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Showing content with the highest reputation on 06/13/2019 in all areas

  1. Day 4 - La Spezia. What a wonderful day , finally the weather was much better and finally it was a full day without any conference calls. As I shared at the beginning of this blog my main plane was to rent a car , drive to Milan and retrieve my cell phone from the airport lost and found, but since I already got a new cell phone and my numbers were duplicated I decided it can wait. We did not had any plans because of my cellphone so we decided to take it easy and just visit the city , let our legs take us wherever it feels like. We started to walk on the boardwalk of this nice city and we were stoped by some girl offering us to buyt tickets to Portovenere which is a nice town near the bay , we said thank you but skipped it as we already visit it last time. 200 m after another one offered us a private bought tour to the same place, we refused that also until finally we came to something which looked crowded , apparently it was the ticket booth for the HOHO boat to Cinque terre , you pay 35 Euro for a full day boat services which allows you to get off in each of the villages and get on the boat again later for the next village. Just to compare, same excursion with RCL will cost around 120 $. As we saw its almost the time for the boat to leave, we had a short discussion between us if to take it or not as it's a full day activity and decided to go for it , my spouse told me "you want to take it so you will have many pictures for the blog right ?" Well I can not argue with her ?. On the boat we took the time table we got and tried to calculate the best route and strategy to maximize the number of ports we visit (without drinking package) , we found out the best route for us. We past Portovenere but decided not to go off there so we continued all the way to Manarola , a very lovely village with great views. We spent half an hour there. we took the boat to Verenazza where we proamed around and ate quick lunch. Next we stopped at Riomaggiore as it was already in our way back...  continued...
    9 points
  2. Never discuss politics, religion, and drink sharing ?
    8 points
  3. Might be time to lock this thread up.
    7 points
  4. It’s a shame you didn’t look at this Blog prior to attempting to make your reservations. The advice and suggestions here are spot on and would have provided you with words of wisdom and guidance in booking your first cruise! Now, you have a bad impression of RCL and cruises altogether, which is a real shame. Cruising is awesome and RCL surely delivers! We always use a travel agent, at no cost to us, to handle everything! Takes away any chance of confusion or possible stress. Hopefully, you can get everything sorted out and go on your first cruise! I’m sure you would enjoy it. And if you don’t, I’m sorry.
    7 points
  5. Day 9- Sea Day Today demonstrated that weather in the Baltic can be quite unpredictable. We started the day surrounded by thick fog- it was like we were sailing through a cloud (and meant the view from the outlaws balcony was as good as from our inside cabin!) Breakfast was in the main dining room. I had the French Toast with Bacon and it was really good- much thicker and fresher than from the WindJammer. Whilst we were eating breakfast the fog suddenly lifted, and glorious sunshine replaced the mist. We had booked Henry in for two hours at nursery. We decided to make the most of the sunshine and sat outside to play some Rummikub. It was quite crowded, so we went to the outside seating of the Wimdjammer, right at the aft of the boat (which may have accidentally lead to a second breakfast...just to make sure I was right about the French toast!). This seating is often quiet, but the view is spectacular and it’s really a good place to eat and relax. We found ourselves getting sunburned and the fog turned into a distant memory. Things turned a bit gloomy however when Captain Ante came over the PA system to say that we had slowed down and changed direction (we hadn’t even noticed!) due to a passenger becoming critically ill and needing to be taken to shore by the Swedish navy. The rescue boat pulled alongside the ship and the passenger was transferred that along with one of the doctors from the ship. This meant we had to wait for the doctor to get back, but Captain Ante said this wouldn’t effect the itinerary as we still had plenty of time to make it to Skagen at full speed. It was quite sad that someone was so Ill, but also reassuring to know how quickly and efficiently the crew manage these situations. For lunch, we went back to the MDR. I think lunch is the meal that the MDR does particularly well- there’s always been a wide variety on the menu which changes a lot as well as the legendary salad bar. Today, I had the seafood and tomato risotto which was fantastic, and for dessert we shared Cherry Custard Crepes and Caramelised Banana Mille Feulle - both of which are vying for the title of best desserts on board! With Henry enjoying a post-lunch nap we decided to try out the cinema for the first time as it was showing Aquaman. It’s tucked away between the Pub and the Theatre on deck 6 and it’s quite neat and quirky. We arrived as the film was starting and only just got a seat because it’s quite small but the same film seems to play back to back throughout the day. The projector is a bit dated but it’s a great way to spend some time. Whilst the film was on, Captain Ante came back over the address system to say that we’d been back on our way but, unfortunately, another guest had been taken critically ill and so we’d need to take them aboard also. I don’t think they were related or caused by the ship! This did turn out to be a delay that couldn’t be mitigated , and so the Captain said the best option available was to arrive in Skagen 3 hours later than planned tomorrow. I guess that’s a small inconvenience when health and life are at stake. By this point, the weather had literally become gloomy. Undeterred, we headed at Henry’s insistence, to the pool for our afternoon swim. I’ve never been able to figure out a pattern to the water temperature. In St. Petersburg, at 30 something degrees and pure sunshine, it felt freezing. Today, in grey and windy conditions it felt like a bath! We then headed back to get changed ready for the second formal night, which we’d eat in the dining room for. People seem pretty relaxed about the dress- I saw about five tuxedos (including one on Henry who became a hit with the ladies!), a few lounge suits, but most were just slacks, shirts and blazers. The food in the MDR was really good tonight- we had, between us, Asparagus Soup, Fried mushrooms, Hallibut, Beef Wellington, Chicken Schnitzel and Pecan Pie. It was rounded off with one of the celebration Birthday cakes which Henry refused to share! Entertainment this evening was “BowJangles”. I was on bedtime duty but Mrs. M went to see it and said it was very clever. It was a string quartet who did quite a bit of comedy. She said it was quite clever but that there were a lot of musical jokes “We’re out in the ocean...The High C” and that a few people walked out! She enjoyed it though.
    6 points
  6. There is a reason that many of us use travel agents to book with Royal. They then have to deal with the website and customer service phone nonsense and all the stress and headaches that come with it. I think it was less a bait and switch scam and more just a website glitch and a customer service agent who just couldn’t comprehend that and/or didn’t believe you for some reason (but still very annoying and I understand your frustration!) If you are willing to give Royal another try, I would try having a travel agent rebook it so that they can navigate that for you. The nice thing is that they come with lots of knowledge and experience and it costs you nothing extra. They get paid by Royal so it’s a win/win.
    6 points
  7. Well it really depends on where you are going as well. 1. You might not be able to board the ship. 2. You will be fine. 3. You will be detained, imprisoned and executed. Number 3 is not that likely though.
    5 points
  8. Matt is the site owner. Now you are introduced.
    5 points
  9. 5 points
  10. I am so with you. I am actually surprised by MANY people’s responses here. Including ones I would never expect it from. Thought this forum prided itself on being bigger people than those who critique their cruises on that other forum??
    4 points
  11. Don't listen to them. Not all of us here at royalcaribbeanblog are like that. Is sad to see how some people on this board has become more and more hostile like the usual members of the "other site". Please don't be discouraged by some people who only appears to be trolling. I completely agree with all that you said.
    4 points
  12. Could you imagine the emails Richard Fain would get if the Towel Animal was not folded correctly or had some hanging threads??
    4 points
  13. It seems that many people find their way to this message board via google and not by way of the main website/blog and the excellent information that is found there. Here are some links to some of the many articles aimed at first time cruisers on this site. They all recommend using a travel agent along with a bunch of other tips and insights. Best of luck. https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2018/01/03/first-time-cruisers-what-know-booking-royal-caribbean-cruise https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2016/06/15/why-first-time-cruisers-should-use-royal-caribbean-travel-agent https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2017/10/30/8-cruise-tips-first-time-royal-caribbean-cruisers https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2014/07/17/first-time-cruisers-ten-mistakes-avoid https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2015/02/28/first-time-cruisers-what-you-need-know-about-taking-royal-caribbean-cruise
    4 points
  14. Enjoying the show, please continue to entertain me :)
    4 points
  15. You've got it backwards. You get a discount for allowing RC to choose your room. As for "needing to pay more", this is no different than if you book an airline flight and select a seat with extra leg room or an emergency exit row seat. Preferred room options come with a higher cost. In your original post, you wrote in big, bold letters "assuming this meant", so yes, you did assume. I understand this isn't your first foray into travel, but cruise vacations are different from land vacations. I'm not sure why you did not stop when you reached the point of not seeing the options you expected and completed the booking. I'm sorry your first experience was not to your liking, but I think your experience and/or expectations were out line with pretty much everyone else here. If you think you've discovered some vast conspiracy by Royal Caribbean to dupe their customers, well, I'm sorry to say that simply is not the case. Reading your experiences speaks to a first time cruiser who made assumptions and ended up with a different result than they expected. My advice going forward is to give RC another try, but employ some of the advice and strategies we all happily share. I think with a bit more footwork, you could easily come away with a great cruise vacation.
    4 points
  16. Go see it twice! Holy cow it was cool. Don't pay at attention to a story or anything. Just watch the performance and the moving TVs and the music. Sit about 6 rows back from middle section, we were in the second row and needed to be back a couple. But, for us, was fantastic ... tonight is We Will Rock You
    4 points
  17. SummerJoy72

    Pricing Dead Halt?

    Am I the only one calculating calories when everyone is talking drink packages? ?. I’d rather eat my calories!
    4 points
  18. This is what i typically use:
    3 points
  19. WOW. Just WOW. If you can go see We Will Rock You twice .... do it .... it was by far the best show we have ever seen on a RCL cruise. #period
    3 points
  20. Agree. I wouldn't like to be treated like this if this was my first time posting something on this forum...
    3 points
  21. Fairlynew

    What happens if?

    Prayers for healing for your wife and strength for you and your family. I am glad that the insurance issues regarding your cruise did not add stress to an already stressful situation. I hope to hear all about your wife's recovery celebration cruise in the very near future.
    3 points
  22. Fixing to start We will rock you ... first the front rows reserved for key folks Packed house... show last night canceled due to technical stuff
    3 points
  23. This was hilarious!
    3 points
  24. As Twangster said, this would basically be a re-booking. I think that, perhaps, you were hoping that couple #4 could just slip into couple #2's cabin and do a even trade-off. Unfortunately, it does not work like that. They would have to rebook into couple #2's cabin and it would be repriced not only from an inside to a balcony, but also at the prevailing rate. To be honest, $92 is a great price to move from an inside to a balcony ! I think it's a bargain and if they can manage to regain couple #2's location so that you are again a 3-some, that is a great outcome. Good luck. I hope it works out.
    3 points
  25. I don't think they are worried about the 2 couples that are remaining in the <no longer connected> balconies. It sounded to me as if they are trying to move the 4th couple, who was stranded off somewhere else, into the balcony room vacated by couple #2.....at which point they would re-unite as a 3-connected-balcony trio.
    3 points
  26. I think they care because they wanted to open their balcony dividers and make one huge balcony..
    3 points
  27. I apologize for any posts that you felt were attacks on yourself. Now and then we get someone who comes in here and posts outlandish accusations about a horrible experience and then never come back to provide any feedback. It does not excuse anyone insulting you by any means. I can appreciate your dedication to following up with posts in this thread and I can tell from your responses that you're not being unreasonable, but did have a first-time negative experience. I really think if you gave it another shot and followed some best practices, you could easily avoid the pitfalls you ran into previously, and then enjoy a great cruise vacation.
    3 points
  28. "Assuming" is the key word here. You assumed, instead of verifying. This is a classic example of why working with a travel agent, and NOT booking on your own (especially for first timers) is so important. There is no bait and switch, just a consumer who didn't do their homework, guessed at what things ought to be, and was disappointed in the outcome.
    3 points
  29. You must keep that last picture of Henry to show all his future love interests!
    3 points
  30. Can you cancel and rebook? Or cancel and use a travel agent?
    3 points
  31. Last night and tonight received large print cruise compasses which was nice. I'll be sure to post all of them when I get back.
    3 points
  32. In our room tonight+royal caribbean 50th anniversary cake served to all tables tonight.
    3 points
  33. KristiZ

    Pricing Dead Halt?

    This is totally me! I'd actually rather eat AND drink my calories, but alas, my body has other ideas!
    3 points
  34. Skid

    Congratulations....

    @RickinSTL, I know the feeling, but it took a lot more than 6 months. Islanders won only 12 games their first season, then 4 cups. Hey @JohnK6404, the Rangers? You may have to move! Haha, just kidding. But that's better than that Caps fan @Andrew72681 (sorry..couldn't resist).
    2 points
  35. Yea, I get it, but I've been in this situation before, I was on the phone with Royal after an online booking, and I was just trying to move the room closer to the elevator bank and the agent kept going on about 2's, 3's and 4's and what I wanted was a 6 and there would be a $100pp difference, WTF, all I want to do is move closer to the elevator, so we went through it again, finely I stopped them and said, what are you talking about with the numbers and letters? They explained the designations to me, explained that some are valued more than others due to proximity to things, etc., at that point I said give me the room and I'm ok with the $100pp. I'm not bashing anyone, but I'm hoping some future cruiser reads these blogs and figures all of this out before they get upset and start bashing Royal. We all have to be vigilant with how we spend our money and make good educated choices, otherwise we'll be giving our bank account information to a Saudi Prince...
    2 points
  36. I'm also from Seattle. We did a 7 night cruise to Astoria, OR, San Francisco, and Victoria B.C. last fall on the Explorer out of Seattle. Great trip and the weather that time of year in S.F. was amazing. Now that the Ovation has replaced the Explorer I don't see it offered, but I would definitely do that one again.
    2 points
  37. Sea day. Slept in, got room service again. I really want to try El Loco fresh so didn't get much breakfast. The weather is in the 80s so everyone is out on deck. Came up to 12 to sit and look at water, water everywhere. Spa appt at noon. Spa is forward, our room aft, so picked deck 12 as the way to get across ship. Even though everyone is on deck still plenty of empty loungers on 12. The o2 worked its majic last night so Dave is feeling much better today so hopefully after spa we can hang out on deck again. Dave has commented many times on how friendly the staff is and how efficient. It's obvious the staff is well trained and they have well defined jobs. The CPA in me would love to see their training and job assignment system. 80s dance party on lido today
    2 points
  38. Henry looks like he's loving that cake ?
    2 points
  39. The guest in the interior cabin will have to pay more to upgrade to a balcony and they will be charged based on today's current rate for the balcony. What you may have paid for your balcony in the past is irrelevant.
    2 points
  40. Interesting.... I've never actually booked a cruise on Royal's website. I have, however, made many, many mock bookings, and every time I've selected "You pick your room" as I simply don't like the idea of a guarantee room. In every case, after selecting this, I was given the option to look at deck plans and select the room of my choice. I can therefore understand that if this didn't happen for the OP, he is now rather frustrated. I don't buy the concept of "maybe there was only one room left" as when it gets to that stage, Royal will generally remove the option to pick your own room and all you can book is a guarantee (in my experience anyway). From this, I think a few people here have been very harsh on the OP.
    2 points
  41. I think so. Or let me put it this way, we leave our bags on the chair on embarkation day while we enjoy a swim. I'd advise to keep the bags within vision of whatever pool you are at and keep bags closed, etc.
    2 points
  42. Can you provide the exact cruise that you were going to book (Or booked)? Ship and date, room category you were looking at? I've booked upwards of 12 cruises on Royals web site (and 100 if not thousands of mock bookings) and I have never seen this issue, when it says click here to pick you room it always redirects me to a floor plan where I select my room. I now use a travel agent mainly for simplicity reason, I don't have time to do the research that I used to, so I let them do the research and present me with options. I currently have 7 future cruises booked through 2021 and have not had any of the issues you describe. I have seen issues where 1 browser verses another browser will receive different feedback from Royals web page, but most of the time this is a security or pop up blocker. I have found the best results using Chrome and opening an incognito session.
    2 points
  43. Re: documents required- You must have a letter signed by at least one parent of the niece. The letter states name of ship, sail date and itinerary. It gives you permission to take the child, sign waivers onboard and seek medical attention. It must be notarized.. If parents are divorced it’s better if both parents sign We just returned from cruise with teenage grandchildren and we were asked for the letter at checkin and they made a copy of it. A passport is better than a birth certificate.
    2 points
  44. Vee2525

    Introduce yourself!

    Hi my name is Vincenza and my boyfriend's name is Joseph. We are both from Queens, NY. Last year went on my first vacation with my boyfriend, a RC Cruise. Loved it so much we are going on another RC Cruise in Dec 2019. Will be blogging about our cruise in the live cruise blog section of message board on this website. Can't get enough cruising info. Love RoyalCaribbeanBlog.com
    2 points
  45. So cool @TheHobbys definitely following this blog! Can't cruise Star Class, me and my boyfriend get interior stateroom when we cruise but Loving ur blogging on ur experience...ahh only if only lmao lucky you, ur fam, and any other star class guest. Ok ok I can't lie. Even in interior stateroom on RC Cruise me and my boyfriend loved the cruise experience. Happy Cruising.
    2 points
  46. I used the Website for my first 2 cruises, on the first 1 had had no issues and everything went smoothly, on the second there were issue. Amount on invoices did match what they had on their system, I owed more than the statements they sent to me stated, transfers I'd booked apparently weren't book... bit of a nightmare. Since I've switched to using a TA (Mostly from being on here and reading peoples advice) its been smooth, well at least for me, maybe the TA is fighting off all these things that previously I had to but if they are they are doing it very well and keeping the stress of me and the family. Its certainly something I'd now recommend to others now as its no extra cost for you and makes things soo much easier. I really hope you get everything sorted as a cruise can be such a relaxing/fun/exciting way to holiday. Don't give up on it
    2 points
  47. Congrats! My wife's birthday is 2 days before Christmas. I learned a long time ago not to try to combine the two. So we are going on a BIRTHDAY cruise.?
    2 points
  48. I suspect Royal is constantly looking at opportunities to break into new markets or tweak & find new ways, of making past markets more attractive & viable to its bottomline. One consideration is overnight stays in some major U.S. cities like SF or LA on 7N cruises to/fro Vancouver. Explorer ots have done that in the past...still, with the Amped project in play, this may make things more attractive. Also, a 4N and/or 5N sailing from LA to any Mex port & back may provide a more attractive alternative...same scenario out of San Diego. Finally, maybe invest & creating a private island like at Islas Coronado or Islas de Todos Santos, for an example. There are ways to increase the viability of the West Coast market imo; no doubt, a huge amount of capital would need to be invested, similar to their Private Island Initiative, they plan to build in certain markets around the world. Dubai have certainly shown how to construct artificial islands...if Royal want to go that route as well.
    2 points
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