tfred

As much as people here would like to say your list is all the same, there are differences between the lines you mention - they aren't all the same. Everyone knows land hotels and what they are like - Holiday Inn, Marriott, Ritz. Not so much when it comes to cruise lines, especially since cruises are all inclusive. who have you been on and who are you scheduled for ?

We sailed Oceania a few years ago on Riviera. Very enjoyable O has very good food in every category. MDR is excellent. Specialties are as well. They also had an afternoon tea that was superb. That ship was dated and needed an overhaul - Vista is new so that wouldn't be a problem. Service was comparable to X The minus was that the evening entertainment was the food. Casino was under utilized. Shows were lackluster really due to the size of the theatre. If you want that nightly pizazz then you may be disappointed . There won't be "Rockumentary" or an "ABBA sailout Party" on O. In general, X ships are more lively so take that into account

X doesnt. think its the same product as others. Obviously they have to "prove" that but the suites are full so that says something X also doesnt want to poach other lines as their main source. They need new customers - formally land based hotel stays at resorts in the USA. The JW Marriott in Marco Island is $700/night for a standard room in January . Add another $250/day for food and booze and its $7K for a week stay. Sounds pretty close to a cabin for 2 on X. The shows and casino are extras that some value No line can survive without expanding the potential customer pool

there are way more non-cruisers (or rather never cruised) than there are cruisers. That is who X wants to attract. The non-cruise crowd is coming from hotels that don't have forward views and will pay for suites why would X want to fight over value pax with HAL and Princess who want a la carte everything? No money or profit there. The plan is to get traditional hotel vacation customers on board. Been to a JW Marriott resort somewhere ? It is expensive and it is packed to the gills.Ain't no one complaining either

great review, hopefully we see a few more from others on here as well Certainly the Ritz name sells it . The history of the horribly delayed build would make you wonder the companies ability to plan all the details. Can't see that many names but it doesn't appear that many people in the company are from cruising or hotels. We are looking at a 2024 southern Italy cruise that has a great port schedule Bigger money than the other luxury cruise ships but it would appear for us to commit that RC has to work out the kinks {or major flaws} given your review. We did two Crystal River (sadly gone) cruises a few years back and they were absolutely flawless. I would expect that RC would be at that level for this kind of money.

and to keep The Retreat pax from defecting to Seabourne, Regent et al. Going to Silversea is one thing (same family) but going to a competitor is another

no shorts. long pants of some sort the first night there are some shorts as the manager will accommodate "I lost my luggage en route". After that they will be turned away

anyone can go there. We like it - away from the noise. A few loungers have cushions as well.

food is very good. The specialty variety restaurants are excellent. Italian, French and Asian and they are great. The MDR is pretty good but no better than Celebrity in reality. Luminae is excellent but the food choices are what they are Beverage package is weak but they were allowing pax to bring on just about anything they wanted to drink without being confiscated - including hard liquor

I know its Trip Advisor, but the 9 reviews over there are miserable. Actually one is a glowing review - probably an employee. Inexperienced staff, low selection of options on food. General disorganization We are looking at a summer 2024 cruise- reviews would have to really shape up for the kind of money they are asking

it isn't the only dining option - you can go to the MDR Food is wildly subjective. Food in Luminae is "inventive" so if you are the "I know what I like" or "I only eat what I eat" then Luminae is going to be a problem. We like it but you have to be a "foodie" The Luminae menu isn't 14 pages long with Chicken Parm and Baked Ziti on the menu. There are the everyday items Chicken, Steaks and salmon plus the kids menu.

I have tried BC line to see about upgrade from veranda - 30 - 45 minutes on hold - just gave up after trying for a week free is free so I am not unhappy, but the phone support needs work. also - the rep doesnt show up on my iPhone app. Printed the express pass but would be nice to see it on the app

does anyone have a direct contact number for Blue Chip? we have a BC cruise in a few weeks and I am looking at upgrade options - which I discussed with the BC rep when I first made the reservation. He said try closer to sail date Tried going through the regular number and being transferred but the hold time was over 30 minutes with no pickup. I tried email a few days ago with no reply.

Depends on what you want to do and how close to the beach you want to be. Marriott Harbor Beach is a great choice for a good experience. There are plenty of almost convenient hotels in FFL

I, and my SIL, both renewed passports this summer. In both cases expedited took 3 weeks or so I would get it done that way

I wouldn't be waking off at 830 for an 1130 flight given what is going on these days