twinmommy08

Thanks for confirming! It’s been a while since I received a block!

I’m due for a block this year. Do you get it on the ship on the day you hit the tier or on the next sailing? Example, I’ll be on adventure and my last sailing day I hit the next tier for a block. Do I get the adventure block or the next ship I sail?

You may want to call. I always get an email as soon as the eligible transactions hits the card congratulating me for earning the points/cash back/reward. Do you carry a balance? That maybe why the points haven’t posted yet. I’ve only had one issue and it was for cash back with a club membership purchase. They fixed it though. Always great service.

Ovation last June we were told the kids did not get the WiFi but never pressed it. All prior cruises we bought a package. I’ll check on our next cruise in April.

I wasn’t. The concierge knew my children. The woman who blocked them was another passenger not minding her own business.

A small tip, go to guest services after you set sail during first seating dinner. If you try to do this before set sail you will be told to come back as they won’t make changes until final guest list is confirmed by who is actually on board.

My teens were treated in a similar manner last year on Mariner. They walked in on their own, we were already there, and an older woman nearly stopped them at the door and told her they weren’t allowed in. My kids said they were D+ (own right) and pointed to us. I just waived and told my son he was free to grab his snacks. I swear people need to mind their own business.

The kids get the drink vouchers and some coupons on their card. They do not get the free photo or day of internet. They also do not get the welcome drinks, but it’s hit a miss. Sometimes I see 4 bottles of water (or soda) and sometimes I only see two. I think it depends on your room steward setting it up. A sheet will be provided in your room with their pins. If this information is missing, go see the diamond host to get the pins and your info sheet. PS your diamond perks do not start until the first cruise after you earns the points.

We use C&F Travel Insured International. Filed a claim last June. We got stuck in Dallas 2 days on our way home. Airport lost luggage, hotel & food expenses for family of four. I made sure to get a letter from American about weather canceling our flights and kept every receipt. I filed a claim online and uploaded the receipts. I had our payment within 30 days. I have 4 upcoming cruises and purchased the same insurance for all of them. Best money spent.

I drink between 5-6 bottles of water a day on top of everything else. I’ve been known to grab 4 at a time and take them to my room for use later.

Is Canada still doing their vaccine scan prior to embarkation? We had to have the approved Canada pass to embark in Seattle last May. The app required our passport number and DOB to complete. I could see how you would be denied embarkation at that point. If you don’t require Canada approval before embarking then I think you’ll be fine. You won’t be able to get off the ship in Victoria though. The government requires immigration forms completed prior to clearing the ship. Your card will be tagged to not allow you to exit the ship if the government won’t allow you entry.

I had success finding plain geek yogurt in the windjammer on Adventure, Freedom, and Ovation (all last year). I had to ask for it as they didn’t keep it out. The food manager or one of the staff was able to get me a small bowl every morning for my breakfast. A bit of honey or fresh fruit and I was a happy gal. It was NOT fat free.

I think we’re getting bored with Royal. Their business model is changing. I have two sailings booked this year but booked NCL for 2024 and 2025. I haven’t found any Royal itineraries that wow me. I am put off by Wonder and Icon. Just too big for us, so sailing for the ship alone doesn’t excite me. I wish Royal would update the cabins on their older ships instead of adding additional activities for kids. The rooms are tired. I need more luxury in my life 😁

Certain brands may be unavailable due to supply issue. I found a situation on Ovation where a type of wine was available in one venue but not another. Apparently RC doesn’t share supply? I heard a couple complain about a type of bourbon not available due to supply issue. I wouldn’t buy a package just for a liquor. You’re probably better buying a la cart in that case.

Check in time is different than boarding time. You may check in early but may need to wait to board. Only full suites/Pins board the ship first once boarding opens (actually walking on the ship). Depends on the port, but you may be in a junior suite but gold level and be one of the last to board. Recently I’ve seen boarding by status after full suites board first. It doesn’t really matter if you check in later. Most just check in and board the ship right away since the early birds have already boarded.

Makes sense. I would think they would hold the booked by date if they would make a change in the future as they did when they changed from 60 to 120.

Right. My TA told me wait until the fares open for my travel dates (approx 350 days out) to request the deviation. She told me I could research flights and chose to remove the BOGO promo up until final payment if I find something better.

Costal Kitchen was my very first stop on embarkation day on Ovation May 2022 in a junior suite. I kindly asked for a 7 pm dinner time all week for my family of 4. The very nice manager told me he was happy to have us all week. We boarded the ship just after full suites, P/D+, and Key. That sailing was boarding by status (not quite D+ yet).

My past 6 cruises in the last year I’ve always shown up around 10-10:15 am and on the ship no later than 11:30 am regardless what check in time was.(my check in time has never been later than noon) I haven’t had one person check my check in time at Miami, Ft. L, or PC. I accidentally joined the suite check in line at PC about 4 months ago and I didn’t realize I didn’t have a suite until I got to my room. I was confusing the sailing I was on with my next sailing! No one said one word or even checked my paperwork. I feel like it’s pre-COVID boarding.

I wouldn’t worry too much. Just ask during open house to have your child join their sibling. It’s really no big deal and it happens all the time.

No guest laundry on any Royal ships.

Izumi is very small. No hibachi. The seating area is a cut thru to other areas on the ship. It felt like sitting in a food court instead of a restaurant.

Everywhere but Starbucks.

ultra high temperature (shelf stable) milk. It’s real milk, just ultra pasteurized. The milk at the coffee counters comes in cartons and not jugs, etc. I’ve never had a problem with the milk onboard but taste is subjective. The windjammer has Individual non-UHT milk at breakfast. Take extra and keep in your mini fridge for afternoon tea.

Yes- free at sea promos. We will likely upgrade to the free at sea plus (?) it includes unlimited internet, 2 more reservations, and premium drinks for adults. Can you tell me an example of what set-fee venue is so I can plan accordingly? Joy & Viva. Thank you!