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Check your cruise insurance for coverage of missed port or itinerary changes.

In my experience, your points OBC will be applied to room charges, including gratuities that weren't prepaid. In addition to cashing out at casino, some cruisers go to guest services to cash out. Now promotional OBC is use it or lose it. It is non-refundable.

Rock climbing wall or pool? My son did activities like napkin folding contest, arcade, or Ocean Adventure dance. I would check a Cruise Compass to see what is typical.. Also board games are something to consider. And of course, children can be encouraged to read.

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

6 hours ago, mom2mybugs said:

 

Would you recommend Pompeii if you haven’t done it?  We will be doing this port for the first time next June and was thinking Pompeii….   Jane

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.

7 hours ago, xps15z said:

Yeah, I think you’re right. I sort of felt like that the last time but was thinking maybe it was due to less energy with the audience being so small.

I do think in general for shows and small events they could be marketed more through the app. 

For this specific show they should have different questions pretty often. I mean there’s at least an hundred different questions you can ask any married couple. There’s so many newlywed board games they can borrow from.

Some of the entertainment is based on the participants, and if the host isn’t pulling information out of them to get a story the show can become very dull.

 

 

 

 

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

21 hours ago, Bazza said:

We used it on Explorer in Ravenna last year. For around £35/$45pp I think it was well worth it - meant we could chill on board for about 4 or 5 hours with food and drink (the Coca Cola cup worked) before showering, getting taxi to train station for flight around 8pm.

Was a nice alternative from Day Use hotels around Miami.

 

 

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.)

On 4/4/2024 at 12:56 PM, teresacubed said:

Hello! First time cruiser for July 2024, RC's Grandeur going to Cozumel, Mexico. Has anyone done the Ruins and Chocolate Testing excursion? We're wondering just how much walking/standing there is. My mom is an active 76 year old and wants to enjoy a shore excursion, but we don't want to schedule anything too difficult. Thanks for your help! - Teresa

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.

4 hours ago, Tammy Stanborough said:

I see posts from 2022 that people were unable to get into the App or website to print their passes. Here in 2024 it is still a problem. My cruise is coming up May 23rd. 

I see I am all checked in. It states that I only can get the boarding pass ontheir App. If I click on it, there screen is blank with the Royal Caribbean Logo and then it freezes. 

I have to keep restarting my phone if I want to try again. This is rediculous.

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.

9 minutes ago, Someone_else said:

Maybe, but still a concern of mine. Why diminish my concern just because others don't have the same concerns as mine?

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?)

4 minutes ago, smokeybandit said:

Though the RC deck plans show this same info.

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. 

13 hours ago, PhantomWolf said:

Was on the cruise planner today and at CocoCay there is the "swimming pigs tour"... and before the "sale" it is listed at $154.  I have done this once before with my pig obsessed ex gf and I have no earthly idea why it would cost this much.  You take a beautiful but short boat ride to the area where the pigs are at, and then you get to feed them apples if you choose, get into the water with them for a photo op. 

Why such a bloated price for a short, maybe ten minute boat ride and apples?!  Its not like I'm getting to drive a jet ski over to the island and then taking home lobster.

I love RC and I know this seems like a silly complaint, but I just had to point this out today.

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! 

On 4/9/2024 at 8:10 PM, Rackham said:

For everyone who plans [far, far] in advance, CocoCay is in the direct path of the August 12, 2045 total solar eclipse. Nearly 6 minutes of totality!

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.