AshleyDillo

Waving from the middle (Indy) of the Royal Caribbean sandwich!

It was painfully slow the first half of 2023 year when I would attempt to work remotely (through a VPN with documents stored on a remote server). This year it has been flying relative to last year. I went back through my Speedtest screenshots and there's definitely a difference in performance.

It's considered changing the itinerary. This is my Allianz annual travel insurance policy.

The slot machines do have to be on, though. Don't assume just because the casino bar is open that the casino is open!

To be fair, Royal has in the past for shortened cruises given pro rata OBC for the missed day(s) based on your cruise fare, same as they are doing for the cruise planner purchases. I'm sure the $75 OBC is far less than that for most. True. My travel insurance policy would cover whatever costs the $200 Royal is offering wouldn't cover to get to/from the new embarkation/debarkation port along with reimbursement of any non-refundable pre-paid flights/hotels/excursions. But it wouldn't cover my decision to cancel.

From all the complaints on our Facebook group you would think this ship is falling apart. Folks were under the impression that a drydock would be a complete overhaul and refresh. She's an old lady..she has her blemishes. You can still have a good time. They're working on all the various issues that people are having the best that they can.

I don't pay extra for dining unless I'm sailing with my mother spending my inheritance so doubtful I will step foot in Gios 😂

I think all the drydock work was the usual check under the hood maintenance. Nothing seems like it was new or updated. The internet has worked insanely well for me, though.

On Radiance now..Samba is still alive and kicking.

The far end of the beach area (in front of the cabanas' plunge pool) is quieter and removed from the music. It's to the far left side of the beach when facing the water. The On the Rocks Bar was also quieter and away from the DJ, but they had a live band playing, so it was a different kind of loud music. Between sets it was quiet, though.

There was a pasta station up front and stir fry in the back.

No Celebration Table. No Izumi in the Park. No Desserted. That could change. I know some Star folks had a pow-wow with one of the officers this morning to give feedback. Still $20 at each venue once a day.

The ala carte places included are Izumi Sushi (not Izumi in the Park), Basecamp upcharges and Pier 7. Giovannis Wine Bar snacks and Trellis Bar snacks are not included. No other new specialty dining. We canceled our UDP onboard and have been partaking of mostly complimentary items and Coastal Kitchen instead.

The Solarium Bistro is all ages, it's the actual Solarium that's 18+. You enter the Bistro by the walkway by the elevator banks and do not have to enter the Solarium to eat.

Travel insurance won't cover it if Royal didn't cancel the cruise. They're still moving you from Vancouver to Honolulu.