bonsai3s

3 minutes ago, amindu said:

Do pinnacle folks get priority over those in JR Suites?  Just found out the ship has 120 pinnacle vs 75 capacity in CK?

Top 30 P's will have access to CK.

* Don't know if P's have priority over JS.

Cruiserchris2009...agree with everything you said...regrettably, those that have been cruising for many years can see this, but new cruisers don't. I remember when Chops was $19.

Random things that have been cut/removed over the years (that I liked and can still remember):

* Chocolates on the bed in the evening. We would literally take some home as a reminder of our cruise.

* On RCCL, they used to have a golf simulator...loved the "long drive" and "closest the pin" competition.

* Ok, the midnight buffet...yes, it was a lot of wasted food...but what beautiful food carvings.

* Speaking of carvings, what about the ice carvings? Who remembers that?

* RCCL used to provide one night free hotel if you had a day between your 2 cruises.

* Free sushi in the Windjammer.

* A Sommelier in the MDR. Gosh, I remember when they walked around the dining room and sold "single shots" of liquor.

* RCCL encouraged you to exercise by promoting "ShipShape" dollars...you earn them by participating in all types of exercise classes, then redeem them for goodies. I may still have a yellow "ShipShape" t-shirt.

* Chefs actually cooking by the pool...last time I saw this was on the Legend of the Seas.

* The much nicer, upgraded toiletries...L'Occitane.

Happy sailing!

Another positive...faster and easier muster.

* And if you've never tried the IFly...give it a try...it's a hoot. Love the Odyssey. Happy sailing! 

42 minutes ago, screenname2004 said:

Assume we have early access to our new cabin, do we stay there until b2b group lunch? When does group lunch start?

As njkruzer said, you'll have access to the entire ship. Enjoy the ship before the new passengers board.

Lunch starts at 12 noon, MDR...but we did have a b2b lunch in the Windjammer on the Navigator...they opened the WJ at 11:30am.

* Back in the day, b2b lunches were sometimes at specialty restaurants. When in the MDR, there's a limited, but very nice, menu...and complimentary wine...not anymore.

* On TAD, I enjoy the empty jacuzzi and a couple of Bloody Marys...nice.

11 hours ago, gumshoe958 said:

Yes, it’s now a hybrid brunch menu on sea days served (on the current Odyssey sailing at least) between 8:30 and noon.

 

The full, separate breakfast & lunch selections are still available in the Windjammer.

 

Yes, we discovered this "hybrid brunch" recently on the Symphony.

We usually eat lunch (late) around 1:15pm...on one sea day, we wanted to try the MDR for lunch. We show up at 1:15 and both of us smiled...no queue.

We get to the podium and requested a table...the headwaiter said: "Sorry, we are closed". 

* Our fault...never even paid attention. We both looked at each other and said: "Duh!". Fortunately, there were plenty of other places to eat.

13 hours ago, Jimbo said:

Even though you may never go to the Dining Room the entire cruise your Tip still goes to the  the wait staff that was assigned to your table.

The reason they still get your tips because think of it this way. What would happen if during the entire cruise the waitstaff was assigned tables in the Dining Room that no one ever ate in the Dining Room the entire cruise?

Would that mean that wait staff crew wouldn't get paid for the entire week just because no one ever showed up at their tables?

That wouldn't be far to them no pay for the week. That is why they still get your tips whether you show up or not.

They have a salary.

24 minutes ago, Denversail said:

I switched cabins on my last b2b. The evening before I went and found my new room steward to make sure he was aware that I was moving to that cabin and already on the ship. He assured me he would get the room ready as soon as the prior cruisers left. I also made sure my prior steward knew to move my stuff. After going through the process of getting off and back on with the other b2b cruisers I went to my new room and it was ready. I will say I think this was closer to almost 10 am. My regret in this process was showing up to the theater a little early. They make you wait until everyone is off the ship. I would probably head that way more like 20 to 30 minutes after the time they requested in the future. 

 

I will note that I did get some comments from other cruisers when they saw me go to my cabin. Some people actually tried to stop me because cabins weren't ready. The cruising police enforcement. lol

Denversail...you are spot-on! ...great info.

$118.43...

DIY...Civitavecchia to Rome.

* Take shuttle from ship to train station. 

* Purchase BIRG ticket...roundtrip train and access to Metro in Rome. 14€

* Approx.1 hr train ride.

* Get off San Pietro (St. Peter) station.

* 10-minute walk to St. Peter's Basilica/Vatican.

* From St. Peter's Basilica, you can walk to Castel D'Angelo, cross the Tiber River, walk to Piazza Navona, then Pantheon, then Trevi Fountain.

* Spanish Steps is nearby or you can take the Metro to the Collosseum.

* You can take the train back to Civitavecchia from the Main Termini.

This is just a brief summary...lots of other details in the Italy forum if you are interested.

6 minutes ago, APDMOM said:

 

Wow! Those are long wait times!  Our experiences in Port Canaveral, Tampa, and Miami were no more than 30 minutes each.  In Bayonne, we did not have to leave the ship - CBP met us in a lounge… Makes me wonder if this is related to the specific port.  Bayonne and Tampa were Royal Caribbean B2B.  The other two were MSC.

Hi APDMOM!

Many of the B2B passengers on the second TAD were angry...but tempers cooled down rather quickly after boarding...and upon reflection...

* There were U.S. Health Inspectors onboard...putting the crew on edge.

* It was the end of a TA...first time at FLL/PE...everyone, including crew members, had to meet with CBP.

* I can't remember the exact number of B2B passengers, but it may have been over 200.

Agree with both BND and RobinMN.

Our recent experience all on the Symphony....B5B.

* First TAD...in Barcelona. We went to the Royal Theater, got our new seapass cards, then photo taken, "ding" out with the old cards, and back in with the new cards. On the way out of the theater, we asked: "Where do we go now?"

The crew member smiled and answered: "You are free to roam". It took less than a minute!

* Second TAD...now in FLL/PE. We went to the Royal Theater, got our new seapass cards, then waited. We walked off the ship and "ding" out...they took our old seapass cards (returned them a few days later), then waited downstairs in the terminal. All B2B passengers met with CBP and showed our passports. We were then told to sit down at the terminal...and wait. We walked back up onto the ship...another long queue formed approaching the gangway...because they were taking new photos as you "ding" in.

Total time: approximately 3.5 hours.

* Third TAD...FLL/PE. Same process...theater, walk-off...but this time we didn't have to meet with CBP...they used Facial Recognition. We again waited in the terminal before boarding.

Total time: approximately 2 hours.

* Fourth TAD...FLL/PE. Same process...theater, walk-off...facial recognition...no waiting...back onboard.

Total time: approximately 1.5 hours.

32 minutes ago, amindu said:

Hi All we are on Odyssey in a JR suite (2 adults 2 kids) if there are reservations available all week we will put our name down.  Question is if one night my wife isn’t interested in going can I take my brother instead with me in her and kids place? Do they like scan your sea pass and know the faces of everyone in that cabin?
 

2nd question are you also limited to one lobster in CK the night they serve lobster? 
 

thanks 

1. No, they don't scan your seapass card...they ask your cabin number. You can politely ask the CK Host if your brother can join you...they will most likely accomodate you.

2. No limit to lobster at CK. We were just off the Symphony, and our CK staff asked if my wife wanted more lobster.

* Tip: If you like lobster, try the lobster salad. CK menu is available in the Royal Caribbean App.

* It may be difficult for you to get a reservation for the popular first night dinner...on the menu...filet mignon. Happy sailing!

3 hours ago, schooner_Drinker said:

Let us know the ship

We will then let you know the secret locations 

But you have to promise you won’t tell anyone or advertise it on a public cruise forum - so we can keep it a secret 😉

 

Nancy 🍹

Ok...Nancy, you had me laughing.

To BlackForest...on the Navigator, Deck 2, across the hallway from the Loyalty Ambassador's desk...is a conference room. We usually find the door open and the room empty.

* Not sure if you have to reserve it to use it. Happy sailing!

* Promise not to tell anyone about this secret.

1 hour ago, Oceansaway17 said:

If the genie was there I would find it hard to believe that they would make a wheelchair person leave.

 

I too would have glared and told them find the next elevator and to be grateful they could walk on.

I mean really that is the height of ignorance.  I must say 99% of the time on ships, folks are nice to those in wheelchairs.

  But one time last year I had to put my arm out to stop a few teenagers from running on ahead of wheelchair person.  They looked at me sheepishly and slouched away sort of understanding their unkindness.    

Agree...a Genie would've welcomed a wheelchaired person in the elevator.

Shame on the passengers and Genie if they stopped the OP.

On 12/2/2023 at 6:20 PM, firefly333 said:

So buy rcl stock. These prices people are paying can only make rcl more $$$. Load up the boat. I've been trading in and out. Back in. 

 

If you cant stand the price increases, win win. 

$114.21 today. 

13 minutes ago, trihawks1 said:

We are just starting to pull clothing items for our cruise and will begin packing in the next couple days.  We have Hooked book and wanted to know for dinner what outfits did you see men wearing?  My husband wondered if he would be out of place to wear his khaki shorts and black polo shirt?  He usually wears khaki slacks and polo shirts for dinners…trying to pack light without being turned away or ridiculed.

Khaki shorts and black polo shirt absolutely ok. He will not be turned away or ridiculed.

We love Hooked and have eaten there many times for dinner...we've seen men wearing khaki shorts and polo shirts. Enjoy.

Off the grid...Niners vs Eagles on.

1 hour ago, Mum2Mercury said:

-- but I'm wondering how to proceed fairly without being a chump, and I never thought I'd think this way.  

Mum2Mercury...after over 30 years of cruising, exactly our sentiments.

We just spent 41 days onboard the Symphony. The gratuity increase (from $16 to $18) occurred during our time onboard...thus a lot of discussion amongst passengers.

Many of the crew members openly expressed their feelings about tips. Some even gave us suggestions. Guest Services also provided important information and assistance. Based on what they told us...we came up with a perfect solution...that works for us...and made the crew happy.

* My apologies, I am intentionally refraining from posting our perfect solution.

1 hour ago, not-enough-cruising said:

It’s more than possible, they have all but admitted to it with the “other services” category on the official breakdown. 

On the Symphony, we asked 6 different guest services staff...who the "other services" are?

All of them said: "For crew members working in public areas...such as, restrooms, carpet cleaners, pool areas,..."

* I am just posting what was said to us. If you ask yourself, perhaps you'll get a different answer.

6 hours ago, Kbonner said:

And you do not have an opinion about the casino masters, sailing in inside/outside/balconies with top priority in suite lounge and CK, priority way above all Pins and JSs?

 

Kbonner...I am not responding for island lady...but I for one, would love to know about casino masters. Politely asking, we don't gamble either.

We only recently experienced that "casino masters get top priority way above all Pins"...there were 81 casino masters onboard our recent TA. Thank you.

Symphony, westbound TA, Nov. 29, 2023.

* Daily coffee vouchers given.

* CWO lunch was split to 2 days.

* D+ only, at DL/CL during HH.

* P HH at Dazzles.

* Top 30 P full access to CK.

* P breakfast at Chops.

Our friends smirked at us and our financial advisor questioned why we were considering on purchasing Royal Caribbean stocks during the pandemic...we bought shares anyway.

I'll be the first to admit...we just got lucky. Bought shares at $30.10/share...today it is $110.43/share.

23 minutes ago, lovesthebeach2 said:

Unfortunately I’ve seen much younger children younger than 16 roaming the halls and stairs unattended, some look under 10. Sometimes doing things I wouldn’t have allowed my children to do.

So true...just this past Thanksgiving sailing on the Symphony...we saw a little girl (around 10 yrs old), asking a stranger (a man) if he's seen "little ducks". 

We looked around and no sight of parents, siblings, or anyone else.

My wife said: " That is just scary and insane that parents would allow a little girl go around the ship...by herself."

On 11/29/2023 at 7:47 AM, Mikew0805 said:

I was on this sailing. I heard the call for blood donations at 3am as I was walking from the casino back to the cabin. The family posted on our FB group, and thanked everyone that showed up to donate, but then also asked for privacy. Apparently TMZ and other news outlets contacted members of the FB group, to try to get information. 

 

Regardless of knowing that there had to be some bad choices being made by a 16 year old (it's not like 16 year olds are known for good choices) I feel so bad for this young man and his family.  

Slightly off topic...but regarding blood donation. On the Symphony earlier this week, the Captain announced a "Humanitarian" request for blood donation...18-55, male, O+, and a few other criterias.

The next day, in Labadee, we had a Medivac...helicopter landed on the pier at Labadee. We were all hoping for the best.

Symphony of the Seas...Captain Angel Oviol Ruiz replaced Captain Rick Sullivan Nov. 18, 2023.