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Avfrattner

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  1. Love
    Avfrattner got a reaction from SeaSomm in An Honest Post Cruise Review - OVTS JAN 4 2023   
    All good mate, I can see your point....yep.
    I guess this can be seen as I'm having a sook, but I'm just giving my honest opinion on what happened to me and my cruise that I paid for.
    And yes, it does somewhat affect me to see people letting their kids drink and gamble at such an early age because I know that the youth is our future. And trust me, I'm not a part of the temperance union, but I do think there is an issue of early exposure to a lot of things. 
     
    Now you live in Wisconsin in America. I live in South Australia in Australia. 
    Two different places. Two different people with two different opinions. But I do respect your opinion and your freedom to express it.
    Cheers, and have a great day!
     
     
  2. Like
    Avfrattner got a reaction from deButler in No Craps Table! ??   
    Sorry to here, that sucks....I love the craps and I wish Australian casinos had them still!
    They had craps on OVTS Jan 4th 23 and it was always fun/busy and had great atmosphere around it.
    Absolutely stupid that they took it off because of "Australians" 
    Quite a lot of us. Australians really loved the craps table and we all learnt off of each other and had a great time. Not sure why they would do that but post COVID!
    What makes more money slot machines, roulette with double zero or craps? Who knows.
     
  3. Like
    Avfrattner got a reaction from Linda R in An Honest Post Cruise Review - OVTS JAN 4 2023   
    I will begin with saying I am very loyal to royal l and will always still be loyal to royal.
    So I like to break down my post cruise reviews in three parts, the good, the bad and the fantastic!
     
    The Good- 
    Being back on a cruise ship after the pandemic is quite a feeling and a good feeling of that and knowing crew can again earn income.
    Being a suite and having some form of access to coastal kitchen each dinner was amazing.
    Was given a 70% refund on the key.
    Was 70% refund on three night dining package.
    Drinks package as per usual, got my worth x2 lol
    Well......that was the good.
     
    The Bad- 
    Port staff absolutely stressed the hell out of guests in the key line and suites line, I don't know whether it was a miscommunication between Port staff and Royal Caribbean, but it was poor when they were threatening to push people back to their arranged embarkation time regardless of their status.
    We missed three-port days out of four, and only got compensation of $200 per state room if you're in a suite. I will not add to the rumours of why royal keeps missing certain ports from sydney and ship capacities from Australia...... Should have of sailed from Brisbane on Quantum lol.
    The key program is an absolute joke! Tried to do the the good thing by booking everything first up. We were told to go from the sports desk to Northstar to ripcord to call the number to go to guest services and even try booking it at focus????? Also, the key lunch took over an hour to get to the mains.
    People cutting lines was absolutely horrendous, someone would be in line and let 10 in with them. 
    Not so much a bad thing as it is my own fault but I'm never ever booking a cruise in school holidays. It was like Lord of the flies lol. What 1am curfew hahahahaha.
    Parents letting children gamble on the slot machines right near the entrance of casino Royale. I saw on four occasions children aged from 10 to 15 ish gambling.
    Underage drinking and I'm not saying just on the cusp of being legal. I'm saying I saw a 11-year-old with a vodka in a lift.
    Underage smoking and not even in the designated smoking areas.
    Was lightly hit with the craps stick at the casino on the hand by a certain dealer, I was new to the game of craps and didn't know the rules too well. Also, it wasn't a mistake because I saw him hit other guests on the hand throughout the sailing. I wonder what would happen if you hit the crew on the hand with a craps sitck????
    Internet was absolutely non-existent. Apparently the ship server crashed.
    Had a really bad dinner at izums, salmon had a metallic taste, Tuna looked dry however the kingfish was good. I must say I've had two really good dining experiences at izumi's in the past.
    Royals lack of care for overworking the crew with missed port days, I'd rather royal just close the casino and reduce staff shipwide then work these poor people to the bone, absolutely hated that and I felt bad even having to ask for a drink from these absolutely legends!... Royal if you want to miss a port day due to "1.5 m swell"...your loss....not the crew!
    People defecating and vomiting all over the ship. My heart goes out to the poor crew who clean up after these pigs. Folks who get that messy should be charged a fee and the fee should passed in full to said crew who cleans it up!
    Royal cutting back on jr suites and diamond members, Enuff said!
     
    The fantastic- 
    The crew! The crew are always amazing and fantastic. Doesn't matter. Post COVID pre-COVID no COVID.....They are amazing!
    The service is that amazing, thats why I always tip everytime even in Oz, our tips are included cause most Aussies are cheap ####'s and don't understand "American based customs" hahaha
     
    Now.....In order of legend status.
    Coastal kitchen - Eguardo, a amazing guy who will go 1001%. Eguardo, if you ever read this, I hope you got to see your kids and sorry we missed you at the airport.
    Coastal kitchen - Wef and Nomsa, booked us in every night even tho we were in a jr suite.
    Casino bar staff - Umeish, I did not need to even ask for a drink nor give my seapass card. He saw me and bam! My usual drink was there. Great dude!
    Casino bar staff - Reymond, when at tables he sorted me out first....every time! Awesome hardworker.
    The pub staff - Dinesh, really cool guy always sorted me out and was real...he did not take shit from drunk bogan idiots.
    Music hall bar staff - Michael, really nice guy. Service was great and the only person we let make a "Cesar" for us.
    Casino staff - Miriam, awesome dealer, she always had the time and patience with not just us but other players. 
    Casino staff - Lay, another great patient dealer who also was working with her husband on the same sailing! Really good to hear that they had a couple's room.
    Casino management - Bobby, good old Bob. I've seen Bob on quite a few sailings and he's always a good laugh and will always help you with problems as above with two other shithead staff. Good to see that he's climbed the ranks to casino manager!
    Casino management - Leonardo, He was great. Knew how to have a laugh and really looked after us.
    Ship cleaner - Mansesh, I saw on two occasions of him cleaning feces from the Royal Promenade and three lots of vomit.
    Guest services - All of the staff they absolutely copped it...poor guys!
     
    Summary-
    So in summary if you were to ask me, would I cancel this cruise that I just went on? The answer would be yes. A very bold hard.....Yes......waste of money!
    Did I let it spoil my trip......nope!
    I do feel like Royal in Australia has dropped the ball overall. They do lie to you and I will not get into how I know but I do know.
    I don't know if it is a cost recovery measure from COVID. I'm not sure.
    But one thing I do know is it is not the royal that I was used to pre-COVID.
    Will I cruise with Royal again? Of course I will and only Royal.
    But will I do a different form of non cruising holiday? Yes! 
    I think I shall be waiting till they are in a positive cash flow position.
     
    Thank you for reading!
  4. Like
    Avfrattner got a reaction from Mike.s in An Honest Post Cruise Review - OVTS JAN 4 2023   
    All good mate, I can see your point....yep.
    I guess this can be seen as I'm having a sook, but I'm just giving my honest opinion on what happened to me and my cruise that I paid for.
    And yes, it does somewhat affect me to see people letting their kids drink and gamble at such an early age because I know that the youth is our future. And trust me, I'm not a part of the temperance union, but I do think there is an issue of early exposure to a lot of things. 
     
    Now you live in Wisconsin in America. I live in South Australia in Australia. 
    Two different places. Two different people with two different opinions. But I do respect your opinion and your freedom to express it.
    Cheers, and have a great day!
     
     
  5. Like
    Avfrattner got a reaction from brienc in An Honest Post Cruise Review - OVTS JAN 4 2023   
    All good mate, I can see your point....yep.
    I guess this can be seen as I'm having a sook, but I'm just giving my honest opinion on what happened to me and my cruise that I paid for.
    And yes, it does somewhat affect me to see people letting their kids drink and gamble at such an early age because I know that the youth is our future. And trust me, I'm not a part of the temperance union, but I do think there is an issue of early exposure to a lot of things. 
     
    Now you live in Wisconsin in America. I live in South Australia in Australia. 
    Two different places. Two different people with two different opinions. But I do respect your opinion and your freedom to express it.
    Cheers, and have a great day!
     
     
  6. Haha
    Avfrattner reacted to Phd1003 in An Honest Post Cruise Review - OVTS JAN 4 2023   
    Right in front of Sorrento's? I'm appalled - Everyone knows the only place that is acceptable is...  (Wait for it)...  - The poop deck
  7. Like
    Avfrattner got a reaction from PPPJJ-GCVAB in An Honest Post Cruise Review - OVTS JAN 4 2023   
    I will begin with saying I am very loyal to royal l and will always still be loyal to royal.
    So I like to break down my post cruise reviews in three parts, the good, the bad and the fantastic!
     
    The Good- 
    Being back on a cruise ship after the pandemic is quite a feeling and a good feeling of that and knowing crew can again earn income.
    Being a suite and having some form of access to coastal kitchen each dinner was amazing.
    Was given a 70% refund on the key.
    Was 70% refund on three night dining package.
    Drinks package as per usual, got my worth x2 lol
    Well......that was the good.
     
    The Bad- 
    Port staff absolutely stressed the hell out of guests in the key line and suites line, I don't know whether it was a miscommunication between Port staff and Royal Caribbean, but it was poor when they were threatening to push people back to their arranged embarkation time regardless of their status.
    We missed three-port days out of four, and only got compensation of $200 per state room if you're in a suite. I will not add to the rumours of why royal keeps missing certain ports from sydney and ship capacities from Australia...... Should have of sailed from Brisbane on Quantum lol.
    The key program is an absolute joke! Tried to do the the good thing by booking everything first up. We were told to go from the sports desk to Northstar to ripcord to call the number to go to guest services and even try booking it at focus????? Also, the key lunch took over an hour to get to the mains.
    People cutting lines was absolutely horrendous, someone would be in line and let 10 in with them. 
    Not so much a bad thing as it is my own fault but I'm never ever booking a cruise in school holidays. It was like Lord of the flies lol. What 1am curfew hahahahaha.
    Parents letting children gamble on the slot machines right near the entrance of casino Royale. I saw on four occasions children aged from 10 to 15 ish gambling.
    Underage drinking and I'm not saying just on the cusp of being legal. I'm saying I saw a 11-year-old with a vodka in a lift.
    Underage smoking and not even in the designated smoking areas.
    Was lightly hit with the craps stick at the casino on the hand by a certain dealer, I was new to the game of craps and didn't know the rules too well. Also, it wasn't a mistake because I saw him hit other guests on the hand throughout the sailing. I wonder what would happen if you hit the crew on the hand with a craps sitck????
    Internet was absolutely non-existent. Apparently the ship server crashed.
    Had a really bad dinner at izums, salmon had a metallic taste, Tuna looked dry however the kingfish was good. I must say I've had two really good dining experiences at izumi's in the past.
    Royals lack of care for overworking the crew with missed port days, I'd rather royal just close the casino and reduce staff shipwide then work these poor people to the bone, absolutely hated that and I felt bad even having to ask for a drink from these absolutely legends!... Royal if you want to miss a port day due to "1.5 m swell"...your loss....not the crew!
    People defecating and vomiting all over the ship. My heart goes out to the poor crew who clean up after these pigs. Folks who get that messy should be charged a fee and the fee should passed in full to said crew who cleans it up!
    Royal cutting back on jr suites and diamond members, Enuff said!
     
    The fantastic- 
    The crew! The crew are always amazing and fantastic. Doesn't matter. Post COVID pre-COVID no COVID.....They are amazing!
    The service is that amazing, thats why I always tip everytime even in Oz, our tips are included cause most Aussies are cheap ####'s and don't understand "American based customs" hahaha
     
    Now.....In order of legend status.
    Coastal kitchen - Eguardo, a amazing guy who will go 1001%. Eguardo, if you ever read this, I hope you got to see your kids and sorry we missed you at the airport.
    Coastal kitchen - Wef and Nomsa, booked us in every night even tho we were in a jr suite.
    Casino bar staff - Umeish, I did not need to even ask for a drink nor give my seapass card. He saw me and bam! My usual drink was there. Great dude!
    Casino bar staff - Reymond, when at tables he sorted me out first....every time! Awesome hardworker.
    The pub staff - Dinesh, really cool guy always sorted me out and was real...he did not take shit from drunk bogan idiots.
    Music hall bar staff - Michael, really nice guy. Service was great and the only person we let make a "Cesar" for us.
    Casino staff - Miriam, awesome dealer, she always had the time and patience with not just us but other players. 
    Casino staff - Lay, another great patient dealer who also was working with her husband on the same sailing! Really good to hear that they had a couple's room.
    Casino management - Bobby, good old Bob. I've seen Bob on quite a few sailings and he's always a good laugh and will always help you with problems as above with two other shithead staff. Good to see that he's climbed the ranks to casino manager!
    Casino management - Leonardo, He was great. Knew how to have a laugh and really looked after us.
    Ship cleaner - Mansesh, I saw on two occasions of him cleaning feces from the Royal Promenade and three lots of vomit.
    Guest services - All of the staff they absolutely copped it...poor guys!
     
    Summary-
    So in summary if you were to ask me, would I cancel this cruise that I just went on? The answer would be yes. A very bold hard.....Yes......waste of money!
    Did I let it spoil my trip......nope!
    I do feel like Royal in Australia has dropped the ball overall. They do lie to you and I will not get into how I know but I do know.
    I don't know if it is a cost recovery measure from COVID. I'm not sure.
    But one thing I do know is it is not the royal that I was used to pre-COVID.
    Will I cruise with Royal again? Of course I will and only Royal.
    But will I do a different form of non cruising holiday? Yes! 
    I think I shall be waiting till they are in a positive cash flow position.
     
    Thank you for reading!
  8. Wow
    Avfrattner got a reaction from Cactus527 in An Honest Post Cruise Review - OVTS JAN 4 2023   
    Yep, poor dude. First night and third night.
    First night was at about 10:30 p.m. near the stairs that go down to the casino.
    Third night was was out the front of sorrento's where people were lining up at about 12:00 p.m. ish. This is one that I witnessed happened. This 20 year old just decided to let go while standing in line for pizza. I must say I lost my appetite at this point lol.
    Too many people getting absolutely obliterated with the drinks package.
     
    Also, I forgot to mention that the pizza crew that was Manning sorrento's were absolutely legends as well. They were working like maniacs the whole time.
  9. Thanks
    Avfrattner got a reaction from ChessE4 in An Honest Post Cruise Review - OVTS JAN 4 2023   
    I will begin with saying I am very loyal to royal l and will always still be loyal to royal.
    So I like to break down my post cruise reviews in three parts, the good, the bad and the fantastic!
     
    The Good- 
    Being back on a cruise ship after the pandemic is quite a feeling and a good feeling of that and knowing crew can again earn income.
    Being a suite and having some form of access to coastal kitchen each dinner was amazing.
    Was given a 70% refund on the key.
    Was 70% refund on three night dining package.
    Drinks package as per usual, got my worth x2 lol
    Well......that was the good.
     
    The Bad- 
    Port staff absolutely stressed the hell out of guests in the key line and suites line, I don't know whether it was a miscommunication between Port staff and Royal Caribbean, but it was poor when they were threatening to push people back to their arranged embarkation time regardless of their status.
    We missed three-port days out of four, and only got compensation of $200 per state room if you're in a suite. I will not add to the rumours of why royal keeps missing certain ports from sydney and ship capacities from Australia...... Should have of sailed from Brisbane on Quantum lol.
    The key program is an absolute joke! Tried to do the the good thing by booking everything first up. We were told to go from the sports desk to Northstar to ripcord to call the number to go to guest services and even try booking it at focus????? Also, the key lunch took over an hour to get to the mains.
    People cutting lines was absolutely horrendous, someone would be in line and let 10 in with them. 
    Not so much a bad thing as it is my own fault but I'm never ever booking a cruise in school holidays. It was like Lord of the flies lol. What 1am curfew hahahahaha.
    Parents letting children gamble on the slot machines right near the entrance of casino Royale. I saw on four occasions children aged from 10 to 15 ish gambling.
    Underage drinking and I'm not saying just on the cusp of being legal. I'm saying I saw a 11-year-old with a vodka in a lift.
    Underage smoking and not even in the designated smoking areas.
    Was lightly hit with the craps stick at the casino on the hand by a certain dealer, I was new to the game of craps and didn't know the rules too well. Also, it wasn't a mistake because I saw him hit other guests on the hand throughout the sailing. I wonder what would happen if you hit the crew on the hand with a craps sitck????
    Internet was absolutely non-existent. Apparently the ship server crashed.
    Had a really bad dinner at izums, salmon had a metallic taste, Tuna looked dry however the kingfish was good. I must say I've had two really good dining experiences at izumi's in the past.
    Royals lack of care for overworking the crew with missed port days, I'd rather royal just close the casino and reduce staff shipwide then work these poor people to the bone, absolutely hated that and I felt bad even having to ask for a drink from these absolutely legends!... Royal if you want to miss a port day due to "1.5 m swell"...your loss....not the crew!
    People defecating and vomiting all over the ship. My heart goes out to the poor crew who clean up after these pigs. Folks who get that messy should be charged a fee and the fee should passed in full to said crew who cleans it up!
    Royal cutting back on jr suites and diamond members, Enuff said!
     
    The fantastic- 
    The crew! The crew are always amazing and fantastic. Doesn't matter. Post COVID pre-COVID no COVID.....They are amazing!
    The service is that amazing, thats why I always tip everytime even in Oz, our tips are included cause most Aussies are cheap ####'s and don't understand "American based customs" hahaha
     
    Now.....In order of legend status.
    Coastal kitchen - Eguardo, a amazing guy who will go 1001%. Eguardo, if you ever read this, I hope you got to see your kids and sorry we missed you at the airport.
    Coastal kitchen - Wef and Nomsa, booked us in every night even tho we were in a jr suite.
    Casino bar staff - Umeish, I did not need to even ask for a drink nor give my seapass card. He saw me and bam! My usual drink was there. Great dude!
    Casino bar staff - Reymond, when at tables he sorted me out first....every time! Awesome hardworker.
    The pub staff - Dinesh, really cool guy always sorted me out and was real...he did not take shit from drunk bogan idiots.
    Music hall bar staff - Michael, really nice guy. Service was great and the only person we let make a "Cesar" for us.
    Casino staff - Miriam, awesome dealer, she always had the time and patience with not just us but other players. 
    Casino staff - Lay, another great patient dealer who also was working with her husband on the same sailing! Really good to hear that they had a couple's room.
    Casino management - Bobby, good old Bob. I've seen Bob on quite a few sailings and he's always a good laugh and will always help you with problems as above with two other shithead staff. Good to see that he's climbed the ranks to casino manager!
    Casino management - Leonardo, He was great. Knew how to have a laugh and really looked after us.
    Ship cleaner - Mansesh, I saw on two occasions of him cleaning feces from the Royal Promenade and three lots of vomit.
    Guest services - All of the staff they absolutely copped it...poor guys!
     
    Summary-
    So in summary if you were to ask me, would I cancel this cruise that I just went on? The answer would be yes. A very bold hard.....Yes......waste of money!
    Did I let it spoil my trip......nope!
    I do feel like Royal in Australia has dropped the ball overall. They do lie to you and I will not get into how I know but I do know.
    I don't know if it is a cost recovery measure from COVID. I'm not sure.
    But one thing I do know is it is not the royal that I was used to pre-COVID.
    Will I cruise with Royal again? Of course I will and only Royal.
    But will I do a different form of non cruising holiday? Yes! 
    I think I shall be waiting till they are in a positive cash flow position.
     
    Thank you for reading!
  10. Thanks
    Avfrattner reacted to Maggie M in An Honest Post Cruise Review - OVTS JAN 4 2023   
    I couldn't agree more with this! They work so hard so that we can enjoy our holiday and some people tend to forget that their actions have consequences (with regards to defecating on the Promenade) - that's just disgusting.
  11. Wow
    Avfrattner got a reaction from CrimsonCruiser in An Honest Post Cruise Review - OVTS JAN 4 2023   
    Yep, poor dude. First night and third night.
    First night was at about 10:30 p.m. near the stairs that go down to the casino.
    Third night was was out the front of sorrento's where people were lining up at about 12:00 p.m. ish. This is one that I witnessed happened. This 20 year old just decided to let go while standing in line for pizza. I must say I lost my appetite at this point lol.
    Too many people getting absolutely obliterated with the drinks package.
     
    Also, I forgot to mention that the pizza crew that was Manning sorrento's were absolutely legends as well. They were working like maniacs the whole time.
  12. Like
    Avfrattner got a reaction from Wheeler825 in An Honest Post Cruise Review - OVTS JAN 4 2023   
    All good mate, I can see your point....yep.
    I guess this can be seen as I'm having a sook, but I'm just giving my honest opinion on what happened to me and my cruise that I paid for.
    And yes, it does somewhat affect me to see people letting their kids drink and gamble at such an early age because I know that the youth is our future. And trust me, I'm not a part of the temperance union, but I do think there is an issue of early exposure to a lot of things. 
     
    Now you live in Wisconsin in America. I live in South Australia in Australia. 
    Two different places. Two different people with two different opinions. But I do respect your opinion and your freedom to express it.
    Cheers, and have a great day!
     
     
  13. Like
    Avfrattner got a reaction from WAAAYTOOO in An Honest Post Cruise Review - OVTS JAN 4 2023   
    All good mate, I can see your point....yep.
    I guess this can be seen as I'm having a sook, but I'm just giving my honest opinion on what happened to me and my cruise that I paid for.
    And yes, it does somewhat affect me to see people letting their kids drink and gamble at such an early age because I know that the youth is our future. And trust me, I'm not a part of the temperance union, but I do think there is an issue of early exposure to a lot of things. 
     
    Now you live in Wisconsin in America. I live in South Australia in Australia. 
    Two different places. Two different people with two different opinions. But I do respect your opinion and your freedom to express it.
    Cheers, and have a great day!
     
     
  14. Wow
    Avfrattner got a reaction from WAAAYTOOO in An Honest Post Cruise Review - OVTS JAN 4 2023   
    Yep, poor dude. First night and third night.
    First night was at about 10:30 p.m. near the stairs that go down to the casino.
    Third night was was out the front of sorrento's where people were lining up at about 12:00 p.m. ish. This is one that I witnessed happened. This 20 year old just decided to let go while standing in line for pizza. I must say I lost my appetite at this point lol.
    Too many people getting absolutely obliterated with the drinks package.
     
    Also, I forgot to mention that the pizza crew that was Manning sorrento's were absolutely legends as well. They were working like maniacs the whole time.
  15. Thanks
    Avfrattner got a reaction from WAAAYTOOO in An Honest Post Cruise Review - OVTS JAN 4 2023   
    I will begin with saying I am very loyal to royal l and will always still be loyal to royal.
    So I like to break down my post cruise reviews in three parts, the good, the bad and the fantastic!
     
    The Good- 
    Being back on a cruise ship after the pandemic is quite a feeling and a good feeling of that and knowing crew can again earn income.
    Being a suite and having some form of access to coastal kitchen each dinner was amazing.
    Was given a 70% refund on the key.
    Was 70% refund on three night dining package.
    Drinks package as per usual, got my worth x2 lol
    Well......that was the good.
     
    The Bad- 
    Port staff absolutely stressed the hell out of guests in the key line and suites line, I don't know whether it was a miscommunication between Port staff and Royal Caribbean, but it was poor when they were threatening to push people back to their arranged embarkation time regardless of their status.
    We missed three-port days out of four, and only got compensation of $200 per state room if you're in a suite. I will not add to the rumours of why royal keeps missing certain ports from sydney and ship capacities from Australia...... Should have of sailed from Brisbane on Quantum lol.
    The key program is an absolute joke! Tried to do the the good thing by booking everything first up. We were told to go from the sports desk to Northstar to ripcord to call the number to go to guest services and even try booking it at focus????? Also, the key lunch took over an hour to get to the mains.
    People cutting lines was absolutely horrendous, someone would be in line and let 10 in with them. 
    Not so much a bad thing as it is my own fault but I'm never ever booking a cruise in school holidays. It was like Lord of the flies lol. What 1am curfew hahahahaha.
    Parents letting children gamble on the slot machines right near the entrance of casino Royale. I saw on four occasions children aged from 10 to 15 ish gambling.
    Underage drinking and I'm not saying just on the cusp of being legal. I'm saying I saw a 11-year-old with a vodka in a lift.
    Underage smoking and not even in the designated smoking areas.
    Was lightly hit with the craps stick at the casino on the hand by a certain dealer, I was new to the game of craps and didn't know the rules too well. Also, it wasn't a mistake because I saw him hit other guests on the hand throughout the sailing. I wonder what would happen if you hit the crew on the hand with a craps sitck????
    Internet was absolutely non-existent. Apparently the ship server crashed.
    Had a really bad dinner at izums, salmon had a metallic taste, Tuna looked dry however the kingfish was good. I must say I've had two really good dining experiences at izumi's in the past.
    Royals lack of care for overworking the crew with missed port days, I'd rather royal just close the casino and reduce staff shipwide then work these poor people to the bone, absolutely hated that and I felt bad even having to ask for a drink from these absolutely legends!... Royal if you want to miss a port day due to "1.5 m swell"...your loss....not the crew!
    People defecating and vomiting all over the ship. My heart goes out to the poor crew who clean up after these pigs. Folks who get that messy should be charged a fee and the fee should passed in full to said crew who cleans it up!
    Royal cutting back on jr suites and diamond members, Enuff said!
     
    The fantastic- 
    The crew! The crew are always amazing and fantastic. Doesn't matter. Post COVID pre-COVID no COVID.....They are amazing!
    The service is that amazing, thats why I always tip everytime even in Oz, our tips are included cause most Aussies are cheap ####'s and don't understand "American based customs" hahaha
     
    Now.....In order of legend status.
    Coastal kitchen - Eguardo, a amazing guy who will go 1001%. Eguardo, if you ever read this, I hope you got to see your kids and sorry we missed you at the airport.
    Coastal kitchen - Wef and Nomsa, booked us in every night even tho we were in a jr suite.
    Casino bar staff - Umeish, I did not need to even ask for a drink nor give my seapass card. He saw me and bam! My usual drink was there. Great dude!
    Casino bar staff - Reymond, when at tables he sorted me out first....every time! Awesome hardworker.
    The pub staff - Dinesh, really cool guy always sorted me out and was real...he did not take shit from drunk bogan idiots.
    Music hall bar staff - Michael, really nice guy. Service was great and the only person we let make a "Cesar" for us.
    Casino staff - Miriam, awesome dealer, she always had the time and patience with not just us but other players. 
    Casino staff - Lay, another great patient dealer who also was working with her husband on the same sailing! Really good to hear that they had a couple's room.
    Casino management - Bobby, good old Bob. I've seen Bob on quite a few sailings and he's always a good laugh and will always help you with problems as above with two other shithead staff. Good to see that he's climbed the ranks to casino manager!
    Casino management - Leonardo, He was great. Knew how to have a laugh and really looked after us.
    Ship cleaner - Mansesh, I saw on two occasions of him cleaning feces from the Royal Promenade and three lots of vomit.
    Guest services - All of the staff they absolutely copped it...poor guys!
     
    Summary-
    So in summary if you were to ask me, would I cancel this cruise that I just went on? The answer would be yes. A very bold hard.....Yes......waste of money!
    Did I let it spoil my trip......nope!
    I do feel like Royal in Australia has dropped the ball overall. They do lie to you and I will not get into how I know but I do know.
    I don't know if it is a cost recovery measure from COVID. I'm not sure.
    But one thing I do know is it is not the royal that I was used to pre-COVID.
    Will I cruise with Royal again? Of course I will and only Royal.
    But will I do a different form of non cruising holiday? Yes! 
    I think I shall be waiting till they are in a positive cash flow position.
     
    Thank you for reading!
  16. Wow
    Avfrattner got a reaction from Neesa in An Honest Post Cruise Review - OVTS JAN 4 2023   
    I will begin with saying I am very loyal to royal l and will always still be loyal to royal.
    So I like to break down my post cruise reviews in three parts, the good, the bad and the fantastic!
     
    The Good- 
    Being back on a cruise ship after the pandemic is quite a feeling and a good feeling of that and knowing crew can again earn income.
    Being a suite and having some form of access to coastal kitchen each dinner was amazing.
    Was given a 70% refund on the key.
    Was 70% refund on three night dining package.
    Drinks package as per usual, got my worth x2 lol
    Well......that was the good.
     
    The Bad- 
    Port staff absolutely stressed the hell out of guests in the key line and suites line, I don't know whether it was a miscommunication between Port staff and Royal Caribbean, but it was poor when they were threatening to push people back to their arranged embarkation time regardless of their status.
    We missed three-port days out of four, and only got compensation of $200 per state room if you're in a suite. I will not add to the rumours of why royal keeps missing certain ports from sydney and ship capacities from Australia...... Should have of sailed from Brisbane on Quantum lol.
    The key program is an absolute joke! Tried to do the the good thing by booking everything first up. We were told to go from the sports desk to Northstar to ripcord to call the number to go to guest services and even try booking it at focus????? Also, the key lunch took over an hour to get to the mains.
    People cutting lines was absolutely horrendous, someone would be in line and let 10 in with them. 
    Not so much a bad thing as it is my own fault but I'm never ever booking a cruise in school holidays. It was like Lord of the flies lol. What 1am curfew hahahahaha.
    Parents letting children gamble on the slot machines right near the entrance of casino Royale. I saw on four occasions children aged from 10 to 15 ish gambling.
    Underage drinking and I'm not saying just on the cusp of being legal. I'm saying I saw a 11-year-old with a vodka in a lift.
    Underage smoking and not even in the designated smoking areas.
    Was lightly hit with the craps stick at the casino on the hand by a certain dealer, I was new to the game of craps and didn't know the rules too well. Also, it wasn't a mistake because I saw him hit other guests on the hand throughout the sailing. I wonder what would happen if you hit the crew on the hand with a craps sitck????
    Internet was absolutely non-existent. Apparently the ship server crashed.
    Had a really bad dinner at izums, salmon had a metallic taste, Tuna looked dry however the kingfish was good. I must say I've had two really good dining experiences at izumi's in the past.
    Royals lack of care for overworking the crew with missed port days, I'd rather royal just close the casino and reduce staff shipwide then work these poor people to the bone, absolutely hated that and I felt bad even having to ask for a drink from these absolutely legends!... Royal if you want to miss a port day due to "1.5 m swell"...your loss....not the crew!
    People defecating and vomiting all over the ship. My heart goes out to the poor crew who clean up after these pigs. Folks who get that messy should be charged a fee and the fee should passed in full to said crew who cleans it up!
    Royal cutting back on jr suites and diamond members, Enuff said!
     
    The fantastic- 
    The crew! The crew are always amazing and fantastic. Doesn't matter. Post COVID pre-COVID no COVID.....They are amazing!
    The service is that amazing, thats why I always tip everytime even in Oz, our tips are included cause most Aussies are cheap ####'s and don't understand "American based customs" hahaha
     
    Now.....In order of legend status.
    Coastal kitchen - Eguardo, a amazing guy who will go 1001%. Eguardo, if you ever read this, I hope you got to see your kids and sorry we missed you at the airport.
    Coastal kitchen - Wef and Nomsa, booked us in every night even tho we were in a jr suite.
    Casino bar staff - Umeish, I did not need to even ask for a drink nor give my seapass card. He saw me and bam! My usual drink was there. Great dude!
    Casino bar staff - Reymond, when at tables he sorted me out first....every time! Awesome hardworker.
    The pub staff - Dinesh, really cool guy always sorted me out and was real...he did not take shit from drunk bogan idiots.
    Music hall bar staff - Michael, really nice guy. Service was great and the only person we let make a "Cesar" for us.
    Casino staff - Miriam, awesome dealer, she always had the time and patience with not just us but other players. 
    Casino staff - Lay, another great patient dealer who also was working with her husband on the same sailing! Really good to hear that they had a couple's room.
    Casino management - Bobby, good old Bob. I've seen Bob on quite a few sailings and he's always a good laugh and will always help you with problems as above with two other shithead staff. Good to see that he's climbed the ranks to casino manager!
    Casino management - Leonardo, He was great. Knew how to have a laugh and really looked after us.
    Ship cleaner - Mansesh, I saw on two occasions of him cleaning feces from the Royal Promenade and three lots of vomit.
    Guest services - All of the staff they absolutely copped it...poor guys!
     
    Summary-
    So in summary if you were to ask me, would I cancel this cruise that I just went on? The answer would be yes. A very bold hard.....Yes......waste of money!
    Did I let it spoil my trip......nope!
    I do feel like Royal in Australia has dropped the ball overall. They do lie to you and I will not get into how I know but I do know.
    I don't know if it is a cost recovery measure from COVID. I'm not sure.
    But one thing I do know is it is not the royal that I was used to pre-COVID.
    Will I cruise with Royal again? Of course I will and only Royal.
    But will I do a different form of non cruising holiday? Yes! 
    I think I shall be waiting till they are in a positive cash flow position.
     
    Thank you for reading!
  17. Like
    Avfrattner got a reaction from Sweety in An Honest Post Cruise Review - OVTS JAN 4 2023   
    I will begin with saying I am very loyal to royal l and will always still be loyal to royal.
    So I like to break down my post cruise reviews in three parts, the good, the bad and the fantastic!
     
    The Good- 
    Being back on a cruise ship after the pandemic is quite a feeling and a good feeling of that and knowing crew can again earn income.
    Being a suite and having some form of access to coastal kitchen each dinner was amazing.
    Was given a 70% refund on the key.
    Was 70% refund on three night dining package.
    Drinks package as per usual, got my worth x2 lol
    Well......that was the good.
     
    The Bad- 
    Port staff absolutely stressed the hell out of guests in the key line and suites line, I don't know whether it was a miscommunication between Port staff and Royal Caribbean, but it was poor when they were threatening to push people back to their arranged embarkation time regardless of their status.
    We missed three-port days out of four, and only got compensation of $200 per state room if you're in a suite. I will not add to the rumours of why royal keeps missing certain ports from sydney and ship capacities from Australia...... Should have of sailed from Brisbane on Quantum lol.
    The key program is an absolute joke! Tried to do the the good thing by booking everything first up. We were told to go from the sports desk to Northstar to ripcord to call the number to go to guest services and even try booking it at focus????? Also, the key lunch took over an hour to get to the mains.
    People cutting lines was absolutely horrendous, someone would be in line and let 10 in with them. 
    Not so much a bad thing as it is my own fault but I'm never ever booking a cruise in school holidays. It was like Lord of the flies lol. What 1am curfew hahahahaha.
    Parents letting children gamble on the slot machines right near the entrance of casino Royale. I saw on four occasions children aged from 10 to 15 ish gambling.
    Underage drinking and I'm not saying just on the cusp of being legal. I'm saying I saw a 11-year-old with a vodka in a lift.
    Underage smoking and not even in the designated smoking areas.
    Was lightly hit with the craps stick at the casino on the hand by a certain dealer, I was new to the game of craps and didn't know the rules too well. Also, it wasn't a mistake because I saw him hit other guests on the hand throughout the sailing. I wonder what would happen if you hit the crew on the hand with a craps sitck????
    Internet was absolutely non-existent. Apparently the ship server crashed.
    Had a really bad dinner at izums, salmon had a metallic taste, Tuna looked dry however the kingfish was good. I must say I've had two really good dining experiences at izumi's in the past.
    Royals lack of care for overworking the crew with missed port days, I'd rather royal just close the casino and reduce staff shipwide then work these poor people to the bone, absolutely hated that and I felt bad even having to ask for a drink from these absolutely legends!... Royal if you want to miss a port day due to "1.5 m swell"...your loss....not the crew!
    People defecating and vomiting all over the ship. My heart goes out to the poor crew who clean up after these pigs. Folks who get that messy should be charged a fee and the fee should passed in full to said crew who cleans it up!
    Royal cutting back on jr suites and diamond members, Enuff said!
     
    The fantastic- 
    The crew! The crew are always amazing and fantastic. Doesn't matter. Post COVID pre-COVID no COVID.....They are amazing!
    The service is that amazing, thats why I always tip everytime even in Oz, our tips are included cause most Aussies are cheap ####'s and don't understand "American based customs" hahaha
     
    Now.....In order of legend status.
    Coastal kitchen - Eguardo, a amazing guy who will go 1001%. Eguardo, if you ever read this, I hope you got to see your kids and sorry we missed you at the airport.
    Coastal kitchen - Wef and Nomsa, booked us in every night even tho we were in a jr suite.
    Casino bar staff - Umeish, I did not need to even ask for a drink nor give my seapass card. He saw me and bam! My usual drink was there. Great dude!
    Casino bar staff - Reymond, when at tables he sorted me out first....every time! Awesome hardworker.
    The pub staff - Dinesh, really cool guy always sorted me out and was real...he did not take shit from drunk bogan idiots.
    Music hall bar staff - Michael, really nice guy. Service was great and the only person we let make a "Cesar" for us.
    Casino staff - Miriam, awesome dealer, she always had the time and patience with not just us but other players. 
    Casino staff - Lay, another great patient dealer who also was working with her husband on the same sailing! Really good to hear that they had a couple's room.
    Casino management - Bobby, good old Bob. I've seen Bob on quite a few sailings and he's always a good laugh and will always help you with problems as above with two other shithead staff. Good to see that he's climbed the ranks to casino manager!
    Casino management - Leonardo, He was great. Knew how to have a laugh and really looked after us.
    Ship cleaner - Mansesh, I saw on two occasions of him cleaning feces from the Royal Promenade and three lots of vomit.
    Guest services - All of the staff they absolutely copped it...poor guys!
     
    Summary-
    So in summary if you were to ask me, would I cancel this cruise that I just went on? The answer would be yes. A very bold hard.....Yes......waste of money!
    Did I let it spoil my trip......nope!
    I do feel like Royal in Australia has dropped the ball overall. They do lie to you and I will not get into how I know but I do know.
    I don't know if it is a cost recovery measure from COVID. I'm not sure.
    But one thing I do know is it is not the royal that I was used to pre-COVID.
    Will I cruise with Royal again? Of course I will and only Royal.
    But will I do a different form of non cruising holiday? Yes! 
    I think I shall be waiting till they are in a positive cash flow position.
     
    Thank you for reading!
  18. Wow
    Avfrattner got a reaction from ellcee in An Honest Post Cruise Review - OVTS JAN 4 2023   
    I will begin with saying I am very loyal to royal l and will always still be loyal to royal.
    So I like to break down my post cruise reviews in three parts, the good, the bad and the fantastic!
     
    The Good- 
    Being back on a cruise ship after the pandemic is quite a feeling and a good feeling of that and knowing crew can again earn income.
    Being a suite and having some form of access to coastal kitchen each dinner was amazing.
    Was given a 70% refund on the key.
    Was 70% refund on three night dining package.
    Drinks package as per usual, got my worth x2 lol
    Well......that was the good.
     
    The Bad- 
    Port staff absolutely stressed the hell out of guests in the key line and suites line, I don't know whether it was a miscommunication between Port staff and Royal Caribbean, but it was poor when they were threatening to push people back to their arranged embarkation time regardless of their status.
    We missed three-port days out of four, and only got compensation of $200 per state room if you're in a suite. I will not add to the rumours of why royal keeps missing certain ports from sydney and ship capacities from Australia...... Should have of sailed from Brisbane on Quantum lol.
    The key program is an absolute joke! Tried to do the the good thing by booking everything first up. We were told to go from the sports desk to Northstar to ripcord to call the number to go to guest services and even try booking it at focus????? Also, the key lunch took over an hour to get to the mains.
    People cutting lines was absolutely horrendous, someone would be in line and let 10 in with them. 
    Not so much a bad thing as it is my own fault but I'm never ever booking a cruise in school holidays. It was like Lord of the flies lol. What 1am curfew hahahahaha.
    Parents letting children gamble on the slot machines right near the entrance of casino Royale. I saw on four occasions children aged from 10 to 15 ish gambling.
    Underage drinking and I'm not saying just on the cusp of being legal. I'm saying I saw a 11-year-old with a vodka in a lift.
    Underage smoking and not even in the designated smoking areas.
    Was lightly hit with the craps stick at the casino on the hand by a certain dealer, I was new to the game of craps and didn't know the rules too well. Also, it wasn't a mistake because I saw him hit other guests on the hand throughout the sailing. I wonder what would happen if you hit the crew on the hand with a craps sitck????
    Internet was absolutely non-existent. Apparently the ship server crashed.
    Had a really bad dinner at izums, salmon had a metallic taste, Tuna looked dry however the kingfish was good. I must say I've had two really good dining experiences at izumi's in the past.
    Royals lack of care for overworking the crew with missed port days, I'd rather royal just close the casino and reduce staff shipwide then work these poor people to the bone, absolutely hated that and I felt bad even having to ask for a drink from these absolutely legends!... Royal if you want to miss a port day due to "1.5 m swell"...your loss....not the crew!
    People defecating and vomiting all over the ship. My heart goes out to the poor crew who clean up after these pigs. Folks who get that messy should be charged a fee and the fee should passed in full to said crew who cleans it up!
    Royal cutting back on jr suites and diamond members, Enuff said!
     
    The fantastic- 
    The crew! The crew are always amazing and fantastic. Doesn't matter. Post COVID pre-COVID no COVID.....They are amazing!
    The service is that amazing, thats why I always tip everytime even in Oz, our tips are included cause most Aussies are cheap ####'s and don't understand "American based customs" hahaha
     
    Now.....In order of legend status.
    Coastal kitchen - Eguardo, a amazing guy who will go 1001%. Eguardo, if you ever read this, I hope you got to see your kids and sorry we missed you at the airport.
    Coastal kitchen - Wef and Nomsa, booked us in every night even tho we were in a jr suite.
    Casino bar staff - Umeish, I did not need to even ask for a drink nor give my seapass card. He saw me and bam! My usual drink was there. Great dude!
    Casino bar staff - Reymond, when at tables he sorted me out first....every time! Awesome hardworker.
    The pub staff - Dinesh, really cool guy always sorted me out and was real...he did not take shit from drunk bogan idiots.
    Music hall bar staff - Michael, really nice guy. Service was great and the only person we let make a "Cesar" for us.
    Casino staff - Miriam, awesome dealer, she always had the time and patience with not just us but other players. 
    Casino staff - Lay, another great patient dealer who also was working with her husband on the same sailing! Really good to hear that they had a couple's room.
    Casino management - Bobby, good old Bob. I've seen Bob on quite a few sailings and he's always a good laugh and will always help you with problems as above with two other shithead staff. Good to see that he's climbed the ranks to casino manager!
    Casino management - Leonardo, He was great. Knew how to have a laugh and really looked after us.
    Ship cleaner - Mansesh, I saw on two occasions of him cleaning feces from the Royal Promenade and three lots of vomit.
    Guest services - All of the staff they absolutely copped it...poor guys!
     
    Summary-
    So in summary if you were to ask me, would I cancel this cruise that I just went on? The answer would be yes. A very bold hard.....Yes......waste of money!
    Did I let it spoil my trip......nope!
    I do feel like Royal in Australia has dropped the ball overall. They do lie to you and I will not get into how I know but I do know.
    I don't know if it is a cost recovery measure from COVID. I'm not sure.
    But one thing I do know is it is not the royal that I was used to pre-COVID.
    Will I cruise with Royal again? Of course I will and only Royal.
    But will I do a different form of non cruising holiday? Yes! 
    I think I shall be waiting till they are in a positive cash flow position.
     
    Thank you for reading!
  19. Wow
    Avfrattner got a reaction from Cactus527 in An Honest Post Cruise Review - OVTS JAN 4 2023   
    I will begin with saying I am very loyal to royal l and will always still be loyal to royal.
    So I like to break down my post cruise reviews in three parts, the good, the bad and the fantastic!
     
    The Good- 
    Being back on a cruise ship after the pandemic is quite a feeling and a good feeling of that and knowing crew can again earn income.
    Being a suite and having some form of access to coastal kitchen each dinner was amazing.
    Was given a 70% refund on the key.
    Was 70% refund on three night dining package.
    Drinks package as per usual, got my worth x2 lol
    Well......that was the good.
     
    The Bad- 
    Port staff absolutely stressed the hell out of guests in the key line and suites line, I don't know whether it was a miscommunication between Port staff and Royal Caribbean, but it was poor when they were threatening to push people back to their arranged embarkation time regardless of their status.
    We missed three-port days out of four, and only got compensation of $200 per state room if you're in a suite. I will not add to the rumours of why royal keeps missing certain ports from sydney and ship capacities from Australia...... Should have of sailed from Brisbane on Quantum lol.
    The key program is an absolute joke! Tried to do the the good thing by booking everything first up. We were told to go from the sports desk to Northstar to ripcord to call the number to go to guest services and even try booking it at focus????? Also, the key lunch took over an hour to get to the mains.
    People cutting lines was absolutely horrendous, someone would be in line and let 10 in with them. 
    Not so much a bad thing as it is my own fault but I'm never ever booking a cruise in school holidays. It was like Lord of the flies lol. What 1am curfew hahahahaha.
    Parents letting children gamble on the slot machines right near the entrance of casino Royale. I saw on four occasions children aged from 10 to 15 ish gambling.
    Underage drinking and I'm not saying just on the cusp of being legal. I'm saying I saw a 11-year-old with a vodka in a lift.
    Underage smoking and not even in the designated smoking areas.
    Was lightly hit with the craps stick at the casino on the hand by a certain dealer, I was new to the game of craps and didn't know the rules too well. Also, it wasn't a mistake because I saw him hit other guests on the hand throughout the sailing. I wonder what would happen if you hit the crew on the hand with a craps sitck????
    Internet was absolutely non-existent. Apparently the ship server crashed.
    Had a really bad dinner at izums, salmon had a metallic taste, Tuna looked dry however the kingfish was good. I must say I've had two really good dining experiences at izumi's in the past.
    Royals lack of care for overworking the crew with missed port days, I'd rather royal just close the casino and reduce staff shipwide then work these poor people to the bone, absolutely hated that and I felt bad even having to ask for a drink from these absolutely legends!... Royal if you want to miss a port day due to "1.5 m swell"...your loss....not the crew!
    People defecating and vomiting all over the ship. My heart goes out to the poor crew who clean up after these pigs. Folks who get that messy should be charged a fee and the fee should passed in full to said crew who cleans it up!
    Royal cutting back on jr suites and diamond members, Enuff said!
     
    The fantastic- 
    The crew! The crew are always amazing and fantastic. Doesn't matter. Post COVID pre-COVID no COVID.....They are amazing!
    The service is that amazing, thats why I always tip everytime even in Oz, our tips are included cause most Aussies are cheap ####'s and don't understand "American based customs" hahaha
     
    Now.....In order of legend status.
    Coastal kitchen - Eguardo, a amazing guy who will go 1001%. Eguardo, if you ever read this, I hope you got to see your kids and sorry we missed you at the airport.
    Coastal kitchen - Wef and Nomsa, booked us in every night even tho we were in a jr suite.
    Casino bar staff - Umeish, I did not need to even ask for a drink nor give my seapass card. He saw me and bam! My usual drink was there. Great dude!
    Casino bar staff - Reymond, when at tables he sorted me out first....every time! Awesome hardworker.
    The pub staff - Dinesh, really cool guy always sorted me out and was real...he did not take shit from drunk bogan idiots.
    Music hall bar staff - Michael, really nice guy. Service was great and the only person we let make a "Cesar" for us.
    Casino staff - Miriam, awesome dealer, she always had the time and patience with not just us but other players. 
    Casino staff - Lay, another great patient dealer who also was working with her husband on the same sailing! Really good to hear that they had a couple's room.
    Casino management - Bobby, good old Bob. I've seen Bob on quite a few sailings and he's always a good laugh and will always help you with problems as above with two other shithead staff. Good to see that he's climbed the ranks to casino manager!
    Casino management - Leonardo, He was great. Knew how to have a laugh and really looked after us.
    Ship cleaner - Mansesh, I saw on two occasions of him cleaning feces from the Royal Promenade and three lots of vomit.
    Guest services - All of the staff they absolutely copped it...poor guys!
     
    Summary-
    So in summary if you were to ask me, would I cancel this cruise that I just went on? The answer would be yes. A very bold hard.....Yes......waste of money!
    Did I let it spoil my trip......nope!
    I do feel like Royal in Australia has dropped the ball overall. They do lie to you and I will not get into how I know but I do know.
    I don't know if it is a cost recovery measure from COVID. I'm not sure.
    But one thing I do know is it is not the royal that I was used to pre-COVID.
    Will I cruise with Royal again? Of course I will and only Royal.
    But will I do a different form of non cruising holiday? Yes! 
    I think I shall be waiting till they are in a positive cash flow position.
     
    Thank you for reading!
  20. Like
    Avfrattner got a reaction from KristiZ in An Honest Post Cruise Review - OVTS JAN 4 2023   
    I will begin with saying I am very loyal to royal l and will always still be loyal to royal.
    So I like to break down my post cruise reviews in three parts, the good, the bad and the fantastic!
     
    The Good- 
    Being back on a cruise ship after the pandemic is quite a feeling and a good feeling of that and knowing crew can again earn income.
    Being a suite and having some form of access to coastal kitchen each dinner was amazing.
    Was given a 70% refund on the key.
    Was 70% refund on three night dining package.
    Drinks package as per usual, got my worth x2 lol
    Well......that was the good.
     
    The Bad- 
    Port staff absolutely stressed the hell out of guests in the key line and suites line, I don't know whether it was a miscommunication between Port staff and Royal Caribbean, but it was poor when they were threatening to push people back to their arranged embarkation time regardless of their status.
    We missed three-port days out of four, and only got compensation of $200 per state room if you're in a suite. I will not add to the rumours of why royal keeps missing certain ports from sydney and ship capacities from Australia...... Should have of sailed from Brisbane on Quantum lol.
    The key program is an absolute joke! Tried to do the the good thing by booking everything first up. We were told to go from the sports desk to Northstar to ripcord to call the number to go to guest services and even try booking it at focus????? Also, the key lunch took over an hour to get to the mains.
    People cutting lines was absolutely horrendous, someone would be in line and let 10 in with them. 
    Not so much a bad thing as it is my own fault but I'm never ever booking a cruise in school holidays. It was like Lord of the flies lol. What 1am curfew hahahahaha.
    Parents letting children gamble on the slot machines right near the entrance of casino Royale. I saw on four occasions children aged from 10 to 15 ish gambling.
    Underage drinking and I'm not saying just on the cusp of being legal. I'm saying I saw a 11-year-old with a vodka in a lift.
    Underage smoking and not even in the designated smoking areas.
    Was lightly hit with the craps stick at the casino on the hand by a certain dealer, I was new to the game of craps and didn't know the rules too well. Also, it wasn't a mistake because I saw him hit other guests on the hand throughout the sailing. I wonder what would happen if you hit the crew on the hand with a craps sitck????
    Internet was absolutely non-existent. Apparently the ship server crashed.
    Had a really bad dinner at izums, salmon had a metallic taste, Tuna looked dry however the kingfish was good. I must say I've had two really good dining experiences at izumi's in the past.
    Royals lack of care for overworking the crew with missed port days, I'd rather royal just close the casino and reduce staff shipwide then work these poor people to the bone, absolutely hated that and I felt bad even having to ask for a drink from these absolutely legends!... Royal if you want to miss a port day due to "1.5 m swell"...your loss....not the crew!
    People defecating and vomiting all over the ship. My heart goes out to the poor crew who clean up after these pigs. Folks who get that messy should be charged a fee and the fee should passed in full to said crew who cleans it up!
    Royal cutting back on jr suites and diamond members, Enuff said!
     
    The fantastic- 
    The crew! The crew are always amazing and fantastic. Doesn't matter. Post COVID pre-COVID no COVID.....They are amazing!
    The service is that amazing, thats why I always tip everytime even in Oz, our tips are included cause most Aussies are cheap ####'s and don't understand "American based customs" hahaha
     
    Now.....In order of legend status.
    Coastal kitchen - Eguardo, a amazing guy who will go 1001%. Eguardo, if you ever read this, I hope you got to see your kids and sorry we missed you at the airport.
    Coastal kitchen - Wef and Nomsa, booked us in every night even tho we were in a jr suite.
    Casino bar staff - Umeish, I did not need to even ask for a drink nor give my seapass card. He saw me and bam! My usual drink was there. Great dude!
    Casino bar staff - Reymond, when at tables he sorted me out first....every time! Awesome hardworker.
    The pub staff - Dinesh, really cool guy always sorted me out and was real...he did not take shit from drunk bogan idiots.
    Music hall bar staff - Michael, really nice guy. Service was great and the only person we let make a "Cesar" for us.
    Casino staff - Miriam, awesome dealer, she always had the time and patience with not just us but other players. 
    Casino staff - Lay, another great patient dealer who also was working with her husband on the same sailing! Really good to hear that they had a couple's room.
    Casino management - Bobby, good old Bob. I've seen Bob on quite a few sailings and he's always a good laugh and will always help you with problems as above with two other shithead staff. Good to see that he's climbed the ranks to casino manager!
    Casino management - Leonardo, He was great. Knew how to have a laugh and really looked after us.
    Ship cleaner - Mansesh, I saw on two occasions of him cleaning feces from the Royal Promenade and three lots of vomit.
    Guest services - All of the staff they absolutely copped it...poor guys!
     
    Summary-
    So in summary if you were to ask me, would I cancel this cruise that I just went on? The answer would be yes. A very bold hard.....Yes......waste of money!
    Did I let it spoil my trip......nope!
    I do feel like Royal in Australia has dropped the ball overall. They do lie to you and I will not get into how I know but I do know.
    I don't know if it is a cost recovery measure from COVID. I'm not sure.
    But one thing I do know is it is not the royal that I was used to pre-COVID.
    Will I cruise with Royal again? Of course I will and only Royal.
    But will I do a different form of non cruising holiday? Yes! 
    I think I shall be waiting till they are in a positive cash flow position.
     
    Thank you for reading!
  21. Thanks
    Avfrattner reacted to EmersonNZ in Australia/NZ Cruising News   
    I know everyone is keen to get back to Vanuatu but I think their government needs to be conservative in their decision making. It is important to remember they don't have the health infrastructure of NZ, Aust, US or for that matter New Caledonia. The number of hospital beds and ventilators per head of populations is well under the countries most of us call home.
    Also unfortunately adding to this as a population they are also over represented in conditions that increase the risk of serious COVID outcomes (such as Diabetes etc). 
    On the other hand a great deal of the countries income is from tourism so opening up is important.
    Yes, can’t wait to get back there…. But I absolutely wouldn’t want to do so if I knew I was putting the people of Vanuatu at undue risk. I am happy to let Vanuatu make their own decision on when they want to open up and respect the fact they are being cautious. When they do I hope Australia and New Zealand continue to support them as far as ensuring they have access to any medical facilities they may require as they open up and that the cruise lines act responsibility and take into consideration the nature of the countries infrastructure itself when deciding to dock in a given day our not (Which I think they will be especially RCL which has long term agreements in place with Vanuatu). I actually wouldn’t be upset if you had do a rapid test before being allowed off the ship in port. Given most itineraries see a 2 or 3 day sail before you land it gives time for your viral load to be high enough to test positive. It might be a nice compromise between having the ships return and keeping the population as safe as possible (Never will 100% but anything we can do to reduce pressure on their health system the better).
  22. Thanks
    Avfrattner reacted to Chili in Australia/NZ Cruising News   
    Vanuatu???
    They have started repatriation flights for citizens.
    You still have to get permission to enter the country.
    A couple of provinces have gone back into lockdown.
    Its a bit hard to get information but I think the biggest problem is their vaccination rate is pretty low.
    Heres a article from the local paper.
    https://www.dailypost.vu/coronavirus_updates/27-repatriation-flights-from-april-to-june/article_36156e23-607e-5860-b49e-27c2933cc42b.html
  23. Like
    Avfrattner got a reaction from EmersonNZ in Expensive Deluxe Drinks package - Australian sailings   
    Yes, I agree. It is around that 100% increase mark compared with two sailings that I had in 2020 and in 2021.
    I think that if was around $90AUD per day I would buy it, but at $140ish.....tell'em ya dreaming!
  24. Wow
    Avfrattner got a reaction from WAAAYTOOO in Bringing own snacks   
    Yes you can bring snacks.
    Typically the wife and i don't bring any snacks on board as there is so many awesome offerings available on board.
    However for the exception, we do bring a few small packs of Kettle Salt & Vinegar chips/crisps.....the wife has a craving for them!
    Why you might ask? Well in 2017 we paid $11.00USD on board for a pack that would of costed.....$1.80AUD 
    So yes think of the snacks you can't go without lol.
  25. Like
    Avfrattner got a reaction from Matt in Australia/NZ Cruising News   
    https://amp.theaustralian.com.au/travel/foreignflagged-cruising-high-on-the-tourism-agenda/news-story/58b96f34079ea2e42ff0222f5670e4d7
     
    You need a paid sub to read the whole thing but it has a preview of the article.
     
    Also another good sign
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