MikeK

DON'T DO IT!  Just kidding.  We made the jump to JSs years ago and haven't looked back.  The extra space, the upgraded bathroom, a walk-in closet and double C+A points is worth the extra money,  About 8 or 10 cruises ago we made the jump to the bigger suites.  It is an addiction worse than any drug.  We now book Grand Suites or above.  We  can't resist the extra perks especially on Oasis ships.  If you make the jump you will know what we are talking about.  Good luck and happy sailing

the Solarium is always our favorite option!  

I am happy to report from Adventure that lobster night is just as good as always!

Drink packages, a casino, 2 of my favorite things 

Cost and gambling 

I suspect it's because you can't fly internationally with a passport card.  If you test positive for Covid you will likely be disembarked at the next port and would have to return home by air.  This happened this week on Adventure of the Seas. 
Since the passport cards are limited in how and where you can travel, I have always advocated spending a few dollars more to have the full passport book so you can travel by any means to virtually any country.

The only downside is that you can’t speak directly to Royal. However if you have a great TA (like @Sharla) that’s not an issue. She’s lightening fast! 
 
I used to book through RC. I went the TA route when we were looking at booking odyssey for Italy/Greece. With hotels, flights etc., I didn’t want to mess with it plus I wanted someone in my corner if something happened pre-cruise, cruise, post-cruise etc. 
We booked a 3 night on Mariner to test her out (?) and haven’t looked back. 
 
The major upside to having a good TA-all this cancellation/FCC/OBC Covid garbage was handled so professionally. 
 
Last, you’re supporting a business, someone’s livelihood. It doesn’t cost you anything for their service and the benefits are numerous. 

Carnival is often better on pricing.
Royal is often better on everything else.

2 cruises right now.  April 2022 on the Harmony and July 2022 on the Mariner.
 

Wake up early and call at like 6 or 7am eastern.
This is also a really, really, really good reminder to use a good travel agent so you don't have to be on hold
 

I can see myself bouncing off that pole in the middle of the night on a potty break.  Maybe it's for pole dancing.

RC trying to keep as much revenue as they can....they sell cruises when they know they won't be going out...then they cancel July sailings for people who have been waiting to sail for months...and to top that off they bring in the Odyssey which was suppose to be in Israel.....sell cabins for the month of July at inflated prices..while all of us who were booked and waiting to sail sit at home...I think it's time to switch cruise lines.
 
 
 

Well said! It’s been real! I’m taking my “100% full refund” and running away from Royal Caribbean. I was promised a FCC that never came in which I’m assuming they are keeping. My family and I have been waiting for this cruise for 2 years now and again it’s canceled. I called for the refund and they really wanted me to take their lousy FCC, they can shove it. To all the bloggers on here you guys are the real employees of RCG! Hats off for keeping my family and I updated.

After months, and months, and months of phonecalls - being assured each time that July 1 would be full-steam ahead, they cancel my multi-postponed cruise for July on Oasis.  I will never book RCI again.  
I understand cancelling 8-10 weeks out, but a month?!?! With almost every other reasonable vacation option booked for July - just unacceptable.  The 125% credit is a joke - as most folks who book cruises are using vacation time that their employer won't just take back and trade for a later date.  

I can see myself bouncing off that pole in the middle of the night on a potty break.  Maybe it's for pole dancing.

I can see myself bouncing off that pole in the middle of the night on a potty break.  Maybe it's for pole dancing.

I can see myself bouncing off that pole in the middle of the night on a potty break.  Maybe it's for pole dancing.

I would highly recommend a travel agent.  This is an "advanced" booking and using a TA really would be the best option.  

We always carry a large number of $1s $5s and $10s for giving cash tips to waiters and bartenders.  The baggage handlers that take your bags when you arrive at the port are not paid by the cruise line.  They work off tips so I always give them at least $2 a bag.  There are also baggage handlers where you pick up your bags at the end of the cruise to go through customs.  These handlers have large carts to take your bags to the customs area.  It really makes things easier.  We usually have about 5 bags so we pay them about $15 or $20.
  If you fly in it can be arranged most of the time for the baggage to go directly to the airport.

Same.  Bartenders definitely remember who tips well.

This is not the place to talk about if you should or should not get the vaccine. Please respect the rules. I should not have to repeat this warning multiple times a day.

In Cozumel there are dogs at the end of the pier sniffing for food and there are baskets full of various ship foods they've confiscated. Mostly bananas...

We always park on site.  Very convenient.  Drive up, drop luggage with porter and park.  When leaving, grap porter, he carries luggage to car, load and away we drive.
It does add to the expense, but it keeps everyone's stress level low and gets us on the road home very quickly.

That's challenging for all existing bookings.  
I don't want to sail on a ship where I have to endure protocols to accommodate unvaccinated.  

In the end this is how the debate ends.  Florida might be able to regulate a true Florida business but not a multi state, multi national one.