Considering RCI

[shenaniganzz]

We're fresh off a Disney cruise (the extended one) and planning our next cruise. Ironically DH and I were never interested in cruising but I enjoyed it and DH did too - at the beginning before being stuck. We weren't too impressed with how Disney handled everything, so we are considering another cruise line for next year.

 

One of the pros was definitely the food - it was great to visit islands but get to eat a quality of food we are used to onboard. I also liked the variety of activities onboard that you get to do in addition to excursions on islands.

 

One of the downsides was feeling a bit rushed. I think DH would prefer a cruise where you get more than one day on some/all stops. Are there any RCI ships that do this besides Bermuda?

 

Any suggestions on itinerary? I really like the idea of the Oasis of the Seas - it looks beautiful but admittedly I haven't really looked at any of the others. And what about hidden costs? With Disney there were not very many hidden charges or surcharges though some of them were annoying - ie. juice was free to grab at the buffet but if you ordered it 50 ft. away at a bar, they charged you. :rolleyes: Is there a package you can buy for unlimited non-alcoholic beverages, etc?

 

Anyway, I would love to hear the good, the bad and the ugly to help us decide.

 

TIA :)

[fubarsbabe]

there is a mine of information on these boards to help you choose, however with all cruise lines you will read a mix of good and bad reviews but many cruisers have said they prefer disney for many parts of their cruise and disney for other parts its all a matter of taste, there are lots more activities on board and as a past disney cruiser i would say far more for all age groups. Not sure of any that spend more than a day in one port , food is a matter of taste and there a lots of people that rave about the rccl food especially the speciality restaurants on board, we are taking our first rccl in april so can't say first hand. Extras you need to allow for are similar to disney , booze, spa , photos , speciality restaurants, shore trips, shops, casino etc. You can get tea , iced tea , lemonade etc free on board and you can also buy an unlimited soda card and they have wine packages if thats your thing. hope this helps

[TheWog]

Beyond Bermuda I don't think you will find an extended stay at any particular port, maybe an overnight in Nassau. A western itinerary will give you a chance to see other popular cruise ports who have excursions down to a science. Sorry you were on the wind delayed Magic cruise, but that is the exception, not the rule. You can purchase wine packages, soda packages, etc. on RCI, but not necessarily drink packages. There are drink specials each day and ask to not have a specialty glass and that too will reduce the price. Similar to Palo there are fee restaurants on RCI ships. There is also a casino. Costs will be better than Disney when you compare similar or better RCI ships and itineraries. We are a newer, much larger Freedom class ship, same week and itinerary for over $1200 less than Disney next year. They are building a new ship, but that is for shorter cruises only at this point. CC is worth the price seeing at least once, but now you can try other things. Trying to think of other hidden charges type stuff not found on Disney, but can't at this point.

[shenaniganzz]

^ Thanks for the info, I appreciate it! I think I will try and convince my DH to try another cruise. I am considering leaving our DD with my family this time... I think having 3 kids in tow (DD + 2 nieces) made eveything seem more hectic. It didn't help (though fun for them) that we always seemed to be running around on a schedule - pin trading, character photos, etc.! However, they had a good time and that is why we went on DCL.

 

I think it'd be nice to have an adult vacation this time.

 

As for the Disney fiasco, there is much debate over why we got stranded. Personally I believe it was an initial bad choice by the Captain that got us stranded when the weather rolled in. Setting that aside, I realize it's the exception but that is what ermergencies are. Not that this was a safety emergency but their poor handling of this relatively minor problem turned me off and made me skittish about their abilities if something REALLY bad happened.

 

Thanks for the pricing info.. I think even with the Oasis we'll still be paying less than with DCL - more $$ to spend on extras! ;)

[knittinggirl]

We've been on six cruises via RCI, and the only one that stays in longer than one day may be the 4-Night Bahamas in Nassau.

 

Just keep in mind that if you want to try more activities, you have a great reason to book the same itinerary again! It gives you the chance try another excursion, and maybe the next time those excursions that were out of your price bracket will be in a better position to handle them.

 

We had that problem on our first Alaska cruise. If you choose Alaska, ask your TA if he knows which (if any) send you to the Mendenhall Glacier for free.

[mjldvlks]

. . . One of the downsides was feeling a bit rushed. I think DH would prefer a cruise where you get more than one day on some/all stops. Are there any RCI ships that do this besides Bermuda?. . .

There are some, but I think on any more or less mass market cruise line you will find them few and far between. In addition to the ones mentioned, I think there might be some on Med cruises [Venice comes to mind] if you are so inclined.

[LBumb]

only cruise for more than one day we have had was Bermuda.

[cb at sea]

There are some LUXURY lines that spend longer times in more "out of the way" ports....but cruising is NOT for truly getting to know a place....you only get a taste. Then, if you really want more time in a particular country/island that you liked...do a land-based vacation there!

[RUBBER DUCK]

We too got interested in cruising becuse of Disney. Did a 4/3 land/sea split for our honeymoon. Liked it, tried 2 carnival ships, then tried Royal Carib. Haven't changed lines since.

 

Royal is similar to Disney (at least on newer ships) in scale and niceness of the ship. I think they are on a similar scale as far as things to do and excitement. The hardest part is not knowing if you just had a less than perfect trip last time or if that's the way it is. Same with what others like about other ships. That's why we're tried so many.

[tkjohn25]

One of the downsides was feeling a bit rushed. I think DH would prefer a cruise where you get more than one day on some/all stops. Are there any RCI ships that do this besides Bermuda?

 

 

We did a cruise of hawaii that had two overnight stays. This was by far our best cruise. You should check it out.

[ERTHDOG]

[quote name='shenaniganzz;23261704

I think it'd be nice to have an adult vacation this time.

;)

 

YES' date=' you deserve to try it "adult only" indeed:)[/b']

 

we try to do ... 1 year with kids, next year without...this year it is with kids :(:D

 

dave