Neesa

Paging at@twangster I am of the understanding that the Royal Up program is managed by a third party vendor, Royal would not know anything about this or be able to help. I do know this has happened to me once. My bid was canceled and then I went back in and the minimum bid allowed was 3X as much, at the end of the day it's about making the most $$ they can of course so I bid if I'm comfortable but I most always book a cabin I will be happy with initially. Good Luck, standing by for @twangsterhe knows all and explains it so well.

Have your TA call Royal. There are a few accessible suites (very few) but they do exist. I feel your pain, I have this same issue but am to proud to ask the doc for the paperwork. It's just the tall tubs so I feel it's bad karma for me to take an accessible because others may need it more, if someone couldn't sail due to my taking that cabin I feel like I'm not a nice human. Oftentimes I ride the bike in the gym and use the spa showers or hubby comes with me and helps me climb in. He gets so upset because I refuse to get the paperwork but I just can't not yet. Good Luck! Happy Sailing!! @Ampurp85 is correct, the 2 bedroom suites usually have a stand up and a tub type.

Our last stop at Coco Cay in November we were there sharing the island with the Anthem (we were Serenade) the speakers on the beach were many, very intrusive. Super loud and fighting genres, it was not enjoyable. So loud, all I kept thinking was am I that old or are they that rude? It was very off putting and we did move about, but it made me sad.....I would never do that, but maybe I'm just old.....

@Sea Squirrel yay, I loved deck 7 and with the library beneath I'm sure it would be nice and quiet. The balcony though was tight, I would ultimately go up at least one deck to 8 for a larger balcony. I think 8 in my opinion is the sweet spot. Deck 9 would probably have a nice balcony as well, and I would choose it if there was a cabin above on 10 if deck 8 was unavailable but that's because I loved using the stairs, I think deck 9 would be a bit much for me after a few days. Deck 8 for the win It was a very spacious and lovely cabin. Enjoy it!

Here's a few of my collection! One is ready for framing.

Did you eat that tomatoe? Gees, even when I smile and say hold the tomatoes, that one comes out..... every time. Coco cay, my biggest takeaway every visit is just because you can doesn't mean you should!! Especially when an Oasis class ship is there, adding another makes the Island just to full. Our last visit the Island was just dirty, debris in the sand (bottle caps, cigarette butts etc. I thought come on Royal, if you say it can handle it, then handle it. I mean I get over it and enjoy my day, but especially if you are the second ship seeing all those people, searching for even two chairs together...it's a tiny bit daunting. It's nice to hear about your enjoyable and successful massage visit. I always say I'm going to do it....and then never do it! The upsell at the end turned me off years ago on DCL and I have yet to give it another go. FYI, I have a puzzle passion. I purchase beautiful puzzle pictures and do them for hours. They calm me, center me. Then I frame them, let's just say they are all over my home. Sometimes I make kiddo stop and do them with me, they always start out in silence, but after the pieces start finding a home, the conversation flows, sometimes it's pretty deep! Quality time on steroids! Prayers up for your mom, I'm sure that you will be a great help after this recharge for yourself. I wish you comfort in these difficult days ahead. It's great you can come back with a hands on relief technique, I'm sure she will love it dearly. I wish for you tons of strength and a positive outcome.

Funny you mentioned it.... I was on the phone today with my concierge for a b2b I'm doing on another line. She was amazing, so sweet. Being very personable she asked did we ever sail before? Well, 10 minutes telling her about Royal and how it was more fiscally prudent etc. etc. I just thought it was funny how I wanted to try a new/different ship/line and I'm telling this representative how she must try Royal! I Crack myself up sometimes!!!

By the way, this makes me happy. I was hoping you would do that. Going it alone is to stressful, one accident and it's Sunday...just no. I didn't want to say anything previously so as not to make you nervous. Great choice your going to have a terrific day! I appreciate you making me feel better, I was hoping you opted for the shuttle. To stressful otherwise.

So cool, I love that. Albeit we are on the west coast when there are launches if the clouds aren't thick we run outside like little kids and watch it, what a sight to behold! Never gets old. I'm impressed you are doing Universal today, the weather is going to be perfect I believe. Is it a Royal shuttle that is getting you there? I'm with you in spirit, you are braver then I. Have fun and I wish for you an amazing day! It was cool seeing our Old Glory flying on the ship, I have only seen it once before. You Go girl, have a blast......standing by for pics!!

Like @AshleyDillo stated before we are a fan site but I promise we are not Royal apologists. When they get it wrong we do opine here. I read your complaint a few times and what keeps jumping out at me and it was your very first statement, your friend of 20+ years & yourself participated in a heated exchange at check in. Honestly I am surprised Royal allowed you to board. When we are angry we have much difficulty controlling our emotions which as an outsider (Royal representatives in this case) may be ill prepared to deal with/mediate. Royal is a company providing a vacation experience, they are not crisis counselors. I am sad that your sailing was not what you had imagined, but the company can only do so much. I'm sure as much as you articulated the problems so did your cabin mate ex-friend. Royal reps/security really has no idea who to believe, they ultimately just wish peace and no escalation. Yes, the cabins may have been unoccupied but they leave some cabins empty for deep cleaning and such during some sailings, at least one became available eventually for you. I had to deal with Royal security once when my 16 year old didn't show up at the cabin at the pre scheduled time and after an exhaustive search and not hearing from her (we always text) we did ask for security to help, they were amazing. Could not have been more compassionate. She heard the announcements of her name and came bouncing up to the guest services desk like what did you do mom, I'm so embarrassed. She did text, we did text but the internet was down, no one realized this so no texts were going through; she did everything right explaining where and what time should would return, she was in the teen club via the text. They cared, they were compassionate, I also maintained my composure while articulating my issue and that was hard. I promise you that was HARD. It breaks my heart that you and someone you hold so dear have gone your separate ways, I am so sorry for that. Honestly though, I don't know what else you would want from Royal they are not arbitrators in disputes, they provide a sailing for the monies. If you choose to not take advantage of all of the offerings and have a bad experience due to things beyond their control I think they have abided by the terms of the agreement. Do you want your money back because the fight made you not enjoy your sailing? That is not really a resolution that would be available or entertained. I whole heartedly wish you peace and joy, I wish for you to heal from your hurting as well. It seems a piece of you is lost when the friendship ended, looking to Royal for some healing is looking in the wrong place. Please book another cruise, just you! I bet this experience can be turned around, prayers up Maria

I will add to this thread by saying the Odyssey has a pathetic suite sun deck as well. I really thought to myself no way. There were many other beautiful outdoor spaces, almost an after thought?

Just to add another thought while this was also prevalent on our Serenade sailing out of Tampa, the odor of it seems to be everywhere not just cruise ships. We smell it in the park, at the beach when we leave our neighborhood on a long walk. Last week it was prevalent at the outdoor mall. I am very sensitive to even perfume/cologne (really bad, especially if someone takes a bath in it) and boy that is on cruise ships also. I do my best to keep moving but have learned to deal with it. So I guess my input here is the weed smells are really just an extension of what is going on landside, the cruise ships can really only do so much. They can advise/ask passengers to forego it , but let's face it they can't even mitigate the chair hogs....this is why I never even mentioned it, I figured it was just something that is now part of life.

I'm so happy you recouped the monies. How disgusting this human took advantage of you and your situation, I understand it will be hard to trust again. The good news is you are here, on this site. We will do everything we can to turn this around for you if you can have faith and allow us. Please go to the home page and fill out that yellow form. MEI travel not only sponsors but takes an active part in our conversations here. You will be matched with a reputable agent, one who has compassion and has proven themselves or they don't represent that company. It's a great idea, cruising is special, quality time with the ones you love is something that must be put on the front burner. When you meet your TA (they will contact you shortly after you submit during business hours I use [email protected]. @Sharla) they will do their best to understand your specific situation. Given your criteria the MEI TA may previously have a group booking known to them or manage to create something so wonderful you will have renewed faith. You were not meant to work with that ugly person, please don't give up. And like previous posters have opined, your reservation confirmation comes right away, book that sailing and don't pay the entire balance until it's due date that way you will be able to take advantage of price decreases and favorable promotions. Please don't let that jerk take away your joy, do what feels right in your heart.

Yay! Following along. Glad you made it safe and sound. Music pun intended to my ears about all the live music. I derive much joy from live music, I had been deprived of it on our last two sailings, was slim pickings. Looking forward to your adventure!!

To lighten the mood......

I am so sorry you experienced this. I know exactly the location you are speaking of. Kiddo tried to go there to explore, I was like heck no! Not alone as it as as you described. So I got off my butt and went with her. Thankfully we didn't see any creepers but still, I wish for you a relaxing afternoon. I know, at dinner tonight go ahead and recreate the napkin "candle" from the class, see what the waitstaff thinks!!

My experience, it was nice, and I would book star again but mainly for the unique cabin, Sky is my happy place. I'm the planner, it provides me joy. Our Genie was a delight, but it honestly caused stress sometimes because he was spread to thin at the time. We like to get up and go, sometimes change plans last minute and I felt angst at times having to meet my genie somewhere at a specific time being keenly aware that if we had a hiccup it would screw up his schedule with others, and that possibly negatively impacting someone else was stressful. We didn't need or ask for much and I felt he felt pressure to offer things that we had no interest in. For me personally I would love it if you could book a Star suite but forego the Genie except for maybe embarkation/disembarkation. I think it's so personal, the service in addition to the personalities, will you click? We are quiet and private and having a stranger under foot everyday was a bit more then I bargained for. It was great in theory but didn't really work for me. I believe he was surprised at the nice gratuity I gave to him after the sailing, he kept saying are you sure I didn't do much? I think he was concerned because we kept telling him we were good and didn't need extra, so I wondered if he thought we didn't enjoy it. We did enjoy it, our way and I explained he was perfect it was just our style. I am an advocate for trying it yourself at least once for sure!

My Travelpro! It's deep yet compact. With packing cubes inside I can sail a 7 night cruise with clothing to spare. In addition my daughter and I have Vera Bradley school sized backpacks for the extra outfit, swimwear and otc meds/first aid kit. It's the ONLY bag I take no matter my destination. I love it, very durable and super manageable. The opposite of cumbersome.

If you booked with a TA ask them to do it. If not, yes call Royal as soon as you are finished reading this and tell them you wish to be placed on a wait list for that cabin category. Hopefully the representative you get knows how to get things sorted.

Ask to place your name on a waitlist for the cabin category you wish to sail in. Then definitely bid on the Royal Up. I have been sailing Royal for only about 4 years and have heard Royal Up program does the upgrades. I have had friends try and I'm sure others will chime in the days of guest services are behind us, I believe. I just did this on another line, placed my name on a waitlist and I was actually called and secured the cabin I wanted ahead of time. It was previously sold out. Good luck!

It does down here in Florida. Flamingos as well,

I love Labadee. Yes it is different from PDCC but in a laid back type of way. The only thing I don't enjoy is the open air market but it's a beautiful beach day. If I had to choose I would actually prefer Labadee but the best is when a sailing visits both private islands. Here I am last March living my best life in Labadee!!

Yay @WAAAYTOOOcongratulations on the Royal Up "wins" I'm sure you will go with an open mind. When I was upgraded from deck 10 to deck 7 I was concerned as I don't prefer being that low of a deck. I loved it. I kept saying I would never have booked it but I loved the deck, allowing me to use the stairs comfortably the entire sailing. I hope you enjoy it!

Okay, I must chime in here @asquared17. In our little gated community a couple moved in and pineapples started showing up all over their home, outside lights as well as home outdoor adornments, lots of gnomes as well. They have parties.....we went once as we were invited. Um, we knew nothing about this type of gathering, but apparently we are "vanilla" I digress. We excused ourselves in short order, to each their own. They are snow birds thank goodness so the neighborhood is rocking as a few more moved in; from November until about April. We believe they leave their families and come down here to live their best life for a few months. We are now understanding of the parties and as long as they don't take it onto the front lawn I am like " you do you boo!" But I do think it is similar the anonymity of it makes for a "good" environment I guess. We all just smile and wave at each other, it's all very cordial, but weird at the same time. We don't get invited anymore, and that's wonderful! @Ampurp85 I know exactly what you mean about the "candle" made from napkins. Mine looked like a proper p#n!$ my plan was to take a picture but I was to busy laughing as my daughter was dismantling it dying of embarrassment. I have a pretty loud laugh and I had tears, it was a "candle" to behold... candle my butt they know it's not a candle. Loving your adventures...

While this is super sad to hear, I really appreciate your candor and detailing the good, bad and the ugly. It helps to temper my expectations for my sailing her in the future. I agree about the menu, for me French night would probably be my least favorite. Wishing for you an amazing turn around for the rest of this sailing.