GlowTheWeird

Last year I was able to do a 3 night out of seattle on Explorer. It stopped in Victoria which we almost didn't get off, been there done that. We didn't care though, we just wanted to get our weekend cruise fix without the kids. Be lazy and get quality time together. I totally get what @twangster is saying though, it's probably not a strong market.... I just want it anyways ?
 
 
 

This is what i typically use:  
 
 

It is per person for the first 2 people in the cabin only.  And that is a one-time charge for the ENTIRE cruise, not per day!

While the lunch menu foods are "OK", I found the desert sampler to be amazing and delicious...  Keep in mind, on Oasis class if you have the drink package you do NOT have to pay the 22.00 to go in there if you just want a drink/specialty margarita.

Don't forget the lower taxes.

I hear what your saying, but even Disney does a Mexican riveria cruise.  Can we have just one ship this way for those of us closer to this side of the nation.   Norwegian and  Carnival does have this area pretty locked down... 

This was hilarious! 

I apologize for any posts that you felt were attacks on yourself.  Now and then we get someone who comes in here and posts outlandish accusations about a horrible experience and then never come back to provide any feedback. It does not excuse anyone insulting you by any means.
I can appreciate your dedication to following up with posts in this thread and I can tell from your responses that you're not being unreasonable, but did have a first-time negative experience. I really think if you gave it another shot and followed some best practices, you could easily avoid the pitfalls you ran into previously, and then enjoy a great cruise vacation.

Enjoying the show, please continue to entertain me :)

Matt is the site owner.  Now you are introduced.

I'm also from Seattle.  We did a 7 night cruise to Astoria, OR, San Francisco, and Victoria B.C. last fall on the Explorer out of Seattle.  Great trip and the weather that time of year in S.F. was amazing.  Now that the Ovation has replaced the Explorer I don't see it offered, but I would definitely do that one again.

I suspect Royal is constantly looking at opportunities to break into new markets or tweak & find new ways, of making past markets more attractive & viable to its bottomline.
One consideration is overnight stays in some major U.S. cities like SF or LA on 7N cruises to/fro Vancouver. Explorer ots have done that in the past...still, with the Amped project in play, this may make things more attractive. Also, a 4N and/or 5N sailing from LA to any Mex port & back may provide a more attractive alternative...same scenario out of San Diego. Finally, maybe invest & creating a private island like at Islas Coronado or Islas de Todos Santos, for an example.
There are ways to increase the viability of the West Coast market imo; no doubt, a huge amount of capital would need to be invested, similar to their Private Island Initiative, they plan to build in certain markets around the world. Dubai have certainly shown how to construct artificial islands...if Royal want to go that route as well.

Sorry to hear about your children's experience.
Personally, I would not have escalated to Guest Services that quickly.  I would have written a note in the room for the attendant to take care of it before I returned.   
I would hide my toothbrush.

I'd have to look back in my cruise history but one of my most favorite cruises was a 12 day Royal cruise out of L.A..  Hit Catalina Island, Mazatlan, Puerto Vallarta, Cabo, San Diego, then back to L.A..  It's been some time though as Cabo now is waaaay different.
If you really want a west coast I would do Princess.  We have sailed Princess several times in the past and actually found the food better than Royal and the service maybe a tick better.  Lately though the price of Princess cruises has taken a price jump and with Royal offering better pricing for kids we have done more Royal cruising lately.

Likely true these days, but back then, my younger self liked it a lot. My younger self also liked tequila a lot... ? 

I think it's time for them to try again, too. I was on Viking Serenade back in the day, when she was running 3/4 night Ensenada trips. It was fun!

Yeah I personally think that Royal should take Empress and/or Majesty over there at this point to the west coast and see what’s happens 

May 19, 2020 - 7 night San Diego to Vancouver.  All Pacific Coast.  Need to plan ahead!

The only one I've seen sails out of San Diego and ends in I think Vancouver. Also there is only one cruise a season. 

I would agree with the above.  I would love to be able to drive to the port. Flying has become such a hassle.  I go for the ships and would gladly sail from LA or San Diego. When Royal left California, their main reason was that it was difficult to fill ships, Mariner at the time, and it was not profitable. Also they used the other reasons I previously mentioned.

Right!  I’ll even take empress!  Dare to dream to be able to drive to a port and hop on a 3/4 day mini trip. 

This is exactly my hope! Just gimme one season to take a bunch of 3 or 4 night weekend trips out of SD or LA so I can drive! The "new" ship would get my money time and time again without having to factor in flight pricing. I go to Puerto Vallarta yearly as it is so the repetition of that + Cabo wouldn't bother me.
I am dying to go on a ship with The Perfect Storm and HAL is never gonna satisfy my deep love of watersliding. I don't think I can stoop to Carnival after things I've heard here! haha 

Empress is all yours.

Actually,  in 2011 we were on Carnival because we didn't want to fly. Carnival was not for us and so we have been flying to Texas or Florida since. I believe Royal left California in 2010.

Yes! I want the computer glitch.... in the other direction haha