you don't like it, go on another cruise or don't cruise at all. Enough people stop going, prices will come down. But I'm not seeing any drop in passengers on my cruises. They are all full.

Don't get me wrong, I wish I could get a Crown Loft for $1000, but not likely. I don't thing anyone is ripping me off. It's just the price of a cruise when the economy is good.

Yes that ^

A more eloquently stated expression of what I was getting at.

Like increases in other areas (housing, gas), market price fluctuations can sting, change the way we look at the products, or even price us out of the market entirely. I do feel strongly that the best companies, cruise lines or otherwise, are those that don't leave you feeling ripped off, no matter the premium you paid.

For example, I have felt ripped off by a value meal burger before, but I've also paid well over $300 for a meal and only wished for room for another course.

We absolutely loved Japan. We area already planning a trip back (maybe for Christmas?) Our friends agreed that we didn't have enough time in the ports. Definitely not trying to go back to China.

Thats great to hear! So much to love and enjoy, so little time. I can relate, I feel like I had only begun to see all there was when it was time to move on. [emoji353]

If you want some Japan travel ideas and recommendations from someone who lived there for 6 years and traveled pretty extensively, drop me a line. I know a guy... [emoji41]

Thanks very much but I think that ones from 2013?

Oops. It looks like you may be the sole Cruise Critic member on your sailing, which gives you the responsibility to go stateroom to state room, preferably early on a Saturday morning, to gain new CCers. [emoji1]

I looked at your itinerary and I am envious. I have been to Nouméa twice. Mystery island and the other stops sound very enticing-you will have a great time. Book me a room and I'll start the roll call!

A simple few questions.

 

Does anyone think that there are aspects of USA, Australian, or British culture, manners etc that may not fit the accepted norms in another country?

 

Would you change your manners to suit and even if you did do you think ALL or even most of your fellow countrymen would?

 

Would it not be reasonable to expect that a cruise line would be set up to cater for the majority of it's customers on certain itineraries?

 

Is it really "pathetic" that people don't drink or tip?

 

Should the cruise line continue to serve up roast turkey and escargot even when 90% of their customers prefer other cuisine?

 

If the cruise line knows that there will be no tips because the customers drink less and have no tipping culturally should they not raise the price of the cruise so they can adequately pay the staff?

 

What I am trying to say is that behaviour of other cultures fits their social behaviours. I do not understand how people who travel in Asia for example expect that people will behave like they would in the USA. I strongly suggest that if you can't understand or have some tolerance of these things then travels in China would best be avoided.

 

Manners are slowly changing in China but remember it is only a generation or 2 ago that most of these people were starving and/or freezing and if you didn't push and shove you probably would have never made it onto the bus.

I see your point and agree...

But this review highlights the challenge that the cruise lines face as they expand into China. "How do you expose your existing customers to China, and vice versa, in a positive and meaningful way? "

I think there is an expectation (however unfair) that a given cruise line delivers a certain standard of service that we have grown accustomed to as often longstanding loyal guests.

In most areas of the world this expectation has been met or exceeded, despite the tailoring the line has done for a specific market. This may not be the case going forward in some Asian markets, most notably China. The challenge for the Lines is how to attract and serve the Chinese market while still nurturing the globally inclusive atmosphere that is part of the allure of cruising.

At least in the short term, it may be too tough a challenge for one Line to be all things to all people. I think we'll see more new Lines, subsidiaries and partnerships focused on the Chinese market. Ideally this would see the current fleet focused on passengers from other markets looking to explore in and around China, as well as Chinese tourists looking for a global experience (European/American food and amenities) close to home.

Prettiest ships are definitely Royal, Princess and MSC cruises look sleek, modern and beautiful, very inviting.

 

Carnival, however has the ugliest ships inside and out. The main atrium on all carnival ships are dark and none of them remind me of being in the caribbean, they just remind me of a vegas casino all over.

I thought the Vegas look was Carnival's schtick. [emoji323]

I hadn't looked at MSC, but they not only look great, they sound amazing...

(This never fails to bring a smile, and longing to go to sea, to me)

Thanks for sharing the feedback and beautiful images. Sorry for the many issues you experienced. I remember a few months ago you had asked about pre-cruise lodging, and I was interested in hearing how the voyage went because at the time I was considering a solo cruise on Mariner. At the moment, I'm glad my schedule and cruise plans changed.

I would still like to cruise in Asia, having lived in Japan and visited quite a few of the wonderful countries in the region, but it looks like avoiding RT China may be the best option. I think a cruise around Japan would be a lot of fun, and will never tire of visiting Hong Kong, Singapore, and Manila. On the shore-side, I did have an amazing time visiting Shanghai and Beijing -- not quite the Aloha Spirit, but an enjoyable and memorable time nonetheless. You mentioned a return to Japan, do you plan to explore China more thoroughly?

I haven't been able to find the roll call for my cruise. We are going on the P&O Pacific Pearl, Island Hopper, leaving Auckland on 29th April.

Took some digging, but I turned it up. Since your cruise is a bit off the main stream, looks like the roll call isn't very active, but hopefully you can make a connection with firechick69 or oshungoer and go from there.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1783389

Once while at sea, we had a lightening storm and I saw lightening at what appeared to me to be the horizon. I later saw the Captain and asked how far away that was. He asked from what deck I was watching and could compute approximately the distance to the horizon. I forget now the way he computed it. :o

He used the deck to estimate your height of eye and from there geometry (simplified with some sailor's rules of thumb) gives you the distance to the horizon. I'll spare you the details, but if you're really interested google answers all. :D

I'm going on my first cruise in a few weeks on the Pacific Pearl. While I was doing some research on the layout of the ship, I came across a video about the Concordia that sank in 2012. It contained footage taken by passengers and I stupidly watched it. Now I'm feeling quite worried about my own cruise.

 

Someone please tell me that I don't need to worry. I'll have two (very excited) young children with me.

You don't need to worry.

You are statistically in much more danger each time you travel by car. While I don't recommend dwelling on that fact either, I hope it puts things into better perspective.

Thanks everyone. Just need to focus on how much fun we'll have!

You actually do have plenty of worries. What to pack, what to wear for formal nights, what to do in port, ... :eek:

Have you found and joined your roll call to meet others sailing with you? If not, you can find it using the roll call tool at the top of the forum. Don't forget to use the search function here to find answers to questions that have already been asked, but don't hesitate to ask anything that comes to mind. Lots of knowledge and wisdom here eager to help you become a cruising fanatic. :cool:

I seriously doubt that you were within 1/4 mile (440 yards - think about it) of land for much more than a few minutes immediately after or shortly before being alongside a pier. Most ships on Alaska cruises are over 900 feet (100 yards) long - to give you an idea of scale. Distances at sea are hard to guage.

The last Captain to take his ship that close to the coast was recently convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to 16 years in prison. His name is Schettino.

 

Hank

OK, you both beat me to it, but I was thinking the very same thing. Very difficult to visually gauge distances at sea, even for a pro. Like in your rearview mirrors, objects tend to appear closer than they are. As has been suggested, using ship lengths or widths is the best measure... short of bringing your own laser range finder, nautical GPS chartplotter, or radar set, of course. :)

Hi there,

 

I'm considering working on a Carnival ship as a Youth Staff, but have hesitations.

 

Does anyone have experience with a similar position? What perks/privileges do they get? What's ship life for them? What's the pay rate like for the position?

AS someone else suggested a google search will yield a ton of information. Check out the videos as well and remember to take everything with a grain of salt and to consider the sources. All of the cruise lines have career sections on their websites and provide pretty extensive information about working onboard, including benefits and descriptions of what life is like.

Best of luck!

Well, if you want to get out of a rut, these might fit the bill:

- While I'm not usually a fan of science fiction or fantasy, Paolo Bacigalupi's debut novel, The Windup Girl, was a surprisingly good read.

- For some mindless laughs, I have been turning to Carl Hiaasen for some time and his novel, Skinny Dip, actually features a cruise ship among the action. He spins quite a tale, usually with a Florida and environmental spin, but always hilarious and unpredictable.

I had the opportunity to spend some time aboard the Iowa with a friend of mine who was aboard as a corpsman. I was able to explore parts that most visitors never get to see. It was amazing. We don't live too far from Battleship Cove in MA. Sometimes I go an just hang out on the Massachusetts. I come from a naval family. I love he ships.

I've enjoyed Battleship Cove on several occasions during my regular "pilgrimages" to RI for work. I too love the ships and it fun to see the things that haven't changed through the years. If you haven't visited, the submarine museum in Groton shouldn't be missed either

Back on topic (somewhat). I agree with those disappointed in the loss of the VCL as a distinguishing feature on RCI ships. Am I alone in not liking the Celebrity dark strike and "X" markings? I think it looks a bit dated.

Now to the OP's question: As to Carnival, I do have to admit the fun ships are distinctive and I think their look supports their target marketing audience -- I at once think 'merica and airliner when I see the red, white, and blue tailfin and 747-like shape of the Dream and Conquest classes.

You're joking right?

I had the exact same thought. I see what Amazon accomplishes as several orders of magnitude more challenging that Royal and not altogether different. I think a partnership could benefit both companies immensely.

I do tend to oversimplify things at times; so hopefully some of the IT pros among us can enlighten me as to what I'm not seeing.

Hey guys thanks for your help. Yes we will definitely be carrying off our luggage. I am hoping to get our flight changed but we will see. I will head over to the other four. Thanks again guys.

Welcome to the board. Sounds like you've already received some great advice. I just wanted to tell you about Roll Call threads, which are specific to each sailing. They are a great way to meet others you are sailing with, ask specific questions about your cruise. You can find Quantum's roll calls here: http://www.cruisecritic.com/rollcalls/?cruise_line_id=32&ship_id=705 Just locate your sail date, jump in, and say hello. :)

Enjoy your time in Q!

There is no "kids" pricing on Royal. It sounds like the price has gone up since you last looked.

Bob, that's surprising to me and I'd have sworn that I paid a lower fare for my son under 12, but looking back at the invoices, it was a third passenger rate and not a child's rate. :confused:

$7527.00 for an Inside room for 2 adults/2 teens on Disney Fantasy for

March 12 / 7 night caribbean sailing. ( no Magic/ Wonder Caribbean sailings listed at this time)

 

$2750 for an OCEANVIEW room for 2adults/2teens on Vision of the sea (yes...older smaller ship....)

March 12 / 7 night Caribbean sailing .

 

Seriously? Almost $5000 more then Royal??? I get that one ship is newer, bigger and probably has more activities for kids... But honestly, some of us cruise for the PORTS!!! Not the ship.

Yes, the Disney Fantasy is probably more comparable to the Freedom class ships, but wow.... That's an insane difference.

 

The ports on this Royal sailing are all new to us, and that's why we chose Vision. Disneys Caribbean sailings seem to visit the same ports every year.

So sad to say goodbye to Disney.....

Depressing, yes, but I'm not sure I'd go all the way to insane. The lines will raise prices to the highest they can to fill the ships. If the DCL ships are still sailing full, it's hard to call their pricing insane. DCL has the upscale family market cornered, just like their shore-side sibling parks do - love to see your comparison of Disney hotel pricing :eek:

In much the same way as I won't be booking a private jet, we've all just got to find the ways to cruise that best fit our budget and lifestyle. For me to date, that has been Royal, but I may be priced out of loyalty soon.

Sometimes there are OBC offers from Royal, especially when booking onboard, but I believe the vast majority of OBC comes through TAs.