RoyalFan509

My husband was also very skeptical and doesn't like to go out of his food box but he enjoyed it. I am always open to trying new things and try to go into situations I am not familiar with or used to with a very open mind. It is not for everyone but if you are willing to take a chance and be opened minded, give it a try. We enjoyed everything on Odyssey.  The idea of it is pretty neat. I wouldn't do it every cruise or might not do it if I didn't do the UDP. Everything we had was great. My husband had the beef and it was extremely tender. I wish I had gotten that instead of the fish. That was good too but the beef was melt in your mouth. Of course you will read over and over about the world and it is fantastic.  The experience can be kind of long but your on vacation and I enjoy relaxing. 

6 hours ago, DerekB said:

Were you on the unlimited dining plan, and if so did you use it at Giovanni's wine bar at all? Hard to get a good answer on if they food there is included. Thanks!

Honestly we didn’t use it there. We didn’t even attempt to. You can ask on the main royal page. Someone else may know! Sorry 

6 hours ago, DerekB said:

Am I understanding correctly that you were kicked out of the pool? If so, what was the reason?

Yes!  She wasn’t completely potty trained. Can’t have swim diapers on 

Day 6: Sea Day

Hate to say it, but as much as it is nice being away, I enjoy going home just to be in my own bed!! We headed to windjammer and then waited a little bit to go to the pool deck. It was pretty cloudy, windy and kind of cold.  Kiddo got some swim time in. 🙂 

We ate at Playmakers. Food was good. Didn't come out super hot but they were busy.  We had the cookie for dessert and WOW! I know a lot of places on the mainland do desserts like this but the marshmallows on top were just amazing. We asked for a few not toasted and they were happy to help!!!

We headed to the room and finally got in a NAP!! Tonight for dinner was Wonderland. I will try most things at least once and I was really looking forward to it. Read a lot of reviews about it. My husband was a little hesitant but we knew it was Italian night in the windjammer for dinner. We really enjoyed it!! Surprisingly, we were full! We talked to one of the managers at another specialty restaurant and he told us to let the chef pick for us and we are glad we did. WE picked out main meal which I had the fish, it was good but my husband had the beef and WOW! It melted in your mouth. I wish I had that.  Dessert was the world which was super neat to watch. It was super good as well. I am a caramel FAN! We also had the forbidden apple, wasn't my favorite.  We had to move pretty quick since A wasn't the best tonight in the restaurant but I believe she was ready to head home. WE went and picked our pictures and bought 3. Headed back to the room to enjoy the view for one last night!! We had to get maintenance to come again because the air stopped for the second time.  They got it fixed which was good.

I will just finish up here!! Day 7: Time to go!! We ate in the windjammer and waited for our time. I enjoyed staying in the room and waiting to leave from there. Headed out, got our luggage and found a taxi to the airport for a car. We stayed at the Destin. The pool was gorgeous. It was a little windy but by 10:30 my fish was swimming away. It was probably the best sun of the week.  Got changed and headed to Stewart to meet some family.  Didn't really do dinner because of  late lunch but in bed early since we were getting up at 5:00 am.  Airport was INSANE but all was good getting through security and made it home safe and sound. Pretty much unpacked by Sunday night and laundry didn't stop!! Hope you enjoyed the review! Have a great weekend! Happy Easter!

If I can figure out how to rotate the pictures, I will try to post. Not that they aren't all the same from other reviews!!

Cozumel:

We did our normal morning routine and got off the boat. My husband found a private resort. I think it had Paradise in the name but not 100% sure.  Got a taxi which was about $15 and we were talking to the driver and he said the resort next to it would have been better and now we know why. We got to the resort. My husband paid the rest of the amount.  We checked in and they walked us to the beach. This is when we found out that my daughter could not go into the pool. They would give her a kid pool but I know that wouldn't have worked because she loves to swim. We went to the beach. They wanted to know immediately what we wanted to drink because drinks and food were included all day.  Again it was windy and it was not tropical waters. It was very murky water. I always wear water shoes and I still didn't care for it so we decided to head back to the ship. They did give us our money back which was super nice. We didn't expect it but we were happy they did.

Headed back and went right to the pool. We were in there for a decent amount of time and then asked to leave. So few issues I have is one, I am sorry but a majority of the people and kids probably go to the bathroom in there. Two, they did not ask the other "kids" to leave. Some had diapers on. To be expected, my daughter was very upset. She did not want to leave because all the little thing wanted to do was SWIM! So we got her back to the room. We changed and explored the room. We thought Playmakers was open but it was not. My mistake but we did walk around and explore.  Went back to the room to try to get her to sleep and that was a no go. I went to return the towels and get myself a nice beverage which I did.  Childless we have done the drink package but this time, it would have not have been worth it this trip. We maybe had 7 drinks the whole trip!!

We got ready for dinner. We had Hibachi tonight. We don't like sushi so that was never a place we wanted to go.  View was great. Wish all restaurants had a view of outside. We were the first table but then it got very busy and very loud. We did not get to enjoy this dinner like we wanted to but the food was good. I like the idea of extra rice if you want. Chef put on a great show. We then went to the arcade since A was already there with her Dad as I was trying to eat and she had some more fun. I hope with the older ones you can put a limit on the card because I can see how it can add up fast. I believe my husband ate lunch at Playmakers today and enjoyed it.  We had to go solo to windjammer for lunch since most days we were attempting to get in a nap. I think we walked around a bit and possible stopped in to look at the Effy jewelry but not sure. Back to the room to relax. 

Day 4: Costa Maya

I really thought I wrote about this yesterday but I guess I didn't. Having some major deja vu but who knows.  Woke up and we were moving slow because it was very very windy.  We found out that we almost did not dock because of the wind but we made it!! We did our normal routine of eating breakfast and then got off the ship. We were just going to try to make it to the beach so we could come back anytime but when I asked if was going to be as windy because of where the beach was, they said yes and even though I am a strong swimmer, didn't feel good bringing the little one. So we walked by all the shops and found the pool that I saw someone post that had a few restaurants attached and you could swim if you bought a drink or food! So that is where we stayed. A had a blast. She did not hesitate going right in and swimming all on her own. I had a nice margherita, we swam a bit and headed back to the ship. My little fish was in her glory! We did stop at Del Sol for a shirt because I think they are super neat that they change color and also got the little one her first one!

Got back to the ship and hung out on the balcony. We really enjoyed the extra room of the junior suite! We ate at Givonni's again and it was delish.  Had the meatball again, Stromboli but it was very spicy. Both of us had chicken parm which was one of the best I have ever had. Very big piece of chicken. Pasta sauce was amazing. I have 13 years experience in the restaurant business and I am super picky when it comes to Italian food. Hubby had 2 tiramisu and one to go. He really enjoyed it. I had the chocolate ravioli and make sure you like chocolate.  Back to the room to watch the sun set. 

33 minutes ago, cindyscruise said:

Don't worry what they think.  Here you picked an early dinner time that would be appropriate for your child.  I could see if it was 9PM and she was tired and cranky.  My husband hates that dreaded question of "Whats for dinner"  So glad you enjoyed Chops. its on our list for the second night.  I am so looking forward to our November cruise on Odyssey.  By the way, does your daughter now qualify for C&A status?  she can get her own number?  Did the acupuncture work?  My stress if always in my neck and shoulder blades. Thank you

I honestly don't worry what people think! Just pissed me off! I guess most people forgot what it was like to have kids but I like you point of view we did pick an appropriate time! 

LOL about the dreaded question. mine usually doesn't offer much. He would eat steak every night if he could.

It is an amazing ship! I loved it! Looking forward to more Anthem class ships.  

She will get her number now that her first one is done and join us. Any child under 21 gets the same points as parents. Also, if you cruise alone with out your spouse, they get the points as well.

So I was sore from the deep tissue. Not 100% sure if it did or not. Would like to continue it to see but I want to find someone who is a doctor not just a Joe Smo

51 minutes ago, kimlet said:

I guess you get towels before you get off, but nice man on the island showed me where. told him i was told I could get on the island, he said its really to just trade them in. He said he was going to mention it to the ship after I told him what I was told.

Gotcha! Would be nice. One time on another cruise, they were at the gangway and it was SUPER nice!!

Day 3: At Sea

I believe this was the morning we were up at 4:45. Sometimes she will have night terrors and well this was one of them. I truly felt bad for our neighbors but there was nothing that could be done until she wakes up on her own. Luckily, I had talked with the one neighbor because they also couldn't get into the room on our first day and we say them later and apologized. They said they couldn't hear anything! So, that made me happy!

Watched the beautiful sunrise, took lots of pictures and got my favorite one of the whole trip with the sunrise in the background! Headed to breakfast.  We made an appointment with Next Cruise and my husband was also going to the art auction. Today was the top tier event. We were going to attempt to go but wasn't a good idea with how the morning started. 

We sat with one of the ladies and booked 3 more cruises! We are super excited about it. As we were booking, that is when I saw super Mario. My husband asked me what I was staring at and I was like pretty sure that was him and it was. The lady was telling us all about him.

Not sure which of these days A napped but it wasn't a lot. We went to the kid section on the pool deck.  She had fun but when she is done, you know it. I didn't take her to the pool yet because one she does wear a swim diaper and we found out later that isn't allowed eve though we were told something different and sea days it is just to many people. You know, they "ALL" get out to go to the bathroom. 

Headed to the room and I do believe a short nap took place. I was trying to get her up and sent my husband on his way to order for me. The 2 of us made it down, just in time for dinner. She was in a much better mood this visit to Chops. Again, hubby had the rib eye and I had a New York Strip. Should have gotten the filet. Dessert with both had the cheesecake which was delish. Just wish it was a little colder. Again service was perfect. We also eat a little faster to get done quicker because a 2 years attention span isn't very long! Thank god for her tablet! We probably headed back to the room for sleep. One night we were up a little later then normal! 

SIDE NOTE: I forgot to add this to yesterday's. Again my 2 cents. I really wish they would have a place to get towels either on the island since it is their island or when you are leaving. Going up to deck 15 and back down and then returning them wet gets old. Again just my opinion.

Day 2: Coco Cay!!

This was our first time here since they have redone the island. I spent a lot of time looking at maps and preparing for the cruise. I am a major planner, sometimes drives my husband crazy but we 99% of the time don't have any hiccups because I try to thing of every scenario.  

We were up early everyday and in bed early most nights. I love everything about the ocean and watching the sunrise and sunset is one of my favorite things.  I fine peace in it!  So I was able to see the sunrise while already docked at Coco Kay.  Weather in the morning was a little cloudy but had hope it would clear up.

We ate breakfast in the windjammer every morning. The staff there was also excellent. They would help with my daughter, try to talk to her but she is very shy, and take such good care of us.  Pushing a stroller around and getting food creates a challenge but they would offer to help. Loved being taken care of and honestly not having the dreaded question that all couples battle with, " What's for dinner?"

I took advantage of the spa special. (I also did not take any pictures of the compass.) My husband got a paper copy in the morning because one wasn't in our room. I like to see it on paper and not the app. I did like the convivence of the app for somethings but still like reading a paper copy. Not a big phone/computer reader. Back to my massage. I have always had a great experience at the spa on the ships.  I wish I could get a massage more frequently but our money tree isn't growing fast enough! My therapist was amazing but was very concerned of where I hold my stress which is in my neck and upper back. Apparently I have frozen shoulder. She told me I should look into acupuncture and imagine this, they have a doctor of it on board.  I did speak with her and she did convince me to give it ago. I have wanted to try it in the past so I decided to give it ago. I really enjoyed speaking to her and once she explained everything, it did make sense. So gave me the price for one session and then obviously the more you do you get a discount. I ended up doing 3 sessions. She wanted me 3 times a day but again that tree was a little bare just from this trip! I came back later in the day and then 2 times on our sea day.

I got back to the room and it was time to head out to shore. We got ready and headed out. Made it off the ship and well we forgot the little ones puddle jumper! It is a hike for sure. Even though you eat your heart out, you really do a decent amount of walking. Almost hit 10,000 steps each day! Anyway, we never have the photographer take pictures but this trip we did. It was the first time for A on a cruise and I want her to be able to have some keepsakes. So we had the island in the background and the ship. We headed to the island. Stopped at the 2 kid sections but A just wanted to swim so we went to the pool. She was in heaven again!! It was still cloudy and a little cold but she didn't care.  This momma wanted a drink at the swim up bar, so there we went.  I am not the tallest so got a little deep in the middle but we made it. We stayed for probably an hour and headed back to the ship. A was done!! Meltdown to the extreme but we all survived and took a tram. If we didn't have her, I would have walked.

I also did the north star while at Coco Cay. I always wanted to and I am glad I did. My hubby and little one couldn't do it!  We attempted to get her to nap but that was a no go so we got ready for dinner and headed to Giovanni's. We ate between 5-6 pm every night. Again, service was AMAZING! I like to the idea of this Giovanni's being more open. We don't like to formal right now with our daughter. I did fettucine alfredo and my husband did veal osso bucco. The giant meatball was delish. My husband loved the tiramisu. The next time we went, he had 3. I had the cannoli's. They were ok. Wasn't till our second visit to Giovanni's did we learn the history before the restaurant and that this was the son! That is why the concept is a little different.

We headed to the room to get ready for bed. We were all tried.  Some nights were easier going to sleep then others.  I love the towel animals. Our stateroom attendant even made a mini one for A. So cute and love the idea of googly eyes. Maybe it was the teacher in me!!

Sunday continued...We got settled into our room and wanted to explore more of the ship. The more we explored, the more the loved it. Was a little hard with the little one but she really did a great job. She loved seeing everything. She is a pandemic baby, so this was a huge adventure for her.  We made all our reservations for dinner for the week and got a little bite to eat.  We stayed in our room for when we left the dock and loved watching the idiots on their boats trying to race around the ship. We actually saw the police chase one of them. 

Dinner was at Chops tonight. We did the UDP. My husband loves steak so we made sure this was our first place to go. We have always had great meals at Chops and we did again. My husband had the rib eye and I had the filet which melted in your mouth. I also had the lobster bisque and did not care for it at all. It was just different then what I am used to.  Service was exceptional. We had to take dessert to go because after 2 very long days, it was bed time for our daughter. (Just my 2 cents. When we walked into chops at 5:00 pm, most of the guests glared at us because they saw we had our daughter as if we were going to ruin their night. I would never let her act a fool and ruin someone's evening but I just wish people would be a little less judgmental of a child being in the specialty restaurant. I paid to be on the cruise just like everyone else!

We rocked a little more then I am used to being in the back! 

On 4/13/2022 at 12:50 PM, cindyscruise said:

Following

 

Thanks for following! I am hoping to get it done by the weekend. Work really got in the way. I was almost not going to be glad I have someone to listen!! 

Our room and view from balcony in port! I’m going to check with my technology advanced husband tonight to see how to rotate the pictures. 

I will try to post some pictures as I go along but I like to type on a computer and not my phone, so if I get time, I will add some from my phone! 

Sunday 4/3- We are early risers since we have a human alarm clock. We couldn't wait to get on the ship and get back to cruising but it was a much needed vacation after the past 2 years. 

Overall of the ship and week-The ship is beautiful, I think some of the covid protocols made things a little better and the service was just top notch! Also, this was our first time on an anthem class ship. Royal continues to impress me! The Capitan was very involved and loved his positive attitude. Weather was just ok but always nice to be in warmer weather.  Super Mario was on this trip. Pretty cool to see him in passing after reading about him in a lot of reviews. 

We got to the port just a few minutes before we had to check in. We needed to wait for our daughters results. That may have been the most stressful part of our trip. We wanted to get on closer to the time that we could get in our room since we had some extra luggage in tow. We were only on the ship for about 5 minutes and we were able to head to the room. Waiting for an elevator was not fun but we made it only to find out that our key's were not at our door. Trying to find someone to let us in became a challenge. We finally got in after some time but it was still worth the wait. I am going to attempt to post some pictures from my phone. 

I always enjoy reading people's review of ships and just their point of view. I get a lot of information reading about the ships and I hope I can be helpful in writing my experience of my cruise last week.  I will try to answer as many questions as I can. Again, this is my experience and point of view! I will try to keep up and post but now that we are back to our normal routine, it may take longer then expected. 

Quick background. this is my 5th cruise with my husband and our VERY active almost 2.5 year old. Our cruising as dramatically changed. We never ate in the main dining room, we did not see any shows and we did not do any excursions as we were not sure how our little one would do! We did have the UDP package, which we enjoyed very much. We had a junior suite on deck 10 and LOVED it. This was our first time in a suite and it may be hard to go back. We also got 24 points this cruise and bumped us up to emerald which we are super excited about. We booked 3 more and after the 2nd we will de DIAMOND!! 

We flew in on Saturday to Ft. Lauderdale and had no issues with Spirit, which was a blessing. I believe we missed the bad weather and not by much. We stayed at the Resident Inn and had some family visit us. It was a long day of travel with A, but she was a rock star. I consider her a pandemic baby since she was home for the first 9 months of her life and she enjoys having her routine. We got some pool time in before bed and she loved it. I believe she is part FISH! 

Following along and headed on Odyssey in April with an almost 2.5 year told. We love cruising and were are Loyal to Royal!! We splurged on an AFT balcony so we can enjoy time when she heads to bed. Any advice you can give my way having a toddler on board? TIA Did you have to ask for towel animals each night?

Thanks. I’m a pretty big planner so I’ll be good! 

Thank You!  New to NCL and traveling with a child 

Great idea! Thank You! 

Is there umbrellas here?  I will be traveling with my one year old. 
also, I heard that maybe you can get a massage beachside here, has anyone ever done it and around how much was it? Tia 

Thank You! For your advice. All that makes sense. 

Thank You! For your advice. The only island we would go to the beach would be St. Thomas. The other 3, 2 my husband and I are going to do an excursion and then their island we will hang on the beach!  Thank You again. Appreciate it. 

Hello!  I have a question for parents who have traveled with young kids. My daughter will be one when we go in November in Escape. When you would get off on the islands and even just to go to the beach, did you bring your car seat and base. Wasn’t sure where to post this. TIA!

Are you going to add more?

It is a great ship! What was your itinerary in Jan and what will it be??