One of my favorite types of vacation is going on a cruise. Especially with young children, since the ships have excellent programs to watch the kids if the parents need a break and plenty of activities for children to enjoy. I like that is like going to an all-inclusive resort with daycare that moves, so every few days you can explore a different place. Below are some tips I tell friends for booking on Royal Caribbean.
1) Research the Ship
Royal Caribbean has a reputation for their Oasis class ships being the largest with a Park, Ice Rink and Carousel but not all their ships have all these amenities. For example, ships that go to Alaska are on the smaller side, so they won't have be the Oasis class. For cruises to places like the Caribbean, or where the ports aren't as exciting, then you may definitely want to make sure the Ship will keep you entertained. However, if you are going to Europe, you may care less about the Ship as the ports are much more diverse.
2) Use a Travel Agent
From my experience, using a travel agent doesn't cost more than booking directly with Royal Caribbean. The few times I found a price difference or after the price dropped the travel agent has been able to match the price. So the price is the same, but a travel agent can help make additional recommendations or coordination if booking with other people. Also, since Royal Caribbean gives a commission to the agent, many agents offer a bonus gift, like additional on board credit, welcome package or in the case of Costco a cash card. One note about Costco Travel, is that if you use them, you currently won't be eligible to do Royal Up https://www.royalcaribbean.com/booked/cruise-room-upgrade (a few weeks before the cruise, you can bid on upgrading your cabin). If you are booking online, I found many of the travel agents use the same booking system, like expedia and priceline. One site I did use for the first cruise I booked is http://cruisedeals.com. Occasionally, I have found cheaper prices on there, but most agents can get you the lowest price found on other sites.
3) Book Early
Generally cruise price go up over time. But even if they go down, Royal Caribbean has a Best Price Guarantee https://www.royalcaribbean.com/faq/questions/best-price-guarantee-policy. As mentioned before, a travel agent can easily get you the adjustment. Further, to monitor cruise prices, you can use a site like https://www.cruisewatch.com/ to send you an alert when prices change.
4) Extras not included
Some items not included by default when booking a cruise. For example, gratuities are generally between $14-$20 per person per day. Internet Package around $20-$25 per day. Excursions, Drink Packages and Specialty Dining. (There are plenty of complimentary drinks and food options, so you may not need these).
5) Embarkation logistics
Where is the Port? Will you need to take a flight? With all the recent craziness with flights and lost luggage it may be advisable to cruise without a flight if possible, or prepare to arrive early and pick a port near a location with plenty of flights.
What are the Covid-19 protocols? Will you need Vaccination or pre-cruise testing? One of the nerve racking things is for unvaccinated children. Not only do they currently need a PCR test 3 days before, but they also need a same day antigen test. Although the same day test is complimentary at the Port, you still need to plan for it, and run the risk of going all the way to the port and being turned away if you child tests positive. Also, I can't imagine how hard it will be to get your luggage out, as you check in the luggage before the test.
Bonus:
If you love cruising, especially on Royal Caribbean, then before your cruise, you may want to see if there is a next potential cruise you may want to go on. If you know exact information, then you may want to book it onboard and take advantage of the Next Cruise Program (https://www.royalcaribbean.com/faq/questions/next-cruise-onboard-future-booking). It offers additional on board credit for the future cruise and also a significantly reduced deposit to hold cruise, where the remaining balance will be due 3 months before embarkation. If you don't know exact details, you can still pay 200 to get the same benefits if you book within 2 months and if you don't do that, you will have up to a year to book another cruise to not lose the 200 deposit, but still get the reduced cost to reserve the cruise.
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