blueslily

That looks like lines on both sides. Isnt Traditional on one side and MTD on the other side? Or, is it reservations versus no reservations for MTD for the two sides. It just looks like lines are long on both sides, even for Traditional (early and late seating). Symphony please get it together before my sailing, lol.

Oh, looks like you have an extended balcony 🙂

Since other folks are mentioning other lines, I will as well. Didnt want to do that on a Royal forum. But, I believe the Escape might be in drydock right now. I think her last sailing was sometime this month. Maybe check out the recent NCL Roll Calls to see if folks mentioned anything or ask there. But, that is NCL, and I know that each drydock prep experience will be different. (But, now you have me curious about how that final sailing week was for those passengers. I might even ask over there myself. Sailing on the Escape in Feb for my birthday. Sorry Royal 🙂)

I personally have not sailed on the last sailing given reports that I've read here throughout the years of the cruise experience being impacted by preparations being made during that final sailing so they can be ready to go when drydock starts. From reports I read, the impact varied on different sailings and different ships. Sorry, no first hand experience since I used that info to stay away from those sailings. Hope some folks share some helpful responses. Good luck

Looks like there are lines on both sides. So, there were lines for both the Traditional Dining Early time folks and the MTD folks? And thanks so much for posting! I sail on Symphony in mid-December. Looking forward to another sailing on her!

That's fine. I dont get into debates on the internet either.

Symphony has a "thermal suite" area but, it's just does not compare to others offered on other cruise lines. I'm taking a first time cruiser on the Symphony in December. I'm passing on the thermal suite pass because next year we are also going on a NCL cruise, unless the Symphony sailing just turns them off cruising (which I doubt it will). I want them to be able to compare the two brands and two different types of ships so they can begin to plan cruises for themselves and learn about pros and cons of different lines and different types of ships. When we go on NCL, we will definitely be getting a thermal suite pass as I believe that will be money spent of much more value than spending it on the suite area that's offered on Symphony. The area on Symphony is tiny and what's available I kind of think should just be included in cruise fare since it's really not that much. But, I understand why they charge for it, in theory.

Just to share, the full Chops lunch menu is not offered for the Key Lunch in the MDR. The Key lunch includes select items from the Chops lunch menu. Just sharing for clarification so folks wont be disappointed when they see a limited menu. Thanks!

Hmmm. Interesting.

If you havent already, try it on the Epic. Man, it's even better than Encore although Encore is newer. Even MSC has better thermal Suites than Royal ships.

Also not posting a reply to get into a debate, but I have actually heard many people say that they chose not to go out to dinner since they already spent money on groceries. They consider it wasteful. So, just sharing that some people do indeed consider the amount of money spent on groceries when considering dining out. Plus, they also consider wastefulness of groceries that might not hold up, meaning go bad or expire since they are eating out. So, I guess it's not that odd of a thing that some people consider groceries.

When is the change expected for Norway - the banning of large cruise ships? I would live to go before that happens.

So, how does that work? Thanks

I'm looking forward to the day when $208/pp is negligible for me 🙂

Wow, that is very close to my "up to 45%" off price for my upcoming Symphony sailing. Hahaha, Royal is funny. I'm glad you were happy with that price for you and your family. I agree with others on here that's it's not really about the percentage listed because that's often not a true reflection of a price. It's there to encourage purchase. The difference between your price paid and my price does not add up math wise if I pay attention to the percentages. I just like the bottom line price. Then I determine if it's ok to buy or not. And, I like the Windjammer, lol. I think it serves its purpose for being able to get some food quick. 🙂

Yep, never been a problem. There are ways to be sanitary when using the bathroom. And the bed location isn't always an issue either. I like the Epic. I havent figured out what all the fuss is about the bathroom. We've been just fine in the Epic cabins. There have not been any crisis because of the bathroom set up. 🙂🛳

Same. It was awesome. I will miss that for sure. I dont need lots of other people to have a good time. I cruised as much as I could while everyone else was staying away. 🙂 But, i will continue to cruise. Bags are packed. 🛳 ready to go again.

I'm not sure if your response was intended for my post that they responded to. If so, I do understand. That was the point of my post. I understand that its not only about which side is on the side of the dock. Thanks

You're welcome. I'm a visual learner so I love looking at images of where I'm going and what's available there. YouTube videos are great for that for me versus just lists on a screen. That helps me plan and envision what is there for me to enjoy. The photos BirdTravels posted are great also. Then I would probably still go check out real life videos of the area to see what some of that looks like. I dont know anything about hiking trails or museums at CoCo Cay, but others might know or you might see if they are listed in the attractions list for the island. There's a lot of images of the park map online and in videos. Glad you received some helpful replies. There will always be some unhelpful ones on this site. Happy Planning!

Also, I was often in elevators by myself. Man, I did not miss folks jamming themselves into the elevators. Dinner was quick. Being on deck was actually relaxing at times. The buffet was not a zoo. And more and more. Definitely was pleasant for me. 🙂👍

Yes, it's a part of my fun as well. And, having luggage has never been an issue for me or held me up in any way. I like choices and freedom, not being stuck with just a few items to choose from. Where's the fun in that. As long as it's no problem for me, I will keep doing it! As said above, I also wash in the sink if necessary or send to the laundry if I want to. I just like freedom and choices.

I understand. Perhaps my posting was not clear. Thanks

This thread was started back in March. In the article, it was stated that the fixed menu will be rolled out on other NCL ships in 2023 (noted in article that it was assuming the change would go over well on the Prima). Is there an update on that plan? I'm sailing on the Escape in Feb 2023. Just wondering if the fleetwide change will be in place by then. And how much time NCL is allowing themselves to see how people that actually sail on Prima respond to this change before they make a decision to roll it out fleetwide or not. Just wondering if am official update has been provided by NCL. Thanks

I take a tiny, mini tide with me to wash clothes in the sink if necessary. I pass on all toiletries in the cabin, as well as land hotels. I never use them. I prefer to use my selected products versus whatever companies put in their bathrooms. With my skin type, that works better for me, so I keep with that strategy.