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Wouldn't it be great when we can all finally log into Cruise Planner, the infamous Royal IT did the perfect surprise of another $18 drink package or something similar....

Well this just throws a wrench in my day! Now what else am I going to do at work today without being able to second guess my booked excursions and dinner reservations??!!

Final sea day was pretty relaxing. Breakfast in the room again. Day was spent packing, lounging at the pool, some casino time and more snacks. The rest of the crew returned to Giovanni’s for dinner while I caught the final performance of Mama Mia. Went down to the boardwalk to say farewell to Lusi. Called it an early evening to get some rest before departure. Jay left some very thoughtful gifts for me on our last night. He had provided gifts to each of the others on their “celebration” day but saved mine for the last night. I’d share pictures but then everyone would expect a Rolex. Up the dreaded departure day to head home. Stacy and I had breakfast in the CK while the others prepared for departure. I dropped by Next Cruise to put a deposit on the “free” casino cruise as did Katie. We all said some tough goodbyes to Putu and Benjie before Jay showed up at 915 to escort us off. We were off the ship in minutes after saying farewell to the best Genie we’ve sailed with. Also said goodbye outside to MO5AIC although we ended up with two of them on the flight to Dallas. Uber to the airport, smooth check in and on time flights. While waiting for our departure I was bored so booked the same room, same ship for September 10, 2023. Had dinner in the Dallas airport where we received a video from Jay with him saying “I’m standing in front of the Aqua Theater where are you guys?”. Landed in Palm Springs at around 930pm and a short drive home to see the animals. All in all it was an awesome vacation. Next I’ll have some random, final thoughts and close this out. Thanks for following along!

So you're saying the one lone hamster that turns the wheel needed a food and bathroom break?

Man you guys are tough! Sh*t happens! Apps and websites go down sometimes! It's okay! [Now, having said that, I have a sailing tomorrow and just got a Royal Up bid accepted, so if they don't get things back online soon so I can log in and see my new room, etc., I'll be leading the angry mob.]

Careful what you wish for - it might be $25 per drink rather than per day.

Day 6 is upon us. Two more days at sea. So far this has been a great trip. Some observations : 1. After having the Ben and Jerry's manager say our diamond drink vouchers were good for milkshakes on Wednesday, we were told that they made an error Thursday. The loyalty ambassador confirmed this and it is due to the franchise contract they have with B&J's. Another example of RCI being consistently inconsistent but it didn't put a damper in our trek. 2. On the subject of the loyalty ambassador, Ruby is fabulous. We had this sailing booked in the window where you could get double-double points for a suite. We had to rebook it outside the window for booking. My TA instead of transferring the reservation to this sailing, he cancelled it and created a new booking. With a quick email to C&A, Ruby had the ship righted so that we all get 28 points. (getting my 8 y/o closer to Diamond status on her own instead of freeloading ;)) 3. Pub staff are some of the best I've ever encountered. Shine, Rui, Jayson are top of the charts. 4. Amit in the suite lounge is probably the best concierge I've ever had. 5. Food in the MDR has been good to very good. Beef tenderloin on the menu for the second time tonight - that pleases me. 6. The sports staff are amazing. My daughter is a thrill seeker but was a bit timid around the flowrider and understandably so. The sports staff were incredible. Lori loved it! She's since gone back again and they even had her doing tricks. It seems like Liberty may be one of the least talked about ships on this site probably due to the fact she sails out of Galveston and is overdue for a refresh... That being said there has to be some more questions so come at me!

Well may when they come back up they will have that $19 a day drink package error

Better the web site going down than a ship.

This is what I live for !

Boarded Anthem this morning for a 12-night cruise to Vigo, Lisbon, Lanzarote, Gran Canária, Tenerife, Funchal and La Coruña. I will be doing a full recap when we get back but will be happy to try and find the answers to any questions anyone might have as we go along.

Embarkation: Short walk from the train station RCl put a tent for drop off luggage. That was a long line as only few people handled the luggage and one queue for all. Apparently this was a good time to check and ask questions as whoever was in a suit or bought the key could go directly to the front of the line and drop the luggage. Since we are sailing in JS we did just that and after 5 minutes we went to the next station. To so you need to go over a bridge (elevator available) the next station is a security check were they scan the hand luggage. Once this is done you go to another tend (with very good and needed AC) to do the check in following passport control. The next tent is the duity free and a station were they collect your passport (to get it back the day after). Once done you go out and take a shuttle to the ship , it's one minute ride. Sounds complicate but all in all from the minute we gave our luggage to the time we board it took maybe 10 - 15 minutes, not bad. Hifa port authority are in the process to build a new terminal which will make things easier, we will see.

This is RCL take 2 trying to call Hifa an home port. First they tried when C19 was still a major thing , it was at summer 2021 with Odyssey of the seas. We had two cruise booked on it but then it was cancelled, RCL changed the plans and we once again had to catch a flight to cruise from the US (back 2 back and one of them was on a star class so no complain ). This year they brought Rhapdody over and we gave it another try. The plans were simple , no need to worry about and flight being delayed nor to book hotels ,just board. Well plans are one thing and reality another. I had to fly for a business trip (yes they are also back) to handle some crises in one of our projects and fly back in , yes , less than a day before the cruise . At least it was not a long one over the Atlantic flight but short European one and I got to be there during historical times. Plans was to arrive home , do laundry, pack and get ready. Getting to Hifa port might be one of the easiest things to do as the port got a train stop adjust to it. Only issue is that due to maintenance the train is not working between Tell Aviv and Hifa at Fridays which is the embarking day. Since parking is very limited near the port I decide to take the car and park it near the first Hifa train stops (free parking near a football stadium) and catch a short ride to the port . That's what we did , 50 minutes drive , parking and walking with the suitcases to the train. As we arrive we just missed one of the train so we had to wait 15 minutes to catch another. We boarded the next train and waited, 5 minutes before it started I felt something is wrong , I got my suitcase but wait something is missing, yes my backpack with my passport. I left my spouse with the suitcases and went back to the car , let her wait for me at the port train station. Apparently some times it's good to miss the train , if we board the earlier train I would found it out only at port... So I found my backpack in the car , walked back to the train station and board the next train, at least my spouse got some new jokes to tell about me Embarkation process will come next.

I've had Bloody Mary's earlier than that. You can order them at the Windjammer bar, in the MDR if you're having breakfast there. They just don't open most of the regular bars until 10:30. Hey, the staff has to have SOME time to sleep!

Here we go , finaly a cruise we do not catch a flight to nor hotel. 5 days cruise which starts at Hifa , Israel and stops at: 1. Limassol Cyprus. 2. Rhodes , Greece. 3. Santorini, Greece. And one sea day. Lots of locals and first 5ime cruiser which is always interesting to see the reaction. Will try to do some short love blogs as it's can be a different experience.

Still down but feel strangely comforted by other people looking for pitchforks, too!

When I try to login it just returns me to the login page

#pitchforkEmoji !

Typical RC IT. It will be back up... eventually.

I believe it is only on cruises 6 nights and more. We had it last night and it was delicious! Very good sized too! We had a plate of the tails brought to our table to share…because we also wanted the beef tenderloin and other selections. The lobster was so sweet and plentiful!

I am praying that when it does come back up, prices will be messed up and I will be able to grab DBPs for me and Mrs Fan for $25. Hey, one can hope.

I hope they're not upping the prices in one fell swoop. Just thinking about those drink package increases on NCL gives me a hangover!

I really do try to be patient in these situations but with a voyage leaving tomorrow it would be very helpful if I could log in!

Offer to answer any questions the newbie has rather than offering too many suggestions. The things YOU think need to be known may not be what HE wants to know. And don't assume that the new person will have the same experience as you, even if you're doing the same things. Definitely a YMMV situation when experienced cruisers travel with new cruisers.

Good suggestions here. The thing to remember is that most of us on this board over plan things and try to understand every detail. For me, that's just how I am. I have come to realize that most others are not like that but still manage to have a good time. Show him the basics and let him make his own discoveries.

We received them on our recent cruise on the Explorer. Also, regarding Diamond Plus members having access to the Concierge Lounge, please see the update (dated 3/4/22) on the RC website. As of 3/15/22 Diamond Plus members do have access to the Concierge Lounge. Some ships have Suite Lounges and currently Diamond Plus members don't have access to those (unless they're in a suite). On the RC homepage click on the 3 bars on the top left of the page (to the left of the RC LOGO), then click "Crown & Anchor Society", then click "View Member Benefits updates", then scroll down to "Suite & Concierge Lounges". I hope this helps. On our recent Explorer cruises in May, we were in the Concierge Lounge prior to dinner, every evening. Happy cruising everyone!

I'd take care of these things: Get him checked in with check-in time and info added Book everyone's dinner together Book shore excursions When you get onboard, book the shows. Beyond that, let him stick with you or go on his own as he sees fit. But at least you have the core stuff down and you'll see him for dinner.

It just keeps taking me back to the sign-in page. Obviously down for whatever reason.

it is still down... when i have issues i come here to see whats going on...lol

My last RUB notification said while you haven't been upgraded yet (Harmony 2022) you are still in the running as our on ship staff may choose you for an upgrade up to some time after boarding. (I read into that you may be upgraded so be prepared to change cabins.) If not interested anymore you may cancel your bid. On the ship and didn't unpack just in case, but received an email at 1900hrs saying your bid was unsuccessful. I am 0/27 for now and honestly I go into with the idea that I love the cabin I'm in but if I'm upgraded its a huge plus. I enjoy the process but I would love to "win" the ability to pay a little more for a last minute upgrade just once. Oh well, I have learned to not read anything into this totally random process. Positive winning vibes coming at you!

I sure do love a lazy river and think it could be really cool too. Not to mention the pump system to keep the water flowing and moving us fatties who overindulged at Windjammer.

While we normally don't do GTY bookings, we took advantage of a great deal for double points in a Junior Suite GTY (slightly obstructed) for a 9-night Eastern Caribbean Nov 2023 sailing on Explorer. Two days after booking, Royal pushed the sail date to mid-Dec and gave us the option to move or cancel with no additional fee, My travel agent was able to score us a great Junior Suite without an obstruction and closer to the elevators. Lucky day for sure...and what a terrific way to obtain Diamond status, too!

Ok, so let me expound a bit on what I said in my last post. I have taken two cruises in my entire life. Cruise number one was on Adventure of The Seas in April, 2022. Cruise number two was with Carnival on The Breeze in September, 2022. Why Carnival? I listened to a friend. A friend in retrospect who obviously knows no better! LOL Both Adventure of The Seas and The Breeze are of a similar size and had very similar itineraries. So, I feel this is a very good apples-to-apples comparison. The Ships: Winner - Adventure of The Seas. My wife and I both found the interior of Adventure of The Seas to be far more beautiful and appealing than The Breeze. Also, we found getting around on AoTS to be easier and more intuitive. The Breeze felt blocky by comparison without any natural flow. Also, the promenade on AoTS is just much more appealing than the atrium on The Breeze. AoTS is like a nicely appointed high end hotel and The Breeze is like a Super 8 hotel. Food: I am breaking down the food in to categories: Buffet: Adventure of The Seas by a long mile. In almost every category, the Windjammer kicks tail over the Lido Marketplace buffet on The Breeze. I am not saying the food is perfect in the Windjammer, there are hits and misses for sure, but the food was just overall very bad on The Breeze buffet. Sodas: Royal for the win. Why? They have Coke products. Carnival has Pepsi. I am a Coke man. Pizza: Ok, The Breeze wins one. The Pizza Pirate on The Breeze was superior in my opinion than the pizza we ate at Cafe Promenade on AoTS. Overall Included Dining Options: The Breeze again. The included options on The Breeze include Guy’s Burger Joint, Guy’s Pig & Anchor BBQ, Pizza Pirate, and Blue Iguana Cantina. In fact, the burgers from Guys, the pizza from Pizza Pirate and the tacos from Blue Iguana were very good. MDR: Adventure of The Seas. The dining rooms in AoTS are far more elegant and beautiful and feel more open. The food was a notch above as well when compared to The Breeze. Cabins: Tie. I found both cabins on the ships to be comparable. The Breeze may have had more usable storage as well, but lacked in decor. I slept great on both beds. (I like a very firm mattress). Staff: Adventure of The Seas. And really, this was close. We got great, friendly service on both ships, but the staff on The Breeze really bungled debarking for us. And that is another long story for later. Entertainment: Adventure of The Seas. The shows, the entertainers, the options, and the venues we found to be just a bit better on our RC ship. Not to say The Breeze didn’t have good entertainment, just not as good as on AoTS.

3 Days Until We Leave!! The luggage tags have been printed!! My drama tonight was figuring out why my printer only wanted to print in grayscale! I ended up having to uninstall my printer and all the drivers and start over! Tim asked if we really needed them tonight - um, YES!! It's on the schedule! He offered to go to Office Depot to print them tomorrow for me, but I couldn't stop troubleshooting until it was done. It's fixed, but I spent way too much time on it. Yes, I have an obsessive side. We've been watching Invest 98L in the Atlantic because it's modeled to go right up the path of our itinerary next week. A little sad that we could be rerouted because we know Mom and Aunt Cindy were looking forward to the ruins and dolphin encounter. However, it's a cruise and I'm sure the captain will make sure we have some sunshine, so it's not a bad thing. It's got our Facebook roll-call group all a flutter! I think I'd be happiest if we got rerouted to CocoCay as that is one of my favorite places, and I know Kenzie and Kayla would have a blast at the water park. If we end up there and the wind is right, I think it would be fun to go up in the balloon. Look at me planning it out already! Tonight is about to the end and that leaves us one more full day/evening before we need to pack up our final things (charged electronics, etc), head over and pack Mom, and then we all head to the hotel. I, unfortunately, have a long way to go with the packing because I've had a busy week. I need Genie Jay!!!

Just wanted to warn everyone that OnPoint Testing, which a lot of people are still using for cruises that still mandate COVID tests (Bermuda, Canada), is having some serious issues and should no longer be used. In a Facebook group for my sailing (Adventure 9/24) there were about a dozen people who had planned to use OnPoint and everyone's Zoom links were expired. Nobody answers the phone there or answers emails. Many of us spent the entire day trying to get a hold of someone to help. Some of us were able to get our testing done, but many were left scrambling for a new test. The same is going on with sailings on other cruise lines (my wife joined a few Facebook groups for those sailings and saw many people freaking out over the same thing.) To top it off, I posted a comment on OnPoint's Facebook page saying I had been unable to reach anyone, and I received this note from a former employee... It seems with so few places still requiring testing for travel, this company is cashing out -- and not in a very honest or ethical way. (The note should be read 2nd image, 1st, then 3rd -- I couldn't get them in the right order!)

i love the idea of an upgrade but the obsessive planner/type A personality in me has a hard time letting go of not knowing where my cabin is until i'm aboard

You can also add it to your Apple Wallet if an iPhone user to see the numbers.

Thank you! We've been watching too. We're following James Van Fleet (Chief Meteorologist for RC) and yesterday he was still thinking we'd be okay on our original itinerary. We'll see.

Great now I don't know how many days until my next cruise! Now what I am going to do with the rest of my day!

Good to know I'm not out on my own limb with this issue! Will keep checking back here to find out who the lucky person is who is able to log back on first.

Same problem. Cannot sign into Royal or Celebrity webpages.

I think a lot of the suggestions are spot on. My advice would also be to temper expectations. I took 3 newbies in Oct during the restart, and I told them while the ship has wonderful offerings, we may not be able to do much. They were amazed at the Aqua show on Allure......even though it was not a cohesive show but an exhibition. We did a walk around and they were like wow it really is a floating city. I believe because I prepared them with info about drink packages and excursion but left everything else up in the air, they enjoyed it more. Now it looks like it will become a yearly thing that they cruise with me as we are doing Odyssey in Nov.

During our June inside passage, we sometimes got better service using land towers then the Radiance Wi-Fi in several areas on the inside passage. We have Verizon and our plan includes roaming and Canada...We would switched it off Airplane and as long as we didn't see the dreaded cellular at sea we were good to go. Didn't have any cost added to our Verizon bill.

@Aron_Ross, once a New Jerseyan/Yorker, always one! Yes, I have sailed on Anthem a couple of times, but not this itinerary. I am not vaccinated, so my options are limited.

If you have specific questions just ask and I will answer later. I am at Labadee right now and heading off ship shortly

Ok, comfort its not just me. Thanks for the info. Royal, seriously, fix your IT issues. You can build a new ship like Icon but can't get your website to work?

FWIW Ampurp85...you will never see me doing that. BTW...AAron_Ross...my wife has gone to the MDR just to have the onion soup. My personal favorite is the wild mushroom soup. When there was a shortage of mushrooms on a couple of cruises, I mourned the lost opportunity to indulge.

Every time I've had breakfast at JRs we are always the only ones there. Maybe another table or two inside, but I feel like it's a pretty well-kept secret.