Joe01

I'll have a look into Vision and Radiance Class ships, but what is there to do onboard them? Serenade and Enchantment were both underwhelming and boring. Could a ship like Rhapsody live up to Harmony & Symphony or would I just be disappointed? I would rather sound picky now than book a ship that I end up disliking. Due to our present circumstances, I can't sail solo either as I would otherwise book Indy in a heartbeat.

Not for me either. I've read too many poor reviews of MSC to consider them. As a Loyal to Royal, I really can't see what MSC Seaside/Seaview adds to the industry.

What should I do for next year if there is no viable Royal cruise? Don't like the idea of a 2 week land vacation. I guess that Harmony and Symphony have spoiled me and no other ship can compare.

By class of ship: Oasis Class - All in Caribbean from Florida or Med from Barcelona Quantum Class - Thanks, but no thanks. Keep them in Asia. Freedom Class - San Juan, Galveston (both hard to access and probably not for the group), Southampton (already explained) Voyager Class - Asia (too far away), Southampton (already explained), New York (Been there 6 times already and don't want a 3rd cruise with the Blairs), 3/4 day Bahamas (not convenient from UK). Radiance Class - Worry that it would feel too small. Jewel was great as a first cruise, but Serenade was a dud and I worry that I would be bored. Vision Class - See Radiance. Enchantment was also a dud. Majesty - Pass. Too old, but did appreciate Matt's insight on her. Empress - Why is she still with Royal??? I'll admit that I am not sounding optimistic, but I can really see no viable option for a Royal cruise next year. I didn't rule out Vision or Radiance Class, but worry at the lack of things to do on sea days, not to mention issues such as poor Internet (in comparison to the newer ships with VOOM) and a lack of shows.

It's tough that my group are so picky. No to the Caribbean and Western Med rules out the Freedom and Oasis Class ships. I would do Independence, but they hate going from Southampton.

I saw what Matt said about MJ. From watching videos of her, she certainly looks bigger than she is. My reservation with Radiance is that I did not really enjoy my cruise on Serenade and felt a bit bored. That was when I was used to Freedom Class. Now I have sailed Oasis Class so SR would feel even smaller. BTW - I'm way too young to be sailing either HAL or Celebrity.

Cruise Director's on Carnival have a very different job to those on Royal, so are expected to be front of house and have a profound impact on guests.

I thought of that, but Explorer won't be there next year. Ovation isn't my cup of tea and as I am used to the Oasis Class (7 sailings since 2014), I worry that Radiance would feel too small, particularly since I felt that Serenade was a dud.

Hello from Symphony! Loving it here. Was having this discussion again a few nights ago. It's always depressing after a cruise when it is uncertain as to when/where your next cruise will be. It's not as clear cut as this year because Symphony was basically pencilled in all along and we just had to book it, and same for Harmony last year. Now that we have caught up on the new ships, we are unsure of what to do. Not planning to book a cruise just now, but at least want to walk off the gangway on Sunday with some ideas of what my next voyage could be. My group ruled out another Western Med or Caribbean cruise.

Sorry for the lack of blogging during the last few days. Does anyone have any questions about what I have been doing or about any events?

Sorry all - I've been a bit light on the blogging the last few days. Went to the 4th of July celebrations last night. It was just a bit too crowded in the Royal Promenade, however that was not the main issue. The worst thing about it was the Royal Caribbean singers. I admit to being someone who has no patience for singers who think that they are better than they are, but I just found them very irritating and even when Michele was speaking, they were trying to take the limelight. It was like watching John Blair do the Neil Diamond act all over again. It's a shame though as Michele and the entertainment team tried their best, but those singers were enough for me to leave. I'm sure it was the same singers who did the 50's and 60's party on Harmony last year and were the exact same there. I felt that they tried to take over the limelight from the CD & team there as well. Luckily at HM's 4th of July, they had the guy playing Danny Zuko in Grease do it. He was much better and could actually sing well (and was easy on the eye).

Thanks! I'm loving it. Hopefully Michele will still be here for you as well. I don't know how 80's night would work when he leaves. Margot will still be there though and she is great.

He leaves in early September. Activities Manager is currently Katy McCullagh.

Dru Pavlov.

80's Party: Just returned. It is a great event. I highly recommend it if you sail on Symphony. CD Michele was excellent hosting it and the staff were very fun and high energy. It starts with about 30 mins where the DJ plays some songs to get the crowd in the mood. The Entertainment team then arrive although the first proper event of the show is a number by the Royal Caribbean Dancers. I always love watching them (although often for eye-candy ). Following the dancers, Michele, Margot and the Entertainment team (aka Youth, Sports and CD Staff) arrive and the official party begins. They do it for around 30-40 mins. It is great fun. Mostly rock music. There was also a number with the male members of the entertainment team and a few occasions where the staff tried to get people to dance. Definitely on par with 70's night, although I think that the CD can make or break this and we were lucky with the CD. Summary of today coming later. Ciao Ciao for now!

About to go to 80's night. Summary of today will come soon after. Is it just me or is the World Cup becoming extremely annoying? Maybe I am biased as I am the only male in Scotland that hates football, but it is just so loud on the whole of the Boardwalk and I can hear a lot of it even with the balcony door closed. If they really want to show it, why not in the theater? Sorry to sound like a moaner, but living in a city like Glasgow where there are football fans everywhere, I would appreciate not dealing with them on vacation.

Tim going to RH didn't surprise me as he would be returning to ID on Sept 22nd which left a 4 month gap and RH needed someone to cover Elvis' vacation.

Keep positive! I wonder why there were so many changes in the schedule. Maybe a CD resigned/was fired which screwed up where certain CD's were supposed to go.

I can't upload pics yet, not to mention that I only have phone data in port. Please be patient folks.

He will be back early Sept to January and then off for 2 months. March 10th seems realistic to expect him back onboard. Fingers crossed!

@Lovetocruise2002 Abe is coming back to the Harmony, so given the way that the schedule is looking, he will be your CD in March. Lucky you!

Good morning! Getting off in Marseilles today. Tonight is 80's night! Can''t wait for that. Also finally trying wings at Playmaker's. Ciao Ciao for now!

It never seems to be a huge issue in the main whirlpools, but seems to be with the Solarium. Ironically, they hate if there is a well behaved child using the Solarium facilities. The blatant lack of parenting gets on my nerve as well. Kids - you have Splashaway Bay to scream and splash to your heart's desire. I wouldn't enter that space, please don't enter the adult's space either.

I'm on a Boardwalk Balcony on Deck 12. OP - Not too sure about how it is on an outward balcony but I can hear a lot of noise from here, even when the balcony door is closed. It doesn't bother me too much but it may bother some other people. It may have a little bit of noise, but not as much as something that faces onto the Boardwalk.

I'm just back from the whirlpools. Went to the cantilevered whirlpool, which is excellent, but given that it is for over 16's only, I wish that the lifeguards would send the children away. They were loud and playing around as if it were the outdoor pools. I was under the permitted age to use the Solarium when I first cruised, but I at least respected the rules. Why aren't these children doing the same?