bretts173

It is only the dollars and cents keeping it this way. The gaming industry is powerful and has lobbied hard to keep it this way in every day life. This results in it being considered the norm so should apply to cruise life as well. Virtually every other workplace it is banned for health reasons. The staff are the ones I feel sorry for. The good news for me is that most of my cruising is done out of Australia where the casinos are smoke free as the some of these big industries dont have as much clout with the Government.

While I understand your point I didnt mean it to sound negative to Texans, so apologies for that. It was maybe because he made it his main arguement. as to why he could do whatever he wanted wherever he wanted. The funniest thing was he kept calling me British or European or when he got annoyed from security getting involved a 3rd world donkey when I am far from that part of the world.

Sorry, am I allowed to call him a man or is that sexist too. He was quite out and proud of his Texan roots, even the massive ranch that was apparently worth more than my country according to him. In his words a European is just what you need to do after drinking too much..

Basically just adding more cabins and moving stuff around a bit.

I If you read correctly I said the guy was blowing the smoke directly into my face. And I did not throw the drink at him, just gently poured it on him. I also said it was fine that he was smoking by the way because that is legal. i find it interesting that smokers suggest that a little harmless liquid can lead to charges of assault when carcinogenic smoke was blown straight into someones face.

Yes there was a big uproar when all the smoking bans came into Australia. Blew over very quickly and now just second nature to head outside for a puff.

Yes we were ready to book Ovation but since we have never done Voyager (have done Explorer) the changes are what sealed the deal.

Hardly demanding at all, Voyager is a large ship now getting even more passengers. This amp has removed public space and dining space/options. Heres hoping it is not going to turn into an overcrowded mistake. Another issue is the advertising and propoganda. Putting all amps under one promotion and then only delivering on some. Amazingly anyone going to book a cruise on Voyager in the future will still see Johnny Rockets included on the ship page as a dining option.

Last cruise I was sat next to a loud drunk obnoxious Texan who was smoking (which is fine). What was not fine was that he was continually blowing smoke towards me and my face. I asked him to stop politely and so did the staff. Next time he did it I poured the rest of my drink on him. When he complained I said you wanted to share your cigar I wanted to share my drink. He was escorted out and the staff got me another drink.

I dont know what culture wants more cabins and less of everything else

Thats fine. However those that smoke are not allowed on the other 85% of the ship.

The amplification of all ships compared to Voyager shows what it is important. Voyager recieved the adition of the waterslides as the only real positive. To add 70+ cabins and actually take away dining options is terrible. Both Mariner and navigator get playmakers and the Bamboo room. Mariner has Boleros, Nav Hooked. Mariner Johhny Rockets and Doghouse. Navigator Johnny rockets and El Loco Fresh. Voyager has none of these. Can you see them swapping either of the other 2 ships with Voyager. I dont think so.

Seriously it's the Australian market which royal treat as 2nd rate. Just look at the supposed Amp of Voyager. Latest update they are removing Johnn Rockets and replacing it with nothing. Less food options but an extra 70 cabins. When you click on that link on the website it brings up Quantam.

They are offering 100% FCC

I think we should just start a pact to report to RCL the people that are sharing as they are pushing the price of our drink packages up.

Wherever you like.

Thanks for a great blog, great info, great pictures and most of all a great attitude to cruising. Smiling faces on your awesome family makes me smile all the way to my next cruise.

While Apple pie is supposedly an American staple, it originated in England and the traditional recipe does contain raisins.

On ships without freestyle machines (Voyager) - where would my 12 and 14 year olds be able to get a soda by themselves.

Finally someone making sense.

You mean the non amplification of voyager compared to every other ship.

Australian bacon all day over that crunchy American stuff.

I know we are all RC fans but these people have been through hell, they dont want to believe it's anyone they loves fault and need to blame someone, Its human nature. Give the poor people time to grieve which would be a hell of a long time. 2 days of comments ridiculing the grandfather for dangling the child out the window, now if thats not true I dont see any of them apologising. Show some compassion.

Sounded good until the CRAP meat stuffing. I do like it with crab though. ?

Yes but you already have more than adequate food included in the cruise fare. Cant say the same for drinks. Plenty of better things to spend it on.