WOS review May 7th - 14th the good and the meh

[nimbex1970]

In my 50's, 20th cruise only Carnival and RCCL, bringing the adult children who have cruised with me and two grandsons ages 6 and 2  total of 7 of us (first time with young ones, so a bit more focus on our experience with that). 

 

1. Service-WOW what an improvement since January!  The bar service was fantastic around the pool decks and lounges, the room attendant was superb, knew all of our names, and helped our group of 7 with 3 staterooms keep track of each other "Miss Carol, your daughter said she went for breakfast and she'll be back in 30 minutes"! The room trashed by the kids was always organized by Roberto without us ever seeing him in action. Bartenders remembered my name and drink, casino staff was so friendly and helpful while keeping me straight at craps and even guest services, where I spent many visits always greeted my frustration with a smile and help. Friendly, prompt and I felt spoiled. (dining room later). 10/10

 

2. Activities- Now I am old school and hated not having a paper compass, but my time was with the kiddos, so I didn't require it.  The adult children used the app on the phone for late night venues.  So much to do.  Every type of music all throughout the night at various venues; orchestra band on deck 5, country western, a music hall with a pool table, boleros for latin, you name it!  Adult comedy was excellent, voices and the ice show phenomenal, I unfortunately missed the taps show. I did want to comment on the frequent concern on booking shows.  On the RCL app, at 45 day out you can book your venues as we did.  No worries if they are sold out.  Many folks like us were no-shows and just wait in line 15 minutes before show starts and you are likely to get in.  Several shows repeat, so try not to stress. For the kiddos, there is putt-putt, rock climbing, an outdoor play gym, well the second is on the boardwalk (small one), Water slides, the abyss (non water slide), zip line, ice skating... you get the picture.  Note on the yellow and blue water slides, 6yr old grandson got stuck inside, he was wearing a long sleeve water shirt, the attendant said not to wear it next time (took 10 minutes to get him out and he was done with it forever), but he was safe, just scared. 10/10 

 

3. Kiddos- now this ship is really made for families, so here is a small gripe.  Mine get up early, like 6am.  kiddie pool doesn't open until 10am like the carousel and ice cream opens at 11am.  So if you have a demanding 2-year-old who doesn't understand that the ice cream magic place doesn't open for an hour, just avoid the kids water activity until 11am.  So we ate breakfast at el-loco, interrupted everyone putt-putt (sorry folks for the random 2-year-old picking up your balls), played in the outside area above the abyss that goes a deck down, then changed into pool gear.  We also hit the arcade (think it was deck 15 or 16).  FYI, if you are emerald of higher you get 50 percent off the arcade, so you pay 50 bucks and get 100$ in credit.  This cannot be combined with offers on the RCC site, just FYI.  So we really would have liked activities to open sooner for the young ones.  Would really have helped wear them out for a nap.  8/10

 

4. Kiddos con't- Adventure ocean. Yes, if you have a child 3 and under you need to head straight there to reserve your spots for the cruise.  We were given a total of 8 hours for the week, it's 6$ an hour for the little ones.  The six-year-old was in the 6 to 12 group and he could go whenever it was open and be checked out by an approved person.  Sign-up took 30 minutes for them both.  The baby (2-year-old) didn't care for it, still mamma attached, which was fine.  They called us 15 minutes after we left him and picked him up, not their fault.  the 6-year-old LOVED it and went regularly. On port days they are open all day and take the kids to the windjammer to eat, the young ones there is food brought to them. 10/10 for the adventure ocean experience

 

5. Dining venues- oh how folks stress over getting reservations and it indeed took some work.  Two of the adult children had a 3-night dinning package.  Izumi, as everyone states, you have to go there specifically to book, otherwise, there is a kiosk on deck 5 that will book your other reservations.  Hit and miss for preferences, but they got into what they wanted.  We added 5 of us to Izumi, same-day calling on day 6 at 7 pm and on night 7 we got 2 of us into Wonderland at 7pm, so just check every day.  Two of the adults did chef's table as well.  Nothing but positive things to say about all the food venues, we hit them all but the coastal kitchen. 10/10

 

6. Wrist band- there is a snazzy name for it, and I don't know it.  Basically at guest services its $9.99 and you don't need to lug your key card around. As I didn't have my husband and his pockets I needed this.  Plus my grandson sharing the room with me, constantly lost my card, so I had already been to guest services twice to replace it. Nice lady at guest services suggested the wristband for me and I snatched the sale right up.  Well here is the downside; none of the pool or lounge waiters have the scan thing on their person, so I had to take it off each time I ordered a drink, meh.  Next up, it didn't work at the casino on the slots for my points or to pull money off my account.  Next day, it stopped working.. back to guest services I went. You also cannot use this to exit or gain entrance to the ship.. so anyway a waste of 10 bucks for me, just FYI.  3/10

 

7. Free internet- I could never stay connected, even when resetting the internet, I couldn't pull up the daily activities on my phone.  My carrier is in Alaska, shouldn't make a difference.  Went to the zoom desk three times and they couldn't get it to work either, just tried to upsell me to buy the zoom packet.  Also what's app did not work for me either.  Could be specific to me, however with a group of seven, several of us had this issue, and keeping up with each other was an issue. So for MY experience, I'm giving a 2/10, others seem to have no problems. 

 

8. Announcements- thank heavens, there are so fewer of them selling things, blasting overhead over the jewelry-by-the-inch sale!  10/10

 

9. The dreaded MDR changes- Ok the "food is subjective" caveat.  Sigh, After 3 days of mediocre food, where 5 of us ate and didn't complain about the quality of the food, I decided to speak up.  I ordered a shrimp app and a shrimp meal.  Daughter ordered the shrimp meal for the app.  We both had to saw at the shrimp with the knife and I couldn't chew it, nor swallow it.  No one came to check on our apps and put my dinner plate of the shrimp infront of me.  I politely said, "The app was way overcooked, can I have something in it's place and would you put my dinner aside for a few minutes?" After explaining what overcooked meant twice, I demonstrated how tough to cut the shrimp was.  The waiter then told me I would enjoy my shrimp dinner instead and he left it in front of me and walked off!! No, I wanted to switch to a noodle dish, just noodles.  Couldn't find the waiter, head waiter showed up to check on us, I repeated my request for the noodle dish.  SIGH, he insisted, despite three protests to re-deliver my shrimp dish and it would be cooked perfect.  He proudly arrived, stood over me, watched me barely able to cut it again with a knife.  "Sir, may I please have the noodle dish I have been requesting?" Promptly returns with it, stands over me again, and it was really good.  So I say this... I then get a lecture on how the wait staff needs a 10/10 on their survey, nothing less.  I then informed the head waiter that I understood he was not responsible for cooking the meal, could I just get a second noodle dish for my main entree 

 

Then I was lectured that he can only provide one main entrée at a time and I had to finish this first (I can't even make this stuff up).  I explained I never ate my app, and the noodles were in place of the app.  "Again Miss, when you are finished, you may have seconds".  I got up, left the family at the table and left to go cool off. Never to return to the MDR. 

 

Next night, only four now returned, the wait staff is all upset I didn't return and again pressure my daughter/son-in-law and 2 kiddos on the importance of a 10 on their survey.  My daughter is upset with having to endure this, upset with me for complaining instead of eating pizza again at night because I'm still hungry and a brief family spat ensued. 2/10 for quality, God love the head waiter that did his best with the quality he was working with. Edited to add that this night they returned was the second formal night.  The waiter gave the 2 adults, 7 lobster tails as we had a table for 7 total, in attempts to make amends, they really did try

 

That's how I came to know that one could book Izumi and Wonderland day of calling for the remainder of the night because no one returned to MDR. 

 

10. DUCKS- we hid 50 of them, all without tags, there was too much work to do this and the grandkids had a blast putting them everywhere.  We were pleased to see a few folks find them.

 

11. Drink package- My daughter and son-in-law were the only ones with the drink package.  Service was great if you had it or not.  The value of it is for one to decide for themselves.  I think 6 drinks was the break-even price.  I didn't have it, bought 4 drinks a day and the bar staff seemed almost apologetic for charging me, lol, they were wonderful

 

So long review and thanks for staying with me!  What an amazing vacation and beautiful ship.  Always clean, smiles everywhere, and beautiful memories.  Didn't upload pictures as there are plenty of the ship out there. We, husband and I have one VV in Nov. booked and two repo Norweigan booked.  I would definitely return to RCCL, but this time price comparing the full specialty dining package in the price against the competition.  

Edited May 17, 2023 by nimbex1970

[OCSC Mike]

Thanks for sharing the review, I'll be boarding Wonder for the first time in 18 days.

 

Also my first time on a ship with El Loco Fresh. I haven't read much about the breakfast there other than that they have breakfast burritos. How was it?

[nimbex1970]

We loved it because it wasn't the crazy windjammer.  It had the usual eggs, two types sausage, pancakes, waffles (with the waffle topping station), some potatoes that changed up, and a display of fresh salmon, fruit and other choices.  All this with the usual coffee/tea and drinks station.  Plenty of seating, covered, ocean side and open to air.  Think half the offerings of the windjammer, but all the basics if you want to avoid the crowds.  Try it once and see if you prefer it, we certainly did.  Oh yogurt and some other offerings as well as pre-made omelets. 

 

[OCSC Mike]

Just now, nimbex1970 said:

We loved it because it wasn't the crazy windjammer.  It had the usual eggs, two types sausage, pancakes, waffles (with the waffle topping station), some potatoes that changed up, and a display of fresh salmon, fruit and other choices.  All this with the usual coffee/tea and drinks station.  Plenty of seating, covered, ocean side and open to air.  Think half the offerings of the windjammer, but all the basics if you want to avoid the crowds.  Try it once and see if you prefer it, we certainly did.  Oh yogurt and some other offerings as well as pre-made omelets.

 

Thanks, appreciate the details. So it's similar to other venues that have a smaller breakfast buffet, nothing actually Mexican about it, got it. Other Oasis class ships have the same basic thing, just in a different venue.

 

As for trying it, food is a huge part of cruising for me, you can be sure I will try every complimentary venue at least once, lol. My wife and I get up very early and when cruising with extended family (which we will be on this cruise, 3 generations like you, just skewed a bit older and we're in the middle) I have "pre-breakfast" at 6:30-7am before the family meets for an actual breakfast a bit later.

 

My usual go-to is grabbing a "McMuffin" or bagel at Park Cafe before having the standard eggs/pancakes/sides at main breakfast but always nice to have a new option.

[BobNoxious]

I remind any service member that is requesting a 10/10 that they are not allowed to advise me WHAT to rate, only to fill out the survey.  If they ask me again, i make a special note of what they are doing in the survey.   It is against Royal Caribbean's rules for staff to start suggesting how I rate them.      

[nimbex1970]

13 minutes ago, OCSC Mike said:

 

Thanks, appreciate the details. So it's similar to other venues that have a smaller breakfast buffet, nothing actually Mexican about it, got it. Other Oasis class ships have the same basic thing, just in a different venue.

 

As for trying it, food is a huge part of cruising for me, you can be sure I will try every complimentary venue at least once, lol. My wife and I get up very early and when cruising with extended family (which we will be on this cruise, 3 generations like you, just skewed a bit older and we're in the middle) I have "pre-breakfast" at 6:30-7am before the family meets for an actual breakfast a bit later.

 

My usual go-to is grabbing a "McMuffin" or bagel at Park Cafe before having the standard eggs/pancakes/sides at main breakfast but always nice to have a new option.

yeah, there was salsa and fried mushrooms there which is different, not much else.  You may prefer the park cafe, as it's a great place, this is just a new, non busy option with ocean views , lacking from the park. 

[Biker19]

57 minutes ago, nimbex1970 said:

Wrist band- there is a snazzy name for it, and I don't know it.

Wow band.

[OCSC Mike]

4 minutes ago, nimbex1970 said:

yeah, there was salsa and fried mushrooms there which is different, not much else.  You may prefer the park cafe, as it's a great place, this is just a new, non busy option with ocean views , lacking from the park. 

 

Ooh, salsa and fried mushrooms! 🤣 Thanks.

 

Like I said, I'll try everywhere once, but I do expect to stick with my Park Cafe "pre-breakfast." I like their breakfast stuff and Central Park is very peaceful at 6:30am. That said, I'm sure on days El Loco Fresh opens at 6:30am (looking at the current sailing in the app, sometimes it's 6:30 and sometimes it's 7:00) it's nice there too, being able to look out at the ocean while most of the ship is still asleep.

[Mum2Mercury]

1 hour ago, nimbex1970 said:

2. Activities- Now I am old school and hated not having a paper compass

They'll still give you one if you ask, right?  I really want a paper compass.

1 hour ago, nimbex1970 said:

... The waiter then told me I would enjoy my shrimp dinner instead and he left it in front of me and walked off!! ... Couldn't find the waiter, head waiter showed up to check on us ...

This is all very disappointing.  

38 minutes ago, nimbex1970 said:

We loved it because it wasn't the crazy windjammer.  It had the usual eggs, two types sausage, pancakes, waffles (with the waffle topping station), some potatoes that changed up, and a display of fresh salmon, fruit and other choices.  All this with the usual coffee/tea and drinks station.  Plenty of seating, covered, ocean side and open to air.  Think half the offerings of the windjammer, but all the basics if you want to avoid the crowds.  Try it once and see if you prefer it, we certainly did.  Oh yogurt and some other offerings as well as pre-made omelets. 

This is surprising ... I thought it'd be Mexican themed.  But it seems that the burritos are the only themed item?  

[nimbex1970]

it didn't WOW me at all, but I thank you for the help with that!

[BobNoxious]

Best spot for breakfast:   Solarium Bistro!

[jeffporfirio01]

3 hours ago, nimbex1970 said:

9. The dreaded MDR changes- Ok the "food is subjective" caveat.  Sigh, After 3 days of mediocre food, where 5 of us ate and didn't complain about the quality of the food, I decided to speak up.  I ordered a shrimp app and a shrimp meal.  Daughter ordered the shrimp meal for the app.  We both had to saw at the shrimp with the knife and I couldn't chew it, nor swallow it.  No one came to check on our apps and put my dinner plate of the shrimp infront of me.  I politely said, "The app was way overcooked, can I have something in it's place and would you put my dinner aside for a few minutes?" After explaining what overcooked meant twice, I demonstrated how tough to cut the shrimp was.  The waiter then told me I would enjoy my shrimp dinner instead and he left it in front of me and walked off!! No, I wanted to switch to a noodle dish, just noodles.  Couldn't find the waiter, head waiter showed up to check on us, I repeated my request for the noodle dish.  SIGH, he insisted, despite three protests to re-deliver my shrimp dish and it would be cooked perfect.  He proudly arrived, stood over me, watched me barely able to cut it again with a knife.  "Sir, may I please have the noodle dish I have been requesting?" Promptly returns with it, stands over me again, and it was really good.  So I say this... I then get a lecture on how the wait staff needs a 10/10 on their survey, nothing less.  I then informed the head waiter that I understood he was not responsible for cooking the meal, could I just get a second noodle dish for my main entree 

 

Then I was lectured that he can only provide one main entrée at a time and I had to finish this first (I can't even make this stuff up).  I explained I never ate my app, and the noodles were in place of the app.  "Again Miss, when you are finished, you may have seconds".  I got up, left the family at the table and left to go cool off. Never to return to the MDR. 

 

Next night, only four now returned, the wait staff is all upset I didn't return and again pressure my daughter/son-in-law and 2 kiddos on the importance of a 10 on their survey.  My daughter is upset with having to endure this, upset with me for complaining instead of eating pizza again at night because I'm still hungry and a brief family spat ensued. 2/10 for quality, God love the head waiter that did his best with the quality he was working with. 

 

That's how I came to know that one could book Izumi and Wonderland day of calling for the remainder of the night because no one returned to MDR. 

 

 

Thanks for this very helpful.

What a dumpster fire the food at RCCL has become, and I wonder if this is how they expect to compete with Disney.

[Luckynana]

4 hours ago, nimbex1970 said:

We loved it because it wasn't the crazy windjammer.  It had the usual eggs, two types sausage, pancakes, waffles (with the waffle topping station), some potatoes that changed up, and a display of fresh salmon, fruit and other choices.  All this with the usual coffee/tea and drinks station.  Plenty of seating, covered, ocean side and open to air.  Think half the offerings of the windjammer, but all the basics if you want to avoid the crowds.  Try it once and see if you prefer it, we certainly did.  Oh yogurt and some other offerings as well as pre-made omelets. 

 

This is great to know!  Thank you.  I certainly enjoyed lunch in El Loco Fresh.  I will definitely go there for breakfast.  Thank you for your review of Wonder of the Seas.😊

[Krazyfuntimes]

14 hours ago, nimbex1970 said:

In my 50's, 20th cruise only Carnival and RCCL, bringing the adult children who have cruised with me and two grandsons ages 6 and 2  total of 7 of us (first time with young ones, so a bit more focus on our experience with that). 

 

1. Service-WOW what an improvement since January!  The bar service was fantastic around the pool decks and lounges, the room attendant was superb, knew all of our names, and helped our group of 7 with 3 staterooms keep track of each other "Miss Carol, your daughter said she went for breakfast and she'll be back in 30 minutes"! The room trashed by the kids was always organized by Roberto without us ever seeing him in action. Bartenders remembered my name and drink, casino staff was so friendly and helpful while keeping me straight at craps and even guest services, where I spent many visits always greeted my frustration with a smile and help. Friendly, prompt and I felt spoiled. (dining room later). 10/10

 

2. Activities- Now I am old school and hated not having a paper compass, but my time was with the kiddos, so I didn't require it.  The adult children used the app on the phone for late night venues.  So much to do.  Every type of music all throughout the night at various venues; orchestra band on deck 5, country western, a music hall with a pool table, boleros for latin, you name it!  Adult comedy was excellent, voices and the ice show phenomenal, I unfortunately missed the taps show. I did want to comment on the frequent concern on booking shows.  On the RCL app, at 45 day out you can book your venues as we did.  No worries if they are sold out.  Many folks like us were no-shows and just wait in line 15 minutes before show starts and you are likely to get in.  Several shows repeat, so try not to stress. For the kiddos, there is putt-putt, rock climbing, an outdoor play gym, well the second is on the boardwalk (small one), Water slides, the abyss (non water slide), zip line, ice skating... you get the picture.  Note on the yellow and blue water slides, 6yr old grandson got stuck inside, he was wearing a long sleeve water shirt, the attendant said not to wear it next time (took 10 minutes to get him out and he was done with it forever), but he was safe, just scared. 10/10 

 

3. Kiddos- now this ship is really made for families, so here is a small gripe.  Mine get up early, like 6am.  kiddie pool doesn't open until 10am like the carousel and ice cream opens at 11am.  So if you have a demanding 2-year-old who doesn't understand that the ice cream magic place doesn't open for an hour, just avoid the kids water activity until 11am.  So we ate breakfast at el-loco, interrupted everyone putt-putt (sorry folks for the random 2-year-old picking up your balls), played in the outside area above the abyss that goes a deck down, then changed into pool gear.  We also hit the arcade (think it was deck 15 or 16).  FYI, if you are emerald of higher you get 50 percent off the arcade, so you pay 50 bucks and get 100$ in credit.  This cannot be combined with offers on the RCC site, just FYI.  So we really would have liked activities to open sooner for the young ones.  Would really have helped wear them out for a nap.  8/10

 

4. Kiddos con't- Adventure ocean. Yes, if you have a child 3 and under you need to head straight there to reserve your spots for the cruise.  We were given a total of 8 hours for the week, it's 6$ an hour for the little ones.  The six-year-old was in the 6 to 12 group and he could go whenever it was open and be checked out by an approved person.  Sign-up took 30 minutes for them both.  The baby (2-year-old) didn't care for it, still mamma attached, which was fine.  They called us 15 minutes after we left him and picked him up, not their fault.  the 6-year-old LOVED it and went regularly. On port days they are open all day and take the kids to the windjammer to eat, the young ones there is food brought to them. 10/10 for the adventure ocean experience

 

5. Dining venues- oh how folks stress over getting reservations and it indeed took some work.  Two of the adult children had a 3-night dinning package.  Izumi, as everyone states, you have to go there specifically to book, otherwise, there is a kiosk on deck 5 that will book your other reservations.  Hit and miss for preferences, but they got into what they wanted.  We added 5 of us to Izumi, same-day calling on day 6 at 7 pm and on night 7 we got 2 of us into Wonderland at 7pm, so just check every day.  Two of the adults did chef's table as well.  Nothing but positive things to say about all the food venues, we hit them all but the coastal kitchen. 10/10

 

6. Wrist band- there is a snazzy name for it, and I don't know it.  Basically at guest services its $9.99 and you don't need to lug your key card around. As I didn't have my husband and his pockets I needed this.  Plus my grandson sharing the room with me, constantly lost my card, so I had already been to guest services twice to replace it. Nice lady at guest services suggested the wristband for me and I snatched the sale right up.  Well here is the downside; none of the pool or lounge waiters have the scan thing on their person, so I had to take it off each time I ordered a drink, meh.  Next up, it didn't work at the casino on the slots for my points or to pull money off my account.  Next day, it stopped working.. back to guest services I went. You also cannot use this to exit or gain entrance to the ship.. so anyway a waste of 10 bucks for me, just FYI.  3/10

 

7. Free internet- I could never stay connected, even when resetting the internet, I couldn't pull up the daily activities on my phone.  My carrier is in Alaska, shouldn't make a difference.  Went to the zoom desk three times and they couldn't get it to work either, just tried to upsell me to buy the zoom packet.  Also what's app did not work for me either.  Could be specific to me, however with a group of seven, several of us had this issue, and keeping up with each other was an issue. So for MY experience, I'm giving a 2/10, others seem to have no problems. 

 

8. Announcements- thank heavens, there are so fewer of them selling things, blasting overhead over the jewelry-by-the-inch sale!  10/10

 

9. The dreaded MDR changes- Ok the "food is subjective" caveat.  Sigh, After 3 days of mediocre food, where 5 of us ate and didn't complain about the quality of the food, I decided to speak up.  I ordered a shrimp app and a shrimp meal.  Daughter ordered the shrimp meal for the app.  We both had to saw at the shrimp with the knife and I couldn't chew it, nor swallow it.  No one came to check on our apps and put my dinner plate of the shrimp infront of me.  I politely said, "The app was way overcooked, can I have something in it's place and would you put my dinner aside for a few minutes?" After explaining what overcooked meant twice, I demonstrated how tough to cut the shrimp was.  The waiter then told me I would enjoy my shrimp dinner instead and he left it in front of me and walked off!! No, I wanted to switch to a noodle dish, just noodles.  Couldn't find the waiter, head waiter showed up to check on us, I repeated my request for the noodle dish.  SIGH, he insisted, despite three protests to re-deliver my shrimp dish and it would be cooked perfect.  He proudly arrived, stood over me, watched me barely able to cut it again with a knife.  "Sir, may I please have the noodle dish I have been requesting?" Promptly returns with it, stands over me again, and it was really good.  So I say this... I then get a lecture on how the wait staff needs a 10/10 on their survey, nothing less.  I then informed the head waiter that I understood he was not responsible for cooking the meal, could I just get a second noodle dish for my main entree 

 

Then I was lectured that he can only provide one main entrée at a time and I had to finish this first (I can't even make this stuff up).  I explained I never ate my app, and the noodles were in place of the app.  "Again Miss, when you are finished, you may have seconds".  I got up, left the family at the table and left to go cool off. Never to return to the MDR. 

 

Next night, only four now returned, the wait staff is all upset I didn't return and again pressure my daughter/son-in-law and 2 kiddos on the importance of a 10 on their survey.  My daughter is upset with having to endure this, upset with me for complaining instead of eating pizza again at night because I'm still hungry and a brief family spat ensued. 2/10 for quality, God love the head waiter that did his best with the quality he was working with. Edited to add that this night they returned was the second formal night.  The waiter gave the 2 adults, 7 lobster tails as we had a table for 7 total, in attempts to make amends, they really did try

 

That's how I came to know that one could book Izumi and Wonderland day of calling for the remainder of the night because no one returned to MDR. 

 

10. DUCKS- we hid 50 of them, all without tags, there was too much work to do this and the grandkids had a blast putting them everywhere.  We were pleased to see a few folks find them.

 

11. Drink package- My daughter and son-in-law were the only ones with the drink package.  Service was great if you had it or not.  The value of it is for one to decide for themselves.  I think 6 drinks was the break-even price.  I didn't have it, bought 4 drinks a day and the bar staff seemed almost apologetic for charging me, lol, they were wonderful

 

So long review and thanks for staying with me!  What an amazing vacation and beautiful ship.  Always clean, smiles everywhere, and beautiful memories.  Didn't upload pictures as there are plenty of the ship out there. We, husband and I have one VV in Nov. booked and two repo Norweigan booked.  I would definitely return to RCCL, but this time price comparing the full specialty dining package in the price against the competition.  

 I was on the same sailing. Wonder is an amazing ship. We too hid ducks. We were star class, so we never ate at the MDR, but that would have been a turn off for me too. Glad you were able to make memories and enjoy the ship!

[OCSC Mike]

1 hour ago, Krazyfuntimes said:

We were star class,

We’ll be in Sky Class. Did you make use of CK or the SL? If so, any thoughts?

[Mapleleafforever]

16 hours ago, BobNoxious said:

Best spot for breakfast:   Solarium Bistro!

Truely best spot for breakfast is Coastal Kitchen. 

[OCSC Mike]

12 minutes ago, Mapleleafforever said:

Truely best spot for breakfast is Coastal Kitchen. 

That’s where my main breakfast with the family is after “pre-breakfast.” Enjoyed it very much on Harmony last year, looking forward to it on Wonder.

 

The best spot to me for most meals is going to more than one spot. 🤣

[Mapleleafforever]

7 minutes ago, OCSC Mike said:

That’s where my main breakfast with the family is after “pre-breakfast.” Enjoyed it very much on Harmony last year, looking forward to it on Wonder.

 

The best spot to me for most meals is going to more than one spot. 🤣

We were on Oasis last week and ate every single meal in CK, not sure we can go back to regular dining after seeing the crazy crowds at the WJ and hearing complaints on the ship about the MDR. 

[OCSC Mike]

2 minutes ago, Mapleleafforever said:

We were on Oasis last week and ate every single meal in CK, not sure we can go back to regular dining after seeing the crazy crowds at the WJ and hearing complaints on the ship about the MDR. 

 

My extended family could probably eat every meal there. We'll be having most breakfasts and dinners there. I understand the appeal.

 

We haven't liked the MDR dinners for a very long time, waaaay before covid or recent complaints, just personal preference I guess. Long meals with tiny portions aren't my preference and my wife is picky so half the time she would order boring standby items like caesar salad and grilled chicken. She's more likely to find something in the WJ, especially at the cook to order station so she can pick her own ingredients for pasta or stir fry or whatever.

 

I like to eat and I like variety. When my wife and I sail alone we're frugal and don't have CK access anyway. WJ actually isn't bad if you avoid peak hours (we're early risers so very early it's fine and dinners aren't nearly as crazy since much of the ship is in the MDR or elsewhere). Also tons of other options for breakfast and lunch like Solarium Bistro, Park Cafe, El Loco Fresh, etc. Then we usually do one specialty dinner and have become huge fans of Playmakers after eating there on Indy multiple times.

[Kathscof]

18 hours ago, nimbex1970 said:

 

 

7. Free internet- I could never stay connected, even when resetting the internet, I couldn't pull up the daily activities on my phone.  My carrier is in Alaska, shouldn't make a difference.  Went to the zoom desk three times and they couldn't get it to work either, just tried to upsell me to buy the zoom packet.  Also what's app did not work for me either.  Could be specific to me, however with a group of seven, several of us had this issue, and keeping up with each other was an issue. So for MY experience, I'm giving a 2/10, others seem to have no problems. 

 

if its the free internet its only with the app, right?  I didn't think I could expect to use whatsapp when not connected to the actual internet....(though I did get ONE imessage while between ports last year hahah)  Or are you talking about the chat within the app?  Using the internet for only the app has nothing to do with your carrier since you weren't using it, just the hardware of your phone.....

 

The private mac address trick was the key for me last year, sorry that you couldn't get on....

[Biker19]

1 minute ago, Kathscof said:

I didn't think I could expect to use whatsapp when not connected to the actual internet..

On some/most ships when connected to Wi-Fi, some internet traffic does get by even when you don't have a Voom package - but that's only inbound - so, you may get some notifications (like Whatsapp) but you may not be able to read the whole message and you can't respond.

[Kathscof]

Just now, Biker19 said:

On some/most ships when connected to Wi-Fi, some internet traffic does get by even when you don't have a Voom package - but that's only inbound - so, you may get some notifications (like Whatsapp) but you may not be able to read the whole message and you can't respond.

exactly what I thought 🙂

[Krazyfuntimes]

6 hours ago, OCSC Mike said:

We’ll be in Sky Class. Did you make use of CK or the SL? If so, any thoughts?

We had Costal Kitchen delivered to the room once for dinner and then on the last morning for breakfast. No complaints. The rest of the time we did speciality at the restaurant or had it delivered to the room. All was good.

[cruisegirl1]

22 hours ago, OCSC Mike said:

Thanks for sharing the review, I'll be boarding Wonder for the first time in 18 days.

 

Also my first time on a ship with El Loco Fresh. I haven't read much about the breakfast there other than that they have breakfast burritos. How was it?

Pre made egg burritos and standard breakfast fare. Small assortment buffet  with ample seating. 
 

Mid afternoon when everyone is returning to the ship, the place is packed. Just a few other places open and this is  the closest to the pool. Plan accordingly. 
 

I like the afternoon nachos- who wouldn’t??

 

Did a B2B in March and loved every minute.  Concentrated on entertainment the first week (went to every show) and food  the second week. ( had the dining package for week 2). We went back to a few entertainment performances a second time (ice show, and effectors) 

 

I hope your trip is great. 

m

[cruisegirl1]

OP-good point about the opening times of the kiddie venues. 
 

Sorry you had such frustration regarding your meals. We have seen it so hit or miss in the MDR.   I wish you had spoken to a supervisor for possible  resolution. 
 

m