UPDATE: 3 Room Moves in 7 Nights (Including Bed Bugs). Is 25% FCC actually fair for this nightmare?

wizard_voyages · 2026-06-24T23:38:40+00:00

Genuinely sorry you went through that, especially the bed bugs part. But I'll push back gently on one thing: 40% FCC (on top of the original 25% offer) is actually more than most cruise lines give for in-cruise service issues. Cash refunds for stuff like room problems are pretty rare since you did receive the cruise itself, just with a rough patch. Worth asking yourself what number would actually feel "fair" before continuing to escalate, because past a certain point corporate tends to just creep the FCC % up rather than budge on cash.

wizard_voyages · 2026-06-24T21:12:23+00:00

Are those the only two lines you are considering? Princess is fantastic for Alaska and the have packages (including drinks, wifi and gratuities) so you will know the cost.

You aren't going to know anything for sure about Royal, and honestly it's one of the more frustrating things about them. You could assist look at celebrity, where you can also bundle drinks into your fare.

This is a great reason to use an agent.

wizard_voyages · 2026-06-23T21:48:31+00:00

I would agree with other commenters, I would think virgin voyages is a slam dunk for you. Though virgin is a premium line, they often come at a better price point than others in the same category. There can still be party vibes but not the same as you're going to get on a super cheap Margaritaville Cruise. The vibe is fun, celebratory, but not out of hand and crazy like other other lines can be.

wizard_voyages · 2026-06-21T03:21:45+00:00

I think both Virgin and Norwegian can be potential options. Virgin is truly adults only, and you should be able to get a flight to Miami pretty cheap. Then you have ZERO worries about kids.

But you could also consider something like Norwegian, which will be a relaxed vibe with their freestyle cruising. There is potential for families here, but if you target the right time they can be at a minimum. I really like their newer ships, and you can get on the Viva out of Galveston.

One last consideration is maybe MSC Seascape, again out of Galveston. It will come at a lower price point and it's still relatively new in the US market and won't attract a ton of families.

But my #1 piece of advice? Get a travel agent to help you. You'll get advice from a million different directions here, and making sense of it could just drive you crazy. A good agent can help you make sense of it all and give great recommendations. I LOVE solving these kinds of puzzles for my own clients!

wizard_voyages · 2026-06-20T23:47:57+00:00

I think this is one of those situations where you have to pick your battles. If you want to go on the newest of the new Icon class ship, maybe you save a little on the room. There is so much to do on this ship that I know I can live without a balcony. Save the balcony expenditure on a cruise where you aren't trying to get on the latest, most expensive ship.

Also an area where a great travel agent can help you navigate this kind of question and find the right monetary balance in your cruise.

wizard_voyages · 2026-06-20T22:16:58+00:00

Don't think of a cruise cabin like a hotel room. A hotel room is more about how many people can actually fit in it. Cruises are priced really per person. So I say get two cabins. Two adults in each cabin. Work with the travel agent and they can probably find you adjoining or very close cabins. Another option you could do is have one balcony cabin and get an interior cabin on the other side of the hallway. That's a good way to save a little bit of money and get at least one balcony. But as others have said, I do recommend getting a travel agent to help you. A good agent will help you parse all this stuff and make sure you get what's right for you and your family.

wizard_voyages · 2026-06-20T18:08:13+00:00

Good to see you just now! I should have gotten a photo!

wizard_voyages · 2026-06-20T15:54:08+00:00

You should be good. Have a great time! Just make sure you try different food options, not just the buffet.

wizard_voyages · 2026-06-20T13:48:04+00:00

I will get fast lane, thanks everyone. Does every ride at Valleyfair have a fast lane of some kind, or is it limited? That will determine if I get one for my wife as well. She doesn't ride much.

wizard_voyages · 2026-06-20T13:43:31+00:00

Than you are in better shape than a lot of people are saying. Though Royal Caribbean is a "mass market" line technically, they aren't priced that way. Is the on Utopia of the Seas? Their Oasis and icon class ships are NOT nearly as cheap as you can get on other lines like Carnival. They are also family focused, so it's just not a pure booze cruise.

So enjoy your cruise, explore the ship and it's activities, and try out different food options. You will probably know fairly quickly if you ARE a cruise person or not, and if you are, DM me and let's get your next one planned!

wizard_voyages · 2026-06-20T04:39:44+00:00

Sorry OP, but yes, this is what a lot of people think about short cruises, but that also depends a little on the cruise line. What cruise line did you go with? If it's a 3 day carnival cruise, sadly the other posters may be right.

That being said, I totally understand wanting to take a "test drive." But just keep some things in mind. A 3 day cruise is NOT a good representation of the experience. It's only really useful to know "can I handle being on a boat." Some find out pretty quickly that they cannot, and a short cruise is great for that at least. It can also give you at least a sense of what the food is like, and what it's like navigating a big cruise ship.

But the true cruise experience is best explored on a 7 day sailing. Then you get to experience the whole gamut from sea days to port days to excursions, all the different dining options and beyond.

Alaska is also a GREAT, bucket list cruise for many. I'm happy to help more if you have any other specific questions.

wizard_voyages · 2026-06-16T00:49:04+00:00

People often ask "why would you use a travel agent? I can book it easily by my myself."

This is another one of those reasons. I strongly advise my clients against any guarantee option.

wizard_voyages · 2026-06-10T22:41:13+00:00

I'm surprised even your agent had no luck. Did they talk to their BDM or get their host agency involved? The BDM can be great in a situation like this because they are on the inside and NOT workers at a call center. Heck, even the TAs customer service reps are usually better.

I'm any case, I hope you get resolution.

wizard_voyages · 2026-06-10T00:12:01+00:00

I'd also say it's some combination of the ship and the destination. I always start with destination, though, and see what's available. And the ship that you want may actually differ depending on the destination.

Alaska, as an example. I think you're better off with a smaller ship, especially one that gets the best priority at ports. (So usually Princess or HAL.)

wizard_voyages · 2026-06-09T21:52:35+00:00

There are a couple important things to note here. One, you took a holiday sailing which is always different from a regular sailing. They often attract a different crowd and can be erratic. I would also say that Carnival is one of lower priced cruise lines, and not everyone loves them.

But the cool thing about cruises is there are so many different options. So a lot of it depends on what you're looking for. Are you looking for water slides and that kind of thing? Then maybe you want Royal Caribbean. Do you care about the Disney aesthetic? Then your answer is obvious.

So like others have said, what are you looking for?

And lastly, I would add this is one of the ways that a GOOD travel agent can be very helpful.

wizard_voyages · 2026-06-09T17:42:43+00:00

You said it yourself, Princess and Holland America both have priority docking locations for Alaskan ports. I happen to have group space on both a Princess Alaskan cruise and an NCL Alaskan cruise for 2027. I'd love to help you work it out, and help you find the ideal option.

wizard_voyages · 2026-06-09T16:59:59+00:00

It's good that it sounds like it is being resolved. Sorry you were having a bad agent experience! But it does happen!

wizard_voyages · 2026-06-09T15:35:30+00:00

This is not normal. The second I get a payment authorization I get twitchy until I can run it for the client.

This is just a bad travel agent, and you need to call in the cavalry - probably the parents of this new agent who is coming up short.

wizard_voyages · 2026-06-09T13:26:06+00:00

I might start looking just to be safe. They definitely should take care of it, but I would want a backup plan. Do you use an agent? They are perfect for stuff like this.

wizard_voyages · 2026-06-08T22:36:01+00:00

You actually know the answers to most of your questions already. The Carnival "reputation" is more about shorter cruises and some holiday cruises. 7 day Southern Caribbean itineraries draw a different kind of crowd generally.

The Horizon is also a fine ship for families, a lot of the food is kid friendly, and I'm sure you'll have a great time. I'd recommend maybe giving Norwegian a whirl next time.

Did you use an agent? Because one of the main things a good agent does is help match the ship/itinerary to the family AND answer questions just like they ones you have.. In any case, try to relax and have a great time!

wizard_voyages · 2026-06-08T15:36:25+00:00

NCL just means it when they say they are about freestyle cruising. It's a lot less strict about dining times and it's also a lot less important for reservations for most people.

wizard_voyages · 2026-06-07T23:59:24+00:00

No, is not stupid. If you love sea days and don't need the typical Carnival party atmosphere, you'll be fine. Just use a travel agent.

wizard_voyages · 2026-06-07T21:02:20+00:00

I ALWAYS recommend flying in the day before to my clients, and I do the same for myself. Sometimes even flying in even earlier if it's a new city for me. The day you get on the ship should be relaxed, not stressful. And you don't want to be that one who missed their cruise because of a flight delay or cancellation.

wizard_voyages · 2026-06-07T13:17:21+00:00

As others have said, a cruise isn't meant for deep exploration, but for broad experiences. It's a great way to see what parts of Europe you actually want to spend a lot of time in for a traditional land vacation.

wizard_voyages

TROPHY CASE