Poolside

I watch the news every day. The "lazy news outlets" are reporting infections, hospitalizations and deaths.

I haven't gone to the actual muster station for the last few cruises... starting in September 2018 on the Empress to Cuba. They have been sending me to the theater or some other location. In February 2017, I reported to my muster station on the Grandeur in Baltimore when a hail storm began. We were being pelted with ice... So, they moved us inside to explain the process. ?

I don't mean this to sound like a jerk in any way at all. But, why are so many of you calling to talk with Royal about your refund? Do you think that your call is in any way speeding up your refund? I also have a refund coming. I'm not going to call. If I do, all that will happen is my expectations will be raised and I will be irritated. I believe that there is nothing I can do to make my refund come faster. Again, not trying to be a jerk. Save yourself from the anxiety and just wait.

I would not say that Royal is "screwing people over left and right". They are cancelling 10's of thousands of reservations. It will take a while to process everything. Getting 100% credit versus 125% is not screwing people. If you cancelled with "Cruise with Confidence" then you are entitled to 100% not 125%. I know you are upset that someone "told" you otherwise, but when new policies are put in place, there is confusion. I hope you get your full refund.

I got my letter yesterday for a Grandeur cruise in November 2020. We will arrive one hour late to San Juan.

I don't have any nightmares like you are all describing... I guess I need to cruise more. ?

My wife and I sail on Grandeur almost every year. She takes the dance classes and I watch. It is individual. She never needed a partner to participate.

I got an email from Royal that they will be doing this (a daily coffee loaded on my see pass card) on my upcoming Grandeur sailing as a diamond benefit because of the large numbers of Diamond and above cruisers.

I've stayed in one of those rooms on Grandeur. The pole was right up against the end of the bed. I seemed odd, but my wife and I just made a game of it. I would rap my knuckle against the pole and make a "ping" every time I would go by it. And we would both laugh. I hope you get your situation resolved.

You can bring 12 bottles/cans of non-alcoholic drinks (up to 17 ounces).

It's normal. Most get their room assignments about 2 weeks ahead of the cruise.

Sailing on Grandeur in 15 days and just got my #Gty Interior room.

I have also noticed that the pricing for new cruises has increased. I don't get how this is "bait and switch".

1. Usually around 1 p.m. 2. Yes. 3. No need to exchange. US dollars are fine in Bahamas. 4. You will be issued a card (for room key, purchases, getting on/off ship). Some ships have wrist bands (Wow bands) available for purchase. 5. No. You must get the bottled water at bars and restaurants 6. Don't know about this one 7. You are correct. No cash needed unless you want to do extra tips. 8. Don't know this one

We also tried the Diamond breakfast area in the MDR in March. It was one and out for us. Back to the WJ. Not very impressive.

You must have driven a DeLorean to the port. You cruise is supposed to start tomorrow... according to the post title. ?

Soda is available at the bars... usually poured from 2-liter bottles

There is lots to enjoy on Empress... but not the spacious rooms. I always sail interior rooms and am used to small spaces, but Empress's interior stateroom was about 15% smaller than a Vision class interior stateroom. If you want a big bathroom, I don't think you will be happy. I loved the ship and have a cruise planned next year on her. YMMV.

Long time reader, first time caller... I have loved sailing on Grandeur for the past decade (8 times). Change is always hard, but I think Enchantment is a better ship. 2 pools, bigger pool area, Boleros lounge are great features. I did a repo cruise on Grandeur in 2008 from Puerto Rico to Baltimore. It would be great to book Enchantment repo in 2021.