RLM77

Thanks to all for your kind words. By way of explanation, my better half is mobility-limited due to MS and we've found that cruising is the best type of vacation for us. Active enough for me; everything just an elevator ride away for her. It's hard to replicate that on a land trip.

We also have some experience with most of the other mass market lines, including Celebrity. Our two favorite cruises of all-time were both on Summit, in 2006 (to Hawaii) and 2007 (end of season Alaska and Pacific Coast Repositioning cruise). Having said that, Celebrity's entertainment quality is just above the bottom of the pack IMHO, and the food is a shadow of what it was back in the day when they had Chef Roux under contract.

Princess gets a solid B on both food and entertainment; they occasionally have a very good band in the Wheelhouse. NCL's entertainment is normally excellent, both their big and small acts. Their specialty restaurants are also uniformly good to very good and until recently were less costly than those on most other lines. Note that they are in the process of adopting an a la carte pricing model (in the specialty restaurants) that will likely raise the total expense. Although somewhat more costly overall than the others, NCL's medium sized ships (Dawn- and Jewel-classes) are our favorites at this time.

I know the least about Carnival. We only have 14 nights on that line, most recently about 2 years ago. At the time there was music available in 2-3 of their lounges each night though the quality of entertainers was inconsistent. Bar service was also inconsistent, but we managed. MDR food is unpretentious but tasty. We enjoyed their pastas. Their steakhouse was incredible on both cruises -- USDA Prime, prepared to perfection.

All-in I think these are the best three lines for us right now. The business is constantly changing; we may well have a different opinion two years from now. I suspect that we will be back on RCI (and Celebrity) some day, but for the next couple years at least it's time for a break.

There is a tinge of sadness when a local restaurant you have patronized for years changes its menu to offerings that are less appealing to you. Or when a favorite local clothing store is sold to a new owner who decides to pursue a different target market and changes out the inventory. Such is the sadness we feel after our most recent RCI cruise. RCI still offers a good product, but it no longer appeals to us as it once did.

We disembarked from Oasis of the Seas on August 29, having completed two weeks on Allure of the Seas and a week on Freedom of the Seas earlier this year. Last week we canceled three additional cruises on both Freedom- and Oasis-classes. As frequent, “mature” cruisers (not yet retirement age but closing in) we have seen a widening gap between RCI’s product and our cruise preferences. While our preferences have doubtless changed over time, it seems to us as if RCI is shifting their product away from us as well.

A pause to set some context: If all goes as planned we will attain our 365th night at sea in March of next year. 112 of those nights are on Royal Caribbean ships: 70 on Oasis-class, 35 on Freedom-class, and 7 on Radiance-class. Because you can only watch “Come Fly With Me” or Tony Tillman so many times (even over five years) we rely on live music to round out our cruise experience. Lounge music is an even bigger deal on the smaller ships where there are fewer “big show” options.

When we first cruised Oasis-class in 2010 we were over the moon. Beautiful ships and spaces, minimal crowding, many food options, and also – importantly – many entertainment selections, both large-scale events and live music. We went on to cruise this class nine additional times, the most recent being an Allure B2B in March and the Oasis cruise near the end of August.

The Allure cruise in March occurred shortly before her recent dry-dock and the cruise was close to our previous experiences. Food and entertainment were similar in quality and quantity to what we have seen in the past. My Time Dining was on Deck 5 and was comfortable. Overall our expectations were met and we were happy.

Freedom came next, over Memorial Day [u.S.]. It had been several years since we were on Freedom-class, but it seemed to us as if there was less live music on the ship than there had been a few years back. Plus, with the exception of the pool band it seemed to start later; there were very few options prior to 9 PM. Finally, although we are far from music critics, the combo in Bolero’s was one of the worst we have ever heard – the lead vocalist could not hold a note to save her soul. The Diamond Club, Sabor (yum!), and our cabin (1400) saved that cruise. We had a decent week but left wishing there had been more (and better) live music.

It was last month’s Oasis cruise that was the real eye-opener. This was our first cruise on the class after the dry-dock and it was a disappointment overall, with one huge exception – “Cats.” Credit where credit is due – “Cats” was absolutely fantastic. It was the same full length show that played Broadway for many years, not at all like some of the heavily abridged musicals that cruise lines stage and market as “Broadway.” And the cast was wonderful. Some of the cast did a couple vocal sets in the Jazz Club and the quality of their voices blew away that of the cast members from “Hairspray” and “Chicago” that we heard in days of yore. Kudos to RCI for staging the full-length show with such a strong cast. If you love Broadway, this performance in and of itself is worth a cruise on Oasis. This is something I could not say of either “Hairspray” or “Chicago” which were significantly shortened and had competent, but not exceptional casts.

Unfortunately, “Cats” and the vocal sets performed by its cast members were the only bright spots in a very disappointing entertainment landscape. The other “big” shows seemed exactly the same as they have been since the ship launched. Tony Tillman was the Headliner and he certainly qualifies as an RCI regular; his show does not change much from cruise to cruise. So we were again looking to the live music as our primary evening entertainment. And this is where we were really let down.

Since the dry-dock, one musical group has been eliminated completely and the hours of other acts have been scaled back. The dropped combo used to perform in the late, lamented Viking Crown and typically performed pop, soft rock, and occasionally standards – all favorites of ours. Rather than finding a different venue for this act, RCI killed it off altogether.

Before the dry-dock there was usually cocktail hour/early evening music in one venue, especially on sea days. On this cruise there was nothing. Before the dry-dock, the band in Dazzles often started at 7:30 or 8:00 PM. This cruise, they only started before 9:00 on one night. Additionally, they took two (or maybe three) nights off completely, more time off than used to be the case. The only music that was consistently available between 7 PM and 9 PM was the classical duo. They were fine, but not really as up-tempo as were looking for. Also, their venue was Central Park. In August. In the Caribbean. Not exactly the most comfortable spot to listen to music, especially on formal nights.

In their defense, RCI did open the Jazz Club earlier than they used to on a couple of nights (but only a couple). And the piano player at the Schooner Bar was very good if you didn’t mind waiting until 9:15 or 9:30 for him to get started. For some of us crossing that 60-year line, though, 10:30 or 11:00 is about all we can manage before bed time. One set and we’re out.

There were a couple other issues with this cruise as well. My Time dining is now on Deck 3 which seems both noisier and more crowded than Deck 5 used to be. And Sabor on Oasis is not nearly the experience as Sabor on Freedom. The menu is considerably smaller and the food, except for the excellent guacamole, is less well-prepared. Food quality, IMO, remains one of RCI’s greatest challenges, but this is nothing new.

We fully understand that we are outside of RCI’s target demographic. And we also understand that our circumstances are somewhat unique. Even after almost six years there likely aren’t all that many folks who have completed ten cruises on Oasis-class. If you’ve not cruised this class before I can heartily recommend it, especially if you are travelling with children or teens. Still, one feels a certain sadness when one recognizes that an experience that one has long enjoyed is no longer as enjoyable. Nothing for it though but to move on down the road. Other than one upcoming cruise on Serenade on which we were able to get an insanely low price, we'll see you on NCL, Princess, or Carnival.

Rich

We saw it on Broadway and loved it.

In fact, we are sailing Oasis in August Specifically see it again! Can't wait.

I remove my battery from the Travelscoot and carry it on in the insulated travel bag from Travelscoot. It goes under the seat in front of me and the scooter is gate checked.

Marlee

Never had a problem.

I'm not sure I buy into the nickel and diming comment, but I can say from direct experience that we end up spending more on NCL ships than on those of competitors. Nor am I particularly happy with the second DSC increase of the past year or the fact that we now pay an additional SC when purchasing a dining package. If we're eating in a specialty restaurant we're not being served by the MDR staff -- why must we tip those who do not serve us?

Having said that, we do enjoy the Dawn- and Jewel-class experience. The food in the specialty restaurants is better than on most other lines IMHO and there is usually more (and better) live music. So we will continue cruising NCL, for now. But if the cost gap (fare and onboard spend) between NCL and an equivalent cruise on, say, RCI continues to widen then we will be shifting more toward the competition.

Rich

Only thing I noticed was that if you choose to go to the Italian Restaurant, then might as well go outside this package. Even at 7 days, this is around $20 a day. Italian booked by itself is $17.70. I know, it's only a few dollars, but did find that strange.

We enjoy La Cucina but have still purchased the UDP on our last several NCL cruises. Even though you lose a couple bucks on Italian nights, you more than make that up if you reserve 2-3 nights at Cagney's. All-in it's a good deal.

We have not been on NCL for the past year, and I do have to say that I was unhappy to see the addition of gratuities to this package. Dining room gratuities are already part of the daily gratuity charge added to everyone's bill. And if you buy the UDP for the entire length of the cruise then your daily charge covers tips for a main dining room waiter that you will never see. That doesn't seem right. We have an NCL cruise coming up this fall; I think I will go to guest services and have a couple dollars per day taken off the standard gratuity charge.

I know this will sound cheap to many -- it's not intended to be. There's a principle here. Gratuities are for those who actually provide service -- the better the service the higher the tip. I often give good waiters and cabin stewards extra cash at the end of each cruise as a reward for excellent service. The flip side of that is that I shouldn't need to pay for no service at all.

Rich

Any update on the passenger taken off the ship?

The passenger, who at one point had no pulse, was due to be discharged from the hospital by June 1st according to the Captain.

I agree that Getway is the better choice....for the ADULTS.

The children's program on Royal Carribean is much, much better.

No comparison.

I assume you use the lighter battery?

 

What advantages/disadvantages have you experienced in using whatever battery you have chosen>

 

What miles can one expect?

 

Thanks,

Tom

I do indeed use the lighter battery and, like Katisdale, have an older Travelscoot. I purchased iit 2009.

My lithium battery purchased at the same time is still going strong!

I cannot speak to either any disadvantages or expected mileage, as I've never experienced a problem nor have I ever run out of "juice".

In terms of advantages, I like the fact that on a plane, I remove the battery and carry it on in the insulated Travelscoot travel bag. It fits perfectly under the seat in front of me and I am secure that my precious and pricey little power source is safe and sound.

Marlee

Well said!

Couldn't agree more.

The Travelscoot weighs 30 lbs. without the battery, and only 24 if the seat back is removed.

A lead SLA battery weighs 20 lbs or you can use a lithium ion battery which weighs 5.3 lbs.

So, depending on how it is configured, a Travelscoot could be as light as 30 pounds even with the battery!

I love mine.

Marlee

Hi Pete,

I have had my husband inject me in an airport waiting area, and once on a plane. Both times in my upper arm. No one blinked an eye; not a word was said!

Marlee

Thanks for the great review; we will be on Freedom in May.

Was Sabor priced a la carte or one set price for lunch?

Marlee

My opinion:

Keven Sheehan ''leaving immediately'' and Frank DelRio taking over '' immediately'' is totally contrary to normal due process in reorganisation and execution of ''adjustment'' in top management position.

This scenario stunned me. While Mr DelRio is a huge force in the industry, one ought to remember Kevin brought NCL back to life, and at the place it is today, not bad at all ...This sudden move tastes and smells like ''house cleaning''.

If health issues were indeed a consideration as far as Kevin or his family are concerned, the ''move'' would have been executed in a much different manner, without Mr.Sheehan or DelRio necessarily having to disclose anything impertinent.

Ever heard of the '' XXX is leaving our company to pursue other avenues'' approach ? normally followed by'' Mr XXX will stay on board until mmm/day/year to assist during the transition'' scene.?

I wish both Frank and Kevin good luck.

But if I were a long tenured NCL folk, during the revival era, I'd be looking over my shoulder....on the lookout for some heavyweight Prestige folks entering the room....

Hopefully, this will not slow down NCL's very good progression so far.

My opinion only.

YMMV

At the very end of the Sea-Trade Insider article http://www.seatrade-insider.com where it is the lead story, there is an update regarding the reason behind Kevin Sheehan's abrupt departure:

RCL stock is now part of the S & P 500 and is as of this moment, up over 4 points on the news!

In the eye of the beholder, I guess. We were on the same cruise, also in an SJ. For us, the cruise makes our top 3 list (out of 31 so far). I agree that the ship is showing some wear, but that is simply not enough to diminish our enjoyment.

We purchased the UDP and found the service very good to excellent across the specialty restaurants. We especially enjoyed the Cagney's and La Cucina experiences and left the ship with a number of email addresses from favorite servers. Our cabin steward was top notch, and Virginia (the Concierge) did everything necessary to help us feel special.

Best of all was the live music. Unlike NCL's newest ships, there really is "music everywhere" on Dawn. Usually very good music, too. Great show band, excellent pianist, and Jose and Patti who are in a class all their own -- part lounge singers, part mainstage entertainers. There were also a party band, separate pool band, guitarist, and jazz trio (from the show band). Not quite as good as the first acts I mentioned, but still very serviceable.

In the end, the large number of high quality options -- both food and entertainment -- along with very good service made the cruise. Cruisers have almost as many choices as on RCI's Oasis-class on a ship only 35% of the size. Given that kind of experience at a very reasonable price, how important is a little bit of wear and tear?

We will absolutely sail NCL's mid-sized ships again. Happily.

Have a blast!

Marlee

I also have MS, 35 years, and little balance. I have never experienced sea sickness.

Xxoo has a excellent points regarding the inner ear and pre-MS motion sickness episodes.

You asked if as an MS patient I do anything different on a cruise. I don't! I always use a mobility scooter, if you do not, with your balance issues I would wholeheartedly recommend that you rent one.

Marlee

Absolutely....almost magical.

This article is really interesting and actually covers some new ground...at least for me:

http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2014/11/03/floating-feasts

Marlee

I HAVEN'T modified my seat, and also find it quite comfortable after 6 years of scooting!

Marlee

When I back my scooter out , I ALWAYS tell everyone to watch their toes!!:eek:

Marlee

We are looking forward to experiencing Dynamic Diniing. The MDR experience was becoming somewhat dull, this will be "exciting and new".

No downside for us!

We always tip the first morning or even the first evening if I have asked them to do a number of things....empty mini-fridge, extra pillows, egg crate on bed. We then tip daily, a few dollars IF they are good and usually we have had great room stewards. And finally at the end of the cruise if they were very good we give a larger tip. For a week's cruise we usually end up tipping our room steward about $35-$50.

This is exactly what we have always done. Tipping the morning of embarkation day seems to assure that things we need/want actually happen on Day One.

Occasionally we have been disappointed. If so, no further tips are given and if necessary, complaints are registered through guest services. The latter has happened only twice, both on Princess.

Marlee