BrianB

Especially if the flow is called a lava with kraken!  

We have been on cruises where ports were missed due to hurricanes, where one of the azipods failed as ship was trying to outrun a storm, and various other stormy issues.  So my only gripe is that they kick me off at the end of the cruise when I am not ready to leave.

Awesome lead off expecting hurricane season snark from a blog full of cruisers also sailing during this time of year!
On the chairs, I think your expectation should be similar to your previous 9 cruises.  Chair hogs will be out expressing their entitlement by sequestering chairs for their possible future return.  If you can't get chairs exactly where you want, look at your second choice, then your third and so on.  No idea on if PDCC will be cancelled but I suspect not.  It absolutely won't rain the "entire time".  "So Windy" and "Too Rocky" are relative so I'll shoot you a maybe on those.
How do I go with the flow?  I use the coping skills I learned as a wee lad.  Generally I don't focus on the  few negatives in my view, but instead turn around and look at the vast number of positives.
Relax @Bridgetbien, the purpose is to unwind, not to wind yourself up tighter.  Enjoy your cruise.

My opinion…
Royal panicked (understandably so) when the unprecedented shutdown occurred.
The entire business was rocked with huge losses that had to be balanced with enormous, expensive debt in the form of long term loans with very unattractive interest rates. There was no bailout, no subsidies, no government assistance of any kind…to my knowledge. They were left adrift on their own without a paddle. Some say they had significant profits stored away for emergencies, but I don’t think anyone could have ever imagined or prepared for such a long period of zero income. They realized their industry was being demonized with everything from ‘Petri Dish Cruising’ to ‘Covid Cruises’. Public perception was at it’s worse.
So they relied on their loyal cruisers when the restart occurred. Nobody knew how many would just stay away. So they offered incentives…double points, lower pricing, cheaper extras. Anything that would help bring back the regulars and help attract new customers. We were the priming for the pump.
But I don’t think they were expecting such a huge response. For whatever reason…cruise bookings have exploded. Ships are sailing at over one hundred percent capacity. Cruise Planner purchases are at an all-time high. Onboard spending is better than ever. Loyalty levels are saturated with new upper level members.
So they do what any other business would do…they start raising prices and see if demand continues. It did. So they raise prices even more. And people are paying more. Demand keeps rising so prices keep rising. I really think they are flabbergasted (and I don’t use that word lightly) that passengers are really paying such ridiculous prices for things that were so less expensive such a short time ago.
Just as an example, CocoCay Beach Club was $88. Now…some sailings are over $300. Overwater cabanas have risen to a price where instead of renting it for a few hours, it’s more like taking out a mortgage. Yet people are paying. The demand is there.
I don’t blame the company for acting like a for-profit business. But I think they should be able to figure out better ways they can reward their most loyal cruisers who helped ‘prime the pump’. At least come up with some way to improve the perception that we are as important to them now as we were at the beginning of the restart.
For me…I really appreciate what I get with my loyalty status. I know any of the perks can be removed or changed at any time. I really don’t care about the lounge access…it’s not important to me. But, it is important to so many others. I love the new MDR menus and don’t eat in CK…even when I’m in a suite. I appreciate the drinks and…especially…the WiFi.
I don’t know what can be done…but it’s fairly apparent that reading blogs and posts show there are many who feel under appreciated. This period of huge profits may eventually slow…or even reverse. And they will once again rely on the ‘Loyal to Royals’ to prime their pumps once again. 

Or, judging by the amazing comeback, maybe they realize they don’t have to anymore…
Just my opinion.

Personally I think more cold weather ships with indoor water areas for families are due. Anthem is the only ship now with an indoor family pool and that is being replaced out of NJ with the Odyssey - which baffles my mind. November through April you have back to back (other than January) 7 night cruises with 3.5+ days of no "outside" time unless you are wearing a coat. Defeats the entire purpose of "escaping" the winter.  Certainly won't feel like a vacation - more like being snowed in - in a crowded ship with lots of bored children and stressed parents. I also anticipate the solarium adult only rules will not often apply... But I digress.  For NE winter and Europe sailings (especially shoulder season Europe) - Would be smart for them to build a few more cold weather ships having a nice combination of the Quantum/Oasis class features with indoor water retreat for families and some new bells and whistles.  
A few smaller ships are also due - but I think there's some time for those yet.

1. Appoint myself CEO/President of RC with both salaries. Direct deposit.
2. Have a huge staff to handle everything so I won't have to do anything. 
3. Name next ship 'Brian of the Seas'.
***Seriously, some of these comments are excellent! A lot of common sense ideas that can really improve everyone's cruising experience. 
Thanks @FSUFAN for starting this post and I hope it gets the decision makers thinking.🤔

1. Appoint myself CEO/President of RC with both salaries. Direct deposit.
2. Have a huge staff to handle everything so I won't have to do anything. 
3. Name next ship 'Brian of the Seas'.
***Seriously, some of these comments are excellent! A lot of common sense ideas that can really improve everyone's cruising experience. 
Thanks @FSUFAN for starting this post and I hope it gets the decision makers thinking.🤔

‘Public health officials made Serious Mistakes’
Yes. They did. They panicked.
I compare some of these government actions with what happens when a residential building catches fire.
Rule number one is ‘evacuate the building’ and remove residents from the danger of a spreading fire. In too many cases, governments forced otherwise healthy but vulnerable individuals to remain onboard. They refused to allow a ship that had some infections to dock…or refused anyone to disembark as the virus spread. So many uninfected individuals were forced to just sit and wait as the disease made its way from cabin to cabin…victim to victim…until it got to them. How many died or suffered because they weren’t allowed to escape? Even when they eventually allowed passengers off stricken vessels, they sometimes kept them quarantined together.
I understand this was something none of us have ever experienced…but panic and public perception ruled the day. Science took a back seat to government.
I don’t know if this ruling by this judge will stand the test of time and challenge…but I sure would like to see some government decision makers face scrutiny for their decisions.
As always…..just my opinion.

Well I am happy to say this has been a just awesome cruise and this is a great ship. The crew is amazing, absolutely amazing. The itinerary is amazing, looking forward to next Oct minus Bar Harbor of course and going to Sydney Nova Scotia.
I can report the food on this ship is excellent. Free in the Windjammer, to  the pizza to the MDR really surprised me. It's been just excellent, like to the point that I'm genuinely questioning anyone especially influencers reporting how bad it is since the change. The specialty restaurants were amazing from Chops for lunch on embarkation day, Sabor was an awesome surprise, really, really tasty. 2 nights at Giovanni's were just awesome. The first night was a long night there though for some reason but food amazing. 
We actually ate out in the town of St. John's New Brunswick at a very new place, open two months called beer and bread. It was good, not great. It was expensive too but it was fun to eat in the city off the ship. Next year I think we are going Granna sea food in the market square. 
Oh the only complaint is the soda situation. It absolutely stinks without the machines. It's hard to get your moneys worth and its overall a pain. Yes the ship needs a good makeover and soda machines but overall this was an amazing trip! 

After reading this thread and your comments RCIfan1912 I have to say completely agree.  I"m on Wonder right now we just left Costa Maya heading for Cape Canaveral.  Wonder still looks great she still looks brand new (the last time I was on Wonder was last year so this is only my second time on this ship).  The crew on Wonder have been absolutely phenomenal and Royal has for sure stepped up their game when it comes to the food from Windjammers to specialty dinning (I'm not much of a MDR person).  I think this is my first cruise where it really fills like Royal is firing on all cylinders since the pandemic.
For those of us who cruised during the Royal Come Back season I think we all knew what we were in for and for the most part we were all just happy to be back out on the open water.  But in my opinion 2022 was more misses than hits on every cruise I took with Royal and I know it couldn't have been easy for Royal.  Having crew members come back after so much time off, having to hire so many new crew members some from different cruise companies and some with no experience at all.  The food quality, taste and presentation issues, and also let's not forget about the liquor issues in 2022.  A lot of this was completely out of Royals control but I'm so happy they pushed through The Royal Come Back and they pushed through 2022 and now here we are 2023 and its full steam ahead.  I did a few cruises earlier this year and there were a few minor absolutely minor issues nothing major.  
However, this cruise here on Wonder I really feel like Royal is finally back absolutely hands down without question the best cruise I've been on since the pandemic shut down.

Oh I forgot to add, Chops for lunch on embarkation is always awesome. It's just a great, great way to start a cruise. We started it on Oasis last year and will do some specialty restaurant on embarkation day. We have Jamie's for lunch on Anthem embarkation day in February. Chops was absolutely delicious and I'm not a steak guy. I got organic roasted chicken and the mushroom soup oh my goodness!
We also went to see the ice show this s afternoon and it was also incredible. What an amazing performance. Got there early and got good seats. It kinda bothers me a bit people "savings seats" but we were there early so it didn't bother us as we had good seats. We got there 45 minutes early. Overall having a great time. 
Oh and I have learned on many cruises to basically not worry about what other people are doing or what they think. That's not in a rude way, just a let's enjoy and not worry thing. 

I never do well in these exercises because to be king for a day requires that I think like a king for that day. 
That means I must stop thinking about my personal needs or desires and I must think about what is best for the kingdom.  Rarely are the two the same.  

‘Public health officials made Serious Mistakes’
Yes. They did. They panicked.
I compare some of these government actions with what happens when a residential building catches fire.
Rule number one is ‘evacuate the building’ and remove residents from the danger of a spreading fire. In too many cases, governments forced otherwise healthy but vulnerable individuals to remain onboard. They refused to allow a ship that had some infections to dock…or refused anyone to disembark as the virus spread. So many uninfected individuals were forced to just sit and wait as the disease made its way from cabin to cabin…victim to victim…until it got to them. How many died or suffered because they weren’t allowed to escape? Even when they eventually allowed passengers off stricken vessels, they sometimes kept them quarantined together.
I understand this was something none of us have ever experienced…but panic and public perception ruled the day. Science took a back seat to government.
I don’t know if this ruling by this judge will stand the test of time and challenge…but I sure would like to see some government decision makers face scrutiny for their decisions.
As always…..just my opinion.

‘Public health officials made Serious Mistakes’
Yes. They did. They panicked.
I compare some of these government actions with what happens when a residential building catches fire.
Rule number one is ‘evacuate the building’ and remove residents from the danger of a spreading fire. In too many cases, governments forced otherwise healthy but vulnerable individuals to remain onboard. They refused to allow a ship that had some infections to dock…or refused anyone to disembark as the virus spread. So many uninfected individuals were forced to just sit and wait as the disease made its way from cabin to cabin…victim to victim…until it got to them. How many died or suffered because they weren’t allowed to escape? Even when they eventually allowed passengers off stricken vessels, they sometimes kept them quarantined together.
I understand this was something none of us have ever experienced…but panic and public perception ruled the day. Science took a back seat to government.
I don’t know if this ruling by this judge will stand the test of time and challenge…but I sure would like to see some government decision makers face scrutiny for their decisions.
As always…..just my opinion.

This is for one of the sailings in November. On one they skip Nassau…on another they skip Port Canaveral. I received an email for each of my November sailings…but nothing yet for the December sailings.

$30,000/year.
Two Star class week long sailings for my family of 5.
There, I said it. 
 
P.S. please keep buying almonds.

My budget? YOLO Book It! Not aware of any budget
Hubby's budget? $0
Our actual budget? Somewhere in between those two 😁
 
Jokes aside, as our girls are getting older, we realize how limited our time is as a family of 4. That has prompted us to up our number of cruises to as often as we can swing it. I am the limiting factor. Because I am a teacher, I can only go in March, July, August, December. So the last few years, that is when we cruise. While the cost is high right now, we don't plan to back down either because we won't get this time back with girls. A year from now, I might only have one kid sailing with us (cheaper), and soon after that, it might just be Hubby and I (even cheaper). So things like that will affect how much, and what we spend on as well.

At Port Liberty in Bayonne…the luggage is screened with X-ray machines in the port before being loaded onto the ship. My luggage is secured with a TSA combination lock.
A few months ago, my large bag hadn’t been delivered to my room and my attendant found out it was being held by security. This was after dinner and the ship had sailed hours ago. I had to go down to deck 2 where security was waiting with my bag. Apparently a port security screener placed a red sticker on my bag which said ‘Iron’.
I told them there was no iron and offered to open the bag. They scanned it in their X-ray machine, found nothing resembling an iron, and just gave me the bag. I asked why they didn’t just do that before I arrived and, finding nothing, send the bag on it’s way. They said their policy is once a bag is flagged by shoreside security…they don’t do anything without the bag’s owner being present. Scanning and then asking for it to be opened only if necessary. Oh, well. At least it wasn’t lost like I was beginning to fear.
 

I don't have a ballpark figure.
I just cruise because I love it. I'm lucky to have made decisions in my life that have allowed me to be able to afford my cruising addiction.
I didn't get the cruise bug until after I retired and a friend who was employed on a cruise ship invited me to experience what it was like. 
His intention was to get me to accept a position like his. Unfortunately for him....but very fortunate for me....I really enjoyed being a passenger. Much more than he enjoyed being an employee. So I turned down the offer and never looked back.
I was hooked.
I live near the ports in Bayonne and Manhattan. Easy drive...especially on weekends.
My budget is personal and inconsequential...however I'm very appreciative of my ability to be able to enjoy as much time aboard as I do...and will continue to do so as much as I like.
Hello. My name is Brian and I'm a Cruisaholic.😎...*I love that line!*

‘Public health officials made Serious Mistakes’
Yes. They did. They panicked.
I compare some of these government actions with what happens when a residential building catches fire.
Rule number one is ‘evacuate the building’ and remove residents from the danger of a spreading fire. In too many cases, governments forced otherwise healthy but vulnerable individuals to remain onboard. They refused to allow a ship that had some infections to dock…or refused anyone to disembark as the virus spread. So many uninfected individuals were forced to just sit and wait as the disease made its way from cabin to cabin…victim to victim…until it got to them. How many died or suffered because they weren’t allowed to escape? Even when they eventually allowed passengers off stricken vessels, they sometimes kept them quarantined together.
I understand this was something none of us have ever experienced…but panic and public perception ruled the day. Science took a back seat to government.
I don’t know if this ruling by this judge will stand the test of time and challenge…but I sure would like to see some government decision makers face scrutiny for their decisions.
As always…..just my opinion.

‘Public health officials made Serious Mistakes’
Yes. They did. They panicked.
I compare some of these government actions with what happens when a residential building catches fire.
Rule number one is ‘evacuate the building’ and remove residents from the danger of a spreading fire. In too many cases, governments forced otherwise healthy but vulnerable individuals to remain onboard. They refused to allow a ship that had some infections to dock…or refused anyone to disembark as the virus spread. So many uninfected individuals were forced to just sit and wait as the disease made its way from cabin to cabin…victim to victim…until it got to them. How many died or suffered because they weren’t allowed to escape? Even when they eventually allowed passengers off stricken vessels, they sometimes kept them quarantined together.
I understand this was something none of us have ever experienced…but panic and public perception ruled the day. Science took a back seat to government.
I don’t know if this ruling by this judge will stand the test of time and challenge…but I sure would like to see some government decision makers face scrutiny for their decisions.
As always…..just my opinion.

‘Public health officials made Serious Mistakes’
Yes. They did. They panicked.
I compare some of these government actions with what happens when a residential building catches fire.
Rule number one is ‘evacuate the building’ and remove residents from the danger of a spreading fire. In too many cases, governments forced otherwise healthy but vulnerable individuals to remain onboard. They refused to allow a ship that had some infections to dock…or refused anyone to disembark as the virus spread. So many uninfected individuals were forced to just sit and wait as the disease made its way from cabin to cabin…victim to victim…until it got to them. How many died or suffered because they weren’t allowed to escape? Even when they eventually allowed passengers off stricken vessels, they sometimes kept them quarantined together.
I understand this was something none of us have ever experienced…but panic and public perception ruled the day. Science took a back seat to government.
I don’t know if this ruling by this judge will stand the test of time and challenge…but I sure would like to see some government decision makers face scrutiny for their decisions.
As always…..just my opinion.

At Port Liberty in Bayonne…the luggage is screened with X-ray machines in the port before being loaded onto the ship. My luggage is secured with a TSA combination lock.
A few months ago, my large bag hadn’t been delivered to my room and my attendant found out it was being held by security. This was after dinner and the ship had sailed hours ago. I had to go down to deck 2 where security was waiting with my bag. Apparently a port security screener placed a red sticker on my bag which said ‘Iron’.
I told them there was no iron and offered to open the bag. They scanned it in their X-ray machine, found nothing resembling an iron, and just gave me the bag. I asked why they didn’t just do that before I arrived and, finding nothing, send the bag on it’s way. They said their policy is once a bag is flagged by shoreside security…they don’t do anything without the bag’s owner being present. Scanning and then asking for it to be opened only if necessary. Oh, well. At least it wasn’t lost like I was beginning to fear.
 

My opinion…
Royal panicked (understandably so) when the unprecedented shutdown occurred.
The entire business was rocked with huge losses that had to be balanced with enormous, expensive debt in the form of long term loans with very unattractive interest rates. There was no bailout, no subsidies, no government assistance of any kind…to my knowledge. They were left adrift on their own without a paddle. Some say they had significant profits stored away for emergencies, but I don’t think anyone could have ever imagined or prepared for such a long period of zero income. They realized their industry was being demonized with everything from ‘Petri Dish Cruising’ to ‘Covid Cruises’. Public perception was at it’s worse.
So they relied on their loyal cruisers when the restart occurred. Nobody knew how many would just stay away. So they offered incentives…double points, lower pricing, cheaper extras. Anything that would help bring back the regulars and help attract new customers. We were the priming for the pump.
But I don’t think they were expecting such a huge response. For whatever reason…cruise bookings have exploded. Ships are sailing at over one hundred percent capacity. Cruise Planner purchases are at an all-time high. Onboard spending is better than ever. Loyalty levels are saturated with new upper level members.
So they do what any other business would do…they start raising prices and see if demand continues. It did. So they raise prices even more. And people are paying more. Demand keeps rising so prices keep rising. I really think they are flabbergasted (and I don’t use that word lightly) that passengers are really paying such ridiculous prices for things that were so less expensive such a short time ago.
Just as an example, CocoCay Beach Club was $88. Now…some sailings are over $300. Overwater cabanas have risen to a price where instead of renting it for a few hours, it’s more like taking out a mortgage. Yet people are paying. The demand is there.
I don’t blame the company for acting like a for-profit business. But I think they should be able to figure out better ways they can reward their most loyal cruisers who helped ‘prime the pump’. At least come up with some way to improve the perception that we are as important to them now as we were at the beginning of the restart.
For me…I really appreciate what I get with my loyalty status. I know any of the perks can be removed or changed at any time. I really don’t care about the lounge access…it’s not important to me. But, it is important to so many others. I love the new MDR menus and don’t eat in CK…even when I’m in a suite. I appreciate the drinks and…especially…the WiFi.
I don’t know what can be done…but it’s fairly apparent that reading blogs and posts show there are many who feel under appreciated. This period of huge profits may eventually slow…or even reverse. And they will once again rely on the ‘Loyal to Royals’ to prime their pumps once again. 

Or, judging by the amazing comeback, maybe they realize they don’t have to anymore…
Just my opinion.

My opinion…
Royal panicked (understandably so) when the unprecedented shutdown occurred.
The entire business was rocked with huge losses that had to be balanced with enormous, expensive debt in the form of long term loans with very unattractive interest rates. There was no bailout, no subsidies, no government assistance of any kind…to my knowledge. They were left adrift on their own without a paddle. Some say they had significant profits stored away for emergencies, but I don’t think anyone could have ever imagined or prepared for such a long period of zero income. They realized their industry was being demonized with everything from ‘Petri Dish Cruising’ to ‘Covid Cruises’. Public perception was at it’s worse.
So they relied on their loyal cruisers when the restart occurred. Nobody knew how many would just stay away. So they offered incentives…double points, lower pricing, cheaper extras. Anything that would help bring back the regulars and help attract new customers. We were the priming for the pump.
But I don’t think they were expecting such a huge response. For whatever reason…cruise bookings have exploded. Ships are sailing at over one hundred percent capacity. Cruise Planner purchases are at an all-time high. Onboard spending is better than ever. Loyalty levels are saturated with new upper level members.
So they do what any other business would do…they start raising prices and see if demand continues. It did. So they raise prices even more. And people are paying more. Demand keeps rising so prices keep rising. I really think they are flabbergasted (and I don’t use that word lightly) that passengers are really paying such ridiculous prices for things that were so less expensive such a short time ago.
Just as an example, CocoCay Beach Club was $88. Now…some sailings are over $300. Overwater cabanas have risen to a price where instead of renting it for a few hours, it’s more like taking out a mortgage. Yet people are paying. The demand is there.
I don’t blame the company for acting like a for-profit business. But I think they should be able to figure out better ways they can reward their most loyal cruisers who helped ‘prime the pump’. At least come up with some way to improve the perception that we are as important to them now as we were at the beginning of the restart.
For me…I really appreciate what I get with my loyalty status. I know any of the perks can be removed or changed at any time. I really don’t care about the lounge access…it’s not important to me. But, it is important to so many others. I love the new MDR menus and don’t eat in CK…even when I’m in a suite. I appreciate the drinks and…especially…the WiFi.
I don’t know what can be done…but it’s fairly apparent that reading blogs and posts show there are many who feel under appreciated. This period of huge profits may eventually slow…or even reverse. And they will once again rely on the ‘Loyal to Royals’ to prime their pumps once again. 

Or, judging by the amazing comeback, maybe they realize they don’t have to anymore…
Just my opinion.