Nolefan95

Just sailed on Icon and had an infinite balcony. We did miss having the formal balcony but on the positive side, we enjoyed the extra space and (not exaggerating), got the best nights sleep we have had in years due to the blackout shade (and the room was extremely quiet). It was like an interior room. We wake up at 6:30-7:30am even on weekends and on this ship slept much later (even 10:30am one day). Overall, I would probably lean to a normal balcony but wouldn't be disappointed with the infinite balcony.  

On 5/25/2024 at 3:08 PM, ladycody said:

How quickly can the key get you off the boat?  My understanding is that they give you a few times to select from for priority but I'd legit like to be on the first tender.  What are the odds of getting on that quickly.

Maybe things have changed from last year but I didn't have to pick a time. We just had to show up at the meeting point (think it was Boleros) earlier than other people if you wanted the first tender. Then when its your turn, they take you through a back door exit right to the tender. 

Royal better get their act together on the rules regarding this. They have several more ICON class ships on the way. The reviews will start dropping. 

Just now, vjmatty said:

Or just shouldn’t cruise on Icon. Doesn’t mean they aren’t fun people. 

Agreed.

18 minutes ago, vjmatty said:

Some people don’t need to spend a lot of money to be fun 🤷🏻‍♀️

Then they shouldn't be cruising. Cruising is expensive these days on RCCL.

4 hours ago, bajathree said:

I couldn't imagine paying $5000 with the pools open.

You sound fun to be around.

21 minutes ago, time4u2go said:

I totally agree!  They are being cheap.  But as long as their ships sail full, at their current high prices, they have little incentive to change things.

Agreed. Tired of the nickel and diming. With the price of cruises these days, better TV channels seems pretty simple to accomplish without being too costly. I mention this every time in the after cruise survey. I wish others would do the same. 

7 minutes ago, time4u2go said:

Perhaps it costs RC less money to show those channels.

Of course it does but it shouldn't be that much more to show US channels. Seems like RCCL is being cheap with the channel selections. Other cruise lines have US channels. 

I also never understood for cruises sailing out of the US, why half or more of the channels were foreign. With mostly US passengers, shouldn't the channels be US based? 

On 5/6/2024 at 10:49 PM, rdemn said:

I get it you’re on a cruise you don’t need to be watching TV.
but my last cruise, me and my wife got the Noro virus

We were in bed for 24 hours actually longer than that we missed a day

we just laid in bed watching their TV, which basically they have two channels. If you don’t like sports or news, if you go, call Fox MSN, BC news I don’t know who picks  what you’re going to watch, but they need to rethink. It seems like every episode was part of a series where you had to be paying attention to the last episode like 24, now 24 is a good show, but I don’t know what the hell was going on put some standalone shows on where you don’t need to know what’s going on.   And  don’t even say they have pay-per-view movies at 12 bucks apiece there choices suck not that I would pay $12 to watch a movie step up the game royal

Completely agree. Prior to streaming, there was an excuse. But now? They are just being cheap. 

On 8/22/2023 at 11:50 PM, uvadover said:

For those who might be interested, I wanted to give a quick recap of our recent cruise on Odyssey of the Seas - 7 night cruise from Rome to the Greek Isles, Turkey, and back via Naples.  I am sure there are more comprehensive reviews out there, but wanted to hit on some memorable items off the top of my head.  This was a family trip, and we had 2 connecting balcony staterooms as our accommodations.  My wife and I have probably been on 10-15 cruises together, and this was the 3rd with the kids.  In no particular order...

 

Odyssey is a beautiful ship, and it is kept immaculately clean.  Common areas were always beautiful, the public bathrooms were absolutely spotless, and I love the new-era ships with handwashing stations outside of the dining areas like Windjammer.

 

The standard balcony cabin was great - the best configuration of a comparable cabin that I can remember.  Tons of storage, the bathroom uses the space extremely well, and the beds were extremely comfortable.  Once a day cabin service was plenty - we opted for evening, so that things were made up during dinner and we came back to a perfectly kept room for our sleep.

 

The ship felt very very crowded in spots.  I think the ship was built for both warm and cold weather, so the outdoor spaces felt particularly cramped - the two pools were literally overflowing with people throughout the day, and deck chairs close to the pool were nearly impossible to get.  That said, there were quite a few deck chairs farther away - some with good shade, so not all bad.  The Windjammer was perpetually packed, and your best chance at getting a table was toward the back of the venue.  There were plenty of bars, so always an opportunity to find a good spot.  I loved the Two70 venue, and only wish that they would keep the windows/shades open more during sail-aways.  Too often, they were converting things for the shows later in the evening.  Bar service was extremely slow here, even though there were rarely many people there.

 

We did specialty restaurants most nights, and thought they were great.  Chops Grille was it's typical solid self - just miss the seafood towers of the past!  Izumi is small, but the food was well done - and a nice change from the Italian food we had enjoyed the week before in Rome.  Teppanyaki was an awesome experience.  The teriyaki sauce was way sweeter than I like, but the focus was "the show" and it was great - the crew made it so fun, and the family had a blast.

 

We had a few treatments at the Spa.  The woman at the reception desk was strangely rude, and the other staff members were hit or miss.  Our appointments often started late and finished early, capped with the typical sales pitch for overpriced lotions.  If I were to go again, I would skip the spa altogether.

 

The cruise itinerary was outstanding - first day at sea, Santorini and Mykonos were great, and Kusadasi was a stunningly cool surprise.  "The Key" was huge in Santorini, as I heard it took some people 3 hours to get off the ship via tender.  On the first tender off, we were able to get on the cable car quickly and get to the top of the hill.  From there, we got an expensive taxi to the beach.  The return trip "down" Santorini was a bit of a mess, so we simply walked down the donkey pooped-on trail for a memorable view of the ship.  Mykonos docks in a random distant port, so we paid a bunch for an Uber to get us to the beach ASAP.  We took an RCL excursion in Kusadasi to Ephesus and it was absolutely amazing.  What a beautiful part of the world - we cannot wait to go back.  The excursions offered in Naples were underwhelming, so we booked via a third party to visit both Pompei and climb Mount Vesuvius - what an amazing final day of our cruise.

 

The Key allowed us to book a good time for the iFly, which we thoroughly enjoyed - it was so cool.  The lines for the Flow Rider were typically long, and the Bumper Cars were borderline ridiculous.  People lined up around the SeaPlex for a 1 minute ride - total waste of time.  Nearby, there is an arcade with crappy, overpriced video games.  My kids wasted a ton of money there on Night 1, then quickly had their privileges revoked!

 

Embarkation in Rome was quick and easy.  We had "The Key" but we definitely didn't need it to get onboard without delay.  Disembarkation in Rome was a complete clown show.  If you don't pre-book one of the overpriced transfers, prepare to be held hostage by the taxi cartel.  There are very few cabs available, Uber isn't an option, and it's all controlled by a few sleazy "strongmen" - the first offer to bring us to the airport was 500 Euros for 5 people and 4 pieces of luggage.  When I approached the RCL and port staff about a more reasonable way to get to the airport, they basically laughed at me - paraphrasing "you dummy, what did you expect."  It was pure robbery, and a sour way to end an otherwise great cruise.

 

Beyond the cruise, my goodness Rome was CROWDED.  The Vatican was almost impossible to enjoy, and you're best to arrive at other tourist sites as early in the morning as possible.  Still, paying up to "skip the line" is inevitably worth it, if you only have limited time in this great city.  We did an awesome e-bike tour after dark, which I highly recommend.

 

Again, sorry to the disjointed nature of my feedback.  Just wanted to provide what's top of mind to help those considering the trip, and happy to field other questions you might have.  Despite some of the negatives, we did put down a NextCruise deposit, so thinking about where our next RCL cruise might be.

I had the same experience in Santorini with the Key. People were also complaining about 2-3 hour waits. If going to Santorini, the Key is a must. 

34 minutes ago, xpcdoojk said:

Yea don’t use reason.  Panic because I want you to cancel your cruise.  Because I hate Royal.  Or maybe I just don’t want you to enjoy your vacation because I am in my mother’s basement.  
 

which of those are your agendas?  What difference is it to you if people make their own decisions?  
 

just curious why you feel so strongly to save people who are not in danger?

If they weren’t in any danger, RCCL wouldn’t have just cancelled excursions 2 hours ago. But like I said, you do you. I am done talking on this topic. 

1 hour ago, LobsterStalker said:

Wow

 

Wow

 

As should be clear for me this is not about taking sides on the argument  , but the misinformation and misguided opinions on both sides somewhat blow my mind !

 

Cheers... and safe travels

This isn’t misinformation. The 36 minutes isn’t even the nearest point of the closest big city Cap Haitien. 

1 minute ago, Tree_skier said:

Don't believe anyone on here... believe other people who you don't know either. LOL

Exactly. Don’t believe me either. Do your own research. Everything is public information. Come to your own conclusions. 

Folks do your research. It’s clear a lot of the posters in here have an agenda. Cap Haitien is not immune to the unrest and is only 30 minutes away from Labadee which is not as isolated as they would have you believe. Google it. Do your own research and don’t believe anyone in here and come to your own conclusions. 

1 minute ago, UNCFanatik said:

 

Grasping those straws I see...

Check google maps. Legit 30 minute drive. 

1 minute ago, UNCFanatik said:

 

I am just glad Royal didnt suspend their stops in Labadee in July 2023 when the US issued a DO NOT TRAVEL advisory to Haiti like you think they should have. Glad to see 1000s of people enjoying their stop in Labadee and spending money on Haitian vendors. Glad that Royal was able to employ Haitians at Labadee since July 2023 when you think Royal should have stopped going. I cant believe all those US citizens that ignored the US DO NOT TRAVEL advisory to Haiti and risk their lives to go to Labadee. I am amazed they all made it out....

 

Feel free to do whatever you like with your family but you can spare the rest of us by calling us naive. 

Now you sound like a travel agent or someone in the industry which I wouldn't doubt. 

2 minutes ago, UNCFanatik said:

 

You are the one that is so very naive if you dont think that the criminals werent ravaging the local citizens of Haiti in 2023 as well especially in Port Au Prince. This just didnt start these last few months. 

Ok. We can stop going back and forth now. You aren't changing my mind and I am not changing yours. Like I said, I wish you and everyone that goes there a WONDERFUL TRIP. I have no ill-will towards you. Most likely, nothing will happen. I just refuse to put my family in that situation when our Government says not to go. 

This is a false rumor that has spread over the years. Labadee is a 35 minute drive from the large city of Cap-Haitien. It is not some isolated place like many say it is. 

Just now, Charles4515 said:

You don't care about the decent people of Haiti. Not going would hurt the local economy and the Hatian workers and the decent people who depend on Labadee for jobs. If there is anything disgusting it is the self rightous people sheedding crocodile tears. 

Hurt the local economy? Get out of here. Criminals are taking everything from the citizens of Haiti as we speak. Like I said earlier. You do you. I'll do what's best for my family whose safety is my top priority. Enjoy your trip to Haiti. I seriously do hope you have a great uneventful trip.

6 minutes ago, UNCFanatik said:

23 the country was overrun by gangs as well. You think the Haitians that work in Labadee want Royal to stop coming? Y

6 minutes ago, UNCFanatik said:

 

July 2023, The US issued the DO NOT TRAVEL advisory to Haiti:

 

"Do not travel to Haiti due to kidnapping, crime, civil unrest, and poor health care infrastructure."

 

In, July 2023 the country was overrun by gangs as well. You think the Haitians that work in Labadee want Royal to stop coming? You understand the financial impact that has on the workers and vendors there if Royal doesnt port there? You would deprive these decent Haitians their opportunity to make money?

 

Your profile says Miami. Should people stop vacationing in Miami because of high crime and people in the city living in poverty?

Like I said, you do you. Miami is not overrun by criminals. There is not an insurrection happening in Miami. The government of Haiti has just recently been taken over by legit criminals. That wasn't the case in July 2023. Not sure why you are stuck on that. Haiti is currently a country being ransacked by criminals and gangs. That wasn't the case in July 2023 no matter how you want to spin it. 

3 minutes ago, UNCFanatik said:

 

Where were you in July 2023 advocating for Royal to avoid Labadee when the US issued a DO NOT TRAVEL advisory for Haiti? 

 

You dont have to go to Labadee...good. but the rest of us arent naive if we choose to go. Its not like we are trying to board a plane to vacation in Port Au Prince. Quite the distinction that I am afraid your hyperbole is missing

 

 

 

 

It has just recently boiled over. This clearly is not a good situation currently unfolding in Haiti. To have tourists in the country enjoying themselves while the rest of the country is being overrun by criminals is, to me, disgraceful to the decent people of Haiti under siege at the moment. Pretty disgusting actually.

1 minute ago, UNCFanatik said:

 

You do know that in July 2023, the US issued a DO NOT GO travel advisory to Haiti, dont you?

 

And yet Royal still went to Labadee. Can you point out any incidences since July 2023 at Labadee?

These are the do not go travel advisories. Haiti is the only place RCCL goes to currently. Again, just because something has thankfully not happened DOES NOT mean it won't. And if the USA is telling its citizens NOT TO GO, do you really feel confident that will safely have you returned if something happens after being warned? I don't. Again, you guys do what you want. We are all free to do so. I choose not to go to Haiti. I do understand why you feel like you do. You aren't alone. Many people feel like you do. But for me and my family, no way when there are sooooo many other wonderful options. 

3 minutes ago, UNCFanatik said:

 

Our government has travel advisories to other ports of call as well...  

 

Why risk going on a cruise at all? 

Why risk getting of the ship at any port?

Why risk doing any excursions? I mean the mode of transportation could crash? 

Why risk going in the ocean? Sharks!! Stingrays!! Drowning!! 

 

Is all that worth it??!!!! 

 

So much overreaction...

 

 

 

Those other travel advisories aren't "DO NOT GO" travel advisories. 

1 minute ago, steveru621 said:

 

Then why are you safe anywhere?  

 

Not Naive, Realistic.

Nobody is 100% safe anywhere anymore. Always be wary of your surroundings. Certainly not safe in Haiti at the moment. Realistic you say? When something happens to people like you, your first reaction is always, I never thought that could happen to me. Haiti is a different country than ours. If the criminals decide to take hostages, the security force isn't going to stop them. I just prefer to not risk something that is so very easily avoidable. But you do you.