queenfrostine22

Solarium is open. Pool bar opens early if I recall but other bars not til 11ish, I think. El Loco did not open until 2 on our last cruise. Windjammer is open but has a smaller offering. It is nice to have it not so crowded! Casino as stated is open. We stay on the ship as well and enjoy the quieter atmosphere. There are activities onboard but not as many as on a sea day. 

On 2/25/2024 at 11:03 AM, cruiseboy89130 said:

The Book - just wonderful 👌

I 100% agree!

I like the atmosphere of chops.

Never been a fan of the food in 150. 

The food at Jamie's is ok. I find it un-fancy. almost too casual for the price. imo.

I personally don't feel that any food has been fantastic.

It's all good in a way that it's been served thousands and thousands of times. 

If you're lucky to get a good piece of steak, it's fine. 

A glass of wine, a shrimp cocktail, wedge salad, filet, a side & dessert, I'd choose Chops.

They make a good chicken as well.

So, if I wait til the end of the cruise and personally hand my favorite bartender a 20 instead of a dollar with each drink ordered, does he get to keep it all or does it still go into a collective tip jar at the bar? Lets face it, some bar servers are way more efficient than others.

On my last Harmony sailing at the end of January, the casino was packed with smokers. 1 at a slot and 3 of their friends just standing around the player. All of them smoking away. And I have seen many walking around with the ashtray going from smoking to non smoking without a care in the world. I have rarely seen anyone reprimanded or asked to return to the smoking section. I don't care if people smoke but there should be a true designated non smoking section. Not just a kinda, sorta, supposed to be area. 

Coco Loco with Kraken

Kraken Colada

Tequila Sunrise

Mango Daquiri

and you can't go wrong with a Grey Goose Martini, no Vermouth, 3 olives.

I know that's really just  Vodka, but humor me!

We also prefer the side facing star lofts. You can enjoy your spacious balcony without everyone below watching you!

On 3/31/2023 at 11:23 PM, soremekun said:

I love Caribbean night in the Windjammer!

Same for us! Peas & rice, Jerk chicken, Jamaican beef patties! DELISH!

3 hours ago, HicksRA said:

When that big ole boy sitting across from you in the tub that’s on his sixth Bud Lite suddenly gets that far away look in his eyes…. You know what he’s doing, right?  😁😉

I think the same goes for the people in the pools, especially solarium pools that have built in seating. I have watched people drink for hours and NEVER get out of the pool. They either have very large bladders, or.......

Just recently, after dozens of cruises, I tried the tater tots. They really are more like a boxty. Mashed potato with cheese and fried. They are delicious.  Asparagus & okra, the only veggies I don't like!

I always feel that the cabins have enough humidity to somehow release most of the wrinkles if I hang the clothing in the closet upon arrival. That plus a little wrinkle release spray seems to do the trick every time!

cruising during spring break or the summer season is a guarantee that there will be big crowds, long lines, kids(little &  big) and a lot of drinking. it's to be expected. try cruising in the off season which is never really off anymore  but, it is a little less hectic. 

As for the alcohol, I have always been happy with the pours. but we tip with every drink so I do think the servers keep them coming heavy. 

The ship is not brand new. there will be wear and tear. I have only ever had 1 room attendant who was less than great. He did the minimum required. I have never come across him again.

Sorry for the bad experience. Sometimes one bad thing can make everything seem less shiny.

We have cruised Oasis class many times and very rarely have I heard any slamming of doors.  If it is crew area they are very aware of noise and I have always found them to be courteous.

My personal theory with Port or Starboard is the better side is always the opposite of the one I am on!

Some Genies are just flat out better than others. 

If you get a great one (and there are many)your vacation will be spectacular and memorable and you might just get hooked!  but, a so so one who is either taking care of too many cabins or is burnt out and uninterested (a few) you might question the cost factor.  Personalities play a huge part with the Genies. Some are stiff and overly professional.  Others are personable and funny and  really will try  to do anything to make and keep the cruisers happy!

We tried it while sailing on Symphony. It was ok. definitely NOT worth 200+.

I believe we paid about a 100 each.  The lobster was ok. It is not a Maine lobster. 

The loungers are bit nicer than most other places on the island. Drink staff was slow. 

Pool & beach were not crowded. I don't think we would do it again. A cabana on Chill island is nice if you  can get it for a decent amount, I'm talking under 500. I know that is a rarity but it can happen.

We got a Chill island cabana on black Friday for $349.00.  There is enough to do without spending any extra money on Coco Cay. You can find a nice shady or sunny spot for free. If the weather is uncooperative I never feel bad about heading back to the ship early if no extra cost is involved.

We always choose early. I like the idea of digesting dinner before a long night of drinking. 

We also do not like to miss the earlier activities like trivia & live music.

If we have a lull between evening activities we usually find a spot at one of the bars and just hangout, talk and wait. 

Thank you to everyone who replied. this is my first st. patricks day cruise and since I am Irish it will be nice to see people "celebrating "  it along with me.  

I don't care about the corned beef.... just didn't want to seem overly interested in the green beer!☘️

1 hour ago, Toddcan said:

We cruise a lot during spring break, which for us almost always includes St. Patty's day.  You'll see green beer in the bars, and lots of people wearing green, and all sorts of hats/beads/etc.     I don't recall any food with an Irish nod though.  

Thank you! I'm glad to know that it will be a little wilder than usual that evening! looking forward to the green beer!!!

Top of the Mornin!

Does anyone out there know if St. Patrick's day is celebrated onboard  Royals ships? Just wondered, any green beer? Corned Beef? Leprechuans?

Thanks!

Those ranger cookies with a black coffee are the best dessert on the all of the ships!

It feels as if cruising is back to the pre-covid days. Everyone seems louder, more excited and just happy to have a great time! I've seen very little masking on the ships anymore. Have been back cruising now for over a year and have taken many cruises since the start up. Lots of masks in the beginning. As was stated above, they do seem short on staff. No more social distancing required, the elevators are back to packed! and no restrictions at the shows/pools/bars.

Just wear what you want. How do people enjoy themselves when they are busy looking at what everyone else is wearing. I never look at what others are wearing when I am at the specialty restaurants. Who am I to judge.

The house band was really great at Dazzles. The fine line is terrific. Have your genie sit you at least 3 rows back so you don't get wet. They do some aggressive kicking of the water in that show! Columbus was a cute show. Lots of newer music. Try and get a little cabana on the suite sun deck at least one day. Even if you only use it for a few hours it is a nice private place to be. (only thing is that the Genie can't save it for you so someone has to get up EARLY and just hang out there.) The hot tub on the suite deck is nice. Never crowded. The Boot and Bonnet pub is also a nice place to listen to current music. They  usually have a guitar player in the evening.  Try the rising tide bar if there is a parade or musical thing going on at the promenade. You will get the benefit of seeing everything without the crowding.

All the specialty restaurants are good.  Try them all. Hope you get a great Genie!

It's a nice place for a drink or two. It does get warm when it is up at the top.

I don't ever remember a line.

Got lucky and happened to be on it when a parade or show was  going on. Great views if you can get it.