mac_tlc

They must be “syncing up” the Daniel Boulud options. The appetizer and main course are the same as was on the Beyond in January and April of this year. The dessert on Beyond was the chocolate pill which my DW did not like. mac_tlc

We also loved our E-class Retreat experiences and have two more booked early next year. After that? A family trip to Alaska next August in 4 SV's and then nothing on Royal or Celebrity -- first time in over 20 years. Their pricing and customer disregard don't warrant our $$$. Looking at MSC YC and Oceania, with a quick glance at Viking, but their payment policy and wheelchair "inconsistencies" have stopped us from serious consideration. mac_tlc

For the Retreat it's gratuitygate and OBCgate, and OBCgate is a bigger amount.

The pdf is posted to Celebrity's TA web site, .... and its still there....so.....

That was the Boulud menu on our Beyond cruises in January and April. mac_tlc

Unless it’s a recent change, we have done it before —— in both directions. mac_tlc

I think the Norwegian Prima and Viva have Tandoori ovens in their Indulge Food Hall. mac_tlc

That is not the case in the Caribbean. Seashore/Seaview/Seaside/Seascape have no interportting cruises out of Miami or PC. For the price, the YC is worth a try -- most reviews are positive and indicate its equal to or better than the Retreat. If I can save multiple thousands of dollars to branch out a bit, it's a good option for us. mac_tlc

Ah, Michael Corleone syndrome:: "Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in " 🤣

Congrats on your GS price. Your GS price on Royal is attainable, but not widespread. A few Oasis this fall (I found $4950 for a GS for 2), a few Harmony out of Galveston. Don't try to find that price on Symphony, Wonder or Utopia. Even Allure 3/4 day cruises are not attractive IMO. Wonder pricing makes a Sky Suite seem like a bargain. And don't even peek at Icon. For the times we have done direct comparisons of same time, same departure port (or close) Royal is no bargain. We are also close to booking YC on MSC Seashore for next November for about $400pppd. Time to try something different. mac+tlc

Slightly OT but how was your trip? mac_tlc

Exactly! RCI : Would you pay $2 a slice for Sorrento's pizza? Guests : NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO. RCL: Ok, pizza is still free. Portside BBQ & Playmekers is 30-50% more. Thank you for your valued input. mac_tlc

Thank you so much for your reports. While some parts are comforting, the limiting of what is in the Retreat Lounge fridges seems petty. They are really going to make it hard for someone to have a can or two in their stateroom. Looks like I'll have to order a couple beers, either in the Lounge or at a bar, and bring them back. Yeesh. I guess it will be important what the SS guests say on their surveys, or at least I would hope it matters. Thanks again and glad you are feeling better. mac_tlc

But mostly up 🤣

That’s good to hear! Your beautiful state is on my bucket list of places to visit. We are Disney Vacation Club members so we have always wanted to visit Aulani. Would like to combine it with a cruise to or from Oz or Vancouver. mac_tlc

And on the Oasis a couple weeks ago, they were very empty most of the time. mac_tlc

Just to add a bit, Oceania really has three classes of ships. The smallest are the old r class ships, hold about 650. The Marina and Riviera (Marina class) are bigger and have about 1250 passengers. Vista is the newest and will soon be followed by Allura (Vista class) . Both at about 1200 passengers. All those numbers are double occupancy. I am pretty close to booking Vista for its March 2025 TA or January 2025 Panama Canal. The highest category Concierge Verandah is cheaper than a Sky Suite on Beyond, the Penthouse suites are a bit more depending on itinerary. First, I have to book the MSC Seashore in YC for about $175 less per person per day than a Sky Suite on Beyond. A year ago, I probably would not have done this much research…….. mac_tlc

You cannot do any reservations for lunch pre-cruise. I have never seen it crowded for lunch any day . We love it during a Port day, very quiet and relaxing. I do agree at $30 + 18%, I have to think about it, but usually do it anyway 😜😜. Here is the menu from Beyond, one of the sandwiches and the wonderful display case. mac_tlc

Exactly. That will be the first request of the Retreat Butler or Retreat Team or stateroom attendant or whoever is the first to introduce themselves. mac_tlc

That is my plan for my next SS. I will be removing any beverage in the room that is an extra charge, and taking one of my numerous Nate Berkus bags up to the Retreat Lounge and bringing beverages to the SS. I guess this is another reason to be near the front elevators........... mac_tlc

Thank you for taking time out of your vacation to follow up on this. So many of us are wondering what the actual experienced impacts are. mac_tlc

I just looked back and 5 of our 6 Sky Suite cruises on Edge/Apex/Beyond since the restart were $380pppd or less. Our Ascent cruise in January is around $365. Since we are not Z, that's an acceptable price to us. But at $500-$650 pppd, it's too high for us. mac_tlc

With that $$ limit, I think they will let you stay onboard about 11 hours a day..🤣 mac_tlc

We had an aft cabin for our Arctic circle cruise in June and I can certainly second your affinity for them. Nothing like it. mac_tlc

Pretty big % increase. This was two sailings ago: 30-40% !!!! An increase is not unexpected, but that percentage is crazy! And before someone says that another $3-4 is not a lot on a multi thousand dollar cruise, that is not the point. mac_tlc