ChessE4
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Dining Early or Late - Which Do You Prefer & Why?
ChessE4 replied to Married2Grumpy's topic in Royal Caribbean Dining
We've almost always done early traditional dining, but we recently completed a cruise on another line. The main dining room didn't open until 6:30 PM, no reservations required. We arrived at opening and found it a perfect time for dinner. If only MTD were reliable.... -
Cost for Royal Caribbean Travel Protection
ChessE4 replied to SLM's topic in Royal Caribbean Discussion
Matt published new rates awhile back, but for seniors figure around 10% for ballpark estimate. With Alianz we pay more on lower fares, but coverage is better. -
We almost never had dinner in WJ, just breakfast and lunch. For lunch I made myself a salad and tried sauteed fish plus dessert. I assume that is still available?
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On 18 Royal cruises we've been at/near the window twice (traditional seating). That doesn't stop you from following the advice of others and making a request.
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We don't, but we are retired. If you purchase right away, you are covered for pre-existing health conditions you may have. When I was still working, I made sure my boss approved my leave. This was Ok several months out, but not two years out. What I did then was "refundable deposit" so if I had to cancel before final payment, I was covered. Others don't think the deposit protection is worth it. Recently, our last two booked cruises have been nonrefundable deposit to get a great cruise price.
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We just got off another line, and while the food was superb (like specialty dining everyday), and the ship experience intimate (689 pax), the price was double what we pay on Royal, at least for our next 2 booked cruises. I am waiting on 2026 schedule and prices before I commit again on any cruise line.
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There's nothing wrong with repeating ships. I lean towards choosing preferred itinerary. As a teen our son enjoyed youth groups, even on Vision class. Have done Galveston and Florida but have been to Mexico too many times. Hence we prefer Florida for itinerary options.
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When we changed days, we added the 2nd res before cancelling the first. We made sure we had a decent time. We did this when meal was on sale, so price was good.
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To go downtown, you'll want to take a taxi. (Or you can sign up for the shopping trip for jewelry stores.)
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The app is nothing but a headache!
ChessE4 replied to RCIfan1912's topic in Royal Caribbean Discussion
There is a concept in business called "mistake proofing". So us folks who print set sail passes are trying to avoid a mistake if phone fails, gets lost or stolen, etc. Likewise, phone is backup if paper is lost. In my senior years I find I do more risk management. And then there is th concept of "reorder point" for household supplies like toilet paper!...Lean 6 Sigma and TQM actually work. -
Someone died during rough docking. Google it.
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We took a snorkeling excursion several years ago. Other than that, we've walked around downtown. Not our favorite port.
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Correct, cruises out of Baltimore in the winter have diminished sunbathing/pool use. But be thankful you aren't mustering outside in cold weather as we did. Enjoy inside venues and hot tub. We observed kids in Solarium on our Vision-class trips. You can still have a fantastic cruise.
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If you are arriving at departure port a day or two early for a beach day, which we have done in Florida, you'll pack your own beach towel. Then the ship excursions are covered as discussed above.
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I would consider replacing Lake Bacalar with Chacchoben.
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New beverage offering in cruise planner
ChessE4 replied to Cactus527's topic in Royal Caribbean Discussion
I have done regular wine tasting when it was about $15. Sounds like these offerings are an upgrade to what a tried a few years ago. The wine tasting was good, but I lost my Nassau baseball cap.... -
We always do. We'd never go with a guarantee because the right location makes a big difference for us. We've always used an agent or Next Cruise, and they have always explained the price differences among our choices.
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Where onboard can friends ALWAYS find you?
ChessE4 replied to Thumper44's topic in Royal Caribbean Discussion
In the Centrum on the smaller ships, Promenade on larger ones. And we always catch the evening shows, too. -
Can we select a different MTD time?
ChessE4 replied to happy cruisers 2's topic in Royal Caribbean Dining
Just remember that time is approximate and you may need to wait for a table. That was our experience. -
I am guessing you'll have an annual travel insurance policy.
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When we traveled it was first-come, first served. We always found a space, but they weren't covered. Someone else can comment on the latest status. We don't sail until September.
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Flight arrival time versus boarding time in Rome
ChessE4 replied to Tuff Yen's topic in Royal Caribbean Discussion
Whatever you choose, get trip insurance so you have coverage for delays, etc. -
We've returned late twice out of 50 plus Royal excursions. On one we stopped by MDR and told them we'd be 20 min late in order to change. On the other we had a later res that wasn't affected. Ship waited for about 4 tour groups, including ours.
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+1 On the pier. Always a relaxing dinner after our drive down from NC.
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One point to consider is that Royal doesn't charge a lot for comp food and beverages when you take the imputed tips and work backward--about $35 to 40 per person. We certainly receive more than that as we count meals, snacks and drinks consumed throughout the day. Places that serve hot dogs or tacos are fast food, so that is my frame of reference when I judge my experience. I think quality meals require a fancier restaurant. When specialty restaurants serve mediocre food, it must be improved as you are paying a pretty penny. Honest evaluations on cruise surveys are still needed to give feedback. And we vote with our feet. Our next cruise isn't Royal. The bottom line is that Royal isn't a luxury line but it should offer a decent experience for a fair price. We've gotten that up to now.