New to Royal- Need help

[AtSeaWithChris]

Hello, we have done 12 Carnival cruises and we know most everything you need to know on Carnival. 
 

We are doing our first cruise on Harmony in January. We know next to nothing on what is must do, best bang for the buck deals. What not to miss. Hacks to get the best bang, etc. 

 

Is the key worth it? Is the key capacity controlled as in should we get it now or can we wait until we can check in? It’s available now. 
 

Can we have a great time without buying a dining and drink package?

 

if we don’t buy a dining package are there a lot of options on food?

 

Thanks!

[Biker19]

2 minutes ago, AtSeaWithChris said:

Is the key worth it?  
 

Can we have a great time without buying a dining and drink package?

 

if we don’t buy a dining package are there a lot of options on food?

Not unless you plan to buy the Voom package (internet) and it's only a a couple $ above the price of Voom.

 

Yes.

 

Yes.

Edited November 8, 2021 by Biker19

[Boo's Mom]

46 minutes ago, AtSeaWithChris said:

Hello, we have done 12 Carnival cruises and we know most everything you need to know on Carnival. 
 

We are doing our first cruise on Harmony in January. We know next to nothing on what is must do, best bang for the buck deals. What not to miss. Hacks to get the best bang, etc. 

 

Is the key worth it? Is the key capacity controlled as in should we get it now or can we wait until we can check in? It’s available now. 
 

Can we have a great time without buying a dining and drink package?

 

if we don’t buy a dining package are there a lot of options on food?

 

Thanks!

Welcome to Royal Caribbean! 

 

I don't think you need a drink package, per say - but you will want to dine at Chops during your cruise.  And Giovanni's would be my second recommendation.  Individual reservations can be made without a dining package. 

 

The drink package can be a good deal depending on how much you drink.  For some it is a toss up; for some it is a bargain. 

 

 

[Merion_Mom]

1 hour ago, AtSeaWithChris said:

Hello, we have done 12 Carnival cruises and we know most everything you need to know on Carnival. 
 

We are doing our first cruise on Harmony in January. We know next to nothing on what is must do, best bang for the buck deals. What not to miss. Hacks to get the best bang, etc. 

 

Is the key worth it? Is the key capacity controlled as in should we get it now or can we wait until we can check in? It’s available now. 
 

Can we have a great time without buying a dining and drink package?

 

if we don’t buy a dining package are there a lot of options on food?

 

Thanks!

 

The Key can only be purchased pre-cruise, in your Cruise Planner.

 

As Biker said, the value of the Key really centers around the cost of internet, since it includes access for each passenger in the cabin.  If the cost of the Key is just a little more than the cost of internet, then it's a good value.  Much more than that, and you're better off just buying what you want.  That is, unless you like the idea of skipping a few lines.  

[smplybcause]

I just got off my first carnival cruise. Regarding drink packages - I did notice that most liquor drinks were 2-3 cheaper than what I'd pay on royal. That difference can add up.

[SET TO SAIL]

We’ve always had good food in the main dining room. Might do a special restaurant once during the cruise.  The shows can be booked in advance on line, so you should do that to get what you want. The ice shows and diving shows are always worth your time.  Have a drink in the Rising Tide Bar. 
 

We love Oasis class ships. Please come back and tell us how you liked it. 

[Merion_Mom]

1 minute ago, SET TO SAIL said:

We’ve always had good food in the main dining room. Might do a special restaurant once during the cruise.  The shows can be booked in advance on line, so you should do that to get what you want. The ice shows and diving shows are always worth your time.  Have a drink in the Rising Tide Bar. 
 

We love Oasis class ships. Please come back and tell us how you liked it. 

 

Currently, the shows cannot be booked ahead of time.  You must wait until you are onboard.  When that will change..........no one knows.

[KimA75]

Watch for sales,  especially Black Friday.  Look at the actual price of the items you are looking at,  and not at how much they say they are discounting it.   Our refreshment package bounces back and forth between $23 and $30, no matter how great the "sale" is.  However, I'm hoping Black Friday will be better. 

 

There are plenty of dining options without paying for more.  Main dining room,  buffet, hot dog stand,  pizza,  sandwiches,  etc.  

 

We never purchased the Key,  so I can't add any info there. 

[George C]

If you drink four or more drinks per day I would get drink package, which includes bottle water also.

Edited November 8, 2021 by George C