Didn't know how good I had it!

[davy jones]

47 minutes ago, phoenix_dream said:

Why are you seeing so many older folks onboard RCI?  As a senior myself (but loyal to Celebrity) I think there are several reasons.  One is that even if you don't see them together all the time they may be traveling with their families.  But I think the other two reasons are more likely.  The first is that Royal is the one who is always advertising on TV (at least in my area).  Many people don't bother to do research they just see something and go for it.  They don't research other cruise lines to determine the best option for them.  They're retired, they want to try cruising, so they go with what has been presented to them the most.  The second is that they are (as a friend of mine would say) "Loyal to Royal".  They started sailing Royal years and years ago and never tried another cruise line so they don't know any better, and don't want to know any better.  They are comfortable because they know the product so they know how to handle life onboard a Royal ship.  Frankly, that's how I feel about Celebrity and why I am reluctant to go back to trying other lines like Holland, which many say is very similar.  Obviously these answers don't apply to everyone as people are all different regardless of age.  But I think these reasons are the most likely.

 

I believe that many of them stay because of their C&A status and benefits.  They are not big drinkers and the lounge and evening drinks essentially become their drink package.  Some also like the "status" boost, wearing their pins, etc.  I have seen a number of people actually wearing polo shirts declaring their status.  Often the first question is about your C&A status.  I have never met Super Mario, but am aware that he has achieved deity status in some circles.

 

I also suspect that many of these older folks prefer the older, smaller ships without the bells and whistles.  

[davekathy]

4 minutes ago, davy jones said:

I believe that many of them stay because of their C&A status and benefits.  They are not big drinkers and the lounge and evening drinks essentially become their drink package.  Some also like the "status" boost, wearing their pins, etc.  I have seen a number of people actually wearing polo shirts declaring their status.  Often the first question is about your C&A status.  I have never met Super Mario, but am aware that he has achieved deity status in some circles.

 

I also suspect that many of these older folks prefer the older, smaller ships without the bells and whistles.  

The C&A drinks are no longer limited to the evening. No unlimited C&A drinks in the DL. C&A drinks (diamond = 4, diamond + = 5, pinnacles = 6)  are loaded on your SeaPass card daily and can be used at most bars and all dining venues no matter the time of day. The DL C&A HH in the evening is now from 5 to 8:PM. Buffet snacks in the DL are still available but they are now served to you. Like at the buffet.  I've seen a few people wearing their tier level pin. To each their own. We have never been asked or brought up our C&A tier level.  We sat with Super Mario at the Captains table (2011) on one of our B2B cruises. Until the Captain introduced him and his loyalty to RC we had no idea who he was. IMO, he's a nice guy (as most people we meet on our cruises), but far from being consider deity.  We like the similarities and the differences between Celebrity and RC.  

[Big_G]

We like both Royal and Celebrity for their differences. We think the suite experience on Celebrity far exceeds Royal but we love those Crown Loft Suites. Royal entertainment far exceeds Celebrity hands down and night life for us on Royal is pub music, piano bar, and closing the night club. Celebrity has some good music too just not as much and what we like. Both lines market to different cruisers. Some times when you've become accustomed to the way of your favorite cruise line it may take a while to navigate a new one. We've never stood in line on an Oasis Class ship so it's doable. 

[thebutlerdidit]

20 hours ago, neverlaysup said:

 $89 plus 20% gratuity for a drink package is absolute robbery, thankfully we each had 4 diamond drinks per day. 

I have only sailed with RC once, a short cruise in December ‘21. One thing I found was that the prices of their beverage packages change. I am Elite on Celebrity so I got the 4 anytime drinks and didn’t purchase a package for myself.  We ended up purchasing Royal’s version of the Premium Beverage package for my cabin mate at $40 per day plus gratuity. Originally purchased at $53 per day,  I monitored prices often and Ithe price fluctuated, mostly between $57 and $53 per day. When I saw the $40 price it was simple to cancel the original purchase and purchase at the lower rate. What a deal!

Edited May 4, 2022 by thebutlerdidit

[davy jones]

2 hours ago, davekathy said:

The C&A drinks are no longer limited to the evening. No unlimited C&A drinks in the DL. C&A drinks (diamond = 4, diamond + = 5, pinnacles = 6)  are loaded on your SeaPass card daily and can be used at most bars and all dining venues no matter the time of day. The DL C&A HH in the evening is now from 5 to 8:PM. Buffet snacks in the DL are still available but they are now served to you. Like at the buffet.  I've seen a few people wearing their tier level pin. To each their own. We have never been asked or brought up our C&A tier level.  We sat with Super Mario at the Captains table (2011) on one of our B2B cruises. Until the Captain introduced him and his loyalty to RC we had no idea who he was. IMO, he's a nice guy (as most people we meet on our cruises), but far from being consider deity.  We like the similarities and the differences between Celebrity and RC.  

Thank you for the current status.  

 

Please note that everything that I read about Mario is that he is a great guy who is very down to earth.  He is a bit of a legend to some on the RCI boards due to his combined love of cruising and his ability to be able to cruise whenever he desires.  (which is what many would like to be able to do)

[bruzin_for_a_cruizin]

21 hours ago, Oville said:

Have you actually sailed in one?

Fortunately, no. We were on Apex last November, booked in a Concierge Class IV cabin, but won our minimum bid to MoveUp to a Sky Suite. Absolutely loved everything about The Retreat experience.

We did, however, make some friends on-board who were staying in an Aqua IV cabin, so they let us visit to see what we were "missing." I was surprised X tries to pass those off as balconies, because they most assuredly are not. We were even happier we won the MoveUp, because we would not have enjoyed a week with that window. 

I have no issue with the cabins, or those who enjoy them, but I do believe calling them balconies/verandas is a bit disingenuous. Overall, I think the E-class ships are quite spectacular. In fact, we've got two more sailings booked in the next 18 months: another Sky Suite on Edge in November '22 and a Sunset Veranda -- a real balcony! -- on Beyond in November '23.

[hcat]

22 hours ago, Oville said:

Ouch Hcat, not very kind to us “seniors” which I know you are one.😉

Hope all is well with you and Sal.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As I said  they were super seniors.  Sal and I never snooze in the library, solarium or  on the heated loungers.    We are well...bad allergy season in NY this year.  We enjoyed the snowbird season in Venice & heading back in May to enjoy the " off season". Not cruising til Nov,  Hope all well with you.

[hcat]

14 hours ago, sippican said:

 Just curious where you might decide to snore and drool your afternoons away when you reach that age? 
 

 

 Easy answer...Not in public on furniture others might want to enjoy!

[Oville]

1 hour ago, hcat said:

As I said  they were super seniors.  Sal and I never snooze in the library, solarium or  on the heated loungers.    We are well...bad allergy season in NY this year.  We enjoyed the snowbird season in Venice & heading back in May to enjoy the " off season". Not cruising til Nov,  Hope all well with you.

The weather down here has been beautiful.  We head north on the 18th.  Hope to get together with you next season.  Katie

[Redking]

On 5/4/2022 at 9:33 AM, Denny01 said:

I’m afraid my ‘geezer’ is coming out. We did the Oasis cruise and will Never do that again. Agree that the entertainment is tops on RCL - full broadway play. Being Elite+, we enjoyed the special club on Oasis, but other than that….nope. 

 

If I want to go to Central Park, I’ll go to NYC; I hated all the waiting in line and crowding for the dining in the park areas; even if you’d like a park in the middle of a ship, you couldn’t enjoy it that much because 2,000 others ‘enjoyed’ it with you. And of course all the special zip lines, surf areas and so on had huge lines that took a long time to then try the thing out for a min or so. And no interest anyway.

 

As many say, great for families. But when I wanted my kids to enjoy an amusement park, I’d take them to one; when I wanted to enjoy Central Park, I went to NYC; when we cruised we went on a real ship, something you knew you were at sea on. My kids Loved Celebrity even though it’s not known for kid-focused stuff. the ships got the kids together, now Camp, they met friends and enjoyed it all.

 

One couple with us booked what they thought was a baloney - it was….overlooking the exterior Central Park stuff and it was Noisy! 

 

So no, I’d consider, I guess, one of the older smaller RCL’s, but I’m sticking with X unless there is a specific reason to go with another Lines…..such as cruise up the Mississippi!!

 

I’ve tried small ‘luxury’ lines and that one monster RCL. I like what is considered medium sized….isn’t that crazy…a ship with 3,000 is, for me, medium! 

 

Den

The only time our kids complained about X was when we pulled into Port and they saw a rcl megaship with all its activities. When they asked why we never book one of those we said because we're paying and have no interest in being on a floating theme park. Never hard another peep out of them on the subject and they now cruise  andb0ay for X as adults.

[chill6x6]

I think it's the different stokes for different folks syndrome. 

I've been on HA, NCL, Carnival, Princess, Celebrity, and RC. You'll never hear me say "I'm loyal to ....." You know they each have their differences but I've enjoyed each and every cruise. I've been in suites mostly so I get to see the best each one can do. 

No doubt in my mind that both Celebrity and HA are a little more sedate. This isn't necessarily a bad thing! Sometimes I like it.  I still think Luminae is the best suite only restaurant on the seas! Blu is honestly about as good as well.

I enjoy the Butler on both Celebrity and NCL(Haven). They are simply able to do things the cabin attendant can't. 

One thing I like is loungers and a big balcony. That's quite hard to come by. I can find this with a CS on the slant on Solstice class, aft facing NS on HA, and aft facing Haven Penthouse on NCL. I'm amazed at the tiny balconies and skimpy kitchen table-type chairs(SOMETIMES with a footstool) on the balconies of most suites on some cruise lines, Celebrity and NCL in particular.

My last cruise, four weeks ago was on the Oasis. We had a Star-class suite, a 2-BR Aqua Theater suite. Those that knock Royal's suite amenities owe it to themselves to give this a try. Getting on the ship an attendant came to US while sitting in the Star class area with an iPad, checked us in and and we were escorted on the ship by our Genie. You get to pick beverages to have at will in your cabin. We had 3 flavors of Trulys, XXs(iced cooler FULL), Bud Light, Vitamin water, Evian, OJ, Sprites, Cokes, Diet Cokes, and Power Aid....all a cooler or refrigerator(2) away. All stocked when we boarded and replenished as needed. Starbucks coffees were delivered to our cabin every morning without a word from us along with a made to order breakfast that was usually served on the balcony. Our entire cruise itinerary was planned by our Genie with any adjustments made by him. Literally he was our personal concierge. He also took us the quick route when getting off at ports. ALSO in a Star class suite you get to dine at every available venue on the ship at no extra charge...either in your cabin OR at the venue. To say we have the best overall food we have had on any ship to date would be an understatement. 

Our balcony was about 650sqft with 3 loungers, a table for 6, and two barstools all looking at the ocean to one side and the AquaTheater to the other. So neat to have the best seat from your own balcony!

Entertainment- well we all know Oasis ships do have the BEST. ALL the typical cruise line shows PLUS...ICE Skating performance! Even ice skating lessons! High dive and water acts! FOUR pools! Flowrider! Suite sundeck! And more! 

Before THIS cruise I would have said Celebrity suites generally offer a better product than RC(NCL Haven too) I can't say that any more. Simply splendid.

 

Saying all this...I have a 9-day Southern booked on Equinox(CS) and an 8-Day booked on Harmony(2BR ATS), both similar itineraries departing the same day.  I'm gonna have to pick one soon and the decision isn't going to be easy.

 

[mfs2k]

6 hours ago, chill6x6 said:

Entertainment- well we all know Oasis ships do have the BEST. ALL the typical cruise line shows PLUS...ICE Skating performance! Even ice skating lessons! High dive and water acts! FOUR pools! Flowrider! Suite sundeck! And more!

I’m exhausted reading this. Lol. I’d be happy with sun, a breeze from the ocean, a four piece band playing close enough so I could hear them from a distance, a comfortable padded lounge chair and a server asking me every hour if I’d like another frozen drink. 

[Denny01]

8 hours ago, chill6x6 said:

I think it's the different stokes for different folks syndrome. 

I've been on HA, NCL, Carnival, Princess, Celebrity, and RC. You'll never hear me say "I'm loyal to ....."

 

 

2 hours ago, mfs2k said:

I’m exhausted reading this. Lol. I’d be happy with sun, a breeze from the ocean, a four piece band playing close enough so I could hear them from a distance, a comfortable padded lounge chair and a server asking me every hour if I’d like another frozen drink. 

Although I cruise X as my primary Line, I’m not ‘loyal’. X, at this time, provides me what I’m looking for in cruising. It doesn’t have to provide Everything for Everybody, just provide Me with what I want. 
 

and I don’t think you need to go Suites to see ‘the best they can do’.  An earlier post said how much they liked some Line best because it had the best inside cabins. 
 

den

 

Den

[critterchick]

On 5/4/2022 at 4:57 AM, Beachin2 said:

After many years cruising RCCL (464 nights) and watching this line change their focus over the years, we finally gave up and cruise others.  Coney Island of the Seas is just not for us.

I feel the same way.  I don’t know how many nights at sea we have but it’s substantial.  We’ve been sailing on Navigator from our home port and it’s been a great experience.  However, the ship has had as few as 650 and not more than 1800 on any of our sailings. Now that the crowds are coming back, “” be reminded of why I hate the big shops.

 

Celebrity would be my oreference, but if Barnaclegate causes our June Alaska cruise on Eclipse to be as radically altered as the May 15 sailing (cutting port times from all day to 3-4 hours to save fuel resulting from the buildup of barnacles on the hull), we’ll be reconsidering.  An onboard experience can only do so much to make up for corporate missteps.  

[hcat]

17 hours ago, Oville said:

The weather down here has been beautiful.  We head north on the 18th.  Hope to get together with you next season.  Katie

Safe travels..we return on the 16th to Venice..

Yes, let's get together next season..

[hcat]

In fairness, we have enjoyed many cruises on Royal over the years....more lively than X overall.  Radiance Class and on Navigator, we loved the parades, nightclubs and bands on Board.  It was the big mega trend we dislike and am sure newer ones are even bigger than Oasis.. that just ever felt like a real ship..more like heading to the mall!

 

I love EDGE...and look forward to BEYOND.

 

[neverlaysup]

On 5/5/2022 at 11:48 AM, critterchick said:

but if Barnaclegate causes our June Alaska cruise on Eclipse to be as radically altered as the May 15 sailing (cutting port times from all day to 3-4 hours to save fuel resulting from the buildup of barnacles on the hull), we’ll be reconsidering.  An onboard experience can only do so much to make up for corporate missteps.  

The are taking her to dry dock on May 20 or May 27 and cancelling that week only. Hopefully you will be good to go in June.

[chemmo]

We were quite loyal to Royal as our son was growing up…The activities, entertainment and atmosphere suited us at the time. However, on all cruises there were always some ‘niggles’. Nothing major but every cruise we would find either dining requests had been ignored or speciality restaurant bookings hadn’t gone through or speciality restaurant experiences were sub par…As at that time our cruising tended to need to be during school holidays the behaviour of some unsupervised children was also adding to our list of ‘niggles’.
 

When we tried Celebrity the ambiance immediately impressed….Just sooooo much quieter, soooo few issues, staff sooooo helpful and a butler just head and shoulders above a genie!

 

Then a couple of years ago we wanted to book a seven night January cruise and couldn’t find a Celebrity cruise that fitted our schedule. We decided to  return to Oasis…After several years of Celebrity cruising we were looking forward to redoing the shows, having a go on the roundabout (I may be a senior but I love roundabouts) and revisiting the speciality dining venues. We booked an Aqua theatre suite and we’re ready to enjoy….Honestly, we were disappointed in everything but the shows and our suite location. We ordered drinks in the Solarium that never came….Each speciality restaurant had its own disappointment mainly to do with food quality and noise….Then there was the suite lounge…nice location but full of Pinnacle Guests occupying every comfortable seat, not just for a while but all evening…Less said about Coastal Kitchen the better. Zero atmosphere, uncomfortable chairs and repetitive menu. We were so underwhelmed by the suite lounge we decided to try the Diamond lounge. Worse than the suite lounge. Most chairs occupied as it ‘opened’ and the rest ‘saved’ for friends. Celebrity chair hogs had nothing on this crowd! On the positive side there were no unruly children, however, there were several unruly seniors driving scooters….
 

We made the most of our cruise but it would take a great itinerary to get us to return….

Edited May 10, 2022 by chemmo

[Von & John]

@chemmo - we've never cruised w/ RCL - what is a roundabout?  Is that what we'd call a Carousel?

[chemmo]

5 hours ago, Von & John said:

@chemmo - we've never cruised w/ RCL - what is a roundabout?  Is that what we'd call a Carousel?

Yes! Another language issue. It is a lovely little carousel mainly enjoyed by children. I have a lovely picture on myself riding the bear in formal night dress! 

[Von & John]

10 hours ago, chemmo said:

Yes! Another language issue. It is a lovely little carousel mainly enjoyed by children. I have a lovely picture on myself riding the bear in formal night dress! 

 

Chemmo - that's fantastic...

I'd be right up there w/ you!!!

I missed my chance to buy a Carousel Horse @ an estate sale, once upon a time...

[chemmo]

1 hour ago, Von & John said:

 

Chemmo - that's fantastic...

I'd be right up there w/ you!!!

I missed my chance to buy a Carousel Horse @ an estate sale, once upon a time...

I tend to loose my pride when I see a carousel and will happily join a queue of 4 - 6 year olds to enjoy the pleasure of the sound and movement! Never too old…

[Von & John]

@chemmo - carousels, roller coasters, log rides, scramblers, round-ups...
Pretty much any ride 🙂

Always remember...

You have to grow old - but you never have to grow up 🙂

[lynncarol]

In the last six months, my husband and I have been on two cruises.  The first, in November, was a RCCL (Odyssey of the Seas) with our youngest daughter and young adult grandaughter.  The ship had virtual trampolines, bumper cars and a sky lift that soared above the ship.  We all really enjoyed it.   In March we went on Celebrity Constellation with our older daughter and some friends.  We all really enjoyed that one too. But when I described this latter cruise to our younger daughter, her response was "That sounds really boring". So I guess it depends on what you enjoy doing onboard.

[chemmo]

32 minutes ago, Von & John said:

@chemmo - carousels, roller coasters, log rides, scramblers, round-ups...
Pretty much any ride 🙂

Always remember...

You have to grow old - but you never have to grow up 🙂

I think one of the things that make frequent cruisers frequent is that they still get that childlike ‘buzz’ or ‘elation’ as they board…That feeling of Christmas morning…Long may we all stay young at heart and enjoy life to the full!