cruisegirl1

"Significant other" is the changed interpretation. Seems now it is for whoever one happens to be dating this week. M

agreed. Royal LOVES that lounges/bars are crowded because there are SO MANY D, D+ P passengers. What a great problem to have, too many loyal customers. M

I would be hesitant to use the word entitled, but there will be cliques. Back in 2015, we boarded a ship for the 15-night third leg of a three segment 45-night repositioning cruise. Folks had made friends and enemies by then. It was a small ship, Rhapsody, so passengers were forced to be together at times. Longer cruises were not as popular as they are now and back then, 45 nights was a lot. We were a bit uncomfortable with a few comments we heard and often glad we had not been on the ship the full 45 nights. Of course, 45 nights is a drop in the bucket compared to the full world cruise or several B2B segments. It will be a unique experience for sure and I hope all who are traveling have a good time. M

Yes, great, and thank you for your service! M

YEARS ago Royal extended C&A level to spouses. At that time, single gender marriage was not legal in some (most?/all?) states. Royal, in recognition of single gender couples, extended the benefit to include "significant other" to equalize benefits to couples who could not get married. Over the years, the benefit no longer applies to just single gender couples and has been watered down to include anyone's date for the cruise. Status is rarely if ever removed, so giving a current date the upgraded status (we'll say D for argument's sake), creates a new C&A D member for life because they took one cruise with a casual D friend. And as the new D dates, marries someone else, the D status will transfer to their current mate because of one casual cruise years earlier. M

Nice gesture but I am hearing that the card holder must be in the photo to use the free photo offer. It was the case about 10 years ago as well. M

I guess you are on a Pinnacle quest. The ride is fun but, considering the current benefits, the prize is not really worth it. Stay with D+ 340-mark and try other lines. M

Tissues will happily be supplied, simply ask or leave a note for the cabin attendant. In the unusual circumstance of no hair dryer in the cabin ask the cabin attendant or call housekeeping. m

OP-good point about the opening times of the kiddie venues. Sorry you had such frustration regarding your meals. We have seen it so hit or miss in the MDR. I wish you had spoken to a supervisor for possible resolution. m

Pre made egg burritos and standard breakfast fare. Small assortment buffet with ample seating. Mid afternoon when everyone is returning to the ship, the place is packed. Just a few other places open and this is the closest to the pool. Plan accordingly. I like the afternoon nachos- who wouldn’t?? Did a B2B in March and loved every minute. Concentrated on entertainment the first week (went to every show) and food the second week. ( had the dining package for week 2). We went back to a few entertainment performances a second time (ice show, and effectors) I hope your trip is great. m

Many (most) ships allow you to use the Bogo on any night (based on availability), as long as you pay for it on night one or two. We just sailed Mariner and used our Bogo on night three, but paid for it on night two m

Just trade cards for that instance. We've done that. Should be no problem. M

Two. They call it formal, dress you best, whatever and those who want to get dressed up will do so on those two evenings. Usually, it is a sea day but that is variable due to itineraries. M

Two cabin is a good choice and deck 9 is a good location. Since you have cruised before, you likely understand the limitations of an interior cabin. Enjoy M

One cabin with 4 adults will be extremely tight. Cabins are small. Or, since you wrote cabinS do you mean 2 cabins? M

You might not. We are about 50/50 in the situation. If we get them for both cabins, we consider ourselves lucky. If not, no reason to complain as it is really one set of gifts per household. m

The true answer is “no” as the gifts (wine etc) are one set per household. Other benefits are per person for the D+ passenger. (Drinks, photo, BOGO etc) BUT, we’ve had separate cabins several times and are about 50/50 for a set of C&A gifts (wine etc) in both cabins. Enjoy. m

I apologies that we’ve hijacked this thread to flowers. Renee, you are the only other person I know who brings flowers. Other passengers are always commenting (on boarding day) when they see them. Here are a few shots of a few we’ve brought on board that also show the pliable plastic vases. m

Yes - likely not. I referenced Mexico. M

Check your plan. Many carriers include Mexico. M

Port Canaveral. Denied maybe 5 years ago and never tried since. I cut the stems off the plant, and that was fine to bring onboard. We've taken cut flowers on-board at several foreign Ports. (Dubai, Barcelona were the most recent prior to Covid). No problem. Our next cruise is from Tampa in July. I may give the Orchid another try. I'll pick up an expensive one. We sail from Amsterdam (Transatlantic) late this summer so please post your success BTW - Since you mentioned flowers and Amsterdam the last time we were there ( May - A few years ago) the tulips were in bloom at Keukenhof. So Beautiful. Plus they have an AMAZING orchid exhibit. Thank you for the orchid information. M

I love that Coco Cay and Labadee are "free" beach days. No transportation to a beach, lunch included drink package ( or drink vouchers) works, chairs/umbrellas included etc. A day like that on another island can cost well over $100 per person. We don't live at the beach, so love a "free" beach day. M

Yes, the cabanas on Barefoot Beach are open to anyone who wants to rent one, but the beach area is not as crowded as other beaches. Plus, floating mats are provided, and the drink servers are pleasant and attentive. The "upgraded" lunch had become "downgraded" and the only difference between it and the regular lunch is a large bowl of chilled shrimp and shrimp salad. Gone are the days of steak and lamb. We find the beach to be quiet and relaxing. M

Wonder if they are really sold out or waiting to price them. Expect HIGH prices if they become available. M

All the sets of 2 or 4 beach loungers have umbrellas. We like the first or second cove of Chill beach. enjoy M