S.A.M.J.R.

Inflation has little to do with it. The bigger issue is people will pay it. As long as people are willing to pay, why should Royal reduce the cost?

I don't have pictures, but based on my trip last year on Mariner, here's my suggestion (outlet was across the room from the bed)... 1) Reach out to special_needs@rccl.com with your cruise date and cabin number and request an extension cord for your cpap 2) Invest in some magnetic hooks https://www.amazon.com/Magnetic-Ｍaximum-Neodymium-Corrosion-Protection/dp/B0787Q54M1/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?keywords=magnetic+hooks&qid=1685984638&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEyQ0w1NkNWTFRLMzNLJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMzYxMzc1MkhEN0lQMjdSTENOJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTA4MzAzNzcyMTFCQVE2QzI3VlNGJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ== 3) Invest in a three way outlet adapter (https://www.amazon.com/Cable-Matters-Adapter-Splitter-Multiple/dp/B098CC6W68/ref=sr_1_24?crid=1D7R57UQ8BEX4&keywords=three+prong+outlet&qid=1685984679&sprefix=three+prong+outlet%2Caps%2C115&sr=8-24... but you just need one). 4) Once on the ship, put the hooks on the ceiling on a path between the outlet and the bed. 5) Plug the extension cord in at the outlet, hang them on the hooks, until you get to the bed. 6) Plug a three way outlet adaptor into the end of the extension cord near the bed. 7) Plug each CPAP into a socket on the adapter. No tripping over cords and both CPAPs are plugged in.

There are two different issues here. One is just an "adaptor". Here's one on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/International-Universal-Worldwide-Electrical-Countries/dp/B075VQ9TTS/ref=asc_df_B075VQ9TTS/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=242168461154&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=11244708670102082015&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9014308&hvtargid=pla-424965950141&psc=1. ALL it does is convert the various plug configuration so US cords can plug into them. It does NOT change from 220V to 110V. So you should make sure whatever device you're plugging into it will work with 220V. You can also get a CONVERTER which will "step down" from the 220V and provide 110V. Here's an example: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073J9QWKY?tag=tripsavvy-onsite-prod-20&linkCode=ogi&th=1&psc=1&ascsubtag=4797126|nb0469f0f8a8a45a5a529aff454dc598216| Note: I'm not recommending either of these products (not saying you shouldn't get them), just a sample of what's out there.

That part of the cord is generic. It will work for multiple devices. You just need to make sure the end that plugs into your power supply matches the socket.

Or for people who just know "I'm eating <early/late> in the MDR" and look for that vs thinking the menu would be the same between them.

For us, when we go to reserve an item, we can select the folks on the other reservations that are linked...

Good thing everyone knows you've added to your ignore list! My day is now complete. Back to the OP... 1) I agree, a 15' cord may not be long enough and isn't a good solution. 2) I have no experience with CPAP battery systems, but as long as a) it can run the CPAP overnight and b) get fully charged during the day, no reason why it shouldn't work. 3) I recommend magnetic hooks that you can attach to the ceiling and drape extension cords (provided by the ship) through so you're walking UNDER the cords.

How late do they offer massages though (I'm surprised they offer any on embarkation day)? Do lunch first, then the massage.

I disagree with a cruise ship being "effectively lawless". First, while I know people get attacked on ships, I'd be much more concerned with my kids being in a major city. I hope the Dad in your story followed up and reported the incident. That would also be a teaching moment for the child. Going back to the room is probably NOT the best choice. Going to an area with lots of crew... pool deck, restaurant, promenade, or even GS is the best play, IMO. Now, a pre-teen (heck, anyone) in this situation isn't going to think straight, that's why it's a teaching moment.

One could make the argument that if you DON'T trust your kids to show up at a meeting place on time or to leave a message in the room then they're not ready to be "out on their own". Again, saying "you don't need to use technology" *IS* a valid response to the OPs question. As far as your example of being uncomfortable around a group of other people, let's play this out. Your child is uncomfortable wherever they are on a ship. The right thing to do is to call their parents to do what? Come "rescue" them? I'm just not picturing it. I would tell *MY* kids to simply walk away. Separate yourself from the situation. Again, if I didn't trust them to do that, I don't trust them to be on their own. I see this totally different than being somewhere "in real life" where one could be MILES away from "safety". Do others feel more "comfortable" they can reach their kids 24/7? No doubt. Doesn't mean it's needed.

Really? Go back and read the OP. "Just do it without technology, we've done it for years" IS a valid answer to the question. All my kids have cell phones. I appreciate being able to reach them/they can reach us if there's an issue. But that's in "normal" life. Did their car break down somewhere? Did their ride desert them? Do they need picked up somewhere? But *I* view being on vacation (depending on the vacation of course), especially on a ship, as different. Yes, it's basically a small city. But a lot of concerns that I have on land are not there on a ship. I don't have to worry about them getting stranded miles away from safety. "Getting turned around on a ship"? Surely they can ask an employee (or even another passenger) for guidance. But what is "something happens otherwise" that the parents won't be notified (probably pretty quickly) UNLESS the kids have cell phones/immediate contact? Obviously everyone parents differently and has their own worries AND can do what they want.

huh. Our kids will tell us where they're going (mostly). How did us parents survive when we were teens and there were no cell phones/tracking? Do you REALLY need to be able to check in with your teens 24/7 (general, rhetorical question)? And even having a texting option doesn't mean the kids aren't doing something they shouldn't.

Or an Android.

Easiest? Notes in the cabin Set meeting times & places.

Why not get a travel pill container? Like this: There are all kinds of sizes. Even if your family sees a pill container, they'd have no idea what's in it.

Because they're not advertising for the cruises sailing this week, the next week, or even the next month. They want to get people hooked going forward. Same reason Disney advertises. Their parks are full, and they're spending money. Advertising to is KEEP the people coming. You don't stop because you currently are filling the ships.

Just doing the math... $14 drink. Add the automatic 18% = $2.52. Add $2 and you're at $4.52. Thats a little over a 32% tip. So yes, they're definitely getting 20%. Not saying you shouldn't give however much you want. Just pointing out the math.

THAT explains why the ships are so empty!

No one said there weren't. But people have their reasons for not getting one. Usually 1)Money and 2) Not NEEDING one. You may disagree, but those are valid reasons.

But you can't swipe through the pouches, so you would have to take them out to get into your cabin (if the cabin door requires a swipe), and don't some bars do a "swipe" vs a "scan"? We had some success with these on our last cruise: https://www.amazon.com/Gripper-Holder-Plastic-Standard-Thickness/dp/B0B4VP78PV/ref=sr_1_3?crid=3I5RORNPY887M&keywords=card%2Bgripper&qid=1684672770&sprefix=card%2Bgripper%2Caps%2C203&sr=8-3&th=1 You can "offset" the gripper so the cards can be swiped on machines. It's wasn't perfect, but better than a pouch or keeping the card loose IMO.

I understand your concern, but is it really that much of a problem? I mean, does anyone on here really know how many "non-diamond" diamonds there are on a cruise? Next, under your suggestion, you'd be relying on Royal IT to be able to track people getting status then losing status. Last, as has been asked multiple times now, how many get this "temporary" status in a 'travelling group'? That could actually end up being more people than the "non-diamond" diamonds on a given cruise.

Where exactly are you seeing a "checkout time"? 10a-11a is about the earliest CHECKIN time I'm pretty sure (could definitely be wrong).

So no one lost Diamond status (as the title says), right? Your son had Diamond from cruising with you, his wife just didn't "inherit" Diamond from him until they talked to LA. Do I have that right? I'm pretty sure that's how it's supposed to work. Child takes first time cruise with parents at age 17.5. Parents are Diamond, so the Child "inherits" the Diamond status. After the cruise (let's say it's 7 days), the child has 7 points, but is Diamond. He will remain Diamond until he gets to 175 points. I guess Spouse inherits status level, so that's why the LA moved her to Diamond. She can't get to D+ until either she gets to 175 points OR she sails with her husband after HE gets to 175 points. Am I wrong in my understanding?

Agreed. I also wondered if the fascination with "cleanliness" actually worked against us when Covid struck. I mean think about everyone who does everything in their power to stay away from germs. Did that mean our bodies couldn't fight back as well when something serious hit? I've wondered that. 🤪

Doesn't really answer my question though. Let's say a ship has 100 rooms. That allows 100 "groups" to EITHER select what room they want OR choose "guarantee". Once 100 groups have picked their rooms, there's no guarantee availability. OR, once 100 groups have told Royal "pick my cabin", there's no rooms left to select. Unless the "overbooked" rooms are guarantee (which I guess makes sense). So the question would be how many "overbookings" do they plan for a cruise? 1%? 5%? 10%?