Vwjo

Hi! I'm Kim! You may know me from my Enchantment of the Seas trip report 2 years ago. We're baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaack!
Me: 47, cruised with Royal Caribbean 2 years ago for the first time and Disney 15 years ago. I love warm weather and palm trees. 
Mom: old enough to be my mother, cruised with Royal Caribbean 2 years ago for the first time. She also loves warm weather and palm trees.
We both love to eat. She's gluten-free, I'm gluten-full. We get along very well. 
We are Basic. We have no Star, Pinnacle, or Diamond statuses going for us. We are our own Genies. We have matching t-shirts that say "Resting Beach Face." We accept every photo op. We lose money on bingo and gambling. All of those things that experienced cruisers laugh at and wonder who they're aimed for? Us! They're aimed for us!
Our story: we took our first cruise 2 years ago because Mom had a medically crummy summer and I wanted her to look forward to something once she put in the necessary PT work. We had THE BEST TIME and at least once a week every week since she mentioned taking another cruise.
Mom: Let's take another cruise!
Me: We could do that. Or we could go back to Virginia Beach! Or find a nice place in Florida...
Mom: But then we'll have to go out and FIND food instead of just walking to a restaurant and having all the food we want. Don't you remember just grabbing the bag of chips from that stand? And there's no Solarium. And just the hotel is more money than the entire cruise and that's WITHOUT food and...
I created a monster who wants to be able to grab a bag of Sun Chips and walk away.
She wanted to take the same exact cruise again, because this time since she's back to 100% and won't have to use a cane. She's even going to the gym now. I know, right? I also know who'll be lugging our suitcases.
But our beloved Enchantment of the Seas moved to Galveston and the Navigator's 5-day doesn't include Key West. 
Mom: I don't want a smaller boat than Enchantment, though!
Me, looking at Navigator photos: I...don't think that will be a problem.
And here we are, booked on Navigator and headed to Nassau (day 2), CocoCay (day 3) and a day at sea (day 4).
What we are keeping the same:
Same ocean-view room. We were barely in it last time and I think that we'd really waste money on a larger room. Same VOOM 2-device surf and stream package.  Still not booking an excursion in Nassau; we're using a map I found online to create our own walking tour with a goal to be back on the ship for lunchtime. I might purchase a bottle of rum to bring home.  Still not booking fancy dining - we were completely happy with MDR and Windjammer last time and I'm excited to add free tacos to our lineup. Can't forget the free chips. Still not buying beverage packages - even when it goes to buy one, get one 50% off, neither of us can sustain the pace to make it break even. And we don't mind regular coffee. What we are doing differently:
I kind of fibbed about the lack of STATUS. Because we are Crown & Anchor GOLD LEVEL, baybeeeeeee! ha-HA!  We'll be strolling down deck 3 with our four points like this:

(Which is why we'll never be let into fancy lounges.)
I bought lanyards from an Etsy shop to replace the "Bristol Meyers Squib" medical conference ones we had before. They befit our GOLD status. My husband is my favorite person but NOT a tropical-loving guy so he is staying behind with my beloved dogs and retinol. He will be driving us to the airport. We are flying directly into Miami the night before to spare me the agita I had last time when we almost missed the plane in Philadelphia. I'll disclose the hotel once we've checked out because I'm paranoid. We are not buying Evian water to be delivered to the cabin - 12 1-liter bottles = WAY too much water. Instead, I'm going to pick up a 6-pack of bottles in Miami to carry on and satisfy Mom's bottled water demands. I'm sure the complimentary C&A Gold status sherpa will help us. (disclaimer: there is no sherpa) I was raised on NJ tap water, so my body has evolved its own high-end filtering system. I pre-rented a floating mat at CocoCay. But with the construction on CocoCay's South Beach we don't have the opportunity to rent a lounger for the day. For just 2 of us, dropping hundreds of dollars on a daybed or cabana isn't cost-effective.  I'm very concerned about snagging seats with an umbrella. Even though the map shows little umbrellas all over, I don't want us to scorch.  I have feelings about CocoCay. It's just ... we had the perfect day there 2 years ago before it became capital-letter Perfect Day. We're not doing the waterpark and my brother would kill me in my sleep if I hooked Mom up to a zipline. I just hope Royal Caribbean remembered that some people's perfect day entails just lying on the beach under an umbrella, drinking and eating. Other than weather, norovirus, airplane crashes, the softening of my jawline, and the ship catching on fire at sea, this is what I'm worried about. I am often wrong, so I'm hoping my wrongness streak continues.
Goals:
Flush myself down the Riptide slide. It looks to be 25 seconds long. I can do that. As long as I keep my mouth shut (tall order) I won't drown. Try a Lava Flow.  Have a FANTASTIC time. All that's left is the packing, folks.

And this is why you go on Day 2 in Bermuda. It’s 10:22 AM and the beach is practically empty! Woo hoo!

Waves are gentle, maybe 3 feet tall when the break. I can’t go in, unfortunately, but Cathy is going to take full advantage!

Update to the above post: We’re now scheduled for Jamie’s Italian in place of our Solarium Bistro dinner on Night 4. And when I spoke with the manager, he asked if we drank alcohol and was prepared to get a bottle of whatever I wanted, but honestly I’m fine just bringing my other bottle of wine with me like I was already planning to do. Told him as much, although I’ve no doubt that if I had asked, he’d have given a bottle of the La Vite super-Tuscan I had at Chef’s Table and not batted an eye.

Wow, the ship really wants to make amends over this.
I got a call from the Windjammer Manager about 20 minutes ago. Got another apology and thank-you for reporting the issue at Guest Services so they had the formal record. Was told not only are they going to speaking to the supplier, but also their own QC team that picks up the shipments.
After this, I was asked to confirm our table in the MDR, and then offered complementary specialty dining in any venue of our choice. Initially asked if we wanted it tonight, but we already had all of our plans timed out around MDR schedule so I asked if it could be a different night. Was told no problem, and that he’d send his business card so I could call him after I had a chance to talk with Cathy and figure out which night and venue.
It arrived about 10 minutes later, attached to this:

Say what you want about Royal; when they are politely notified about a matter like this, with zero histrionics and no demands or even requests for compensation, they seriously go out of their way to let you know it’s being treated with all seriousness, and that you are part of that treatment.

This was just delivered to our stateroom:

Didn't realize the Dog House was run under the Johnny Rockets venue management. Appreciate the gesture, but we’ll be saving that bottle for my brother’s upcoming engagement party; neither one of us drinks champagne. ?

I decided I should formally report the sausage matter to Guest Services. Not because I’m looking for something — I’m not injured, not even a cracked tooth — but because I felt like that might be a larger safety issue to be looked into. Maybe nothing beyond an utterly random accident at the plant, but why take chances?
The senior officer working the line for quick triage items was visibly appalled when I showed her the picture of the piece of metal. She immediately thanked me for not just telling the guy at the Dog House, because she wanted to have a formal report of that on record that could go to upper management. Said also they would definitely be taking that up with the supplier.
Duty is done, back to cruise enjoyment.

I AM old but can validate this stereotype as I am sitting in the bingo hall at our American Legion right now waiting for bingo to start.
<sigh>

Saw Joyce’s set, was 100% acoustic and 100% ballads. Really enjoyed it, and had a chance to talk with her after the show.
She’s been playing guitar for about 13 years, the last 3 on Anthem. She didn’t simply audition and get the job; she had to be personally approved by Brian May himself! And after that, she was taught and mentored by him for how to play the songs. She said he’s an absolute genius, really humble, a great guy all around to work with and learn from. And he’s really particular about who gets to be the guitarist in each production.
She’s only been doing acoustic guitar for the last few years; apparently Royal is expanding the number and variety of “intermissionists” (she said that’s the official term for the people who play those short 45-minute sets between the big performances). They want acoustic guitar players now, along with the piano players, horn groups, etc.
I did a short periscope for a few of the songs during her set, you can see it here:
https://www.pscp.tv/w/cHuV-zFXZ0VnYUdYbFdtS3Z8MW1uR2V6a1FQcVJKWLARq5Bi5-aQ4Z-8QV5rDFYhz9fsx6ojTTC5k_IYzKmr?t=3s
 
Off to dinner now!

At Cape Liberty. Easy-peasy with no traffic. Get here at 10:08, quick bag drop off and parking, now just waiting with the other gold passengers for 11 AM boarding.

We did have to get our pictures re-taken, they could tell they weren’t recent. So I guess they can tell if a pic was reused from a prior sailing.
And putting the Set Sail passes in my phone’s Wallet for lock screen access worked like a charm. We can even use that on the ship until we have our Sea Pass cards.

?
Today is the day that we go on the cruise!
Today is the day that we gooooo!
It’s gonna be great!
I just cannot wait!
TODAY IS THE DAY THAT WE GO ON THE CRUISE!
?

? Only six days 'til we go on the cruise, only six days 'til we go...!! ?

Awesome news for me -- I'm not allergic to these bandages!!! Did the first change and there is no redness, swelling, or anything else where the bandage was located.
You have no idea how huge this is. Along with everything else, I have a fairly serious latex allergy; I haven't been able to use Band Aid bandages or any other brand, even when they're labeled as 100% latex free, for decades. I don't know if it's actually the adhesive they use or that the bandage material is still close enough to latex to trigger the reaction, but every over-the-counter bandage I've ever tried has caused a severe reaction within a day.
The nurse at the wound center told me CVS also sells these same bandages under a different brand name, possibly generic; I just need to match up the manufacturer -- Mölnlycke. Imma going over there right now and buying up their entire inventory! ?
I can use bandages again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This a wonderful group of Cruisers who love to share great info.  I just joined last month and have learned lots. (Thanks all!)
Remember,  you may ask a question that someone else (like me) hasn't thought of.?

Basically, you are not given a specific time for departure (or ship location to wait)... you are escorted off the ship when you are done with your Key breakfast and/or when you are ready and choose to depart the ship.
We worked our way down to the main dining room (MDR) when we were ready to eat and had the nice "Key" a la carte departure breakfast (breakfast hours were 6:30AM - 9:00AM). They watched our carry-ons which we left just outside the MDR while we ate. Once we finished breakfast, we headed over to a designated location (Champagne Bar in the Royal Promenade for us on Allure) to wait to be escorted off of the ship.
They lead groups off the ship every 15 minutes or so. I guess we had good timing as we only had to wait about 5 minutes and they escorted us off the ship and through the terminal past the long lines to our luggage (designated luggage area for Key members). We collected our luggage (porters available) and were lead through the Star class lane to what appeared to be a dedicated customs agent (absolutely no line!). In total, it took about 10-15 minutes from the time we left the Champagne Bar to the time we got into the taxi outside of the terminal.
They will let you know what time to have your bags outside your cabin the evening before as I believe they collect those bags first since you effectively decide when you want to depart. I believe they had asked us to have the bags outside our cabin by 11:00PM.

Welcome @LuciaYSL!
To really over simplify it... how do YOU value the perks? Everyone has their own opinion and perspective... I can tell you that we, along with our friends, absolutely loved the Key on Allure back in May. I can only speak from experience from an Oasis class ship perspective. We are also just Platinum members in C&A and have not booked a suite, so there is no other way for us to experience VIP treatment.
If you plan on purchasing the VOOM Surf & Stream package for each person anyway and you can get the Key for say $24.99 or less, then in my opinion it's a very easy decision. We got it on Allure for $19.99, just purchased it yesterday for Oasis for $21.99 for MAY 2020 (hope it drops to $19.99 again ), and plan on purchasing it for Symphony for APR 2021.
In our case after crunching the numbers, effectively for the cost of ONE glass of wine per day, both my wife and I can get all of the other Key meals/benefits (over the VOOM package cost for 2 devices). Remember, like with the Deluxe Beverage Package, that everyone in your cabin must also purchase the Key.
If you do not plan on purchasing the VOOM package for everyone in your cabin, then the Key may not make sense for you... 

I just use Chrome on my Samsung and it works exactly like it does on my laptop.

Going on the Oasis in December 2019. Would love to see a fairly recent set of menus. I hunted and hunted. I'm sure I am just missing
them.
Maybe any Oasis class menu? Thank You!

Videos are uploading and once complete will be available here.  Warning, I am by no measure good at this, but I have some fun trying!
 

I hate having to ask myself all the time, "Did I put it in? Is it in there?"  So what I do is lay everything on an extra bed in the house, categorized, neatly folded, rolled, vacuum-sealed, etc. This goes on for a week or two before sailing.
Then a few hours before I leave for the port or the airport, I pack everything in by bags.

I usually just unzip a suitcase and leave it out starting around a week before my cruise.  I immediately plop into it the things I want to have on the cruise but don't need in the week leading up to it.  Stuff like sun hat, extra pair of glasses, USB power hub, day pack, extra copy of cruise / insurance docs, etc.  As the week progresses, I'm lining up stuff right next to the suitcase; mostly clothing as it comes out of my weekly wash.  By the end of the week, I've got a good inventory and mercilessly stuff it into the suitcase the night before departing along with my toiletry kit. 

Pack in my mind -  the day I booked a trip
Written down list of items - 1 month
Picking items - 2 weeks
Pack items in suitcase - 2 days
That's me for any trip ?
 

Netflix has an episode of Mega Food from a Royal ship - I think it's Oasis but my memory could be wrong. Def RC though.

I got the deluxe package so will not bother brining anything on board. I'll just walk to the windjammer first thing in the am.

Good question.  I think it's great how Royal is making a lot of their ships more family friendly and adding slides and stuff to be more competitive with Disney , NCl and Carnival.  Maybe they want to keep some of the smaller ships more as an adult ship to be of interest for those that don't need all the amenities?  I think it's a good thing how they have variety in the fleet so there is something for everyone.  

My family likes to play L-R-C (Left, Right, Center).  It is small, fast play, and easy even for the youngest to join in.  Not sure if we will even play it with so much to do on the Oasis; however, I keep it in my travel bag so I will be taking it.

I would probably not bring and trye "board" games as I wouldn't want to transport them.  I think my whole family likes "Flux" so I would probably bring it.  Since a large emphasis on this trip is relaxing with my wife on our bacony I might bring along cribbage and Backgammon.  JLMoran, I have never played Settlers of Catan but suspect I should try it sometime