ChessE4

When we book with our agent, we indicate whether we want a group table or private table. The travel agent makes arrangements with Royal. Due to COVID, I've read that the default was to keep different families separate, but I don't know the latest practice on that. Perhaps a recent traveler can comment. We don't sail until June.

For what it's worth, we've always enjoyed the early seating in MDR as it ties in nicely with evening activities, and if you are inclined to have a drink before dinner, it fits happy hour! Also, when you eat dinner later, you'll be tempted to snack in the late afternoon, which leads to tight pants later in the cruise. Whatever you choose, have a great cruise. We have used specialty dining vouchers from our TA on occasion, and there is some fine print about when you can use them. Please look for that.

I like paella, and my experience is that Windjammer only offers this Day 1. So I look for it at lunch, if the Windjammer isn't too crowded. On the smaller/medium vessels, we make sure to see the opening show and "meet" the Cruise Director.

As a new cruiser you probably didn't know that Royal doesn't owe compensation for an itinerary change, like a missed port. I do feel for you, as in the old days when we had to tender at Coco Cay, we missed it due to choppy water - the tenders couldn't operate. Also missed Key West and other ports. Back to ship charges, if your charges were correct when you disembarked (you should have the receipt they gave you), you can dispute post-disembarkation charges with your credit card company just as you would dispute any erroneous charge. There are other blogs that post contact information for cruise line executives, and you could send a short, concise request for correction of charges. We did that when Royal lost our luggage in Southampton. It helped. My first cruise had a few hiccups on day 1, but I didn't have the problems you described. I wish you well on your next adventure.

i can't comment on whale watching, but I will share our experiences. About 15 years ago on an excursion to Tulum from Cozumel, we were told by Royal crew that our excursion price included ample for tips and to avoid being hustled for additional money on the trip. On later cruises (Europe), we found that tour guides expected 1-2 euros per person for a few hours of work plus something extra for the driver. COVID has changed things, and many in the tour industry were marginalized. Also, I believe it depends upon the type of excursion. A guide taking us through caves safely deserved at least $5-$10 US per person while the driver of the bus to the site got $1 per person. We are not big tippers, but always give something, and we give more as we age (can't take it with us...). The level of service is clearly a factor, but the type of excursion and effort of the guide are also important. Again, I don't know protocol for higher cost areas like Alaska and Hawaii, but I imagine $$ tipped would be greater than in Mexico or Morocco. I am sure others will post their thoughts. PS. I am talking about group excursions, private tours are a completely different situation.

Correct, I read they only ship to US. Didn't know OP was from UK.

We've found sunscreen is essential because of the "strong sun", regardless of the temperature. Others have addressed the temp. Have a great cruise!

You might want to order test kits from Royal/Optum now so you have a backup -- you would need internet access to arrange a proctored test with your kit.

We enjoyed Brisbane and went to Australia Zoo! We found that cruise got us to Melbourne so we could do land stuff after. Trains are great! Can buy cards at airport or train stations. PS. We took Qantas between Sydney and Brisbane, and to return to US.

Our son ordered proctored test kits from Royal/Optum.

I believe we waited a month on our changed itinerary.

On the first day, I've tried the paella for lunch, which is a special treat for me. Mostly the food is OK, but as others have said, I favor the desserts. For breakfast, find an omelette station, which on some ships has moved from the Windjammer. Recent travelers can update you on that.

No, but we broke down and bought vests on Amazon. It all started after a day when the current was strong, my son and I had to swim hard to get back, and I had to bail out at the rocks by Chill Island. He made it to the beach, but he was 44 years younger. That day kayakers and divers were also caught unprepared and needed to be towed back to shore. Soooo, now I take a vest to make swimming easier when current is a factor.

I am on 18 June cruise out of PC, which goes to the ABCs, and I haven't heard anything, either. Bonaire was a swap for Dominican Republic, as I recall.

We see current prices of excursions when we search excursions, and when our particular selection is displayed, the planner shows we already booked it. Now when we are looking at Order History, we see what we paid but not the current excursion price.

Yes. Each user sets up Navica account regardless of who bought tests originally.

Our ABC cruise in June was originally 4 ports including DR. Now just 3. I was disappointed at first, but I can't control Royal. I now have more sea days for dancing...vacations are about going with the flow. I guess that is why it's called cruising!?

At some point skipping package saves $ you can use for cruises to get Diamond status.

Pre Covid we saw such groups on longer cruises different classes.

When Royal arbitrarily cancelled our Feb cruise, they gave us a choice of extra FCC or cash. I now wish we had taken the cash, because we can't spend all of the FCC. The FCC won't apply to taxes and port fees, just base fare. At any rate, we received an e-mail after the actual "sail date". Thus, I don't think you will hear much until your intended sail date has been reached.

TAs are especially useful when your travel plans are complicated. We had airline baggage problems on a 3-week trip to NZ/Australia, and we were thankful we could rely on a travel agent. Ditto for COVID cancellations....An agent can save you hours on the phone. If you are ever dissatisfied with your TA, just change to someone else.

And I still have the postcard I mailed home from Hell!

If you are fllying 2 days before the cruise, vaccinated adults could test prior to flying, right? That would allow you to use Emed as mentioned or a local test provider. Then you would take care of the children on arrival day. In addition to the online proctored testing, our agent has told us that hotels generally know where you can test nearby. So that would be an option for Saturday - use a local test site rather than the airport. Still, online testing is going to be less expensive.

Before a cruise, I just envision the joy I will experience as I walk up the stairs on the ship and admire all of the artwork.That soothes my nerves...

Coco Cay may be enjoyed for free -- we avoid the pricey items (no little kids to take to the Thrill Park). But if you don't have snorkeling equipment, you can rent that on the beach and have a nice time. Get your chair and umbrella early for a good spot! Nassau is not our favorite spot. We have tried walking around for a little shopping (straw market and local stores) and had a mediocre snorkeling excursion. I would advise looking carefully at the excursions that may be offered on your cruise. It would also be fine to stay on the ship and enjoy its amenities. On a first cruise, it really takes awhile to learn all of the things your ship has to offer.