Need information about cruising with Royal Caribbean this month?

Question

I am about to ruin my famiy's planned cruise by worrying myself into a coma. First of all, will there be enough entertainment for my 13-year old child? Secondly, I read somewhere that coupons can be used onboard to discount certain products. How can I get my hands on a coupon booklet? Thirdly, any recommendations for an alternative to the land excursions offered by the cruiseline...such as local shops in Nassau and Coco Cay? Thanks so much.

Answer 1

RC is supposed to be one of the best for kids and activities for them.

There may be a "coupon" book available to purchase ahead of time - check the website or ask your travel agent. Most likely it's not that great a deal. The ones I've read about are like "10% off a spa treatment" [they're very expensive] or "10% off purchase of a cruise-line cookbook in the onboard store", etc; you get the idea.

One way you can save money if you'll be drinking a lot of soda is to get a soda card for each family member.

Go to CruiseCritic.com, click on "Boards" at the top of the page, then "Royal Caribbean", and "Roll Call" for your sailing [you'll find other passengers sailing with you], and "Ports of Call" for tips on what to do in your ports and whether you can do things on your own. Depending on which ports you're traveling to, you can do excursions on your own and they'll be much better and much cheaper.

Coco Cay is a private island, so the only thing you'll be doing there is through the cruiseline. Nassau is one of those ports where you can have a great time or be turned off and annoyed by locals - it just depends on where you go.

Have a good time and stop worrying! Your biggest problem is going to be getting "addicted" to cruising!

Answer 2

Not sure which ship you will be on, but royal caribbean has a lot of onboard activities from dance and instrument lessons, to movies in the theater, arcade, and some have ice skating. As far as excursions, you do not have to use the cruiseline, often you can pay a driver to take you on a tour or to whatever location you desire. It usually is much cheaper. I know crown and anchor society members get a coupon book otherwise I think it is only given to people that had that in there offer when they booked the cruise. Check with the agency you booked with for more information.