ladybugpug

On our first cruise about 12 years ago maybe we booked 2 interior rooms. We were going as cheap as possible. My husband and son stayed in one room and my 2 daughters and I stayed in the second. Second cruise (much better off financially) we booked 3 balcony rooms. LOVED LOVED the balcony. I'm never going back to an interior room. No way. I love sitting on the balcony. I actually spent hours on our recent Virgin cruise in the chair hammock on the balcony.

We (husband, 2 older teen daughters, and I) did a Tulum excursion through RCCL about 8 years ago maybe. Advertized as seeing the ruins and then a "beach break" to include a buffet meal at a beach front restaurant and then time to relax on the beach. It was a whole day of absolute misery that started around 6am. The bus took us to a stop that was supposed to be a bathroom break but was instead a tourist trap where we were kept for nearly an hour while they tried to sell us all crap. Off to the ruins where we got to try and maneuver around past the thousands of other tourists to see anything in 100 degree heat. We stayed there about an hour I think. Then the beach break which ended up being 30 minutes where they refused to refill the food for our tour bus and did not provide cups for the drinks. When we realized there was no food, my older daughter started crying and I wasn't far behind her lol. No time for the promised beach The bus did provide bottled water thank God. When we got back to the ship we hadn't eaten since the night before (no food for 16 hours) because nothing was open to get food that early when we left that morning. I can say we actually laugh about it now because it was so so bad but an experience for sure lol. If you leave super early like we did get food the night before to eat in the morning.

Agreed!!

Thank You!!

Does the restaurant require reservations? I purchased the full day pass for my daughter and I and I swear I saw something about making a reservation as soon as we got there because it filled up. Or did they just mean the beach club? We are also doing the pig excursion and I don't want to miss lunch lol. The menu looks so good.

Thank you so much!!

My last cruise was on Virgin and they used wrist bands. I saw a cute ID lanyard but if they aren't using keycards still then I have no use for it. TIA!

I've googled my question but can't find a concise answer so sorry if this has been asked a million times. What are the suite perks on the Serenade (any alcohol or specialty dining included)? My daughter and I just booked for a June cruise. We booked an owners suite. Also we booked a one bedroom and it has one large bed shown. Does it separate into two beds? Last question: my daughter desperately wants to swim with the pigs. How early can that be booked? TIA for any and all help!

Thanks for the advice on ear plugs. I am very noise sensitive and overly loud music really bothers me. We booked our Virgin cruise before I read about the loud techno music everywhere. I'm hoping its not as bad as I'm afraid of. I will definitely be ordering ear plugs tho.

My husband and I cruise in September. I'm looking forward to the food. I like more authentic and interesting choices. I don't want Olive Garden or Chipotle rip off entrees. Fajitas and lasagna are just no. I can get those anywhere and anytime. Also looking forward to the no kids onboard. I love kids. I have 3. But every cruise I have been on kids are allowed to overtake the hot tubs and other adult areas with zero adult supervision. I am a bit worried about the entertainment. But time will tell. Thanks for the review!

Thanks all!! I purchased cruise insurance online yesterday that includes cancel for any reason (75% of cruise cost). I feel so much better. 🥰

I booked and paid in full my first Virgin cruise today and just realized when I looked at the booking that I forgot to add the insurance. The website says insurance can be purchased until the trip is paid in full. Since I paid in full am I out of luck?