Pima1988

What makes me laugh is that the exact same people who are likely to make that complaint are the exact same ones who will complain about "entitled millennials" in the same breath. 

I agree with JL, I think this is really for the China sailings.  That market is very unique to any of their other markets, especially from gambling and smoking aspects.  My bet is that the company adjusts accordingly to each specific market.  I would think that like you, most U.S. sailings, including AK, will be filled with mostly American and Canadians, which may mean that RCCL would hear bloody murder from those passengers.  I say that bc loyal Royal customers are accustom the Solarium to have that adults only pool.   I would be more upset regarding the fact that I couldn't use the pool, over the bistro. 
Do not get me wrong, I enjoy the outside pools too, and when we go on the Adventure in the spring, we only took an outside balcony, I plan to use the Solarium quite often.  I have seen pics showing that it is not totally covered, or maybe all of the pics show the pool with the roof retracted, but that will be go to pool.  I plan to do this because, my pet peeve on cruises with the outdoor pools is I enjoy the hot tubs/jacuzzi more than the pool itself.  However, regardless of signage regarding age requirements and parental supervision, inevitably there will be a couple of kids under 10 that will jump in without parental supervision, splash each other, sit on the bottom holding their breath, etc., and get out a few minutes later.  Repeat with a new set of young kids a few minutes later.  It is not relaxing.  Instead of me getting angry at the kids or contacting the life guard to report them to their parents,  I opt for the Solarium.
I know on certain ships the Solarium bistro, such as Anthem, that you can access the bistro without going through the Solarium per se.  You can go through the Solarium pool area too, but there are doors for entry without entering the pool. 

I agree.  I would add the cynic in me sees it differently though.  I think this more about showing who owns the cards when it comes to the Bahamas and cruise lines.  If memory serves me correctly only a few months ago the Bahama's govt came out and upped the cost of the ports, basically insinuating that the cruises are taking advantage of the low cost and they are not reaping enough in revenue for the amount of people that come on land when at port.  By leaving this letter in every cabin,  many that did not have an excursion will stay on the ship instead of just walking around Nassau and maybe buying some trinkets.  In essence, it is a win win for RCCL.  If they stay on the ship, many may spend money at the spa, at bingo or buy a drink or two  to lounge at the pool, ($$$ if they don't have the DBP), maybe even have lunch at a specialty restaurant,  more money in the RCCL pocket.  WIN #1.  
WIN #2 is the fewer that get off due to fear from this letter, the Bahamain govt gets to see even less revenue, and that by rising the costs to port in Nassau they lost money bc now we played the fear card with our passengers that had no excursions, but intended to just walk around just by placing this letter in every stateroom.  They never said don't get off, just insinuated you may want to be weary of getting off.  
~ I have seen this in my life.  My DH served in the AF during the 90's when they were closing military bases left and right.  The mayor of the town where the base was located went to the Base Commander and told him they were going to tell the Congressman and Senators they would like the base to close because in their eyes, they only brought noise to the town (airplanes), and nothing else.  Every base has a bank on the base.  The Commander ordered that bank to only give every airmen $2 bills if they were getting cash that payday weekend.  On Monday the mayor called the Commander and said I give.  The town had been flooded with $2 bills everywhere.  He saw and heard from business, including the banks in town why on earth are we getting all of these $2 bills?  He saw that the AF base with the noise of airplanes taking off equated to pumping in a lot of money into that town.   Hence, why I see RCCL doing that letter.  It is to illustrate to the govt that you don't realize how much money our passengers spend on shore.
I also bet that RCCL is not the only cruise line placing these letters in the staterooms.  On the day we arrived in Nassau, Carnival,, NCL and Disney all arrived in port that day.  I bet those cruise lines too placed a letter like in RCCL.  Old adage the enemy of my enemy is my friend.  Hence, all cruise lines will band together to prove a point to the govt in Bahamas.

I agree.  I would add the cynic in me sees it differently though.  I think this more about showing who owns the cards when it comes to the Bahamas and cruise lines.  If memory serves me correctly only a few months ago the Bahama's govt came out and upped the cost of the ports, basically insinuating that the cruises are taking advantage of the low cost and they are not reaping enough in revenue for the amount of people that come on land when at port.  By leaving this letter in every cabin,  many that did not have an excursion will stay on the ship instead of just walking around Nassau and maybe buying some trinkets.  In essence, it is a win win for RCCL.  If they stay on the ship, many may spend money at the spa, at bingo or buy a drink or two  to lounge at the pool, ($$$ if they don't have the DBP), maybe even have lunch at a specialty restaurant,  more money in the RCCL pocket.  WIN #1.  
WIN #2 is the fewer that get off due to fear from this letter, the Bahamain govt gets to see even less revenue, and that by rising the costs to port in Nassau they lost money bc now we played the fear card with our passengers that had no excursions, but intended to just walk around just by placing this letter in every stateroom.  They never said don't get off, just insinuated you may want to be weary of getting off.  
~ I have seen this in my life.  My DH served in the AF during the 90's when they were closing military bases left and right.  The mayor of the town where the base was located went to the Base Commander and told him they were going to tell the Congressman and Senators they would like the base to close because in their eyes, they only brought noise to the town (airplanes), and nothing else.  Every base has a bank on the base.  The Commander ordered that bank to only give every airmen $2 bills if they were getting cash that payday weekend.  On Monday the mayor called the Commander and said I give.  The town had been flooded with $2 bills everywhere.  He saw and heard from business, including the banks in town why on earth are we getting all of these $2 bills?  He saw that the AF base with the noise of airplanes taking off equated to pumping in a lot of money into that town.   Hence, why I see RCCL doing that letter.  It is to illustrate to the govt that you don't realize how much money our passengers spend on shore.
I also bet that RCCL is not the only cruise line placing these letters in the staterooms.  On the day we arrived in Nassau, Carnival,, NCL and Disney all arrived in port that day.  I bet those cruise lines too placed a letter like in RCCL.  Old adage the enemy of my enemy is my friend.  Hence, all cruise lines will band together to prove a point to the govt in Bahamas.

I agree.  I would add the cynic in me sees it differently though.  I think this more about showing who owns the cards when it comes to the Bahamas and cruise lines.  If memory serves me correctly only a few months ago the Bahama's govt came out and upped the cost of the ports, basically insinuating that the cruises are taking advantage of the low cost and they are not reaping enough in revenue for the amount of people that come on land when at port.  By leaving this letter in every cabin,  many that did not have an excursion will stay on the ship instead of just walking around Nassau and maybe buying some trinkets.  In essence, it is a win win for RCCL.  If they stay on the ship, many may spend money at the spa, at bingo or buy a drink or two  to lounge at the pool, ($$$ if they don't have the DBP), maybe even have lunch at a specialty restaurant,  more money in the RCCL pocket.  WIN #1.  
WIN #2 is the fewer that get off due to fear from this letter, the Bahamain govt gets to see even less revenue, and that by rising the costs to port in Nassau they lost money bc now we played the fear card with our passengers that had no excursions, but intended to just walk around just by placing this letter in every stateroom.  They never said don't get off, just insinuated you may want to be weary of getting off.  
~ I have seen this in my life.  My DH served in the AF during the 90's when they were closing military bases left and right.  The mayor of the town where the base was located went to the Base Commander and told him they were going to tell the Congressman and Senators they would like the base to close because in their eyes, they only brought noise to the town (airplanes), and nothing else.  Every base has a bank on the base.  The Commander ordered that bank to only give every airmen $2 bills if they were getting cash that payday weekend.  On Monday the mayor called the Commander and said I give.  The town had been flooded with $2 bills everywhere.  He saw and heard from business, including the banks in town why on earth are we getting all of these $2 bills?  He saw that the AF base with the noise of airplanes taking off equated to pumping in a lot of money into that town.   Hence, why I see RCCL doing that letter.  It is to illustrate to the govt that you don't realize how much money our passengers spend on shore.
I also bet that RCCL is not the only cruise line placing these letters in the staterooms.  On the day we arrived in Nassau, Carnival,, NCL and Disney all arrived in port that day.  I bet those cruise lines too placed a letter like in RCCL.  Old adage the enemy of my enemy is my friend.  Hence, all cruise lines will band together to prove a point to the govt in Bahamas.

Sorry, but I have to go with the wedge salad and the lamb shank.  I  like Caesar salad, but the wedge is so much better.  On the Anthem last year I asked for this on the 1st night in the MDR (it was not on the menu).  By the end of the cruise our waiter immediately would ask me if I wanted the wedge salad.  They do offer it 1 night in the MDR, I believe it is formal night.  
The lamb shank is so tender and flavorful.  If you like lamb, you will love their lamb shank.  If you have never eaten lamb, this is a dish you should try to see if you like lamb.  Worse case scenario you don't like it, than request another dish that you know you will like.  That is the beauty of dining on RCCL, they have no problem bringing out another dish if you were unhappy with your original order.
 

Nothing against Cape Canaveral, just my hubby flew for the AF for 21 yrs. 2 of our friends eventually became astronauts.  It would be a great excursion if not for the military life we have lived.  Not trying to be show offy.  Just saying, it would be like anybody from NJ and seeing the Empire State building or Lady Liberty.  For many this is a 1x in a lifetime site, but if you live in NJ/NY/CT it is like oh, that's just the Statute of Liberty, can we now move onto getting a dirty dog from a street cart vendor or maybe hit up Chinatown or Little Italy?
For those not from the NY area.  A dirty dog is a hot dog.  The reason they are called dirty is because nobody knows the last time they changed the water they boil the hotdogs in.   
Now if there is an RCCL excursion to Tony Nelson and Jeannie's house at Coca Beach, I am all in!  
 

Sabrett is the best.  I prefer them more than Hebrew National. From where I am at in NJ we call all street cart hotdogs dirty dogs.  Thanks for the clarification. I guess it is kind of like saying porkroll in NJ.  Depends where you are from, is it porkroll or Taylor Ham?  
Not diverting this too far, but I am diverting it.  If you sail out of NY/NJ you need to get some Drake's products.  My favorite is Funny Bones.  Think a chocolate twinkie filled with PB and dipped in chocolate.  Or the tandykakes...a flat doughy cookie with either vanilla crème or pb crème dipped in chocolate.  Of course there are the Butterscotch Krimpets or Devil Dogs too.  Basically think of Drakes like Entenmann's or Hostess that you find at your local grocery store.  They are all individually wrapped.
  I have lived all over this country and in other counties too while my hubby served.  God Bless my Mom bc she would fill her carry on with them and BAGELS and BIALIES too when she would come to visit.   There is nothing like them...we always said it was something in the water.  Oh and make sure you get a real slice of pizza.  I know Sorrento's  has changed their recipe, but until you hold a slice of NY/NJ pizza over a paper plate and try to stop it from bending while you fold it in half and let the grease drip onto the plate you have never experienced pizza.  
I see Sorrento's more like Sicilian pizza...doughy.  No problem with that.  I just like being a contortionist when I eat my pizza.  
Back on topic.  I know I will do Oasis out of Bayonne.  However, I also know if that is the route, we will more likely fly to Florida and do Symphony or Harmony.  

It is rumored to be that the Oasis will replace Anthem after she comes out of her retrofit.  I am wondering if this is truly true because I am not sure it can clear the bridge..  Anthem only clears by @20 feet.  I remember being on the pool deck and you could see the brand of the car tires as we under the bridge.
 

Right now the Adventure is 8 nights out of Bayonne for summer of 2019 to the Caribbean.  If they go to 9 nights than I would assume they would turn it to be a 5 day to NE.  Lady G the last time I looked did 9 nights NE and turned to a 5 day Caribbean.  
Anthem had to do a 5 night to NE last Sept because of a hurricane that was due to hit Bermuda.  She went to Portland and Halifax, thus it is doable to do a 5 night to NE..  
I really want a 7 night to Florida/Bahamas/CoCo Cay.  Caveat, not if it is to Cape Canaveral or Miami.  Key West on the other hand oh yes!

Our decision also comes down to how many times we have been there and if we are traveling with a group or by ourselves.  That and how long you are in port.   
IE our cruise in July, I splurged on the cabana (Chill Island) because my SIL will burn even if she wore 1000 SPF.  My BIL wants to scuba so we booked the Catamaran with RCL...don't want to risk a problem with the Catamaran and not getting back on time in Bermuda since we leave at 5.  Bahamas we have already done the dolphins, and also the sting rays, so this time we will just walk into Graycliffs by ourselves instead of using RCCL.   My BIL wants to do the swim with dolphins, so they are going on their own and chancing it with an outside company.
Remember if you book it with RCCL they will hold the ship for you, or so I have been told if the tour group has issues getting back to the ship on time.  I have seen not only on this site, but also on FB pics/stories of people running to the ship bc they did a 3rd party operator.  One poster was angry bc the ship actually left without them.  It occurred bc the poster did not think about the time change.  They saw 3 hr tour... and booked it for the afternoon, never realizing that the time change meant they were coming back an hr after  the ship left. 

I lived in AK for several yrs. right outside of Anchorage, in a town between Anchorage and Wasilla.  There is only 1 road to get to Wasilla from Anchorage, it is called Glenn Hwy.  There are pics of that road being twisted and torn in the news.  The problem I see for the cruise ships are about the excursions come spring time.
~ In AK they call April "Break Up" because that is when we start thawing and you finally see pave top roads again.  
The point is, it is already snowing in AK.  It is not uncommon there to have 2 feet of snow within a week.  There is no way they can repair those roads during the winter since it is too cold to pave.  Thus, they are really going to have to get on it after break up and the cruise lines will have to hope that it is done in time by May when they start showing up.
My heart goes out to everyone in AK.  
OBTW, for the 1st few months I lived in AK,  I would yell at my kids (6,4 and 2)… stop touching the pictures on the walls (hallway/staircase/behind the sofa)!  I was fixing them everyday since they just tilted a little.  It was only when I complained to my neighbor (AK born) that they said, it's not the kids. It's the tremors and you are too use to it now to realize they happen everyday.

I lived in AK for several yrs. right outside of Anchorage, in a town between Anchorage and Wasilla.  There is only 1 road to get to Wasilla from Anchorage, it is called Glenn Hwy.  There are pics of that road being twisted and torn in the news.  The problem I see for the cruise ships are about the excursions come spring time.
~ In AK they call April "Break Up" because that is when we start thawing and you finally see pave top roads again.  
The point is, it is already snowing in AK.  It is not uncommon there to have 2 feet of snow within a week.  There is no way they can repair those roads during the winter since it is too cold to pave.  Thus, they are really going to have to get on it after break up and the cruise lines will have to hope that it is done in time by May when they start showing up.
My heart goes out to everyone in AK.  
OBTW, for the 1st few months I lived in AK,  I would yell at my kids (6,4 and 2)… stop touching the pictures on the walls (hallway/staircase/behind the sofa)!  I was fixing them everyday since they just tilted a little.  It was only when I complained to my neighbor (AK born) that they said, it's not the kids. It's the tremors and you are too use to it now to realize they happen everyday.

Yep, that moment you realize, you've not prepaid for everything. Sigh. . . . 
 

I guess I’m not on the Serenade anymore...

I just looked at the details of my cabana (Chill Island)  It states jet ski and snorkel excursions are nearby.  Nothing about the mats either.   It states the same regarding towels, sofa, chaise lounge,  usb port with speakers for music, attendant and chill gill, plus also a self serve beer station (if you have the bev pkg).  Maybe they have changed it for 2019 sailings especially since they now have the Oasis and Thrill cabanas.
I am just glad we booked the cabana as soon as we booked the cruise back in Oct. bc we got it for 449, and even on Black Friday/Cyber Monday it is at 674.  I have seen it go as high as 1249, and hovering at 849 for weeks now.  
Coco Cay is our favorite stop.  The water is gorgeous.  If RCCL ever opened a hotel there as an all inclusive I would do it in a heartbeat.   My only complaint is I wish they would stay until 6 or 7, but my guess is it has to do either with the tides, or those that work on the island. 

We had no problem with the site, but like SpeedNoodles we did it later in the day, @6 p.m.  On our planner the clock is going to end at 11:59 Sunday night.  Hoping that on Cyber Monday it will drop some more on the DBP, but if it doesn't we still got it @ $55 including the grats. or about $160 less for the cruise compared to the cost on Weds.  
 

We had no problem with the site, but like SpeedNoodles we did it later in the day, @6 p.m.  On our planner the clock is going to end at 11:59 Sunday night.  Hoping that on Cyber Monday it will drop some more on the DBP, but if it doesn't we still got it @ $55 including the grats. or about $160 less for the cruise compared to the cost on Weds.  
 

The day I saw it 1249 I said to my Hubby I just saved us 800 books, and his response was HOW?  My guess is that they probably had 1 cabana left and somebody was going to be willing to purchase it and rebook it later.  No way in Hades would I be willing to pay that cost, nor at 849.   649 would have been on the fence decision.  Not to go off more topic, but my regret is not booking my spa day at the same time.  

I totally agree with you about the Spanish steps, the nearby church and Trevi Fountain.  When we finally found the fountain I was like, "What ?  Really ? THIS is it ?"

Our last night in Rome we went to what in NYC/NJ would call a deli/butcher.  We purchased meats/cheeses, breads and pastries to take back to our hotel room bc we had a long day of doing touristy things, including a large lunch on the patio at the Museum in Rome (Ocean 12 Movie).  We just wanted to decompress and get ready to take the early train to Milan the next day (packing).  Kids were happy bc we let them get gelato while we walked back to the hotel.  My Hubby is Italian, and trust me even in NYC Prosciutto is nothing like you will get in Italy.  Coliseum, Pantheon, Vatican should be on your list, but also go to a deli.  We went to one near the Spanish steps.  OBTW I was not a fan of this site.  It was just a bunch of stairs.  Nothing in the OMG look at that view realm.  More of OKAY, seen it, checked the box, can we move on now?   I felt the same with Trevi fountain. I was more impressed with the church around the corner (see earlier posts regarding placards).  I also didn't like these places bc every time I turned around someone was trying to sell me a rose pushing it in my face.. 
I agree Europe has a much better transit system than the US.  That being said, if you have a TA or use the concierge with your credit card to see if they offer deals.  Many people think doing it on their own is the best option, not realizing you do not pay for a travel agent and they can hook you up for better deals. 
Which brings us back on topic regarding cruising.  
I got an amazing deal on Adventure using a TA.  This will be our 3rd cruise within 2 yrs.  1st time we used a TA.  The deal was outside Balcony deck 7. 2 specialty dinners and 100 OBC for 2800 (2 people)  for 8 nights out of Cape Liberty. I keep looking (fake booking)  to see if I could get it cheaper...NOPE!   They beat the price of Costco or the RCCL website.  I am not paying them to book the cruise/vacation.  RCCL is!  Just like if you use your credit card concierge. 
FWIW, we planned that Italian vacations a yr out, and used AMEX concierge.  I paid everything on our AMEX to get points.  Gas, groceries. food, cell phone, etc..  I just thought of AMEX like a debit card and deducted it from my checking account.  We had so many points that my entire family flew 1st class (5 of us) to Italy from NYC and back at the cost of economy.  We were also allowed to use their private lounges while we waited for our flights,, aka Delta Crown Room as AMEX card holders.  I don't know about Visa or MC, but I would strongly suggest looking into the benefits your credit card offers when it comes to traveling, including  early or late check out
 

Waytoo, you are correct.  Imagine how stupid I felt that my 16 yr old son knew the answer and I didn't.   It actually continued all day long, regarding statues.   I will also say, as a Catholic, I walked away ashamed.  The artifacts there really are ill gotten gains. Hundreds of yrs ago Popes cared about acquiring wealth and their own safety.  I learned so much on that tour, and again I think I learned more bc of that tour guide.  I am a cheap wad overall, but I do spend big $$ when it comes to bucket list or experiences.  This trip I am referring to was my bucket list, not for Rome or Venice, but we took our kids to the Winter Olympics in Italy, and those cities, plus Milan were included in the trip.  FYI  we hated Milan.  We are NY/NJ people living in DC area, and felt that we never experienced such rude people as we did in that city.  OBTW, we also lived in the UK for 4 yrs., so I get Europe.  
Just saying from a cruise aspect, if it comes down to an ocean view with private tours or a balcony and group tours, I would take the ocean view.  

Do you have Amex?  When we went we used their concierge service to get a personal driver for 2 days.  We had the driver basically all day, or about 9 hrs. each day.  It was worth the cost because not only did he wait for us in the car at every stop, including when we would have lunch, but also took us to places that are off the beaten track and not typically touristy. Took us to some not famous churches and explained why they had multiple placards outside...basically it was to show the floods and how high the water rose. He also was kind of like a tourist guide, giving tidbits about the city as he was driving like why there are Bumblebees on top of certain buildings..  Some of our best photos we took was bc he knew where to go to get the best background shot for their iconic buildings.   I want to say it was $85 a day per person, impo it was well worth it, especially since we didn't have to worry about finding a taxi or getting an Uber every time we went from 1 place to another, IE Catacombs to the Pantheon.  
We also used Amex concierge service to hire a private tour guide for the Vatican.  These tour guides are licensed, can't remember by whom..  There are many perks using a private guide, and you will notice them starting the minute arrive.  Private tours enter in through a different line than if you just showed up by yourself.  I think we arrived at 9:30 a.m., and the public/group tour line had hundreds of people in line.  Our driver dropped us off at the other entrance, and we were in the Vatican within a minute.  The public tour groups go at their pace, but bc we used our own tour guide she went at our pace and was able to show us the little hidden areas.  My DS is a huge history buff, and she kept trying to stump him with questions, but he usually won.  Her questions were unique, IE why is January named after Janus?   The only time on our tour we were with the group tours was entering the Sistine Chapel, bc they time it due to occupancy levels.  You pay the same amount to enter with a regular ticket and then pay the private guide cost.  IMPO, the Vatican is a bucket list aspect.  We spent a solid 4 hrs there.  OBTW, FYI, if you go, right next to the Vatican is their "store".  You can ask them to have your items blessed by the Pope and have them deliver it to your hotel, or at least that was what we did, but I don't know if that was bc we had a private tour.  You also need to buy a postcard bc the Vatican has it's own postal code/stamp, it is not Rome.  You just drop it off there.
Hope that helps.  If you are going to Venice also, let me know.  Venice is my favorite city in the world, we have been there several times.  Be prepared in Italy the food in the North is much different than in the South.  Think of it like getting pizza in NYC and getting pizza in Chicago.  Lastly, people expect leather to be much cheaper in Italy, but that really isn't true.  What is true is the quality is much higher, so expect to spend the same amount, but the leather to be like butter(soft/supple) and not like toast (hard/unpliable)  
Back on topic.  Our 1st cruise was the med.  Started in Venice, did the entire boot, plus Greece.  Ended in Nice, France.  Very port intensive, Yugoslavia, Greece, Sicily, Naples,  Elba, and Portofino.    Just like any cruise, you have to decide whether you want the bigger ship with all the bells and whistles, but can't fit into smaller ports, or the smaller ship with fewer bells and whistles, but can fit into the smaller ports.  Obviously, for that cruise we opted for the smaller ship.

They definitely will have biters.  They don't do these type of things unless they can make money.
My niece is getting married next summer and her fiancé was someone about to do this until we screamed NO!  They are young (25), millennials.  He saw this as easy peasy.  Just have them take care of it.  I swear he knows nothing about credit!  At their engagement party he was sat down by our side and explained to him how he was losing money by many people.
~ Fiance, I just sign up and they will take care of it, I don't have to do anything more, except give them my bank account for them to take the money monthly.
~~US:  You do realize you could just put that monthly payment into an interest bearing account and pay it all 90 days prior, gaining interest for you and her and not for them?
~Fiance:  Really?
~~US:  or you could pay it all off on a credit card that gives you points at a lower interest rate!  IE AMEX, use that card to buy gas, groceries, pay cell phone, etc and than you can use the points to fly 1st class there.
~ Fiance: Really?
~~US: Head shaking, YES, REALLY!  
 

They definitely will have biters.  They don't do these type of things unless they can make money.
My niece is getting married next summer and her fiancé was someone about to do this until we screamed NO!  They are young (25), millennials.  He saw this as easy peasy.  Just have them take care of it.  I swear he knows nothing about credit!  At their engagement party he was sat down by our side and explained to him how he was losing money by many people.
~ Fiance, I just sign up and they will take care of it, I don't have to do anything more, except give them my bank account for them to take the money monthly.
~~US:  You do realize you could just put that monthly payment into an interest bearing account and pay it all 90 days prior, gaining interest for you and her and not for them?
~Fiance:  Really?
~~US:  or you could pay it all off on a credit card that gives you points at a lower interest rate!  IE AMEX, use that card to buy gas, groceries, pay cell phone, etc and than you can use the points to fly 1st class there.
~ Fiance: Really?
~~US: Head shaking, YES, REALLY!