mac_tlc

I just watched the webcast so now I will only be 2168 points from Z instead if 2171. Overall, I thought it was fine, but the rationalization of changes to AI is crazy. They took a package that had three things in it, four for suites, and left in the two profit items and removed the item that people can’t avoid. Numerous people say they don’t need the drink package or wifi. Over time the prices will “adjust” to absorb the grats and it becomes money for X. Geesh, I didn’t even stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night and can see this one a nautical mile away. At the end of the day, call it what you will, include whatever you want, but the total cost paid for perceived value received is all that matters. mac_tlc

We have been to three of those four ports a number of times. We have certain "go to" places we go at each place. Roatan - have used Victor Bodden Tours a number of times. They will go wherever you want to. Island tour, monkeys, sloths, beach, Cozumel - We almost always go to Nachi Cocom for the day. Its an all inclusive, not a party crowd, limited to about 130 people. Good food, bar, beach, pool. www.cozumelnachicocom.com Cosa Maya - It has to be Maya Chan. Another all inclusive for cruise passengers, owned and operated by a couple from California and their son. Limited to about 60 people a day. Great food, unlimited drinks. www.costamayabeachresort,com mac_tlc

I agree. For the first time in 20 years we do not have any Royal cruises booked. Our late 2024/early 2025 calendar is pretty open, with nothing on Royal or Celebrity. Looking seriously at Viking but a couple things make us hesitate so far. Would love to do the fiver cruise itinerary you are on, but my DW’s mobility issue probably preclude such a port intensive itinerary. mac_tlc

They sure have. Their ocean cruising vessels are all identical and hold about 930 people. The post I was responding to was from some who is currently on an awesome Viking River cruise. mac_tlc

In the spirit of full disclosure, I believe you are in a river cruise (I would love to do that one!), which is a different animal than Royal. We have also branched out a bit, but I think it’s important to provide context when we all talk about moving on. Ship size is one that no one typically mentions when they say they are moving on. We have an Oceania cruise booked, on a ship that holds about 1200. For us, that’s small. Viking Ocean is about 930. Azamara, Seabourne, Regent even smaller , yet I do see folks making it sound like they are comparable to Royal or Celebrity. Im looking forward to trying some others. mac_tlc

Since we are not full time in FL, it depends on whether we have driven down from CT or flew down. If we drive down, we have our car and will drive it down to PE and park it there. Rates at PE are the most reasonable in the state and they don’t squeeze an extra day out of a seven day cruise. If we fly down, we will rent a car one way each way. I wish the train was closer cost wise, I’d like to try it. mac_tlc

Yup, and Bay Lake Tower. mac_tlc

We are too, since 1992. One of the first ones in the door.😂

I was a little taken aback by the cost frankly. I was seriously looking into it for our February cruise out of PE. We have a house in Lake Nona. We will probably just rent a car one-way each way. That will run about $225, Not fond of the drive but for about $500 I'll do it. Cruise leaves PE on a Sunday so the drive down that morning isn't too bad. It's an intriguing option, though. I would be interested in your experience. mac_tlc

Coupled with the upcoming option to book Aqua with no perks, this gives Z’s an option to not pay for their perks as is the case with a suite. It’s just restoring what they had pre-Covid — and it was supposedly taken away because of Covid. The times we have been in the lounge there was space for more folks. BTW, I am E+ with little or no chance of ever becoming Z, especially given Celebrity’s current pricing, so this change doesn’t benefit me. mac_tlc

I'll try to help with the "old" ones for E class. These are dated 2018 but I believe they were still in effect immediately after the restart and into early 2022 at least. I believe you will find the number of options in the 4 MDRs have been reduced recently. 1543168116_Cosmopolitan-Restaurant-Dinner.pdf 1543168710_Cyprus-Dinner.pdf 1543169459_Le-Grand-Bistro-Dinner.pdf 1543173001_Le-Petit-Chef-at-Le-Grand-Bistro-Menu.pdf 1543174174_Luminae-Dinner.pdf 1543174322_Luminae-Lunch.pdf 1543175523_Normandie-Dinner.pdf 1543186898_Tuscan-Dinner.pdf

I certainly do not pay that price for a SS. We are on the Ascent in January in a SS and, although it was a great deal that didn't last very long, it is about $5,200 for 2. mac_tlc

Probably should have included a bit more info: All prices are for 2. Non-refundable deposit. All-included option. mac_tlc

Looking forward to your review The kids and grandkids are clamoring for a Disney Cruise after a bunch on Royal, but the price always scares me away. Someday. mac_tlc

I tend to agree but we shall see. I picked four random cruises and have been tracking prices since the beginning of September --- not every day, just on Fridays. I'll keep it up through about October 20th or 27th. Also will check on 10/3 and 10/4. Here is what one looks like so far. Celebrity Ascent - 2/2/2025 - 7N Eastern Caribbean Category 9/1/2023 9/8/2023 9/15/2023 9/22/2023 9/29/2023 10/3/2023 10/4/2023 E2 $ 4,457 $ 4,542 $ 4,667 $ 4,467 Aqua - A1 $ 5,856 $ 6,131 $ 6,256 $ 6,131 Sky Suite $ 11,094 $ 10,939 $ 11,094 $ 10,969

We got cancelled on the Beyond TA and Apex TA, which they offered as an option to the Beyond TA. After no price protection(twice ), and no type of compensation on Apex TA, we moved to the Oceania Vista TA. It’s longer (15 days) and we got a Penthouse Suite for less per day than either of the X Sky Suite options. mac_tlc

Gee, if they had offered to move those of us on the cancelled 11/9/24 Apex TA, they probably would have had more cabins booked at prices higher than they are asking now. Now it seems they are struggling to fill the ship. Imagine. mac_tlc

Clever marketing, but VV is not on my radar. I'm not their target customer and I have no desire to try them. mac_tlc

OMG I love the almond croissant! We had Mr. Kennedy on one of our Edge cruises. All of his talks were very informative. mac_tlc

Enjoying your review! We did the Arctic Circle cruise on Jewel in June and it was fabulous. We did the Loen Skylift in Olden and it was a highlight ! One of the best cruises we have done. mac_tlc

Be glad they didn’t want to go on Icon !!!! mac_tlc

No problem applying it to an existing booking before final payment. mac_tlc

Sounds like a trip down to Guest Services to get an extra room key is in order. mac_tlc

Thank you for reporting on your experience. I hope you and your friends noted this in the post-cruise surveys. mac_tlc

We don't mind CoCo Cay, but another loud blaring area is not what we are looking for. Couple that with the insane suite prices on almost every ship, the reduced menus, the once a day stateroom service, the incredible ICON prices, Utopia doing 3/4 day jaunts and we are not interested. Times change, I guess. After 29 Royal cruises we are out ------ unless the grandkids demand a trip to the splash pad.... mac_tlc