Mikewa

Going on Odyssey in September 2025 from Rome.  Cruised Odyssey's sister ship Ovation in 2022 in a Balcony Stateroom cat 2D.  I remember that the layout of these rooms varied, and some have the bed located next to the balcony, and others are opposite, with the bed by the entry door, and the sitting area by the balcony.  Really enjoyed the bed by the balcony.  If I want to book this category room, how can I determine the layout?

Thanks

Thanks everyone!

Visited Alaska in 2022 on Ovation - loved the ship.  Decided to do Italy in 2025, and by coincidence, we are looking at Ovation's sister - Odyssey.  I realize they are the same class, and Odyssey is a bit younger, but can anyone advise about specific differences between the two?  Thanks!

Wow, really appreciate all your opinions - it seems everyone has their favorite - I guess I'm trying to figure out what my favorite is.

Just finished my 4th cruise, the first being in 2002 (in order, RCCL, Disney, NCL, RCCL).  Each successive cruise, we were on a newer and larger ship, the last being Ovation of the Seas.  Loved Ovation - clean, large, relatively new. 

Considering a cruise next year and trying to figure out which one.  Many seem wonderful, and I'm sure the ships are magnificent, but I'm worried going from a new, large ship, to something smaller and older (again, talking relative here,).  Just wondering, will I be disappointed going from Ovation (and RCCL) to something else?

Thanks!

Thanks so much for all your opinions.  Can't say you made the choice any easier - just the opposite.

We did a local Urgent Care facility - results in 15 minutes.  But it may cost you depending on your insurance, but it was easy and we just walked in, no appointment.

Did Alaska August 5 - Ovation of the Seas.  One of the best vacations we've ever had.  Love cruising.  Been on a few over the years, but still don't consider myself an expert.    Loved Alaska and love the large cruise ships (Ovation was amazing!).

Anyway, we are looking for something maybe fall of 2023.  Just trying to get some ideas.  Want to stay with Royal.  I know kind of a broad request, but any ideas would be appreciated.  Thanks so much!  

Not sure it's the same at each sailing - but went out of Seattle on August 5 to Alaska.  Wellness check was: "How are you feeling today", "Do you have a fever?"

Nothing to worry about.

Enjoy

On 8/18/2022 at 8:49 AM, Jam0610 said:

We have Ovation booked in September. Wanted the extra time in Victoria.

Was pleasantly surprised with Victoria.  Very clean city, and beautiful architecture.  We didn't have a sightseeing plan - but hired a bike guide.  So this guide has a bike hooked up to a cart - forget what it's called (there were 4 of us) and he takes you on a very intimate tour of the city.  Very personal and in the fresh air, showing you all the hidden gems of the city - and the tour is tailored to what you want to see.  Highly recommended!!

Cruised Ovation on August 5th.  Haven't been on Quantum, but Ovation beat all my expectations.  No complaints - ship is immaculate, crew and staff super friendly and helpful.  Cruise Director is wonderful. Only complaint is Seattle (sorry for anyone reading this that calls it home).  Dirty and scary.  

30 minutes ago, Wineaux007 said:

I normally print them out and put them in one of these luggage tag holders.  They are very reasonable on Amazon, and they hold up well.  Been using them for years.

 

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=royal+caribbean+luggage+tag+holders&crid=41KMB8Z6PQEO&sprefix=royal+caribbean+%2Caps%2C130&ref=nb_sb_ss_mission-aware-v1_2_16

Oh those are perfect.  Wish I saw them earlier - we are leaving tomorrow. but thanks.

Went on a Disney Cruise about 15 years ago, and they sent nice sturdy laminated baggage tags.  Now you have to print your own and staple the ends together.  Worried if it rains and the tags get wet and the ink runs.........🙁

Ovation August 5 - with a stop in Skagway.  Heard and read about possible itinerary changes due to potential rockslides at Skagway pier.  Anyone have any facts?

Ovation August 5 with a stop in Victoria, BC Canada.

When I access ArriveCan, the app asks for "Port of Entry", and it lists all possible ports.  The ones for Victoria appear to be "Victoria (Operations)"or Victoria Park Government Dock (Belleville, ON)".  I assume Victoria Operations is the correct entry, but I'm not sure, and not sure if it even matters.  Or maybe it's one I didn't notice as they list hundreds of choices.  Anyone have any ideas?  

I'm on Ovation August 5 - and the App just today started showing activities - and yes - pickleball is a listed activity.

3 minutes ago, gerif said:

Nope. And you can’t get one. Try Downey Wrinkle Release or just hang in the bathroom and run a hot shower. I’ve also spritzed with some water and hit with the blow dryer. I do all these things at home since I don’t have an iron. If something requires ironing, I simply don’t own it. You can send items out for ironing. 

Thanks - yeah I had a feeling.  I understand the reasoning for not having them onboard. just as long as I'm not the only person with wrinkles.

Yes I know...basic question...  

Ovation August 5.  Bringing some nice shirts for formal nights, and just want to dress up some.  Being as everything with be packed into suitcases, is there an iron in the stateroom to get the wrinkles out?

Thanks!

Thanks!

Ovation August 5.  Staying in Seattle Thursday night before embarkation on Friday.  What's the best way to get to the terminal?  I was thinking Uber, but I heard somewhere that they let you off at a drop point, then take a shuttle to the terminal.  Is that accurate?

Seems like an annoying way to get there.

13 hours ago, neverbeenhere said:

If Royal or other agencies are testing sewage samples, they have a pretty accurate idea of case loads, reported or not. 

Ewwwww🤮

Maybe a dumb question - but if you have the beverage package, do you need to have your issued cup to get soda at a restaurant?  Seems to be a pain to have to carry it around all the time just to get a coke and not have to pay extra for it.

17 hours ago, maggie416 said:

We just switched from MTD to the 5:30 seating. We have had MTD for years but now, the earliest you can book is 7 PM. Since we are sailing with another couple, I know we will spend more time dining. Do not want to rush to get all the shows in so we switched. This is a back to back, the first week it’s just the two of us so kept it at 7.

Marg

That's exactly our thoughts! 

5 minutes ago, poocher said:

I have always made MTD reservations.  For us it’s just that early dining is too early & late is too late.  Our sweet spot is 6:30-7.

Yeah, that was our thought as well (regarding the "sweet spot").  But after thinking about it, traditional early seating on sea days might work better.  

My brain hurts!

Perhaps a rookie mistake.  Signed up for My Time Dining.  Now with about a month before my cruise, we are rethinking and perhaps want to go with just the earlier set time seating.  in order to do this, on the RCL Website I think I have to cancel My Time, and then sign up for the early seating.  Worried that if I cancel, and the earlier seating is filled, I may loose out on both.  Sorry if this is a basic question,..... but you know how it is...  Thanks!!