wdwkings

We had MJ (Mangesh) who was a former concierge host I believe. Sorry can’t give any further feedback.

We just did a 2 br Aquatheater suite on Harmony a few weeks ago, plus other parallels, so I’ll add a few comments. First I’ll agree with Raye to some degree. We have done Star Class before and after the App communication was more common post shut down. It is definitely different. It is more convenient but I do feel it takes away from the experience to some degree. Not sure which deck you are on but hopefully you are on 8 or 9. 10 is fine for a group but the right mix will be necessary since it is the smallest of the two bedroom Aqua Theater Suites. Agree to book whatever you want specific days or times for but whatever you can allow to be handled by the genie will be beneficial. Especially if you let them setup shows, then they can coordinate dinners and showtimes. Don’t worry about the credits from the pre-booked dining they will handle it. We did a 2022 cruise in the Royal Loft Suite with 3 generations and it worked well. There may need to be some agreement between everyone but most gongs work out well, especially if you do the shows. i’m happy to answer specific questions if you want to direct message or post here. I can even share specifics about our genie if that might be the same genie you get assigned.

Literally did this a couple weeks ago and our room slept more than three. Nothing happened, they didn’t even look or call for our third to do the muster drill. They didn’t care. The third guest was paid and on the itinerary, they have the money so Royal didn’t worry. You will not get a refund. The only issue was a couple of the dining reservations still showed a third even though we amended the reservations once we were onboard with only two.

Although another resource has it at 4pm

Looks like she is scheduled to be the last ship departing that day at 4:30pm

Just adding to the theory on the door not closing all the way - any open veranda, even partially, could make that situation more likely.

I’ll share that we really liked 10720 on our Ovation Alaska sailing. We booked it again for a cruise that was cancelled later (shutdown), and we are in that room for a sailing later this summer on Anthem. The 3 balconies really are a bonus for us. No noise really noted and since the bedroom is upstairs it would be more likely you would have to be sleeping in the daytime to really have much impact from above. The drawback is the square footage, the Deck 8 Grand Loft Suites really are larger. If you need/want the extra interior space you should consider those. The drawback is noise from below. The shows and events in Two70 have been reported to bleed from below.

Sharing some data, from our experience, that we have shared on the other thread about the Royal Up. We have had 3 successful Royal Up bids, not sure of the exact number of tries but we are probably around 33% success rate. The chances of winning seem to be most dependent on how full a ship will be for that specific itinerary. That means many Royal Up bids are fairly low odds. Sailings that do have some open room provides the best chances, even if the room/suite inventory is bit dramatically large. We tend to sail not during big holidays or main summertime seasons, so that more off season sailing probably helps. All of our wins were confirmed about 3-5 weeks or so before sailing. Not sure of the exact algorithm but that seems to play into success. Waiting too long to bid might put you behind the first cascade of room reassignment.

I think we are up to three successful Royal Up bids (might be 4). The always reliable IT folks did the usual bang up job and with one we did get the double points. While you shouldn’t expect that, you may find a nice surprise once your cruise points post.

I shared that you get the drinks from the bar, (or if you are eating from the server). How is that different from what you shared @OCSC Mike? Not trying to argue, just trying to understand your comment.

Due to some travel logistics, DW dropped my son and I off early for a 2022 cruise out of PC. (She had to work so we went early.). Just looked at a picture on my phone of the ship as we were waiting that morning and the time stamp is 8:35. We had already dropped our bags with the porters and were walking towards Grills so we were dropped off at least 20 minutes (or more) earlier since we were in no rush that morning. Based on our experience that morning, you might be able do after 7:30 for drop off. You stated carry on only, so not sure if that will allow for further adjustments even earlier. But you could always be dropped at Grills since they open at 7. Edit - forget to mention that Grills is walkable from Terminal 1, not sure if that is your terminal.

Symphony of the Seas is Oasis class. That means you will head to the lounge bar to get the beverages that you listed. You can get those with meals, from your server, when you are dining.

Not sure you want to trust the map above. I see key problems. 😬😂 Unless this is a new amphibious ship in the fleet.

Simply put, that room, on that ship is part of the Royal Suites program and has a Sky Class designation. Below is a list of the “perks” (the footnotes are not include) from Royal Caribbean’s website. SKY Concierge Service All Day Access to Coastal Kitchen* All Day Access to Gold and Silver Dining** for guests onboard Spectrum of the Seas® Specialty Bottled Water (upon arrival) VOOM, The Fastest Internet at Sea † Flexible Arrival Boarding & Priority Departure Priority Dining Reservations Reserved seating section in select entertainment venues (reservations required) Suite Lounge Access (complimentary hors d’oeuvres and cocktails each evening) Access to Suite Sun Deck. Sky guests onboard Spectrum of the Seas® have access to The Balcony. Sky guests onboard Icon of the SeasSM have access to The Grove. Royal Caribbean Plush Bathrobes for Use Onboard Luxury Pillow Top Mattress Luxury Bathroom Amenities Lavazza Espresso Coffee Machine https://www.royalcaribbean.com/faq/questions/what-are-the-benefits-of-royal-suite-class You may notice some slight variations in how some of the perks are applied but this is pretty consistent on any sailing that has the Royal Suites program, which only applies to Oasis and Quantum class ships.

What a fun topic! This is a discussion that my analytical side really likes but I have to say the answer really isn’t going to be answered but the sample size of one boarding party. This seems more like an Association not a Causation situation. There are just too many variables at play and some are more impactful than the color of the tag. The real test needs more data, so either we need to - -recruit a large group across the fleet -at all the ports -to be assigned to a color or B/W bag tag groups or @Jcol5786 needs to do hundreds, or thousands, of cruises to increase the data points. “But honey, we NEED to take all these cruises to tests my theory”. What a great excuse to become Pinnacle!

To stick to the question, you can linger and take your time so you don’t have to rush out the second the massage is over. But the flip side is you will not have unlimited time, coupled with the fact that the spa area is not in normal operations, tours and “looks-Lou’s” checking out the place are happening that day so it is not as relaxing or private. I have done at least one massage early after boarding and found it to be pretty close to the normal. As long as you understand some of the possible limitations, it would be a relaxing way to kill some time as you ease into vacation mode. As stated above, the massages on the ship are not quite equal to spas on land. Mainly the difference is cost since you are a captive audience. If I had to do a direct comparison or rating overall the cruse product would get a solid C+. It is good, definitely above average but not great. Still a nice way to enjoy vacation time.

We did Freedom a few years ago and I looked back at my data to confirm . Only did treadmills since the track is pretty short and not as conducive to a run. It was a 5 day cruise so was able to get in 10 miles the day of embarking and 12 after. Shorter runs might work but there are some tighter spots/corners that can interfere with steady pace. Really the Quantum and Oasis class allow for more steady run. If you are looking to go longer or specific paces the gym and treadmills work best on Freedom and they have a nice view from the top front of the ship.

Hi Ken, who is a traveler from Missouri. Very late in the game? Not really, we’ve looked and the latest you can book is the last week shortly before the passenger manifest closes so you still have plenty of time. You stated March, but didn’t specify which week. That could vary quite a bit as far as the demand and the number of kids on any given week. Historically March is a little bit lower for overall demand as well as number if kids, but you have to factor in the school breaks. If you pick dates when there are no school breaks you are good. Most breaks at at or near Easter but will vary. In the last few years trends have not held very well and you’re seeing more kids throughout the year. Expect more kids compared to a few years ago, but it will really depend on if you are near any of the school break periods. Easter falls on March 31 so that week will likely be heavy with the children.

Just sharing some logistics about rental cars and FLL, (since it is one of my least favorite airports). It is in a central area in the garage and requires a walk or shuttle to get to the terminals/taxis/Ubers. Sharing so you can plan your timing and logistics accordingly. If you have to use the FLL airport as the drop off location, I would drop the rest of the family and bags before the car. That way only one person has to deal with the transfer from the rental center to the taxi/Uber with minimal baggage. It is an easy ride over from the airport but that extra step will take a little time. There are a few off airport rentals that might work, you might look at those options to avoid the airport. I believe Hertz, Sixt and maybe Enterprise have off airport sites that you might want to check out. I believe some might have a shuttle to the port but if not an Uber from there would also be possible.

Late night dining should only consist of very specific cuisine and can vary geographically - White Castles, Whataburger, Jack in the Box, etc. So hot dogs don't seem too far off the mark. 😀🍺🍺 🍻🍺🍻🍺🍔

Can confirm that the Quantum did not offer 24 hr/overnight tender operations on our overnight in Lahaina this spring. Service stopped at Midnight and started back up at 6 am.

If you watch then you "have been" to Fishlips, that is where the Webcam is located.

Try contacting the tour operator directly or booking outside of the ship's excursions. Sometime, not always, the restrictions are not from the operator themselves. Usually the guidelines are no different but in some circumstances there can be variances in times available and other restrictions that the ship's excursion placed not the operator. Edit: Granted there are risks involved, getting left behind, pay your own if injured, etc. but an individual would have to assess the risk they willing to accept.

Just options but to add variety, you can still do the "test run" the day before but there are other options that are open later than Grills. You can try Rising Tide (lots of beer options) and Fishlips. If planning to do Grills, we probably would do Fishlips the afternoon before, get the outside seating and you can watch the sail away (if there are ships in port).

@Sun Lover as long as you don't mind sitting and waiting, it makes sense to drop the car earlier and have him shuttle or Uber over to meet you and the group. You had mentioned one in the party might not do so well with the duration of the wait, but that seemed more if they were required to stand. We live in the area and there are some seating areas to the left as you approach Terminal 1. I would suggest dropping the checked baggage and the group, do the car return, and the group can head over to that area or to Grtills to sit and have a bite to eat and coffee (or mimosa). He can shuttle or Uber over to the restaurant.. We had to do an early drop off due to some schedule logistics with our ride for one cruise and were at the port by 8am. There was nothing really happing yet. I did check with the porters and gave a decent tip and I was a little surprised but they took the bags that early. We found a bench and sat in the area with the small booths and mini-park but it can get warm. There are some other places like FishLips and Rising Tide to eat but I think that Grills is the only one open early and it is closest. If you are not at terminal 1 sorry for the long explanation.