ChessE4

My experience with Royal suggests the value proposition is declining, and will eventually be reflected in stock price. I took long term gains that will offset potential OBC and dividends in my remaining years (had I kept the stock). Each of us makes his or her own decision.

And there is going to your room when others are out. Some of the foreign TV shows are interesting.

You don't need the rep to activate free days, just use your device. We use the App. There will be prompts. We go noon to noon so one free day spans two. Others have posted that you can purchase plan and free days are deducted. We haven't bothered with that, taking advantage of ports with international coverage. So the free days are enough for us.

Mariner has Boleros, which wasn't on Voyager when we sailed her 20 years ago. Look up deck plans if you want to know more. We enjoyed Mariner.

I prefer longer cruises, so Symphony has my vote. We were in Nassau when our Canada cruise was redirected. The new port area is nice, so you can take advantage of shopping and spend time on the ship. The Cozumel itinerary offers a chance to visit the Amazing Secret River on the mainland. But that requires the ferry ride some guests don't like.

I'd go for Thanksgiving cruise. Icon just doesn't appeal to me. Too much like a theme park, not a cruise.

Yes, the casino is just for entertainment and not competitive with land casinos where an alternative is right next door. My Time dining is problematic because it's hard to predict when other diners will finish. Thus, reservations are encouraged. We prefer traditional dining. The only way to get a larger shower is to try a junior suite or handicapped room, if available. Pool deck is mostly for relaxing, not swimming. For better food, one can pay for specialty dining or an upscale cruise line. A good travel agent can explain all of this and manage expectations. Hope 2025 is better.

I am over 70 and snorkel on cruises. That is considered strenuous, as is kayaking. I picked Maya Key once but Royal cancelled our cruise. Water currents can complicate even swimming, so I use a vest in open water

To try out a specialty restaurant, I'd suggest prebooking a lunch, if available. Lunches are less expensive and still a lot of food.

Yes, our balcony room for the 2026 eastern caribbean cruise we booked months ago was the price of a junior suite, and that was with a group rate.

Your cruise invoice should state your dining type. We downloaded menus from google search as Matt and others have posted the standardized ones. App will have specific cruise menus a few days before cruise. You could check now.

Our non-suite room in 2026 is 18 per day.

I would add the sports court or golf. And I skip the spa unless it's on the way to something, like walking track on Harmony.

Yes, that's it in a nutshell. And as long as Royal makes money, I don't think the executives care either. We have explored smaller ship cruising, which is more enjoyable at a cost. Will try river cruising, too.

Our 5 night cruises were just like 7s. Atmosphere the same, but too short! Ok if you live near the port.

And apparently holidays don't matter. Our next checkin is Christmas.

Canary Islands. Had a great tour at a family farm that grew several crops and included sandwiches with plenty of local wine. I always enjoy speaking to locals in their language. Each h island is a little different. CRT

No, OP isn't fashion police, but pointing out that some cruisers don't make enough of an effort, lost suitcases aside. We all know that, nothing new. But with escalating prices, it would be great for Royal to have a nice dining environment on each ship for those special celebrations. It is precisely because we are paying attention to our tablemates that we want a special experience, at least on formal nights. There is casual, and there is inappropriate. Most of us avoid the latter.

It's not an addiction if done in moderation. I mean it's not like we're compulsive. We plan thoughtfully, and well, we could stop if we wanted to...

You'll want to check the excursions forum. The excursion we booked goes to other reefs where fish can be seen rather than just going to sting ray city.

It's about one's need to control. We use our AAA agent, but she likes to wait on flights and hotels for best pricing, while I like to lock and load everything as soon as possible. I am learning to trust more and control less. Our agent has been a helpful advocate, as discussed above.

I lost my son on the Grandeur when he was 6, so for some years my worst fear was losing him again. Now it is missing the ship on excursions or during enroute travel.(I have documents covered.) But really, my worst fear should be my wife not having fun!

Glad it worked out. My son thinks the ticket and passport carrier I wear around my neck is silly, but it gives me great relief to verify I have travel documents with a single glance.

We tried a key near the port that had guided snorkeling, a zoo, swimming pool, buffet lunch, showers, and a great gift shop. This was a Royal excursion, but I forgot the name. Try Google? It wasn't Big French or Maya.

Exactly. After our New Orleans trip Super Bowl weekend, our next two cruises are Alaska and Eastern Caribbean. When I decide to visit Chichen Itza, I'll fly.