new2cruising2006

Now that the Epic is going to Orlando this winter, I am debating if I should book it.   I feel like over the years I have heard negative comments about the Epic but I can't remember exact reasons.  I have been on the Escape, Breakaway, and Getaway for reference.  The Epic is about $500 less than the Escape for the same week so tell me why I should or should not book the Epic.  Thanks in advance!

I love the Oasis class ships and I am debating going on the Odyssey  or the Oasis.  I have been on Oasis 1X last year and the Allure 4X,  Part of me would like to go on a ship I have never been on yet.  But...I see the Odyssey does not have many of the Oasis class features I like ( water show, ice show, Central Park).  We are in our 40's with no kids.  Is the Odyssey more geared towards families and kids with their amenities.  If I'm overthinking it,  please give me reasons why the Odyssey would work for us.  I like to be busy at night with events and shows.  

I will be Platinum for the 1st time on Sunday.  I was wondering about some of the 'perks' listed.   

1-How does Priority Check in work?  I chose 11:30 as my boarding time.

2- Its says Concierge service as a perk.  How does this work?  What do they do and where how do you contact them?

3-I saw before the behind the ship tour is cancelled due to covid.  Is this still the case?

4-2 free dinners.  I saw before you have to wait til you get on board to book. Is it hard to get a 'prime time'.  I saw online , most times are sold out by now.

Thanks a bunch for your help!

I have a late flight the day I get off my cruise.  I was wondering if there is a place to store my luggage or a company that transports it to the airport in New Orleans?

Years ago Paradise Beach was a la cart or all inclusive.  Is it still the case?  I can't seem to find a la cart info...

Are there irons on board we can use?

Thanks for the info.

Does anyone have some good ideas for mock tails? I can not drink this cruise and I am bummed, so I am looking for some creative ideas.  

What is exactly included as mocktails?

Does virgin frosty drinks count??

Thanks

Is it possible for only my husband to purchase the Ultimate Beverage Package?  I have been dealing with a medical condition and my doctor does not want me drinking...I feel like in the past I have read that there can be exceptions made.  I wasn't sure if that is still possible and if so, how do you go about it?

I was wondering how the voom 1 device works.  Does that mean I can only log in to the same device the entire trip or can I use multiple devices (such as phone, lap top, chrome book at separate times)?  I wasn't sure if it just meant only 1 device can be on at 1 time or only 1 device.  

Do you know if they pair you with others?  There is only 2 of us and wanted to know if we would be doing it alone or with strangers.

I have a 5:00 flight the day we disembark.  What can I do with my luggage so I can sight see for the day?  I am flying Southwest if that matters.

This will be the first time I will be platinum.  I am wondering how I go about booking my 2 free specialty dining meals.  Do I have to wait until I'm on board?  

Also, can anyone give info about the ship tour that is included?  Is it worth it?  Thanks

I saw on their menu online that a picture of beer is $18 for 'your favorite draft beer'.  Does anyone know if that is accurate and does it include all drafts (including the IPA)?  I am debating between getting a drink package and this might help me decide...

Does anybody know the price of beer?  What types of beer are offered... or better yet... have a pic of a drink menu?

Can you use your $50 excursion credit to get a float on GSC?

I am a latitudes gold member and as one of my perks I get 10% off shore excursions.  Can I combine this discount with the $50 shore excursion credit per stateroom?

Also do they hold some of the excursions that are sold out online for booking on board?  

Thanks

Thanks, I am also wondering how the a la cart works?  I plan on going to Cagney's and Teppanyaki-still trying to decide on my 3rd.  How does Food Republic work with dining package?  Is it worth it?

Thanks so much!  Would I book all of them at Teppanyaki?

I recently booked a cruise on the Encore in 2 weeks.  I have the 3 night dining package.  When I went online to book them there are minimal at best to choose from.   Most times are 9:00 at night, if at all.  Is there more availability once I get on board.  The reservations would only be for 2 people. Any insight would be appreciated.  Thanks!

Is there a way to use an iron on board?  It never looks like people's clothes are wrinkled...

Is Six replacing a show on Breakaway or is it in addition to?  I will be sailing in December.  

Does anyone know if the Encore will have a District Brew House?

We are cruising out of Miami and flying out of FLL at 3:30.  Was thinking about the RCCL excursion "hop on/hop off bus in Miami" with transportation to FLL.  The RCCL website says drop-offs to airport are at 12 and 2.  The app says 1 and 3.  Has anyone done this tour and can tell me how it works?  12:00 seems to early and 2 seems like it would be cutting it too close.  Just wondering if we will actually have enough time to see anything.  

Does anyone have a copy of their menu or knows what the choices are for lunch?