4ensic

Sweet trips! 
We will be bringing her to HI in Oct 2024.  😁 13 night cruise after flying to Seattle, taking the Cascades train to Vancouver, and staying 4 nights in Vancouver first. Can’t wait! 

April 5 2024 on the Edge R/T Sydney via NZ and Tasmania for 9 nights, then staying aboard for the 18 night cruise to Hawaii.  Retracing the crossing in late October (Hawaii -> Sydney).

April 5 2024 on the Edge R/T Sydney via NZ and Tasmania for 9 nights, then staying aboard for the 18 night cruise to Hawaii.  Retracing the crossing in late October (Hawaii -> Sydney).

April 5 2024 on the Edge R/T Sydney via NZ and Tasmania for 9 nights, then staying aboard for the 18 night cruise to Hawaii.  Retracing the crossing in late October (Hawaii -> Sydney).

April 5 2024 on the Edge R/T Sydney via NZ and Tasmania for 9 nights, then staying aboard for the 18 night cruise to Hawaii.  Retracing the crossing in late October (Hawaii -> Sydney).

This isn’t anything to “beware” about. The Cruise Planner locks down 48 hours ahead of embarking. This has been the case for a VERY long time and widely known. This is why you don’t wait until the last second to purchase something you want. There is literally no benefit to doing that.

They took Michael's Club away from Elites and now after so much vitriol and negative feedback they are giving something back but only two nights on a seven day cruise.
I don't see how that draws any conclusions about merging loyalty programs.  
They alienated loyal customers, got called out for it and came up with a compromise.  

It's the windjammer. Have more.

I just did the final check-in for our 10-13-23 Mariner cruise and there were only 2 questions.  #1 was about 26 + weeks pregnant and #2 asked about current illness symptoms.  Gone are the old questions #1 and #2 about being vaccinated and/or boosted.
YIPPEE !!!!  Sounds like they are no longer tracking whether or not the pax are vaxxed.  VERY good news.

Did the incident happen at 2:30?
This is a very common time to need dental help. 

Considering that in Israel you have 20% Muslims citizens and (some of the serve in the army) I don't think there is any issues with the crew docking in Hifa.

Once again Royal Caribbean steps up to do the right thing with its various relief efforts.  As a "Loyal to Royal" Diamond Plus and Stock Holder cruiser, I am very proud of this company.  My wife and I were on Empress for the first relief sailing to the Bahamas following the hurricane there.  It was truly something to see how the crew and company stepped up to help in a time of need.

It may cost Royal some money but will pay off in goodwill. Bless you RCI.

Looks like they are using Rhaspsody to evacuate US citizens from Haifa today.... 
 
https://il.usembassy.gov/security-alert-10/
 

So agree.  Royal has a very unfortunate pattern on making an unfavorable change followed far-too-soon by another even more, unfavorable change.  Eg, (1) saying that Hideaway Beach would be complimentary and then announcing a significant admission upcharge, (2), "THERE WILL BE NO CHANGE IN ADMISSION TO THE CROWN LOUNGE" followed by an almost immediate announcement of potentially limiting Diamonds' access during certain hours and (3) Increasing gratuities while simultaneously reducing the service provided (once a day room servicing).
You would think that the marketeers would have shouted - At least let a LITTLE time pass before immediately making us look like liars/money-grubbing scoundrels !

You had a great cruise.  A port they couldn't go to was canceled.  An excursion was canceled for which you received a full refund and a discount if you chose another.
What's the gripe?  You want more than 100% plus 15% coupon refund for the excursion?
You want them to sail into bad weather  or overly rough seas caused by weather?
I don't think you should complain.   You really have no  complaints. 
 

Pretty sure it will be the Chicken of the Seas.

Agreed @Mike.s. I think this is a miss for them.  As the kids go off to college and we are left without the need for a family friendly ship, they could more easily guide us to Celebrity with point accumulation, instead they invite Princess to the table.

Renting a Scooter is a very dangerous activity, no matter where yo do it. 
 
 

There was no fight to win.  It was a survey question, not a policy or even a proposal.  Survey responses, by their very nature give voice to those surveyed.  RCI wanted the voices, they asked for them.

Only got to see a few but the midnight buffets were great.

For those types of services, the shutdown just means those employees wouldn't get a paycheck until the shutdown ends, but would get back pay once it's over.  They'll still work though.

So, my wife and I were on our Independence balcony while in Perfect Day this weekend.  It was later in the day after we had decided to come back on board.
We looked across at the balconies on Freedom when we saw a lady take a bag out and just dump it out over her railing.  I saw some papers and other items fall out.  I'm normally a live and let live kind of guy, but why the heck would someone do that?  Littering on land is aggravating, but on a ship, the cabin steward would have taken the trash out.  It requires little effort to get something in a trash can.

We just sailed on Voyager and ate MDR 4 out of the 5 nights.  I never had a bad meal.  I actually enjoyed the MDR more than our chops dinner on night 4.  Our waiters Nandy and Melvin were absolute rock stars and really made the experience.  We never waited on drinks and always left stuffed.  I ordered the Filet I believe on night 2 and when Nandy came over he said "Looks like you enjoyed your steak, would you like another one?"  Hands down best MDR experience we have had. 
As much as I didn't think I would like the themed menus I have to admit it's not that bad.  I miss the desert options the most but it made me try some new things.  
 

Just take some $1 or exchange them.
This was my 7th RC cruise and for most I've had the DDP. I know grats are already added but I decided after reading facebook and blogs like RCBlog to tip a few bucks when getting drinks.
This was helped by winning $20 with my free slot rolls 🙂 
I have to say while you don't need to tip it really made a difference. 
I get beer mostly so it didn't impact the alcohol level but the friendliness of the staff (they were always friendly before but the level of friendliness increased) and the speed at getting served was improved.
Perhaps not noticeable if you haven't tipped before but I definitely noticed it when the pool bars got busy.
I will definitely be tipping bar staff in the future. 🙂