Traveler

I experienced the same when we cruised from HK but then HK is not really China , but if you say the same was Ok from Shanghai I am very happy and sad . on one hand I will be able to connect and work on the other hand I will be able to connect and work during my vacation ?
 

I experienced the same when we cruised from HK but then HK is not really China , but if you say the same was Ok from Shanghai I am very happy and sad . on one hand I will be able to connect and work on the other hand I will be able to connect and work during my vacation ?
 

That's correct. They used to not be able to, but because of the global reach of this site, they are now allowed to book anyone, anywhere.

I must say that I did start to look on the way people dress for during official nights but that only so I will be able to answer questions in this blog on how people dress during official nights in European/far east cruises ? 

Well , we will check in 105 days from now ?  will use one of the diamond free internet day to try the high speed for 60 minutes beside the regular internet I will have for the full week.

I must say that I did start to look on the way people dress for during official nights but that only so I will be able to answer questions in this blog on how people dress during official nights in European/far east cruises ? 

Well , we will check in 105 days from now ?  will use one of the diamond free internet day to try the high speed for 60 minutes beside the regular internet I will have for the full week.

Well , we will check in 105 days from now ?  will use one of the diamond free internet day to try the high speed for 60 minutes beside the regular internet I will have for the full week.

It's an option only spotted in Asia before.  However its not clear to me how it differs.
Perhaps a traveler who visits the region can let us know :) 

One thing to consider.  It's possible different satellites are used in Asia and internet service in some countries may be subject to government oversight different than in the West.  
I know guests on the initial Spectrum sailings commented on poor internet but perhaps it has been optimized for the Asia satellites and didn't perform well while in transit to Asia.
Perhaps that accounts for the 3rd choice.  A choice that wouldn't be relevant or needed given the satellites and service here.

I asked Royal, as I had seen the same 3 options on my Spectrum cruise in December. I asked "Why 3 options rather than 2, and what's the difference?" and I got this:
Dear Kristi, you will enjoy faster internet compared to the VOOM Surf internet package if you were to purchase the VOOM hi-speed internet pacakge. Thank you. [sic]
So I reiterated "great, but why 3 options?" and got no response. 
I will be purchasing the hi-speed and I'll be very curious to see how "hi-speed" it is. I will report back! ? 

It is always best to think about others which is why I often give up a prime spot on a railing at a glacier when I've taken a few pictures - let someone else enjoy it.  Being courteous to others when boarding elevators or waiting to order a drink at a bar comes naturally. 
However I draw the line at dressing up for others so some of them might feel better, maybe?  I don't notice what other folks wear in dining rooms.  It has zero impact on the taste of my meal or the company I am sharing.   This applies in land restaurants and on ships.  That's not to say I wear crappy clothes with a "just off the beach" look but I haven't packed a jacket or tie for a cruise in a while now.  I wear long pants and on formal nights a long sleeve short with a collar when I eat in the MDR.  
If I sailed a luxury line or a different line that stated a dress code I would follow it.  Royal does not have a dress code.  Period.  I paid as much or more than my fellow guests and I'm not dressing up for any of them.  I have no issue with folks that choose to dress up, that is their choice.  I do not consider this to be self centered or damaging to other guests in any way just as someone who wears a tuxedo hasn't damaged me or my experience in any way.

For the research I will take the regular Stream one and will buy one hour of the high speed to check the differences 

For the research I will take the regular Stream one and will buy one hour of the high speed to check the differences 

And if you sail to Alaska there is the option
 4. Voom 1990's Internet Speed at the price of Surf + Stream  

Hi,
I like to dress up since I'm a housewife and I do not have many opportunities to look pretty. For me, a cruise is a romantic place where all family members can look at their best and take beautiful pictures for posterity. We own a gorgeous family picture taken on a cruise 9 years ago… I also like to look at all those elegant people, it reminds me of long-past balls, I feel a bit like a princess!
However, not everybody in my family thinks the same. My 21 year old DD does not like fancy dressing. My 9 year old DD does, I bought her 2 nice dresses for the occasion, but she doesn't like formal pictures. And my men do not want to play the game at all. 
My DS, 18, does not want pictures of him to be taken. He does not even own any long pants apart from jeans, I got him a black levi's khaki. And my DH wears suits all year-round for work, so for him suit = work, he is on holiday, he wants to relax and be comfortable. Moreover, he's a bit… overweight… so he feels uncomfortable in suits and tie, especially for eating. Thus, he makes an effort to wear long pants and a polo shirt on formal nights, in order to "fit in" and please me, but that would be it.
I agree that formal night is part of the game and people should make an effort on those days, in consideration for others. But it is also THEIR vacation, they want to enjoy it their way. After all, every guest pays for their cruise. Wearing long pants and a polo shirt instead of a tuxedo is not being rude to anyone. I think.
 
 

Day 8 - back to Barcelona ? 
We woke up at 5:30 am , much to early but we had a flight to catch at 9:25 and we wanted to play it safe. quick breakfast and WJ (which was open from 5:30 AM) and a coffee from the coffee machine in the diamond club. we finish to pack the leftovers and started our way with the suitcases to the embarkation gate.from the time we left the room to the time we took the taxi it was less ten minutes, another 20 minutes and we were at the airport just to find that check in counters were not even open (yes , we could spend another hour sleeping). Check in was done 30 minutes after and we waited to catch our flight for our connection. Connection was way too long , but we decided we both will work during the connection time so we can catch before coming to office. at 2 am we landed back home , tired but happy  to return home.
Few things we learned during this cruise :
1. Even if it is the fifth time we are doing this route there is always something else to see.
2. No need to be afraid taking a cruise for a ship that is due to refurbished , the ship looked great.
3. If you know what you want to do in port  you can save allot of money doing it without RCL, we done the Cinque  Tere by our own which cost us 38$ comparing to 120-130 RCL wanted , we went to Rome using a bus and a train which cost us around 30 $ comparing to 60$ RCL wanted for transfer , we could even made it 20$ if we did not missed the train. There is a free shuttle in Marseilles port gate comparing to the 20 $ shuttle that RCL is offering. Many other examples ,  One exception will be if you want to see Florence, its just too far to take any risk.
4. No issue to take early flight from Barcelona , the ship most of the time arrives way before the official time.
5. It was the first time we have done self embarkation , it was very easy and smooth and we will try it again. 
6. Its bad tell people at work you will be available if needed , people do not know to decide what is real emergency ...
7.We need at least one more sea days to enjoy the ship.
8. We love Oasis class , can not wait for the new Oasis ship.
9. Cats is not becoming better when you watch it for the second time.
10. Drinking package dose not make much sense with Med cruises without sea days.
11.  Always do a WJ recon , you never know what you will find.
12. 7 days is not enough , 10 days or B2B should be considered ?
 
It was another fun experience , thank you for following. See you next time  over Rhapsody at the end of August and Spectrum of the Seas during October.  

Who ever would do such a thing? ...

Thanks for sharing your cruise with us @Traveler?

Just returned from the same cruise (my first ever). Read your blog and obviously not the same as my days but sounds like we all had a good time.
Doubt i will make diamond but i will book again im sure. 

Day 8 - back to Barcelona ? 
We woke up at 5:30 am , much to early but we had a flight to catch at 9:25 and we wanted to play it safe. quick breakfast and WJ (which was open from 5:30 AM) and a coffee from the coffee machine in the diamond club. we finish to pack the leftovers and started our way with the suitcases to the embarkation gate.from the time we left the room to the time we took the taxi it was less ten minutes, another 20 minutes and we were at the airport just to find that check in counters were not even open (yes , we could spend another hour sleeping). Check in was done 30 minutes after and we waited to catch our flight for our connection. Connection was way too long , but we decided we both will work during the connection time so we can catch before coming to office. at 2 am we landed back home , tired but happy  to return home.
Few things we learned during this cruise :
1. Even if it is the fifth time we are doing this route there is always something else to see.
2. No need to be afraid taking a cruise for a ship that is due to refurbished , the ship looked great.
3. If you know what you want to do in port  you can save allot of money doing it without RCL, we done the Cinque  Tere by our own which cost us 38$ comparing to 120-130 RCL wanted , we went to Rome using a bus and a train which cost us around 30 $ comparing to 60$ RCL wanted for transfer , we could even made it 20$ if we did not missed the train. There is a free shuttle in Marseilles port gate comparing to the 20 $ shuttle that RCL is offering. Many other examples ,  One exception will be if you want to see Florence, its just too far to take any risk.
4. No issue to take early flight from Barcelona , the ship most of the time arrives way before the official time.
5. It was the first time we have done self embarkation , it was very easy and smooth and we will try it again. 
6. Its bad tell people at work you will be available if needed , people do not know to decide what is real emergency ...
7.We need at least one more sea days to enjoy the ship.
8. We love Oasis class , can not wait for the new Oasis ship.
9. Cats is not becoming better when you watch it for the second time.
10. Drinking package dose not make much sense with Med cruises without sea days.
11.  Always do a WJ recon , you never know what you will find.
12. 7 days is not enough , 10 days or B2B should be considered ?
 
It was another fun experience , thank you for following. See you next time  over Rhapsody at the end of August and Spectrum of the Seas during October.  

Day 8 - back to Barcelona ? 
We woke up at 5:30 am , much to early but we had a flight to catch at 9:25 and we wanted to play it safe. quick breakfast and WJ (which was open from 5:30 AM) and a coffee from the coffee machine in the diamond club. we finish to pack the leftovers and started our way with the suitcases to the embarkation gate.from the time we left the room to the time we took the taxi it was less ten minutes, another 20 minutes and we were at the airport just to find that check in counters were not even open (yes , we could spend another hour sleeping). Check in was done 30 minutes after and we waited to catch our flight for our connection. Connection was way too long , but we decided we both will work during the connection time so we can catch before coming to office. at 2 am we landed back home , tired but happy  to return home.
Few things we learned during this cruise :
1. Even if it is the fifth time we are doing this route there is always something else to see.
2. No need to be afraid taking a cruise for a ship that is due to refurbished , the ship looked great.
3. If you know what you want to do in port  you can save allot of money doing it without RCL, we done the Cinque  Tere by our own which cost us 38$ comparing to 120-130 RCL wanted , we went to Rome using a bus and a train which cost us around 30 $ comparing to 60$ RCL wanted for transfer , we could even made it 20$ if we did not missed the train. There is a free shuttle in Marseilles port gate comparing to the 20 $ shuttle that RCL is offering. Many other examples ,  One exception will be if you want to see Florence, its just too far to take any risk.
4. No issue to take early flight from Barcelona , the ship most of the time arrives way before the official time.
5. It was the first time we have done self embarkation , it was very easy and smooth and we will try it again. 
6. Its bad tell people at work you will be available if needed , people do not know to decide what is real emergency ...
7.We need at least one more sea days to enjoy the ship.
8. We love Oasis class , can not wait for the new Oasis ship.
9. Cats is not becoming better when you watch it for the second time.
10. Drinking package dose not make much sense with Med cruises without sea days.
11.  Always do a WJ recon , you never know what you will find.
12. 7 days is not enough , 10 days or B2B should be considered ?
 
It was another fun experience , thank you for following. See you next time  over Rhapsody at the end of August and Spectrum of the Seas during October.  

Day 8 - back to Barcelona ? 
We woke up at 5:30 am , much to early but we had a flight to catch at 9:25 and we wanted to play it safe. quick breakfast and WJ (which was open from 5:30 AM) and a coffee from the coffee machine in the diamond club. we finish to pack the leftovers and started our way with the suitcases to the embarkation gate.from the time we left the room to the time we took the taxi it was less ten minutes, another 20 minutes and we were at the airport just to find that check in counters were not even open (yes , we could spend another hour sleeping). Check in was done 30 minutes after and we waited to catch our flight for our connection. Connection was way too long , but we decided we both will work during the connection time so we can catch before coming to office. at 2 am we landed back home , tired but happy  to return home.
Few things we learned during this cruise :
1. Even if it is the fifth time we are doing this route there is always something else to see.
2. No need to be afraid taking a cruise for a ship that is due to refurbished , the ship looked great.
3. If you know what you want to do in port  you can save allot of money doing it without RCL, we done the Cinque  Tere by our own which cost us 38$ comparing to 120-130 RCL wanted , we went to Rome using a bus and a train which cost us around 30 $ comparing to 60$ RCL wanted for transfer , we could even made it 20$ if we did not missed the train. There is a free shuttle in Marseilles port gate comparing to the 20 $ shuttle that RCL is offering. Many other examples ,  One exception will be if you want to see Florence, its just too far to take any risk.
4. No issue to take early flight from Barcelona , the ship most of the time arrives way before the official time.
5. It was the first time we have done self embarkation , it was very easy and smooth and we will try it again. 
6. Its bad tell people at work you will be available if needed , people do not know to decide what is real emergency ...
7.We need at least one more sea days to enjoy the ship.
8. We love Oasis class , can not wait for the new Oasis ship.
9. Cats is not becoming better when you watch it for the second time.
10. Drinking package dose not make much sense with Med cruises without sea days.
11.  Always do a WJ recon , you never know what you will find.
12. 7 days is not enough , 10 days or B2B should be considered ?
 
It was another fun experience , thank you for following. See you next time  over Rhapsody at the end of August and Spectrum of the Seas during October.  

Day 8 - back to Barcelona ? 
We woke up at 5:30 am , much to early but we had a flight to catch at 9:25 and we wanted to play it safe. quick breakfast and WJ (which was open from 5:30 AM) and a coffee from the coffee machine in the diamond club. we finish to pack the leftovers and started our way with the suitcases to the embarkation gate.from the time we left the room to the time we took the taxi it was less ten minutes, another 20 minutes and we were at the airport just to find that check in counters were not even open (yes , we could spend another hour sleeping). Check in was done 30 minutes after and we waited to catch our flight for our connection. Connection was way too long , but we decided we both will work during the connection time so we can catch before coming to office. at 2 am we landed back home , tired but happy  to return home.
Few things we learned during this cruise :
1. Even if it is the fifth time we are doing this route there is always something else to see.
2. No need to be afraid taking a cruise for a ship that is due to refurbished , the ship looked great.
3. If you know what you want to do in port  you can save allot of money doing it without RCL, we done the Cinque  Tere by our own which cost us 38$ comparing to 120-130 RCL wanted , we went to Rome using a bus and a train which cost us around 30 $ comparing to 60$ RCL wanted for transfer , we could even made it 20$ if we did not missed the train. There is a free shuttle in Marseilles port gate comparing to the 20 $ shuttle that RCL is offering. Many other examples ,  One exception will be if you want to see Florence, its just too far to take any risk.
4. No issue to take early flight from Barcelona , the ship most of the time arrives way before the official time.
5. It was the first time we have done self embarkation , it was very easy and smooth and we will try it again. 
6. Its bad tell people at work you will be available if needed , people do not know to decide what is real emergency ...
7.We need at least one more sea days to enjoy the ship.
8. We love Oasis class , can not wait for the new Oasis ship.
9. Cats is not becoming better when you watch it for the second time.
10. Drinking package dose not make much sense with Med cruises without sea days.
11.  Always do a WJ recon , you never know what you will find.
12. 7 days is not enough , 10 days or B2B should be considered ?
 
It was another fun experience , thank you for following. See you next time  over Rhapsody at the end of August and Spectrum of the Seas during October.  

Only contact me if the place burns down.
So I can extend my cruise!