Some questions - for a new Royal Carib Cruiser

[llachance]

I have cruised a lot and actually sailed on the Sovereign of the Seas before she was lengthened. My husband saw a commercial for the flowrider and decided he wanted to try it and a cruise out of Galveston, on the Navigator of the Seas fits our schedule. So we booked a last minute trip leaving July 5th.

 

So - how formal is formal night. We are driving so luggage isn't an issue.

- I am reading that even if you have made a reservation for "anytime" dining the wait can be lengthly - true?

- What is a not miss on this ship - I have reserved my shore excursions already but know nothing of what goes on aboard a Royal Carib ship.

 

Thanks - Lisa

[Clarea]

I have cruised a lot and actually sailed on the Sovereign of the Seas before she was lengthened. My husband saw a commercial for the flowrider and decided he wanted to try it and a cruise out of Galveston, on the Navigator of the Seas fits our schedule. So we booked a last minute trip leaving July 5th.

 

So - how formal is formal night. We are driving so luggage isn't an issue.

- I am reading that even if you have made a reservation for "anytime" dining the wait can be lengthly - true?

- What is a not miss on this ship - I have reserved my shore excursions already but know nothing of what goes on aboard a Royal Carib ship.

 

Thanks - Lisa

The ice show is something unique to Royal Caribbean.

[BillOh]

Somewhat the formal night on some of the shorter than 7 day cruises is what you make of it. Lately I go black pants/white shirt and dark tie. Some people go full formal. Neither really seems out of place to me any more. I've heard sometimes the cruise out of Galveston are less formal than others, but i've not sailed from there.

[robtulipe]

We did three cruises, B2B2B, on Navigator earlier this year and had no long waits for MTD, their anytime dining, even when we didn't have a reservation.

Formal night attire ranged from tuxedos to fairly casual, as in cowboy boots and shirts, for some.;)

[hazeleyez3]

I have cruised a lot and actually sailed on the Sovereign of the Seas before she was lengthened. My husband saw a commercial for the flowrider and decided he wanted to try it and a cruise out of Galveston, on the Navigator of the Seas fits our schedule. So we booked a last minute trip leaving July 5th.

 

So - how formal is formal night. We are driving so luggage isn't an issue.

- I am reading that even if you have made a reservation for "anytime" dining the wait can be lengthly - true?

- What is a not miss on this ship - I have reserved my shore excursions already but know nothing of what goes on aboard a Royal Carib ship.

 

Thanks - Lisa

 

Not formal at all. Though many do truly dress-up, I have seen people come in wearing shorts.

 

I have never had more than a 5-10 minute wait when I make a reservation. That could also be because we don't want to share a table with strangers.

 

Its the same type activities that other lines have - trivia, bingo, casino, outdoor games.

 

On Navaigator they have a promenade which will typically have at least one parade. A lot of people like it. I think we watched one on our first cruise, but that was it. Also on the promenade is the 24 hr cafe which has small sandwiches, cookies, coffee, etc. My husband and I like to go down late at night, people watch and chit-chat.

 

If you guys are active, there is also the rock climbing wall. I have never tried it, but I know its popular

[reallyhooked]

We drive also. My DH takes his tux for formal night. I wear anything from long dress or skirt & nice top or cocktail type outfit or dressy slacks & top.

There will be a cruise compass when you get to your room. and 1 each night for the next day, so you can plan what you want to do while on the ship. We have cruised on NOS 3 times. Enjoy your cruise

[cruisingsince94]

The ice shows are indeed very enjoyable. There will be 2 formal nights. Most guests will dress formally. Men, suits or tuxedos, ladies, cocktail or evening dresses. Royal does not enforce the dress code to the letter so some will dress more casual like dress slacks and a dress shirt. Shorts and t-shirts are frowned upon for the MDR.

Day to day events can be hit or miss so just check your daily cruise compass and Mark the things that might interest you and check them out. Do not miss the ice show, and the love and marriage game show is almost always good for a laugh. Try the fluoride and the rock climbing wall if brave enough.

Most importantly, enjoy your cruise!

[lbjen]

Are shorts for men frowned upon in the MDR on non-formal nights too? What about for kids? My kids (5 & 11) don't really have any 'formal wear', it's so hot here that they live in shorts and t-shirts most of the year.

[Clarea]

Are shorts for men frowned upon in the MDR on non-formal nights too? What about for kids? My kids (5 & 11) don't really have any 'formal wear', it's so hot here that they live in shorts and t-shirts most of the year.

There is usually a sign near the MDR entrance or notice in the Cruise Compass that shorts are not allowed in the MDR for dinner. However, feel free to ignore it as Royal will probably not enforce it.

Edited June 18, 2015 by clarea

[TC1957]

We sailed on NOTS last year. The above is all good advice. I will add that quite often an "unadvertised" entertainer is The Texas Tenors. If you hear they are on for part of the cruise I highly recommend them.

[George C]

The ice show is something unique to Royal Caribbean.

 

We attended Ice show on Navigator, last year and this year, thought show was amazing both times, do not miss it, it is repeated a few times

[Newtoncruise]

There was no flowrider on Navigator when we sailed her! Has one been fitted in event years?

[Clarea]

There was no flowrider on Navigator when we sailed her! Has one been fitted in event years?

Yes, Navigator got a flowrider as part of her recent dry dock.

[Newtoncruise]

Thanks Bob

 

I might well consider her again in future. Are all navigator class ships being fitted with the flow riders?

[Clarea]

Thanks Bob

 

I might well consider her again in future. Are all navigator class ships being fitted with the flow riders?

Yes, the Flowriders have been installed on Voyager, Explorer, and Navigator so far. Adventure gets one next year. Not sure about Mariner.

[ptf2009]

We sailed on NOTS last year. The above is all good advice. I will add that quite often an "unadvertised" entertainer is The Texas Tenors. If you hear they are on for part of the cruise I highly recommend them.

 

In May we elected MTD on Adventure and were seated immediately every night with the same waiter... and we never made a reservation. We chose MTD because we wanted to be fleixible in case we felt like staying at the pool longer, etc. As the others said, formal nights aren't that formal anymore. You wear whatever you want. You may not want to wear shorts because you may feel out of place with the people at the next table wearing an evening gown and tux. As for the kids, a cacky pair of pants and a collared shirt should be fine....even a collared shirt with a pair of shorts on the little boys would work.

 

The Ice Show is a must see....and if the Texas Tenors are on your cruise, don't miss them either!

 

Have a wonderful time with your family!

[FloridaPalms]

- What is a not miss on this ship - I have reserved my shore excursions already but know nothing of what goes on aboard a Royal Carib ship.

 

Thanks - Lisa

 

Yes, definitely don't miss the ice show! Another nice feature is a visit to the helipad on deck 5 at the front or bow of the ship. You can access it by walking forward on the outside promenade of deck 4 and then taking the stairs up.

 

Are shorts for men frowned upon in the MDR on non-formal nights too? What about for kids? My kids (5 & 11) don't really have any 'formal wear', it's so hot here that they live in shorts and t-shirts most of the year.

 

Long pants (don't forget socks) are also required for anyone wishing to ice skate. The Cruise Compass will post the times for any free open ice skating sessions. Royal will provide the ice skates and mandatory helmets as well as optional elbow and knee pads.

 

~ Judy