First Timer with TONS of questions

[tx2tn]

Hello all and thank you Pete for adding this forum.

My wife and I have never cruised before so we have lots of questions. We are veteran WDW travelers but this is a complete different thing. We are planning this trip for 2015. Just the two of us. 7 days to the Caribbean.

1. When is the best time to cruise? We usually go to WDW in September or October. We would prefer NOT to go when its a 100 degrees out.

2. Is there a best port to disembark from? Perhaps one that has hotels very close by?

3. Travel Agent or not. We are DVC Members so we are used to planning our Disney trips ourselves but should we use an agent for a cruise. Is it cheaper if you do? What about travel insurance, do you use it?

4. What sections of a ship are best for your stateroom? Forward? Aft? Midship? Port? starboard? High up level or closer to the water line? We are planning for at least a balcony room. Can you select your room location?

5. We were thinking of the Oasis Class since it's one of the largest. What do you think for first timers? Is one of the Oasis ships better than the other?

6. East or West Caribbean?

7. When should we make our reservation? Are the prices cheapest further out or closer in?

8. Does Royal Caribbean ever have discounts or specials? If so how do you get them? Can they be applied after you have already booked?

9. Any excursions that are "Must Do's" (as Stacy would say) LOL

10. Please give us your tips, recommendations, suggestions or words of wisdom on cruising. We need all the help we can get.

Chuck

 

[sayhello]

Hello all and thank you Pete for adding this forum.

My wife and I have never cruised before so we have lots of questions. We are veteran WDW travelers but this is a complete different thing. We are planning this trip for 2015. Just the two of us. 7 days to the Caribbean.

1. When is the best time to cruise? We usually go to WDW in September or October. We would prefer NOT to go when its a 100 degrees out. February is a great time to cruise. It can be more expensive, though, because a lot of people like to get out of the cold of winter. But it's not as bad as the summer, when kids are out of school. September and October are during hurricane season, so you might have weather issues that affect either getting to or the itinerary of your cruise.

2. Is there a best port to disembark from? Perhaps one that has hotels very close by? Most ports have hotels close by. It really depends on what itinerary and and ship you want. And if it matters how far you are from the airport, etc.

3. Travel Agent or not. We are DVC Members so we are used to planning our Disney trips ourselves but should we use an agent for a cruise. Is it cheaper if you do? What about travel insurance, do you use it? Since you have never cruised before, I would definitely recommend using a TA. Find one who is a specialist in the line you want to sail on. There are SO MANY options involved in cruising (ship, itinerary, cruise length, cabins, etc) that there are probably questions you don't even know you should be asking. A good TA can help with all that. It is not cheaper to use a TA. Most cruiselines do not allow TAs to discount cruises. However, many TA's (like DU) offer things like onboard credits that you can use for expenses while you're on the ship.

Travel insurance is usually a good idea when you travel outside the US. Most medical insurance is not good outside of the US, so if you get ill or injured while on the trip, or need to be evacuated back to the US, it could end up costing a fortune. The ship is considered to be "outside the US" as almost all cruiseships are registered in foreign countries. Whether or not you get insurance to cover the cost of the cruise depends on whether you could afford to lose the price of the cruise or not, pay to get to a foreign port if you miss the ship, etc. I like checking prices on www.insuremytrip.com before deciding on buying the cruiseline's insurance or not.

4. What sections of a ship are best for your stateroom? Forward? Aft? Midship? Port? starboard? High up level or closer to the water line? We are planning for at least a balcony room. Can you select your room location? Since you are first-time cruisers and likely don't know if you are affected by sea-sickness or not, lower and closest to the middle of the ship is best because the lower & more midship you are, the more stable it is. You can select your room as long as the category of room you want still has cabins available. If it doesn't, you can go for a "Guarantee" room, which guarantees you a room in that category or higher, but you don't get a choice of where the cabin is.

5. We were thinking of the Oasis Class since it's one of the largest. What do you think for first timers? Is one of the Oasis ships better than the other? I haven't sailed on the Oasis Class ships yet. But I do hear a lot of people love them.

6. East or West Caribbean? What do you like to do? What do you want to see? Is there a reason why you're limiting it to these two choices? There are lots of other itineraries available.

7. When should we make our reservation? Are the prices cheapest further out or closer in? Generally, the further out you book, the cheaper the prices are. Unless you can be really flexible and book at the last minute if a special comes up, I'd book early.

8. Does Royal Caribbean ever have discounts or specials? If so how do you get them? Can they be applied after you have already booked? That's something a good TA can help you with. They'll monitor for specials, etc. I believe most of them can be applied once you're already booked, as long as you haven't paid in full. Once you have paid in full, you can't lower your cruise fare, but (at least this was the RCCL policy in 2010) if there's a higher category cabin available now at the same price you paid, you can request an upgrade at no cost.

9. Any excursions that are "Must Do's" (as Stacy would say) LOL Depends on where you are going and what you like to do.

10. Please give us your tips, recommendations, suggestions or words of wisdom on cruising. We need all the help we can get. I HIGHLY recommend arriving at least a day or two ahead of time for your cruise. If something were to happen to make you late (weather, mechanical issues, etc) and you miss the ship, it's a pain and expensive to catch up with the ship. The ship, in general, will not wait for you. Why stress yourself out like that?

Chuck

Sayhello

 

[Jerseylicious]

Hello all and thank you Pete for adding this forum. My wife and I have never cruised before so we have lots of questions. We are veteran WDW travelers but this is a complete different thing. We are planning this trip for 2015. Just the two of us. 7 days to the Caribbean. 1. When is the best time to cruise? We usually go to WDW in September or October. We would prefer NOT to go when its a 100 degrees out. 2. Is there a best port to disembark from? Perhaps one that has hotels very close by? 3. Travel Agent or not. We are DVC Members so we are used to planning our Disney trips ourselves but should we use an agent for a cruise. Is it cheaper if you do? What about travel insurance, do you use it? 4. What sections of a ship are best for your stateroom? Forward? Aft? Midship? Port? starboard? High up level or closer to the water line? We are planning for at least a balcony room. Can you select your room location? 5. We were thinking of the Oasis Class since it's one of the largest. What do you think for first timers? Is one of the Oasis ships better than the other? 6. East or West Caribbean? 7. When should we make our reservation? Are the prices cheapest further out or closer in? 8. Does Royal Caribbean ever have discounts or specials? If so how do you get them? Can they be applied after you have already booked? 9. Any excursions that are "Must Do's" (as Stacy would say) LOL 10. Please give us your tips, recommendations, suggestions or words of wisdom on cruising. We need all the help we can get. Chuck

Hi chuck!! Here are some of my opinions and answers:

1. We like to go either in October, November, or December or April. Not blazing hot and not cool.

2. Usually any cruise port that I've used have hotels nearby....Miami, Bayonne, Fort Lauderdale. Can't speak for all other ports, however.

3. We don't always use a TA. It is NOT cheaper if you do, however TAs will usually give incentives like onboard credit, in-cabin gifts, or they will throw in the travel insurance. And yes, our family ALWAYS gets travel insurance. We have needed it onboard a few times for visits to the doctor for asthma, virus, etc.

4. If youngest seasick, the go mid-ship forward and back-wise. Other than that, if there are venues you are interested in being near, you can pick based on that. You can select a room if it is open, yes.

5. Oasis definitely has the most options on a cruise. There are a million things to do!! I loved it!! That being said, people do have their own opinions on what size ship they like. But you will not be disappointed!!!

6. Either. They are both awesome!!!!

7. We have found that prices are the best farther out, however sometimes prices will drop and raise for other reasons. But generally, they're the best farther out and right before the cruise.

8. Royal will have WOW sales (reduced deposit) and yes they will have specials on their website. And every Tuesday they come out with specials. Just do a search for "Creative RCCL sales" and you will find the PDF.

9. We do our own excursions, since we just love to hang at the beaches

10. Cruising is HANDS DOWN our favorite vacation, and Royal Caribbean is by far our favorite cruiseline. Take advantage of the activities the ship has to offer. You will get to know the activities personnel and they will. Are SURE you have a great time!!!

Any other questions, feel free to ask!!!!

 

[d3boyz]

Like the original poster, we will be sailing with Royal Caribbean in less than one month for the first time ...

We are veteran Disney Cruise Line people, and there is a little 'fear of the unknown' here. For instance, what is this about drink packages? I know on Disney, if I'd like a soda or a coffee, I can go to the top deck and just get what I like without any problem. I cannot seem to find a straight answer about drinks (non-alcoholic) on this crusie line. Any helpful hints or ideas?

Thanks in advance,
Deb

 

[jmrothermel]

Like the original poster, we will be sailing with Royal Caribbean in less than one month for the first time ... We are vetran Disney Cruise Line people, and there is a little 'fear of the unknown' here. For instance, what is this about drink packages? I know on Disney, if I'd like a soda or a coffee, I can go to the top deck and just get what I like without any problem. I cannot seem to find a straight answer about drinks (non-alcoholic) on this crusie line. Any helpful hints or ideas? Thanks in advance, Deb

You can get a soda if A) you purchased the soda package and have unlimited sodas available or B) you purchase sodas by the can/glass. Depending how many you drink in a day determines which way you should go. Other drinks - tea, lemonade, coffee (where available) are complimentary.

 

[d3boyz]

You can get a soda if A) you purchased the soda package and have unlimited sodas available or B) you purchase sodas by the can/glass. Depending how many you drink in a day determines which way you should go. Other drinks - tea, lemonade, coffee (where available) are complimentary.

Thanks so much for the info! I simply could NOT find that detail ANYwhere! My husband was asking if he'd be just drinking from the bathroom sink for the whole trip! We're not big on much but water anyway, and rarely drink alcoholic beverages ... though I believe I will take advantage of the 'bring up to two bottles (750ml) of wine per cabin' just in case! This will be our first trip without the boys since they were born (and for one of them, that's more than 21 years ago)!

Deb

 

[woody73]

. . . We're not big on much but water anyway

Water is our drink of choice. Here's our experience:

On the Voyager Class and Freedom Class ships, there is a Promenade Cafe that offers 24 hour complimentary snacks and beverages, including coffee, tea, ice tea, and ice water.

These complimentary beverages are also available at the Windjammer buffet, generally open from 7am to 9pm. Plus, complimentary orange juice is served at breakfast.

Woody

 

[CarouselOfProgress4]

Definitely consider how many and what type beverages you drink. We paid for the soda package but realized we drank mostly water and very few sodas. So it was definitely a waste

 

[tmoret]

Hello all and thank you Pete for adding this forum.

My wife and I have never cruised before so we have lots of questions. We are veteran WDW travelers but this is a complete different thing. We are planning this trip for 2015. Just the two of us. 7 days to the Caribbean.

1. When is the best time to cruise? We usually go to WDW in September or October. We would prefer NOT to go when its a 100 degrees out.

2. Is there a best port to disembark from? Perhaps one that has hotels very close by?

3. Travel Agent or not. We are DVC Members so we are used to planning our Disney trips ourselves but should we use an agent for a cruise. Is it cheaper if you do? What about travel insurance, do you use it?

4. What sections of a ship are best for your stateroom? Forward? Aft? Midship? Port? starboard? High up level or closer to the water line? We are planning for at least a balcony room. Can you select your room location?

5. We were thinking of the Oasis Class since it's one of the largest. What do you think for first timers? Is one of the Oasis ships better than the other?

6. East or West Caribbean?

7. When should we make our reservation? Are the prices cheapest further out or closer in?

8. Does Royal Caribbean ever have discounts or specials? If so how do you get them? Can they be applied after you have already booked?

9. Any excursions that are "Must Do's" (as Stacy would say) LOL

10. Please give us your tips, recommendations, suggestions or words of wisdom on cruising. We need all the help we can get.

Chuck

Hey Chuck here are my thoughts on this....

1. For a Cruise I have found that April is the best time. It is the end of the season and seems to be less people on the islands. Also the temp is just right at about 80-85.
2. To me the best port is Ft. Lauderdale. There are many hotels that even offer a free shuttle right there to the front door.
3. This to me since you are a first timer is a yes and not question. Yes use a TA since its your first time just make sure it is a good TA. No we never get the insurance only do it if you are going in hurricane season.
4. Here is the thing since its your first time I would book as close to the middle of the ship as you can. One for walking and getting to know the ship and two for the movement of the ship.
5. YES! We have been on a lot of cruise ships and the Oasis class is our favorite class of ships. Just a warning you will be spoiled.
6. I like the East better but thats just me. We have done both and both have great things to do.
7. We make our plans farther out and then just make payment every month until full payment is due. If you book and the price drops they will match it until 90 days out.
8. Sometimes they do you just have to keep checking. This is where a GOOD TA will come in handy for you.
9. Hard to say it just depends on what you guys are into...
10. Here are a few tips I have picked up. Start taking ginsing pills about 2 days before and everyday during the cruise it helps. If you drink make sure to watch you bar bill it can really rack up. Also on all tickets for drinks the tip is already on there.

 

[Mrsjvb]

Like the original poster, we will be sailing with Royal Caribbean in less than one month for the first time ...

We are veteran Disney Cruise Line people, and there is a little 'fear of the unknown' here. For instance, what is this about drink packages? I know on Disney, if I'd like a soda or a coffee, I can go to the top deck and just get what I like without any problem. I cannot seem to find a straight answer about drinks (non-alcoholic) on this crusie line. Any helpful hints or ideas?

Thanks in advance,
Deb

Included in the fare: plain coffee, tea iced tea, lemonade and juice from concentrate. soda iS NOT INCLUDED like it is on Disney. Fresh squeezed OJ is extra, all alcohol and specialty drinks( coffees, shakes, frozen etc ) are extra.

there is a soda card that you can get( most ships) it includes an RFID chipped mug (like the resort Mugs on the DP) and access to the Soda machines for a set daily price. you can mix and match flavors. there are also some new packages being rolled out like the 'replenish' package that seems to include most non alcoholic specialties that are available. plus various alcohol packages that have drink price limits to them.

of you are in a Grand Suite or above, you will have access to the Concierge lounge, which has a nightly cocktail hour with basic wine, mixed drinks and soda by the can. nothing frozen. the CL also has a 24/7 coffee machine that dispenses lattes cappuccinos and espressos( plus plain boring coffee) and hot water with a large selection of teas and hot choccie. there is a breakfast spread in the morning pus appetizers during cocktail hour.

you may only bring on board 2 750 ML bottles of wine( nothing else alcoholic) per cabin at embarkation. if you consume it in any public venue expect tp be charged the corkage fee. you can however easily get glasses and a corkscrew to use in your cabin for no extra fee.

officially no bottled water or soda is allowed. it basically never gets confiscated unless during SpringBreak cruises.

 

[tmoret]

just saw the question on drinks. I can only speak for me when it comes to this. Our last 6 cruises on Royal we have always stopped somewhere on the way to the port and bought 2 12packs of soda and put them in a carry on. They will always check the carry on to make sure the have not been opened so DO NOT OPEN THEM! I have never had them taken from us but once again they do check them. When we get to the room I always ask to have everything from the frig. removed. Also as a side note I make sure that what we buy is Pepsi product because they only sell coke on the ship. I always go in there thinking they will take it and if they do its ok with me but they never had. Once again do not open the 12pack and only take it on carry on.

 

[Laz]

For the first cruise, I also recommend a TA that has knowledge of RCCL. The Eastern and Western Carribean routes are great first time cruise routes. However, these can be croweded because the bigger ships use these ports. For your first cruise, and big ship like the Oasis will be more comfortable for you. They are like small cities. To make sure you pre arrange things at the proper time, go to RCCL web site. They have a calendar that reminds and recommeds when to sign for packages and shows. Get a passport. It will make things much easier for you. I always get trip cancelation and interuption insurance. We had to use it twice due to family emergencies and had to leave the ship early (another reason for a passport). Insurance paid for our trip home and all related expenses plus the unused portion of our sailing. The insurance should also cover evacuation. An emergency evacuation from the ship by helicopter coule cost ten of thousands of dollars!

 

[d3boyz]

just saw the question on drinks. I can only speak for me when it comes to this. Our last 6 cruises on Royal we have always stopped somewhere on the way to the port and bought 2 12packs of soda and put them in a carry on. They will always check the carry on to make sure the have not been opened so DO NOT OPEN THEM! I have never had them taken from us but once again they do check them. When we get to the room I always ask to have everything from the frig. removed. Also as a side note I make sure that what we buy is Pepsi product because they only sell coke on the ship. I always go in there thinking they will take it and if they do its ok with me but they never had. Once again do not open the 12pack and only take it on carry on.

Great tips, thanks! I think we might try the 12-paks of Pepsi products in our carry-on and see if that gets through the process. If not, no great loss ... but sounds like it's worth the try! I also like the idea of emptying the fridge. I am not used to something like a hotel-type thing there!

Sincerely appreciated your insight!
Deb

 

[Laz]

Great tips, thanks! I think we might try the 12-paks of Pepsi products in our carry-on and see if that gets through the process. If not, no great loss ... but sounds like it's worth the try! I also like the idea of emptying the fridge. I am not used to something like a hotel-type thing there!

Sincerely appreciated your insight!
Deb

In all my years of cruising (since 1982), I have found very little need to spend much money on any type of drinks. First, my wife and I drink very little alcohol. While you do have to purchase soda, you can always get free coffee, lemonade, and ice tea in the Windjammer buffet area. However, if you drink quite a bit of soda, the carry-on 12 pack idea sounds great!

 

[jump4joy]

RCCL is a great alternative to Disney. They offer a lot of onboard activities that Disney does not.

RCCL goes out of a lot of different ports. The Freedom of the Seas goes out of Port Canaveral and it alternates between Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries. The Allure of the Seas and the Oasis of the Seas both go out of Ft Lauderdale and also do the Eastern/Western Caribbean itineraries. Because the Allure and Oasis are so big, they are limited to which ports they can call on. The new Quantum of the Seas is about the size of the Freedom but with a few more options like bumper cars and the sky diving.

I was just on the Freedom and I purchased the Soda package. I drink a lot of soda so I think I robbed RCCL on that one. They have the freestyle coke machines in places that are very easy to get to. You have to have your RFID cup that they give you when you purchase the package or the machines will not work. But if you don't fill like hauling the cup around, it's noted on your room key and you can go to any bar and they will give you the soda of your choice.

As for using a TA, being one myself, I highly recommend it. It is a TAs job to work for you. If it's a good TA, they will monitor the rates for you and if something new comes out, they will get it applied to your cruise. They also usually have the experience in booking/sailing on the cruise line. They can give you quick tips or hints (for example, a great place to watch the parade on the Freedom...) Most TAs also offer some type of perk for booking with them.

As for Eastern or Western... The Westerns usually have more sea days in them while westerns usually have more ports. So, if you're not particular and haven't been to any of the ports, I'd recommend Western to start with.

Also, one quick tip, If anyone is prone to motion sickness (or afraid you might get sick), I'd highly recommend using Bonine over Dramamine, take it at night and start taking it the night before your cruise and continue it until a day or two after you get back. I have motion sickness VERY BAD and I have never gotten sick doing this.