Big Tule

On 9/21/2023 at 8:30 PM, PG Cruiser said:

LUXURY MARTINI
Classics Coming to the High Seas
The English Pub

 

Vodka or Gin?

Shake only with Vodka ,stirred with gin because it dissipates the top notes .I like both

5 hours ago, Chili said:

I was on  it after the amp that you mentioned and what a botch they did.

I think they did the important legal stuff and run out of money.

Half the seats were recovered,some carpet was replaced but there was lots of ugly stuff. The suite lounge was only half painted and there was still masking tape hanging off the ceiling for months.
They supposed to put in a couple of new bars,like lime and coconut,playmaker but didn’t.

All that happened was a heap of new cabins where the solarium was and a water slide.

I believe they had another go at it in Europe recently but I don’t know about that.

I have to agree.We were a tad underwhelmed at the upgrade, it was more of a cram in more cabins to allow more passengers.The suite lounge was great though  and the staff fantastic as usual

I agree with the comments above I am sure your son would love the choices in the windjammer as well as the main dining room no need to get a dining package on such a short trip especially when you are in port one day...have a great time

We found the change of service pattern on Ovation Solarium Bistro unsatisfactory as well .They advertise table service of entree when booking online  but we found we had to  collect it at the buffet usually this would  be no  problem but the plates were so hot it was nearly impossible to pick them up as they were sitting on heated surfaces ,also  there was a queue waiting for a spare chef to come out and place hot plates on dinner plates ....will not go back to this venue again we were looking forward to it but it was disappointing....no complaints at all with the other food outlets                       

On 11/13/2023 at 4:02 AM, twangster said:

Sydney has a very small terminal.  There is no indoor waiting area.  When I last sailed from there only Star Class had a priority entrance.  They were very strict looking at the check in times and only allowing folks with the current times through the doors.  That was before the pandemic and i don't know if anything has changed but they didn't expand the terminal so I can't see how it would change much.  

Even as a Pinnacle I had to wait for my check in window to get into the terminal.  The only folks that I've heard of getting around it were frequent cruisers who knew someone that let them go in before their time.   

check in times still apply with the warning you will be disadvantaged if you turn up early....the only good thing is if you do early check in online, you pick your own arrival time slot...we were on Ovation from Sydney this month on a balcony and it was smooth as silk without the key ..no queue straight onboard

sent them an email regarding not updating points from recent cruise and was told it would take at least 30 days .......what happened to the usual 10 days at most?

November 10th 2023 Ovation of the seas...... also January 27th 2024 Brilliance of the seas

On 11/1/2023 at 10:59 AM, Jamesszy94 said:

So that only leaves us with Ovation in Sydney and Quantum in Brisbane then?

There goes our hopes of getting an Oasis class..

Well after Ovation this year and Brilliance next Jan it might be  our last Royal cruise...We tend to like the radiance class so will be looking further afield to cruise on smaller ships

On 9/9/2023 at 6:51 PM, Chili said:

What cruise in November?

Its just a sampler on Ovation for a long weekend commencing on the 10th Nov for a  mother / daughter get away...originally booked it because it stopped in Eden for a day but Royal changed the itinerary at the last minute .We decided to keep the booking because it was a good deal with credits I had left  ....

Just in reminder for my cruise in November...

Thanks for this ....reading your blog has made me soooo ready for my cruise tomorrow ...it is easy to forget those silly/weird moments when people watching that make you laugh at how different we all are

59 minutes ago, bretts173 said:

Absolutely agree with this. How many times have you heard people as they get older say it's not as good as it used to be. I would bet a lot more times than the opposite.

2nd time trying Ovation ....Mother and Daughter cruise

Thank you for your blog @Neesa It was fun sailing along with your family,I admire your positive outlook and wish you happy hunting for your next adventure

 I am so sorry at your news.You may want to consider your vulnerability to contracting Covid whilst on the ship ...it may delay your treatment when you get off due to lowered immunity if you have to have chemo/radiation.as @smokeybandit says your doctor is the only person to guide you with this decision..stay well

Its all a bit circular with CAS points, thanks @twangster for your explanations ,I rang Royal in the end and was told it was lucky I did because my CAS no. was linked to my husbands but because I booked with his no. they would probably change the primary guest to his name as @AshleyDillo said earlier.I cannot imagine my adult daughters reaction in finding she was sharing a room with her dad Anyway alls well that ends well..The booking was linked to his account email (apparently Royal gets confused with conflicting email accounts ,it doesn't really matter so long as my girl and I get our cruise time together

19 minutes ago, AshleyDillo said:

You should call and make sure that you have the correct C&A number associated with yourself when trying to book.  I wouldn't book your husband if you don't intend on him sailing. Usually rooms for 3 people charge more for passengers 1 & 2, so it would cost less to just correctly get it booked.

 Thanks for your help I booked sailing under his no but put myself and daughter down as passengers ie 2 guests only... I have not received confirming email yet and deposit is pending in banking account so I will contact them on Monday if things do not progress

 I booked this in his name then put myself and daughter as guests it has accepted booking so

I have just tried to book another cruise for my daughter and I using my C&A and it says it is invalid... but recognises onboard when I am onboard for next set sail when travelling with my husband...should I book this in his name then put myself and daughter as guests or just ring them and book .

 Could anybody tell me please, if I cruise with my daughter but not with my husband (for once)will his  C&A be the same as mine next time we cruise together, or will his points always be lower than mine?

4 hours ago, Neesa said:

Oh wow, can someone tell me what cabins these are on the Anthem? They have a huge balcony and then a door that goes to this area. And this guy, I missed my shot but he is wearing what looks like Spiderman garanimal bungie smugglers! I'm trying to get a picture but he only gets up a few times .  I'm having a blast trying to get this cabin identified!

I have booked this GS with large  balcony on Ovation leaving in 13 days ,I think I may have a better experience than @WAAAYTOOO because it will be summer in OZ and DH and I plan to fully utilise the extra space on the balcony for mandatory nanna naps and room service breakfast /meals and If I do not get a lounger I certainly will request one

50 minutes ago, Neesa said:

really think i want to try the other ships in this class now for sure. 

49 minutes ago, KristiZ said:

One of us! One of us! #TeamRadiance 

I agree with you both and I am definitely #TeamRadiance I love these ships, they are elegant and the crew are special