First RCL cruise, anything to expect different?

HawkeyeFLA · #1 (**permalink**) February 21st, 2011, 12:28 AM

So in Oct I will be sailing Monarch of the Seas for 3n. I've previously sailed on Costa on the Atlantica (Spirit Class) and Carnival on the Imagination (Fantasy Class). Anything major to expect different on RCL? One of my coworkers mentioned they hear RCL can nickel and dime you on ship, but couldn't really go into any detail. Anyone have anything to say on this?

Also, does RCL do anything like CCL where I could call and order up a bottle of vodka or such to have in my cabin when I embark?

Kuki · #2 (**permalink**) February 21st, 2011, 01:43 AM

One thing you'll find for sure on Monarch.... that's tiny cabins.

HawkeyeFLA · #3 (**permalink**) February 21st, 2011, 01:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kuki

One thing you'll find for sure on Monarch.... that's tiny cabins.

Heh, yeah. Its only 3n so I think I'll live. Either way, its still a cruise. It gets me on a ship going somewhere.

And its for a good cause, since proceeds are going towards local organizations.

AF1 · #4 (**permalink**) February 21st, 2011, 08:39 AM

If you go to Royal Caribbean's website you can log in and pull up your reservation. Once u pull up reservation there is a area where u can pre-order wine or champagne for your room. U can order other things like choc covered strawberries/cakes/ appitizers, etc. You won't be able to order bottles of booze. Royal offers your room and food for the price you paid. You will pay extra for booze, sodas, any specialty resturaunt onboard. You won't pay to eat in main dining room, windjammer cafe; you also don't pay for coffee or tea in main dining room or windjammer. If you have any more questions please ask.

HawkeyeFLA · #5 (**permalink**) February 21st, 2011, 01:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AF1

If you go to Royal Caribbean's website you can log in and pull up your reservation. Once u pull up reservation there is a area where u can pre-order wine or champagne for your room. U can order other things like choc covered strawberries/cakes/ appitizers, etc. You won't be able to order bottles of booze. Royal offers your room and food for the price you paid. You will pay extra for booze, sodas, any specialty resturaunt onboard. You won't pay to eat in main dining room, windjammer cafe; you also don't pay for coffee or tea in main dining room or windjammer. If you have any more questions please ask.

So that is for sure one thing I like more about Carnival. Since you can call and order booze from their Bon Voyage department.

HawkeyeFLA · #6 (**permalink**) February 21st, 2011, 07:46 PM

Yay, its officially booked. Got the confirmation email from the TA today. And I got my first cabin number request which rocks. 8560, one of the minimally obstructed Cat I cabins.

ViviW · #7 (**permalink**) February 22nd, 2011, 12:22 AM

Monarch is one of the oldest/smallest classes of ship RCI has so it doesn't have all the bells and whistles, no rockwall, wave rider, etc. of the larger ships but it is a lovely ship. We enjoy the much more intimate feel. And you have the exact right attitude, "It gets me on a ship going somewhere." Plus it is funding local organizations, always a good thing.

For us it feels like what we imagine cruising used to be, a slower place, more relaxed, seeing more of the same folks daily, making our own entertainment--we found it easier to get a group together for cards, etc. Of course, there is ship sponsored entertainment available, too.

Enjoy your cruise!

HawkeyeFLA · #8 (**permalink**) February 22nd, 2011, 01:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ViviW

Monarch is one of the oldest/smallest classes of ship RCI has so it doesn't have all the bells and whistles, no rockwall, wave rider, etc. of the larger ships but it is a lovely ship. We enjoy the much more intimate feel. And you have the exact right attitude, "It gets me on a ship going somewhere." Plus it is funding local organizations, always a good thing.

For us it feels like what we imagine cruising used to be, a slower place, more relaxed, seeing more of the same folks daily, making our own entertainment--we found it easier to get a group together for cards, etc. Of course, there is ship sponsored entertainment available, too.

Enjoy your cruise!

From what I saw online, they do have the rock wall on Monarch. Tho on such a short cruise, I doubt I will have any time to enjoy it, but we shall see. Still waiting to hear if the TA is going to get a bus going out to Canaveral, or if I will be getting a hotel with parking. But there's still 7 months

ViviW · #9 (**permalink**) February 22nd, 2011, 02:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HawkeyeFLA

From what I saw online, they do have the rock wall on Monarch. Tho on such a short cruise, I doubt I will have any time to enjoy it, but we shall see. Still waiting to hear if the TA is going to get a bus going out to Canaveral, or if I will be getting a hotel with parking. But there's still 7 months

, my DH said, yes, they have a rockwall, you don't wander around enough to see everything! Sorry. I tend to hit the pool area, card room, etc. It has been a few years since we were on it but I still think is was a lovely ship. 7 months will fly by.

HawkeyeFLA · #10 (**permalink**) February 22nd, 2011, 03:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ViviW

, my DH said, yes, they have a rockwall, you don't wander around enough to see everything! Sorry. I tend to hit the pool area, card room, etc. It has been a few years since we were on it but I still think is was a lovely ship. 7 months will fly by.

This is the longest I've gone thus far between booking and actually sailing. Hehehe, I might have to find something inexpensive in-between just to make time go faster.

ViviW · #11 (**permalink**) February 22nd, 2011, 02:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HawkeyeFLA

This is the longest I've gone thus far between booking and actually sailing. Hehehe, I might have to find something inexpensive in-between just to make time go faster.

A true cruiser! I notice you have been on Carnival before. My DS is in NY for college and he and his buddies are thinking of going on a Carnival cruise--he has cruised RCL with us before but hasn't been on any other lines. How is Carnival for 18-19 year olds on their own? (They would sail from FL.)

HawkeyeFLA · #12 (**permalink**) February 22nd, 2011, 02:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ViviW

A true cruiser! I notice you have been on Carnival before. My DS is in NY for college and he and his buddies are thinking of going on a Carnival cruise--he has cruised RCL with us before but hasn't been on any other lines. How is Carnival for 18-19 year olds on their own?

Well, they do call them The Fun Ships. I had a blast when I was on CCL Imagination. I'm 34, almost 35, but with the spirit of a 18 - 19yo.

The ships are pretty lively until the wee hours of the night. One thing tho, I am pretty Carnival has some of the various age requirements as well, so might want to check that out.

ViviW · #13 (**permalink**) February 22nd, 2011, 03:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HawkeyeFLA

Well, they do call them The Fun Ships. I had a blast when I was on CCL Imagination. I'm 34, almost 35, but with the spirit of a 18 - 19yo.

The ships are pretty lively until the wee hours of the night. One thing tho, I am pretty Carnival has some of the various age requirements as well, so might want to check that out.

Yes, lively, that is what they are looking for,

! I will definitely check to see if there are age restrictions. I would be surprised if they couldn't cruise on their own over 18 yrs old as they traveled on their own in Europe last summer (after graduating from HS) and had no trouble, just lots of lively fun.

But rules vary so I'll check it out.

Thanks for the info.

ViviW · #14 (**permalink**) February 22nd, 2011, 05:22 PM

Hawkeye - Holy cow! I called Carnival and they say the boys would have to have someone 25 or older in their cabin! I asked why they couldn't cruise when they become of legal age (21) and was told they had to have an "adult" in the cabin. Just nuts. Guess the boys will have to find another way to spend some of their vacation. Thanks for the heads up.

HawkeyeFLA · #15 (**permalink**) February 22nd, 2011, 08:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ViviW

Hawkeye - Holy cow! I called Carnival and they say the boys would have to have someone 25 or older in their cabin! I asked why they couldn't cruise when they become of legal age (21) and was told they had to have an "adult" in the cabin. Just nuts. Guess the boys will have to find another way to spend some of their vacation. Thanks for the heads up.

As I've been reading, most cruise lines seem to have a requirement along those lines. So unless they've got an older friend on campus to go with them.