renech

I stumbled onto a $156 rt flight from ORD to MCO this week. So of course I had to book a short cruise. :)

Short cruises might not be the most financially smart things to do, but as a midwesterner who loves to cruise, they are worth it to me as long as airfare isn't too outrageous. If I'm able to add on some pre or post days vacation, even better.

I believe she was referring to the HH program. Never joined Hyatt program and SPG really didn't impress. Marriott's not bad

All 3 of the HH properties are cat. 5. so yes, 30K. I'm just a bit stingy about stretching my points as far as possible. :) For my dates, Doubletree is sold out, but I can get Hampton Inn for $107. Considering that, or the Radisson for $89, or Country Inn for $101.

Any advice on these 3?

It is rare to get any offer, any time, any where, for less than 30K points per night.

Actually, it depends a great deal on which loyalty program you are using. I find that my SPG and Hyatt points go farther than either Hilton or Marriott, in terms of value per point.

If you do Hilton Honors program, the Hampton, Doubletree and Hilton are all good choices. There is also a Best Western next to the pier

Thank you. There seems to be a lot of decent looking and reasonably priced options. 30K Hilton points is a lot for one night though, so I'll likely just pay with cash.

We've stayed at a couple of area hotels. Residence Inn is close to the cruise terminal and very nice, but not close to the beach at all. Courtyard Marriott is more in the center of Cocoa Beach, has a walkway to the beach, and is also a nice property. No free breakfast at the Courtyard however.

The Courtyard sounds nice. I just read about Cortrans shuttle for $20pp, and reconsidering getting a cheap car rental. But I want to make sure we're at a place that we can walk to the beach and hopefully restaurant/shops. We've always stayed in Orlando before, so I'm looking forward to checking out Cocoa Beach.

The stretch cabins do not have curtains from our experience!

Which cabin did you have?

I can't answer your question:( ...but I have one for you. What about the JS - do they have shower curtains or something else?

Actually, I was mistaken, we were in a RFS when we did Enchantment You'd think I'd remember that as it was my only time in a real suite! But as someone mentioned, the JS cabins have tubs with curtains.

To my knowledge, non-suite staterooms in the stretched section have shower doors. The older staterooms have shower curtains.

 

Starboard is good for leaving the port.

Thanks, Bob. :) I think I'll switch then. I'm assuming there are no other significant differences? I'm also doing some research for our 1 day pre-cruise. Do you have a favorite Cocoa Beach hotel recommendation that's conveniently located?

Booking a sort of last minute 3-day getaway next month on Enchantment. I have sailed her before but only in a JS, and this time I'm looking at a D1.

What I have now is cabin 7594, but I'm reading that only the stretch cabins have the rocketship shower doors, and the others have the dreaded curtains. Anyone know if this is true? There is one cabin available in the stretch area which I could switch to if this is the situation. Although it's a bit farther from the elevators, I'll gladly walk a bit more to avoid that clingy curtain!

Also, any opinions on Port or Starboard being a better choice for port views?

Thanks. :)

Once I've figured out what category or categories I"m thinking of looking at, I find the http://www.royalcaribbean.co.uk/ is most helpful to see which cabins are actually available within that category. I'm there more often than I am the US site, and I live in the US.

Thank you for this. I have always used that other site before (the German) one, but this is great to know. :)

Thank you for this detailed review, with all the lovely photos. I haven't been on the Oasis class in years, so it's nice to have a refresher course. :)

I'm sharing this with other family members before our family cruise next year.

Thanks for the updates. I'm still trying to convince the DH that a 3 day, in March, is worth the travel to get there.

I've never cruised that region, in that time of year, so pardon the "newb" questions. :)

Is it generally too cold to enjoy being up on deck for any length of time? How rough or calm is the sea at that time of year? Will Halifax be an official port we can disembark at and explore? I'm thinking we may need winter coats!

So has anyone heard any updates on this CTN?

Enjoying your report with all the pictures and details. We were in Boardwalk aft cabins years ago on deck 10. We will be going on the Oasis next summer with a large family group and once again booked the aft Boardwalk cabins, but on deck 11. Thanks for this updated refresher course for me. 😊 Looking forward to more!

So, could this suggest that RCI, NCL, HAL and Princess have been granted exceptions for their future scheduled sailings and that Carnival have not done so with their booked Vista sailing?

I hope you're correct.

I *just* booked the Anthem CTN. Great timing. :p

Just to follow-up, we did book the Oasis 7-day. :D We've all been on that class and loved it, and I do agree that the extra 2 days makes a difference.

I am still looking forward to Quantum class one day though... ;)

Thanks to everyone for the input!

I haven't been on the Anthem (or Quantum), but just returned last week from my first cruise on an Oasis Class ship. Oasis was amazing!!! I'm sure Anthem will be amazing too, but I can't find a justified reason to choose 5 nights over 7. Stick with the longer cruise, as they're both great ships!

Thanks. The more I think about it, the more I am in agreement about the 2 extra days. I really want to see Bermuda, but at least St. Kitts would be a new port for all of us.

I have done both classes and I was wow'd by both (and others agree with me).

 

I'm with Hoopster, take the longer cruise.

Definitely leaning Oasis for the group.

I'm thinking I need to book an Anthem cruise just for the DH and myself. :cool:

Quantum was incredible for me, Way more wow than Oasis by a mile. Some people truly hated Quantum, some loved it. Imho the bottom line in your situation is this:

7 nights vs, 5? Same price? Hands down winner is Oasis.

Besides the 5 vs. 7 days, Quantum Class is such a totally different ship, you will not recognize it when you board and if you're familair with RCL ships, you will not feel at home. You can put the label "ACME CruiseLines" on the side of the ship and you wouldn't know the difference. If your personality is that you do not like change, and especially if you do not like making your own decisions/reservations for all the various activities, then stick to Oasis.

 

And this is coming from a Quantum Class lover... I would choose 7 days on Oasis over 5 in Anthem. Anthem really needs more than 5 days to really enjoy her to her fullest for everything there is to offer. Save that for another cruise minimum 7 nights :D

Very helpful input, thank you.

I actually can't wait to try the Anthem because I look forward to something different for a change. I'm thinking the familiarity of Oasis might make things a little easier with a group though. And the 7 days vs. 5 is definitely a plus in the Oasis column.

I guess I'm wondering if the WoW factor of the Anthem is enough to compensate for the 2 fewer days. I know the bottom-line is a subjective call but I do appreciate the informed input. :)

We are considering a multi-family trip next summer and I am tearing my hair out trying to decide which ship! I would dearly LOVE and appreciate input from my fellow experienced RC cruisers.

With our relatively short window we are looking at either the Anthem 5-day to Bermuda, or Oasis 7-day (Nassau, St. Thomas, St. Kitts). Prices are fairly close to each other (which makes DH vote Oasis for the extra 2 days, hands down!)

Background - Our group is comprised of several families, ages from late teens to mid-50's. We have all cruised several ships before, but no one has been on Quantum class yet.

Bermuda and St. Kitts would be new ports for all of us.

So... any general input from those who have been on both? We do love the Oasis class, but are tempted by the chance to try a new class. However, we do like a lot of ship activities, and we are familiar with the Oasis. How does the Anthem compare in terms of promenade dance parties, Quest game, pool games? Our younger members are big flow-rider fans so thank goodness that's on both ships.

Is dining with a large group any more difficult on the Anthem with all the various restaurants?

Yes, I've been trying to read up on various threads, but some direct comparisons would be wonderful to have.

Thank you! :)

it seems that I got a cheaper cabin because it doesn't fit 3 in the cabin, even though we paid for 3. It fits 1 bed, not 2 beds.

 

Just got off the phone, they admit it was their mistake and will call me back as to what they will do, because no more cabins available for the 3 of us. They may give us a connecting room at no additional cost....still not happy about this

Several years ago, our booking was mishandled by RC and we were given a connecting room at no cost. It was wonderful since we had 2 kids with us.

I couldn't have been happier at the resolution that was offered by RC. Mistakes happen, but a good company tries its best to accommodate. I hope you have a similar experience and enjoy your cruise.

FYI. Apparently the bottle of champagne is no longer included.

I'm sure it wasn't high-end or anything but it was a nice offset to the $200 price tag.

I say do it. It was absolutely everything we were expecting it would be. OK, it's a bit of a hike to the beach but the quiet, the relaxation, the quality and availability of the food. We took our MDR table mates (Mother and Daughter traveling together) and a couple from the CL. I'd do it again in a second.:D

We decided to take the plunge and get a cabana.

Now to cross our fingers that the weather cooperates and we don't have to skip the port!

Thanks again, everyone. :)

Thank you to all for the pictures and input! Love the iguanas (and sushi!).

Now trying to decide about the cabanas. The luncheon does look really nice, but not sure if it's $200 nice. :eek:

Although for 4 of us spending the day there, $50 each for a nice lunch along with the other perks doesn't sound too bad.

Perhaps I missed something but the only special lunch offering that we have seen on Labadee or Coco Cay has been for the Cabana and Gold Card people. At one time I believe D+ were included but now I believe it is just Suites. I fear you will be stuck with the pack and the long lines at the buffet of lukewarm burgers, dogs and corn!

We will be in a suite, so you do think they still offer something?

I am not a crazy picky eater, but I have a hard time finding anything appealing at that buffet.

It used to be offered and is now no longer available. As Bob confirmed

Here is where it was at (Coco Cay)

It was just a small area for nibbles and drinks;)

 

Yes, that's it. I do remember having small sandwiches, and some salads available too. I really liked it as a small but nice option on the private islands. It always seemed well attended, so I'm a little surprised they stopped offering it.