motheroftwocats814

On 10/9/2022 at 11:31 AM, rudeney said:

This is the wrap-up, so it's going to be a bit long...

 

We were up around 6:30am and having breakfast in Chops around 7:45am.  It was delicious as usual with fantastic service from Vlad and Nadia (Nadia was our breakfast server a few days back).  Jan had seen Nadia and Vlad together on night being "very friendly" with each other, so we suspect they may be having a little onboard romance.  Which is interesting because Nadia is from Russia and Vlad is from Ukraine.  I suspect neither one cares about the war, except for the safety of their families back home.  

 

We did find out why Chops is not open on embarkation day for Voyager.  We thought it might have to do with Chops having to prepare lunch for The Key in the MDR.  Nadia told us it is because they added about 500 beds with the "amping" and the Windjammer couldn't handle the crowds, so they use Chops seating as overflow, and Giovanni's as the specialty restaurant on boarding day.  She also said that although The Key gets the Chops menu in the MDR that day, it is not prepared by Chops - it's just their menu items prepared in the MDR galley.  

 

After breakfast, we headed to the Schooner bar as instructed to meet Gabriel, the concierge for disembarkation.  We got there and sat around a while as they called various numbers.  We all sat there waiting on Gabriel to lead us out, but he never did.  He was just standing around, and every now and then we'd see him escort a couple of passengers out.  After asking him when we were disembarking, he explained we could leave whenever we wanted - just let him know.  Well, we let him know we were ready and he walked us through the "customs" check (which was an officer who glanced at our passports - no facial recognition) and then to the SeaPass scan, and we were down the gangway into the terminal.  

 

This suite/Pinnacle disembarkation process was just a bit disorganized and not what we are used to.  Normally, the concierge has escorted us off in groups.  I guess Gabriel does not do it that way, but everyone was sitting around expecting that.  I will say he's the least impressive concierge we've had on a cruise.  He's young, and very soft spoken, and always seems disorganized - even a bit flustered.  But he was very friendly and helpful when we needed him. 

 

We were off the ship and with our luggage waiting for our Uber by 9:00am.  The terminal staff will tell you to go across the street to Duncan Donuts to order an Uber because of the traffic  congestion (it is a cluster), but I had already done it when we grabbed our luggage.  Our Uber driver Joseph was excellent and said he'd even though it means some extra traffic, he'd rather pickup right at the terminal because it's easier for passengers like us with lots of luggage.  We made it to the airport and through security by 10:00am.  Now we just wait for our 12:35pm flight.  Assuming it's on time and we have an uneventful drive to Birmingham from Nashville, we should be home around 6:00pm.

 

This was a FANTASTIC cruise!  The crew was excellent - we were always met with big smiles and an eagerness to help.  We knew they are shorthanded, so we were just patient, and were rewarded with first class service.   The ship was very nice.  Yes, there is some rust here and there and a few places that need attention or updating (especially in the cabins) but Voyager is still a wonderful ship.  I like how easy it is to get around, and other than absolute peak times, it never felt crowded. 

 

We never ate in the MDR.  I heard mixed reviews on the food there.  The Windjammer was never horribly packed, and the food there was very good, and again - I can't say enough about the crew - there were plenty of them in the Windjammer ready to get us whatever we needed.  Specialty dining was excellent.  We loved Chops - both the food and staff.  Only one night did the steaks not come our perfectly cooked.  Giovanni's was good, too, both the staff and food.  I liked the food in Izumi, even if it wasn't Jan's favorite.  The staff there was just OK.  In fact, if I had to pick the worst crew interactions, it would be in Izumi.  Don't get me wrong - they were good, just nowhere near the level of personality and friendliness of the staff in Chops or Giovanni's.  Finally, our stateroom attendant Prakash was top-notch.  We didn't interreact with him much, mostly just greetings in the hall, but he kept the room clean, kept us stocked with ice, and made sure we had plenty of towels and anything else we needed.  I'd say that's the perfect attendant.  

 

I absolutely do not regret buying the UDP or DBP.  Our specialty meals were very good and a relaxing change form the MDR.  I took $100 in ones with me, and handed one out for each drink ordered at a bar.  I have $42 left.  So 58 drinks at an average of $12 each is $696.  That does not count the dozens of bottles of water, fresh OJ, or drinks ordered in restaurants, so I am sure we easily exceeded the the $1,078 we paid for UDP.  I had no problems finding the Scotch I like - Johnnie Walker Double Black.  Every now and then a bar would not have it so I'd have to choke down some plebeian Black Label.   Jan had lots of daquiris and white zinfandel, and I had several dozen glasses of Oberon cabernet with dinner.  I never had to wait behind more than one person for a drink in a bar.

 

The entertainment was good.  We don't expect Tony-award winning performances, but it was entertaining.  My least favorite was the Rhythm & Rhyme.  My most favorite was the ice show.  The onboard bar entertainment was good.  One guy playing in the Schooner bar was a great pianist, not such a great singer, but not horrible.  The duo playing in the Promenade was good.  The cruise director was good, though we only saw him announcing the shows.  

 

OK, that's about it.  We' begin boarding our flight shortly.  Thanks for coming along!

Thanks for the review. We are sailing on VOS tomorrow. I just wish the RC app would be correct and not allow me to book Chops lunch. I booked it last week, because I had a 50OBC I wanted to use. I haven't canceled it yet. Wondering if I go to guest services if they will allow us to have Geo's instead. Honestly, I am not keen on Geo's. Maybe they will allow us to do Chops dinner instead.

I travel both domestically and internationally A LOT! I have Global Entry that has TSA built into it. Had Global Entry since the beginning. I can't think of a reason not to have it.

As for the criminal records, that is something to speak to lawyer about. 

On 10/7/2022 at 4:06 PM, nanatutu said:

My husband and  i usually pick the floor and balcony cabin we desire. We have booked Serenade of Seas November 12th sailing to the Western Caribbean. We chose to book a GTY balcony cabin this time. When I go to our booking it lists our floor, and muster station but still lists it as a GTY.  When should we expect to get a cabin assignment?

 

Thank you in advance,

 

John and Pam

We booked a GTY for our upcoming sailing on Voyager. It showed the deck and muster station for about three weeks. Then finally showed the cabin number. We booked in mid August and sail next Sunday 10/16. So it could be anytime between now and embarkation day. 

I always get insurance from a third party.

Insurance through the cruise line protects the cruise line.

Third party insurance protects you. Plus, third party generally has much better medical coverage.

I just purchased Chops lunch on embarkation day. It is not part of the Key.

I was told that Chops is not open on Embarkation day and used as overflow for WJ.

Is this the case?

Hi-There is a SLIGHT possibility my husband won't be able to cruise.

He has been suffering from severe cough for weeks now. NOT COVID.

He has chronic bronchitis, and he doesn't wan to be coughing and coughing and people onboard thinks he has covid.

Or be sent to medical for test etc.

So, he is thinking that he may not go.I have no issue cruising solo, but if I can find someone to go in his place, how close in am I able to change the reservation?

1 minute ago, Bxc53 said:

We are on the Quantum now. The DW brought her protein powder collection on with no issues .

Thank you!

Hi All-

Sailing next Sunday on the Voyager.

I drink Boost protein drinks at least once per day. I also have protein powder packets, that.I can prepare with milk.

I couldn't really find any info on the website as to whether that is acceptable to bring onboard.

Anyone know?

Thank you and happy cruising. 

Thanks everyone. I am just hoping I test negative and don't have to worry about it.

Hi-

I am a bit confused about the wording.

I currently have covid. Very, very mild case I wouldn't even know I have it if my traveling companion from last week hadn't test positive.

Anyway, I have 2 original vaccines and three boosters. Including the new BiValent Booster.

We sail on October 16th on Voyager of the Seas to Canada.

I am hoping I will test negative by then. But I am not clear on whether a letter of recovery will be accepted.

It states that it will not be accepted in lieu of vaccination but that is not the case for me. As I am fully vaccinated and boosted.

Has anyone sailed to Canada with a letter of recovery?

Thank you

It says nothing about changing the covid testing requirements..so don't get your hopes up. ArriveCAN is not a big deal. 

Thanks for sharing so far. We board on October 16th. 

I have been on quite a few cruises. I remember maybe three of the cruise directors.

Does the CD make a difference in your cruise experience?

I know some have quite a following but to us, it makes no impact on our experience.

18 minutes ago, Cruiser Nonna said:

Booked a XB guarantee about 3 weeks ago for 9/30 Ovation - continues to show GTY however the first time I tried the Wallet option it was GTY and then a few days later shows a cabin number in the bar code but still shows GTY but also on the Sail Pass shows Muster station and GTY - assigned the lowest balcony E2 obstructed - but on the confirmation and APP shows GTY - so not sure why if assigned per bar code why it would not show everywhere?

What is the wallet option?

We prepay the gratuities. Then tip extra in cash to bartenders, MDR staff, room stewards etc. They work hard.

I don't believe travel insurance covers covid test. 

A GTY is just that, guarantee of the OV cabin. The location and type of OV category is up to the cruise line.

Why would you think you could get a balcony you didn't pay for? As others have said, the inventory showing is not exact. They hold back cabins to fulfill the guarantee cabins, Royal Up  and other reasons.

If you want a balcony, see if it makes sense to you financially, to just pay the difference or try to bid on Royal Up. 

Thanks everyone. 

Hi-Got my Royal Up offer the other day for my October 16th sailing on Voyager.

For those who did Royal Up and your bid was accepted how long did it take to be notified?

Was it right away, the day of sailing, somewhere in between?

Thank you

1 hour ago, ONECRUISER said:

Check Daily for price reductions. Most to all Vax/Testing requirements will end soon 

Do you know this with certainty? Or is this just one of those you heard from your best friends, cousin's, dog walker who works for the Canadian Gov't, Bermuda Gov't, the CDC and Royal Caribbean.

Thank you everyone. Great to hear different experiences.

I think for right now, we will stick with traditional dining, late seating.

5 minutes ago, footzz said:

Considering that Royal Caribbean has an active fleet of 26 ships, there's no definitive answer to your question.

Yes, I realize that. Just wanting to know for anyone who has cruised in the last month or so and saw an improvement. 

Thanks for your review so far. Love Freedom class! Enjoy!

We liked My Time Dining on Allure prior to Covid. It was easy and no issues.

We are sailing on Voyager in October and originally had MTD. Then changed it to 8pm dining.

Early dining is very early for us and late is late for us.

But I figured with long port days 8pm works.

I am wondering if some of the MTD issues have been worked out yet?

My check in is Sept 1 for our October 16th cruise.

Trust and believe I will be logged in at 12:01am. LOL!

We live 30mins from Black Falcon Cruise Port (Boston) but I still want an early check in time.

More time to spend on the ship.