blueslily

Congrats on starting cruising. I'm glad that MSC is in the mix which helps increase cruise options for folks that want additional options. I've sailed with MSC multiple times without any issues. Looking forward to my next sailing. Enjoy cruising!

I have sailed on MSC's newer ships and had a great time. will cruise them again soon. No issues for me.

I often cruise solo. No, not a good deal for an itinerary like that in an interior room. I've sailed Mediterranean itineraries in a balcony for less than that. If it was me, I would not book that sailing. But, we are different and you might be ok with that price post. Good luck. And, enjoy your cruise if you choose to book it.

I was recently on Symphony. We used a porter when we arrived and when we left. Tipped a little when we arrived. I watched him put our cases on the conveyer belt at the terminal. So, I had no concerns. Our bags arrived on time right in front of our door, just like usual. Never had a bag arrival problem in 20+ years of cruising. I tipped more when wedeparted for home since the porter weaved us past the masses of confused and slow moving folks, through immigration, up to my car, and nicely into the trunk. We tipped plus shared a "holiday bonus " just because I was in a great mood after a great cruise. Pay it forward I guess. No, I was just happy and wanted to share that with someone else. 🤗🌞 I mean what's a few more buds after a week on a cruise, lol. It was nothing compared to what I paid to park in that garage, lol. I have no issues using porters and sharing a few bucks with them. Usually a little at arrival. A little bit more at departure. Life is short. But, I also am a very friendly customer and I do pay attention to what I can see at the time in terms of where the porter puts my bags. Once I feel ok with my bags' location, I'm off to have a great cruise. 🛳🌞

I was on the Symphony last month. I must admit, I definitely bought a few bags of that popcorn during the duration of the cruise. It was a little snack while I waited for shows to start. Initially, I was a bit surprised by the charge also, but then I was like shoot, I'm on vacation, am I really going to bark at $2.50. I parked in the garage. Now, that's a price to bark at, lol, lol.

To help you get the accurate answer for your specific sailing, perhaps wait until your sailing for time information provided. Just so that it will be specific to your sailing experience. Happy cruising!

Yep, I can also relate to both you and the OP. Plus, no studio cabin for me when I sail solo either. It's been better to book a standard cabin, and now for me, they are always balcony cabins for just me. I will see how booking solo last minute in 2023 goes.

Hi there, That's awesome. Which ship are you sailing on and when/where are you cruising? That information might help with some of the replies as well. I enjoy NCl. Was last on the Encore. Working on bookings now for European sailings next. Those will be on smaller, older ships. Enjoy your cruise!

Yes, I understood. Thanks

Yes, I do not sail out of Baltimore. Thanks

I might be the lucky person that has had rare experiences with Royal, but I have indeed found good price drops closer to sailing dates. I love those experiences since I tend to book travel based on where I am excited about going at that time. Booking years in advance doesn't have much excitement for me. I've booked really extensive or multi destination international travel more in advance, but cruise booking is so simple that I definitely enjoy the adventure of fun later minute bookings. We are all different of course. This just works for me and my wallet has not suffered yet from using this strategy for years. We will see how it works in 2023. Lots has happened lately, but I'm still optimistic based on recent cruise experience. Happy cruising 🛳🤗🌞🏝

I love cruising for my birthday so hats off to you being on a cruise for your birthday. I'll be on a ship in a little over a month from now for my bday as well. I look forward to your review. Enjoy every moment of your New Yeats and birthday combo cruise adventure !

On Symphony now, MDR dinner menu does include the classics and cabin cleaning service is twice per day. I guess people have different experiences. I've seen people make comments on here about reductions in bith, but my experience right now is different. Happy sailing everyone.

Thanks! Yes, we have Hiro booked the first nigh. We were able to book in advance via the planner. All shows are booked. have 10:30 check in time so hope to do well with specialty restaurant reservations. Only trying to get 2. Thanks so much!

Thanks so much!

Wonderful about not feeling full and that you found a great way to avoid the crowds for disembarking. I have a couple questions that may seem odd. 1) I saw in a couple photos from summer and fall sailings with images of balloon drips over the promenade. Was there something that that during your sailing? 2) How was the cruise director? I read on here that there was a switch in CDs in November. Just wondering if you have any thoughts to share about the experience with her. 3) How was the Quest since its returned now? 4) Any tips to share based on your recent sailing experience? Thank you so much!

Wonderful, thank you!

Sounds great. We fail on her in two weeks. Would love to hear more about your experience this week. Ate Christmas decorations finally up? Did the ship feel overly crowded?

I sail on her in two weeks. What was your cruise experience this week?

He was sailing in November. Booking shows in advance in the planner was just opened by Royal starting with December sailings. That was not an option for November sailings.

Looks lovely!

Sure, complete the survey. hopefully many people will complete the survey. But, my comment was specifically about the status today of the new test menu on the Symphony. Thanks

When is your cruise? Right now this is only a test on Symphony. It is not on other ships at this time.

Bookings on the ship will be based on prices offered on the ship.

Awesome. I hope that many people.received the survey and complete it.