Traveler

The survey asking if we will pay money for Sorentos made me think why to stop there. Here some more creative ideas for RCL:
Weight the plates in the WJ and pay by the pound. 
Want Emuster ? Pay extra otherwise you are back to the regular crowded muster.
All cabin doors to be removed , want privacy ? It's extra, diamonds will get free transparent shower  curtains,  D+ will get free transparent door and pineapples will get a real door but without a latch.
Quest challenge lidt can be purchased the day before , same for Love and Marriage. 
Tender boat tickets will cost money,  people will be able to swim to port for free. 
For dinner time you can choose between 5 to 5:15 PM , want another slot ? It's extra.
Extra charge the comedy show if you don't want to be the star of the show.
Jacuzzi will be coin operated,  the good news, you can use your key to charge it to you room.
The flowrider will still be free you just need to pay if you want it filed with water.
At the end of the cruise at the exit you will need to be weight , every extra pound you gain during the cruise will be charged. 
Charge 4500$ for a 7 hour use of the over the water cabanas , oh wait ...
 

And add to that , it 5$ for 15 minutes but 30 $ if you want also hot water .

The survey asking if we will pay money for Sorentos made me think why to stop there. Here some more creative ideas for RCL:
Weight the plates in the WJ and pay by the pound. 
Want Emuster ? Pay extra otherwise you are back to the regular crowded muster.
All cabin doors to be removed , want privacy ? It's extra, diamonds will get free transparent shower  curtains,  D+ will get free transparent door and pineapples will get a real door but without a latch.
Quest challenge lidt can be purchased the day before , same for Love and Marriage. 
Tender boat tickets will cost money,  people will be able to swim to port for free. 
For dinner time you can choose between 5 to 5:15 PM , want another slot ? It's extra.
Extra charge the comedy show if you don't want to be the star of the show.
Jacuzzi will be coin operated,  the good news, you can use your key to charge it to you room.
The flowrider will still be free you just need to pay if you want it filed with water.
At the end of the cruise at the exit you will need to be weight , every extra pound you gain during the cruise will be charged. 
Charge 4500$ for a 7 hour use of the over the water cabanas , oh wait ...
 

Bingo !

I didn't get the survey and sent an email to the executive team just to voice a resounding "Dont Charge".   I wanted them to hear.  I did receive a response that it was passed to operations and thank you for email.  The response was actually nicer than how I just stated, and probably a generic response, but at least I voiced an opinion.    So, I'm on your side, voice an opinion.  

As funny as this is, i particularly like the flowrider one, stop giving them ideas. 😂

Not only will windjammer be weighed by the plate but it will be self checkout. Enter the number of napkins you need on the kiosk, as well as number of water glasses. Reserve a table by the window for an up charge.
For the rooms they will drop bed linens off at the door, guests will need to make their bed. Full service will be an up charge. 
Sorrento’s will be an up charge, first toss your own pizza, put it in the oven, weigh and pay. You can bypass this hassle with the pizza package.
Pool chairs will cost extra, using the dynamic pricing model. As more guests book chairs the price will rise based on demand until the last chair is $3,000 per day.
Coco Cay will use the European model of charging for bathroom use. The paper towel dispenser will be coin operated.

Priority Gangway Service or PGS.  Split the gangway with a rope barrier.  Regular pre-existing access on the right, premium boarding on the left.  Just $19.95 plus 18% gratuity.  
Priority Bar Service or PBS. A separate station/queue at every bar reserved for guests who purchased PBS.  $13.95 per person per day, plus 18% gratuity.
Priority Elevator Service.  One elevator with an operator who checks for the PES sticker on guest sea pass cards with priority direct floor service.  $7.95 per person per day, plus 18% gratuity.
Entertainment:
Aqua show, $9.95 per person, plus 18% gratuity.   Ice Skating shows, $12.95 per person, plus 18% gratuity. Broadways shows, $15.95 per person, plus 18% gratuity. Royal Caribbean original production shows $13.95 per person, plus 18% gratuity. Two70 production shows $11.95 per person, plus 18% gratuity. Priority Promenade Viewing areas.  Used for parades and promenade entertainment.  Dedicated standing areas in premium locations.  $8.95 per person per day, plus 18% gratuity.
Shall I continue?

The survey asking if we will pay money for Sorentos made me think why to stop there. Here some more creative ideas for RCL:
Weight the plates in the WJ and pay by the pound. 
Want Emuster ? Pay extra otherwise you are back to the regular crowded muster.
All cabin doors to be removed , want privacy ? It's extra, diamonds will get free transparent shower  curtains,  D+ will get free transparent door and pineapples will get a real door but without a latch.
Quest challenge lidt can be purchased the day before , same for Love and Marriage. 
Tender boat tickets will cost money,  people will be able to swim to port for free. 
For dinner time you can choose between 5 to 5:15 PM , want another slot ? It's extra.
Extra charge the comedy show if you don't want to be the star of the show.
Jacuzzi will be coin operated,  the good news, you can use your key to charge it to you room.
The flowrider will still be free you just need to pay if you want it filed with water.
At the end of the cruise at the exit you will need to be weight , every extra pound you gain during the cruise will be charged. 
Charge 4500$ for a 7 hour use of the over the water cabanas , oh wait ...
 

The survey asking if we will pay money for Sorentos made me think why to stop there. Here some more creative ideas for RCL:
Weight the plates in the WJ and pay by the pound. 
Want Emuster ? Pay extra otherwise you are back to the regular crowded muster.
All cabin doors to be removed , want privacy ? It's extra, diamonds will get free transparent shower  curtains,  D+ will get free transparent door and pineapples will get a real door but without a latch.
Quest challenge lidt can be purchased the day before , same for Love and Marriage. 
Tender boat tickets will cost money,  people will be able to swim to port for free. 
For dinner time you can choose between 5 to 5:15 PM , want another slot ? It's extra.
Extra charge the comedy show if you don't want to be the star of the show.
Jacuzzi will be coin operated,  the good news, you can use your key to charge it to you room.
The flowrider will still be free you just need to pay if you want it filed with water.
At the end of the cruise at the exit you will need to be weight , every extra pound you gain during the cruise will be charged. 
Charge 4500$ for a 7 hour use of the over the water cabanas , oh wait ...
 

The survey asking if we will pay money for Sorentos made me think why to stop there. Here some more creative ideas for RCL:
Weight the plates in the WJ and pay by the pound. 
Want Emuster ? Pay extra otherwise you are back to the regular crowded muster.
All cabin doors to be removed , want privacy ? It's extra, diamonds will get free transparent shower  curtains,  D+ will get free transparent door and pineapples will get a real door but without a latch.
Quest challenge lidt can be purchased the day before , same for Love and Marriage. 
Tender boat tickets will cost money,  people will be able to swim to port for free. 
For dinner time you can choose between 5 to 5:15 PM , want another slot ? It's extra.
Extra charge the comedy show if you don't want to be the star of the show.
Jacuzzi will be coin operated,  the good news, you can use your key to charge it to you room.
The flowrider will still be free you just need to pay if you want it filed with water.
At the end of the cruise at the exit you will need to be weight , every extra pound you gain during the cruise will be charged. 
Charge 4500$ for a 7 hour use of the over the water cabanas , oh wait ...
 

The survey asking if we will pay money for Sorentos made me think why to stop there. Here some more creative ideas for RCL:
Weight the plates in the WJ and pay by the pound. 
Want Emuster ? Pay extra otherwise you are back to the regular crowded muster.
All cabin doors to be removed , want privacy ? It's extra, diamonds will get free transparent shower  curtains,  D+ will get free transparent door and pineapples will get a real door but without a latch.
Quest challenge lidt can be purchased the day before , same for Love and Marriage. 
Tender boat tickets will cost money,  people will be able to swim to port for free. 
For dinner time you can choose between 5 to 5:15 PM , want another slot ? It's extra.
Extra charge the comedy show if you don't want to be the star of the show.
Jacuzzi will be coin operated,  the good news, you can use your key to charge it to you room.
The flowrider will still be free you just need to pay if you want it filed with water.
At the end of the cruise at the exit you will need to be weight , every extra pound you gain during the cruise will be charged. 
Charge 4500$ for a 7 hour use of the over the water cabanas , oh wait ...
 

The survey asking if we will pay money for Sorentos made me think why to stop there. Here some more creative ideas for RCL:
Weight the plates in the WJ and pay by the pound. 
Want Emuster ? Pay extra otherwise you are back to the regular crowded muster.
All cabin doors to be removed , want privacy ? It's extra, diamonds will get free transparent shower  curtains,  D+ will get free transparent door and pineapples will get a real door but without a latch.
Quest challenge lidt can be purchased the day before , same for Love and Marriage. 
Tender boat tickets will cost money,  people will be able to swim to port for free. 
For dinner time you can choose between 5 to 5:15 PM , want another slot ? It's extra.
Extra charge the comedy show if you don't want to be the star of the show.
Jacuzzi will be coin operated,  the good news, you can use your key to charge it to you room.
The flowrider will still be free you just need to pay if you want it filed with water.
At the end of the cruise at the exit you will need to be weight , every extra pound you gain during the cruise will be charged. 
Charge 4500$ for a 7 hour use of the over the water cabanas , oh wait ...
 

The survey asking if we will pay money for Sorentos made me think why to stop there. Here some more creative ideas for RCL:
Weight the plates in the WJ and pay by the pound. 
Want Emuster ? Pay extra otherwise you are back to the regular crowded muster.
All cabin doors to be removed , want privacy ? It's extra, diamonds will get free transparent shower  curtains,  D+ will get free transparent door and pineapples will get a real door but without a latch.
Quest challenge lidt can be purchased the day before , same for Love and Marriage. 
Tender boat tickets will cost money,  people will be able to swim to port for free. 
For dinner time you can choose between 5 to 5:15 PM , want another slot ? It's extra.
Extra charge the comedy show if you don't want to be the star of the show.
Jacuzzi will be coin operated,  the good news, you can use your key to charge it to you room.
The flowrider will still be free you just need to pay if you want it filed with water.
At the end of the cruise at the exit you will need to be weight , every extra pound you gain during the cruise will be charged. 
Charge 4500$ for a 7 hour use of the over the water cabanas , oh wait ...
 

The survey asking if we will pay money for Sorentos made me think why to stop there. Here some more creative ideas for RCL:
Weight the plates in the WJ and pay by the pound. 
Want Emuster ? Pay extra otherwise you are back to the regular crowded muster.
All cabin doors to be removed , want privacy ? It's extra, diamonds will get free transparent shower  curtains,  D+ will get free transparent door and pineapples will get a real door but without a latch.
Quest challenge lidt can be purchased the day before , same for Love and Marriage. 
Tender boat tickets will cost money,  people will be able to swim to port for free. 
For dinner time you can choose between 5 to 5:15 PM , want another slot ? It's extra.
Extra charge the comedy show if you don't want to be the star of the show.
Jacuzzi will be coin operated,  the good news, you can use your key to charge it to you room.
The flowrider will still be free you just need to pay if you want it filed with water.
At the end of the cruise at the exit you will need to be weight , every extra pound you gain during the cruise will be charged. 
Charge 4500$ for a 7 hour use of the over the water cabanas , oh wait ...
 

The survey asking if we will pay money for Sorentos made me think why to stop there. Here some more creative ideas for RCL:
Weight the plates in the WJ and pay by the pound. 
Want Emuster ? Pay extra otherwise you are back to the regular crowded muster.
All cabin doors to be removed , want privacy ? It's extra, diamonds will get free transparent shower  curtains,  D+ will get free transparent door and pineapples will get a real door but without a latch.
Quest challenge lidt can be purchased the day before , same for Love and Marriage. 
Tender boat tickets will cost money,  people will be able to swim to port for free. 
For dinner time you can choose between 5 to 5:15 PM , want another slot ? It's extra.
Extra charge the comedy show if you don't want to be the star of the show.
Jacuzzi will be coin operated,  the good news, you can use your key to charge it to you room.
The flowrider will still be free you just need to pay if you want it filed with water.
At the end of the cruise at the exit you will need to be weight , every extra pound you gain during the cruise will be charged. 
Charge 4500$ for a 7 hour use of the over the water cabanas , oh wait ...
 

You cam complain and I think you are right. This is the time to do it before they make the change , after it will be done it will be harder.
By the way, beside .asking survey companies like RCL are also tending to use social media scans to check trends about their company and about hot topics related to that.

Examples only.

When doing a survey they are looking for just the right samples to represent thier customer. I guess I  this can they want a mix of veterans cruisers,   one time cruisers in somewhere I  the middle so the analyze of the results will be something  like : in total 70% said they will not pay for Sorentos, 5% said they will and 25%: "calling g Sorentos a pizza is against the low" out of it 85% diamonds , 89% pinnacles and 60% gold answered they don't like it

You cam complain and I think you are right. This is the time to do it before they make the change , after it will be done it will be harder.
By the way, beside .asking survey companies like RCL are also tending to use social media scans to check trends about their company and about hot topics related to that.

Pick me, pick me, pick me !!
😝

Day 8 – back in Barcelona
(6th of August 2023)
We started the day early. Maria had an excursion booked for Barcelona.
Something that was tricky without a Genie. The excursions for day 8 I was able to book on the app or online before the cruise all ended up at the airport, but that wasn’t really a place we wanted to go to.
I figured Coastal Kitchen would be busy in the morning so we ordered room service breakfast the day before for me and the girls, Maria didn’t want anything that early.
The girls and I went down to deck 5 where the exit is for our 9:30 appointment. There were some queues to leave the ship. But we didn’t really have to queue. A nice staff member took our three sea pass cards and scanned them to leave the ship.
Day 2.1 – still on Barcelona
The same person who scanned our cards for us to leave had an envelope with three new cards and new wow bands for us. She scanned us in again and our second week starts. All without having to actually leave the ship. Only a security guard looked at the pictures on the screen to confirm that we were the three people she scanned out and in.
She also gave us three new WOW bands. She asked us if we wanted to keep the old sea pass cards – I said no. Thinking back I’m not sure it was a good idea the old cards would have been nice to keep but then again even more junk to store at home.
Fun fact: As Maria left really early at 7:45 for the excursion that isn’t usually bookable by people attending this cruise. It is bookable only for people who get on in Italy she was too early for the B2B cruise meeting. So our Genie got her her new sea pass card almost 24 hours early. With the explicit instructions to not use the new one until she is back from the excursion and to leave the ship with the old one but scan the new one when returning.
The small devil in me would have loved to try, what happens if you use a sea pass card for a future cruise on the current one?
So I guess the surprise was we have a B2B cruise in the Ultimate Family Suite 🙂
As we didn’t change the state rooms or anything else like that we didn’t have to pack so all those app messages about luggage and when to leave were not important. Gloria our loft attendant was also happy as it meant one room less to deep clean for a guest change.
Lunch was at Coastal Kitchen. Initially it started as me and the girls as Maria was still somewhere in Barcelona. But she returned just as the girls were about to leave. So  I stayed longer with Maria.
In the afternoon we didn’t do much. We finally managed to all go to the Suite sundeck. For the two hours or so we were there the 4 of use more then doubled the number of guests up there. We had the hot tub to ourselves and plenty of seating everywhere 🙂
Dinner was at Jamie’s. As always very friendly staff and we all found something we like. Also we were not greeted with “Welcome aboard” but instead “Welcome back” – I guess they will miss us next week. (I can already reveal right now that there won’t be a third week in the Ultimate Family Suite for us or even anywhere else, we all miss our home, our work, our friends, ...)
After dinner Maria and the girls went to HIRO again – I guess at this point we have seen all the bigger shows.
And I used the time to catch up on writing the blog. I have now finally managed to catch up to right now, week: 2, day: 1, time: 23:14.
The only thing that I haven’t managed to sort out is the photos to upload but I have taken a lot of them so I will get around to that too – I promise.
The day is not finished. At midnight is the balloon drop on the Royal Promenade and both girls would like a balloon. The 6 year old ones would like a blue one and the other a yellow one. But they are both too tired to go so mum has to do it. I’ll report the next day if she managed to get the desired colours.
Oh and finally, if you are on board right now and your iPhone is called “tamik” I’m not giving you the code to connect to the TV in our cabin. I know you have tried it several times this evening but forget it, you won’t get the code from me!

Day 3 – Marseille
Sorry for slacking off and now already being two days late. I’ll try to catch up somehow.
We again started the day with an (for us) early breakfast at 8ish. Maria had to be at the meeting point at 9 for the “Marseille By Open-Top Bus” tour. She enjoyed it and had fun oh and despite the name the tour also had two longer stops to walk around at places.
Me and the girls met some new friends for lunch at “Sorento’s”. The girls used the Coca Cola cups for the first time and yes they work but for smaller people (kids) it is hard to fill them or rather hard to stop before they overfill as they can’t see when they are filled to the top.
After that we briefly returned to the room to relax and chat before we went to the pool deck. They must have read my blog from yesterday as there were times with only one life guard at “Splashaway Bay”. Despite the windows on that deck 15 it was somewhat windy and a little bit cold on that deck.
My 8 year old went up to the big slides and she came back and said not again it is too cold up there with the wind. Actually when leaving the harbour it was the first time on this cruise that we really felt we were on a ship. No big waves or glasses moving just before that it was so calm that it didn’t feel like a ship at all.
Dinner was at Jamie’s. We were welcomed back as we went there for the boarding day lunch. Service was good and it was again not very crowded. We had dinner at 6 pm and by the time we left I would say about 50% to 70% of the tables were occupied.
As evening entertainment we went to “Hairspray! The Broadway Musical”.
Maria and I liked it it was really good. Our 8 year old daughter also thought also it was good but for our 6 year old one it was too long (1 hour 45 or so).
After the musical Maria took the girls to the room to get ready for bed and I spent my first ever hour in the casino. I used $ 20 from my sea pass card. And after the hour I had $ 0,18 left (please note I’m from Germany so I write it 0,18 and not 0.18).
Oh and I got 15 casino points – not sure what to do with them but I have them now.
When I started in the casino there was a distinct popcorn smell, but after about half an hour it slowly turned into cigarette smell despite being on the non smoking side.
Also on deck you find signs every 5 meter that a wet floor is slippery (something that is obvious for people from outside North America or at least something we don’t sue a cruise company for that). But the casino was definitely lacking signs that one side is none smoking – I wonder, can I sue Royal for any health problems I might ever get due to the fact that too many people smoked in the none smoking side?

Random observation for the day:
A ship this size needs more elevators (I think I mentioned that one before)

Four years later, I thought @Traveler's advice was great, and this week's podcast episode is all about it: https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/podcast/episode-507-how-make-disembarkation-easier

Post our last cruise I thought of several ideas how to make the embarkation day more bearable , please feel free to add some more of your ideas :
Do not try to get even with the ultimate drinking package – try not to drink too much alcohol during the  last evening/night , it will make the morning easier. Try to go to sleep early so you will get several hours of sleep before leaving the ship. Avoid WJ at the disembarkation morning , try to go to another place for breakfast  , WJ is a mad house during disembarkation morning. The best time to fly back from the port will be 11:30 am – 1 PM (depends how far the port is from the airport) so you can leave the room around 8 am and go directly to the airport without the need to figure out what to do until your flight. If you have very late flight consider to take day stay in one of the hotels , nothing worse than walking  around with tired sad people around you trying to  pass time until your flight. Check your bill during the day before the last day so if you need to fix something with guest services you will not need to wait in long lines. If you have enough vacation time try to take few days to continue your ovation after the cruise , for example, you cruised from Orlando with the family ? why not to  add few days in the different parks. If you can , give yourself one day off at home before going back to work. If it is possible always try to do self disembarkation , it will allow you to control when to pack, when to go out from your room (up to 8:30 am) and you will not need to check if your numbers were called or not. User the Luggage Valet program if available . that way your suitcase will arrive directly to your home airport and you will not need to carry them before via custom.  Use the porters , some time they can save allot of time by using special queues. ·