SNemeth

Just wanted to add our experience as we sailed Disney and Royal when my children were young (now adults). My son is on the autism spectrum, but like they say if you have seen one person with autism, you have seen one person with autism. In our experience the Disney programs have a lot less structure, but all the bells and whistles. They pack a lot of technology into the clubs and that can be enthralling for a lot of kids. Both of my kids liked the clubs on Disney, and they got one on one attention when they chose to sit down and do things like crafts etc that not a lot of kids were doing, but if they wanted to spend time playing computer games they were solo a lot. They also had a lot of choice as to what they did at any moment. If a child need structured activities and guidance in making choices they may not have thrived in the environment. Royal was completely different for us as they relied on organized activities without the high tech distractions. Unfortunately, a lot of times participation in the scheduled activity was required and there were no other options if it did not appeal to the child. By that time, luckily we felt comfortable with our kids being able to check themselves out and if together go get a slice of pizza or find something else to do. If they were alone they had the option to come to use (we always told them where we would be) or go back to the cabin. I guess my point is that the programs are very different and one really needs to look at their child's interests and abilities in deciding whether it is a good fit. But, in neither instance will children get a lot of individual attention.

Lost a hat on the pier in Costa Maya once when the wind took it off my head. Either wear a strap or take the chance with a hat you do not mind losing.

I realize that. They have said that they cannot fix it on Liberty and it needs to be replaced. My point is if it was so easy to replace on Navigator when it was still working, but in tough shape, then why the lack of love for Liberty? Certainly they are not backordered more than a year, if they were able to get a new one for Navigator.

They call it Maine lobster now. It is actually a North Atlantic Lobster so the same species as Maine, but they are sourcing it in Canada. This is according to an upper management staff member who was interviewed on a popular Royal Caribbean Podcast.

Then why haven't they replaced it on Liberty? It has literally been broken for more than a year.

I doubt it too, but some in my party have it on their wish list. Our next cruise is Oasis and we are not on Liberty until May 2024, so we will keep hoping.

Lots of reports from recent cruisers about the entire ship doing a lot of shaking. I bet it is to fix this issue. If some other issues get addressed that would be great too. If they have the screen all set they could do that at the same time. Too much to hope that small improvements like freestyle machines and maybe laser tag could happen at the same time? Crossing my fingers.

You can always call and switch to a non refundable deposit closer to sail date if the price of the non refundable is less than what you booked at. They will refund the difference or you can use it to upgrade to nicer room if the math works out.

Allure is the only Oasis class ship without itineraries already released for May-September 2024. That will be your only hope through then. Maybe after that.

No, Spring break is over in May. I must have misunderstood and thought you would be there in April. Spring break in the US is March and April, with the first week or so in March and the last week in April being slightly lighter crowds than the rest of the weeks.

I second this. Disney during Spring break will be wall to wall people especially during fireworks etc. I have been on both Freedom and Oasis class ships at full capacity and never felt as crowded as a theme park during a peak time period.

Regardless of whether the request is connecting or joining there is no guarantee unless you pay the higher rate to pick your cabin. Best to be prepared to be in different locations and then it is a bonus if you aren't. If you will not be happy being apart it would be best to call and ask how much it would be to upgrade to pick your own rooms.

I was listening to The Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast today and the information that the host was given by Royal was that all Royal Amplification is currently on hold for financial reason. The pandemic put Royal (and all companies in huge debt) and they just don't want to spend the money right now. She did go in for her short mandatory drydock in 2021, and usually drydock happens every 5 years. I really hope it gets amplified before our May 2024 cruise, but I am not getting my hopes up.

Think about the type of music you hate the most and consider how it would affect your enjoyment of the balcony you paid for if your neighbor played that music when you wanted to enjoy your balcony.

In April we were in a suite on Indy. The suite concierge emailed us about 5 days before our sailing.

Our sailing on Independence in April was at about 95% capacity. At that time the only unsold cabins were those they held back for quarantine and those who tested positive who were denied boarding. Being on the ship everything felt like business as usual.