BNBR

Am I understanding correctly? There is now substantially more pinnacles than diamond on your sailings? Or maybe the D members just don't care about those perks the same way?

Ha. Well apparently the other pinnacles didn't get the memo. This ship is absolutely loaded with them. They are everywhere. Was there a pinnacle gathering or is this normal now? 🤣

Which is proof it has nothing to do with "all the sharing"... But this is good info. Appreciate it.

You believe everything, don't you?

I remember when you didn't have to buy two. It wasn't that long ago. Royal copied Carnival with this policy. I guess it works out overall per the bean counters. It's only been a year since our last cruise and a lot has changed. Prices sky high on all this stuff now. Unfortunate to see. Cruising was always a good value proposition. Not sure about that anymore.

Are you talking financially speaking? Yeah. That would be me as well. It doesn't mean I like getting ripped off. Last time I sailed it was $48 (on sale). Now over $80.

This works for me. I'm fine with buying a few drinks a day at other venues as well. It'll be hard for us to spend $1150 on alcohol when most of it is included where we'll be dining and hanging out a bit (room is right next door). Figure 2 liquor drinks at bars during the day. $21. And just grab beers here and there from lounge as well. Free drinks during dinner every night. Also have 2 open bar beach days. Works out I think.

Great. I'm covered with that then. 🤣 2 nights short of Diamond. I'll survive until the next one.

Ha. Guess that explains the massive increase in package price. Suite lounge still have complimentary beer and wine?

Prices up that much? I recall liquor being $7-$10 per serving. Only the fancy drinks being $14.

Why not just use one of the many luxury bus services? I'm struggling to see the value in Brightline, especially for those that live here, but the trains supposedly fill up. So that's good.

I drink a lot, too. I still couldn't make the numbers work. The new prices ($80+) is so crazy. Have to average 10-15 a day even on port days just to break even. And my wife is not going to be anywhere near that, though I could do it and probably do. Requiring both guests at that pricing seems ridiculous to me.

We took some time off from cruising and have one coming up now. The pricing of drinks/dining packages, etc all insane. Really bad taste in my mouth about Royal. But should be a fine cruise anyways (Crown Loft). I'm not sure we'll be loyal anymore after this one though. I miss the classier style of cruising.

With the prices now, no idea why anyone would buy the deluxe. It's crazy!

Spot on. Nowadays Miami is generally the better airport. FLL is too small and overcrowded (why a second runway?!) with massive traffic issues. The days of it being the small easy option are long gone. Miami is nicer, bigger (but not too big), faster traffic, less crowding, more lounge and food options, etc. I think Miami might be my favorite major airport, actually. It's great.

They are all close enough. Canaveral is an hour away from Orlando but not a big deal. Find a flight and cruise combo that works for you out of any of the ports and you'll be fine. In South Florida, you can fly into any of the 3 major airports (PBI, FLL, MIA) and sail out of both Port Everglades and PortMiami.

You won't fit 5 adults and all that luggage in an Uber XL. I'd plan on just splitting up to 2 or 3 Uber X's and be done with it.

Uber is the obvious choice. It's affordable here, too. We use it regularly at the airport.

It's just one, but normally not that busy. Should have no issue enjoying it.

Is Disney still a thing? Gross. Who would take their kids anywhere near there?

Just got off Ovation this morning and it was a quick flash of your passport to an agent and off you went. Didn't even have the facial recognition. I think you are right that there just isn't much to examine.

Global Entry is amazing for international flights. Unless people fly international a couple times per year, it's likely not worth it. But when we come back from europe, it's so nice just walking right through global entry, hopping in an Uber and off to the house. Probably home before many people clear the long customs line.

This is a good plan. No reason to stay in Miami. . Just grab an Uber from the hotel to PortMiami the day of your cruise.

Pro: Much cheaper. Generally great weather Con: Very unlikely chance of an actual hurricane disrupting your voyage We prefer sailing during hurricane season.

I'd take an inside cabin on Oasis over Haven on NCL. The Oasis class experience, overall, is far superior. We didn't find a suite on Oasis to offer much improvement in our experience, so we went back to just regular balcony cabins. Breakfast at Coastal was about the only perk we cared for. The unlimited dining package and eating at all the different restaurants is well worth it, and you don't need a suite for that.