goldfish65

No.

The entrees are small portions. A hungry person can eat more than one, and without the unflattering imagery you use.

Never had any issues, three cruises in 2023.

The restrictions on internet usage are, I suspect, a way to keep crew from being on their phones all the time.

It's kinda fascinating, because no one knows how prices and market share are going to play out, especially now with MSC aggressively pursuing the N.American market with their deep pockets, private ownership, no debt, and flashy ships.

My $.02, we got spoiled the past few years great deals. Now, the prices are more realistic for the experience you are getting. On Freedom last month, four nights for a party of two in a GS was around $3000 counting everything. The ship looked practically new, we remarked that it's pretty amazing to have all the facilities, so much nice staff, great drinks, unlimited quantities of decent food with some real highlights, stunning entertainment, all surrounded by vast ocean. I did a lot of research before choosing Royal. I know what to expect and I like their product. Other cruise lines may cost less, but it's like, if something has no use to me, I don't care how cheap it is, I'm not going to buy it. I don't want to take the chance of being disappointed....it's worth the money to know I am going to be satisfied.

If the juggler Pete Matthews is on, don't miss him, he had the audience in stitches, better than most comedians.

No.

I agree, when I tip an additional amount, I want it to go to the specific person, that's why we always bring an ample supply of assorted denominations.

Another quick mention, re: RoyalUp. There was one OS showing available. I bid $210 pp and was unsuccessful. The GS we had suited us just fine, but you get caught up in the psychology of trying to "win" something.

Another thing to mention: there were virtually no gulls on CocoCay. We asked several staff why this is the case. It was wonderful that the aggressive, dirty birds were absent, but I am still curious as to how. Everyone we asked said they did not know.

Partial blame to the anti-gluten movement and the shutdown. Many people avoiding bread altogether. Changes in bakery staff. The pastry chef at the resort where I work makes only one kind of bread for the steakhouse,, a very good roasted shallot and thyme brioche. Also packaged gluten-free bread that comes frozen. Small changes that save a lot of resources.

Forgot to mention room service. One breakfast was perfect, even the bacon was hot, and the young lady was drop-dead gorgeous and outgoing. The next day...a young man brought syrup but no pancakes...I ordered banana pancakes and received a bunch of bananas. Ordered grapefruit and received grapes. Not the end of the world, but note to self: check the order before the attendant goes.

OP specified only one thing so I'll say improve the app. It could do so much more.

Four nights...we could have used one more. We have very little to complain about. Ship was very clean and well-tended, sufficient staff. Suite 1252, minor chair-scraping occasionally from the deck above. Suite lounge food offerings were great; however cocktail service was positively glacial. The first night I bribed a bartender to make our drinks. Concierge was mostly window-dressing, directed us to use the app to find what we needed. Bar service elsewhere on the ship was fairly quick. Both the ice skating and the theatre production blew us away. Absolutely memorable. The artwork around the ship is outstanding. Ship was full but only felt crowded in the Royal Promenade. We hate the closed-in feeling....Izumi was claustrophobic, though fun and good otherwise. Cigarette smell was strong in the Schooner Bar. The ship is too big for our taste. So much walking. We kept to our vow of not using elevators. Maybe that's why we slept so well. One thing notable was how well-mannered and pleasant the passengers were. Did not hear foul language, did not witness bad behavior. Only one "I wish I could un-see that" moment related to attire. There were so many games and sports activities; it was very nice to see families enjoying themselves. Tip for The Perfect Storm waterslide: lie on your back and keep your weight on your heels and shoulder blades, you'll fly! If you sit on your butt, you'll get stuck, no fun. Early MDR seating, no complaints. I asked for Beef Bourguignon in addition to the entree I ordered, no questions asked. El Loco Fresh was great. The funnel cakes at CocoCay, how can anything be so good?! Re: CocoCay, it was not too crowded, even with Liberty there, we found chairs/umbrella in a spot we wanted, at South Beach, where our dining room assistant kindly suggested. Crowds and chaos are abhorrent to me, so the separate check-in and the concierge escort off the ship was of great value. Just wanted to share the positive experience we had on Freedom of the Seas.

As others, much prefer have my luggage waiting for me in the designated zone, rather than jockeying for a spot to stand at the carousel, having to look at everyone's bags as they come, and having to lunge and extract the heavy bag off of the carousel.

On Freedom last week, we smelled pot right away, and every day, though not from our balcony. But then again, it seems to be wherever you go, cars in parking lots reek and you smell it on people's clothes in the grocery store.

Just off Freedom last week, I hope you have as great a time as we did. Don’t miss the new “Marquee” show!

Boarding tomorrow, got the “your bid was unsuccessful” email this evening. Bid for OS a little over $50/day pp to upgrade from GS. FWIW.

“My colleague has not shown a scintilla of evidence that the company engaged in so called “skimming” or any other impropriety in their gratuity program.” sorry I am going through the car wash at the moment and got reminded of Perry Mason. Some of y’all are (almost) as good!

You can do a mock booking for that date and see how many cabins in the category are available. I think with ships being so full these days, it's harder to get. I have a bid right now, an amount worth it to me over the minimum but still "weak," and two OS available. Not feeling optimistic.

Thanks to all for helpful comments. I just cancelled. My sister is not acclimated to even mildly chilly temperatures. For me, the water slides is probably not a good idea while dealing with a shoulder injury, either.

I was shocked that the price dropped to under $40; still, if our teeth are going to be chattering, why spend even that?

Looking at the weather for next week when we are in The Bahamas, gusty and high temps in the 70s, I'm inclined to think the water slides will be chilly. Common sense tells me to get a refund for the water park. Thoughts?

Never hurts to ask when you have a request! It's such a simple thing to do.