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Even as a non-user of Adventure Ocean it may be the most important feature of Royal Caribbean to me. It keeps kids so busy and so entertained that they are rarely bored or act out on the ships. As someone who has never had kids and doesn't particularly enjoy spending time around them, this is such a benefit. They are happy, I'm happy, parents are happy, everyone benefits! Without Adventure Ocean I would probably have to cruise an adults-only line.

But if there was no adventure ocean, there'd be more kids running around the various decks. So you indirectly benefit

If you had listed art auctions as one of the choices, you'd probably have a winner

I second the numerous high-end/brand name stores. I've never seen people in them often and I personally don't look at cruising as an opportunity to buy super expensive jewelry that could get lost or damaged on my trip. And even if I did, I'd just want to use the ports....every port has numerous shops.... I'd love more mid-priced stores or RC branded stores. Like...it's a mall feel in the promenade...give me a shoe store, an electronics store, a cinnabon/auntie annes, heck..I'd even take one of those airport convenience stores...a Hudson News. lol

I voted for gym and spa but really it's only the gym part I'd drop. For my first 3/4 cruises, I would take workout wear thinking I'd use the gym....but I never did and those clothes never got worn. But that's just for me and I think there are enough people who still use them to make them worthwhile. Plus, I think the crew also uses the main gym. Honestly, if I got rid of anything it'd be the casino and smoking.....

The stairs are my gym

Bring back skeet shooting

Get rid of the bionic bar and put a real one in its place. I would also vote for the art auction and crazy number of watch/jewelry shops on board.

This is me just waving bye to this thread as it gets locked. Bye thread, it was nice while it lasted!

My wife

when i clicked on this thread, I'd high hope that Smoking in the Casino would be listed, but alas it was not. That would have been my vote. Then like @Husky1987 that would have also been an excellent choice.

LOL!! Absolutely NOT!! I just thought he might have some interesting content for you. I'm totally interested in knowing if you go on a Virgin cruise and what your experience is if you do.

Check out @monorailmedic 's content on www.cruisehabit.com (as well as CruseHabit on YouTube). They've been sailing frequently on Virgin and have some excellent content. If you have questions about anything he talks about, just post your question on the video or article. Billy answers everything quickly and thoughtfully.

I never thought to do something like that. You have peaked my interest in make your own resort for a day. This is why I love the blogs because I never would have thought to do something like that.

totally disagree. I trust a fireman to put out fires. I trust a Soldier to guard us. I trust a cruise ship company to cruise. COVID is not in RCL's "lane". RCL was made to follow some political science idiotocracy. Now that they are free to make proper business decisions, many of us hope that they will in the Covid arena as they do in most of their other areas.

I read this many years ago and have used it ever since and it helped save us on an Hawaiian cruise. The last thing I put in our suitcases is an itinerary from the time we leave home until we return home. This includes names, cell phone numbers, address, flights, hotels and cruise line and ship. One of our pieces of luggage got lost and unfortunately our identification tag had been torn off. Our piece of luggage was eventually opened, our itinerary was discovered. Delta called us to inform us they had our luggage and would forward it to our first port in Hawaii and would be at the pier waiting for us. I mentioned this to the Concierge and she said they would take care of getting the luggage at the pier and to our room. Much to my relief everything went off without a hitch! Made a believer out of me. Bill

OMG - The art auction. I don't even know why I care that it's there - maybe because it's never really the "deal" that they project it to be and it feels like people are being taken advantage of or fooled into buying something that they are told is worth more than it is. I just cannot understand why on earth someone would buy art on a cruiseship. It seems so strange. And then the pain of shipping it home. It's bizarre. And while I know some people look forward to the bionic bar - I truly miss the champagne lounge. It was such a great place to grab a cocktail or glass of bubbles before a wander around the promenade. I know there are other bars - but just somewhere more "loungy" on the ship is missed by me and my hubs.

As an introvert and a person who is just....awful...at knowing cocktails and knowing that most bartenders use the word "sweet" in a VERY different context than I do...I found the bionic bar to be quite nice. I could take my time scrolling through the digital menu, see exactly how much of each mixer/alcohol whatever item was going to be added and make my pick without having to talk to anyone but the robot handler (who I'm sure was only talking to me because the bar was DESERTED thanks to a less than 25% capacity on a mega ship). But I get what you're saying and I think most people tend to agree it's a thing that may be fun to do once or twice but i don't know that it's anyone's go to bar.

^^^This^^^ I'm a RCCL newbie, but The Bionic Bar looks like a gimmick that I can live without. I'd rather talk to a person at the bar, get suggestions on something new and the like. Art Auction is a joke. #1 for me would be (as others have stated) - get rid of smoking in the casino. Or at least limit smoking to late night. No smoking until 10:00 pm, then stay at your own risk.

I share the same curiosity as @SpeedNoodles so I hope if you do sail with them you come back and share your experience! From what I've heard and seen from those who have cruised Virgin, I am very curious as to what your perspective would be of what they have to offer!

Crown and Anchor status is irrelevant. Royal Up is administered by a third-party vendor.

I've done that cruise, and I will say that doing the NASA excursion was great, exceeded my expectations. I've done Disney separately from a cruise and I can't imagine that would be enjoyable at all when dealing with the time and travel constraints.

My pillow. After years of sucking it up on vacation and using provided pillows, that never gave me a good nights sleep, I gave in and decided to bring my own. Now, I bring it on every trip. And sleep like a baby. Even if my husband rolls his eyes every time I put it in the bag

Pattern: For the most part RCCL does a great job providing a wonderful cruise experience overall. I trust I am safe on their ships and will have a good time. Pattern: Current RCCL COVID protocols defy any real sort of logic to everyday life, the math is overwhelmingly in my favor to cruise and I feel perfectly safe jumping on a ship without COVID protocols. I don't simply say poorly implemented and regemented COVID protocols = bad RCCL captains and staff that make the ship unsafe and I can't trust them.

I I wonder why people trust cruise companies to run the ship, but not about COVID. Either they know what they are doing, or they do not. So if you do not trust them on their COVID decisions, I totally agree you should not go on their ships, obviously they have no idea what they are doing.

After all....90% Vax is WAY safer than 80% Vax or 70% Vax....I've lost the ability to be shocked or phased in the absence of common sense and logic displayed by companies, government, people.... Bowen....my hope is to someday share a beverage and a laugh on a cruise ship with you. Perhaps I will follow where you go.

They should get rid of bars

My kindle and chromebook - everything else I keep a duplicate supply that can be packed well in advance. (i.e. hair dryer, toiletries, make-up, chargers, first aid kit, etc.) My duplicate items stay in a drawer specifically designated for travel. This ensures that I don't forget anything. Plus, it makes packing quicker and stress free!

I think you're missing my point. I'm not talking purely people that come and only make one post. I'm talking people that make their first post, and people jump down their throat with snark because it's their first post assuming that they are a complainer. There is no excuse for being a jerk to someone else on this site. If someone comes here and their first post is "the cruise sucked", it sounds to me like they need advice on how they could have easily avoided most of the problems they ran into with info. So what I'm saying is there is not ever a free pass for treating someone new to the site badly. If they swear off cruising, hate Royal Caribbean, and think they should get a million dollars in restitution, then that's their misinformed opinion. Obviously none of us agree. But we can respond with a "Sorry you didn't like your cruise, but next time you should try read about a drink package so you aren't hit with a giant bill later for all those drinks". Hope that makes sense.

If you have not done the NASA tour, do it and thank me later. As a Disney fan, I find your enthusiasm commendable. The trip is doable. I like the idea of hanging at Disney Springs for several hours. Free parking, lots of fun things to do there and great dinning. As for going in a park, 4-5 hours seems like a lot of time, but not really. I vote NASA, closer, less expensive and you'll have more time.

None. Each has its appeal to different cruisers and even though we may not use one or two items on your list…We wouldn’t want them removed. Sorry I’m sure not the answer your were looking for.

A basic and informative video on how Casino Royale works onboard our ships! I hope you guys find this information useful.

...add expensive jewelry to that sentiment ! +1. Loved the champagne bar.

Horses...not for me. Had a bad experience the first time I tried to ride one and.....nope...never again. If it doesn't have a brake I can push, I'm not getting on it.

Hello Gang of Happy Cruisers, We are planning a summer 2023 Mediterranean Greek Isles trip. About us: We are very active 54 year olds. We enjoy physical activity and historic venues. Unfortunately, our 20 something children will not be able to accompany us on this cruise. Initially, we looked at Royal, but didn't find longer(more than 7 night) cruises to be very appealing. Additionally, we felt like all the bother of flying to Europe from the East Coast of the US, dictated a longer length cruise. We then started looking at Celebrity and NCL. They both(ncl and celebrity) have better itineraries in the +7 night category , unless we did a back to back on Royal Explorer, which would total 14 nights. Celebrity in the 9 night range could be less expensive than the back to back on Royal. The NCL Cruises seem to be less inexpensive and super all inclusive, however, we are wondering if that is fools gold? In the Caribbean we have traditionally purchased the deluxe beverage package and gone on excursions in each port. We don't travel in suites, and as school teachers, are always on a budget of some sort. Our loyalty status on Royal is Platinum, so that is not really a factory one way or another. European Travelers, who have been on these 3 lines: could you explain the differences. We understand what Royal offers, but we have never been on Celebrity or NCL, so how do these other lines stack up and/or compare to Royal?

My family and I just did a Mediterranean cruise on MSC in the Yacht Club. We had a wonderful time. Drinks are included in the YC and the YC restaurant is very good. They also have a nice grill area on the YC pool deck that serves breakfast and lunch. The interior YC cabins are a very good value, especially on a port intensive cruise. The entertainment is not as good as RC, but we were so tired in the evenings that it really didn't matter.

Do you realize how crowded those venues will become if you remove the other dining options? It would be a madhouse tying to get something to eat. The only thing that we can really do without and should be banned for the good of everybody is smoking on board all ships fleet wide.

Sorry, I should have said 5 to 12. It only is 5 to 12 unvaxed that count towards it. But either way since they don't need to file anything they would always be first and RC doesn't know how many of those will book last minute. I imagine if they see really low 5 to 12 unvaxed that they start approving earlier other requests. But if they have a lot of 5 to 12 they wait to the last minute. Since it is summer I imagine the 5 to 12 block is taking up most of that 10%.

every one will have a different opinion, mine is picking up Labadee was a WIN, especially if you get Coco Cay on the same cruise. I'd also just enjoy the ship at the other 2 stops while most everyone else gets off. For me that change is a win win. JMHO

My priority for European cruises is always itinerary. That said, I find Celebrity (owned by RC) to be the most refined and adult-oriented of the three, and the line often offers the most unique itineraries. Princess and Holland America (owned by Carnival) are comparable. I took a Celebrity Greek islands cruise in 2019--the ship departed RT Venice (sadly, no longer permitted) and provided us a nine night wonderful experience. I am booked on Princess for 2023 with a similar itinerary departing Rome OW and arriving in Athens. We will visit Istanbul, which my husband has not yet seen. That trip is only one week because we want pre-and post-time in those two marvelous cities of Rome and Athens. My brother and family (two children) enjoyed the NCL Western Mediterranean cruise (Rome to Barcelona)--I think the itinerary is very good, but quite busy, and I would certainly book the ship just to see all those ports. I find NCL more casual and budget-friendly, but again, that is never my reason to book in Europe. I was tempted a few times by some of the RC cruises, but they just seem a little too basic in itinerary for me, although RC ship activities cannot be beat, and husband ALWAYS attempts the rock-climbing wall. I always recommend RC to families with children as the best choice. Just so you know--we are archeology and history enthusiasts, so we do not cruise in Europe to relax, but rather to visit and see as much as we can. We take full-day tours at every port and listen to all the lectures. We go the shows at night and dance in the nightclub. We just came off the Cunard Queen Mary 2 two weeks ago--we took that cruise just to see the ship--(we were in New England and Canada) and soak up some British hospitality. We are a tiny bit older than you but in excellent shape and highly experienced travelers. We have cruised transatlantic and find it a bit boring. We also have many pets, so we are limited in our length of time away from home. We only invite other people to cruise with us when we go on more relaxing types of cruises, such as the Caribbean.

I sail with two kids almost exactly your kid's ages, both boys. I second what Sea Squirrel said. One loves it, goes immediately and makes sure he knows the schedule, will hang with the other kids the entire cruise, I'll hardly see him. The youngest will go only if his brother goes, but even then won't stick around if he gets even remotely disinterested in doing what they're doing. He'll come hang out with me and my mom and we'll do our own thing. I count myself lucky that I still have one who likes to hang out with his momma, lol. Whatever your kids are comfortable with, there's no pressure in The Living Room. Have fun!

I'll be going on a Celebrity Mediterranean cruise. I will say that when we booked there were some great incentives (booked in November when ships were not as full and bookings were way down). There was a lot of credit offered which we were able to use for our excursions. The booking was also an all inclusive wifi, classic alcohol package and gratuities. In the end, I would have been better off paying my own way for gratuities and wifi due to my equated level from Royal (D+) to Celebrity (Elite). Wifi on the ship is "nice" but honestly, we will be in port for the majority of the day and can benefit from our phones then (now have that as an additional cost as well). We did snag an upgrade to the Elevate package that will give us the better alcohol, but truly how much can you drink on a port intensive-exhaustive day? My advice, compare what you get in each package with Celebrity and decide if you need it. Book early enough that you get direct flights for the best pricing (I put my flight bookings off for many months, which cost me hundreds) Consider the points, if that is a factor in moving up the loyalty program. ( I know you indicated it didn't matter but you might take a closer look, you never know) Whichever line you pick you likely won't be onboard for lunch, so you need 2 decent meals. I've sailed with both Royal and Celebrity out of the US and would sail either again. BTW- I had a nice Veranda on Constellation and downgraded to a Oceanview Forward corner, it is a larger room. I figure we will be out of the room so much that it does not matter if I have a nice balcony. I'll see if I regret hearing the anchor drop every day-I'll have to remind myself of the large $ savings

Good to know! Thanks! This will help me a lot in planning what we want to do in the evenings . . . on our cruise last year we saw the ice show and the two "production" type shows, so we won't need to see them again (well, maybe the ice show). That leaves us free to do things like visit bars.

I honestly don't believe that the reason or wording anyone uses on there exemption request means didly squat. They accept them until they reach 10% and then cut them off. I highly doubt there is someone at Royal's offices sifting through exemption requests saying that religious exemption request A is not as fundamentally founded as religious exemption request B. Or that this medical request exemption is more scientific than that medical exemption........

Bring back horse racing.

Since this is just a poll of our personal preferences/usage, I never use the Gym/Spa (exercise on vacation?) and my kids are adults, so Adventure Ocean doesn't do anything for me.

My shaving kit since it’s about the last thing I use. All our SetSail pass, Covid cards, Covid test and itinerary going in a folder that we make up as soon as we book the cruise. That folder and passports go into a backpack.

As a local to the Orlando area I would not try it on your own. You would have to either rent a car for a day, or rely on a taxi or uber. Either one will cost you a bunch. If you do choose to do that, the other factor is while they say you could get to Disney from Port Canaveral in about an hour, that's only during ideal traffic conditions. And traffic in Orlando (including the Beeline (SR 528) which is the toll road you will take to get there) is anything but ideal. It would be recommended to give yourself at least 2 hours to get back to the ship before all aboard. The ship won't wait for you if you are late. Now if Royal offers you a bus or shuttle over there as an excursion, while that would most likely cost you a bit as well, at least the ship would wait for you in the event you are delayed upon return.

Whoa people. There are a number of reasons why a D+ member wouldn't know the current policy. Stop attacking people who ask simple questions. If you feel a question is below your ability to remain civil it's time to move on.

I've had envelopes on every cruise as well. I think OP is reading WAY to much into this. There is a huge difference between leaving a blank envelope where you can choose to use it or not and write any crew member's name in there if you so desire, and the cabin steward sitting outside his cabin door on the last night with a cardboard sign saying "Anything will help".