Denversail

We just had 2 of our 3 ports time reduced. We are about 40 days out and they stated weather as the reason. It is disappointing for sure. Welcome to cruise life! Ship happens as they say. 😛

Love AOS! Been on her more than any other Royal ship. The voyager class is my favorite. Usually excellent itineraries and a very well kept ship. You’ll have a great time.

I think it is obvious from his responses that he doesn’t mean it that way. Honestly it just kind of feels like bullying at this point. IMO I’ve very much enjoyed your updates on your world cruise. I’m looking forward to hearing about the rest of the trip. Thank you for starting and keeping this thread going.

I agree. I feel like we just kept going on Royal out of habit. The kids are now grown and we don't even use all the bells and whistles of the big ships. We just relax, play trivia, maybe some card games, eat, and enjoy our ports. We like the different restaurant choices but wouldn't really need those if the main offerings were above par. I spend time in the Casino but honestly wouldn't mind not having one on a ship, just a little more money saved. 🙂 I'm considering Windstar for 2025. It will be nice to travel on a cruise without 5K of my closest friends.

I’ve been on Anthem and a bunch of Oasis class. I have 2 cruises booked on Odyssey this year and one on harmony. The Oasis class is definitely my favorite class ship but my last 3 cruises have been oasis class and I’m ready to mix it up. Quantum class has a lot to offer with some great entertainment. The seaplex is awesome. If you are like me and don’t enjoy the super hot temps that it can sometimes get outside you will appreciate the indoor space. I also appreciate that Quantum class is less passengers. I would pick quantum class in your case just to add something fresh into the mix. I’m assuming you’ve cruised the Caribbean multiple times. Going on a new ship that will provide new experiences will just add excitement to your trip. I’m all for trying something once.

My sister status matched me but that was 20 years ago and we were living in the same household. I was an adult at the time. She status matched our whole household of 7 at the time and only 3 of those were kids. None were a spouse.

Is that new? We have status matched over 18.

You could try to phone c&a to status match them to you. If I recall you are supposed to be living in the same residence to qualify. I don’t know how strict they are about that. This is the only way to get them your Diamond benefits. Staying in the same cabin won’t do it to my knowledge.

Have you been to FLL? 8 am for a 9 am flight is plenty of time.

If you are first off the ship you get there before all those folks. I have done it multiple times. How many flights prior to 10 am have you attempted? From experience I can say it is doable but of course a risk. I have yet to miss a flight but understand it is a possibility. Our last was a 10 am flight out of Miami. Our ship clearance got delayed and we were slow getting in line to exit the ship, we then were faced with a not super long but VERY slow moving taxi line. I think we didn’t catch a taxi until 8:30ish. We checked our bags, made it through security and still waited a few minutes at the gate. If I’d had an earlier flight I would have been in line earlier. I’ve done earlier than 9 am flights from FLL.

Not at 7 am

Well you sound risk averse so I would advise that you always schedule later flights.

If you are walking off the ship by 7:30 you will be there before 8:15. We have walked off by 6:30 before. It is of course a risk which is why I mentioned being okay with taking them. You are clearly someone who wouldn’t do such a thing. I understand.

At FLL?

I would also say your carryon reference isn’t relevant for making a flight. If overhead is full the bag would just be checked at the gate. No big deal.

That isn’t accurate. Bags for domestic flights must be checked in 45 minutes prior to departure.

The OP is just exaggerating their statements. Obviously, a room steward isn't there waiting to clean their room every time they step out.

Yes. Just line up in the morning early to be first off ship. You shouldn't have a problem as long as no special events and your ship isn't delayed. We do this all the time. You just need to be okay with the possibility that you might miss your flight. If that doesn't stress you out then I say do it. A lot of folks on here will say you shouldn't do it. I've saved myself endless hours of sitting in the airport by doing it but I'm not risk averse so the thought of missing my flight doesn't bother me.

I have never had my standard stateroom cleaned every time I've left. Not from a single cruise in the last 20 years. I haven't cruised on NCL but I find it hard to believe they provide this level of service or anything close to it.

I saw great deals for Windstar this morning for solos.

Some folks just start doing it as a hobby. I don’t know what “influencer stuff” means. People start things up for all different reasons. I agree that the folks making up stories for clicks is wrong but plenty are just vlogging their journey for fun. Nothing wrong with it.

I would assume that the promotion would treat your cabin placement the same as a guarantee which includes obstructed. This doesn’t seem like a mystery to me.

I don’t recall any resorts in Galveston more like a selection of Motels near the beach. If you aren’t looking for access to the beach maybe stay at a nicer hotel in Houston. They are likely more designed for business travelers but you should be able to find some with a nice pool and amenities.

@cruisemom42 I’ll be solo coming in from Milan via train to Rome for my last night prior to flying home. This will be in early October. I’ll already have spent two nights in Rome pre cruise @ hotel smeraldo. I’m looking for a luxury location that is convenient to the train station (I’ll be picking up my larger 2nd bag at the station) that also has restaurants in walking distance. What would you suggest?

For me it isn’t about racing. I’m an early riser and when you mix that with cruise day excitement we typically arrive early. We are always coming from a hotel and not much to do the morning of other than grab some breakfast and head to the ship.