CrimsonCruiser

I definitely agree with NCL which makes me so sad cuz the stuff IN the ship seems fun and cool and like I thing I'd want to do. I think Princess is nice. The princess lady is subtle on the front so it can be either hair or waves...or wave hair lol I like the new Carnival vs the old. The old looked dated to me back in the 90s lol

I'm pretty sure Icon will have the bigger letters as will Utopia. Not sure if they will do it for the older ships...can you imagine how much space the longer names like INDEPENDENCE, ADVENTURE, or ENCHANTMENT OF THE SEAS will take up

Definitely loved the central park shoots on Allure and it seems like people didn't know he was there because I never saw a crowd vs the promenade spots (car, stairs, balcony and backdrops). Unless they were hiding there weren't any formal night photogs out for the Boardwalk BUT on a sea day one was floating around the carousel and as most people didn't care to take photos he was very happy to snap the same people 20 times. Semi-related suggestion I only just thought of...they should totally put a photographer by the zipline exit to get pics as people come down it. I already pay for the package but I would DEFINITELY pay to get that shot.

I think I know the answer but...can I get those tourist stamps in my expired passport? I was surprised to get it back when we last renewed and it seems to be the safest place to get those fun stamps

While not exactly "recent" I can say that we sent our wine and snacks through with the porters in 2021 and there was no issue. Our bags arrived on time and were not searched or anything. And I did recall seeing that policy in the edocs for that cruise after the fact. I think the policy is there as more of a precaution than an issue. If something happens in the rough handling of the baggage to break a bottle or glasses or burst cans, royal wouldn't want to be held liable for the damage to one or more suitcases and items. On our last cruise, I made sure to use a backpack to carry on the items since I knew they'd be heavy and it was the right choice, so that's what I'd recommend (I pack a backpack for excursions anyway).

I'm glad you were able to enjoy your trip with all that was going on. It's insane that people were that...let's say relaxed...on the ship.... Maybe the booze is better down under? (Kidding..but also REALLY wondering why it was so insane..)

In terms of getting in trouble I think it walks a line. Balconies, I think, would be considered an extension of your private area. But they are open to be viewed by others (above and next door neighbors, not to mention at port) and so have a public component to them. Intercourse in a car in a public lot or street is still considered illegal because someone can see you indecently exposed so I'd imagine it goes the same for this. I suppose Royal would do a case by case basis on if you get warning, fine or kicked off since things like smoking on the balcony are published no-nos but people aren't exiting in droves after doing it.

In 2021 our stop in Labadee was changed to Nassau due to the unrest at the time for the President's assassination. Even though it was said all over that most of the concern area was in Port au Prince on the other side of the nation and Labadee is a semi-gated area, they didn't want to risk going. So I would agree with what others are saying and guess that the port in the area of issue would get changed. Reflection of the change, however, may not come until you are onboard given how close we are to your sailing.

Yup! PowerAde and PowerAde Zero in the various fruity flavor offerings. (Powerade Zero was my way of drinking "water" because I can't stand unflavored water)

It has already been such a time saver. just log in, pop over to the watchlisted cruises and can see the base fare across all 4 categories for up to 5 sailings. Don't know if there will be any kind of alert system to a price change - it'd be nice if there was - but I'll at least take that I no longer have to hit all the buttons to mock book.

Take advantage of room service dinner FROM THE MAIN DINING ROOM! It's so nice after a long, eventful day to chill in the comfort and quiet of your room with the same delicious and quality food you'd get if you were forced to put pants on Oh! And use the Suite Concierge for like 90% of what you'd do at guest services. They can do most everything (I think they can't take cash payments) and there's no line to stand in.

An OBC offering seems to be a pretty standard perk of booking with Next Cruise but the amount is kinda meh unless you're in a suite for 7+ nights. I think it ranges from $50 - $600 with that lovely larger number being for people in grand suite or higher on a 14+ day sailing. When we've done it, GS for 7 - 8 nights, we get $300 for the room. Travel Agentss and OBC - this is a fun conversation on the boards and so far I have to agree. Basically the consensus is that those TAs that offer OBC are great for their add-ons but may not be as proactive, responsive or helpful as those that do not. Booking with a TA is a not a guarantee for OBC and good TAs that will reprice, organize flights, handle fires etc usually don't offer any perks unless/until you've proven to be a loyal/repeat customer. That said, we use a TA with the agency "Cruises N' More" and get about 10% of a our subtotal cruise fare as OBC, a specialty dining voucher and a spa voucher. I like these perks and our TA is responsive and kind and will reprice if I present her with the information

If I understand the way GTY works, Royal closes off a set number of rooms for those GTY sales in order to ensure that all people get the room they paid for. So if they are all showing as sold out that should mean both the "choose your own" and GTY cabins have all been filled and now it's just a matter of assigning GTY sailors to their room. Unlike airlines, I have never heard of a cruise line overbooking rooms.

Got another automated response from the claim. "Status Update Still Searching" (me too, Royal, me too) And they finally gave me a time frame: "If we are unable to find any items that match the description of your reported lost item within 30 days of your report, we will send you an email advising you that our search was unsuccessful, and your report will be closed." So I have until approximately Feb 4, 2023 to wait with bated breath. Meanwhile I've transitioned to looking in the "weird places" such as the toolbox, linen closet and upper shelves I rarely touch.

I think you're going to have a pretty good time overall. Food & entertainment wise, I think Royal offers plenty included in the price especially on Wonder. Excursions may still be subscribe you want to do but fortunately you're not forced to by ship ones and can usually save money by grabbing a local vendor. Definitely second or third the idea of your No Cord Live Blog! I'm highly interested to see what you do and maybe grab some tips for myself

I'm glad to hear it worked out for you! Thanks for sharing your experience

Hi friends. Looking for good vibes, mainly. A few months ago, I discovered a bracelet I last had on my fall 2021 cruise was not in the place I normally put it. At the time, I figured it was probably just somewhere else in the house, but after a bit of looking it hasn't yet appeared...so to cover my bases I only just submitted a claim to RC Lost and Found. Honestly, I imagine it's been too long even if it was left on the ship somehow (we're VERY thorough in checking our rooms before we leave) but it can't hurt to try, right? So...asking for your good vibes and also, if you have any experience with Lost and Found claims can you give me an idea of how long they generally take to respond? The 'we got your claim' automated email just says "we'll let you know if we do or don't find it" but offers 0 information on time frame.

I don't know that they would change but I can tell you that August 2022 theme nights were: caribbean night white night 80s night formal night and dress your best night order is not right as I've forgotten which came which night

I'm not sure if you'll pop back, but as others have said, there should be no issue getting your room category changed. You just have to contact whatever travel agent you used (most likely the one use to book your Odyssey trip as next cruise will automatically assign to your previously used travel agent). As for you frustration about being able to manage your drink package and shore excursions, it may be possible that's a thing a TA can do but from what I understand those are almost always controlled by the sail-er and not the TA. I hope you're able to get in touch with your TA because they really will save you so much more stress than trying to break the system to do it yourself...

Omg I feel like I'm psychic! Quick! Let's get this thread over to Royal ASAP! (kidding kidding)

can you get water out of the free style machines? - Yep! You can get straight water or flavored Dasani options does this only include soda at the machines, or does it also entitle you to a soda from a bar or restaurant? - the Freestyle machines give you the most variety but you can get a glass of Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, Tonic Water, Club Soda, or Water at any bar with just a flash of your seapass. They will also fill your cup with those options if you have it with you. what are the "free beverages" that are already included? - Water, Fruit punch, lemonade, iced tea, flavored water, OJ, apple juice. Most of these will only be located in the windjammer buffet though the pizza place will sometimes have water, lemonade and the flavored water dispenser. as far as carrying wine on, I know we get 2 bottles per state room. Can they be in the checked bag? - Technically by the FAQs on Royal's page they are supposed to be in your carry-on for the ship. That said, the first time we did it I was unaware of this and handed them over to a porter in a tied reusable shopping bag and there was no issue. That said, the others make great points about them potentially breaking and messing up your clothes. I also highly recommend buying the wine at the port city. You can either be cheap like me and hit up a Walgreens or find a liquor store but that way you don't spend flight weight on the bottles.

While I personally couldn't care less about the lobster (as I don't eat it) I do think it would be a nice gesture to extend the drink vouchers to at least Emerald at 1 or 2 per day. I actually heard once upon a time that Emerald was created to lessen the gap between Platinum and Diamond. Which is kind of why, in my estimation, there are far fewer perks at that level - it was an after thought.

Fortunately for my mom it's more about just not wanting to vs not being able to. Basically a, once I'm in, I'm in mentality. I only mention "technically a senior" because that's easier for most people to understand She can and has done the entire Cozumel pier with no issues, but good ol' fashion fussing cuz it's hot and the ship never seems to get closer (but I think we can all agree on that)

@Midwest Cruiser It doesn't look awful....but I also have to account for my technically-a-senior mom. While she could do the walk, it may be a turn off to go to and from often in a day. Thoughts?