Jasukkie

Royal handles GTYs well in my experience. I've never not had it assigned at least 72 hours ahead of time, though there is not a GTY of that. Just approach this with an open mind as the savings can be significant.

Last year, the DBE perks included early boarding which was very worthwhile on a hot day in Miami. We skipped a huge line. I think there may have been a $200 drinks credit at that time too.

I cruise happily on either line. I'm not a partier but I enjoy people watching for a bit on the Virgin parties. I see the drinks prices have gone up. I do think on the whole they are a much better quality than drinks on Royal, and actually include alcohol lol. I love spaces like the dock, the tapas menu, just hanging out in the late afternoon listening to the live music there. I wish Royal had a similar space.

The point about navigating around the ship is so valid. I think I had it down by my third sailing. I love the overall design and finishings, but the floorplan is very difficult. It's an extra burden on disabled people to not have an entire floor be accessible from bow to aft. Having a "you can't get there from here" design just sucks.

Anyway, great review, and it's something people should really try for themselves. Hopefully the "Ahoy, Sailor" stuff will be retired soon. 

1 hour ago, keishashadow said:

Is the “cord” permissible?  Or does it have to plug directly into the existing outlet?

The cord plugs into an existing outlet. There are no outlets on this device. I can't see why this would not be okay? It's the same as plugging your laptop into a wall outlet and using a hub bridge for peripherals on type C or USB. I'd prefer to have my phone next to the bed but we weren't doing that anyway on cruises. We had one of those "cruise safe" multiplug and multiport boxes that looks to be banned now. Kept it on the desk area. These don't cost much.

I'm going to get one of this type one plug, many ports type thing. Looks like it doesn't have surge protection so that's good.

How about a plug-in that just has multiple type C/USB ports? That would take care of the big need for most people which is charging. 

I would still opt to keep things the way they are even though I'm a light drinker. I could never drink five sodas in a day. I usually have extra drinks left and end my night getting a can from a bar to put in the fridge. If we have extras left at the end of the cruise we leave them for our steward. 

I cruised with someone who was very honest on the COVID questionaire in place at that time and disclosed that he had a cough. He had to go through a brief extra screening with medical personnel prior to boarding. They cleared him without delay. That was in 2021 when they still kind of cared about it.

Yes, I too have experienced that in Miami. It really stands alone in "thanks for coming, now get the EFF out of here, right NOW, I said NOW, LEAVE, MOVE!" once you exit the building. You also go from an air-conditioned, inside space, to bright light and a blast of heat and humidity, all multiplying the effect for someone with sensory issues. It can't hurt to share your feelings about having had such a wonderful onboard experience and how things could be better on the return.

I was one and probably done on Carnival myself. I do think they do a great job with quick eats so I will give them that over Royal, actually by a lot. Just not my vibe on the whole. 

I check everything through but my sling bag for ID, money and meds. Boarding light makes it easier to take the stairs which is key on embarkation day. You will see many folks already in swimsuits and in the pools so carry swimwear on if that's your thing.

She's a well-regarded singer and songwriter, and a middle of the road choice compared to some others. She's really not a one hit wonder. I don't follow her but she seems active in social media/People magazine type stuff that does reach a sizable market.

Now if they could just catch up to Virgin and include gratuities (and wifi).

Agree with others that the itinerary isn't great. It's a good thing the ship has a lot to offer. We will probably stay onboard the whole time, aside from CocoCay if the weather is nice. No need to get off in PC or Nassau, been there so many times at this point. I do love the convenience of Bayonne and Symphony was a good deal for the fall compared to other options. There's only so far she can go on a one week sailing. Too big for a lot of places and not enough time to get into the Caribbean. 

I'm booked for the fall so I just took a look at the reviews here at CC. Not one of them gives me concern for my own experience.

One person hadn't cruised since 2019 and was shocked at the changes since then. Valid points, there have been a lot of changes, but I've rolled with them. It's never going to be the same kind of service you had back in the day. Other complaints were common to Oasis class ships...the Windjammer is too small and just not good. Yup, agreed. Fortunately there are other places for a quick meal. I'm a big Park Cafe fan.

It's crowded. Yup, can feel that way sometimes. She's a big'n. Can't get in a hot tub all day. Yup, but you usually can at dinner time, enjoy the sunset. Couldn't get to see the Aqua Show. That is disappointing, it's pretty cool. 

So I can see things that would be disappointing, but nothing that would ruin my experience and make me never want to cruise on Royal again. I'm not sure what reviews you have read, perhaps they were worse?

The mocktails are very high in sugar. How many of those would you want to consume every day? I would agree with the poster above me though who said there's no reason to get the alcohol package if you are just doing the sugary cocktails. They just make those very, very weak, to the point I question if there really is alcohol in them. You can bring on a 12 pack of soda, or in your case access it from the suite lounge. I'd pay by the drink but if you really love the mocktails then go for it.

6 hours ago, mandream said:

 

Not really fine print (emphasis mine):

Purchase a specialty restaurant dinner cover charge during the first or second night of your cruise and enjoy complimentary dining for the second guest. Valid for dinner reservations on the first or second night only. (Excludes Celebration Table, Chef’s Table, Empire Supper Club, Hooked, Izumi: Hibachi/Teppanyaki, Omakase, Izumi in the Park, Johnny Rockets, Playmakers, Portside BBQ, and Royal Railway)

 

https://www.royalcaribbean.com/content/dam/royal/resources/pdf/crown-and-anchor-society-benefit-grid.pdf

 

I realize as stated above this is not always enforced.

I fully acknowledge I was ignorant of this rule. I didn't complain to anyone onboard or expect the rule to be changed for me. It was just an "oh, okay" moment but human nature being what it is, I didn't say "oh, then please, charge me full price" lol. 

I have been denied my D+ BOGO because we didn't go the first day. I have to say it left a bad taste in my mouth to be denied. I'm sure it's in the fine print somewhere but we just weren't aware. I've done the UDP a couple of times but rarely add a specialty dining experience for just one or two meals. I took it as a signal to skip it on that cruise. 

Head right to one of the restaurants that is not open for boarding day lunch. I've never had a problem booking what we wanted, though this will vary by ship and group size. 

@Lisah101 I forgot to mention, when you are not using your vouchers, make sure to tell the server. And if you are cruising with someone who also has vouchers, make sure they charge one drink per card and don't put two on one card. This happens all the time at dinner which can be annoying if you go do separate things later in the evening (my partner likes the casino and I don't for example). You want to make sure each person has their due drinks. 

There are some quirks in the system too, we've been charged two vouchers for an Irish coffee, one for the coffee and one for the liquor. In your case, the coffee would be in your package so you shouldn't be charged. Just keep an eye on your charges in the app. 

3 hours ago, Lisah101 said:

I was just about to post a different beverage package question so hope you don't mind me adding it here instead of creating a new thread.

 

This is our first time on RCL, but I have Elite status with Celebrity. If i buy the refreshement package that includes coffee (not starbucks), soda, non alcoholic drinks, etc. is there a place on the ship like Cafe Al Bacio on Celebrity where you can get a latte, special teas, etc? I love to hang out there on Celebrity but the Starbucks exclusions makes me wonder if there is a coffee house where I can use this drink package on Navigator of the Seas?

 

My plan was to use the drink package for non alcoholic drinks during the day, then the 4 beverage vouchers for free drinks in the evening.

The coffee space varies by ship. Some are more of a stand with limited seating/stools, others have more of an actual coffee shop feel. On Navigator, the Starbucks area has some nice, relatively quiet, seating. There's nothing to stop you from bringing your generic specialty coffee from the cafe on the promenade there and enjoying the space.

I would recommend doing the math on whether or not you want the refreshment package. It used to be that it would go as low as $18/day but those days are long gone. You can bring a 12 pack of soda/waters if you like. Personally, I drink the free water onboard and have never had a problem with it. The coffee card is another option, though be aware they do one punch per shot of espresso.

I don't think it's uncommon to see solo cruisers on any ship, but reality is most people won't notice or care that you are solo. I once did a 14 night sailing with a man traveling solo at the next table. He never said one word, just came in and enjoyed his meal and I actually never saw him anywhere else around the ship. I have gone on a short cruise solo, wonderful to just getaway and do your own thing. It was easy to find conversation, though I preferred to just go to Windjammer for dinner by myself. 

34 minutes ago, davidrlewis2302 said:

they have hooks for hanging up coats etc that are magnetic.

Whose the "they" you are referring to? I always bring my own to help declutter the desktop but I've never seen them supplied by the ship.

Revenue idea. Add charging lockers around the ship, ka-ching.

No holds barred. Bob and weave. Pick and roll. Block, but please no charge. Seriously, it would be horrible if you had to wait in line for one thing while someone is taking their sweet time picking out just the right fried tomato. There are ways to be civil of course, never be pushy, pick your moments to enter. More than anything, be quick. 

5 hours ago, pcur said:

I am referring to Long Beach Airport to/from the World Cruise Center on Swinford St, in San Pedro.  I've never had a problem getting an Uber either way.  Just checked (this afternoon) and it was showing $34 with drivers 2 minutes away.

Sorry for my brain fart. I was thinking of the time I did Carnival. It was less of a wait from San Pedro. MUCH better choice of cruise too.