foxrunner

Having only cruised on two classes, Oasis and Quantum the answer varies. We don't go out to eat breakfast ever so the MDR is a real treat. Given that factor and not cruising with the lads, we prefer the MDR. If we have to get off the ship on a Quantum class we prefer Two70 Café for a very good microwaved breakfast. On Oasis we haven't grooved on Johnny R. it is very much a simple diner experience. Park Café should be a match to 270 but they don't seem to zap the food to a warm enough level.   The hard thing about your very good question is that pre and post Covid and ship class plus the new dinning menu makes it hard to give a definitive answer.  We do enjoy trying as many venues as possible and the adventure often educates us as to what we want. Work hard and do the real time research on the ship, extra free bacon cures all ills, bet you will smile!

On 12/12/2022 at 5:57 PM, FionaMG said:

we don't have that chain over here in Custard Tart Land so it was a novelty for us. We liked it.

As a Yank I've never had a egg custard tart. I'm curious if you hail from Portugal or the U.K. Your response has me curious and I watched this podcast.

On 12/13/2022 at 10:08 AM, smokeybandit said:

On the twelfth day of Christmas, my TA sent to me
Twelve All-Access tourings
Eleven NextCruise bookings
Ten thirty slot for boarding
Nine Cocos Caying
Eight hands a-washing
Seven nights of cruising
Six engines humming
Five chair hogs
Four diamond drinks
Three french wines
Two nights at Chops, and
A muster drill in the app

Why the chair hogs?  Maybe 5 chair hogs thrown overboard!

27 minutes ago, CruiseGus said:

You are correct, with reservation seating is first come first selection, with the following exceptions having a special section they can sit in Suites, Pinnacle's, D+ and Key

One thing I would add is that they will release the reserved seating once the show starts.  

Is this your 1st time going to Alaska? If so and you think you'd like to go back, I'd go with the convenience of Seattle. Bye the way you will want to go back! 2nd cruise one way out of Alaska with a land tour. Start saving now as it isn't cheap. 

Maybe as someone that has only been on a few cruises, Wonderland was a cool experience. Pooch from the responses above it isn't for everyone. I'd give it a try and see what you think. The food presentation and show is part of the thing here.  I can see a few tablemates not appreciating it and being wet blankets. Maybe it would be better as a date night for you and Mr. Pooch? 

We have only been once and it was WONDERFUL. We declared right off that it was our 1st time, the server said I will bring out mostly everything. Royal seems to have included some of the tiny entrees (liquid lobster) as part of the meal. We left happy and full.  With a party of 7 are they all adventurous dinners? If not I think a different choice may be more palatable. 

We didn't get the survey, but this would be our input, with the caveat that because we are newer to cruising the menu is still fresh.  We like to be surprised when we go to the MDR, so we don't look ahead at the menu. We are fortunate to be adventurous eaters without allergies. We would love to see a couple of specials that were the chef's creations original and interesting. Royal can't win on this one though as the food is a highly personal experience. 

If going on a Royal snorkeling excursion, put on your reef safe sunblock prior to leaving the ship. We weren't allowed to put on any sunblock on the boat heading out to the reef. Once we were done snorkeling we were told to apply the block. As a very fair skin person I was fine but wished I put on some block on my face. 

7 hours ago, FionaMG said:

I liked the breakfast bowl and the burrito too, although the bowl was too big for me to finish. Have you tried the power wrap? It's delicious too.

I will try the power wraps in April! Thanks! I found the bowl to be just right. The time change has my stomach growling, I like to say I fluctuate from staving to hungry as a constant state though. 

We love the MDR breakfast, I the Market Veg. Breakfast Bowl or the Breakfast Burrito, Wifey the Benedict or french toast.  Love to sit by the window and watch the waves! While the food at lunch is good, we can't eat breakfast lunch and dinner in the MDR without being stuffed. Yes just show up and check the planner as the times vary each day. 

25 minutes ago, ScottD said:

One last question...looks like it might only be a small amount more to do the Large balcony- on the "hump" in the middle of the ship. Are these much bigger, is it worth the extra few bucks or just stick with the regular balcony (it's 3 of us total if that means anything)

Depends, what ship will you be sailing on?

1 hour ago, OCSC Mike said:

I'm not a margarita expert but I like spicy and felt compelled to order one since we were eating at Sabor.

I really enjoy the Goal Post Margarita from Playmakers as well. It's got jalapeno and muddled pineapple.

Haven't been on a ship with Playmakers, that will change this April. Thanks for the tip!

On 11/4/2022 at 3:44 PM, OCSC Mike said:

 

Oh yeah, I'm also a big fan of the jalapeno margarita, genuinely spicy.

Best Margs in the fleet!!

With Covid Royal has stopped prebooking in the cruise planner, but some folks are reporting that it is coming back. Keep checking your planner so if it opens up you can grab a spot. Last Summer on Ovation we booked IFLY immediately upon boarding on the Royal App. Totally exceeded expectations, and I don't love heights any more. Not sure I would pay for it though, the pay experience is twice as long. We really felt like the free flying time as a novice was just right. We are very active 50 Y.O. and we fatiguing towards the end.  They tell you to leave everything in a locker, but if you have a partner bring the phone to take pictures. Royal does take a good shot of you but you must pay for it. Have a great cruise!

Welcome Amanda! 

Firefish is on point, another take is inclement weather can obscure your scenery. This is especially true in Alaska. I'd take the extra port day, even if it rains you will have peeks of the beauty that is Alaska.  Enjoy!

Welcome,

You will need to go get your cup if you want soda. The restaurants all have complimentary flavored water ice tea lemonade for anyone. 

Enjoy!

Talking with a bartender on Ovation this past Aug., he said the mix is ship wide and mild. He made one straight up and asked how it was. To me way too mild, so then I asked him to spice it up, much better! All the bars have hotsauce and horseradish if you ask for it.  Like many things at Royal you need to find the right bartender, get to know them and they will take care of you.  If you are expecting an amazing bloody at the MDR breakfast you will be disappointed. 

Welcome,

Our first cruise was with slightly older teens (17,20). We a sailed an Oasis class ship (Allure) and didn't purchase the Key. It was right before the pandemic and the ship was very full (New Years). We had a wonderful time, and you will too. We got off the ship and all said why haven't we done this sooner. We tend to camp and stay in National Parks on Vacation.  Now we mix in cruising and still love both. We still haven't used a TA and that is because I'm stubborn.  We continue to craft our own vacations, because we enjoy that part of the process. USE A TA for your 1st time and then see if you need one for the inevitable 2nd cruise.  This board is also different from most of the gross internet, very few judgey folks or trolls. Ask away we enjoy helping.  

If you don't need the wheelchair during the cruise, I'd ask your cabin steward to store it. I personally haven't done this but Royal truly wants to make you happy so don't be bashful. Have a great cruise!

7 hours ago, baltodave said:

I'm not looking for boots like the one in your link (too bulky for me).  I'm looking for something as comfortable as my sneakers (that are also waterproof).

Which cruise are you taking?  We are taking Radiance on June 16 2023.  It will by my 11th cruise!  The first 9 were all in the Caribbean and the 10th was Greek/Adriatic.  So, it will be our first time in Alaska.  Can't wait!

Get some Keens in a low hiker model they are super comfy, the downside is that they don't last forever. Nothing is perfect. My Oboz's  will last and they are comfortable but bulky and hard to get on and off.  

Tip 

Put on the reef safe sunscreen prior to your excursion on the ship. On a Cozumel snorkeling trip they wouldn't let us apply any sunblock on the boat until we were out of the water. We were all wearing sun shirts so no Biggy. The reef safe is thick and doesn't apply as easily as the normal stuff. Worth it though. 

Not booking a cruise right now!

I've been twice on Allure both pre and post Covid. I'm a craft beer fan and wasn't totally disappointed. The pub has a good selection of European and craft beer. Don't get me wrong at home in Mass. the convenience store is better stocked. Strangely you can't find Guinness on board, and the stouts tend to be German. I'm mainly drinking New England style IPA's and Royal tends to have the more traditional West Coast ones. Royal needs to upgrade their beer game and have a designate craft brew bar. Another issue is if you have a craft brew it will be in a can or bottle, almost zero craft brew on tap.  

4 hours ago, CruisingNewb said:

@foxrunnerIf you need more info on Ovation Alaska sailing, you can always search my posts from this year (June/July). Ovation is a GREAT ship.  Loved every minute.  Have very few complaints about our experience. I also detail food and activity stuff quite a bit.  You will have a great time!

@CruisingNewb Where should I look on this site to find your posts on your Ovation Alaska sailing from June/July.   You have been a ton of help.  We really appreciate it!