fishernrex

First, as someone who travels almost every week for work, I absolutely refuse to use the coffeemaker and glass glasses left in the room.  Both are notoriously disgusting.  That being said, honestly, these folks are so overworked and overwhelmed at times, rather than file a complaint, I'd give them the benefit of the doubt - Most likely English isn't their first language and they may well have not fully understood your request in writing (vs. verbally).  Approach them kindly and directly and express your concern.  I'd be willing to bet you'd have the cleanest cabin in your group going forward.  

Thank you ALL!  We've seen the show several times already and I'm excited to see it from "above".  Since we will really be able to see it anytime, we'll let the extra 8 have a front row for this evening.  I knew I could count on you guys!  Thank you thank you thank you.  

First time sailing in a 2BR Aqua and inviting some folks to watch the show with our group, we're wondering how many people could comfortably watch the show from the balcony?  Assuming since the cabin sleeps 8 (in theory!), then easily 8 people could -  Would 12 be too many?  Thanks in advance!  

Have to agree specifically in the pool area and casino.  We tend to tip generously in the casino -  My logic...If I can afford to risk $$ in the machines, I can afford to tip the folks serving me.  Most days/nights I don't even ask for a drink, it simply appears!  

We too had an interesting experience last year with A2S -  I definitely won't be using them again.  Similar to someone else, the airline changed the flights (it happens, no fault of A2S) and the rebooked flight wasn't acceptable.  As someone who travels frequently for work I understand these things happen and I'm generally able to resolve with a quick phone call to the airline.  HOWEVER, because this reservation was booked through A2S, I wasn't able to manipulate the reservation.  This is where the frustration came in -  Again, like someone else stated I was told the flight is more than 30 days out so A2S wouldn't work with me yet.  Knowing how quickly flights sell out and decent seats are gone, I wanted to address the flight changes as soon as possible.  What was IMPOSSIBLE was getting anyone at A2S to help.  When the finally called me back (>20 days later), both the alternate flights I wanted weren't available.  Generally a frustrating experience all around.  Their customer service definitely needs some improvement.  

It's definitely not a "bad" program, just needs more flexibility when changes are generated from the airlines. 

Being a frequent flyer, I'll never use them again for a cruise, but instead make sure I'm flying in early enough to have contingency plans available.  If I were in a different position where I didn't have that lattitude and needed the guarantee of getting to the ship, I might reconsider this stance.  

PG, we take a walker on all of our trips as well as a motorized scooter.  Easiest solution is to just have one of them in it during the embarkation and/or use it to carry whatever your older folks might need (think carryon luggage).  As an alternative, there are also companies that you can rent from there at the port usually (at least for the motorized versions).  We used "scootaround" when we went to Alaska and couldn't be more pleased with the convenience.  

Having recently cruised on Quantum (June 27th to Alaska) with someone in a scooter here's my thoughts: 

1.  Quantum class ships aren't for everyone -  Frankly, they are my least favorite, but it was a deal too good to pass up.  That being said, there's always something to do, the scenery was amazing, and the staff, while short, does everything they can to make your cruise enjoyable. 

2.  Travelling with someone in a wheelchair or scooter can be a challenge -  You have to plan ahead and make certain accomodations no matter what ship your on.  Elevators are crowded, leave early to make sure you have plenty of time.  If your passenger isn't able to get in and out of the room without assistance, again, plan ahead.  Your stateroom attendant will also get you a doorstop to help (you might have to ask).   With regards to ports, what everyone else says - This doesn't matter if you're on a cruise or doing something land-based.  It's still difficult and requires planning. 

3.  While the food isn't what it used to be in the "good ole days" perhaps, I never had anything that wasn't edible and surely never went hungry.  Again, plan ahead. 

4.  Nickle and dime...If you've been on cruises you know darned well that unless you're on one of the luxury all-inclusive cruises, you're going to pay extra for extra things.  Simply looking at the cruise planner tells you what you would pay extra for.  There's plenty that's included and the extras remain to be your choice. 

We've brought our own scooter as well as rented from Scootaround (picked up at a kiosk right before boarding the ship).  We've never had a handicapped room and anything smaller than a JS requires a bit of finesse getting in and out, but easily doable with two people (my husband can manage by himself, but it isn't pretty!).  

Total time -  9 hours on hold... Flight changes came in this morning after I'd given up.  Still absolutely horrible customer service and absolutely no way to escalate.   I have literally zero faith that they would handle an emergency issue.  

Definitely learned my lesson on this one -  Still no results on rebooking (something that would have literally taken 10 minutes if I could do it myself). 

Booked on Quantum for the June 27th sailing.  Given all of the airline issues, COVID, etc, I figured I'd be safe and book Air2Sea.  Whew, this has been an adventure. 

  Airline changed routes/itinerary -  I'm good with that, I fly all the time and generally have the ability to modify directly if the new route/times don't work.  Because Air2Sea owns the reservation, I can't make changes.  Fine, call Air2Sea 

  Called Air2Sea, was assured this would be resolved in 48 hours.  Um... NOPE (by the way, when they give you an incident number, don't bother to write it down, noone on the call can look it up).  

 Air2Sea 72hours later as the flights hadn't been modified-  Much like everyone else, they appear to be understaffed.  First, Second, Third Calls -  Dead lines (after holding about 15 minutes each time).  Forth Call >1.5 hours, then disconnected.  Fifth Call -  I'm a bit frustrated that a change that should take less than 10 minutes, I'm having to explain myself for a 4th time.  Starting to get REALLY frustrated.  Alas, I hang in there.  Guy then comes back and says he has to make sure I can arrive at the ship on time based on the alternative flights I gave him.  I assured him that if I could really arrive on the 25th as scheduled, then I had plenty of time to find the port... (yep, things went downhill from there).  

I know, I know - Use a travel agent and this wouldn't have been a problem.  However, it was a fully comped cruise and couldn't transfer it.... I just shudder to think if I had an actual problem on flight day.  

@Derrick8776(From Florida so not sure what your state provides, but it's just a photo copy of the "Florida SHOTS" printout.  It lists my name, vax type, date, lot #, state IMM# (whatever that is??) on the printout.  I'm not sure if a photo on your phone would suffice.  

I lost my physical card and have a printout from the hospital where I received it and that's been accepted on 6 cruises.  

Only quasi-related, but  the prices of quite a few things skyrocketed this week.  In August, the over the water cabanas are priced at $3500 (ok, $3499)   Beverage @ $78 and Internet @ $20 (about average).   We're pretty loyal to royal, but next year trying Celebrity with the always included package.  Will be interesting to just compare all-in prices between the sister lines.  

We LOVED having the outlets on each side of the bed.   Was a game changer for convenience.  

I'm for carrying off and I look like a damned pack-mule, but it's still easier.  

With regards to folks wearing their nameplates, if that's what works for them... go for it!  It's a great conversation starter and I've met plenty who were fantastic sources of information and lots of fun to be around.  I certainly didn't mean for this to be a "bash the Pinnacle's" post.  

10 hours ago, Pattycruise said:

 I finally spoke with him 2Nd to last night regarding his repetition of asking, only because it was driving my table mates nuts, I had tuned it out. I also praised him for all the things he did well.   He seemed receptive, who knows.

 

@PattycruiseI like this approach of talking to the person directly MUCH better than going to a manager.  You've given them an opportunity to improve rather than be disciplined for something they may not have even been aware of. 

@YOLOmy main reason for the thread wasn't complaining about others complaining... It was simply  " Does it become less enjoyable as time goes on?"   I'll use the example of work travel.  When I started travelling every week for work 23 years ago, I absolutely LOVED the adventure.  I looked forward to trips and made plans to do anything and everything in a new town.  23 years later, it's just another week and I rarely leave the hotel for anything except work.  Maybe I should have titled the thread "Can you go on too many cruises?" -  Understanding the perspective can be different based on your own attitude.  No doubt, we will keep cruising until it becomes a chore or I find myself nitpicking everything and making myself or my husband miserable.  

@jay1021We had Marla (our one and only Genie experience) on Odyssey this year and I agree, she was amazing.  She read us so well we never even asked for anything special -  She just seemed to know what we wanted/needed and this was a last minute royal up bid so we never even did the survery!  Funny, Odyssey was our least favorite ship (and absolute BEST room) -  Quantum class isn't my favorite, but still travelling on it for Alaska.  This is one of the things that prompted me to post this.  We weren't crazy about the ship layout (especially the esplanade and playmakers location), but the ameneites (north star was beyond cool) and service were perfect.  If the times and itinerary worked out best, I'd sail her again in a heartbeat.  

7 minutes ago, Reigert2008 said:

 

I’m curious how you know they were Pinnacle? I would never think to mention my C&A status and would find it weird if someone asked me about it.

 

The pin they were wearing.  (I can only assume they didn't buy it off e-bay -  LOL) 

DH and I just returned from a fantastic cruise on Wonder -  We were on a casino comp in a Junior Suite with the Unlimited Dining and Beverage Packages (just using this for reference).  This was also our first Oasis Class and longest cruise (previously longest was 6 days on Odyssey).  We're only Diamond level C&A).  We've been fortunate to have travelled now on each class of ship and while some had more "WOW Factor" we've loved them all in their own way.  

On this particular cruise I ran into several Pinnacle level folks and they were the ones I heard complaining the most.  One lady in particular:  "Food is horrible" "Service is horrible" "My room attendant took 3 hours to get me a lounger on my balcony" "I told the restaurant manager they needed to retrain their staff" were just some of the things I heard.  I just wonder if everything was REALLY that bad or were they just burned out on cruises?  Does it become less enjoyable as time goes on (seriously, I can't even imagine and we cruise 4-5 times a year)?   I don't ever want to get that jaded about a vacation.  I'm still excited about upcoming cruises and hope to stay that way for many years to come.  

Our experience on this ship/cruise was completely the opposite.  We thought the service, food, and amenities were fantastic.  We had some meals that were better than others, but there was nothing inedible or anything I would complain about.  it really was just a matter of personal taste we felt.  It was noticable towards the end of the cruise that there were quite a few folks out due to COVID.  It's just the world we live in today and I feel like I have to come expecting some deviations and even perhaps a degradation of service at times due to shortages (whether it be supply chain or service).  The staff on these ships work their behinds off for months on end while we're treated like kings and queens -  I can't even imagine being that tired and still smiling.  

For you more experienced folks (and new ones also), what are your thoughts?  

There is not.  Oasis and Quantum Class ships only. 

Thank YOU!  I'll be travelling with someone who uses a rollator so this is very helpful.  

@GatorCruiserWe primarily travel on the Voyager class (Mariner, Voyager, and Adventure) for the quick 3-4 days trips and love them.  I think it's a completely different atmosphere on the quick trips with lots of energy (and drunks...).   While it lacks the openness of the Oasis class, the energy levels are usually a lot of fun (casino, bars, pool, etc).  We rarely go to the shows, so I can't comment on them.  

Also, couldn't agree with you more on the restaurant layout of Odyssey (I'd actually forgotten about that part).  The majority of the specialty restaurants lacked atmosphere I felt -  Chops felt like it was an afterthought in a dark corner.  I'm a sucker for the world dessert (not crazy about their other food) @ Wonderland, so I don't really care where it is as long as I can get that at least once!  To be honest though, we enjoyed the location of Izumi just for people watching, but agree it is in a bit of an odd space.    Agreed also on Giovanni's -  Felt like it was the most open space and the food was quite good also.  We also enjoyed 270 for lunch very much.  Great views and if you're lucky you can see the entertainers practicing.  

Sailed Odyssey last year and agree that it's a gorgeous ship -  HOWEVER, I found the esplanade dark and almost depressing (perhaps it was because the ship was darned near empty when we were on it??) -   Other than itinerary, I would say it depends on your style of cruising and what appeals to you -  (clubs and shows at night vs constant sea breeze and lots of open air).  -  

Activities on Odyssey are great (iFly, Flowrider, bumper cars, North Star, etc) are great and the staff was amazing.   There was just something about the ship that didn't appeal to our style of cruising (again, very subjective).  Would we sail Odyssey again?  Sure thing!  Would it be our preferred for Caribbean?  Definitely not.