GregD

7 hours ago, Lovetocruise2002 said:

If sailings less than 8 nights have no headliner, then what would replace that in the theatre? I am confused here...I thought the jugglers, random singers, etc. were the headliner?

The jugglers, magicians etc are the headliners. Those are going away. For instance there was none of that on our cruise. There was no welcome aboard show on the first night, no singers, nothing…

This is all VERY recent, as in the last week or two they are being phased out. I believe Berty said fleet wide, so as contracts run out, they are not being replaced.

19 minutes ago, OCSC Mike said:

I never even tried Indian food until on a cruise and learned that I loved it.

We have a few restaurants at home, one of which has a lunch buffet that I probably go to 2-3 times a month. Their food is very good but their mains seem more for "civilian use." Their masala is very mild, and their spicy things are mild at best. 

 This lunch was full of flavor and amazing. 

Bridge tour:

I have to make one correction, it was Berty who contacted Dan, not the concierge...

Anyway we all met at the front of the ship with the other Star Class guests. We were chatting with Berty and thanking him profusely for all the things that he was able to include Dan and his family on. He said he was happy to, and that ultimately is was actually pretty easy. This sailing, he was responsible for our deck 8 ATS, he had the deck 9 ATS above us and the villa. 

For this cruise, there were only 2 passengers in the ATS above us, and the villa only had 4 guests in it!!. Ten total guests. He was surprised that they were able to book with 4. They said that they originally had more but they had all canceled. With so few guests he was able to be more flexible and inclusive. 

Usually when a genie has the villa its VERY stressful for them because its almost like managing three or more cabins. Many times he will have some guests want to eat at one place, while others want this or that and it's a lot of moving parts and coordinating can be difficult. He was very happy for the low guest count and relatively easy bunch. 

Berty led the tour today, and he did a good job. The kids were in awe of all the things on the bridge and had a good time. 

Here we were discussing all sorts of things from helicopter off loads to the changes since the shutdown.

We returned to our cabin to do some packing before more activities. Our towel animal collection has grown

After the galley tour we picked our free photos, had a few drinks made by robots, and then headed back to the room. Lunch was some more genie magic.

Earlier in the week we were chatting with Berty and talking about the blogs. That's when he brought up @Matt being one of his guests. Berty mentioned that he didn't know about the blogs too much and was confused why all these random people were asking for photos with him. He also couldn't say enough nice things about him and his family. The topic of food came up, and how we really like Indian cuisine, and how Matt had asked for some. Berty asked if we would like an Indian lunch on our balcony and we happily said yes. 

So at noon, our lunch was delivered. 

From Top to bottom, there was Basmati rice, Chicken Tikka Masala, Chicken 65, a lentil dish, papadum, and roti. The small bowls were a sweet dessert made with carrots and almonds. 

I have to say, this was my favorite meal that I have ever had on any of the ships. Everything tasted amazing. Berty said it was all made fresh, and not just grabbed from the crew mess. Going forward we will probably be talking to our genies about doing this again. While it doesn't look like a lot of food, it was too much for us, so we messaged Dan to see if they would like some, and they came down too to share. 

With full and happy bellies, we got ready for the bridge tour.

12 hours ago, OCSC Mike said:

Always appreciated… but getting tough to look at as I’m on my pre-cruise diet for Wonder in 3 weeks.

Shouldn’t you be prepping then by bulking up? You should be getting the stomach ready for more food

After the theater tour, we made the dash to the back of the ship for the galley tour. We met with the executive sous chef who is in charge of all the specialty dining. We got to see the inner workings of the galley. We saw quite a bit, and he threw out a whole lot of facts.

Everything is made in house, no powdered eggs etc or potatoes. They make 60000 meals a day, 2500lbs of strip steak per day, and many more that I can no longer remember. 

If numbers, and large scale operations interest you, I would recommend doing the sip tour brunch tour in the cruise planner if you aren't in a star class room. I find these things interesting, so they are fun for me. 

Royal Theater tour and more:

In the theater we were met by the Cruise Director, the male lead for Columbus, who is also "Rump" in Grease, and the Production Manager. We got to do a little Q&A, they each talked about their roles on the ship, and how shows are worked, rehearsed etc etc. It was mentioned that the female lead in Columbus was very new, and that was her first show. She had to take over for the original cast member who was out on injury after fracturing her toe. 

It was during this tour @asquared17 that the Production Manager stated that he would be leaving the ship on Sunday with us and heading to Miami. He will be the production manager on Utopia and it was he who confirmed that Utopia will be getting the Aqua 80 2. He said that the original was so popular that they are giving it a refresh kinda like The Effectors. So we can expect another awesome sound track, and hopefully and awesome show!

The next few weeks will be getting everything in order and getting a cast in place and rehearsing etc etc. He wouldn't talk about any of the other shows. 

Theater related, and another RC cutback. We were talking shows with Berty, and he confirmed that just recently RC made the change that there will only be a headliner performer on cruises that are 8 nights or longer. Berty said in all seriousness, to bring it up in the survey.

Saturday was our last sea day on the ship. This was a busy day for all of us, and it really was a magical day that Berty really pulled out all of the stops. 

All 8 of us met at CK for breakfast where we discussed the pier running story again, and talked about what we all had planned. Berty had galley and bridge tours set up for us, we also had the behind the scenes tour of the theater as the C&A benefit. During breakfast, Dan and I were discussing the differences between the genie tours, and the all access tour that you can purchase in the cruise planner. He had done that tour before on Wonder and really liked it. He didn't do it this time because he felt the girls would be pretty bored. The girls piped up and said they would like to see the bridge. I mentioned that Dan should go talk to the concierge. I remember getting an invite when I was sky class on Anthem years ago. 

We went over, because I was curious as well. She said that sky class can get tours, but they need to ask, first day is best, so that it can get set up etc etc. We felt that was understandable. I had vaguely remembered that the Anthem concierge had asked if we wanted that tour early in the week and we replied that we did. Nothing more was thought on it, and we finished our breakfasts. 

Except that wasn't the end of it. Right after breakfast The boss, freeloaders and I went down to the theater for that tour. As I sat down, I got a message from Dan. The concierge had called him and told him that he and his family could come during our bridge tour!

After Columbus, we, as already discussed, went to the quest......it's crazy all right.  Not much more needs to be said that hasn't already been said.

18 minutes ago, HBCcruiser said:

Thanks! Do you reserve the cabanas in the suite area or are they first come first serve? 

I'm not exactly sure what you are asking here, 

The casitas, you reserve in the cruise planner on the website. These I don't think are worth the money. 

On the suite sun deck there is various types of seating. There are chairs, loungers, couches, beds, and more private cabana like areas. These are all first come first served. We found that our favorites were the beds.

52 minutes ago, Ampurp85 said:

23/10 stars. It is a silly, hot mess. 

This!

51 minutes ago, Lovetocruise2002 said:

I am laughing at the pics of Lydia! She looks thrilled

Apparently I uploaded the wrong picture....she did smile at first.

54 minutes ago, Lovetocruise2002 said:

Can you imagine if they were on a private excursion

Yeah, they are aware that they would have been finding their own way home.

4 minutes ago, HBCcruiser said:

@GregDThanks for an awesome review! We will be in 8330 2bd Aqua suite in April. Our first Star Class experience! Your review was so helpful. Thanks!  Question: Do you happen to know if the casitas are on the pool deck or on the deck above? Would they be worth getting? Thanks and safe journey home. 

So they are on the deck above the pools. My thought is if you are already in a suite, there is no need to spend money on those. Just use the suite sun deck, that is what we did. They are also set back along the edge of the ship, so even if you were in one and wanted to keep an eye on kids down below, they would be set too far back for that I believe. 

Following Chops, we headed to the theater to watch Columbus the Musical. This is the story of the hapless distant relative of Christopher Columbus, Marvin as he tries to find his way, and "not let his father down"

The story follows him along as he captains a ship, meets goofy sharks, deals with pirates, and finds love...and all ends in a goofy sequence 600 years in the future.

The set is amazing, and the productions is really good, and was thoroughly entertaining. People of all ages will like the show because most of the music is modern and recognizable.

Its sill, fun, and a do not miss. 

12 minutes ago, smokeybandit said:

Girl on the left looks absolutely thrilled to have her picture taken.

yeah....so thrilled

@OCSC Mike

Here is some food porn for you.

Dinner that night was at chops. Everything was delicious as usual. 

Apps were Caesar Salad, Shrimp Cocktail, Crab cake and the goat cheese salad

Heather and Johnny shared the rib-eye, Lydia got the small filet, and I got that with the lobster....I managed to remember that the camera is supposed to have the first bite a little late.

Desserts were apple pie...again no raisins, but there is a new flavor in the pie, possibly citrus....It doesn't quite taste right. Lydia said she would rather eat it with raisins vs how it is now. 

I got the cheese cake

Both freeloaders got some strawberry ice cream

Forgot to post these

We had to recreate these pictures

2020

2024

5 minutes ago, asquared17 said:

hope there were some tuna sandos in there!

PB&J and Ham and Cheese

TBH, I kept forgetting about the tuna sammiches from park cafe. 

Here is the Pier Runner story!!

So when we got back to the ship, I sent Dan a message that we have snacks if they are hungry. He responded they were still on their excursion. This was at 3:30 ship time. All aboard was 4:30. 

I thought perfect, I'll park myself on the balcony with a beer and wait for them, snap a picture of him in the crowd, and promptly send a where's Waldo text to everyone at work. 

Well, passengers are coming back on board, and it's a large crowd. The Norwegian Epic was docked next to us, so their crowd is mixed in too. 

We saw all sorts of people in varied states of sobriety....I remember seeing one woman being helped along by her partner because she was so intoxicated she could barely stand....

4:00, still no Dan.....

4:15....The vomit comet from the mainland arrives and begins disgorging passengers....I'm scanning the crowd looking for them......still no Dan and family.....uh oh

4:30.....Still no Dan......

4:43......There they are, looking very worried walking with security!!!

Turns out, they were THE LAST 4 to get on the ship, and that we were all waiting for them.....

Here is how it all unfolded. They booked this excursion through the concierge. They had something short in the morning, and wanted to do a little bit more. Their guide assured them that they had plenty of time, and that they would get back to the port with an hour to spare for shopping etc.

Well, the only problem is......The tour operator got the ships wrong....He though they were on the Epic, which was due to leave at 5:30!!!

Dan said there was ship security at the entrance at the port checking names of people as they returned, so when he said theirs, the officer immediately called on the radio "We've got them!" and hurried them back to the ship.

They also didn't realize they were late because their guide assured them they had plenty of time.

The concierge gave the tour operator hell, and they did get a partial refund at least.

Moral of the story, For long excursions, book through the ship....we have first hand knowledge that they will wait for you, Also make sure you know your all aboard time!!

Shenanigan meeter - 100,000 for being an inadvertent pier runner!

All right everyone, we are back!!

To recap, we were at Chankanaab doing our dolphin excursion. 

Once we finished our swim, we got changed and headed back to the port. There were already taxis lined up to take people back to the port, so that was super easy. Soon enough we were back on the ship. We did a cursory glance through some jewelry stores looking for the type of necklace that The Boss wanted..

Once we got back to the suite, we were met with this.....

I think there is a disconnect between us and Berty when it comes to "light snacks" 

These were also sitting on our bed.....You know they are coming, but it always hits too hard..

8 minutes ago, GatorCruiser said:

Star class party is over. Week long cruises are never even close to long enough. 

I couldn’t agree more!

I hate it here…..

These past couple of days got away from me, we were quite busy.

i will have updates for you all soon. 
 

@OCSC Mike we will get back to your food porn, 

@asquared17 I’ll have a little more info on Aqua80 2, 

more shenanigans including pier runners!

a special treat for The Boss….

Alas, as you can see we are back in Galveston. I’ve tried asking nicely, I’ve laid out the water works, I groveled, I even tried full on Karen…..to be able to stay on the ship…..but with all the RC cutbacks happening, they said GTFO.

One final breakfast at CK shortly and then we will be escorted off.

We are staying a full day here in Galveston/Houston with so we will have more fun today 

Hot off the press!!! Utopia of the seas is getting Aqua80 2!!!!

guess I have to get to next cruise today!

29 minutes ago, Yesiamthere6 said:

Back to the chicken conversation. Imagine the horror when I sliced into our Sam’s Club dinner to see this!  It’s a blood clot.  It changed my relationship with whole chickens…..forever!

Yep….that’s gross

So, back to Day 6, Cozumel.....how are we almost done with this cruise already!!??

Anyway, I woke up early again but hung around the suite. Our day was going to be somewhat relaxing, unlike our friends family.....more on that later. 

Our day was going to be spent at Chankanaab. The kids wanted to swim with dolphins, which The Boss readily agreed to. We have done it before, for me it's a take it or leave it type of thing. Johnny though, was really little the last time we went, so he couldn't really enjoy the experience, so when he asked to do it this year, that was an easy yes for me to say. 

We booked directly with their website which was about $300 cheaper than booking through Royal. Having been to Cozumel a few times now, we felt comfortable venturing off on our own. 

I booked us for 1:00pm which is noon ship time, so that would give us plenty of leeway for random delays, or if The Boss saw sparkly things that she liked.....

After morning Starbucks was delivered, we headed up to CK for breakfast where we all got our usuals. We met with Berty to discuss the plans for the day etc etc and headed off the ship.

While heading towards to taxi stands, The Boss wandered through the Effy Store. She is searching for a particular necklace to match some earrings we found on Oasis. I got lucky that trip, I had planned on spoiling her with something nice, turns out the one that caught her eye the most was a simple set of earrings that were dirt cheap. She has been on a hunt for a matching necklace. Her earrings are round stones in a bezel setting, nothing fancy or spectacular. It seems the ships are focused on giant stones now, which just aren't her...

Unfortunately that store didn't have what she was looking for, she sadly left, while my wallet left happy

We got in line for our Taxi. The rates in Cozumel for taxis are set by their union. Our ride to the park was 15 USD. It's also customary to tip a couple of buck too. Carry the specific amount with you that you want to pay. We met another couple who said their driver "didn't have change" so their tip was 33%

Here is a photo of the current rates. They are based on vehicle size, 1-4 passengers, 5-8 passengers. Price is total for all people. Sorry that it's not the best photo.

When we arrived at the park, if you do this on your own, you first check in at a small dolphin discovery kiosk right by the regular ticket boots. They give you a wrist band that gets you entrance into the park, and direct you where to go. 

Once though the gates, you are directed to the main Dolphin discovery building where you finish your checkin, they try to upsell on the photo package. It's $40 per picture or $70 per person for the package, which includes a voucher for the cab back to the port. Our first time here we weren't really impressed with the pictures, so we passed on this. 

Food, which isn't that good, drinks that are very watered down were also included in our package as well as using the park throughout the day. We wandered a bit to check things out. There are plenty of vendors there selling all sorts of souveniry things, and fake Luis Vuitton bags. We quickly escaped from that area, found some spots by the pool and parked. 

Speaking of delays, they were already behind when we checked in, so our meeting time for the dolphin experience was pushed to 1:30 (12:30 ship time) We were suited up in our life jackets and headed off to our swim pool. They have a large area for the Dolphins. All of them were born in captivity and some are quite old. Our dolphins were Charlie, and 10y/o and Marieta who was 20. Our guide described them as Charlie is the younger brother who is mischievous and loves to play, and Marieta is the moody older sister who says leave me alone. Both are food motivated, as would be expected,  and will do just about anything for a snack of fish and squid. What I did notice was that the guide did give the dolphins a choice. If one wasn't feeling an activity, she would send it off and with to the other. 

I was also impressed by the ability of the dolphins to communicate with each other. Our package included a foot push, where each dolphin would push you by your feel into a standing position. There were a few of us that it took a few tries to get it right. It was really neat to see that the dolphins worked together for this task.