Great!

You’ve decided to give the Oasis class ships a chance.

Just right!

Only problem is that when you are in the market for a vacation, everyone wants to sell you the“best deal” on the cabin.

Well guess what?

They are trying to sell you nothing more than a piece of paper. Yes, a paper that allows you to sail on the ship. They don’t care what your experience on this ship will be after their point of sale. That is not their business. They sold you a ticket. That is it.

I’ve met some fairly underwhelmed cruisers from the Oasis class ships. Why are they underwhelmed? It may be because their expectations are totally different from reality.

Why?

Because nobody bothered to explain to them that cruising on the Oasis class ships is totally different. You are among over 5 thousand people. There are hundreds of options to choose from. Royal Caribbean provides all hardware: great staterooms, wonderful dining, and great service.

But! Memories are not hardware. It may be 50% hardware, but not more. Memories are what you did and how happy you were on your experience. If you spent too much on the “best deal” on your stateroom – you can’t accommodate your teenager’s request to zip line in Labadie. It becomes above your budget. And to be honest, your cabin doesn’t matter to your teenager all that much. He just wants to do the zip line.

This creates misunderstandings and misconceptions about your family vacation. The last thing you want to do is have a ticket in your hand, while watching everyone else partake in all the attractions.

Look at it from this point of view. Everyone in your family wants to be pleased. But when expectations are different… doesn’t turn out so well.

They might not pin point it, but when answering the question, “How was your vacation? Answer will be, OK… It is just right…”

Your son will not run up screaming, “Dad, that was the best vacation ever!” Because you didn’t meet his expectations.

When you work with me, I will not just sell you a stateroom but I will create an experience for everyone in your family. Everyone included. I am not a salesperson. I am a consultant.

First of all, I will help you to establish your budget.

Second, I will help you to establish expectations for everyone in your family.

Third, we will find the best accommodation within of your budget. And the best activities for everyone to be satisfied.

Everyone will return back and say, “WOW! Now THAT was the best vacation EVER!”

Are you a foodie? I am. Let me tell you that I like Royal Caribbean cruises because of food. Mostly in specialty restaurants. I just returned from the Seminar at Sea on Oasis of the Seas and want to share my firsthand experience.

First of all, I want to tell you about RCI food policy (don’t laugh, please!) This a REAL concept based on 3 pillars:

• Quality of food
• Variety of food
• Attention to detail

Personally, I like all of them but the last one is my favorite. Food presentation for me is an art. It is like go to museum. Fine presentations are the most to enjoy – you are not hungry at fine restaurants, are you?

I‘d like to skip info about RCI training program for chefs. I like the final result on my plate. Just one name to mention – Travis Kamiyama – a creator of Izumi’s menu. His passion in sushi let him fly up in culinary hierarchy on Royal Caribbean. So, soon you can enjoy Travis’s menu at Izumi restaurants on all ships.

Main dining room news is:

• 85% of menu is changed
• Menu is based on guest’ requests
• Basic dishes as shrimp cocktail stay
• Baked Alaska id back
• New deserts as The Pavlova and Baileys Banana Crème Brule

My suggestion to you: try The Pavlova low fat desert! This is really yummy!

New menu has new presentation – more information, more engagement, more interesting facts about local food, interesting ingredients, etc.

New menu was introduced on Oasis class ships first. Two ships are added to new menu each month. All Royal Caribbean ships are done by April – May 2013.

A few words about specialty restaurants. My favorite Chops Grille was booked every night. I witnessed how people tried to make a reservation and heard ‘Sorry, we don’t have availability.’ My suggestion to you: don’t wait up to the last minute – make a reservation in advance. I do this for my clients just after the final payment. And you know, I don’t charge my service fee for that. Contact me if you want to be one of my clients at 772 335-7017 or fill out a request here.

Yes, I can imagine how many people are happy about this!  What this means for you? More predictable end of the cruise bill! You can bring your favorite wine and drink in your stateroom! Or bring to the dining room and enjoy it with your dinner for fee.

 As you know before there are no alcoholic beverages were allowed on board of Royal Caribbean International including Oasis and Allure of the Seas. As was announced on November 6, 2012, company changed alcohol policy. Under new regulations you are allowed to bring 2 (two!) 750-milliliter bottles per cabin.

 Attention to guests from Presidential and AquaTheater suites! Even there are 14 people in your stateroom it is counted as ONE cabin. So, you are allowed 2 bottles only.

Requirements to your bottles are as follows: they have to retain the original manufacturer’s seals and exhibit no signs of tampering. This means that bottles can’t be open.

 Where you can consume your wine? There are 2 areas specified: your own cabin and your own balcony.

What happens if I bring my bottle to dining room? Nothing! You will enjoy your dinner with your own wine plus $25 corkage fee. But if you want your bottle of wine for FREE – let me know. I will send it directly to dining room for you. If you book with ME, not with Royal Caribbean directly or another agency. This is my special “Thank you” for my clients.

What happens if I bring 4 bottles of wine to pier? Unfortunately you have to take 2 bottles with you and leave 2 bottles at pier. The additional bottles will be secured by ship personnel and returned just prior to the end of the cruise.

 Please pay attention that new policy allows you to bring WINE but not vodka and rum. Your bottle of vodka will be confiscated at pier. So, don’t take this chance!

 If you are interested in receiving a FREE bottle of wine for your cruise (red, champagne, white – we will talk about brands also!) fill out the form here to express your interest.

I received a call from a company called Travel Services. Congratulations! You are selected for a FREE cruise. WOW! It is good to know because I pay for all my FAMs. OK, deal was very simple: cruise to Bahamas for 4 nights on Monarch of the Seas is for $94 – port charges only! I started to ask more questions as a professional – Sam from Travel Services hang up.

Do you believe in FREE cruise by Royal Caribbean International? As one employee from the Royal Caribbean International told me, if you give away free cruises we soon will be out of business!

So, let’s return back to Travel Services. The name of the representative was Sam. He read the whole script to me about Bahamas cruise on Monarch of the Seas for 4 nights. Really? Monarch will leave us at the end of March. Do you know about this? I started to ask questions – Sam continued to read. Finally, I asked him, “Sam, do you understand what you are doing right now is illegal?” He hung up.

I called back on number displayed on my phone. I received a message – MagicJack subscriber (!!!) is not available at this time. You can’t leave a message – mail box is full.

I checked this company over the Internet – it is listed under SCAMS. Be aware – they need your credit card number!

How to protect yourself from scams like this?

First of all, never, never, never give your credit card number to anybody who called you. Ask about phone number, company’s name, web site. Pay attention if this company is member of ASTA or CLIA. With ASTA – American Society of Travel Agents you can check the background by clicking on logo. Or go to ASTA web site and check by yourself.

According to statistics, chances that you receive a free cruise offered by phone are very low. There are a lot of coin artists around! Pay attention on conditions;

If you was told that cruise is available after 60 days from today or during next year. This translates that after 60 days you will not be covered by your credit card protection.

If they don’t give you details about cancellation policy. Remember, Royal Caribbean International doesn’t charge cancellation fees before the final payment.

If they use a high pressure tactics – this deal is available right now and can’t be extended. So you have to make a decision immediately.

Pay attention for scams like this and report to me with numbers, I will transfer them to Royal Caribbean International. My phone number is 772 335-7017.

 Click here for Last Minute Specials on Oasis and Allure of the Seas.

Mediterranean Cruises

Navigator of the Seas, 7 nights, 9/16/12, 9/23/12, 9/30/12, 10/7/12, 10/14/12, 10/21/12

• Grand suite – $1099 + tax
• Balcony – $599 + tax
• Ocean view – $499 + tax
• Inside – $399 + tax

Serenade of the Seas, 12 nights, 10/15/12

• Ocean view – $879 + tax
• Inside – $799 + tax

Greek Isles

Grandeur of the Seas, 11 nights, 10/15/12

• Ocean view – $679 + tax
• Inside – $519 + tax

Grandeur of the Seas, 12 nights, 10/26/12

• Junior suite – $2039 + tax
• Balcony – $799 + tax
• Ocean view – $719 + tax
• Inside – $639 + tax

Serenade of the Seas, 12 nights, 10/3/12

• Ocean view – $879 + tax
• Inside – $719 + tax

Serenade of the Seas, 12 nights, 10/27/12

• Junior suite – $2159 + tax
• Balcony – $759 + tax
• Ocean view – $599 + tax

Serenade of the Seas, 12 nights, 11/8/12

• Junior suite – $1279 + tax
• Balcony – $639 + tax
• Ocean view – $559 + tax
• Inside – $519 + tax

Holly Land Cruise

Mariner of the Seas, 12 nights, 9/27/12

• Junior suite – $1859 + tax
• Ocean view – $799 + tax
• Inside – $559 + tax

Mariner of the Seas, 11 nights, 10/9/12

• Junior suite – $1439 + tax
• Ocean view – $899 + tax
• Inside – $799 + tax

Mariner of the Seas, 13 nights, 10/20/12

• Junior suite – $2519 + tax
• Balcony – $2063 + tax
• Ocean view – $1823 + tax
• Inside – $1499 + tax

Canada Cruise

Brilliance of the Seas, 11 nights, 10/1/12

• Owner’s suite – $1994 + tax
• Balcony – $1434 + tax

Brilliance of the Seas, 11 nights, 10/22/12

• Owner’s suite – $3349 + tax
• Ocean view – $549 + tax
•  Inside – $449 + tax

Bermuda Cruise

Enchantment of the Seas, 6 nights, 9/14/12

• Owner’s suite, Junior suite – $1099 + tax
• Balcony – $899 + tax

Enchantment of the Seas, 6 nights, 9/28/12

• Junior suite – $1099 + tax
• Balcony – $799 + tax
• Ocean view – $529 + tax
• Inside – $529 + tax

Panama Canal Cruise

Vision of the Seas, 14 nights, 10/5/12

• Owner’s suite, Junior suite – $2699 + tax
• Balcony – $2499 + tax
• Ocean view – $949 + tax
• Inside – $799 + tax

Vision of the Seas, 14 nights, 10/19/12

• Owner’s suite, Junior suite – $2649 + tax
• Balcony – $2399 + tax
• Ocean view – $949 + tax
• Inside – $749 + tax

Caribbean Cruise

Jewel of the Seas, 14 nights, 10/28/12

• Balcony – $2249 + tax

Brilliance of the Seas, 8 nights, 11/2/12

• Junior suite – $1349 + tax
• Balcony – $749 + tax
• Ocean view – $549 + tax
• Inside – $449 + tax

Allure of the Seas, Eastern itinerary, 9/16/12

•  Suite – $1499 + tax
• Ocean view balcony – $879 + tax
• Ocean View – $849 + tax
• Inside – $849 + tax

Allure of the Seas, Western itinerary, 9/23/12

• Junior Suite – $2,149 + tax
• Ocean view balcony – $899 + tax
• Ocean View – $819 + tax
• Inside – $799 + tax

Allure of the Seas, Western itinerary, 10/7/12

• Grand suite – $1649 +tax
• Ocean view balcony – $949 + tax
• Ocean View -$849 + tax
• Inside – $799 + tax

Oasis of the Seas, Western itinerary, 9/29/12

• Junior suite – $1499 + tax
• Balcony – $899 + tax
• Inside – $849 + tax

Oasis of the Seas, Western itinerary, 10/13/12

• Grand suite – $2199 +tax
• Balcony – $949 + tax

If you are interested and need more information including how to book a cruise of your choice, please fill out the following form by clicking here.

Click here for Last Minute Specials on Oasis and Allure of the Seas.

Mediterranean Cruises

Mariner of the Seas, 7 nights, 9/1/12

•          Junior suite – $799 + tax

Mariner of the Seas, 7 nights, 9/8/12

•          Junior suite – $999 + tax
•          Balcony – $649 + tax

Navigator of the Seas, 7 nights, 9/2/12 & 9/9/12

•          Junior suite – $999 + tax
•          Balcony – $599 + tax
•          Ocean view – $499 + tax
•          Inside – $399 + tax

Navigator of the Seas, 7 nights, 9/16/12, 10/7/12, 9/23/12, 9/30/12, 10/14/12, 10/21/12

•          Junior suite – $999 + tax
•          Balcony – $599 + tax
•          Ocean view – $499 + tax
•          Inside – $399 + tax

Serenade of the Seas, 12 nights, 10/15/12

•          Ocean view – $879 + tax
•          Inside – $799 + tax

Greek Isles

Grandeur of the Seas, 10 nights, 10/5/12

•          Inside – $599 + tax

Grandeur of the Seas, 11 nights, 10/15/12

•          Ocean view – $679 + tax
•          Inside – $599 + tax

Grandeur of the Seas, 12 nights, 10/26/12

•          Junior suite – $2039 + tax
•          Balcony – $799 + tax
•          Ocean view – $719 + tax
•          Inside – $639 + tax

Serenade of the Seas, 12 nights, 10/3/12

•          Ocean view – $879 + tax
•          Inside – $719 + tax

Serenade of the Seas, 12 nights, 10/27/12

•          Junior suite – $2159 + tax
•          Balcony – $759 + tax
•          Ocean view – $719 + tax

Serenade of the Seas, 12 nights, 11/8/12

•          Junior suite – $1279 + tax
•          Balcony – $639 + tax
•          Ocean view – $559 + tax
•          Inside – $519 + tax

Holly Land Cruise

Mariner of the Seas, 12 nights, 9/27/12

•          Junior suite – $1859 + tax
•          Ocean view – $799 + tax
•          Inside – $559 + tax

Mariner of the Seas, 11 nights, 10/9/12

•          Junior suite – $1439 + tax
•          Balcony – $899 + tax
•          Ocean view – $799 + tax
•          Inside – $559 + tax

Mariner of the Seas, 13 nights, 10/20/12

•          Junior suite – $2519 + tax
•          Balcony – $2063 + tax
•          Ocean view – $1823 + tax
•          Inside – $1499 + tax

Canada Cruise

Jewel of the Seas, 7 nights, 9/30/12

•          Balcony – $899 + tax
•          Ocean view – $599 + tax

Brilliance of the Seas, 11 nights, 10/1/12

•          Owner’s suite – $2194 + tax
•          Balcony – $1734 + tax

Bermuda Cruise

Enchantment of the Seas, 6 nights, 9/14/12

•          Owner’s suite, Junior suite – $1099 + tax
•          Balcony – $899 + tax

Enchantment of the Seas, 6 nights, 9/28/12

•           Junior suite – $1099 + tax
•          Balcony – $849 + tax
•          Ocean view – $549 + tax
•          Inside – $529 + tax

Panama Canal Cruise

Vision of the Seas, 14 nights, 10/5/12

•          Owner’s suite, Junior suite – $2749 + tax
•          Balcony – $2499 + tax
•          Ocean view – $949 + tax
•          Inside – $799 + tax

Vision of the Seas, 14 nights, 10/19/12

•          Owner’s suite, Junior suite – $2649 + tax
•          Balcony – $2399 + tax
•          Ocean view – $949 + tax
•          Inside – $799 + tax

Transpacific Cruise

Radiance of the Seas, 17 nights, 9/24/12

•          Balcony – $1570 + tax
•          Ocean view – $1470 + tax
•          Inside – $1090 + tax

If you are interested and need more information including how to book a cruise of your choice, please fill out the following form by clicking here.

Yes, absolutely! Sofitel Miami is a good option for pre-cruise stay even for Oasis and Allure of the Seas cruise!

Trust me as cruise advisor who stayed at different hotels in this area. I stayed in Sofitel Miami for ASTA (American Society of Travel Agents) meeting with top cruise line executives. I thought about a night to stay but after I read reviews about this hotel I changed my mind and extended my stay for one more night.

I booked a standard room but was upgraded to deluxe on 12^th floor. Room was not so big but just regular size. I liked French style chair very comfortable to seat with extended legs.

Why I can recommend Sofitel Miami for pre-cruising?

There are three reasons for that.

First of all, location. If you arrive to Miami in the evening it is very comfortable to be in bed in 40 minutes after landing. There is a shuttle service available from airport to the hotel. I like the fact that rooms don’t face the runways. The building is under the right angle to it. It makes hotel rooms not so noisy.

Second reason for my recommendation is food. After eating my breakfast in restaurant I felt as I am vacationing in France. Crepes filled with apple compote and covered by cranberry souse were absolutely delicious! It was presented well also – see picture. Yes, of course, we ate our dinner also. I highly recommend Red Snapper. If you try let me know if you liked it.

Third reason for staying in Sofitel Miami is a customer service. I liked when employees told me “Bonjour, madam” every time they see me. Bonjour is a French word meaning Good Day. Also, I received a very special desert for my birthday. In first evening I mentioned that I like this desert and I want to have it for my birthday which happened next day. In late afternoon I opened my room and saw a very well presented desert: soufflé with tiny nut crumbs decorated with golden lines. Yamee! Thank you Mr. Nageravan for a wonderful gift!

If you need some more information about Sofitel Miami as a pre-cruise or after-cruise stay please contact me by filling out form here.

Last Minute Deals on Royal Caribbean has 35 departures in Caribbean, Bermuda, Mediterranean, Hawaii, Panama Canal, Bermuda, Canada, and Hawaii.The most discounted are Mediterranean cruises, including very popular Holly Land. If this cruise in your Bucket list – it’s time to go! All Oasis and Allure of the Seas departures are listed in the Deals section. Click here to see.

Mediterranean Cruises

Mariner of the Seas, 7 nights, 9/8/12

• Junior suite – $999 + tax
• Balcony – $649 + tax
• Ocean view – $549 + tax
• Inside – $499 + tax

Navigator of the Seas, 7 nights, 9/2/12

• Junior suite – $999 + tax
• Balcony – $649 + tax
• Promenade – $399 + tax

Navigator of the Seas, 7 nights, 9/9/12

• Junior suite – $999 + tax
• Ocean view – $449 + tax
• Inside – $399 + tax

Navigator of the Seas, 7 nights, 9/23/12

• Grand suite – $1,199 + tax
• Balcony – $699 + tax
• Ocean view – $499 + tax
• Inside – $399 + tax

Navigator of the Seas, 7 nights, 9/30/12

• Junior suite – $999 + tax
• Balcony – $699 + tax
• Ocean view – $499 + tax
• Inside – $399 + tax

Navigator of the Seas, 7 nights, 10/14/12 and 10/21/12

• Grand suite – $1099 + tax
• Balcony – $599 + tax
• Ocean view – $499 + tax
• Inside – $399 + tax

Serenade of the Seas, 12 nights, 10/15/12

• Ocean view – $939 + tax
• Inside – $799 + tax

Greece Cruises

Grandeur of the Seas, 10 nights, 10/5/12

• Junior suite – $2091 + tax
• Balcony – $2011 + tax
• Ocean view – $679 + tax
• Inside – $599 + tax

Grandeur of the Seas, 11 nights, 10/15/12

• Junior suite – $1999 + tax
• Balcony – $1839 + tax
• Ocean view – $959 + tax
• Inside – $599 + tax

Grandeur of the Seas, 12 nights, 10/26/12

• Junior suite – $2039 + tax
• Balcony – $1899 + tax
• Ocean view – $1119 + tax
• Inside – $949 + tax

Serenade of the Seas, 12 nights, 10/3/12

• Ocean view – $939 + tax
• Inside – $799 + tax

Serenade of the Seas, 12 nights, 10/27/12

• Junior suite – $2159 + tax
• Balcony – $759 + tax
• Ocean view – $719 + tax

Holly Land Cruise

Mariner of the Seas, 11 nights, 10/9/12

• Junior suite – $1439 + tax
• Balcony – $899 + tax
• Ocean view – $799 + tax
• Inside – $559 + tax

Mariner of the Seas, 13 nights, 10/20/12

• Junior suite – $2519 + tax
• Balcony – $2063 + tax
• Ocean view – $1823 + tax
• Inside – $1499 + tax

Canada Cruise

Brilliance of the Seas, 10 nights, 9/21/12

• Junior suite – $2109 + tax

Brilliance of the Seas, 11 nights, 10/1/12

• Balcony – $1734 + tax

Bermuda Cruise

Enchantment of the Seas, 6 nights, 8/31/12

• Ocean view – $699 + tax
• Inside – $599 + tax

Enchantment of the Seas, 6 nights, 9/14/12

• Owner’s suite, Junior suite – $1149 + tax
• Balcony – $999 + tax
• Ocean view – $699 + tax
• Inside – $649 + tax

Explore of the Seas, 10 nights, 8/30/12

• Balcony – $1449 + tax

Alaska Cruise

Radiance of the Seas, 7 nights, 8/31/12

• Junior suite – $1749 + tax
• Balcony – $899 + tax
• Ocean view – $899 + tax

Hawaii Cruise

Rhapsody of the Seas, 11 nights, 9/14/12

• Junior suite – $2249 + tax
• Balcony – $1849 + tax
• Ocean view – $1049 + tax

Panama Canal Cruise

Vision of the Seas, 14 nights, 10/5/12 & 10/19/12

• Owner’s suite, Junior suite – $2799 + tax
• Balcony – $2549 + tax
• Ocean view – $999 + tax
• Inside – $849 + tax

If you are interested, contact Nadia RCI Expert Plus by clicking here.

Royal Caribbean International runs a Last Minute Sale Events that ends on August 14, 2012. There are some highlights of deals that you can see in infographics.

There are 36 departures on this sale. The main regions are Mediterranean, Caribbean and Bahamas, New England and Canada. Bermuda, Hawaii, and Alaska. The most discounted region is Mediterranean – 19 departures from 36.

Departure dates for Last Minute Sale Event – starting from August 19, 2012 up to October 21, 2012. Most of discounted departures are in September 2012.

Ten ships out of 22 in fleet are involved. Most of discounts are on Navigator of the Seas and Mariner of the Seas. Six departures are for Oasis class ships – Allure of the Seas and Oasis of the Seas.

The most value for you money is Mediterranean departures – the less expensive cruise costs only $44 per person per night. The most expensive cruise is to Bermuda – around $117 per person per night.

The best value is for suites – you can take Owner’s suite only for $999 per person, taxes are additional. Actually, this price is equal ocean view stateroom. Did you experience suite life on Royal Caribbean International? If not yet – it is time to start!

Another very impressive offer – ocean view stateroom with balcony for a price on inside cabin – $899 plus tax.

And last but not least – Holy Land cruise that has to be in Bucket list, for 11 nights – $899 plus tax. Are you ready? For stateroom with balcony!

Please print out all offers here.

Contact Nadia as soon as possible with your request – do not forget: sale ends August 14, 2012. You can fill out request form here.

If you like those offers but days don’t work for you, please be a member of cruise price hunting group Last Minute Royal Caribbean Deals on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/RCIdeals/

Bon Voyage!

PS Cool! Book Mariner of the Seas® or newly renovated Grandeur of the Seas® departing October 1, 2012, through April 15, 2013, and receive up to $200 to spend onboard.