GetToLivin

We experienced this in January - we are young and able to handle more than one piece of luggage so I don't know why this is a "thing" and we did it anyway. DH did get "redirected" to the elevator v escalator once in the terminal though, since he had 2 bags. My guess is someone, somewhere, at some time, had an 'oopsie' on the escalator with more than one piece of luggage so now there's a rule (I surmise, since it wasn't like this the last time we sailed from Galveston). Glad you had a great trip and thank you for taking us along!

Thank you for sharing! I still can not believe how huge the promenade looks compared to Oasis class.

Following! Thanks for taking us along 😀

So I'm not the only one 🤣 I will leave my suitcase before I will leave my documentation!

Ugh, I am so sorry you weren't able to go on your trip.

We used https://www.cruisecontrol-transportation.com/ for both legs, very reasonable prices, on time, great communication, etc. I have pics in my Mariner review.

I feel hungover after reading this 🤣

I just noticed it on the homepage where there's a banner, then if you click on "Shop Now", it lists a bunch of sailings to sort through with the perk. I'm just glad something like this is back, at least I haven't seen anything like it...but I've only sailed from the USA.

Per my usual morning routine, I visit the RCI site to see if my upcoming cruise has had a price drop. Noticed the Onboard Credit banner, remember a long time ago they would offer these things, then switched to onboard bookings only, or use of a TA, AMEX perks, etc. Maybe a sign of an attempt to offset the higher cruise prices? I was glad to see it.

It's such a great feeling winning a RoyalUp, congrats!

Hey, are you really on vacation if you don't have at least one "recovery" day? 😉

DH and I were on her in October, I wrote a review about it. If you expand my signature and click on the link it will take you right to the review 🙂

This is so interesting, I had no idea such a big ship wouldn't be able to get herself away from the dock!

I'm definitely priced out of Icon, so my little self thought to do a mock booking on Utopia, you know, being 3-4 nights it'd need to be less expensive, right? I was wrong! Essentially the same price with less time 🤡 I'll be sailing the "oldy" Oasis Class ships for my foreseeable future 😉

Oooo thank you for sharing, looks like I'll get my first one on my Sept cruise!

I always find it humorous that I can run 4 miles or cycle 10 miles but the STAIRS on any ship leave me questioning my cardiovascular health 🤣 I'll chalk it up to doing so many throughout the trip, haha, but usually mid way through I seem to do a little less huffing and puffing. I too will take the elevator as a reward when necessary, no shame 😉 Glad you liked the Aqua Show, I've been on Harmony and Allure and it is my favorite piece of entertainment and I think the athleticism of the performers is very motivating!

For our Dec 2022 cruise, I bid at the top of the "weak" level and went from a Junior Suite to a 1-bedroom Aqua Suite. Since RoyalUp came out that's been my only successful bid.

I've been really curious about this: in the photos/videos people have posted I thought to myself the couch looked to be half the size of a regular couch, thought at the most that room would fit two adults and a teenager, or a couple small kids, due to the couch size.

Oh absolutely, heck, what I pay in groceries now versus a year ago isn't even in the same ballpark. Overall cost of everything is higher and so we adapt. I think people vent about pricing (which is okay to do) because they're frustrated feeling like they are being priced out of cruising or a particular brand, in Royal's case. I love RCI's product as they appeal to my demographic (career stage of life, teenager in the house, want the best of both worlds for the whole family), and I don't want to sail another brand because I feel like I would be disappointed, plus I like what my status gives me. That said, I'm not loving their prices because instead of sailing twice a year the way I want to, I might only be able to do it 1x a year. First-world problems, I know. Yes, we have started cruising in suites more regularly which definitely adds another layer to the budget. We are both in our (young) 40s, career stage of life, have a business on the side, and teens at home, so when we get the chance to vacation we are okay paying for the experience of Sky Class. For example, in the last two years I was able to book Sky Class for under 10k for the family. Now, that same category is 18-20k and I just can't swing that. Of course, I realize I can sail in a different category, but for me, it just won't provide the same experience that I want, so unless I can grab a "deal" (in my eyes), we might have to forgo a Holiday cruise (but I'll be checking it like a hawk every single day until the last minute, lol).

We usually sail 2X a year, feel free to look at my signature if you want data. Not being in love with pricing doesn't mean people aren't sailing nor was my personal opinion implying that. I'm loyal to royal due to its product and my status, but that doesn't mean I'm not disappointed in the current pricing structure, and that's okay.

Our last few cruises we have sailed in a suite as well, and bags haven't shown up until 5pm or 6pm, try not to stress!

@RCCL Fan What I love most about you bringing us along on your family vacations are the sweet sentiments shared between you and your girls. I took DS (now 16) on his first cruise two years ago and he immediately fell in love with the sea and it has been such a bonding experience to share that with him ever since. The appreciation he shows for our trips along with his excitement for the sea, ship, and discovering ports, is something I too hope we'll continue to share for many, many years (loved the comment about future family cruises with grandbabies, I know we're both a ways off from that, but I felt it!). Anyway, your family is just precious and your appreciation for this special invite came through in your review, very well-deserved! Looking forward to your next review 😄

I don't think anyone is in love with pricing at the moment. I've stated in previous threads that over the last two years I have been able to take my family on a NYE cruise but for this upcoming year, the price is nearly double what I've paid the previous two trips. I can't book it because I can't justify it. Am I still checking pricing every single day? Yep, because you never know with dynamic pricing. Am I still irritated every day I see it's not at a price I can justify? Absolutely 🫠 That said, I was able to book a cruise in September that was reasonable and it was due to my having flexibility. Aside from Holiday Cruises, I habitually book based on reasonable pricing and deals are still to be found if you can be flexible. That's been my experience anyway.

Following! Never sailed out of Miami but I've always wanted to see South Beach, great pics! Did a pub ghost tour in Nashville last September and it was spooky and awesome - if I ever get to SB I'll have to check that out, fun way to learn some history 👻 I'm also a runner so I'll be following and cheering you on. Just a remember, even a "bad" run is still lapping people on the couch 😉

Whaaaat?! They were passengers who tried to stay on? Where exactly did they think they'd stay 🫠 That is crazy.