SpeedNoodles

There's one that's designed for electric shavers. All others are outside of the bathroom.

I recommend taking advantage of all of the specialty dining available on that ship!

Ok, I know that Azamara isn't part of the Royal Caribbean Group anymore, but I'm posting this here because I know you guys will GET THIS. We have just booked our retirement celebration experience (herein referred to as the RCE). Azamara Quest, August 2024 - 11-night Ireland Intensive Voyage. 2 nights in Dublin, 2 nights in Belfast, Londonderry, Donegal (Killybegs), Galway, Foynes, Bantry Bay, Cork, (sea day), and disembarking in Southampton. Y'all, I am SO EXCITED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

If you are on an Oasis or Quantum Class ship, consider the Solarium Bistro for breakfast. It's rarely very crowded, and even when crowded, the crowd doesn't compare to the Windjammer. It's a smaller buffet but has a good selection of breakfast items, and usually an omelette station.

My husband is picky about coffee but he is always happy with the coffee that he gets at Cafe Promenade.

It shouldn't come as a surprise if they read their emails. It's not as though Royal is trying to hide it.

Hi, @Karen Wardle. Royal Caribbean Blog is a fan site, and is unaffiliated with Royal Caribbean, Int., therefore they will not read your message. That being said, if you have just booked this in the last 30 days, you could transfer the bookings to a good Travel Agent who could certainly help you out with the issues.

There have been lots of threads about this, so while you're waiting for any additional advice, just do a search here for "Ravenna". Hopefully you'll find some good advice!

Typically, formal nights (now often called "Dress Your Best" nights, are on the 2nd and 6th nights of a 7-night cruise. Typically. It varies by length of cruise and itinerary. You can always check to see if there's a Cruise Compass available for a recent sailing and see what nights were formal. That being said, on Royal Caribbean, you will not be turned away from the main dining room if you are not "dressed up". Some people will, some people won't. I just think of those nights as ' slightly elevated wardrobe'. https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/cruise-compass

Well done, @smokeybandit! Think you can get @Matt to sing that on one of the live streams?

My TA got me an Owner's Suite on Odyssey of the Seas for the price of an Owner's Suite on Empress of the Seas (difference was about $7k). Thanks @michelle!!

Odyssey is my favorite!

My apologies - I merged the thread thinking they were two versions of the same question! Regarding embarkation, I'd still try to find a flight the day before. That's cutting it so close. If you have any delay due to a plane mechanical/staffing issue or weather, you run a very real risk of missing your sailing entirely. As far as disembarkation, that is a little close, but as long as the ship arrives to Miami on time AND is cleared by customs on time, you do self-assist and you leave at the first opportunity, you may make it. Personally, those arrival/departure times would add too much stress to what is supposed to be an enjoyable vacation.

Cruise fares can change any time. Often it's with sales, but not necessarily. You need to be sure you're comparing what you booked to what you're looking at. For instance, since I book refundable deposit, I have to go pretty far into the process to see what the new fare is with the refundable deposit (as the amount it adds varies with time as well). Other discounts such as military/police, C&A discount etc, if applied, must be considered. It's a bit of work, you do have to always compare it side by side with your original (or most recent) invoice, no matter who you book with.

Unfortunately, not many other cruise lines have anything other than male/female when booking. The only one I found was Virgin. But they seem like fun! Good luck, and I hope you will be able to enjoy your trip somehow.

It depends on what kind of cruise you want to do (closed loop that leaves/returns to the same port) and even possibly what ports you wish to visit. Also, which departure city you'd like to visit, if you like to do that. Seattle tends to be cheaper for Americans (at least to fly into), but Vancouver is a great city with fantastic food and things to do. I don't think one is any better than the other, they are just different.

I love those stone beds. However, I really don't like where they are on most Royal Caribbean ships. I like a heated bed with an ocean view. When they put them in a room facing a wall ... well, the experience just takes a total dive for me. I think the only ships that have a few facing a window are on Radiance-class ships, which is so disappointing.

Have you tried the "Shazam" app?

Yeah, I tried doing that and it still doesn't show the ability to watch/favorite. I do see the new search page (where you can see holiday sailings, etc). Oh, well. I survived for years without those features. :-)

I don't see this watch/favorited feature at all. (Chrome/laptop)

I don't think you'll have any view obstructions. You're underneath the FlowRider, so you may get noise (music) from that deck when you're out on your balcony, but otherwise I don't foresee any issues. I used https://cruisedeckplans.com/DP/member/dragdeck.php?ship=Symphony-of-the-Seas&zoom=1 to view what one deck looks like on top of another. It's super handy and there are lots of user-uploaded photos and videos available.

I rarely heard any noise, and I really liked being close to the elevator/stairs.

For those not in the know, is this good or bad?

You will have to wait until your next cruise, but congratulations!