Loewymartin

Which ship were you on? We are big water drinkers and were counting on being able to get water from the lounge

Thanks

We were on Oasis of the Seas.

Was this a one time experience or did you have trouble getting bottled water all week? My understanding is that bottled water, cans of soda, wine and beer are available 11 to 11.

We just brought our reusable water bottles to the Suite Lounge and used a cup to refill them. This happened when we first boarded, before our suitcases were delivered (which had our reusable water bottles!)

We don't drink soda so didn't try that. And when we ate at Coastal Kitchen for dinner we had water - so I didn't even try that out :(

Since the bartender seemed really confused by the question it just seemed easier to grab our reusable water bottles! For all I know it was a new bartender and by the next day things may have been working smoothly.

I saw pretty much everything in the MDR last week on Oasis. From longer basketball shorts on some teens and tank tops with short shorts, to formal dressing even when it wasn't formal night!

Most were dressed nicely on formal night, even if it wasn't formal - nice slacks and a shirt and sundresses on females. I think the frown upon shorts for dinner, but I certainly didn't see anyone turned away!

We had trouble getting bottled water last week from the Suite Lounge. I asked the Concierge and she directed me to the bar. The bartender looked like I had asked for something really esoteric and went into the storage room for a few minutes. He finally handed me 4 bottles of water (there were 4 of us) and said that they don't normally have bottled water so he had to find it.

My understanding was that our automatic gratuities went towards the main dining staff and the room steward. All drink purchases had an 18% gratuity added to the bill and we usually gave a few dollars more on top of that. Room service is free, so we tipped in cash. The cards for ordering room service are the same used throughout the ship, so it says a charge will be made for delivery, but in grand suites and higher it is actually included in the room charge.

I made reservations for all shows that I could online, but there are reserved seats in the larger venues that you can sit in as long as you arrive early enough. They open those seats to all a few minutes before the shows start.

But the RCI site gives you a good outline of what you get.

We received an email the week before we left and that same letter was in our stateroom when we arrived.

We are on Oasis of the Seas Sunday too! I had trouble concentrating at work this week because I was SO EXCITED! Hope to see you around!

We were on her in April 2018. She was wonderful. We are booked again for the Aug 12 sailing. Very much looking forward to it.

 

There is someone live blogging right now a different rccl blog site. They seem to be having a wonderful time.

 

My belief is if you go on a cruise expecting a good time, you will find it. Glass half full.

 

If you go looking for issues to nitpick, you will find them. Glass half empty.

 

Pick the type of cruiser you are. Also try to spend your time around the same type of cruisers. You will have a better time.

 

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We are booked for the August 12th cruise as well! I'll try to post about our experience once we get back. But I think things will be fine. We usually take the stairs (unless I'm in heels for formal nights!) and I expect things to get crowded at times just due to the volume of people. But I also expect that the staff will try their best and I plan to have fun. I wouldn't let a poster or two ruin your expectations.

We go August 12th! I cannot wait to be on a ship of that size - I can imagine my eyes will be roving in all directions trying to take it all in! Welcome back

What a fantastic read! I'm on a completely different ship (Oasis in August) but loved reading about your trip and ideas! I have 2 teens, so your insight into the teen activities was perfect and I even called my girls over to show them snippets of your postings.

Our girls have been on a Disney cruise, but never RCL. I think they are excited about this trip as much as I am, and this will be my 5th cruise :)

I agree with other posters - writing is definitely a gift you have! And your family is beautiful.

I had a Samsonite hard sided spinner that *just* broke last weekend after a flight (the side cracked like an egg). I'm replacing it with another spinner but not a hard side this time. We shall see how this one lasts. But spinners are the way to go for me!

That was awesome! Thanks for the heads up!

I've seen large families do coordinating colors for each sub-family (so grandma and grandpa wear either striped shirts or one color). Their 4 kids (and their families) each take a color (say dark blue for one sibling+their family, teal for one sibling + their family etc.) Whew - found an example! https://www.pinterest.com/pin/281545414174447845/

I have also seen where everyone wears white (or black) shirts and jeans - similar to this: https://i.pinimg.com/originals/d1/7d/c2/d17dc2d6252dab498c72542f13d8d88e.jpg

Hi! I would love to know if the Royal Caribbean app (not the IQ one, but the newer one) allowed you to chat within your group without having an internet package. We have 2 teens with us on our August cruise and I'm trying to figure out how to coordinate schedules/locations with them without spending hundreds on an internet package. Thanks!