nanseev

It won’t let me PM you - can you give me your email? Or try DMing me?

Of course! We leave Friday and return Monday and I will be happy to! I will PM you 🙂

Thanks for all of the replies - based on your feedback, I’ll go straight to Izumi once I’m on the ship. Crossing my fingers we are able to. My home port ship is Navigator so I’m a “frequent flyer” of Chops and Jamie’s and hoping to have a different experience for this trip.

Going on Wonder and have the 3-day dining package. I really want to dine at the hibachi, as that’s the one speciality I’ve never had. I know the first thing I have to do as soon as I’m on the ship is to make my dining reservations - can I book hibachi at the kiosk, or am I better off going immediately to the the Izumi location? I’ve read conflicting information/responses.

Can someone confirm Symphony 3/31 sailing change - I’m reading conflicting reports of Coco Cay 4/2 and also 4/1. I’ll be on Wonder which is scheduled for Coco Cay 4/1 - trying to see if we have two ships on our day. From everything I can see, Wonder is still the only ship on 4/1, but seeing the earlier post about three ships on 4/2….thinking one of those may scoot over to 4/1.

Did you try to get Izumi Hibachi with the UDP? We have the 3-day and I’m hoping to be able to get a reservation when we get on the ship (on my plan for first thing to do) …but fearful it’s going to be completely sold out with all of the pre-purchases.

Going on Wonder in a few weeks, and purchased both the 3 night dining package and also Mason Brunch for embarkation day. I was planning on going to 150 CP, Giovanni’s, and Izumi Hibachi for my 3 night. Navigator is my “home port” ship so I want something different than Chops and Hooked. Is the hibachi eligible in the 3-night package? I just noticed in the fine print it states “restaurant not included in dining package.” Has it always been like that? I may try to swap my Mason for the hibachi…but I can only imagine how complicated that will end up to be if I try to do it on board.

We have decided to keep our cruise on Navigator April 26-29, so if you still need one at that time, let me know.

For years, I’ve steered away from Royal’s spa - mainly because I’ve read so many people comment on the average experience plus the brutal “hard sell” after the spa experience - and I’d rather spend my extra money in the casino 😂. I’m going on Wonder (Eastern Caribbean) soon…and really contemplating booking a couples massage for my husband and myself. We are NOT spa people regularly, so I think I’d be happy with “average.” But…what’s the best type of massage to get? There’s different options for massages, and don’t know if one is better than the other. Also, is 50 minutes enough, or is 75 better? Is is better to book ahead of time, or cheaper if I wait for a Port Day special (open to any day since we’ve been to the ports numerous times, and I know port days are less expensive than sea days). Trying to get the best value if I splurge on this. Thanks!

I have seen the Navigator mugs in the past. Currently, Navigator is in dry dock until mid-April. I’m scheduled to sail in May, and I do have on late April but we may reschedule that one. Either way, if you don’t get a Navigator mug before then, message me and I will pick one up for you.

We skip Italian, Mexico and Caribbean in that order. Backup is Bon Voyage night. Italy - I wish they would improve the recipe for chicken parm - it could be good if they used cutlets instead of thick breasts, and would probably save on their food costs in the long run…..but it’s just not well prepared. The lasagna to me is close to inedible. Even the salad dressing on that night is not great. Mexico - Agreed with the earlier post - I can get excellent Mexican food at home, so it’s not something I choose. Having said that, when we are in there for Mexican night, I order the carne asada. Caribbean - My personal preference..jerk seasoning isn’t my favorite, so this night isn’t a favorite for me.

100% doable. I’ve been on Navigator over 10 times (and probably more like 15-20..lol) since she’s been on the West Coast. I’m regularly off the ship and in my car by 7:30am when I self-assist and carry my luggage off myself. They are very efficient with disembarkment process. Just know there’s usually a line that starts with all self-assists, so if you’re really worried, you could get in line by 7am and wait until the ship has clearance. You will hear the “you never know…” responses, but I have yet to be significantly delayed with disembarkment - I usually go straight to work after my weekend cruise. Facial recognition gets you through customs super quick and you don’t even need to get your passport out. At disembarkment, there are two exits at the port to go down to customs area - try to get out at the front of the ship versus the back - just less walking out which will ultimately be a few minutes quicker. The back exit “backtracks” to the front…hard to explain, and not a huge difference…just something I’ve noticed having done this multiple times. Know as you approach customs, passport holders are on the right and birth certificate people are on the left - just so you are prepared. If you have a passport, know that once you’ve split from the birth certificate side, the passport splits into two lines. I’m still trying to decipher which passport customs line is quicker - the left or right!

Any news on who is taking over on Wonder after 3/24/24?

Does anyone have any feelings on whether to choose port or starboard side for the Eastern Caribbean itinerary w/Coco Cay? Other than the obvious - sunrise/sundown in one direction, and the opposite in the return direction. Both rooms are basically near the front elevator on Deck 7. Any other insight?

I never found two same rooms available on each cruise in the class I needed. I did call a few times to see if they showed anything different (which I knew they wouldn’t).

Nope. Tried for our last B2B. Once you are assigned a room, you can look to see if there are the same rooms available on both cruises (must be in the same class), then call and ask to switch. But like the previous poster said, highly unlikely.

I always leave on the auto grat (I actually get sad when I see a line at Guest Services at the end of the cruise), and the most I’ve ever tipped extra is $20 per person. You were MORE than generous. I’ve given $20 each at the end of the cruise to various MDR waitstaff, bartenders, room attendant, or casino host if they have truly made an extra special impact — but I definitely don’t do it every cruise with every person. I do always tip $1 cash per free Prime drink in the casino (or sometimes $5 for two drinks if I’m sitting with DH and the waiter/bartender is attentive with keeping us hydrated while gambling 🙂 ). Is much as I recognize they work hard, I can’t justify hundreds extra on top of what I’ve already paid.

Actually, the buffet doesn’t open until 11. Depending on the ship, you may have to wait until then.

Interesting comments. Some additional thoughts: 1. What about those ships that don’t have Sorrentos - will they charge at the Cafe Promenade too? 2. They HAVE to do better with overall later evening food options (after MDR). Right now it’s pitiful - on Nav, it’s literally crappy Cafe Promenade or pay for Playmakers. No ice cream, no snacks, good sandwiches, nothing. 3. I usually do early dining, enjoy our evening/casino/drinks, then stop for a quick few slices of pizza before bed - this will for sure have me adjust to late dining, which will impact the money I spend in casino/alcohol. The only way that would not happen is if they offer something in place of the pizza (free). 4. The current pizza is not that good - but I’m wondering if they will up the quality of pizza/toppings/other offerings like a pizza “parlor” and make ordering more like Playmakers - not really a sit down, but food available….and not as pricey as their specialty options. I could see them doing this, but without improving the quality. 5. They are underestimating the need for late night food for those of us with the alcohol munchies. 6. Charging for more food….I think it’s ironic that in every survey I mention how the food at Johnny Rockets should be free, aka Guys Burgers on Carnival. 7. I’m not sure if it would impact my future bookings….but it would make me consider other cruise lines and re-adjust food. And it would definitely irritate me. I swear I’d probably do a “picnic” and pack cold items from the WJ to save for a late night snack instead.

…and what happened to Mey? She was on Nav last year (or was it the year before) and was great!!!!!! CD’s don’t make or break a cruise for me, but I will say the current CD on Nav ( João Ribeiro # 935) is probably my least favorite (or in the bottom two).

Following this as I’m on Wonder in March. Interesting opinion on refreshment package/coffee card - I’m actually the complete opposite. All of the blended drinks are too much sugar and bloat, and we get free drinks in the casino. We use the coffee card for our daily morning coffee (don’t love the free coffee) and bring on a case of soda if I want something sweet when casino is closed. We 100% get the value from our coffee card. I will definitely take advantage of Johnny Rockets breakfast!

I read they eliminated the burger at lunch!!!! I swear, that was the best item on their entire lunch menu!

This is such a great review! Thanks for sharing.

Totally agree! I didn’t think I was going to miss it, and I do! I wish I could opt for 2x per day for an extra $$ per cabin. That would be money well spent in my case, and solve the financial piece - but it may be too fluctuating to be able to staff. We used the scan QR code to request ice as soon as the rooms opened. Day 2 when we first met our attendant he had no idea and was if we never requested anything 😞 . I also think it HAS to be impacting their extra tips. I know I won’t tip extra (or as much extra) in the envelope if I haven’t seen them frequently.

We are frequent flyers on this cruise (usually about 1x per month) I’m pretty much 100% with much of what you said! MDR has become hit or miss, and it has nothing to do with service, which is always amazing - it’s all food options and quality. I stopped ordering the chicken parm - I wish they would pound the chicken or slice to make the cutlet thinner - it would actually help with their food cost! I actually get the steak on those nights 😕 . Unfortunately, I’m finding worse in Windjammer - food quality and options are “meh.” I haven’t tried the Chefs Table yet - one of these cruises I will. I totally agree that the Ice Skating is a “don’t miss” and the best show! I usually hit up the headliner and skip the Showgirls - but I’m not into broadway. I take it all into account and don’t complain, but I think it’s important to be truthful to set the appropriate expectations going in. We also stopped doing the key because of the lack of perks - I feel like I know the ship well enough that I don’t need it, but understand how it can help some. We also tend to be early off and no time for Monday breakfast so we can get to work. I invest that $ in the casino instead 🙂 . And Raj….what can we say?!?!?! He’s the best! Keep doing the quick 3-day ones…the staff remembers you and makes it that much more special. I also enjoy seeing the different “vibe” from cruise to cruise - each one has a different feel. Great review! We will be back in September - August is move-kid-to-college month for us, so no cruise.