Royal Caribbean Cruise

[tractor]

My wife and I just booked an 8 day cruise for us and the kids out of San Juan for spring break next year. I've never been on Royal Caribbean before, so can someone post a few good points, or horror stories so we know what to be on the lookout for ( or try to mitigate the best we can over the next year). Thanks. The ship is the Brilliance of the Seas. From what I have read, it's kind of the middle size in their fleet. It's not too late for us to back out if we have made a horrible mistake. We did book a suite do we would have more room for the four of us.

[chiver78]

if you're doing it right, you won't be in your cabin much. I'm a veteran cruiser, but have only done one cruise at that length and can still say that I am really only in my cabin to sleep.

honestly, just go and do your thing. whatever that is, the ship will have it for you.

[tractor]

Thanks for the feedback, I like to jump on opportunities as they come up, then stress about them later on. Ive been reading all the reviews I can find, and will eventually settle down as the months go by. My wife and I did the Disney cruise a couple of years ago, but the cost was almost twice as much as the one we booked this time, so we're going the cheaper route this time. I assume Royal Caribbean is an OK cruise line?

[The Walk of the Penguin Mich]

I've never been on a cruise, but I have friends that go about every year. I know that when they look at cruises, they look at those cruises that have the fewest days at sea and spend most of the time in ports of islands.

They also left out of San Juan and they added a couple days there both before the cruise and when they returned.

[chiver78]

yeah, RC is a higher-end line as compared to say, Carnival. I think you'll be fine.

[Deleted]

Items to be aware of

1. Depending on cabin you purchased, you may be able to select reservation dinners (other passengers get one of two main seatings and the times do not change during the cruise)
2. You can go as casual or as formal as you want....every RC ship has numerous places to dine for those who never want to change out of their bathing suits...but the main dining room does have a dress code....but the food and service is impeccable
3. The tours can be pricey at the ports of call, but most have been worth every penny
4. The casino's on board are small, and if gambling is your thing, you can do better at the ports of call in the Carribean
5. DO NOT miss the one midnight buffet night with all the ice sculptures (bring your camera)
6. If lounging by the pool is your thing, get there early....the best spots fill up quickly
7. The shows on board are just under Vegas worthy....you want to catch as many as you can
8. Balcony rooms are incredible.....if not in one, try to get a peek into one.

Those are just a few of the items i can think of

I have been on 6 RC cruises...from the short 3 day to a week in duration. All were wonderful. My wifes only complaint is never quite packing all the right clothes for the trip

[simser]

I loved cruising, but have never done a RC one. I really want to- I heard they're supposed to be a lot of fun. Actually the Southern Carribbean itinerary is the one I want.

I'd check elsewhere for shore excursions. Our better ones were not with the cruise line. I've done 1 with the cruise line and 3 without and the guide on the cruiseline one was a jerk. However, it was only because I have a lot of friends from Mexico that I understood that his way of talking was extremely insulting. My exhusband and inlaws who were on the trip with us loved him and hated the person in Honduras more. I stuck with the Spanish speaking guide there and had a ball. Anyway, it's hit or miss, but I recommend saving money and going with reputable companies that aren't with the ship.

Have a great trip and stop double guessing yourself!

[tractor]

Thanks gdgyva, I haven't checked this board for awhile. We did book a balcony suite so there would be plenty of room for the four of us, and I could have my coffee every morning in relative peace. Its one of the small pleasures I like to pay extra for. The other tips were excellent as well.

[zibazinski]

But if you don't use the ship ones and you get delayed for some reason, the ship leaves without you. We did RC at Christmas last year and the thing to do was eat at the various restaurants on the ship. There's an up charge but well worth it. But you need to make reservations early on for them. As far as the shore excursions go, the good ones go early so don't delay but if you mess up, someone always cancels at the last minute so keep checking. Don't settle, which they will try to get you to do, for something else. The thing I wish we did was stay on board more. It was nice to have the pool and the limited amount of chaise lounges to ourselves.

[moxie]

I don't like cruises. We did ONE, Disney's Big Red Boat...we had fun with the kids sailing to the Bahamas. A lot of the Disney characters were on board and it was a great experience. I just prefer being on land. I don't like one day stops here and there...hard to absorb the culture that way. Too much unlimited food as well, although it was very good. I don't like dressing up in required evening wear when I am on vacation...especially when it is hot out. I like to be casual and care-free...sleep in if I want, lay by the pool all day if I want, do excursions as I desire, I HATE being on a schedule when I am on vacation! Give me ten days to two weeks somewhere GREAT and I am happy!

[Deleted]

The best place I've found to get cruise advice is on CruiseCritic.com. It covers all ships. You're making me want to book one!