MamaShark

@Crown&AnchorEsq an estimated 3000+ remained on the ship during our December 29th sailing. From our balcony Labadee looked like a peaceful slice of paradise. I couldn’t force myself to stroll along her beaches or lay in her cabanas knowing the atrocities and chaos unfolding. I hope to return again one day on my own volition. Below is a part of a pre-cruise response I received 9 days before sailing

@Lovetocruise2002 this time as soon as I realize you guys are on a flight with us, I’ll start thinking multiple random flight delays. Not even gonna sit on a hot plane 45 minutes waiting for the pilot to the declare we may have mechanical issues before he invites us to get off the plane. I’m just following you . I’ve never seen anyone get off the jet way and be first lined up at the customer service counter faster than you !

@Antknee yes we paid a premium amount for a higher to tier itinerary and have been placed in a lower tier itinerary. This was a known issue in September when our payment in full was due yet I continued to receive responses in writing (last one dated December 20th) saying they fully reviewed my original itinerary and there would be no itinerary changes. There are articles and documents that make it clear that Royal Caribbean has known at least since April 2024 that Symphony wouldn’t be permitted to dock in Puerto Rico for an unspecified amount of time. As you stated, Holiday Cruises to Puerto Rico were still being marketed and sold. If truthful information had been provided earlier, (before the Sept. when I made our final payment made on our Star Class Cruise), I would have canceled and used the $XX,000 for very nice Holliday to a “known” destination without level 4 do not travel advisories. I would have forfeited my nonrefundable deposit which was pennies compared to what I paid for the final payment - the total cruise fare. instead I was misled by repeated assurances, and now I’m forced to spend a holiday I wouldn’t have chosen given the risks involved ………or lose thousand and thousands of dollars. The worry and lack of transparency has caused significant emotional and financial distress. We no longer feel secure and I’m now preparing for a vacation under extremely stressful conditions. YES, we have every right to feel disappointed and deceived; receiving an email INTENTIONALLY SENT 9 days before our departure date. We’ve already paid for airfare, hotels, ground transfers, and our adult children have taken time off work. Time that can’t be reinstated, money that won’t be recovered, recouped, tickets that won’t be refunded or transferable. Btw, every cabana and most of the Royal Caribbean excursions in Haiti and Jamaica are of course sold out. I wish you luck and finding a fair resolution.

@Ryan79 as a very loyal Diamond Plus member of Royal Caribbean C&A society I have over 10 visits to the very serene lush Barefoot Beach in Labadee under my belt. I'm far from a 'newbie' as you seem to assume. I don't care to look up statistics on crime in Haiti because that wasn’t the issue I raised. My frustration lies with Royal Caribbean's clear deception in repeatedly assuring me—months and days leading up to my trip—that there would be no changes to my itinerary. Yes, I understand that the terms and conditions allow for itinerary changes. I’ve been on a few cruises when the itinerary changes were announced (for good reasons) the day before we were scheduled to reach the port. If Royal Caribbean values its reputation, there should always be valid reasons, and guests should be notified in a timely manner when there are known issues such as incomplete maintenance/repairs for a substantial amount of time. I’m disappointed that a demand was made for final payment based on the original itinerary and the promised destinations Royal continued to make, only to be informed last minute that I’m being sent to a different Level 4 ‘Do Not Travel’ destination. This isn't about Haiti—it’s about the lack of transparency and communication from Royal Caribbean. I believe I have the right to determine what feels safe for me, especially in light of a government issued travel advisory..

I’m disappointed also @Clif809 and feeling betrayed. Rumors circulated and there have been documented issues of Oasis Class ships including SYM being unable to dock in Puerto Rico since at least April 2024. I reached out to Royal several times before making my final payment and again this week and was assured there would be no change in our itinerary. Receiving an email with itinerary changes today for our 12/29 sailing is unacceptable. Telling us that being diverted to Haiti (during a level 4 do not travel advisory) is suddenly safe is an insult. RC stopped visiting Labadee in March, 2024… but now “ the safety and security of our guest remains our main priority” — and just like that it’s safe again?

Meanwhile, I wait for $13 for drink charges to be removed because the Deluxe Beverage Package was included in my SC fare. ‘If only I had the right cup.

@Lovetocruise2002 Shane’s genie special was worth waiting for and I bet the girls enjoyed the private session w/the pub singer. That was a very generous thoughtful Gift from Genie Shane! Our genie arranged for the pianist/vocalist (also from the pub) to play the grand piano in our RLS. We requested most of the music. Genie and pianist joined us in hilarious laughter filled singalong. The awkward part was how much to tip the pianist? Let’s just say hubs tipped him bigly. It was big fun - an unforgettable experience but I think I’d like a complimentary Genie Special better. What a memorable week to celebrate the graduate with your beautiful family. I’ve had so many smiles and a couple lol’s…just following along.

“And people will tell you to drink from your faucet - "reverse osmosis" "the water is perfectly fine" EWW This drives me nuts too! @SweetPea @Lovetocruise2002 Nope I def don’t want to drinky drinky OR washy washy in any of that🖐 No brown water in the Royal Loft, please. Poor Lady O can’t get a break even after the ampSediment please stop!

@Lovetocruise2002 the only thing I ever loved about 150 was the 6 (six) fancy salts. Even the breakaway bread never Wow’d me. It’s one of the first things I tell genie— I’m not to put 150 on our itinerary. Pass

@Lovetocruise2002 agreed! I thought I’d sleep on it, but that didn’t work either Whatever happen to book it, and forget it? There are entirely too many variables. We could do without all the policy changes.

@WAAAYTOOO I’ve never admitted it. I’ve witnessed 3 with a flood of emotions. I pray for the all involved but still feel guilty about the exhilaration and adrenalin I feel watching the finely tuned execution of heroic (often life saving acts)….

@Lovetocruise2002 YES please -safe UNREMARKABLE travels! I’m sure the girls will be so thrilled to have you home that they won’t take your social media privileges for posting a “cringey” hand heart picture. No more boudoir pics of you and Justin at least until the blog is complete. Jk

@Lovetocruise2002 i’m a little behind, but Happy Anniversary! Perfect timing for Royal Up, especially genie magic navigating this sort-of-a-different ship. There’s a lot about the Wonder that peaks my curiosity and as always your blog gives tons of insight. Now we know what happened to Ricky Matthews. He is HYPE+ Curious about the energy level on Wonder —in general. Did you make any opinions or comparisons between the four Oasis Class ships and the Wonder? My guess is that this rendezvous on Wonder ATS won’t sway those of us with #teamdeck17 fever! With so many CK crew favorites transplanted on Wonder, maybe #teamdeck18 will also become a thing. Btw, about deck 18… hmmm?

@Pooch you look GREAT!! Our pharmacy includes “what if and just in case” daily prescription meds. OTC supplements/concoctions , body wash, sunscreens, after sun, moisturizers—def fills an entire luggage . DH size 13 dress shoes, athletic shoes and water shoes def take up enormous space in luggage #2. The older we get the more indecisive we are. Pack now; and pick later.

Just watching the drills for man overboard is unsettling and somber. I can’t fathom the sadness for crew (and guests near the scene) when the finality of the event sinks in. Prayers.

No doubt my 30ish adult children enjoy using WhatsApp, far more than I do. WhatsApp works best on board for time sensitive information, changes, arrangements or list, sharing with genie. Once on board, it’s a relief not having to exchange info on emails like we did in the past; but I’m also guilty of not checking my phone for messages or texts regularly several times day.

On 3/30/2023 at 8:29 AM, melmar02 said: @calvink669 Let me know if you have any questions, and I'll try to get answers for you. I have been searching for a video of the suite side of the cruiseterminal since it opened back in November and finally found one a couple weeks ago. @melmar02 i’m reading along realizing that I have a lot of Allure memory refreshing to do. We’ll be in Suite 1740 in May. Since it’ll be our first time @ the new Galveston terminal, I watched your video walking through the new lounge twice …and THEN I caught a cameo/glimpse in the background of Alan R, who will be our genie next month! The video triggered me to re-check where I keep my passports (like I haven’t touched them in at least 2 weeks) Thanks also for jarring my memory that it’s Giovanni’s on Allure! I was ready to ask Genie have the old reliable “Jamie’s meat n cheese plank” delivered for lunch— at least one day. Oops, flashback of SYM/DEC. I’ll definitely be brushing up and enjoying your blog!

@ChessE4 ahhhh. Thanks for the clarification and helpful info. I’m struggling with the difference of hotel options in Galveston as opposed to Florida accommodations. Of course — apples to oranges compounded by my procrastination and booking this close to the stay. I was also trying not to use my Marriott points for such a short overnight stay, but now that reasonable options are sold out I’m reconsidering the Tremont again. Prices are ridiculous, but we’ll hopefully cut some our losses by paying less for private transportation if we were closer to restaurants, cruise port etc. (we’re active seniors, but not up for hiking) I’m super glad I saw your post and we didn’t get lured in a time share trap!

@ChessE4 do you recommend the holiday inn vacation beach resort? We won’t arrive from our flight (from Bush) until late night before sailing. We’ll be looking for a hot meal (Uber/Lyft and a clean sleep:-). I read reviews saying property is isolated. Also read to expect high pressure vacation property sales pitch. First time at the Galveston port. I don’t want to spend dinner hour or any other time on a vacation property sales pitch. Is this the same property on 11743 Termini-San Luis Pass Road? TIA

@Lovetocruise2002 Perhaps you remember Harmony was my favorite ship— Well while I and other SC guests felt a bit differently on the our last Harmony pre Covid cruise. Ofcourse there has been changeovers in concierge, genie, some CK personnel and we had become very fond of the regulars. I think I mentioned a genie discouraging me from ordering room service spontaneously (as opposed to going through the genie) and we also felt discouraged from grabbing our own Starbucks. OP suggested the Genies were just being extra helpful, but intuitively I felt things were changing by design on Harmony gradually tightening the reigns. It is certainly not the Harmony we boasted about at the inception of Star Class.

@Lovetocruise2002 A+ for keeping the blog live with parents and children in tow! I can barely keep up with our Genie group chat’s on WhatsApp, and family chats when we’re not together. You’re doing an amazing job blogging during this multigenerational extravaganza! I love following but wonder if you find it a little hectic? Our annual family cruises are a dream come true, but keeping up with all the moving parts and staying with the program is …well…exhilarating I’m pretty sure you’ll have a very special appreciation for the next cruise alone with hubby (maybe in a quiet lowly crown loft) I always do

Absolutely gorgeous family! We had to have room service remove our dishes immediately. Port days while docked the pigeons were very comfortable on the balcony.

I received this toiletry bag along with several other matching pieces (tote, back pack and some zippered pouches) over our Xmas sailing. Our toiletry bag had an assortment of shower/bath products in it. It arrived Xmas eve but I never knew who it came from. I chalked it up to a secret Santa gift. @Jax we got the same: 2 big blue Royal Boxes in the Villa and two boxes with complete full sets in the loft (Christmas eve on the Symphony). It was A LOT for 6 people. We regifted some to delighted guests on board. The back pack and totes were nice but our guys or hubs weren’t going to use royal blue tote bags or back packs. It was thoughtful. DD and I now have enough Royal Caribbean promo merchandise to wow our local athletic club. Toiletry, totes and back packs for days… anchors away @Lovetocruise2002 our toiletry bags are not quite like yours…otherwise your vacay looks fab

@Neesa I remember when floating cabanas were an insult at 2019 introductory prices around $1999 to $2499 price range. During the Christmas’22 holidays they literally “sold out” at $3999. It’s beyond ridiculous. These prices were for oasis class ships - specifically the symphony and wonder. I wonder if the prices are still significantly lower if you’re sailing/visiting on smaller ships…or does that even matter any mor?

Yayyyyou! It’s VILLA time at last!!! I know you’ll find “harmony” and tons of great times We were on the Symphony Xmas and our 3 adult kids literally did Rock Paper Scissors to decide who got the two masters.Between the living area, dining space, hot tub, outdoor banquet table, wet bar we spent more family time in the Villa than we ever spent in any Star Class suite (ATS, Star loft, Panos etc). Villa will not disappoint. All rooms are a good size so it’s a win-win situation, but the 2 masters conveniently located off the living area and leading directly onto the deck are outrageously convenient and very dreamy to wake up and greet the ocean. Your parents are in for a real treat *From one deck 17 snob to another, the Villa (even thought not on deck 17) Is our new favorite suite for any number over 2 guests. Please let me know your thoughts. It’s not a loft lol but i’m kinda glad we have a couple more advanced bookings. Warning: the 2 masters are fabulous but the master (and bathroom)with the door opening to balcony def got more pedestrian (family traffic) . Have too much fun; I’m looking forward to following along