mkmaj

We were there in November for the 4th time. We weren't supposed to stop there but were re-routed due to weather so we wandered without plans for the first time. The new port area is great and felt safe. The vendors at Junkanoo were shady and made us uncomfortable. The walk there was fine, though. Our ship stayed late because of the re-route and after dark it was nonstop lights and sirens that we watched from the ship. That said, it's not much different from any downtown in the States. Stick to tourist areas, be vigilant, and don't wander after dark.

That's it!!! I have the current cruise on our ship pulled up and it's out of the country. Thanks so much! We can return to regularly scheduled programming now 😀.

Ok thank you. For some reason I thought it was $9.95. I would ask why it was your last but we just booked our first so I'm not sure if I want to know the answer 😬

I was browsing menus this morning and noticed a $12:room service charge. Is this new or is it a glitch?

I was on this cruise as well. The weather and ports were a bummer. My thoughts on above: MDR - Fantastic service, food was just OK. There were a few things we loved and some that went uneaten on our plates. I wouldn't say it was awful, just not good. Windjammer - Actually preferred the food there to the MDR. It got crowded but we always found a seat and food we liked. The stations broke up the crowds but there was no flow at all. People starting on both sides, cutting in, etc. I think they need arrows 🤣. Other food- Kummelweck at 270 was great but everything else that we had there and Cafe Promenade was basically like gas station quality grab and go. Our local gas station is probably better, tbh. What surprised me was that I really liked the Doghouse and Sorrento's was not bad. I wish there were still some sides there. Cabin/Service - Cabin was great and no problem with once a day. Our steward was really nice but clearly didn't have time to go above and beyond with all of the rooms. We got a few towel animals, everything we requested, and the cabin was spotless. No complaints but I did miss getting to chat a little. Bars - I don't think I ever waited more than 5 - 10 minutes. Bars were clearly understaffed. The bartenders were really efficient IMO but the stress showed and not many were very friendly. Not rude, just obviously didn't have time to make small talk. Entertainment - Never really lined up for us as far as shows. We Will Rock You was the only formal one we caught and LOVED it. Also really enjoyed Iconic in the Music Hall, various piano music at Schooner, trivia, bumper cars, etc. We never got to try Northstar or IFly because reservations were gone as soon as they were released it seemed. Pools - Typical cruise ship crowded, no surprise there. The Solarium was great. You had to get there early for prime seats but we always found somewhere to throw our stuff That's all I can think of off the top of my head but happy to answer any questions!

I feel cheap compared to some on here. I worked serving jobs through high school and college so I try to pay it forward when I can. I will not tip like that for poor service but there's never really been a time where I've had poor service on a cruise.

Yes. I don't see any reason to penalize staff for Royal's crappy decisions. I always tip our room steward $20 on the first day with requests and then the amount at the end depends on service throughout the week. That end of week tip has been anywhere from $20-$150. Dinner is usually $10/night and more at the end for great service. Bars, typically a buck or two a drink.

Perfect, thank you!!

Quick question as we will be arriving around 12 as well. How much of that wait/walk time was outside? Trying to decide how heavy of coats we want to lug around!

Sometimes expectations alter taste. We went to an all inclusive last winter that was all over the boards and review pages as having the BEST food at any all inclusive in the area. That is the one and only time I have been disappointed bordering on disgusted with food. My husband (the man can eat unidentified leftovers of questionable age found in the corner of the fridge and be cool with it) said it was "ok" but admittedly nowhere near the quality of food we've had at other resorts and cruises... We sail in a week on our first RC cruise and I will report back. We've been on several cruises with NCL and a couple with Carnival and I really didn't have any complaints. I wouldn't say I've been particularly blown away aside from our first cruise 20ish years ago but I have also never thought the food was trash. Very curious to see how Royal compares.

Stop. I didn't say that it was a highlight of my cruise. I've never been. But if it is my highlight what is it to you? I enjoy reading by a pool. In the fall from NJ that doesn't leave many days to do it outside. Hence, Solarium is a highlight of the ship. Very much discussed on here, which is why we wanted to try. In no way, shape, or form did I say that others opinions on the matter aren't valid. I just would have appreciated a warning or starting for cruises booked after the announcement.

I'm really glad you edited your post to add a mean comment. What do you gain from that?

We booked Anthem. We typically sail out of NY, usually on NCL. We've wanted to try RC and Anthem but also wanted everyone to be able to enjoy the highlights.

I get that, too. I'm all for obnoxious kids getting the boot. Obnoxious adults too, for that matter 🤣

Seriously. It's a big reason to go on this ship in cool weather. I don't want to relax with people's screaming kids either but want to spend time with my daughter enjoying some reading, chatting and lounging that we both like. We waited until my daughter was old enough to book. Just because it's not your thing doesn't make it ridiculous for someone else to look forward to.

I guess they need to earn back some of that OBC!

Please read your own post correctly 😂. You stated that there is no problem with the ship when RCI sent an email stating that there is indeed a problem with the ship. I'm not sure why people need to be so rude to each other on here.

Random question... Have the Northstar and IFly always been $40/$50 on sea days?

I'm satisfied with the compensation but wish they would have been forthcoming from the beginning.

I feel the same. First and last with RC and we will sell our stock unless they blow us away onboard. The port change stinks but is what it is... what bothers me is after being booked for over a year... 6 weeks prior to the cruise and just enough over final payment: - My kid can no longer be in the Solarium. Being a colder weather cruise we were very much looking forward to and planning for this when we booked. It was one of the reasons we booked the ship to begin with. To add insult to that, we're on the ship for an extra day. - Port time in PC makes it even more useless as a port than it already was. - CoCo Cay is our only legitimate port and they moved us to a day with a couple thousand more people and we're arriving second. - Not only zero compensation but the prices of onboard experiences and excursions have actually gone up. It's not the itinerary change, it's everything else. Maybe NCL would do the same but since they haven't yet, that's where my money will stay in the future.

Not really. Disney doesn't even open until 9am, so you'd have maybe 4 hours if all aboard is 3:30? I don't know how that compares to the usual days but doesn't seem like much.

I know, it's not a lot, just the principle. That few bucks could go towards a treat or something for our extra day on the ship. I think Nassau port charges/taxes are around $30/pp right now. With 4 of us that could add up to some photos, burgers, sushi, etc The other thing that I noticed with the change is that extras and packages have skyrocketed on board. The dining package that's been sitting in the $200's is now mid 3's. Photos are up, internet is up, excursions are up, etc. So if we want to do something special to make up for the lost port we are paying a premium to do so.

Unfortunately, it's true. Received it in an email.

It seems that we are not even being refunded port charges.