Leaderboard

It’s finally calmed down a bit and we have partly sunny skies! Currently balcony hanging before Sonic Odyssey at 6:30. Then Wonderland!

I find myself at 10 or 11 pm eating the pizza. Not because it is good but because it is available. RCL is not good about food at night. I would always opt for pizza rather than going back to the cabin for room service. My wife will not eat the Sorrento’s pizza. The midnight buffet is overkill. We would however love some late night options for sliders, street tacos, nachos, etc.

Our guest arrived at 5:30! After a tour of the suite, and a few selfies, we shared a meal of sushi and learned much more about Lusi. She is an amazing, gracious lady who loves to talk and laugh. After his other guests were accommodated we met Jay for our last dinner here at Giovanni's. Another fun hour grilling him for dirt!. Learned a lot more of his past experiences and future goals. He's a gem for sure. Melissa received another birthday cake tonight with the correct name on it

Sonic Odyssey last night was so cool! I’m so glad we snuck it in before dinner because it turned out to be our favorite of the three production shows we’ve seen on this cruise. Mega percussion, giant triple banger guitar, huuuge theatre-wide harp, what’s not to like? After the show we had about 40 minutes and snuck in another un-tried activity in the Seaplex. Line went pretty quickly and we only ended up 5 minutes late to Wonderland. Wonderland was interesting. Haha, I am glad we went but it was definitely a one-and-done visit. Stand outs were the dumpling soup, potted shrimp and the short rib main course. The smoked whiskey drink on their menu was my husband’s favorite ship-wide! I took exactly one picture while there - the baby veggies in the garden. Still on our way to Victoria this morning. Check this classic balcony look!

One of our party found out that she couldn't go on the cruise, which leaves in seven days. We were able to call RC and change the guest name without any problem at all. It even updated all of our reservations for the new guest. Really excellent service.

The animal collection this week

I get what @asquared17 is saying. I feel like as a loyal member, I am being both priced and sort of phased out. Most of the things I read prior had me believing it would be quiet and relaxing. However, if you are charging just to have a DJ and access to pizza it sounds more like an experience. It sounds like a club at PDCC. I like to people watch and chill, I don't need the beach to do that, but I was excited for Hideaway Beach because I thought it would be some bars, hammocks, shaded chairs etc. Meaning I could read without some child being extra and screaming about an itchy butt(sand) . Now I feel like it is literally a Vegas pool knockoff, which is imho the worst thing about Vegas.

Hope you all are sitting down, remember my Hide Away Beach fiasco trying to get admissions to celebrate kiddos 18th birthday on the 18+ beach because I thought it would be an amazing birthday treat? Remember she is 17 on embarkation day but 18 the day before we visit Coco Cay & my entire cancelation of reservations by Royal mess? Well when I escalated the other day the young lady said she would call me back, I was like "sure, not holding my breath" & went ahead and rebooked the beach bed on South Beach for 180.00 more. I made up my mind I would not go to the Royal's Virgin Voyages party beach, humph! Well to be transparent with my fam here & fair to Royal here is what happened. I'm doing my home chores yesterday with my fitness watch on (because I cheat) & it buzzes, Royal Caribbean calling, wait...what? I go & grab the phone & a young lady asks is it okay I called we want to know exactly what transpired please, my name is Janelle & I'm from Michael Bayley's office. Besides being flabbergasted I sit down and painstakingly explain everything, she then brings another person from excursions on the line and all 3 of us interact. Long story short she thanked me & apologized and offered to secure our reservations for the day. This was 200.00 cheaper then my beach bed and she was so nice I did it, I am going to party beach! After reading everything and as @Sharla stated the adults beach on DCL is quiet & included with the sailing fare (we visited in June 2023) I'm bringing earplugs & a great attitude, hopefully it won't be too loud on the beach but this old girl is going for it. How could I not, after all that I could not say....oh, thanks never mind; that's not my nature. My girls will be secured so no tripping & my newly minted 18 year old hopefully will remember this for the rest of her life. I complain when Royal gets it wrong, I must let you guys know when they make an amazing effort at customer care, now if only the suites amenity could be streamlined, LOL!

Worked for us !!

One small caution when booking with Air2Sea... There are times when you will get an Air2Sea agent who does not really know what they are doing. Surprise, surprise. Anyway, when re-pricing your flights, always make sure you check your most recent booking confirmation with the air attached. This is especially important if you are not working with a TA. Twice now, when re-pricing my airfare, an Air2Sea agent has re-priced my entire cruise. This doesn't happen often, but it has happened, and can happen. They will fix it, but it is helpful if you catch it right away instead of when you are trying to make final payment and realize that the cruise is much more than you are supposed to be paying. So, always tell them that you are re-pricing flights only and not to touch your cruise reservation, and double check your booking confirmation after you re-price. My TA and I have a system now. I always text her when I re-price and she pulls the booking afterwards so we can double check the balance.

After dinner I ventured outside to see how the night sky was looking. The cloud cover from earlier remained so I returned to my cabin to go through some pictures. Around 10:00pm I went out on my balcony and saw what I thought might be the Milky Way off my balcony. Sure enough an app confirmed it so I went out to the deck eight forward star gazing deck that I took the pictures of Kicker Rock from. I haven't spent a lot of time tweaking this just yet, but here is what I captured with a long exposure.

We usually stay in standard rooms to control costs, but we frequently treat our adult children to join us, so it probably balances out. I agree that prices have increased, but they've increased on land as well. To me the alternative to a cruise is a road trip to a national park. At this point, I find a cruise in standard cabin is still cost competitive and much easier.

Radio chatter gave us permission to proceed so away we went to catch our first glimpse of the Silver Origin. Our guide points out a Blue Footed Booby near us. A glass of sparkling wine was waiting for us. After a brief wait to check in it was up to lunch. Not a bad lunch view...

Yeah, I hate to see it, but it is a natural step in maximizing profits. When you have full sailings and super high demand, the loyal are costing you revenue that the new would spend. While I don't think there is any active policy to alienate the loyal, there's also no fear barrier preventing it from being a side effect of other maximization efforts.

You end up being part of the reason the next set of cruisers have to endure a lower level of service then. I take this posture. I don't have to say anything, but if I say something, it needs to be the truth.

YAYAYAYAYAYAY YOU GOT APPROVAL TO OPEN!!!!!!! HERE WE GO!!!!!! i laughed harder than i should have at this my taglines: truffles, falling down stairs, tomato hatred, “i can’t even”

Time to catch up a bit. Melissa and I got off the ship at Cozumel and just spent time in the port area. Did the tourist thing and had some tacos and guacamole at Margaritaville. Weather was nice enough so we spent some time on the balcony. Dinner at chops. Had the filet and whole lobster. Both very good but the Sabrina Special in CK is still the best. Show last night was in the aqua Theater. Always amazed with the athletic skills of those men and women. After the show we headed up to the suite to once again spend some time with our friends, MO5AIC. Happened to be Heath’s birthday so we celebrated with a cake, some snacks and of course some drinks. Jay knows them well so he popped in also. Just like last year it was two hours of laughter! Just before 11 the guys and girls decided to go to Quest. Stacy and I said we’d stay in the suite and let the younger ones party. Shortly after they left I found a cell phone belonging to one of the guys. I texted Taylor and she asked if we could bring it down. We went and found the group and went back to the room. NOT. I Think I was set up. Sometime around 3 am we said ourgoodnight and headed back to the suite.

i thought about this for a bit because a certain demographic could certainly be appealing, however — what about those of us who are in higher stress environments (or low stress quite frankly); the service industry; or simply wish for a modicum of peace and quiet when vacationing? this is not to say that entertainment on any level is bad — or that we don’t enjoy it! — but more so that it seems moves are being made to capitalize (again, nothing wrong with that!) and maximize less “chill” options and more “full on” experiences. and again, i will state: there is NOTHING wrong with that i am in my thirties and have been in customer service and parts of retail/food industry prior to kicking into tech. for me, a large part of what i look forward to is being able to unplug when i go on vacation and turn my brain off. can i still do this at PDCC? ABSOLUTELY. i don’t even need to pay extra money or go to the beach club if i prefer not to. i could stay on the ship, or my balcony and enjoy the weather. i think initially i was under the impression that adults only WOULD be more geared like an on land solarium situation — but more enforced age restriction with kids bc we all know kids are in the solarium while aboard. the fact that hideaway beach isn’t that way doesn’t mean i HATE it — just means it’s not for me. my age excludes me from a 55+ cruise and i love people watching as others enjoy various forms of entertainment and activities, so i generally prefer a royal cruise to be my cruise of choice. however there is definitely a feeling that there is more emphasis on cramming in additional experiences — paid or included — on the newest ships and now, hideaway beach — to leverage a different kind of crowd. and again, this is not bad, or wrong, in ANY way. but i also don’t necessarily believe i’d be happier on a 55+ cruise even if i were of age for that haha

I'd say living near the cruise ports is the big #1. When we lived in VA we had to fly to every port except for Bayonne. Not only was it expensive but these days I think it would be extremely stressful and somewhat unreliable. We moved to FL specifically so that we could cruise more often without flying. It's working !!!

Retire. Move to Florida. At least that is my plan

Made it to Las Vegas. Plane change and a short hop home. Crew picked up our luggage at 0630. Breakfast in CK. Jay met us in the room about 8:50 and we were on the curb about 10 minutes later. Same car service as last week whisked us off to the airport. Had a snack from a business claiming to sell Chinese food. Routine flight in to Vegas stuffed full of Southwest’s yummy snack bags. Girls having fresh pretzels now. I’m waiting till I get home and make a fresh pizza! I’m telling you, these goodbyes with the Genies are just getting harder! I may or may not have emailed Royal that I might not even cruise in the future if Jay isn’t aboard!. I’ll have more to share about him after I’m home. But for now I’ll just sit here at my gate, staring at a Burger King, and process those visions in my head of some strange people leaving 1740 on their way to CK for filet night. It’s not a good feeling

Rates are better, too, although every cruise is an interior GTY.

I really think when Royal says "land vacations" they mean Walt Disney World. Maybe Las Vegas, but less so because of how variable that pricing can be.

That's scary if Air2Sea agents have the ability to change your cruise reservation.

Some days 2 people show up, other days 8 people attend. Glad they offer it.

Times will be in "The Good to Know" section... Looks like they were held 3:00-3:30 on the 7 night Western Caribbean Itinerary... Hope that helps. I'm not involved with this group(Friends of Bill W), just trying to help out a new member to the boards...welcome to the boards by the way.

Laser tag in the Seaplex this morning! Husband beat everyone, I came in 11th hahah This was a lot more fun than I thought! They were pumping in fog and the inflatable course was pretty intricate with lots of fun cut outs for sneak attacks.

This will be the first time my husband and I have sailed with Royal Caribbean. We are registered and have excursions booked.

At 7pm we had our destination talk specific to our next day at Prince Philip's Steps. This back in the Explorers Lounge. The bar menu for the lounge. I saw the dinner menu outside the main dining room while walking through this area.

Both your blogs are, and will be awesome! You both have a hilarious writing style. That's what makes them awesome! Thank you for taking us along another great one @Rags1. Congrats on the restaurant, and one day, maybe we can sail together! I would love that. You and the fam seem like genuinely good people, and I would say that Jay and Lusi are just as lucky to have you guys! And @SweetPea, you're next. We are all counting on it!

I believe this question has too many nuances for anyone on this board to accurately advise on. Good luck, and I hope it all works out.

I love my cruises and am a creature of habit so I haven't even considered alternatives... personal preference of course. As far as price, I'm paying a bit more (for interiors, which we have been booking for a long time now) but not so much more for most of my cruises that I haven't even considered changing anything. Using a TA with group rates and booking earlier than I used to has helped with that (although there are still some good last minute deals in the sale fliers, our schedule just isn't flexible enough to take advantage of them). Sometimes all the negativity on the forums makes me feel like an oddball for still enjoying cruising as much as I did last year or 5 years ago... and I'm OK with that.

Join the Navy/Coast Guard -- you'll get plenty of stormy days

I believe it's right around 48 hours for a name change. At least one name from original reservation needs to remain on the reservation.

Yeah it might be a real smart move for the other big lines to institute a status match program for a few months while Royal keeps pushing loyalists away. Interesting times...

Yeah, the youngins invented it!

That would mean efficiency!

It's official. My blog will be a bedtime reading sleep aid after this nonstop ! Huge congrats on your amazing news!!

Not true. If the card fails for any reason (fraud protection exc) Royal up sends you an email for an updated credit card that is time sensitive. I’ve had issues several times with AMEX rejecting a charge from Royal Up.

Any North Atlantic sailing in late October thru February. Think Anthem sailings out of New Jersey.

What really bothers me is people are quoting Royal as saying it was free/included in your fare X amount of months back. I CANNOT stand when they pull this garbage. I never believed it would be included and if I said that here 50 people would have said don't borrow trouble. Don't assume the worst. Royal said it will be free quote unquote. We should always assume the worst. This is how they now operate 24/7. Hey, you want to charge for it, charge for it. But don't try to get good press and non refundable reservations for products you claim in the press will be included, when you have Zero intention of doing so. It's sleezy to say or imply it will be free in interviews when you know that's not going to be the case. It's free country. Charge what you want. But be upfront and honest.

Somehow after a very late night I actually made it to the cupcake decorating class at 10 am. (None of the other hard partiers answered the bell). Lusi taught us how to make a dog. I actually could have used the hair of the dog! Here’s my cupcake dog next to Lusi’s. Not hard to guess who’s is who’s! After class I met Stacy at, sit down now @Lovetocruise2002, the Windjammer for a bite. Then we met the kids at Sabor for some guacamole. Enjoyed watching all the little ones at the final day family party on the boardwalk. Then down to the Promenade to buy an Allure shirt for me and get Starbucks for the girls. Now a little chill time until 5:30 when we may have another guest up for a little sushi Dinner tonight at 8 back in Giovanni’s for the “last supper” before our return to reality. Speaking of reality I received an email from the County requesting I submit documents that I sent them a long time ago. I just said no. Check. Your move. Thursday morning I received approval to open!

I’m the week after you on Icon and it’s $43.99. I just don’t get this “dynamic” pricing. Maybe I’m the first week after all the spring breaks end?

Sooooo $43.99 for our April Icon. I bought it BUT if the previous sailings say it’s Jersey Shore and nothing but 18-25 year olds….I’ll be cancelling. Figure it’s a one and done because my October Utopia has it for $70.99. It’s like now they’re trying to get the Virgin passengers. How about catering to the passengers that made you who you are? The ones who put on damn masks and sailed your ships when you were sinking and still sinking in debt. Be very careful Royal because a lot of people who swore they were “Loyal to Royal” are starting to raise eyebrows and considering the competitors who will match status.

I did it by practicing good money management when I was young. I avoided debt, maxed out my 401k and IRA. Now that I'm retired, the dream has come true, but I still keep an eye on what I spend. Manage to average 1 cruise per month now.

I'm a less frequent cruiser now because pricing has gone way up while service quality has gone in the other direction. If you are looking at current rates and wondering how anyone is a frequent cruiser I'm right there with you.

tl;dr We’re frugal and are reaping the benefits of decades of planning My wife is going on five cruises in 2024. I’m with her on four of them. In addition, we’ve already booked an 11 night in January 2025 on Odyssey. We are waiting for the rest of 2025 to be released to book a few more. This is how we do it: We are firmly middle class, mid-50s. I have 6 weeks pto and my wife technically has unlimited, but I’m reality takes 4-4 1/2 weeks a year. While not “rich” as typically defined, we have no debt…none, zero, nada. We own our home outright. Neither of us drink or smoke, and I can’t remember the last time we ate out other than on a cruise. We do have an off-grid camp and land in northern Maine that we go to as much as possible, but we always seem to end up working when we go there. We worked our asses off for 30 years to get to the point where we are now. Our plan was always to raise the kids (now 23, 30, and 32) then enjoy life as much as we can while still funding our retirement (I’m retiring in 6 years when I turn 60). We typically book interior cabins and usually disembark with a zero balance because we don’t pay for anything extra. ….although we did reserve Chops on our cruise on Explorer next month because my wife is turning 56 that day. We’ve changed cruises from Florida to New Jersey because even after eating the change fee, it’s cheaper than flying to Florida. So that’s how we do it…..well…in addition I’ve been working 70 hours a week since April, and my wife has a second job. That helps.

I think it's a great question. I'm not sure that we're "frequent" cruisers in the past, but we do have several cruises planned for the upcoming year. We do opt to stay in "cheaper" cabins because we just want to be on the ship. We have never spent a lot of time in our room. We also are able to travel at times when cruises are a bit cheaper. We don't have kids and we work at a university, so we can avoid the crowded times when others are constrained by kids' calendars. We have good jobs, but don't make a ton by any means. We live no where near a port, we're not retired. We do get a decent amount of PTO where we work. We make a lot of decisions in our everyday lives to save money because we want to spend it on vacations. We do not eat out often, don't go out to movies, etc. We're very happy and don't feel like we deny ourselves anything, but I'm sure our friends think we're too frugal. But, when I'm on a cruise (or other vacation), I'm not really worried about what they think. I guess it's all about priorities.

Winning the lottery is still my plan!

I don't know that you'd consider us frequent cruisers. We try to cruise 3-4 times a year (wish we could afford more). I use all of my PTO for cruises, and try to get one in between Christmas and New Years when my office is closed for the Holidays. A big key for us, is booking way in advance, usually as soon as bookings become available, to get the best prices, and working with a good TA that often has great group rates available. I've recently started getting casino comps after making prime on my last cruise, so will be taking my first comped cruise in February.