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MikeK

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  1. Like
    MikeK reacted to RWDW1204 in (Insert word here) of the Seas   
    No P-named ships because calling it POS just isn't right. 😆
  2. Like
    MikeK got a reaction from WAAAYTOOO in Cost benifits Jr suite vs actual suite   
    On my last 10-15 RC cruises I have been using suites.  Although we have't had to share a room with kids (couldn't afford it when kids were little) we can tell you once you get used to the suite life it is hard to go back. The perks might seem subtle but put together over a 7 day or longer cruise it adds up to a better time.  In your case if you can afford to get connecting rooms it will make a difference not having to share a bathroom with 4 people.  Good luck and don't try and do it all.  Your on vacation!
     
  3. Like
    MikeK reacted to Rico Rox in What's going on with royal?   
    Was on Explorer May 8 for 6 nights.  Experienced delayed boarding....but learned that was actually due to reduced staffing at the port, not the ship's fault.  Having read the reviews, we did not elect MTD, and experienced absolutely no issues with respect to late night seating in the main dining room.  Most crowded night was, of course, lobster night, but that was it.  Also spent a lot of time in the bar/lounge areas (no judgment please) and became friendly with the bar staff (no surprise - - I'm a bartender myself).  Yes, they were out of a lot of liquor, but the dedicated staff would go "borrow" from other bars as they could.  Supply chain problem for sure (just look at the dining menu).  My restaurant suffers from it too.  As far as staffing, well I can't comment on the underlying issue, but I did see virtually every staff member work exceedingly hard and most definitely dedicating themselves to the guests - night & day.  There were several times I just wanted to jump in and help.  Happy to see the guest count up, but if you're living in the real world, the expectation needs to drop a notch or two, or the patience level needs to increase a notch or two.  We'll get there again...just takes time. 
  4. Like
    MikeK reacted to Jill in What's going on with royal?   
    There’s a 3 page thread on the topic. In a nutshell: capacity increased, staffing is lagging because of visa backlogs and supply chain issues means there’s shortages everywhere. 
     
    This all really just surfaced around April. Our October and March cruises were great. We’re on Harmony now and they are out of a lot of alcohol. Food quality is not as good either. Staff is working their butts off though to give you a good vacation 
  5. Like
    MikeK got a reaction from CruiserNic in Dress code   
    Well put!
  6. Like
    MikeK reacted to TheRick in FYI check while booking your kids sail free   
    As we we’re completing the booking, the kids sail free discount was not taken off of either of two bookings. I called Royal Caribbean (and reached a person within 3 minutes). He didn’t know why the website was not taking off the discount. The agent couldn’t have been nicer or more helpful, he gave great customer service. He helped us book each room and we got all our discounts including kids sail free. What I’m trying to say is you might want to check your booking to see if you are getting the kids sail free, seems like a glitch with the website.
  7. Like
    MikeK got a reaction from burbuja0512 in MDR & Carry-On Questions   
    Another option for lunch when you get on board is the Solarium Bistro on deck 15 at the very front of the ship.  It would be wise to go directly there when you get on the ship because the tables fill quickly.
     
  8. Like
    MikeK reacted to Psycho and Barb in Vaccination Card for Check-in   
    You have to show your card about three times before you can get on the ship, and they have taken a picture of ours on the last three cruises.  Still not sure why they have us upload it.
  9. Like
    MikeK reacted to Jolly Ogre in set sail pass   
    You don't "need" to but do you really want to possibly delay your embarkation process due to slow connection low battery or a thick thumbs? I just print mine and have them ready to go and I am through the line in less than 5 min. I would have my set sail pass, my neg covid test and my passport all together and ready to show them as I pass through. I have never had a problem. 
  10. Like
    MikeK reacted to Psycho and Barb in set sail pass   
    @OCSC Mike, Totally agree.  We had a tag torn off one cruise...Talk about a nightmare trying to get our bag.  We now only use the plastic tag holders that attach with wire rope.
     

  11. Like
    MikeK reacted to OCSC Mike in set sail pass   
    You don't NEED to print it, you can use the app and/or take a screen shot or save it to your Apple wallet (if iPhone) for quicker access.
    You can also rely on an e-mail of your covid test results.
    You do need to print luggage tags of course.
    All that said, many people choose to print out those items anyway b/c it can actually be faster to just have the printed versions in hand along with your passport and vax card rather than spending time scrolling through your phone. Sometimes the old fashioned way still works better but your call.
  12. Like
    MikeK reacted to michaelp1446 in Prices for Jr. Suites   
    Royal IT glitch... If you want a Jr Suite and are comfortable with price, grab it before it changes ( and it will). Other benefit is you can pick your cabin location.
    If price drops you can always reprice... I would strongly recommend working with a good travel advisor as well (MEI) has a great reputation on this forum.
  13. Like
    MikeK reacted to Moby Dick in Passports?   
    The following is my opinion and my opinion only.  I'm not trying to tell ANYONE what to do or not do.  This is just my opinion:
    I've been in/on many social media sites for a couple of decades now.  One thing I've noticed is the myriad questions dealing with passports, basically the same questions over and over again.  It is my opinion that if you travel, intend on traveling, may at anytime in your life travel, get a passport.  If you get a passport, there is no question if you need one or not, you have it.  A passport is easy to get (especially if you are a citizen of U.S.A.), relatively cheap, and quick.  
    Also, if you cruise, it is my opinion that if you go ashore in a Port of Call, take the passport with you!  My opinion, don't leave it in the stateroom.
    There, I've got my opinion (and your milage may vary) off my chest.
  14. Like
    MikeK got a reaction from Moby Dick in Safe Size   
    I have never had anything stolen on any cruise.  I think if you just hide it out of plain site it would be fine.
  15. Like
    MikeK reacted to Pooch in Dress code   
    IMHO, what needs to stop is worrying about what someone else is wearing.   The guy in board shorts 2 tables away has ZERO impact on my dining experience.  Don’t like what another diner is wearing? Don’t look at them!  Concentrate on your group and your food.  BTW I am a card carrying member of Judgers Anonymous and this is part of my 12 step program 😁
  16. Like
    MikeK reacted to RWDW1204 in Dress code   
    What's wrong with shorts? 🤔
  17. Like
    MikeK reacted to WAAAYTOOO in Nassau dropped for Wonder Transatlantic   
    Missing Nassau is worth almost anything....
  18. Like
    MikeK reacted to Akari in Anthem of The Seas changed my life.   
    I went on Royal Caribbean's Anthem of The Seas last week, it was a wonderful experience and it was the first time I had ever experienced happiness. My life is absolute despair, constant depression and never ending sadness, but on my Anthem of The Seas trip I met someone amazing. This person had given me 3 days of pure happiness and it was the best I had ever felt in my life. Crazy how one week can change so much. On the last day of the trip I started feeling dread. Dread of my life. I would have to leave the one place that gave me happiness and go back to my life of pure pain. It hurt me so much, it drove me to some of the worse depression I've ever felt. I'm still feeling it. I got back home on Sunday and I wish it could have never ended. But I'm glad it happened, I'm glad I was able to feel happiness for the first time, and I'm thankful that the first person who could make me happy, happens to be incredible. This cruise ship changed my life, and I did get the number of the person I met, so hopefully I can see them again, I know we both would want that.  
    Thank you Anthem of The Seas. You may have caused the worst depression of my life, but you also gave me my only happiness. 
  19. Haha
    MikeK got a reaction from VirtKitty in Arrival at port   
    I totally agree but that's part of the problem.  My last cruise out of Port Canaveral,  we arrived on time and there were about 6 lines out side in the covered area by the doors that your enter to go through security check.  These lines were checking for correct paperwork, vaccine cards , covid tests etc. even though when you get in for the real check in you will have to show it again. There was a large family in from of me that finally made it to the check in and lo and behold they then started dragging out their paperwork.  They were looking in purses, backpacks, carry-ons for the paperwork.   It took at least 30 minutes for them to do something simple. Wouldn't you think they might have had that ready way ahead of time.  Like days before.  It was a major cluster watching them scream at each other.  Not trying to say we are perfect but we have all that stuff paperclipped together ready to go well in advance.  If anything they should have been looking for it while waiting in line.  It was comical and frustrating at the same time.
  20. Like
    MikeK reacted to CruiseGus in VIP show seating/concierge suite   
    CLS would qualify, don't know who was holding the sign and what there postion was, but that would be the seating area for all suite guests GS and above
  21. Sad
    MikeK got a reaction from PPPJJ-GCVAB in Arrival at port   
    I totally agree but that's part of the problem.  My last cruise out of Port Canaveral,  we arrived on time and there were about 6 lines out side in the covered area by the doors that your enter to go through security check.  These lines were checking for correct paperwork, vaccine cards , covid tests etc. even though when you get in for the real check in you will have to show it again. There was a large family in from of me that finally made it to the check in and lo and behold they then started dragging out their paperwork.  They were looking in purses, backpacks, carry-ons for the paperwork.   It took at least 30 minutes for them to do something simple. Wouldn't you think they might have had that ready way ahead of time.  Like days before.  It was a major cluster watching them scream at each other.  Not trying to say we are perfect but we have all that stuff paperclipped together ready to go well in advance.  If anything they should have been looking for it while waiting in line.  It was comical and frustrating at the same time.
  22. Like
    MikeK reacted to twangster in Arrival at port   
    I've seen a lot of posts about arriving early to check in.  Both on this this site and on social media sites.  It's like people are secretly hoping someone will tell them it's okay to arrive early.  It's not.
    The arrival times are in place for a purpose and to ensure no one experiences a miserable start to their cruise vacation.  Standing around in the rain or the Florida heat and humidity for hours is not a great way to start a cruise vacation.   The security lines and check in lanes are not designed for everyone arriving in large masses.  When guests ignore their appointment times and arrive early it makes for a miserable experience for everyone including folks who hold the proper arrival time appointments who arrive on time.  
    It's not okay to arrive early.  If you arrive early you are not just part of the problem, you are the problem.  
  23. Like
    MikeK reacted to twangster in Suite question and CK   
    It depends how busy they are.  By policy they don't have to but It never hurts to ask.  
    if it's one or two nights that's one thing, expecting it all week is a different matter especially during prime dinner time.  An early or late off peak dining time might yield better luck. 
    If they say no understand that is the expected result.  If they say yes be grateful they accommodated your request.
  24. Like
    MikeK reacted to Ken Edgar in Prescription Meds   
    This is the 1st time I have heard of carrying medications in original bottles when travelling.   I am on 9 different ones, seems like a lot to carry around 9 pill bottles, maybe more if one is nearly gone.   I just put them in the weekly pill organizer, if trip is longer than a week, I take a 2nd or 3rd weekly organizer that is then vacuum sealed until I start that week. I have traveled the world, 63 countries in just the last 10 years and never had even a question asked.  On the other hand, just a few weeks ago I was traveling, staying about 7 hours away from home when I had my laptop backpack that I keep my meds in stolen from our hotel.   It made for a long day returning home and back the next day, but was so glad to only lose a few days worth of meds rather than the entire bottles.   Insurance will not pay to replace meds not to mention it is a pain to get new Rx for each one.    Reading this though, maybe a good idea for me to pack along a print out of my meds.  
  25. Like
    MikeK reacted to BrianB in Sea Pass description   
    When they pull up your cabin number on the computer…your photo comes up also. So, unless your an Evil Twin, it should be okay.😂
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