chiguypaul

I am going on the Utopia of the seas on August 19, 2024. Is there a way to find out if there is a large group on my sailing?

My excitement and enthusiasm for the Icon will likely far surpass my thoughts on the food despite the pricing on the holiday sailing I’m on. Food is just one part of the overall decision on which line and ship to take.

Well I don’t think it’s that simple. No cruise experience is perfect and has everything. There are many things I really like about Royal and I’m very excited about the Icon. So just because the food is average, on average, doesn’t mean I won’t go on Royal again. The food is just one factor of many in the decision process. And feelings on food are very subjective - absolutely. But it’s a fact that RCL has taken steps to reduce their cost in the dining room.

Lots of chatter on this site about the food. I have been on 20 Royal Caribbean cruises. Three in the past 18 months. Just got off the Odyssey in December. Food in the main dining room is not good. All of the favorites we had like ossa buca , braised short rib, rack of lamb, fruit, soups, soufflé, etc. etc. etc. - all gone. Significantly fewer options in the main dining room. Overall main dining room quality is below average at this point. We’ve actually been rethinking our icon of the seas New Year’s Eve cruise because of it. Just my two cents.

Just a quick personal anecdote that I think some will appreciate. I am a diamond member, so I frequently will try to get to the cruise port as soon as possible to be on the ship as early as possible with my family. I used to value this because I wanted to savor every minute I could on day one, and to do things like flowrider when the lines were really low. Today, my family arrived for our odyssey cruise at 12:30, we checked in and walked right on. It was such a nicer experience. Honestly, getting those additional one or two hours really didn’t matter. And it was so great to not have to sit in the terminal waiting. And to stand in line, waiting outside for the terminal port open. Now that thing said, we did not have to worry about making unlimited dining reservations, there was nothing specifically we had to make reservations for as soon as we got on,etc. So not boarding right away didn’t really matter. The only issue we ran into today was that the complementary Ifly spots were taken. But my son has done a couple times so not a big deal. Anyway, I’m done trying to be “first”.

Hmmm. Maybe my cell phone wasn’t on the reservation in the past.

I leave on the Odyssey today. I received a text message about making sure I come at my designated time. I don’t recall ever seeing a text message like that sent by Royal. Anyone else seen it? Just curious.

Overall quality of the food in the master dining room is the biggest and most material change to me.

Convenience for me. Scooter delivered directly to my room and picked up from my room. Worth the money.

I booked through Scootaround. Very helpful staff via phone and chat.

Thank for everyone's thoughts and opinions. I saw my ortho doctor today and I'm in a boot that I can walk in immediately - so lucky on that front. Will have additional X-rays to two weeks to confirm everything is on track prior to leaving for cruise. So I will not need a special room or a scooter, but I do plan on renting a knee scooter from Scottaround or some other company.

Odyssey

I’m so frustrated. I fractured my ankle. On crutches and in cast. Can get around as needed. Have cruise on December 24th. I know I can get a scooter so good there. But given it’s a holiday sailing, and I plan to call tomorrow, I’m doubtful about an accessible room being available to move the scooter in. For those with experience in this area does RCL hold back accessible rooms in inventory? Can I leave my scooter outside a room? How accommodating with room options might they be this close to sailing? Any info that would help me or any tips I would really appreciate! My plan is to not cancel and to find a way to make it work. Thanks.

i have an 18 year old. And for $1000 less celebrity might be just fine.

Have you heard why that is the case for Celebrity?