The Fun Researcher

I don't think those tables look nearly as nice as the MDR tables with the white cotton table clothes. Maybe it's just me, but looks cold. Dishes clanking on the table surface, surface cold to the touch... I'm being picky but it is a significant difference to me Dan

I was in a particularly persnickety mood when I posted. 🤣

Our favorite cruise of all time was on the newly AMPED Navigator March 2019! It was a 9 night Southern ABC and Labadee itinerary with amazing weather, amazing updated ship, and wonderful food and crew. It just checked all the boxes. Love the Viking Crown Lounge area. Dan

I thought the question was answered with the very first reply. 🤣

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. It could be for any of those reasons, or all three. Just looking for your opinions. Dan

That would be a bummer. I don't necessarily need a filet or ribeye cooked from Chops. I think those upcharges are at least $20. That NY Strip steak got the job done on that rare night that I couldn't find an entrée on the main menu that I liked. I'd even settle for a decently cooked sirloin. I just don't want to pay more for something we had complimentary. Hopefully they will accommodate. Heck, maybe I'll see what Asian or Indian cuisines they are secretly offering that night.

You're right about that. Lot's of 50s style locations going in back then. (Mid MI area) Hard to believe that was 22-32 years ago. IMO it's time to reinvent JR into something more competitive with other cruise lines and more widely appreciated by Royals guests. Dan

I have seen the D lounges in the Viking Crown Lounge area on Voyager and Freedom class. That is a beautiful area overlooking the pool deck, but really no different or unique than when it was all just the Viking Crown Lounge. We'll be Diamond after our March cruise so just trying to get a feel for what ships might draw us more or less to the Diamond lounge. Personally I don't think we'll use them much other than perhaps a good coffee in the morning. Dan

I'm not knocking why you like it, at all. Makes total sense. Just doesn't jive with our likes. However it almost forces me to bring up venues like O'Sheehans on all NCL ships. 24 hours, full service, better and wider menu (IMO) including burgers and fries, and complimentary. They really do a great job with that. However, don't get me started about the abysmal pool decks on NCL, or the layout of their ships, etc. All cruise lines have their plusses and minuses and we've yet to have a bad cruise. At least with Royal I can just ignore JR, but since you asked LOL...

Was hoping you'd reply John with all your experience. What makes Allure unique? (nevermind, I looked up some videos, and WOW. What a beautiful space) Also, if you had to pick a class of ship that, in general, has good D lounges what would that be? Dan

I just don't get why Royal charges for Johnny Rockets, and especially how much they charge. Take out any comparison to other cruise lines and it still stands out to me as a mediocre burger joint, which to me doesn't deserve any upcharge. I love Royal's MDR and Windjammer. I think they've nailed that. Sounds childish, but I just feel that Johnny Rockets is a stupid out of place venue the way it's setup. Dan

Just wondering your opinion, and why? Dan

Johnny Rocket's has never made sense to me, ever since our first sailing in 2012. I mean, you are charging for burgers and fries, neither of which are anything to write home about. I also don't get the 50's décor and vibe, it just doesn't mesh to me. (just my opinion) Celebrity has complimentary burgers and fries at their Mast Grill right there by the pool, Carnival has Guys burgers that are FAR superior, etc... My main confusion about Johnny Rockets is that it's a "paid for" venue. Royal can do far better IMO. Dan

Yuck! Makes me think of a cafeteria. Why suggest making dining in the MDR less special? Dan

Not having that strip steak really sucks. There is always one night in the MDR where I just don't care for the main entrée options. (I don't remember which menu day it is). I would default to the strip steak. Maybe we can still get something by request? Dan

March - 7night Anthem, Bahamas out of Bayonne, NJ. This is primarily to get us to Diamond and get out of the end of winter doldrums. The itinerary sucks but at least the Anthem is well setup for cold weather cruising July - 7n Quantum, Alaska out of Seattle. Praying for an awesome extended family trip. 16 family members spread out over 5 balcony cabins Dec - 5n Celebrity Equinox Western Caribbean. Found a great price and it worked with our schedules.

Thanks for all the replies! Sounds like 270, the solarium, and the outdoor seating at the Windjammer are consistent winners. Can't wait to try them! (and Northstar, and iFly, and... 😊 ) I know what makes 270 so cool, but is there something about the Solarium that makes it special versus those on Oasis class? I do love the Solarium on the Oasis class so if it's as least as good as the we'll be happy clams.

Guilty as charged. My bad. 🤥

Ranger Cookies

Doh! I meant 1. Late night food options. 😂 I get tired of pizza and finger sandwiches. At least on some ships with Playmakers I can pay a little more and get some good chicken wings etc... I still prefer royal Caribbean buy a significant margin, but one thing that Norwegian did very well was O’Sheehans. Loved that it was open 24 hours and had a good menu

1. Lack of late night food options 2. The absurd price for the drink package and cocktails in general 3. Need a better App to communicate with friends/family onboard 4. Itineraries from Bayonne 5. Johnny Rocket’s. You can do better RCCL! Dan

I must be immune to bad coffee 🤣, but then again so must all the other friends and family that have cruised with us. Maybe I hexed them. 🙂 No one has complained about the free coffee. I admit, the only thing that bothers me is when it's obvious like old, burnt, or when they accidentally serve you decaf (that I can taste🤮) Having said that my oldest is now a part time barista while she's at college and definitely has become a coffee snob , but I have to say I've tasted coffee from her shop and it is exceptional.

I'm lost, who? What? 🙂

There are specialty coffees at Cafe Promenade but they are not Starbucks beans as far as I know. Thank you. I normally just have coffee and cream so I'm simple (just ask my wife 🤣) Dan

I am not sure the OP was asking for free specialty coffee. Specialty coffees at Cafe Al bacio are only complimentary on Celebrity, if I remember correctly, if you have the drink package. Edit: Sorry, I see what you were saying about the beverage package not including Starbucks specifically. Yes, specialty coffees are offered at Cafe Promenade with the beverage package