Rackham

I heard they're moving the teens' club to the aft stairs, starboard side, between decks 14 and 16.

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This is a joke.

8 minutes ago, BB1 said:

It will be interesting to see if anything changes. People may travel abroad less which may actually increase cruise demand. I've been amazed over the years how much people will spend on vacations and entertainment, think $1,000 concert tickets. Only time will tell. These are all just guesses.

I don't know if demand would increase, but people are wanting experiences and Royal can lower prices to fill ships if needed (which could lead to increased demand if land based trips are more expensive). I could also see people cutting back on dining out and other kind of "day-to-day" vacation-y activities to be able to afford a traditional trip. And even during a depression, or serious inflation, some people will still have money to spend.

Will there be people who can no longer afford to cruise? Yes.

Will it be enough to tank the industry like the COVID shutdown? Doubtful. 

Here's a PDF of all the recommended YouTube channels mentioned, with links and quick notes for each one, from what people have shared in this thread.

Youtube Channels Recommended by RCB April 04 2025.pdf

I'm wondering now if the red "Corkage" stickers aren't for indicating corkage has been paid for the bottle, not charge corkage for opening it? No sticker tells the waitstaff to charge the fee and add a sticker. This also gives the staff options if they're out of the "Corkage Waived" stickers too.

1 hour ago, Momof4crazytocruise said:

I get around this by bringing my own opener, pouring a glass in the room and walking with that glass and the bottle to the dining room. Have never had a problem but I supposed they could try to charge me. If they do, I won't get worked up about it. 

 

The fee should only be charged if their staff opens the bottle. I have heard on another line they charge the corkage fee at embarkation. Security flags luggage with bottles, and then cruise staff have the passenger pay corkage there in the terminal.

59 minutes ago, smokeybandit said:

Wouldn't that be a...screwage fee?

They're waiters, not whores, and Royal's trying to keep it classy.

12 hours ago, DrewWest said:

So I would just like some clarification. It states it’s at 7-Day Pass. However, when you purchase through the app, it says per person per day. So is the $109 a one time purchase I make granting me access throughout the cruise, or is it $109 per day?  

It's for the length of the cruise (1 time purchase). Royal's web team didn't design the spa portion to handle things where it's use it at your leisure. This also means the time you select for the thermal spa is meaningless. If you purchase the 7-day pass, you can come and go as you please while the thermal spa is open.

20 - Rackham (Odyssey)

Overpriced for what's primarily rice crispy treats, fruit roll-ups, and a few Starburst candies.

Here's a video showing you how to do this at home. https://youtu.be/OHwZcdVRC9o

Ifly is still free. This is for the double length experience (2 minutes versus 1 minute of flight time). Certainly not worth $54 to me.

44 minutes ago, ScottD said:

What sports activities cost extra that this would be a good perk?

I'm on Odyssey in a few weeks, and there's not much. Let alone anything which this perk is enticing for. Curious to see what else people are seeing offered.

Edit: Just noticed the "select sports" so who knows?

6 hours ago, smost said:

I remember the card options being $0 annual fee, $99 annual fee, and $550 annual fee with various combinations of perks and rewards attached to it. They also had a section on whether I'd be interested in one card that covered all 3 of their cruises lines and whether I would want options for improving my loyalty with the card. Purchasing loyalty points with the cards, increased earning of loyalty points, etc.

Sounds like Royal's exploring a Celebrity like loyalty program with how points are earned. Can't imagine they'd offer up points for sale or bonus points with the current program due to how it's structured. Because even a $550/year card offering an additional point per night would be a major perk speed running levels.

Historically, the cruise planner doesn't get well populated until 9 to 6 months before sailing.

5 hours ago, KatieElmer said:

We go to Gumbalima Park when in Roatan. So far we have gone 3 times and love it! They have monkies as part of their tours and I it looks like they still have bookings up an d running. 

They do, but their animal encounter page is MIA. Probably reworking their programming to align with these directives. 

Their website: https://gumbalimbapark.com/

I'm working on a project concerning the Bionic Bar and have stumbled upon a mystery. Before Quantum launched with the the 1st Bionic Bar in the fleet, Royal released materials and stated in interviews that the bar could muddle mint. Even today their illustrations and such mention mint and muddling. However, I've haven't located any articles, pictures, or video of any regular guest being able to order a drink with mint at the BB. And I don't remember seeing the option aboard Oasis and Anthem. Here are screenshots from two different videos illustrating this. The top shot is from a Royal promo video released December 2014. The bottom is from a video posted by a cruiser June 2015. Mojito is noticeably absent from the second screenshot. It also wasn't in the list of signature cocktails when the cruiser scrolled past them either.

Has anyone here been able to order a drink with mint at the Bionic Bar? Does anyone know the reason why the option was removed (I have my own personal hypothesis, but looking for something official) as I haven't been able to find anything concerning this after a multitude of different search approaches? It was like it was planned for the bar, then quietly removed before launch and nobody told marketing. 

Odyssey next month (April). 7-night Canaveral-Coco-Nassau run.

On 3/5/2025 at 6:43 PM, steverk said:

Interesting thought.

I've been asking about discovery at captains corner for a while and noticed they are much more reluctant to answer my questions. I'm beginning to think it has been canceled or moved to Celebrity. 

Has anyone else noticed this? What are your thoughts?

Royal might be getting closer to announcing Discovery class and has told the Captains to stop talking because marketing wants 100% control of the message. 

On 3/5/2025 at 6:50 PM, smokeybandit said:

The "move some dirt for us" excursion or the "plant some trees for us" excursion

Fiesta de la Tierra: Perfect Day Mexico's Eco-Adventure

From: $79.20 $99.00 / guest (20% OFF) PRE-CRUISE SAVINGS

Overview: Embrace the spirit of eco-tourism and community service with a twist! Join us for a unique and rewarding experience at Royal Caribbean's upcoming "Perfect Day Mexico" at Costa Maya. This lighthearted excursion combines environmental conservation with a dash of playful deception, culminating in a delicious authentic Mexican meal.

Highlights:

• Arrive at the developing "Perfect Day Mexico" site, where you'll be greeted by enthusiastic "eco-guides" who will explain the importance of your "volunteer work" for the day.
• Don provided gardening gloves and sun hats as you're assigned to various "crucial" tasks such as moving small piles of dirt from one location to another, planting saplings in pre-dug holes, or artfully arranging rocks along pathways.
• Listen to amusing commentary from your guides about the "vital impact" of your efforts on the local ecosystem, all while enjoying the beautiful coastal scenery.
• Participate in comically exaggerated team-building exercises, like forming human chains to pass buckets of sand or engaging in "synchronized raking" competitions.
• As the day progresses, gradually realize that your "hard work" may not be as essential as initially presented, leading to shared laughter and camaraderie among participants.
• After your "eco-adventure," relax and enjoy a well-deserved authentic Mexican lunch featuring freshly made corn tortillas and savory charro beans, served with a wink and a nod to your "environmental contributions."

Important details and advisements:

• Tour not recommended for guests in wheelchairs or with limited mobility.
• Wear comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes; sunscreen is recommended.
• Guests must be at least 12 years old to participate.
• This tour takes place in a developing area; expect uneven terrain and ongoing construction.
• Guests must sign a waiver to participate.
• A sense of humor is required for maximum enjoyment of this excursion.

Join us for a day of lighthearted "work" and genuine Mexican flavors at Perfect Day Mexico!

The TA might be attracting more Diamond and up C&A members so they're pricing the DBP lower to encourage booking the package.

"Diary or Similar Record

You must keep an accurate diary or similar record of your losses and winnings.

Your diary should contain at least the following information.

The date and type of your specific wager or wagering activity.

The name and address or location of the gambling establishment.

The names of other persons present with you at the gambling establishment.

The amount(s) you won or lost.

In addition to your diary, you should also have other documentation. You can generally prove your winnings and losses through Form W-2G, Certain Gambling Winnings; Form 5754, Statement by Person(s) Receiving Gambling Winnings; wagering tickets; canceled checks; substitute checks; credit records; bank withdrawals; and statements of actual winnings or payment slips provided to you by the gambling establishment.

This information is found in Publication 529, Miscellaneous Deductions."

https://itap1.for.irs.gov/owda/0/resource/Commentary_Files_Redirect_ITA/en-US/help/Records.html

My secret sandwich. Cheeseburger from the grill, then topped from the Mexican bar with guacamole and jalapenos.

There's also the option of pre-ordering water in the cruise planner for a better price than aboard if you don't mind 1 L bottles. 

Also noticed when looking into this that the San Pellegrino package is now only 200mL bottles (the regular size aboard). I believe it was the 500mL bottles when I booked this, thus went ahead and cancelled the package.

Grandeur was scheduled to be transferred to Pullmantur before the pandemic. Royal's probably weighing the idea right now.

Everybody who's entering Thrill Waterpark needs their own admission. Just like you can't share a 1 day ticket to the Magic Kingdom, you can't share access to Thrill Waterpark even if only one person is inside at a time.

Nope. Has to be cans, bottles, whatever, 17 floz or less.

14 hours ago, JustinandBrooke said:

Do you know a good slot machine on there that's low volatility?  Something my wife and I can play for a while just to rack up some casino time?

My recommendation isn't to focus on a list of machines since they can be swapped out or unavailable during your sailing. Instead, if you're not familiar with what makes a machine lower in volatility than another, read or watch up on the topic so that you can successfully scout out these machines no matter what's aboard.