sellwingri

Our first cruise was in an inside.  We booked a balcony on the second and never went back.  We got hooked on GS a few years ago but after about 8 of them, we went back to a balcony or a JS, depending on the price.  Since they started Royal Up, my bids to a JS or GS have been accepted all but once.  We’ll just continue to book a balcony and bid on an upgrade.

1 hour ago, RSLeesburg said:

Not saying they fixed all the problems, but this cruise they had list of cabin numbers - and you just had to give them yours.  They checked to see if you had a reservation, and if so, let you through.  Progress!  lol

Great to hear!

I prefer to continue the pre-cruise test to avoid those with Covid from sailing.  I cruise frequently and have heard from so many that they have to cancel because they tested positive.  I know that you can contract Covid between the test and booking but I’d rather weed out some rather than none.

2 hours ago, hoosier sailor said:

what exactly is a Casino Royale comped cruise?

If you gamble on Royal cruises you’ll occasionally get offers for free cruises.  In this case, I was given a free balcony cruise.  Only cost me the port fees and taxes.

3 hours ago, Ashland said:

I believe upper tier C&A members get a free garment pressing on formal/dress to impress nights.

Diamond plus used to get this benefit but it’s been gone since cruising started again.

There is a Diamond lounge.  I’m sure they have snacks at night but I’m not sure if there’s a continental breakfast.  Diamond members now get 4 free drinks every day at any time.  If you drink in the lounge, it counts against your 4 free drinks.  We always get several bottles of water in the room but we’re Diamond plus.  I’m not sure how many Diamond members get. 

19 hours ago, xpcdoojk said:

Ships, are all big things made of steel and wood and other sundry construction materials.  They literally have nothing to do with your experience on them…. The crew and captain, however do.  So, accurately speaking you are least admiring the crew on the Harmony.  The FlowRiders, are pretty much the same on all.  The Aqua Theatre ditto, etc….

 

just hit one of my pet peeves, sorry for this rant.

 

jc

Where did I say that I didn’t like Harmony because of the “big thing made of steel”?   Not sure what your pet peeve is about.  I’ve had problems on my 3 cruises on Harmony like elevators always being broken, shows never running, and, like I mentioned, that I had to show my reservation on my cell phone.  I don’t dislike the actual ship. 

11 minutes ago, RSLeesburg said:

Thanks.  That’s new.  

I’ve been on Allure, Symphony, Odyssey, and Harmony in the past 6 months and Harmony was the only ship requiring showing your phone. Maybe it’s only Harmony. It’s my least favorite Oasis class ships.

1 hour ago, RSLeesburg said:

We are sailing on Harmony on Sunday and concierge said that suite guests must also reserve seats at all shows.  Is there no longer a reserved section for suite guests?  

I was on a b2b on Harmony in April and suites did not have reserved seats unless you were in Star class and had a genie.  In addition, you now have to show your reservation on your cell phone when you arrive at the venue.  They used to have a list of rooms and they would check you in that way.  

We just booked a  Casino Royale comped cruise out of New Orleans in December on Radiance.  The last time I was there was during the Worlds Fair  about 38 years ago so I’m sure it’s changed a lot.    We booked Marriott French Quarter so we’re near the “touristy” places.  Is N.O. decorated for Christmas?  Is there a “must see” while we’re there?

19 hours ago, pyrateslife4me84 said:

Will the cruise stop in the EU?

Yes.  One will be going to Norway and the other to Spain and France. 

I’m sailing out of Southampton a couple of times in 2023. Since England is not part of the EU, Does that mean I’m exempt?

Yes but he was just asking about whether or not luggage valet was available.  Seattle is the only port that offers luggage valet. 

49 minutes ago, Coralc said:

On Radiance TP, we had the 5 night dining package and both Izumi and Samba Grill were included. I don't see any reason why they wouldn't be included in the UDP. 

Thanks for the update.  Normally they’re not included.  
That being said, my suggestion would still be to purchase the 5 day rather than eat 3 times in each of the 5 speciality restaurants. 

I’m on the same cruise.  I doubt they’ll add the UDP since you’d have to repeat the same restaurants at least 5 times each.  I know Izumi isn’t included in the UDP and I’m not sure Samba Grill is either.  There’s more variety in the MDR with a 3 or 5 day specialty package.

I uploaded my cards once out of my last 8 cruises since Covid and it was the only time Guest Services called and sent me a letter on board saying I needed to get tested at my own expense the next morning because they said I wasn’t vaccinated.    From now on, I’m just showing them when I board.

Only available in Seattle.  

53 minutes ago, brillohead said:

If he'll need assistance to get to/from the bus and ship, then I recommend purchasing your own "transport chair" or standard wheelchair, and using that for excursions.  You can also use it to get on/off the ship on embarkation/debarkation days, and in the airport if you're flying to the homeport.

A transport chair will fold up and can be taken on the excursion bus/van and also used at each stop, as needed.  

Unless you book a chair-accessible excursion, they're not going to be able to take the scooter on the excursion, unless you have your own scooter that is specifically able to be easily folded up and carried.

 

Is a transport chair the same as a portable wheelchair?  I’m thinking of buying one for my port intensive Mediterranean cruise.  Will they take them on the bus on ship shore excursions? 

4 hours ago, scottca075 said:

 

If you don't like Uber or Lyft, just engage a cab. If you walk off the ship, 11:30AM is okay. Personally I'd never schedule LAX before noon, but that s me. Did you check LGB flights in and out? It is a much easy airport to deal with.

No non stop options to Chicago.  I can book 1:30pm but was hoping 11:30 was doable.  

I’m not an Uber or Lyft fan.  Should I take a cab from the ship to LAX or shop for a private car service?  What’s an approximate cost and can we easily make an 11:30 am flight on a Friday?

I was just on a 12 Mediterranean cruise on Vision and Diamond Plus members weren’t allowed in the Conceierge lounge.

I was also on the 12 night Med. cruise and the food was horrible.  My previous 5 cruises were on Oasis class ships and I knew Vision wouldn’t stand up to them but always found the small ship food to be much better.  Even Chops was bad.  I enjoy small ships (I’ve got several booked on Radiance over the next year) but hope the food is better.    I thought the ship was in great shape for her age and can deal with some rust.  

I want testing before sailing to continue.  I’ve heard so many people say that they couldn’t sail because they tested positive when taking the preboarding test.  I honestly think this testing will continue.  

3 hours ago, not-enough-cruising said:

Just cancel the automatic gratuity. Tip your server at the specialty restaurant, and your room steward as you see fit.

Absolutely don’t do this!  If you cancel, it screws others that rely on them to add to their meager salary.

They had this on Vision out of Barcelona last week.