beckyboo1986

I'm sure you'll have a fab time 🙂

Hi Jim, Yes I noticed a few on other forums so thought I'd share here too in case anyone had any questions 🙂

I thought I’d share with you all our thoughts from our First Marella Cruise. It’s a long one! I also shared lots of pictures and videos on both Instagram and Tiktok so feel free to search for Explorewithethan2021 for more information. We had a fantastic time and travelled with my disabled sister and toddler. We’d absolutely book another Marella cruise but there’s always room for improvements. I also think it’s really helpful hearing tips from other passengers so you can be better prepared and manage your own expectations. Cabin 5065: We booked an outside adaptive cabin. Loved the space available. Plenty of wardrobe space but perhaps could have done with a few more draws. The beds were set to a double upon arrival (despite there being same sex adults on the booking, there was another post regarding this so thought I’d mention it) so we asked the stateroom attendant to change this. I had to explain this a few times as initially he thought I was asking for another bed to be added. We had several communication issues throughout the week and we often didn’t have enough towels or our pool towels were moved so we couldn’t find them (didn’t think to look on top of the fridge!). Sadly I did feel this was the only area where the service was lacking but it didn’t caused us a major issue. One night we had horrible noise in the cabin all night but strangely the next day it was all fine. The bathroom was very large but you had to make sure the shower was pointing directly down otherwise it did floor into the room. There was also a slope from the bathroom to the bedroom which was quite slippery depending on footwear. Overall, I would recommend this cabin type especially if you’re disabled as the space is very handy and so is the fact it’s adapted. Breakfast: We mixed between Vista and Marektplace. The menu in vista had daily specials such as avocado on sourdough and bacon or pancakes then the usual fixed items such as full English breakfast. I had one issue where I aske for cold milk for my toddler and gave them his beaker and it came back boiling hot milk. This incident happened in front of the Head Waiter so I’d like to think it wouldn’t happen again. I was surprised with how good the marketplace was. I often dislike buffets on cruises but I never found it too busy which was great and there was always somewhere to sit. Lunch: We often ate at Italian @ The Mediterranean. Loved the selection of pastas made to order and pizzas available. We’d often pop into the buffet to grab additional food too. The area was pretty warm but the service was great. I loved it when they retracted the room, so nice. We did go to Snack Shack occasionally to grab a late afternoon snack and again service was brilliant. Freshly cooked fried foods and healthier options in the fridge. Dinner: We loved both Vista and Latitude 53 for dinner. Service was generally always good (just one off night where it was very slow). We would go around 6:30pm and it was never too busy and always straight to a table. My sister is dairy and gluten intolerant and only one waitress really took not of this. She arranged for her to be given a menu ahead so she could pre-order. What I loved most about the restaurants was the service. Every waitress/waiter was so kind and interacted so well with my son, Ethan. It felt like he was Royalty. They’d try and make him laugh and give him high fives, it was so lovely to see so I thank you so much for this. The Coffee Port: We had the Premium Drinks Package (highly recommend!) so we often grabbed morning coffees from here. Again the service was amazing! Diljana was so sweet and Siti (hopefully spelt correctly) was wonderful. They both taught my son to say cookies 😊 I took my thermal flask onboard so I’d often get a coffee to go off the ship. They stopped giving out cups with lids, they did try and give us cups with lids but wasn’t always available. I thought this was a bit bad when it was quite rocky. Scoops: It wasn’t always easy to grab an ice cream from the buffet so a few times I bought one by the pool for Ethan. He loved it and the cost isn’t a lot. Pool: We had no issues here. We didn’t spend the whole day here so we’d get a bed shortly after lunch and spend a few hours here. Bar service was great. The pools were cold and salt water but I expected this. Now, controversial one, Ethan did use the pool using a swim nappy. I know his poop schedule and he swims twice a week so knows not to go to the toilet in the water. I also only stayed in the water a maximum of 20-30 minutes with him. I understand why they say no un-toilet trained children however so long as parents are sensible about it, I think it’s ok. I was surprised there were no lifeguards on duty as that’s usually when they’d stop toddlers/babies using the pools. Mini M Club: We liked having this as a place to go and play with the toys. It’s an unsupervised room attached to the main kids club. Ethan would often look into the kids club and I felt bad as he just wanted a play buddy. When we first arrived, the room was very grubby and overcrowded with toys. However, I bumped into the lovely Cruise Director (sorry forgot his name, maybe Chris) and gave him some feedback which he gladly took onboard. They removed some of the larger toys and it really transformed the space. We loved the little activities they put on too. The little ones didn’t always want to go along with it but it was nice they tried. Ethan loved the balloons and bubbles instead of Baby Yoga. The mini disco at 7:15pm was also a big hit. The splash pool area was also great. Again unsupervised but a lovely shaded area and place they can play. There was never any big kids in there so it was a safe place for the younger ones. Indigo Bar: We loved coming up here after dinner as it was always quiet and Ethan enjoyed the lights. There was never anyone else around but sadly the dancers were a bit funny one evening and asked Ethan to move (it was still early around 7:30pm) as they were hosting a dance session yet no one was there. I thought it was a bit unnecessary. Waiting service was always fantastic. Try the special smokey cocktails. The Lounge: Great area with live music but often closed during the day. It would have been handy to be open as it’s a place where people often walk through to get about the ship. I had one rude waitress one evening, Jovi, but generally everyone was smiley and happy. I guess we all have off days. Squid & Anchor: A place where the parties at. Loved the live music in the evening and the children’s activities during the day. Again service was brilliant. One waiter was playing ball with Ethan so patiently, it was lovely to watch. Gym/Jogging track: I made it to the gym, once. It was a pretty rough sea morning so wish I hadn’t. It’s a typical cruise gym with lots of cardio machine but few decent weights. It was fine for a quick workout though. I did want to go for a jog however the track is pretty slippery and you have to do 11 laps just for one mile so worth sticking to the treadmill. Cinema/Shows: I was hoping to take Ethan however there were no children’s filming at all. Perhaps they’ll offer more when there are more children but it was a shame there wasn’t something suitable to watch. I didn’t make it to any of the shows sadly. Sports court: The sports court was looking very worse for wear. The nets have large holes in so the ball was constantly going outside. It was also just not a very inviting area sadly. We saw the golf course but didn’t play. Overall, we had a brilliant time. I’d absolutely book another cruise with Marella. I do wish they had just a little more for toddlers, especially supervised sessions. I did speak to the lady in charge of the children’s clubs and she explained they simply don’t have the room for little ones to rest hence why they can’t have supervised sessions. I also said an in cabin babysitting service would be the dream. Often one of us just stayed int eh cabin so Ethan could sleep and it would have been great just paying for this service. I haven’t commented one the itinerary but if you have any questions about it, please feel free to ask.

You'll have a great time! We visited the following; Tobago Trinidad Grenada Martinque St. Lucia. I stayed at Accra beach the night before the cruise. Nice pool, nice beach location and good accessibility with the buggy. I stayed at Coconut Court beach afterwards, brilliant food, friendly staff, beautiful beach section but sadly very difficult with the buggy as so many steps.

I commented on decor above. I believe you could board quite early, from 11:00 if i remember rightly.

There wasn't a huge issue as such but I would say a little of both. The look of something, I don't mind so much but draws in the cabin, not easily closing and a shower curtain instead of a screen, those are things I dislike. The lift situation wasn't great either. Having to press multiple buttons to try and get a lift.

It's not a matter of being able to afford it, it's the principal for most. We rarely tip in the UK. People get paid a suitable wage to perform their jobs. Just because that's not the case in other countries...

I thought I'd share my recent review from our trip departing Barbados on 20th November 2022. I travelled just myself and my toddler aged 19 months. Please feel free to ask any questions you may have. ********************************************************************************************************************************************************* I knew the ship was dated and I paid next to nothing for this cruise, so I came with eyes wide open. Let's get the slight negative out of the way. I wasn't happy with the cabin. We had 2636. Second from end aft. I didn't request my cabin as I wouldn't have even known where to choose. The issues I had were with noise. The sound of the engine woke my baby several times, not ideal. I complained and was offered to move cabins but the hassle of having to pack everything up again to move only a few cabins down, was pointless. I also hated the shower curtain. Such a shame they don't have the glass/plastic doors. Other than this, everything else was fine. Lovely stateroom attendant was called Michael. Service: Fantastic throughout the ship. Everyone was so friendly, especially to my little boy Ethan. I loved the welcomes he got. MDR: Food was good, nothing amazing but always a nice meal. Devendrasingh and Sophorn were brilliant. Dev was a pro and clearly should be in charge! All waiters/tresses greeted us so kindly. Muhammad was also very lovely. Breakfast was a little slow but nothing major. Windjammer: I hate buffets as I find them so crowded and other people so inconsiderate pushing in front. We never had dinner here but had lunch. The food was fine with plenty of choice. Not always easy getting the highchair or ordering drinks. Bars: All bar staff were very friendly. Shout out to Arron, Ryan and Rommel. Highly recommend the lavender daiquiri in Schooners bar. Pool: Always space around the pool to get a sunbed. The lifeguards were friendly and kind to my little one. Royal Tots: Excellent service. there were very few children onboard so my little one only went to sessions a few times. Every time he happily played though. We loved being able to go in the afternoon for open play. Often we had the place to ourselves. Overall, we had a lovely holiday. I've put as average only because the issue with the cabin and the fact the ship is very dated.

When I did before, I would have had to pay for two people regardless of little ones age.

I've heard you can. I was wondering whether to do this on my next cruise and tip people directly. I'd love to know how tips are shared out. I might keep 50% on and then tip on top.

Thanks everyone. I ended up calling and have managed to change from Inside to Ocean View for £34 extra. I'm happy with this change and if I got a further upgrade to a balcony then even better.

@BecciBooHa great name!! Thanks so much for the logical replies 🙂 I do love how nice everyone is. I already got the cruise for such a steal. I think I might increase my bid on the balcony. That would be perfect as it means little one can nap in the room, and I can relax on the balcony. Very excited for next week!

Sorry another Royalup question. We're sailing next week on Rhapsody of the Seas. Currently have an inside cabin. I've placed bids but I'm prepared to go higher. Currently all balcony cabins are sold out so I assumed my bid wouldn't be accepted but then I realise perhaps a balcony will go to a suite. On offer are the following, I've placed the highest bids in that order. Ocean view balcony Ultra spacious ocean view Spacious ocean view Ocean view What would you reasonable pay for an inside to one of those please? I'm travelling just myself and toddler. We could do with more space due to the travel crib and pram.

Hi all I'm trying to find out more information regarding Royal Babies on Rhapsody of the seas please? Does anyone know what times they are open please and how much? Does Rhapsody usually have many babies/toddlers onboard? I used the Royal Tots on Voyager in July and found the service to be very good. Sadly my little one was going through a clingy stage and only wanted to go if other babies were there which didn't happen often. Thanks Becky

Pretty much what the title says please. I'd love to do the eco trek to Bamboo Falls but toddler in the carrier but I'm not sure how slipper it might be. Any other suggestions for trips would be great thanks. ECO TREK TO BAMBOO FALL ST. GEORGE'S, GRENADA

Such an interesting thread. I have always thought we should tip more. I'm from the UK, where we don't tip often. I would pre-paid gratuities then I've left $50 for the stateroom attendant and roughly $40 for the waiters. I have a slight dilemma where it's just me and my toddler travelling on our next cruise and I decided not to pre-pay the tips as when I booked I was told that if I speak to Guest Services onboard, they'll only charge for one persons tips. Some would argue that toddler should pay too (considering I've paid double occupancy). He won't be trashing the cabin as I tidy up after him anyways but I'm not sure morally what's correct.

@Essiesmom You're incorrect about there being no programs for under 2's. I've just returned from a MSC cruise which had a Baby Club service for under 2's. @Itchy&Scratchy thanks for the information regarding being holidays in the US. I might decide to go Asia or Europe instead then.

Hi all I'm thinking of booking a cruise for late November for 7-10 days for myself and 19 month old toddler. I'm open to suggestions on where but assume Caribbean will be the nicest option. We're from the UK. We've cruised with RCC, MSC and I've done NCL in the past. Just looking for recommendations on the friendliest with toddlers. Little one loves to swim (potty trained fine) and does go to the kids club for maybe an hour a day. I'd love a liner where I could do some activities with him too. ideally one that won't charge me double occupancy but I know I can't have it all. Looking forward to hearing your opinions and recommendations.

Hi, We're sailing next Saturday and wondered if anyone can share some recent daily planners please? It's our first time sailing MSC so I'm wondering how the activities will compare to RCC/NCL. Thanks Becky

We're also booked on this cruise and I'll be taking lots of layers. I have a nice waterproof jacket and will even be bringing black tights to wear with dresses if I feel it's a bit chilly. I'm very excited for this cruise and honestly am looking forward to it being a bit cooler than it has been in the UK recently.

On no what a shame. I fear I should have just booked a balcony. I wonder if I contact RCC directly, they'd let me change cabins.

I'll be sailing on Voyager of the seas on 24th July 2022 and am currently booked in an inside cabin. I just wondered whether they still offer the bid to upgrade process and if so when. I booked via a travel agent so I'm not sure if that makes things different. Very excited to be cruising again soon. My toddler will be enjoying his first cruise so hoping to get a better room if possible.

Ok thank you. Hopefully we should be fine then.

Has anyone got experience of their toddlers being denied access to the pools despite them being potty trained? We're going on Voyager of the seas and I'm not sure whether my little one will be allowed to go swimming. He's such a water baby so it would be such a shame if he couldn't take a dip. I'm not sure if there's a splash zone on VOTS that he could go in? It would be foolish if we have to put a nappy on him to use the splash zone (if available) as it'll be confusing for him.