KJones

They added kites that look like hawks around the island
 

My first thought upon seeing that subject line was that you could now book cruises on Amazon and I got excited (since I get 5% back on Amazon purchases)

To many folks going to the snack shack for the chicken sandwich scared them away.

We attended ESC on the Inaugural and it was all we had hoped for and more.  Upon arriving they recognize you and address you by name.  Your waiter personally attends to you like a butler for the entire evening.  A word of caution, the alcohol flows.  I would recommend not having drinks before you go.  The food is beyond compare.  While the regular specialty restaurants establish a nice gap in food quality from the MDR this is a whole new ballgame.  We had the Wagyu beef and it was fantastic.  The dishes and preparations are phenomenal.  If you ever attend ESC you will know that you really can’t ever compare this to a specialty restaurant - apples and oranges in quality and experience.  The only negative at all that I heard was from those that ordered the rabbit entree.  If others post the menu online ignore it.  You chose your entree and desert, everything else is programmed and departs from the menu.
The evening starts with Moët Champagne and caviar.  It flows too.  I think I was at 3 glasses before the next cocktail was presented.  To be honest, I know I really liked all of the unique cocktails but don’t remember what they were.  In our stateroom the next day was a gift “mixology kit” in a nice engraved bag.
The entertainment that was meant to throw back to the 1930s was perfect.  The singer matched the dress, mannerisms, and style of the era.  The male guests were all tuxes and suits with women stunning in gowns and accessories.  I heard several men say they had stopped packing tuxes years ago but packed one for this and were glad they did.  If you show up in a casual shirt and pants it will be a problem.
This venue isn’t for everyone even aside from the pricing.  I hope they leave the pricing where it is to ensure the experience and quality continues.  We went thinking this was a “once in a lifetime” experience - it is not.  We’ll be back.

@CrimsonCruiser I don't have an actual answer for your question, but unless you're booking 6+ rooms, you might be overthinking the complexity. You can link the rooms yourself in the cruise planner once you have the reservation numbers. If everyone knows their C&A number and level, it should be fairly easy to send that to your current TA.
I could be overlooking something, so hopefully a TA on the boards here will chime in.

So you've convinced me that it would be much easier to let a TA handle this from the start.  Thanks to you both for your help!

If you were looking to buy some airtags for an upcoming cruise, they are on sale at several places right now for $79.99. Looks like $20 off the regular price. 

Miracles sometimes happen! Our TA just at called and got it price matched. 
 
see ya in May!

nothing will happen if you arrive after your time, I don't think they are even enforcing if you arrive early any longer. Just don't miss the boat 😃

The apple blossom - SO good. But last spring, could only be found in the MDR for one lunch. Now, with the new brunch system, I'm not sure if it will be offered at all. I also enjoy the ranger cookies.

I'm sure someone will chime in with their actual experiences, but my thoughts:
Barcelona: I believe the ship docks in/very close to the city so there should be lots of time to explore.
Mallorca: No idea
Florence: Minimum 1+ hour from dock to the city, plus the same on the return. You would have to rush through most of the major sights to hit everything, or you just pick a couple things you want to visit in greater detail.
Rome: Minimum 45min from dock to the city, plus the same on the return. Same situation as Florence.
Personally, I think Florence and Rome are better suited to land vacations than cruise ports.

I'm just here to say I read the title of "drink tipping" like "cow tipping" and my first thought....well that's a waste 🤣
 

It's a blind shot in the dark being able to predict what RC will do for guests on canceled cruises.

I'm still a bit sore on how RC screwed over those on the Panama Canal cruises with absolutely nothing offered other than waiving the change fee.

I can appreciate your concern, but absolutely do not bother. I'm fairly certain that Royal and crew members are fairly aware of the fact that everyone everywhere has been/ is getting sick these last few months - whether it's covid, flu, rsv or the basic cold.

I can appreciate your concern, but absolutely do not bother. I'm fairly certain that Royal and crew members are fairly aware of the fact that everyone everywhere has been/ is getting sick these last few months - whether it's covid, flu, rsv or the basic cold.

I can appreciate your concern, but absolutely do not bother. I'm fairly certain that Royal and crew members are fairly aware of the fact that everyone everywhere has been/ is getting sick these last few months - whether it's covid, flu, rsv or the basic cold.

I can appreciate your concern, but absolutely do not bother. I'm fairly certain that Royal and crew members are fairly aware of the fact that everyone everywhere has been/ is getting sick these last few months - whether it's covid, flu, rsv or the basic cold.

I can appreciate your concern, but absolutely do not bother. I'm fairly certain that Royal and crew members are fairly aware of the fact that everyone everywhere has been/ is getting sick these last few months - whether it's covid, flu, rsv or the basic cold.

I can appreciate your concern, but absolutely do not bother. I'm fairly certain that Royal and crew members are fairly aware of the fact that everyone everywhere has been/ is getting sick these last few months - whether it's covid, flu, rsv or the basic cold.

I can appreciate your concern, but absolutely do not bother. I'm fairly certain that Royal and crew members are fairly aware of the fact that everyone everywhere has been/ is getting sick these last few months - whether it's covid, flu, rsv or the basic cold.

At least we know what it's NOT...

If you're both diamond +, don't you each get 2 free days?

I probably could, but it was just a small shift and I decided I don't care that much. Just preference after thinking about it, not an actual conflict. Thanks though - great idea! Useful for someone else in a similar situation.

We are on the Ultimate World Cruise right now. Just heading back to Ushuaia (after visiting a Penguin Rookery). I will post something more substantial and detailed later, but the short course is:
1).  No drama … the experienced cruisers already figured this out. Actually, the cruise so far has been extremely relaxing.  Although we have been a little bit too busy. 
 
2). Thé entertainment overall has been better than “normal” cruises (some of it excellent … rare for a Radiance class ship). The food has been hit and miss (as usual) … however, we did have the best MDR dish in over 30 cruises a few nights ago. 
 
3).  The staff is in over perform mode. They are doing a phenomenal job. 
 
4).  1,600 on this segment is well below capacity. 700+ Diamond and above C&A members.  1,600 only should bring up some questions. 
 
5).  Tons of dancing opportunities … only once did we have to elbow our way around the dance floor 😉
 
I will start a start a separate thread when we get back on board.
 
Curt from Canada
Partial Ultimate World Cruiser 😂

Bedazzle it and no one can tell the difference after enough drinks! 🤣