Zephanor

As soon as work is over the day before we fly out!

On 9/24/2019 at 6:32 PM, Host Clarea said:

not dressing properly for formal night

Sometimes I wish this were true!

Alcatraz of the Seas.

Drink package + deck 8 on Oasis = no need to get this package but I've still thought about it for the convenience. 😉

I could be wrong but I'm pretty Key is the same time, they just have the extra benefit of dropping their luggage off and having it delivered to their room in time.

That $17 pool drink was likely one of their pineapple or coconut drinks made with the actual fruit as the cup. And those are not included in the drink package.

Most other pool drinks will be less than $12-13 dollars and included (Oasis class ships have higher prices and the drink package allowance.)

I have the Ship Mate app on my phone which allows me to create a price alert that emails me whenever there is a change. If there's enough of a difference then I'll mock book to confirm and reach out if there is.

All cruises I've been on it's been in the Cruise Compass as well as signs at different bars, particularly the pool deck bars. And yes, they tended to be middling price (usually well drink prices.)

Day drinking is fine... day passed out drunk is another story!

All things in moderation. 😉

My wife and will often order an extra entree as an appetizer because there was something we wanted to try together as well as a main dish to eat on our own. Did this in Giovanni’s one night, no issue.

If this changes it’s honestly a minor issue for us, we still like the flexibility to eat most anywhere without having to worry about cost after the fact. The food is plenty and multiple appetizers works fine if you’re super hungry (or desserts, why not? You’re on vacation!)

I too would like to know for sure if there are separate menus for the unlimited and non-dinner plan patrons. If that is in fact true, and the package menus have items removed, then I’ll be canceling the package.

I sincerely hope that this is not the case.

From my understanding Royal only schedules a random restaurant the first night and you reserve the rest while on board (either at a specialty restaurant or via the app if your ship supports it.) Even then, you can usually make changes or adjustments, depending the availability, after the fact so I wouldn't sweat it either way.

They might be confusing that with the dining room set timing which doesn't apply to the UDP.

Gotcha, I think I’ve seen that posted before and forgot. Thanks!

Been twice, first time in a balcony room and muster was in Boleros on Liberty. On Independence we had an inside room and muster was on deck under a lifeboat.

Just out of curiosity, is there an easy way to determine this on a ship by ship basis?

Just note that Starbucks is not included as well as room service or the mini bar.

I'm willing to bet that they will not likely make this mistake again!

15 hours ago, robandana said:

It has been our experience that the later you go the less of a problem it is. We usually eat at 8:30 and have never had an issue in any of the specialty's.

Was that with reservations or without? My wife and I got the UDP and we like being able to choose on a night by night basis where we go to eat if at all possible, and we do usually eat on the later side unless there is a show or event we want to partake. I understand it's first come, first served if you don't have a reservation but I just wanted to know how much of an issue it would be on Oasis if we were to forego reservations. If we would be standing around for awhile waiting for a table that might not be cool but we're not against getting a cocktail and hanging around either. If getting reservations anyway is highly recommended then we certainly will (and understand changes can be made by talking directly to the restaurants, etc.)

Had a bad sea day weather wise on Independence a few years ago and they opened the main show venue for movies. Who doesn't like drinking umbrella cocktails while watching movies? It was nice and the movie wasn't too bad either (it was a current one as well.)

Hahah, I personally would never get one of those rooms but if I could shoot paintballs at the zipliners... well, that's a totally different story!

I've been on a few cruises and I remember that getting the wifi onboard ended up being cheaper than purchasing it before sailing, usually a sale after the first day for much cheaper per day. Is that not the case anymore? Perusing the forums here seems that this is no longer the case.

And it sounds like they've upgraded their wireless service which might be a good reason why. The wireless wasn't great when I did get it but it was good enough for iMessage and general non-bandwidth intensive applications.

Good reason to make sure you have your passport with you! I imagine it would be difficult flying to another country island (unless they are lax about that with island hoppers, I don't know.)

And I'm surprised to hear that RCI allows speedboats to deliver late passengers. I can only imagine the potential liability with a delivery like that. And what would it cost? I suppose whatever you negotiate with the speedboat owner unless they do it out of kindness and adventure. Does Royal ding you as well?

B-52

I've read many account that stated that they were fine with the rooms that were picked for them and some that were not. It really depends on what you value. If just sleeping, showing and changing then it shouldn't matter too much... unless you're close to a loud venue that runs late! But if you stay up late anyway then no biggie... unless you're under the pool deck where you could hear chairs being dragged and foot stomping from heavy walkers while trying to sleep in.

Personally, and it's up to each individual, I'm always very concerned with where our room is. First cruise we got a balcony which was on deck 6, right above the life boats, and there was a dinging all night long as a result. Learned my lesson there. Next cruise we got an inside room and surrounded it with other rooms, not a problem, perfect for sleeping. Next cruise we got a balcony higher up, deck 8, so as to avoid the dinging. We also chose a higher level so we're mid ship and even got a larger balcony due to being on the bump without having to pay more. 😉

This may not really add much to the conversation but I went on Liberty of the Seas almost two years ago, a Freedom class ship prior to the recent upgrades so it was just like Independence of the Seas is now, and they had the Dreamworks experience. I even got a few pictures of Po on the promenade. Of course this could have easily changed in the time from then to now.