dsvd79 Posted April 9, 2017 #3026 Share Posted April 9, 2017 But hasn't Quantum been Asianised? They took the music hall and other rooms out for a bigger casino? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MindyJohn Posted April 9, 2017 #3027 Share Posted April 9, 2017 Can someone recap the speculation about Vision's delayed deployment after her October 2018 transatlantic back to Miami? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hoopster95 Posted April 9, 2017 #3028 Share Posted April 9, 2017 Geoff2802, I hope your guesses are wrong because that means the number of ports that can berth the ships reduce, then the cruises become all about the ship rather than destination calls. This post resonated to me... I feel this is exactly what Royal wants... mega ships comprised only of Voyager/Freedom/Oasis and Q Classes, less ports, thousands more stay on board to spend more money. The Royal cruise experience is evolving into ship focus and not at all itinerary focus. If you want great itineraries, you have to start thinking about leaving Royal Whatever ship that would eventually replace Radiance, assuming it alternates with the Alaska itinerary as Radiance currently does, would also have to "fit" into the Alaskan ports of call. I'm thinking specifically of fitting under the bridge in Vancouver. Lots of "ifs." Another great post. Radiance Class has been a staple out of Vancouver for years (before it was Vision). HA and Princess has super old ships still operating up here due to the Lion's Gate Bridge height constraints and I think they will continue to do so to get them into Vancouver. Perhaps the final Radiance Class to exist in RCL when they are being sold will be doing the Alaska run (such as the revamped Empress to go to Cuba). Radiance is THE perfect ship for Alaska... along with Q Class!! The only way Q Class comes to Alaska is to take over for Explorer, which makes perfect sense in my humble opinion. And I think that Q Class (only about 100ft longer than Solstice) can easily fit into Juneau and Skagway as Explorer and Solstice does by looking at all my photos of sail-in and sail-aways. But what do I know... maybe that extra 100ft length of the ship etc has issues in some of the ports, or getting her into Tracy Arm or Endicott Fjord for glacier viewing? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
suzyluvs2cruise Posted April 9, 2017 #3029 Share Posted April 9, 2017 This post resonated to me... I feel this is exactly what Royal wants... mega ships comprised only of Voyager/Freedom/Oasis and Q Classes, less ports, thousands more stay on board to spend more money. The Royal cruise experience is evolving into ship focus and not at all itinerary focus. If you want great itineraries, you have to start thinking about leaving Royal. I think you may be right. Each year I eagerly await the new itineraries only to be disappointed. So far this year's releases are taking ports/itineraries away and not adding anything new and exciting. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joandian Posted April 9, 2017 #3030 Share Posted April 9, 2017 Nope, was changed to TBD... http://creative.rccl.com/Sales/Royal/Deployment/2017_2018/17054855_Deployment_OpeningSchedule_Flyer.pdf Ok thanks. I was getting all excited and ready to book. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joandian Posted April 9, 2017 #3031 Share Posted April 9, 2017 Geoff2802, I hope your guesses are wrong because that means the number of ports that can berth the ships reduce, then the cruises become all about the ship rather than destination calls. There are already too many Australasia and Pacific Island port calls that other lines do which Royal goes nowhere near, so it becomes like the Caribbean same old same old. Sent from my GT-I9300 using Forums mobile app Me too. I enjoy the Voyager class and smaller ships and hate the mega liners. We went on Oasis once and decided it was way too big and crowded for us. We cruise to go somewhere not to just enjoy the ship. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MAS2017 Posted April 9, 2017 #3032 Share Posted April 9, 2017 Me too. I enjoy the Voyager class and smaller ships and hate the mega liners. We went on Oasis once and decided it was way too big and crowded for us. We cruise to go somewhere not to just enjoy the ship. While I agree with this, I'm now finding when I sail out of Australia I'm looking more for the experience of the ship - there are limited ports Australian based ships sail to and we've done them all already. I find I do international sailings based on the ports and prefer Aussie ones for the ship. So in this instance I'd love them to bring a mega liner here. In saying that, I've never done an Oasis class or Quantum class (I've been worried they're too big). I've got Harmony booked next year and will do Ovation when it comes back so will see how they are. The largest I've done is Freedom class and was happy with that. With the ships being too big for ports down here, you can see that already with Ovation. It doesn't do any of the tropical pacific islands and only goes to New Zealand. Maybe Royal will do what they did in the Caribbean and improve the ports in those islands? Sent from my iPhone using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
springaussie Posted April 9, 2017 #3033 Share Posted April 9, 2017 Whatever ship that would eventually replace Radiance, assuming it alternates with the Alaska itinerary as Radiance currently does, would also have to "fit" into the Alaskan ports of call. I'm thinking specifically of fitting under the bridge in Vancouver. Lots of "ifs." An Asian/ China ship could replace Radiance in Australia and the Alaskan Radiance Class come thru the Panama. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
geoff2802 Posted April 9, 2017 #3034 Share Posted April 9, 2017 An Asian/ China ship could replace Radiance in Australia and the Alaskan Radiance Class come thru the Panama. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Or Radiance home ports in Brisbane and continues to do the TP and Alaska. This would be handy for you guys up there. Has the new Brisbane terminal been approved yet? To me it looks very likely to be built. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
springaussie Posted April 10, 2017 #3035 Share Posted April 10, 2017 Or Radiance home ports in Brisbane and continues to do the TP and Alaska. This would be handy for you guys up there. Has the new Brisbane terminal been approved yet? To me it looks very likely to be built. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Approved in principle yesterday new Brisbane Terminal. http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/agreement-reached-over-new-brisbane-megacruise-ship-terminal-20170409-gvgz7t.html Melbourne Ports claim Radiance is doing 3 turnarounds in January and February 2019. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LEtue Posted April 10, 2017 #3036 Share Posted April 10, 2017 Whatever ship that would eventually replace Radiance, assuming it alternates with the Alaska itinerary as Radiance currently does, would also have to "fit" into the Alaskan ports of call. I'm thinking specifically of fitting under the bridge in Vancouver. Lots of "ifs." Total agreement and I would never sail the Explorer in Alaska based on the horrible itinerary. Not to mention that the itineraries that interest me are port intensive and the amount of passengers getting off is an issue. Even more so In Alaska where the ports towns are small..... I just changed from the Symphony to the Jewel in the Med because I don't think there is any advantage to a mega ship there either. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skiiergirl Posted April 10, 2017 #3037 Share Posted April 10, 2017 This post resonated to me... I feel this is exactly what Royal wants... mega ships comprised only of Voyager/Freedom/Oasis and Q Classes, less ports, thousands more stay on board to spend more money. The Royal cruise experience is evolving into ship focus and not at all itinerary focus. If you want great itineraries, you have to start thinking about leaving Royal Another great post. Radiance Class has been a staple out of Vancouver for years (before it was Vision). HA and Princess has super old ships still operating up here due to the Lion's Gate Bridge height constraints and I think they will continue to do so to get them into Vancouver. Perhaps the final Radiance Class to exist in RCL when they are being sold will be doing the Alaska run (such as the revamped Empress to go to Cuba). Radiance is THE perfect ship for Alaska... along with Q Class!! The only way Q Class comes to Alaska is to take over for Explorer, which makes perfect sense in my humble opinion. And I think that Q Class (only about 100ft longer than Solstice) can easily fit into Juneau and Skagway as Explorer and Solstice does by looking at all my photos of sail-in and sail-aways. But what do I know... maybe that extra 100ft length of the ship etc has issues in some of the ports, or getting her into Tracy Arm or Endicott Fjord for glacier viewing? I was told several months ago by a very reliable source that OA class will be able to sail to Aruba, Curaçao, more southern islands, etc within a few years. (thinking 2019 but might have said 2020) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
geoff2802 Posted April 10, 2017 #3038 Share Posted April 10, 2017 Approved in principle yesterday new Brisbane Terminal. http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/agreement-reached-over-new-brisbane-megacruise-ship-terminal-20170409-gvgz7t.html Melbourne Ports claim Radiance is doing 3 turnarounds in January and February 2019. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Excellent. I wonder whether a Radiance class ship is a possible year round option from Brisbane. Unlikely perhaps given the revenue they can make in Alaska and on the two TPs. Perhaps Princess homeporting Golden is tempting Royal to give Melbourne a try? Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mommykim Posted April 10, 2017 #3039 Share Posted April 10, 2017 I am looking for a silver lining for the TBD on Australia. On the plus side I will be on a cruise ship most likely when it releases. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MsDolly Posted April 10, 2017 #3040 Share Posted April 10, 2017 I am looking for a silver lining for the TBD on Australia. On the plus side I will be on a cruise ship most likely when it releases. Well I personally am going to be very frustrated if it doesn't happen sooner then latter.:( Belinda Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pspercy Posted April 10, 2017 #3041 Share Posted April 10, 2017 Can someone recap the speculation about Vision's delayed deployment after her October 2018 transatlantic back to Miami? It's all gone quiet:cool: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pspercy Posted April 10, 2017 #3042 Share Posted April 10, 2017 Geoff2802, I hope your guesses are wrong because that means the number of ports that can berth the ships reduce, then the cruises become all about the ship rather than destination calls. There are already too many Australasia and Pacific Island port calls that other lines do which Royal goes nowhere near, so it becomes like the Caribbean same old same old. Sent from my GT-I9300 using Forums mobile app That's what I've been thinking for a while. Even in the Caribbean seems like there's no attempt to show any imagination in new itineraries and so on, very disappointing.:loudcry: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Biker19 Posted April 10, 2017 #3043 Share Posted April 10, 2017 I was told several months ago by a very reliable source that OA class will be able to sail to Aruba, Curaçao, more southern islands, etc within a few years. (thinking 2019 but might have said 2020) Oasis class could go to ABC islands tomorrow if warranted, the problem is they can't get there in the weekly 7 day cycle (and do all the ports) from FL ports. I suppose once they have 4 O class in FL, they could sprinkle in 9 or 10 day itineraries to break up the usual 7 day ones. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CRUISEBOY305 Posted April 10, 2017 #3044 Share Posted April 10, 2017 Deployment flyers for Vision have vanished [emoji33] Sent from my iPhone using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WaveSplasher Posted April 10, 2017 #3045 Share Posted April 10, 2017 At least till 2019 Part of Radiance Schedule ( I'm guessing this is the Australia Top end Itinerary) Probably Bali is scheduled Radiance Of The Seas is in Perth on 20th march 2019 Radiance Of The Seas is in Darwin on the 28th march 2019 Raidance Of The Seas is overnighting in Carins on 31 March 2019 and leaving on 1st April 2019 ( Tender) Voyager Of The Seas is in Cairns on 20 April 2019 on a repositioning back to Singapore ( Previous Port: Airlie Beach, Next Port: Darwin 23 April) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
harz99 Posted April 10, 2017 #3046 Share Posted April 10, 2017 So Radiance is doing clockwise circumnavigation in 2019. Sent from my GT-I9300 using Forums mobile app Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hoopster95 Posted April 10, 2017 #3047 Share Posted April 10, 2017 I was told several months ago by a very reliable source that OA class will be able to sail to Aruba, Curaçao, more southern islands, etc within a few years. (thinking 2019 but might have said 2020) Yes, good call. I remember Aruba & Curacao were discussed in a thread or two quite a while back (maybe last year's deployment thread??) regarding trying to find new ports for Oasis Class. However with entertainment bookings, drink packages, loading/off loading ship schedules, re-stocking food and supplies during cruise, staffing, schedules geared toward family cruising, kids out of school, etc (probably hundreds other issues) I can only guees that a Saturday-to-Saturday or Sunday-to-Sunday schedule are what I believe RCL deems as necessary to fill the ship, and the want Oasis Class to be the focus in order to maximize revenue and not the itinerary. So where does Oasis Class home port from in order to get to both Aruba and Curacao in a 7 day cruise? The only option I see is from San Juan, 2 days at sea, stop at at Aruba + Curacao, then 2 days at sea back to San Juan for a 7 day cruise. She can then do a St Martin/St Thomas/St Kitts eastern itinerary the next week which could then be a decent b2b for those who can stay on for 14 days. I think Oasis from San Juan could be problematic for families concerning airfare costs for an entire family. So unless RCL plans for more than just the norm 7-day cruises from Miami or FLL, I don't think Oasis goes to the southern route. I guess they will gauge how Freedom Class does down there this coming season. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hoopster95 Posted April 10, 2017 #3048 Share Posted April 10, 2017 Yes, good call. I remember Aruba & Curacao were discussed in a thread or two quite a while back (maybe last year's deployment thread??) regarding trying to find new ports for Oasis Class. However with entertainment bookings, drink packages, loading/off loading ship schedules, re-stocking food and supplies during cruise, staffing, schedules geared toward family cruising, kids out of school, etc (probably hundreds other issues) I can only guees that a Saturday-to-Saturday or Sunday-to-Sunday schedule are what I believe RCL deems as necessary to fill the ship, and the want Oasis Class to be the focus in order to maximize revenue and not the itinerary. So where does Oasis Class home port from in order to get to both Aruba and Curacao in a 7 day cruise? The only option I see is from San Juan, 2 days at sea, stop at at Aruba + Curacao, then 2 days at sea back to San Juan for a 7 day cruise. She can then do a St Martin/St Thomas/St Kitts eastern itinerary the next week which could then be a decent b2b for those who can stay on for 14 days. I think Oasis from San Juan could be problematic for families concerning airfare costs for an entire family. So unless RCL plans for more than just the norm 7-day cruises from Miami or FLL, I don't think Oasis goes to the southern route. I guess they will gauge how Freedom Class does down there this coming season. Oasis class could go to ABC islands tomorrow if warranted, the problem is they can't get there in the weekly 7 day cycle (and do all the ports) from FL ports. I suppose once they have 4 O class in FL, they could sprinkle in 9 or 10 day itineraries to break up the usual 7 day ones. Just saw Biker's response... I guess I repeated it :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
internetwhiz Posted April 10, 2017 #3049 Share Posted April 10, 2017 Deployment flyers for Vision have vanished [emoji33] Sent from my iPhone using Forums So strange. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ckelly14 Posted April 10, 2017 #3050 Share Posted April 10, 2017 I booked my West Med cruise RT from Barcelona on Symphony when they first opened . I was checking the website today and now it is offering cruises departing from Rome as well. Looks like they are doing alternating ports on the same circuit like NCL does with their ships. When did this happen? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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