bdiddy
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Mar 12, 2008
DH and I have been on two RCL cruises. We got married on the Grandeur in 1999 then went on the Monarch in 2001. I know things have changed A LOT based on all the research I've been doing. We've been wanting to go again for so long and the kids are now 11 and 13 and would love it so we've been looking at a cruise on the Oasis next summer.
I'm hesitant because it seems like it's changed so much and for the worse in many cases. That there are so many extra costs and pre-planning and I keep hearing how people say the staff is always pushing additional sales on you. DH and I aren't drinkers so on our previous cruises the only additional costs we had were the excursions and the tips. And whatever souvenirs etc...we bought. I keeping reading as well about the food and how the "free food" isn't as good as it was in the past and to get the best you need to book the signature dining (or whatever it's called). I'm also worried about the boat being too big and it being super crowded.
A cruise is supposed to be relaxing and I don't want to have to worry about all these extra costs every where for the "better" food and for drink packages and having pushy staff trying to sell you stuff constantly. Even though we'd be going on a cruise which is expensive in itself, we'd still be on a budget and can't just spend like crazy. The cost of just the basic drink plan for 4 people is crazy! I want to be able to have soda with my meal if I want and not have to pay extra which it sounds like.
We are big travelers and love Disney, music festivals and doing crazy long road trips over 2-3 wks. I guess I'm second guessing a cruise now and thinking maybe the money could be better spent to go do a road trip out west via the Northern route which has been on our list for awhile.
What are your thoughts on all this? Am I worrying too much? Are some of these things true and are an annoyance but you just get over it? I would love for some feedback from those that have been cruising for a long time and can compare how it used to be to now.
As much as I love our previous cruises, I'm just worried it won't be like I remembered and things will just be more stressful.
Thanks!
I'm hesitant because it seems like it's changed so much and for the worse in many cases. That there are so many extra costs and pre-planning and I keep hearing how people say the staff is always pushing additional sales on you. DH and I aren't drinkers so on our previous cruises the only additional costs we had were the excursions and the tips. And whatever souvenirs etc...we bought. I keeping reading as well about the food and how the "free food" isn't as good as it was in the past and to get the best you need to book the signature dining (or whatever it's called). I'm also worried about the boat being too big and it being super crowded.
A cruise is supposed to be relaxing and I don't want to have to worry about all these extra costs every where for the "better" food and for drink packages and having pushy staff trying to sell you stuff constantly. Even though we'd be going on a cruise which is expensive in itself, we'd still be on a budget and can't just spend like crazy. The cost of just the basic drink plan for 4 people is crazy! I want to be able to have soda with my meal if I want and not have to pay extra which it sounds like.
We are big travelers and love Disney, music festivals and doing crazy long road trips over 2-3 wks. I guess I'm second guessing a cruise now and thinking maybe the money could be better spent to go do a road trip out west via the Northern route which has been on our list for awhile.
What are your thoughts on all this? Am I worrying too much? Are some of these things true and are an annoyance but you just get over it? I would love for some feedback from those that have been cruising for a long time and can compare how it used to be to now.
As much as I love our previous cruises, I'm just worried it won't be like I remembered and things will just be more stressful.
Thanks!