Grandma Dazzles

1 hour ago, mklions said:

Hi All,

 

My wife and I are cruising with our two children their partners and our three grandchildren as a party of nine next month. Sailing on Jewel of the Seas around the Emirates for a week.

 

On booking we requested 3 balcony rooms together, only to find we have been assigned 3 balcony cabins on three different decks!.

 

Spoke to our TA today and they have said because we booked on a "guarantee basis" they have no control on cabin selections. So a bit disappointed in this, as it would be nice to have joining cabins and feel a bit annoyed that our request has been overlooked.

 

My other questions is about dinning with children in the MDR do they have a area for families in the MDR? Our grandchildren are 6,4 and 18 months and although relatively well behaved in general they do get fidgety after a while, and I would hate them to disrupt other dinners.

 

It is our first cruise with children and any advice would be very much appreciated.

 

Thanks in advance,

 

Mklions...

 

Sounds like you are not getting good advice from your travel agent. A guarantee cabin can be anywhere - pretty much the leftovers that no one has booked - that’s why they are cheaper. TA should have explained. 

Again, TA should have booked you in to first or second seating for dinner in the MDR; or My Time Dining.  Would recommend first seating if you have young children; second seating is usually too late for kids.  There is no special section in the dining room, but you can request your own table. My Time Dining you can eat at different times each evening and make a reservation, or just show up.  

2 hours ago, shoppergirl10 said:

it  must be a very recent change, as my documents are dated November 3, 2019.  

 

Don’t remember when it changed - but quite a while back.  Some of the websites don’t have updated information. 

Mini bars are no longer stocked - coolers are empty. 

Few years back had a meniscus repair close to sailing. I was still using ice/heat. I used the therma care type heat wraps - no electric. Steward was great  I asked for extra ice and he brought me a bucket like they use at the portable bars and plenty of extra towels. Worked out very well and I really appreciated.  

Tipped him extra and told hotel director and mentioned on survey how helpful he had been. 

Never had truly cold water on any ship in the bathroom - usually slightly warm. I just add ice to a glass if I want a drink of water. 

1 hour ago, RockHoundTX said:

As previously mentioned, 300 seems to be the norm. However, I have seen other weights listed (I think it was either 250 or 275). Not sure why there was a difference. Regardless, there is no problem with 190. The size of the Pullman (and getting up and down) will be more an issue than weight. 

My son found the Pullman to be very comfortable - plenty big/long enough - no different than a twin bed.  Ladder to climb up wasn’t too bad, but he was college-aged and an athlete. 

Checked many years ago - my son was 6’ 2” and 230 pounds. Was told weight limit was 300 pounds.  This was on Majesty. 

1 hour ago, plaz70 said:

 

There was one cruise we were on where the indoor solarium pool was empty.  We never saw anyone in it.  I thought it was a waste of space to have an adult pool if no one was going to use it.  A quiet adult area, yes, but in my experience, adult areas aren't always quiet anyway.  It depends on the line and the ship.  Why not open all the pools to all ages and have an adult only hour or adult swim for 10 min every hour like they do at some swim clubs?  I'm all for an adult only hot tub though or at least old enough to sit still and not swim around in it like it's a pool.

Frequent cruiser and spend a lot of time in the solarium - pool is rarely empty!  Great place to cool off plus a lot of people might not swim (too small) but stand and visit. 

Also keep in mind you might not be able to add a person to your reservation at a later date.  Adding a person is dependent on muster station availability. You are better off adding now and canceling if the person decides not to go. 

1 hour ago, KuffMUp said:

 

 

I forgot to mention there were cabanas added to the pool areas as part of the revamp.  There was one on each corner of the pool and eight each side on the 12th deck.  They were for suites and Pinnacles.  As usual, no one used them except one day one was occupied.  One would think before spending money on things they think suites and Pinnacles would like, they would do a quick survey to see what they want. 

Surprised that the cabanas were reserved - cruised the Navigator earlier this year and they were for general use.  Used a couple of times and they weren’t that busy - found most people wanted sun not shade.   Sorry you weren’t able to use. 

4 hours ago, Scotty G said:

 

No passport required since St. Thomas is a United States territory.

My mistake - thought you needed to fly but not for cruise. 

There are definite rules and a fee to pay.  He will also need a passport in case he doesn’t right now - need to get.  Would suggest checking with RC. Not something I would trust to be answered correctly on a public forum 

2 hours ago, Del Mag said:

Hoping you can help a complete cruise novice. Booked up for Rhapsody of the Seas next June and the best drinks package is average at best with entry level branded drinks, no malts and no top shelf.  I’ve called RC and the helpful American lady could not provide any information other than what is on the website.  I’m pretty disappointed with the Deluxe offer as people I know who have been on RC ships extol the virtues of their Ultimate or Platinum package.  Any ideas anyone please

Welcome to Cruise Critic.

Royal Caribbean only has one alcohol package - you might want to check with your friends as to what they were referring to.  Also, RC is a good mainstream line - not a luxury line. 

59 minutes ago, akcruz said:

 

My daughter tried going to this meet up when she was 19.  It was held in the disco at about 5.  I went with her just in case, when we got there about 5 older people at the bar.  We waited for about 10 minutes then left as nobody her age showed up. Later in the cruise she did meet a few others her age but all they were interested in was finding drinks.  She ended up hanging out with us.  Did she enjoy her cruise, yes, but ranked it as one if the lowest from an enjoyment perspective, her next cruise she brought a friend and had a blast.  I am not sure what the answer is but do know this is a tough age for cruising.  If you don't or haven't had kids that age please don't assume you know what it's like for some of them.  A more organized or widely advertised meet up could help many.

I don’t disagree that for some kids it’s an awkward age.  Cruised with my kids when they were in high school and college and they tended to meet others at the sports court or disco.  The get togethers are in the Cruise Compass - just like they advertise pool activities - I honestly don’t know what else can be done.   You can’t “make” them participate.  I agree that having a friend along can help.  

6 minutes ago, bouhunter said:

Good point.  Some of these comments seem to assume a 20 year old has no life if they can't drink...….

Exactly - so much to do - a 20 year old can do whatever they want, except drink.  

1 hour ago, marci22 said:

This is just rude.

Why?  It’s the truth!  Cruise Compass on every cruise I have been on shows a get together for 18-20 year olds. If they choose not to attend you cannot blame the cruise. 

2 hours ago, matj2000 said:

I would not recommend buying in soda packages for kids.

 

On 20+ voyages my kids have been on, they never had one or needed one.

 

It is not a good value and they will not drink nearly as much as you think they will.

 

Your best bet is to bring along a couple 12 packs and keep it in the refrigerator in the room.

You are only allowed to bring one 12 pack of soda/water per cabin on board.

Something has to give!  Program needs a total revamp. Been cruising with RC since the 90s.  Many times airfare cost more than the cruise.  I am now  widow and last few cruises have been solo. I enjoy the lounge, not so much for the free drinks, but just a place to sit and visit, make new friends and socialize. Sometimes the bars are too noisy to hold a conversation.

Met a nice young couple on a recent cruise.  They were a classic example of what’s wrong with the program.  They were in their twenties.  He explained he was diamond - had taken one cruise with his parents as a high school graduation present. His parents were diamond, so after one cruise he was diamond. Fast forward several years - now has a serious live in girlfriend.  They are at the same address - therefore on her first cruise she was diamond.

Something  is seriously wrong with the program.   I won’t make a Pinnacle - not even going to try - diamond plus is my cutoff. 

2 minutes ago, HBE4 said:

While not a solo traveler, could the 20 yo attend the solo cruisers meetings? 

 

I know there will be quite an age range that will probably skew older but we've met some young people cruising alone in the past.

 

Worth a try at least once.

My last few cruises have been solo - only 1-2 people showed up for the solo events, which were announced in the Compass.  

Table mates on the Navigator this year had a 19-year-old. There was a meeting for 18-21 young adults and he said no one showed up.  

Not sure there is an answer other than taking a friend along, or making friends ahead of time on the roll call, or during the day at events where young people are more likely to spend time. 

I guess my comments on this subject were based on my own kids.  They cruised at that age and just didn’t have any problems.  Both (boy and girl) went to the sports court, joined in pick up games, met other young people at the pool, etc.  Both are outgoing, athletic, and were in high school (18 - so no kids club) and college. So much depends on the kids involved.

Unfortunately, people expect the cruise line to set things up and when the cruise line does, events are often poorly attended.  I have made a few solo cruises.  Cruise line staff set up meetings and lunches, advertised in the compass for “solo” cruisers - never had more than 2-3 people show up and age was never mentioned.  

22 minutes ago, Mtumbleston said:

Lighten up Grandma. 

I don’t need to “lighten up” -  I’m not the one complaining.  I simply asked what the specific 20-year-olds do when not cruising.  There’s so much to do on a cruise ship that I find it hard to comprehend that they are bored, nothing to enjoy, etc.  

Lucky their parents take them!  I have cruised solo several times and find the majority of people - young and old - friendly and it’s easy to talk, mix, etc.  Even crazy stuff like Quest has all ages!

I can never understand comments about 20-year-olds who suddenly can no longer have fun on a cruise.  They can do anything anyone else can do, except drink alcohol.  So sad that alcohol should be part of the equation.  Lots of people of all ages do not drink!  There’s plenty to do for all ages.  If young adults cannot have a good time perhaps they shouldn’t cruise.  What do they do for enjoyment/socialization at home?  

2 hours ago, lsharp32198 said:

A couple questions -

If I purchase the refreshment package and order a mocktail, may I ask for a shot in it?  How much is the extra shot?

 

Also, does anyone know the pp charge for Johnny Rockets and Portside BBQ on the new Oasis ship?   We went a few years ago and JR had gone up from $5.99 to $12.99.  I thought that was crazy to pay $12.99 for a burger and fries. 

 

Thank you

 

If you have the refreshment package and order a virgin cocktail that’s what you will get. You can order a shot on the side and pour it in yourself, and pay for the shot. If you ask the bartender to blend it in you will be charged for the alcoholic version of the cocktail - hope that makes sense!  Can also depend on the bartender. 

On 11/21/2016 at 12:13 AM, sueandbobus said:

There are some food issues in my family so I always bring a loaf of our bread and individual packets of peanut butter. I have never had a problem taking sandwiches off the ship or bringing them back on if they weren't eaten.

 

If you need more space in the fridge, you can ask the room steward to remove the minibar items. Also, if gluten is one of your sons allergies, I recommend bringing the bread he likes as the gf bread available on board is not always chewable.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums

There are no longer mini bar items on RC ships. As others have said, taking unsealed, home made type sandwiches off the ship is expressly forbidden. It’s the rules of the country you are visiting, not RC. Countries are becoming far more restrictive and searching bags. 

4 hours ago, Ajat0921 said:

We just got off a NCL cruise with our kids, and started planning a new vacation. How do the balcony cabins work to sleep 4? My kids refuse to sleep in the same bed. Is there a drop down bunk or flip down bunk in the balcony cabins? We have never been on RC before, only Carnival and NCL many times. Both boys want to go on the bigger ships, the ones with all the bells and whistles. I have 2 years to plan this out, but the sooner then better right 🙂

Check the deck plans for the ships you are looking at.  There is a key that tells you the bed configuration. You might want to price two cabins, especially connecting; very convenient and two bathrooms.