ChessE4

MDR staff work in other venues, such as Windjammer. I wouldn't change default gratuities.

We enjoyed Pompei,but in late June, it was hot, so drink lots of water.

You are lucky to find a replacement-- feel good about that. At ABCs our snorkeling was cancelled at last minute and others were sold out. You can also consider other vendors.

Last cruise our Cruise Director wasn't very good and seemed to lack entertainment talent. That was a surprise to us.

As a comparison, we were in Tahiti recently and paid 150 each to stay at a Hilton with coffee, snacks, and pool privileges. We had about 7 hours in comfort instead of standing in line at airport in 80 degree heat. So there can be value to this Royal option. (Our other cruise line didn't offer the stay awhile option.)

Did this at age 70. There is some walking at the ruins, but this is not a strenuous excursion. I enjoyed it more than I thought I would.

I wouldn't waste money on the Key as your time isn't bad and an hour or two on day 1 isn't worth the cost. There is far too much emphasis on being the first to board. I think vacations should be relaxing, so I hate to see anxiety about boarding times. Just a thought as I think of poolside music. .

I have seen other posts about snorkeling through 3rd party vendors at Mahahual, the village a short taxi ride from the secure port area. I haven't tried it though.

"Hell" is overrated. We enjoyed the Turtle Sanctuary, though.

Your cruise documents may not be ready. In my experience, there can be a couple of weeks delay after check in. Monday is a month out. I'd call Royal then if you can't get into app successfully. If you are eager, call Royal now. PS. See thread on luggage tags.

We bought a specialty meal for a September cruise. For our 2025 cruises only packages are currently available. It takes awhile for cruise planner to be fully populated. I would check back later, or consider using BOGO offer when onboard.

When my son flew to Europe and had a major flight change the night before travel, he called Air2sea and got it fixed. Be sure to save their emergency phone number.

The default answer, if you have tried the normal process, is to contact an executive. Their emails have been published elsewhere and by cruise consumer advocates. I'd suggest being brief and to the point. (How did Royal err and what remedy do you seek?)

Yep, but some folks have trouble reading them. I read them as I consult with my TA.

Yes, there is the phone number for the rewards center, but I am guessing you received a confirmation email for your points redemption. When I need to call I look up the latest number.

Room selection is a good reason to use a travel agent, as already suggested. A TA can read deck plans that show which rooms are Pullman, which you state you want to avoid.

On one cruise white night was also dress your best, so MDR had many tables radiant in white.

Yes, overpriced, and not the authentic island according to other posts. Coco Cay is a beach day, and a normal beach for free, no parking, is a great deal!

I'll be dead then. Hope others can enjoy it.

Actually, for 100 per night we usually get an ocean view, which is why we've not been on newish ships.

I like the safe. Once or twice I've had the stateroom attendant tell me the safe was unlocked, but nothing was missing. (One needs to hold the door in until the lock clicks.) As others have indicated, I can't imagine rushing to a flight without looking for wallet and passport. I do understand forgetting something, but never ID, tickets, keys. The lesson is to work a checklist. This is important for the newbie or occasional cruiser. However, there are enough people who forget something to lead Royal to have a better disembarkation process.

I wouldn't overdo the tipping, but we give extra to stateroom attendant and MDR staff, as we always dine there. You have prepaid gratuities, but excellent service is worth something extra. Other threads discuss tipping in detail. Where you cruise is a factor.

For 7 to 9 nights I don't need laundry except whites, perhaps, which I can wash in the cabin. Getting suitcase wrinkles out is the main challenge on a cruise, but a little bath steam usually works.

My wife has a terrible time sleeping. She has found that toppers aren't always available, as already reported. For me, a thin pillow is more important than the mattress.

I think Royal underestimated how important the food is. We can live with once a day room service and inflation based price increases, but service and overall experience are paramount.