MamaShark

1 hour ago, Lovetocruise2002 said:

@VoidoftheSeas I also love the GPS! I almost want to say more than the Star Loft…

@Lovetocruise2002I never thought I’d say this, but I think I might prefer a GPS more than the Star Lofts also.  But only IF Royal would put a GPS (or 2) on Harmony and Symphony.  Deck 17 please.

@She Sails Away thanks for taking us along.  Your blog seems pure and authentic. I got all the feels almost like being there.  You shared the realist  experiences like people standing on your heels in line, becoming Felix’s partner, your whooping, waving, making the best of everything… and all things cruising during Covid.  I love your writing style, your calm perspective of highs and lows; the little things that make the big picture.  
“After all the planning, it’s over”… but personal growth and self gratification are lifetime endeavors. Continue to find joy in the journey!  Safe travels. 

4 hours ago, TonyYOW said:

I also don't understand how it's in Orange. I can see other cabins around us also have people quarantining. 

And honestly, if not my own test kits I brought from home with me, nobody would ever realize one of us is positive. In theory we could've enjoyed the rest of our cruise. Which, I'm sure, is currently happening to many families on the ship who are asymptomatic and keep enjoying their time. 

I just decided to do the right thing and let them know. 

@TonyYOW from the onset of Covid, I’ve never seen numbers like the guests reporting on social media. I know it’s not scientific but It’s only logical that many others will share the infection before the last day.  Thanks for doing the right thing for the sake of others!  I’m also wondering what will be the number that will turn the ships to Code Red.  Wishing you a safe ride home and a complete recovery. 

7 hours ago, Neesa said:

This venue (unofficial RC blog) is such a great place to exchange real time information, I find it difficult to believe some of the "bloggers" on board videos etc. when due to the nature of what they do they receive "comped" sailings thus leaning positive no matter what. An experience for free is surely different from the experience that is paid for. 

Looking forward to hearing about the rest of your sailing, glass half full is still the best way to move forward while on board , right?? Enjoy & cheers to you when you enjoy your next mock tail. 

 

@Neesa I couldn’t agree more.  A few seem a bit blind sighted when OP share real time disappointment— because the product no longer matches the price.  I notice vocal bloggers who go radio silent as soon as OP question transparency, number of Covid cases, ship occupancy, staff shortages, sick and overwhelmed crew:-(.
@She Sails Away I appreciate your honesty and insight. I’m  glad Labadee was back on the itinerary and you had the chance to experience it.  Wishing you more good times and pleasant memories!

On 4/21/2022 at 12:09 AM, SpicyCherry said:

Anyone know who the Suite Concierges are on Allure? Sailed on her in 2016 and trying to remember his name, if he is even still there.

Junior is still on the Allure but he’s being trained to be a genie by Alan R.   He’ll be a fantastic genie just like he was as concierge

4 hours ago, CGTLH said:

Think Dexter had entered Genie training with Alan R. around September of 2021. If I'm recalling correctly he was one of the concierges on Allure when I sailed then with Alan R. as our Genie.  

Yep, Alan R trained Dexter. They’re both awesome, intuitive, genuinely “good people” and great genies.  
I was on Harmony while Rahul was rotated as Concierge in the Diamond Lounge.  From brief encounters and observation over 7 days, I’m pretty sure his temperament wouldn’t be a great fit for our family’s genie. 

@MamaShark have you had Sunil before? What does he like?

@YouthD Cash is appropriate and preferred. Genies have many guests and  little space to keep well intended gifts.  If you’re asking about gifts in addition to cash,  there are only a couple genies who I feel comfortable that I know we’ll enough to give personal items — along with cash. Cash tips are the best! . 

On 4/19/2022 at 3:06 PM, YouthD said:

Just won our bid for a Villa Suite! Too bad we can't add people to it after the fact.

@YouthD fairy tale ending for me to see who picked up the suite and also Sunil.  You got the whole package!! 
The suite was MIA for a couple weeks so it’s pretty incredible that you got Royal’d up like that — Quite the mysterious program LOL!    Good for you!  ️Enjoy

@starbratperfect description of thermal/shower feeling like a car wash and tornado all at once.  
Nityam to the rescue; you gotta have salt scrub.  Good for you both taking that spa time to detox and zen out! 

You did it —made lots of good memories and almost no dirty laundry.
Hope the Canadian weather is mild.  Safe travels everyone! 

We’ll forever miss the tasty salts! 150 CP food pics look delicious but does anyone wonder if CK, Chops, and CP secretly have the same filet?  
@Lovetocruise2002 what sweet serenity hanging back on the ship while others while others went to port!  Prime time to explore, investigate, and of course relax. 

Btw, did anyone #majorstarclasstakeover have a BB cabana? In lieu of the earlier unrest, I’d love feedback on restoration of BB cabanas, coaster, zip line etc.  Is the buffet served by staff?  Straw markets open?  (Cabana booked May/22) TIA

This takeover has been adventurous and your attitude is winning
It wouldn’t be complete without the Aqua Show. I’m glad it happened for you even with special water effects! Good idea for early walk to El Morro.
If it’s not too windy, a helipad Sail Away from Old San Juan party might be nice! 

Hope you all will be sailing into warmer temps and calmer waters soon.

 How’s in suite dining service so far? Any one SC had a chance to have tables set up or even table cloths, in your suite or on the deck?

@Lovetocruise2002 were the girls bushels of fries at least warm? Lol 

Just wondering if Specialty Restaurant services in room/deck will make a gradual comeback like before! 

Oh my gosh Sabrina, this sounds like both of our craziest cruise nightmares, missing/cancelled flights plus lost luggage. 
I hope you’re one of those lucky passengers that I’ve seen get a surprise luggage delivery at a port.  Especially for your teenage girls:-(. Happy you didn’t miss the cruise!  

Anyway, I’m surprised also to see that Oasis didn’t at least get a fabric change/update during the amp. It’s been awhile since I sailed the Oasis or Allure.  I didn’t care much about the slides, added restaurants or pano suites. Is there a visual facelift on the Oasis in comparison to the un-amped Allure? Newer colors, floors or carpet? 

Hope Filet night and cocktails were good for you tonight! CK never disappoints! 

3 hours ago, Lovetocruise2002 said:

Just landed! Hallelujah! 
Now in search of lost luggage…

Happy Dance!  Hope this will be the last of The Special Travel Editions In your blogs for years to come.   
Have a Glorious Embarkation Day Sabrina!! 

6 hours ago, Lovetocruise2002 said:

 Sadly no, a friend in the RLS had to cancel so that is one of the ones missing from our group. We originally had the GPS in our group as well but they also had to cancel. The missing 3 are: RLS, GP, Deck 9 ATS.

Aww too bad… but 10 out of 13  sounds like a good variety of SC suites for a  “stylish” takeover!   Visions of you holding down the wingback chairs in Coastal Kitchen tomorrow@dinner!  1 more sleep

So far, so interesting #MajorStarClassTakeover line up!  Did y’all successfully takeover all of the SC suites on Deck 17?    
If protocols permit, I’m hoping that you have a MSC takeover cocktail partyin the RLS,  so I can attend vicariously!  @Lovetocruise2002will order tequila shots with endless petit filet appetizers .  I’m so looking forward to follow this blog, since our next SC fix (RLS) is weeks away!  Wishing you all sunshine, great weather and the BEST times.  Carry on!!

@iluvwineandtravel I luv the relaxed tone of your blog and also your ship selection.
I’ve sailed HARMONY at least 5+times (yes, Covid lulls have me with a bit of cruise trivia amnesia).  On good sailings she has more eclectic and cultural vibes.  Feels more contemporary than the Oasis and Allure. but less hype and constant motion that I feel onboard the Symphony.  The Diamond lounge feels very much like the others on Oasis Class Ships.  Not sure if HARMONY is scheduled for a little TLC soon, but that would be nice.
Anyway I hope you have the best time ever and enjoy Harmony’s sweet spots as much as we have!  
( request to follow on IG.  TIA

Nooooo @Lovetocruise2002 we’ve never watched a movie in our suite.  Perhaps worse, but I confess to watching the hurricane coverage while on the symphony during the hurricane This was a first and few times hubs volunteered to get up and join me for early breakfast @ CK.   Bribes

@SpeedNoodles  living in a home with high ceilings and 2nd story foyer also, I felt claustrophobic in the ATS  and other 1 story suites.  I would trade awkward hallways and wasted spaces anyday for the bright open feeling of any loft on 17.   The layout w/ 2 bathrooms + upper and lower level affords personal space for dressing and toiletries— def the best way to go if you’re used to separate bathrooms/dressing area/closet spaces at home. We were Deck !7 dwellers long before SC rolled out.  IMO, you still can’t beat the level of service on Deck 17 and CK.  Sometimes we just want a laid back sailing without thinking about genie interactions.  

@Lovetocruise2002Johnny Rockets rocks better in young tummies!

It always looks tempting though. Feeling adventurous on the boardwalk?  Maybe take a spin on the carousel. Do it for a friend

@Lovetocruise2002 Of course you can’t possibly miss the loft in either the OPS or the GPS.  You can watch the ocean and stars at night from your hot tub.  Once again rationale for more SC suites to have hot tubs! All Oasis Class ships should have  OPS, and GPS—-CLS, SLS, RLS #allthethings

@Jax and @Lovetocruise2002 You know I do too Haha …“This made me laugh because I did the same thing yesterday. Front row Premium WestJet if anyone cares”.  

@Lovetocruise2002 you should be boarded and FLL bound by now!  Delta 1738 departing from DTW around 10:00ish is one of our favorite flights also.  Good times in the forecast.  I’m excited to follow your return to cruising

Same issue here when I attempted to purchase excursion and failed. Called Royal and purchase was attempted by phone rep and failed.  Advised me to call back tomorrow am, but not to make further attempts tonight because there were several complaints of failed and misapplied payments.