We've cruised probably 12-14 times since 1999, and in the last 10 years we had become very enamored and impressed with RCL. So much so, we literally hadn't even 'shopped' or looked at other Cruise lines. Starting with Independence back in 2010, then graduating to the Oasis Class and traveling on Allure (2 times pre-pandemic), Harmony, and Oasis herself and then again on Independence in January 2022. Our 'post pandemic' Cruise cherry had been popped. So when we booked our trip back in May for August we were ready to go. However, the next few months and our eventual cruise were about to tarnish that...

For starters...

RCL needs to stop the shell-game that is pricing for excursions, amenities, Drink & Dining packages, and every other thing you 'need' onboard to make your cruise enjoyable. It turned into practically a 2nd full-time job keeping track of the prices/discounts for each of these items and trying to get the 'BEST DEAL'. One day the Drink package is 20% off, then it's 30%, then it's NO DISCOUNT, then it's BOGO (Buy one get one 50%), then it's 40%, back down to 15%, back up to 30%... And this changes almost weekly, sometimes TWICE in a week. The good news? You can cancel previous 'orders/reservations' and then rebook. But if you are doing that, it takes MUCH longer for your Credit Card to get credited with the 'refund' than it does to get debited for the new 'order/reservation', so beware if you're a person with not much wiggle room on card balances. Read more