Airbear232

The naughty line is not that big a deal. DW and I like to dress up for evenings, much better with a steamer than without. As some others pointed out, not much risk difference between a flat iron, steamer hair dryer or even a CPAP machine. Most people in the naughty line are there for booze and not steamers.

Include a small one in a carry on with other electronics or metal items you pass through the scanner. Usually works, if not you collect back at end of cruise. Have a great trip!

The Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed this morning after being struck by a container ship. The bridge is part of i695 and spans the Patapsco River. There was excellent visibility at the time of collision. Multiple vehicles were on the bridge on the time of the collapse. A dreadful event. God willing there will be survivors. Cruises into Baltimore will be suspended.

Yes

The last one DW has bought, and she bought a lot!

As others have noted, getting off early is a big help. This is especially true with the water park, where kids can go on the slides with more ease. As well, you have a Cabana and there is a limit to the number of tickets for the waterpark, so you are good. Enjoy!

Sorry, I know a lot of people are passionate about their CD, but does it really matter much anymore? A long time ago, the CD was integral to the trip and there was a lot of interaction. On the larger ships of today, we’ve gone through many without even seeing the CD. I know they play a role behind the scenes but we just don’t interact with them the way we once did. I’d be interested in whether anyone tracks the Hotel Directors and compares that to the overall ship experience.

We previously enjoyed Vision for itineraries Royal’s big ships don’t do such as Arabian Gulf. It was great to be off all day exploring and then to come back in the evening for dinner and entertainment. The smaller size made it easier to get about. We really don’t mind smaller ships with great itineraries. I don’t know if we’d choose for transatlantic or Caribbean/Bahamas where you might spend more time on ship.

Gosh, makes me think of the "old days" when most people would settle their on-board accounts with cash. Have to say, I'm happy with the present time. That being said we bring about $500 for tips above and beyond the normal ones they take.

Thank you

My DW was always concerned about things like this. She was always cautious and would never let the kids go out alone at night or even be in the cabin by themselves for fear of something like this. The ship is a mini city and you still need to be careful.

Well, if you propagate this rumour enough, maybe Icon prices will be more reasonable. 🙂

No, they expire. You can use them any time of day.

Yes, you’re right. We used them in November, and were very pleased with the product.

We used Costco for recent trips

We usually don’t eat many meals in WJ as DW has food allergies. That being said, I’ve gone through WJ on occasion and noted there seemed to be more themed selection in WJ than MDR.

LOL, thanks for the correction!

For us, if there are a few days it would be Navigator class or above. If it’s port intensive and you’ll be doing lots of activities, then I wouldn’t care so much about the ship.

Sorry, believe this is a no.

How much of the problem can be attributed to Royal now training their own chef’s? They used to hire experienced chefs from Europe, now they train their own. Yes, quality of ingredients has gone down but so too has the ability of the chefs.

Not at all, quite the opposite experience- we had to tell our waiter to stop bringing so much food.

Just off AoS for Xmas cruise. The Voom internet is Starlink. Our experience in main areas of the ship was that it was excellent. In cabin (at least ours), it was very subpar. So, if they use it in common areas there should be no issues, in cabin may be another matter.

Just off AoS too and DW had no issues with hers. Have a great trip.

I’m on Adventure now. The “track” s small and difficult to use when many people are up and about through the day. Easier to just walk all about the ship and set a time limit. I love the Oasis ships for their track. I wonder if they’re keeping this on Icon?

Beautiful review and pictures, have a wonderful trip. I’m looking forward to reading about your excursion in Phuket!