gw2fll

She must be departing NOLA, she is now up to 9.7 knots and rounding the bend. Marine Traffic indicates her next port is Key West.

Just checked Marine Traffic and Serenade is on the move, she is currently sailing at 4.3 knots.

We sailed Navigator in November and carried a 6-pack of Cherry Coke and Diet Coke onboard during boarding with no problem. Had it the carry-on, the same process that we have used for previous cruises.

I have read several threads in the past where folks experiences have been mixed on this topic. I wonder if some could be driven by Port or a particular cruise, e.g., Spring Break, etc.?

My thought is if they do deny us at some point, we are only talking about a few dollars and would not let it ruin the cruise. Just chalk it up to an "oh well" and head to the ship ready to enjoy a wonderful vacation.

One item I have never been able to figure out is if the S1s are the same size on all decks. Looking at the Deck Plans, the S1s appear to get larger the higher up the deck. It could just be the drawing, but it seems odd - all the other cabins appear to be the same size as their counterparts / other cabins on other decks.

Interesting...

Doug

Thanks for answering my questions about an aft S1. I Also appreciate all your suggestions about how to make best use of the services a butler.

 

Doug, I have also heard that there might be one or two poles in these cabins. We will be on the port side (cabin 8345) so I don't know if that makes a difference. Surely they are not located where you might run into them if you get up in the middle the night!😱

The following threads might be of use regarding the pole positions. Not too bad, love the window on the side, can't wait to grab the table, crawl into the window to read.

Enjoy:

Doug

This is great information. We just booked Equinox for an S1 (1663). We previously sailed Equinox in an S2 (1667) and really enjoyed the aft cabin location, size of the room, excess storage, not to mention the Butler service.

One item I am struggling with - and I seem to recall reading somewhere a reference around this, but can't seem to locate it - is there logic to how many poles an S1 has?

I thought the S1's on one side had 2 poles and the other had 1 or am I mistaken or it is just the luck of the draw?

To the OP:

Do leverage your Butler. One item we found very helpful - we asked our Butler on Day 1 for a copy of the menu's for the week. That helped us plan accordingly which nights we wanted to dine in one of the speciality restaurants since for a 7 night cruise you get 2 nights free. Your Butler can make the speciality restaurant reservations - and can get some tight times for otherwise "booked" timeslots.

Another request we made, we hosted a "Sail-Away" from our cabin for a few friends. Out Butler set-up a table with appetizers (including a huge array of shrimp, etc.) an amazing spread. Our guests were very impressed. (We did not receive a charge.)

Also, breakfast on your balcony is wonderful, especially on a sea day. We did not dine in cabin for dinner; however, a friend of ours did host a dinner party from their suite that we participated in. The Butler served the meal course-by-course, just like in the Main Dining Room.

I think the Butler is one of the main benefits that is driving us back to Celebrity from RCCL. We did tip our Butler separately from the standard gratuity for the wonderful service - hopefully, we will get the same Butler for our next cruise.

We were also invited to a special Sail-Away on the helipad with champagne. I believe it is for Suite Guests - don't miss it. Lastly, on Formal Night, your Butler will escort you to the show. (You get reserved seating.) Another way Celebrity makes you feel special.

(We did not use the packing / unpacking service, but found any issue, request we had was quickly handled leveraging our butler. Much better than the Concierege on an RCCL ship.)

The Butler and the Steward work very closely together. (We had two Stewards - a Lead and an assistance.) Our experience has been this trio created one of the best combinations of service we have experienced.

Hope this helps...

PS Not necessarily a suite perk, but don't miss the Wine and Cheese on the Lawn. That was very neat. (First come, first served.) Go to the Lawn where the ship spreads out towels, provides wine and difference chesses as the ship departs port. Wonderful way to end a day. (Assuming they still do this, based upon our experience in April of this year.)

Doug

Thanks everyone for your feedback and insight.

Quick follow-up on a couple of items, yes, we purchased the soda package for both cruises. Since our most recent cruise was on Celebrity, we had become accustomed to receiving a can, but quickly "adapted" to the RCCL approach although the 2 liter was a bit confusing.

I agree, the use of the 2 liter surprised me given the cost per unit when compared to a beverage gun. I can still see the stack of blue crates along the back wall of the Pool Bar with all the 2 liters in it. It just does not make sense, but there must be a reason...

Thanks again...

Just completed a two week B2B on Navigator and noticed a change in how the soft drinks are served that was disappointing. I do not know if this is limited to just Navigator or if it is a change in process.

When ordering soft drinks (Coke, Diet Coke, etc.) from the bars (Windjammer, MDR, Pool Bar, etc.) some of the bartenders would serve from 2 liter bottles instead of using the "beverage" gun to serve the beverage. At first I thought they were having trouble with the "guns" (they could be); however, over the course of the cruises I noticed it depended upon the bartender whether your selection was poured from a 2 liter bottle or prepared using the beverage "gun".

My complaint / problem is the 2 liter bottles can quickly go "flat" resulting in a horrible tasting soda. I finally had enough one evening during the second week in the MDR and had the soda served from a can. I kept returning the soda - about 3 to 4 times before they finally brought me a can and glass of ice at which point we had success and things tasted right. (From that point forward, the head waiter instructed the team to only use a can, which worked and avoided the issue.)

Has anyone else experienced this on other ships - is this the direction RCCL is going? I hope not.

Thanks for your input and feedback. Perhaps this was just an isolated incident and not a new process.

Just returned from B2B on Navigator and the menu's listed in post 2 are exact copies of what you will have in the MDR. (Use the "Main Dining Room Menu" pdf file from the website contained in the link.)

The menu order was:

• Sunday: "Mojo" (Prime Rib, etc.)
  
• Monday: "Saffron" (Shrimp Ravioli / Roasted Duck) - Formal Night
  
• Tuesday: "Pimiento" (Garlic Tiger Shrimp / Lasagna al Forno)
  
• Wednesday: "Basil" (Surf and Turf, etc.)
  
• Thursday: "Shiitake" (Roasted Rack of Lamb / Strawberry - Kiwi Pavlova, etc.)
  
• Friday: "Jasmine" (Fisherman's Plate: Lobster tail, garlic shrimp, etc.) - Formal Night
  
• Saturday: "Pomodoro" (Roasted Turkey, etc.)
  

The items in "quote" are the "spice" theme being highlighted and the food item in (parenthesis) are specific food items from the menu to provide additional assistance to identify the specific menu.

Navigator ran the menus in the same order for both weeks.

Hope this helps.

Regarding the C&A level not showing on Set Sail Pass, I'm confused.

We just returned from a B2B on Navigator (11/02 & 11/09 sailings) and our status is showing on both Set Sail Passess. The designation is not a "word" but an emblem beside the cabin category - for the above sailings it is a green square with "E" in white lettering in it (We were Emerald for the B2B) and sailed in a Junior Suite (there is a light blue square with "JS" in white lettering beside the "E" square). The squares appear on a row below the huge barcode at the top of the Set Sail Pass. Actually, it's on there twice - also to the left under our names.

Perhaps something changed over the past month, but I can see it on ours. I used Google Chrome to print our passes if that makes a difference.

Hope this helps...

Just back from a seven days on Freedom of Seas. It is a beautiful ship and

we loved everything about our suite experience except the Concierge Lounge

evening cocktail hours.

 

Every evening the lounge was crowded with Diamond+ and Pinnacle Crown

and Anchor ( most of them wear their pins) members. They gather in large

groups, rearrange the furniture and carry on in a loud and boisterous manner

from start to finish. Suite guests are frequently faced with SRO or some

make-shift seating in a corner.

 

Am I sailing on the wrong ship or this common on other Royal Caribbean ships?

We experienced the same thing on Navigator in 2012 (prior to Dry Dock). Have not sailed in a suite on Royal since then and can't comment. We became so frustrated with the crowds, we just avoided the area during the "cocktail hour(s)" and leveraged the benefit during other times. Basically, made the best of the situation as best we could.

I would think with the introduction of the Diamond Lounge since Dry Dock and the drink vouchers loaded to the Sea Pass would help to relieve some of the overcrowding. (At least this would apply to Navigator and other ships that have moved refurbished.)

Have sailed several cruises the weekend after Thanksgiving. They start going up over the weekend.

It's always fun to return to the ship after a port visit to see what they added during the day. Interesting transformation from when you board to the end of the cruise.

Have a wonderful time.

Aft hands down. View is spectacular and it feels very private. We had an aft balcony on the Indy.

 

Had a hump balcony on the Allure. It's nice too, but it didn't feel quite as private as there was much more foot traffic going by. View was nice, but not as nice as the aft.

 

It's also more "value" to me to have an aft. It's nice to pay the same price as a balcony on the side of the ship but have WAY more balcony space.

I realize this is RCCL section of the Board, but thought I would mention:

The larger balcony (deeper) is true on RCCL ships, but on Celebrity Solstice class ships, the Hump balconies are much deeper than the aft balconies and much more private - Solstice #1610, Equinox #1610, etc.

If the person making the inquiry switches lines, e.g., to Celebrity, they need to be mindful of the difference in ship design between lines.

At any rate - as long as you are on a cruise ship it's great!!! Have a wonderful cruise and enjoy yourself.

I have sailed both and enjoy both.

Aft: Love the view, could sit on the balcony for hours and watch the wake. It is great in the evenings / at night to watch the stars and when leaving port. Another benefit is usually you get a larger (deeper balcony) depending on the ship and room. The walk is annoying at first, but it is quieter at the end of the hall and the hallway gets "shorter" as the cruise progresses.

Hump: Enjoy the hump cabins, in particular the center / forward portion of the hump. When selecting a hump cabin I tend to be fairly selective of which cabin to avoid others from being able to "see into" the balcony (hence target center portion of hump). The location to the elevators is also a great benefits. No, you do not hear the elevators; however, occasionally, you will hear noise from the hall as people leave the elevator lobby and forget others might be trying to sleep.

Sorry, not much help but what I will close with is as long as I am on a cruise I am happy.

I've booked allure med in October next year and can't wait xx

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

We are doing Allure in October 2015 also.

Looking forward to finally sailing her and the itinerary is a plus.

Well said.

I enjoyed the MDR and the introduction of MTD. The next evolution...

We had our first "deviation" in April on Celebrity Equinox.

We had departed Barbados - about 5 minutes out - and the captain came on to announce that we had to return to port to disembark a passenger for medical reasons. However, we had to wait for the Carnival ship to exit since they had already started leaving.

We docked at the berth we were at during the day. About an hour later, the Captain announced that we would be delayed longer since the ambulance was not properly equipped to transport the patient and they had to send the ships equipment and nurse with the patient to the hospital and await the return of the nurse (and I assume equipment). I think in total we were delayed about 3 hours; however, we arrived at our next port on time.

It was kind of reassuring to know the ship was that well equipped. (They never announced how the patient was doing.)

Invoices can also get messed up when transferring to a TA from RC.

 

I booked and paid deposit straight to RC. Then later transferred to a TA. After I transferred the TA emailed me the invoice. I didn't pay much attention to it assuming it was the same thing RC had already sent me.

 

A month or so before final payment I pulled up the TA's invoice and it showed a higher total than I remembered RC quoting me. Luckily I still had the original invoice from RC in my emails. I printed it off and emailed it to my TA. She was able to call RC and get it straightened out. They said sometimes that happens when they transfer bookings ?!?!

 

So be sure to keep records of ALL emails they send you!!

I had the same or similar issue happen.

I keep both hardcopies and all the emails until after the cruise, just in case I need them. Like you experienced, they do come in handy.

Those Christmas decorations are beautiful, and I'd love to sail while they're out.

 

However, I won't sail on an actual holiday again. Not only was the price inflated, but because it was a school holiday, the ship sailed at over capacity (meaning every bed was full PLUS many cabins held 3rd and 4th passengers). The ship felt more crowded than other cruises. This was when we still did traditional dining, and instead of a table in the main dining room, we were pushed out into a side room -- it felt like being at the kids' table.

 

No, I won't sail any holiday again -- the week before, the week after, yes. The actual holiday, no.

You might want to give the week after Thanksgiving a try. We have sailed several times then. The decorations are out (that's when I captured the pictures I posted) and prices are usually great - found some great deals for the week. I think since most kids are back in school and since it is right after a holiday it affects the bookings, so the cruise line has pretty good discounts.

On the Carla C in 1980, cost was about $900.00 per person in an inside cabin with an upper and lower bunks. Six ports in seven days out of San Juan. Figured it was a once in a lifetime trip, so we wanted the most ports for our money!

 

After over 700 days at sea, we have graduated to balconies or suites, and love sea days!

 

First RoyalCaribbean cruise was on Song of Norway in 1983 in an outside room with a double bed. Cost was around 1200 pp.

 

When we started cruising there were two seatings, early and late. No buffets for breakfast or lunch, if you had early seating breakfast was at 7, lunch at noon, and dinner at 6. Late breakfast was at 8:30' lunch at 1:30, and dinner at 8:30. Midnight buffet every night.

 

Found a brochure a few years ago for the first sailing season of Song of America. Outside cabin with air was $1500 pp, how much would that be in today's dollars? That certainly made us appreciate the ships of today with all the bells and whistles.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums mobile app

Here's a site you can use to convert dollars from the past to today: Click Me

You can also find it by searching for "Measuring Worth", then select "Relative Values - US".

On the right hand side, enter the year you are starting with, the dollar amount in question, and Desired Year "2013". (Can't go to 2014 yet.) then click "Calculate" button. The following screen will display several values for the conversion of $1500pp to 2013 with explanations for each.

Enjoy...

I get some of what the OP is saying. However, the herding feeling is what I get at Disney World. that is a whole different vacation.

 

We have been cruising a relatively short time since 2005 but are definitely hooked. I have seen changes since we first started cruising. I understand they have to change to get the mass marketing and affordable cruising to a whole new clientele than what cruising a few years ago was.

 

I do get that rushed off the ship feeling on departure day and I HATE IT. But know there are the ones that show up at 10 or 11 just dying to get on board rushing me off. Lots of work for staff to do.

 

The check in..ugh...go to this line ...get x rayed...go to that line...do you have your papers....go to that line....take your picture no? why not?...buy this, buy that. I am exhausted

 

The claiming luggage or carrying off yourself and the your vacation has ended feeling you get at 8 am is deflating

 

I despise the Windjammer. Hate rude people hogging tables cutting in line etc. Others love it. I get it. I do like having choices. Pizza and sandwich shops for snacks.

 

ANNOUNCEMENT!!! bingo, spa, art auction....shut up.

 

Movies on the deck. I think are cool. like the old drive in days. others I am sure cringe at this.

 

I personally don.t need or care for characters, Merry go rounds etc. but may enjoy them when the grandbabies come along

 

We are in the minority I am sure that cruise to relax. I want to go where cell phones and internet is a hassle and expense so work cant get me.

We love huge aft balconies. park ourselves enjoy the wake and read. If I want to get off in port fine if not fine. Do a few comedy shows, little casino , don't care for parades belly flops etc. Personally don't like singing waiters at dinner prefer quiet relaxing meal. I am ok with a fixed time. I like the waiters knowing my name and preferences. Have made great lifelong friends with dinner companions.

 

I will never do the Mega ships. I am sure I would love the luxury lines but cant afford them. Thank goodness we can get some of the small line feel still with smaller Royal ships. The prices are very good. We couldn't go to Myrtle Beach for a week anytime for what we pay for a week on a cruise I enjoy the loyalty perks received on Royal and X. Free stuff is nice

 

We considered a Viking cruise. Even went to a information night. I would do it for the sights, hubs didn't like the limited food choices.

 

I know what to expect on a cruise and the good still outweighs the aggravating for me. I am so looking forward to some jerk knocking into me at the windjammer in 15 days and will be ok being rushed out of bed and off the ship at 8 am 7 days later because it was better than a lot of other land vacations I have had.

 

As they say "Whatever floats your boat"

I'm with you - getting away from the cellphones, internet, etc. One of the main reasons we love cruising because we can completely disengage from the "real world".

We started cruising in the mid 1980's and have seen many changes, both from the cruise line and from the customer base. Cruising was a luxury vacation, not for everyone. Now, for better or worse, it is mass market and many are able to enjoy a cruise vacation. Many mass market cruise lines have adjusted their formula. As an example, those who cruised in early days recall that dinner was served in the dining room. There was a place to get sandwiches if you didn't want a standard dinner, but the extensive buffet was a change to accommodate a new mix if passengers.

 

There are numerous examples, but the OP compared a mass market line to a premium/luxury line. Again - I am glad we have choices.

 

M

I agree, back in the 1980's cruises were a luxury vacation whereas today it is more of a mass market vacation. If you look at the cruise fare in relation to our income levels, it was a large investment in the 1980's compared to today. I remember paying ~$500pp for an Inside Cabin for a 3-night cruise. That was a huge expense that we saved well over a year for that weekend.

I have to give the cruise lines credit for keeping the cost relatively in check while everything else cost a lot more than it use to. Of course, their ability to do that comes with the sacrifice of needing to carry more passengers.

Just my opinion - but I do see how the "herding effect" has become a part of cruising, especially the larger ships. To me it is really evident when you try to grab an elevator or find a seat for a show or (I could go on). But I love it, I love being on a ship, sailing the waters, so I will go with the flow and keep on cruising because to me it is one of the best vacations out there.

Our first cruise was on S/S Emerald Seas back in 1981. The 3 Night cruise to the Bahamas ran ~$500pp - and that was an Inside Cabin. (That comes to ~$2,500 in today's dollars.) Could you imagine paying that kind of a price for a 3 night cruise? That just goes to show how much of a value a cruise is today. Plus all the extras / amenities we get today.

I found a copy from a brochure back in the '80's - thought everyone would enjoy.

[/img]

And remember the buffets...

And the "high-end" cabins (notice - no balcony's)

We have come a long way. Truly appreciative for what we get for the money today.

A few of the Christmas decorations you can expect to see...

Navigator of the Seas

Navigator of the Seas

Serenade of the Seas (this was the only ship I have seen the Gingerbread Village. They may do it on others and I just have missed it.)

[/img]

Have a wonderful cruise...

Happy Holidays