DMLM

Symphony appeared to have an issue on the June 18th sailing with the cups. I was in the Pub and noticed there was a large influx of people trying to get their mug from the bartenders. I was told that the ship was replacing the regular mugs with what appeared to be a nicer cup (Blue & Silver with a C&A on the mug). Supply chain issues are real but wonder if they are purging older mugs. I thought the mug they were giving as a replacement was far more attractive.

I would suggest you stay on the time that the cruise ship tells you (like ship time) as it can get confusing with time changes, get back at least 30 minutes in advance, and either be in great running shape (pier runner) or have plans to stay and get to the next port (or home) by yourself. Thank goodness we have only been back late once and it was on a RCL excursion in Italy. The ship stayed since it was through Royal and was not super late. Regardless, it felt strange being late.

We prepay gratuities so we have the cruise all covered and then bring the cash for anything extra.

I have historically worn the suit and tie (as well as my teenage son) and my wife and teenage daughter would wear a nice dress (think cocktail) and heels. I have only worn a tux on 1 cruise (NY Eve Cruise). I find I get very hot so this past cruise we went without the ties (after the pictures) and I took the jacket off in the MDR. The girls remained with the nice dress and heels.

We were off the ship and spent the day at the Oasis Lagoon. Found 4 loungers right away and had them all day (we did not really hit the beach that day). I did see individuals looking for loungers at the lagoon in the afternoon and could not find any (but that was due to the fact that we were near the DJ). I was on a pretty full Symphony (Oasis class) but that was the only ship that day. If there are multiple ships at Coco Cay that could be a problem. Suggest you check the Cruise Mapper to see who is there. Have a great cruise!

We bought the all day Thrill park for the kids (teenagers). My wife and I set up camp at the Oasis Lagoon (no fee) and had a blast! Enjoy!

Sailed on Symphony (Oasis Class like Harmony) June 18-25th. I do not recall theme nights listed but will tell you that the DJ played 70's music on the Promenade one night (has been that way for years) and the cruise staff dressed up. I did see a few others dress in 70's attire as well. I do not recall seeing anything for any other theme (there used to be things like a "Dress all in white") but did not see that. Hopefully someone else has a better answer for you. Enjoy the cruise!

Thank you so much for the suggestion. It went exactly as you described. The first agent said no and that it had to be applied when I booked. I hung up and then called back to speak with a supervisor. I had to push him a little but the OBC was applied. To top it off there was a cruise fare drop so an extra bonus (thanks Kathy from MEI for letting me know!).

Sorry your experience was not as you had hoped. We just returned to cruising on June 18th (Symphony of the Seas). I must say that it was awesome to get back to cruising for us and the ship was amazing. This was not our first Oasis class ship but was our favorite. The ship was really clean and the staff was really excited the passengers were there. Service was top notch. To top all of that, the entertainment was very much alive. We were fortunate to see Hairspray, the Royal production (Really good), and Hairo (Aquashow). We did not attend the Ice show as we could not fit it in with all that was happening! Hope your next experience is a better one!

I had a cruise planned for the end of may and in April I uploaded my March statement reflecting the shares. The OBC was applied to my sailing (verified on the website) within 2 weeks. Unfortunately I was unable to go on that cruise as I tested positive the day I was leaving the house for that cruise. I cancelled that cruise that day as a result and booked a new cruise (same ship) the next day for three weeks later. I then obtained my April statement (end of May timeframe) and uploaded to the site. Again, they credited my account with the OBC within 2 weeks and I was a very happy sailor

I sailed Symphony on June 18th and they offered a raffle if booked in the first three days and because the sailing was on Fathers day they also gave me a gift bag with some trinkets (a shopping bag, pen, and some holder or something). I never win the raffle but that was a nice little token the Next Cruise gave me.

Is this only through a Travel Advisor? I sailed June 18 (returned June 25th) booked a Next Cruise on the ship, and then booked a new cruise on July 3rd directly with Royal (non refundable deposit). They did not mention any OBC and it is not on my booking. If it is only via a Travel Advisor then can I transfer the booking within the 30 days and still obtain that promo?

I would agree on the Quantum class ships. We sailed on Anthem (first Quantum for us) and found that the solarium was a big reason we love that class now. The solarium is laid out effectively with nice loungers and pods. It also has a little swing in front of the pool. My wife and I enjoyed a little swing and chat like we were kids (we are in our 50's). I do not think you can go wrong on that class or that solarium!

I also use Michelle. I had three cruises booked and she has helped me navigate each one. She is responsive to the point of even telling me she is unable to help at that moment but can the next day. Most of these changes I made in advance of any cancellation and yet she still found the time to help. She has also been a superstar navigating the ever changing interpretations from Royal. Thank you Michelle!

I believe there was a thread on this before and that there was a post that the 2021 Itineraries were to be released on November 11. I checked yesterday and this morning but do not see them. Has anything changed or has anyone seen them? D

You can always see your charges throughout the cruise (on TV or asking at the desk). additionally, they provide a statement on the last evening and the charges will be applied to your card if you authorized that type of set up. D

Our family (including two 16 year old's) will be visiting Cozumel on a cruise in late December. We have been to Cozumel many times but never to Mr. Sanchos or Paradise Beach club. We have been looking at both of those for the past few months but really are unable to decide which to go to. We are unsure if the water will be cold (if so, Paradise has a heated pool). We also have not been able to tell if the sand in the water is cleaner at Mr. Sanchos as some of the YouTube videos shows either rocks or seaweed at Paradise? To further the debate, we are a mixed group who enjoy a more upbeat atmosphere with music as opposed to relaxing in a more subdued atmosphere. Lastly we are debating the amount of food/beverage consumption for the AI or not. We are not huge drinkers but could see that waters and cocktails along with food might add up quickly. Has anyone been to either of these (especially in late December) that can help us make a decision? TIA D

I would not think so. I have used power bars to add additional outlets and have never had an issue. I also believe others have added power strips but not sure. Interesting question though. D

We also use the same luggage tag holder. We switched a few cruises ago (like 4) and they have held up with no problems. We also only apply one to each bag as there have not been any problems. D

I have sailed both Oasis and Anthem. I can tell you that we found Oasis too big for us and until we sailed Anthem we were the Freedom Class fans. I can now tell you that we love the Anthem and find we have two favorite class ships now (Freedom and Quantum). As stated by Gregg above, there is so much activity and places to enjoy yourself. We also found that we loved the Quantum Solarium over the other solariums on the other ships. The only time it felt a little crowded was on the Esplanade. I think Anthem is a great choice. D

We stayed at the Hotel Vasanta last year when we cruised the Mediterranean. It was a basic hotel that was reasonably priced and the guy at the desk was excellent and friendly. We did take a taxi to the stadium and walked to other areas in Barcelona. I remember seeing La Sagrada Familia, Las Ramblas, The Gothic Area, and a park within walking distance. We had a car service for the trip to the port but we happened to be there when the taxis went on strike so the car service went on strike in support (and never notified us). The guy at the hotel warned us and helped us figure out the best solution considering the circumstances. We ended up walking a few blocks to the metro and then walked a few from the metro stop near the port. It all worked out but that was not fun with the luggage. The good news is that the hotel was not that far from the transportation :-) I hope this is helpful and happy sailing. D

We are not too adventurous but we always enjoy a Pina Colada, Strawberry Colada, Vodka Cranberry, Screwdriver, Madras, and a Mudslide. We are split on the Coco Loco/Labadoozie. Our favorite watering hole outside of the pool area is the Schooner lounge. We enjoy the trivia there as well as the smell from the oil on the ropes. D

We did the Mediterranean with Greek Isles August (2018) on the Vision. Would agree with KenCP on the ship and crew. The trip and locations were awesome also. We would definitely do it again. D

We were on a cruise last year that stopped in Santorini. What I remember was that there is a tender to the port. In addition, the line for the cable car was long. Once you et on the cable car it moves well and then you get off and walk along a sidewalk to tender spots along the route. You need to find the one for your ship and there is also shopping along that walk. Can get a bit busy at that point as well. We did not cut it close to the ship sail time but I seem to recall about an hour for that activity. Enjoy Santorini as it is beautiful. D

I was on the Anthem in July and had a JS. We had the typical sofabed and the two beds we converted to one. The room was really well designed for space and storage but the nice thing that we had (for the first time in any of the JS rooms we have had) was the extra 1/2 bathroom! It was awesome to be able to manage the group. Happy sailing. D