Yo2slick

So increase prices, chop the menu, make changes to the UDP and say its because service takes to long...Got it 🙄

So increase prices, chop the menu, make changes to the UDP and say its because service takes to long...Got it 🙄

So increase prices, chop the menu, make changes to the UDP and say its because service takes to long...Got it 🙄

A number of years ago there were beverage waiters in the MDR.  They are long gone.  Now the regular servers have to handle food and beverage.  The overall cut in the number of servers, in general, adds to the problem.  The root cause of all of the problems related to slower MDR dining time is the lack of service staff. Cutting the menu and reducing the options diners have is attempting to address the symptom and not the root cause.

I often get a couple of apps and maybe 2 mains if I can't decide. I have also had plenty of waiters just bring me a plate of something. Last month on Odyssey we got an extra plate of lamb chops and garlic shrimp without even asking. So, if they do charge extra, some waiters are going to do bad on the survey for going the extra mile.

My husband regularly orders 2 appetizers, sometimes I like several appetizers instead of an entree.  Extra plates doesn’t necessarily mean gluttony.

They're consolidating things. They'll now offer French Onion Cheesecake

Sorry, but I don’t buy their “efficiency” explanation.  IMO this is cost savings move and nothing more.  The MDR continues its downhill slide.  I’m shocked that they haven’t yet declared that this “upgrade” to the menu is intended to “enhance your cruise experience”.  I’m sure that’s coming….  After some period of time, once people stop going to the MDR altogether, they will enhance our cruise experience again by ending the complimentary MDR option altogether because passengers were “choosing other options”.  Penny-pinching at it’s finest.

One of them is pregnant and she craves the French onion soup! LOL

We stay at the Marriott Springhill Suites.  Right off I-45 and close to restaurants.  Very clean and great place to stay!  About 30 minutes to Galveston from the hotel.

I have one piece of advice if you decide to do Samba.  I have offered this many times on other threads.
They save the best cuts of meat for the END.  They will try and fill you up on cheaper cuts.  They certainly aren't BAD options but if you are a real beef lover I recommend you pass on most of the preliminary "rounds" and save plenty of room for the picanha, which is the last cut they will offer you.  I am not a big meat eater so it was WAAAYTOOO much meat for me but I will say...that picanha absolutely melted in my mouth.  I thought that saying was just a fabrication, but it actually can happen !
I enjoyed my meal at Samba Grill.  I love the venue with the water passing by in that little stream.  They have (or at least, they did, when we went there) Brazilian dancers and it was a fun meal.

This should help: https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2022/11/21/the-ultimate-guide-royal-caribbeans-unlimited-dining-package

These are the bits I noticed have changed from the description. 
For restaurants with a la carte pricing, you’ll receive a $20 food credit, which can only be used once a day.
For ships with this venue, Izumi Sushi is a prix fixe menu or $34.99 food credit.
For ships with these venues, Teppanyaki/Izumi Hibachi is included, with a $15 surcharge, and Chef's Table is included, with a $49.99 surcharge. These will be charged once onboard.
The ala carte options are different on each ship. Im not sure there is a big list of which ships have which ala carte places. 

One of my favorite parts of cruising is the dining experience.  Windjammer, MDR, Specialty, grabbing a slice of pizza.  If we are in a hurry we don't sit down for a 3 course meal, I refuse to rush others because I'm in a hurry.

^^ this is so beautiful to me 😍

My apologies.  I didn't know that Panera is a full service sit down restaurant with a full wait staff serving a 3 course meal.

We did ours last week of August.

I have used a lanyard with a clip and a retractable badge holder on a couple cruises this year and I swear I will never go without one.  Search Amazon for "2-Pack Cruise Lanyard with Retractable Badge Reel, Waterproof Badge Holder, and Snap Buckle" and you can select from multiple designs.  $10-$12 for 2 of them.  
With the drink package its as simple as unclipping the buckle and handing the badge in the holder with the retractable reel hooked up.  It makes it easier to recognize when the server brings it back and it is noticeable if you forget to clip it back on (due to the limited extra weight of the retractor). 

You and me both!!!

Yes!  It was an amazing time!  The entire group saved over 100 turtles and we released them into the ocean.  There is a stop on the way back that was pretty cool.  Its a demonstration of the Mayans way of life and they have a Tequila tasting as well.  Just be ready to dig in the sand as deep as you can reach with your hands, those nests are pretty deep!   

Whoa Whoa Whoa...If I'm understanding this right....On Allure of the Seas between 1130 and 6pm I can eat as many tacos as I want????  Don't mess with my emotions!!! 🤣

I agree with $100/ day for genie and $200 per suite attendant. I’ve read some crazy high numbers on FB groups, though. They’ll treat you like a star no matter. 

Personal choice. General consensus ranges from about $100pp to $100 per day, depending on how happy you are and the level of service.

Tipping for a Genie is covered in this article: https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2022/03/31/my-advice-someone-using-royal-genie-royal-caribbean-cruise