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I believe we booked about 6 months out, and yes we are going in less than two weeks

If your doing Symphony there is a Lavender tour they are doing. I have mine already booked for the end of June. Just hoping they will in bloom by than, actually my wife is. 

Just read on Symphony, it's $100 for 3 pkg.

Did a Norwegian cruise years ago and din't realize it was a spring break cruise. Worst time I ever had on a cruise.

June 17th Symphony

Keep in mind, if your going to Barcelona in and around the 15-17 of June, there is a very large music festival going on. Will be crowded.

Used to hang on till you can be pulled in

Have stayed at the Jazz, and will be there again for the 3rd time next month before my cruise.

This is what I found out, Re: Drink Pkg and Vat. 

Spain charges a 21% tax on all items  sold on land or on board, with the exception of drinks, which is 10%. 

When you buy pre-cruise, you do not pay the VAT.

Confusion reigns here, at least with me. 

When ordering a drink on Symphony out of Barcelona, do I pay a 21% VAT tax in addition to the 18% tip?  ex. $13 drink + 18% tip, + 21% Vat, =$18.07. 

The burning question is, Do I pay a 21% Vat on drinks???

Getting multiple stories on other webs. 

On 4/26/2018 at 3:25 PM, melski94 said:

I was on Harmony in March and also thought it was the most casual cruise we've been on...especially the couple in a Phillies shirt and shorts on Formal nights. As this is the most expensive cruise we've ever taken, I was a bit surprised. I think it is the way RC labels the dress code. There were 2 formal nights and the other nights were labeled as "Casual". 

If you were off a ship and someone said the dress for dinner was "Casual" wouldn't you think it was nice shorts or jeans, polo shirt or button down shirt for men, etc. We routinely go to expensive restaurants where people dress like this on land so why wouldn't they on a cruise ship. Even RC doesn't suggest Smart Casual any nights so I can't blame the people for not dressing up to a smart casual look.  

To me, I think the way of the world is changing. As a society we have become more casual whether at work, church or on a cruise ship. Now do people take it too far...absolutely... take the baseball shirts on formal nights.

Your absolutely right. I've been in many formal restaurants where jeans and shorts are worn. Most of the power steak houses, where I have gone I see both the business dress and the dress down attire, and I have dressed both ways myself. It's really no big deal anymore. Look at how people use to dress when flying, it was a formal affair. No more. 

With the cruise ships having more entertainment activities, such as rock climbing, ice skating, etc. who wants to do a day of those activities, than go down and get all dressed up. Things do change..

On 4/27/2018 at 4:10 AM, Neaxan said:

Why exactly bother? Pro tip: If you fill out the Guest Special Needs Form and mark the CPAP/BIPAP option, Royal provides you with distilled water and an extension cord. No need to schlepp around a bottle 

Thanks, best piece of advise I've received..

A topic on another web site.

Some people get different offers, specials in their cruise planner. I am noticing in the UK for instance, some are getting BOGO dinner specials, and others. I have not seen any of this on my cruise planner on my June cruise on Symphony from the states. Anyone else??

I agree with the proper dress for formal night, however I have seen many in the MDR with shorts on other cruises, not on formal nights.. I have no problem with it, and if RC has no problem, than what the heck...

Waiting on the deal for Symphony. Than I'll buy it

7 minutes ago, Ray said:

Way i see it, it's RC who make the rules not the guests, so if RC dont want shorts in MDR on formal or any other night ban them!!! TOTAL BAN 

No one should judge or look down on anyone due to what they are wearing if RC says it's ok. In my opinon a nice pair of shorts with the right shirt or polo shirt can in fact look way better than a pair of trousers, it's not what you wear but how you wear it  

Totally agree

On 4/21/2018 at 3:51 PM, Big Daddy said:

We will be on the Anthem of the Sea on Oct. 27, 2018. First, is there a sport bar to watch football . Second, we are Eagle's Fans (Super Bowl Champs- finally), and they will be playing in London that Sunday at 9:30 am. Will that bar be open that early? Also, any good morning drinks other than mamosaa or blood mary ? Have to keep up that infamous image of the  Philly fan.  LOL

Thanks for your help.

They only televise the 5 time SUPER BOWL PATRIOTS....LOL

12 hours ago, whenismynextcruise said:

I remember long ago being turned away at Chops because I was wearing shorts. These were pressed Bermuda type shorts with loafers and a dress shirt. I had to go to my cabin and change and then come back to meet my party there. I have noticed a much more casual trend though. We never really participate in formal night and opt for Windjammer on those nights.  For years I have been packing slacks and shirts for dinner. Is this really not required anymore? It would save a lot on a post cruise dry cleaning bill and far less to pack.

I do shorts, and a polo shirt in the MDR, and slacks, and a button down shirt in the pay restaurants 

Cruising June 17th out of Barcelona on Symphony. Will I see any specials/discount packages on the ultimate drink deal between now and than?

20 hours ago, rjac said:

Now THAT's the REAL DEAL!!!

About 5 1/2 hours north of me, (plymouth)

1 hour ago, twangster said:

Agreed.  But if no lobster in Europe that left me wondering if my Australia cruise in January will have lobster.  It's Caribbean lobster tail (as opposed to Maine lobster), so if they aren't shipping them to Europe maybe they don't ship them to other regions too.

Huge difference in Caribbean lobster and New England lobster.

1 hour ago, tiny260 said:

Pinging @Traveler he is on there currently doing a semi-Live blog, attached below, I believe in the blog WJ is discussed.

 

They are having eggs, sunny side up in the buffet for breakfast. Makes me happy. 

A question for previous Symphony cruiser's, and I'm sure it's been asked before. 

Does the windjammer have a egg station? Omelettes, fried, etc?

30 minutes ago, Pooch said:

I don’t know which “middle aged entitled people” you know but this middle aged entitled person and her husband worked for 40 years, raised & educated 2 millenials and aid in the care of 4 grandchildren.  I assure you no one waits hand and foot on me!  So yes,  I deserve a little entitlement.  Maybe when you are my age, you’ll understand how “entitled” your comments sound.

Was thinking how I was going to respond to the initial post, but now I don't have too. You said it all, and I agree with you 100%. 

Great rebuttal 

16 hours ago, twangster said:

The wash and fold bag on board is $34.99 and designed for t-shirts, shorts, sock and underwear.  Long pants, dress shirts, dresses, etc. are not included but I've included a pair of jeans once and not been billed extra.  It isn't a huge bag by any stretch.  Platinum and Emerald get $5 off, Diamond gets $10 off and D+/Pinnacle get it free on cruises 5 nights or longer.

Great. That's the answer I was looking for.

thanks