LuCruise

Thinking about it...maybe we should book Harmony too as prices only go up?  I think Royal doesn't care if you have more than one booking as it just means another booking for them on the deposit.

So many unknowns...I suppose too another option is to forget March and just book 1 family holiday for now (at least a cruise).  Not sure.

42 minutes ago, Thoenix said:

I can't speak to the cruise portion, but when I was first married, my wife lived in Austin and I lived in Toronto so depending on flight costs, I flew through Houston or into Houston often. This is the airport you'll use for Galveston. 

 

Houston is my least favourite airport if I have a connecting flight, but it's not bad as your final destination. Depending on everyone's physical abilities, if anyone has walking difficulties, you might want to book assistance because there are some very long corridors. Outside of that, it's fine. There are good hotels nearby. Galveston isn't far, only like an hour via car. I think you can get Amtrak to Galveston from Houston, too. 

Thanks.  We tend to book direct, unless no option but I think I saw direct looking at this year.

No physical issues in our party, but thanks for the tip.  1hour away sounds far, but I guess that's not much different from MCO to Port Canaveral.

PS - On the flip side, we booked Oasis for March 2026.  In this case, absolute  worst 3 ports ever, but we booked for the ship (and price was right).  Also not sure. Sadly, prices have gone insane.

15 minutes ago, OCSC Mike said:

 

Of course you will... maniac.

 

To the OP... Looking at your cruise history, I worry how you will feel about Rhapsody. Some people like smaller ships, some don't. I don't care for any ship below Voyager class. Not enough food venues for me and at least like to have a promenade.

 

That said, only you know your finances. If Harmony is too expensive and your choice is Rhapsody or nothing, I'd go with Rhapsody... but there's a reason the old, small ships out of Tampa are so much cheaper than Oasis class.

Yeah, you can see that we typically cruise on the bigger ships with the extras.  Our kids will be older though and we did ask their opinions.  Am definitely keeping an eye out though and esp when shorter cruises are released.  But Rhapsody...not sure.

We also like to cruise 2x a year (March without our older one) and then all of us.  So also thinking if we drop March break.  We are compromising on stateroom choice too.

19 minutes ago, firefly333 said:

I'm about to board harmony for 3 weeks. Did allure 4 times and oasis 3 times and im sure I prefer a larger ship. I also did 4 legs on grandeur and first time I was ready for a cruise to end. Maybe bad timing. It's been many years since I did rhapsody so not a fair comparison. 

 

I just like larger ships. More food and show choices. Since you have to fly anyway...

 

I'm looking as xmas 2025 and at adventure and not liking the prices either, so I get where you are coming from. I'm also waiting for inspiration. I booked adventure out of PC b2b dec 13 and dec 21 2024 for xmas. Nice unusual ports dec 13 or i wouldnt pay that much. Overpriced imo. The new itineraries that just dropped last Wednesday are no better in price.

 

I'm betting you arent the only ones sitting there wondering.. but I'm doing adventure for xmas 2024. 

Yeah, looked at Adventure and it was 8-9K CAD depending on the room (for 4 of us).  We did bite the bullet and booked Icon for Dec 2024 at 8k when it came out and that's way too much for our liking but did for just this one opportunity (and price now is around 12K so we got a "deal").

19 minutes ago, Ourusualbeach said:

We booked the HM for 2025.

 

I flew to Take a cruise on Allure last year and it wasn't an issue.  We flew in a day early and stayed at a cheap hotel by the airport ND then went back to the airport in tje morning and took Royals shuttle. 

 

While it was more than we usually pay the group rates made it somewhat palatable. 

 

We will be driving. 

Thanks for the feedback on Galveston.  

Wish we could drive as that would make a big difference, but our kids barely managed the drive to New Jersey (never again was their comment) and I have back issues where I can't sit too long so not an option for anything further than NJ. 

Looking at the new released cruises for Dec 2025 and yikes.  Prices are insane.  We love Royal though and this is the only time we can travel as a family with all of us as our older one is in university.  Our kids will be 16 and 20 by then.

Here's the Dilemma, which I know no one can tell us which one, but I have a few questions.  Two cruises we are considering:

 a) Harmony cruise out of Galveston - same Roatan, Costa Maya, etc ports that we keep doing

 b) Rhapsody cruise out of Tampa - includes Belize, which is new for us

Questions

1. Never flown out of Galveston, but it seems like a bit of a red flag to me.  How inconvenient of a port is it?  We are flying from Toronto, Ontario.  I do see direct flights when I check this Dec, but thinking more of the airport to hotel to port....plus weather concerns with fog.

2. I know Rhapsody is the smallest ship of them all, but is it too small?  We asked our kids if they are fine without the bells and whistles and they said as long as there is a Windjammer and a pool, gym, they are fine.  I did check a cruise compass and they still have the daily activities, which we do enjoy, plus an evening show.  (And we never get internet, but may purchase it for them on this one when we have down time)

We have booked  Rhapsody for now as refundable, mostly as it's still a Royal ship and the price is our past "normal" and acceptable to us.  Harmony is the next cheapest but it's 2K more (Promenade room) than Rhapsody (2 interiors).  Harmony is a bit out of our comfort zone for price, especially as we need to add flight costs and it's xmas time (and university changes the extra spending money).

Of course, on the flip side, Harmony has the slides, abyss, rock wall, etc , is bigger, more included venues, etc.  

We haven't been on either ship and always prefer a new one to us if it's an option (but have been on other Oasis class ships).

I know that short cruises are being released in Feb or so, so will definitely check then and if we find a 4 or 5 day or a newer ship, may switch, but pricing has already gone up on both of the above so wanted to book something....even though they were literally just released.

Thoughts on the above?

APDMOM, excited to see you on here.   Love  your reviews, and Symphony is an amazing ship I'm sure you will enjoy!  

1 hour ago, OceanBlue123 said:

We were recently on Oasis and were able to see Cats twice. There were at least 3 showings. A few people did walk out of the shows, but not many. Both times we saw it they received a standing ovation at the end. No standing O for our viewings of Sky nor the Ice skating show. There is no question that the best show on the ship is Aqua 80, but I woud place Cats as the second best. I do have a question for the all the Cats haters out there that do not understand the plot (yes, there is one), could you please explain the plot of Aqua 80 to me? Or of Sky? Thanks!

I know we are not in the majority but i agree.  First, Aqua 80 is the best show on Oasis, and the best Aqua show of the ones that I've seen overall.  But I also really enjoyed Cats. Saw it once + the first half of another showing (and only couldn't see the whole thing since had to get ready for dinner).  The cast that we saw is amazing, set done well, costumes great, etc.  To me, the trick was reading / researching the story beforehand, plus I learned some of the music.  

Looking at a future cruise.  Anyone been to Mayan Eden Eco Park and have any feedback?  This will be our 4th time in Rotan and have done 2 tours and have a beach type thing booked for another so this seems like a good other option.

27 minutes ago, brillohead said:

You are correct, the Diamond drinks are shareable.

I rarely use all my vouchers, and regularly use them to purchase a drink for someone else.  Nobody even blinks an eye.

Thanks for confirming my understanding.

Not OP but have a related question.  Only one of our kids is Diamond while the other isn't (DH and I became Diamond but our older one already turned 18).  Can the one that is Diamond get two drinks at once (non-alcoholic of course)?  My understandable is that unlike the drink package, the Diamond drinks are shareable but want to be sure.

2 hours ago, Holly123red said:

Been in contact with Rc they said all decorations and benefits have been removed as of October 2023 

We have booked it now we can't cancel unless we lose our deposit I dont know if we can transfer to another cabin it is avery noisy cabin because its got a service door behind the headboard

Maybe go to guest services when onboard and see?  We had to enquire to obtain suite lounge access, but that was Dec of last year.  Doesn't hurt to try, and sometimes the phone agents get the wrong info.

We've been to Roatan 2x before so don't really need a tour type excursion. I've heard good things about Maya Key Private Island (Royal excursion) and it seems like a good mix.  It's  not a horrible price now with Black Friday (compared to regular) so we booked it.  We are 2 adults and a teenager.  I just have a couple questions.

This is mostly a beach type day but why does it list it as strenuous? 

Also, I read you can rent snorkel gear but do they have other things?  e.g. kayaks, floats? 

There is a mini museum and animals?  

Would love to hear people's comments about this place and if it's worthwhile.  Thanks.

1 minute ago, st5310 said:

I have been cruising Royal for 19 years and must admit I am unfamiliar with this cabin class and the perks that apply.  DW and I book Grand Suites so it's not surprising, but please fill me in.  If I'm reading these posts correctly, they come with gold cards and access to the suite lounge?  How big are they, what is the general cost, etc.?  How many are available and on which ships?  Thank you kindly.

That's the beauty of it...it's just a regular promenade room, but it is only for room 6305.

They decorate it with cows (less over the top than they used to) and you get extra benefits.  

It's only on Independence, Liberty and Freedon.

10 hours ago, gottagoacruzn said:

Just a free scoop of ice cream, nothin else, within reason of course!!

When we were on Liberty last December, it was more of a secret.  We had to go to Guest Services and ask for the Suite access.  Hopefully they still at least grant it if you ask...but of course, is sucks that you have to ask.  i.e. no letter in the room

We've been in the Ben and Jerry room twice, once on Independence before the pandemic and once on Liberty after the pandemic.  See signature links for comments/pictures of both.

Both gave free ice cream, access to the suite lounge and priority departure.

With Independence before the pandemic, we got a gold card, so whatever other suites could do we could do (e.g. sweets brought to our room, suite seats at the theatre, could sit at Chops for breakfast, etc).

With Liberty after the pandemic, we were only give then ice cream vouchers.  We went to Guest Services though and told them about the room and after a few calls we were given Suite access.  To us, this was the main benefit as we got free drinks before/after dinner.

We enjoy promenade rooms.  They are a bit small but the room was cute and we were fine with the loss of the true view.  Definitely worth it for us.

30 minutes ago, orville99 said:

We had the same issue, so we called the C&A desk and had everything wrapped up in a few minutes. 

Thanks for the tip!  I usually go through the main number but will try that.

Ken, thank for letting us all know.

To confirm I understand...we have two cruises that we booked Nov and Dec of last year for 2024 and 2025.

I haven't added gratuities yet (but always add then when I do final payment if not done yet).

I tried calling yesterday morning but it was a long wait and didn't have the time so hung up after waiting 20 minutes.  From what you are saying, I can wait until final payment , add then add them to the invoice (then pay off the cruise) and will still get the current rate before the raise?

Ken, thank for letting us all know.

To confirm I understand...we have two cruises that we booked Nov and Dec of last year.

I haven't added gratuities yet (but always add then when I do final payment if not done yet).

I tried calling yesterday morning but it was a long wait and didn't have the time so hung up after waiting 20 minutes.  From what you are saying, I can wait until final payment , add them then (then pay off the cruise) and will still get the current rate before the raise?

16 minutes ago, PhillyFan33579 said:

Food is very subjective, but my thoughts are miss Italian night and go to 150 CP. I would have recommended Hooked, but not a good place to go if someone doesn’t like seafood. Wonderland is the last speciality restaurant I would recommend. The food there is definitely unique (not in a good way) and Wonderland is the one speciality restaurant where everyone I have gone with is still hungry. The only time I would recommend going to Wonderland is if you have the UDP, so you can go somewhere else after eating there. 

Yeah, Dh and I would be interested in trying Hooked, but DD would be very limited.

I find when I'm on a cruise, I forget what hunger is...lol, so that wouldn't be a problem for me, but good to know.  We can always grab something on the promenade or Windjammer if still need a snack.

Trying to get an idea before Black Friday...hoping things will go on sale (although Wonderland is the cheapest I've seen it at the moment at $65 CAD - I think it's a good deal)

For 150 CP, DH is allergic to hazelnuts and walnuts and a lot of their dishes (or desserts) seem to have that.  Otherwise, seems like a good one to try.

5 minutes ago, not-enough-cruising said:

Whatever you do, SKIP Mexican night in the MDR; it is absolutely horrible

I just checked the menus and that has the warm chocolate cookie...best dessert with new menus.

We didn't mind Mexican night too as the entree had a few options that we liked.

5 minutes ago, HicksRA said:

If you’ve never done it, I’d do Wonderland just for the experience. If you have, I’d do 159 CP. 

This is what we're thinking...an odd menu (with a great dessert!) but seems like a neat experience.  It was actually our teenager that asked to try it in the past.

Starting a fun thread (as trying to decide if we try a specialty on our Wonder cruise in March).  

I know this is subjective, but if you were to do just one specialty restaurant would you pick?  And what MDR night would you miss?

We're coming with a teenager.  She doesn't eat seafood but does like salmon and beef/chicken.  DH and I don't eat beef/chicken.  

Thinking maybe...Wonderland (for something unique - but also hesitating due to the strange menu) and missing Italian night.

We've tried Chops and the two Italian places on different ships so thinking something new for us.

How about others?

8 hours ago, Sea Dog said:

Lobster Night in the MDR. Does Size Matter??? 
 

Our last night in the MDR as we will go back to Giovanni’s tomorrow night. Of course the draw for tonight was the Maine Lobster but I also wanted to hand out tips to the dining room manager Royal, who helped get us a good table.  Also tips for a great staff Julie and Gabriel. They worked hard, talked to us a lot and were so friendly. 
 

 

My go to Escargot.

 

 

The Maine Lobster. Slightly bigger than Caribbean Lobster with some more meat but not by much.

 

 

Hand comparison. It’s small. I could have eaten 2 more easily. Melted butter was lukewarm not good.

 

 

Cheese Tortellini was very good. Great cheese flavor. This helped fill me up after the small lobster.

 

I had their warm chocolate cake with vanilla ice cream and it was good as I dug in before realizing I did not take a picture.

 

All in all the food in the Main Dining Room was fairly good but unimpressive. The portion sizes were small, hit or miss on how hot the food was. Flavors were good for the most part and service was fantastic after the second. night.

 

Now onto the show.

Really enjoying your review.  Looks like you're having a great cruise.

Wondering, did they let you order the lobster and the cheese tortellini at the same time?  Or you had to finish your lobster first and then you were able to order the tortellini?  I quite like their tortellini so on our last cruise in March (I think you were on the same Oasis), the waiter said he couldn't bring both at once.  Found it annoying as I really like the tortellini but its on lobster night. (In the end, he saw I was a bit annoyed and did sneak in a tortellini too)