WAAAYTOOO

Hmmm....then the whole experiment is destined for failure. What are crew other than B2B2B2B cruisers. Any one of them could cause a spiral out of control. I guess they have to do what they can to minimize the risk...

I'm not sure what the title of the excursion was that we took a number of years ago. It included a trip to hell and a visit to the Turtle Farm. I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed the Turtle Farm. I found the facilities to be modern and very interesting. I recommend it and would go again.

I'm probably not thinking this all the way through, but it seems to me that B2B pax would be preferable to newbies boarding. If, in fact, disembarking pax are going to be required to get an "exit COVID test", and the B2B pax come back negative, then wouldn't it be super simple just to let them stay on board and continue for another cruise ? It would save Royal the expense of having to test these pax as new, onboarding pax and it would reduce the volume of utter madness that is going to be going on out in the terminal (projecting...I know). IMO, these continuing pax will be waaay easier to process than all of the new pax coming on board.

I know I am in the minority here, but I find all of Royal's shampoos and hygiene products to be just fine. I even use the pump dispenser in the shower...so I probably don't have the most popular opinion. I never bring my own. Too many other things to worry about.

I still don’t see the Honolulu to Vancouver April 22 leg. Seems crazy to skip past that one and post the later, summer itin but I guess that’s what they did.

Sorry. I had a brain fart. 32 is correct

Yes

Still 16

8X2=16. If you are in a suite (JS or higher) it would be 32 points.

It's an election day miracle !

There really isn't any way, except to call, if the category is sold out. You can get a rough estimate of what it MIGHT be based on other category changes but only Royal (or your TA) can give you a definite price on a sold out category.

No, not on NAV. Shows are first come, first served on all ships except for Oasis and Quantum class. No advance reservations.

A bit of misinformation, I think. You can definitely change ships and port of origin. The thing that they seem to be a stickler on is that the itinerary must be "called" the same thing (eastern, southern, western) and must be the same number of days. You cannot shift to a holiday cruise if your original booking was not a holiday cruise. Good lulck

What time of the year are you going to Nassau ? I would caution you that for me, at least, it is too cold to get into the water in Nassau during the winter months. Many are hardier than I so maybe you could do it. I cannot. For beach time, it's great...but not in the water...at least, for me.

You might want to consider Odyssey once it gets to FL. That should be on par with the Oasis class ships in regard to entertainment and amenities.

That’s an interesting question. My guess is the answer would be “no”. Chef’s Table is really not considered a specialty restaurant but is more like an event. It would be very difficult to recreate the event in your suite. I would guess that the better option would be to make special arrangements for the kids for a couple of hours and go by yourselves. I completely agree with you that the Chef’s Table is really not conducive to small children. It’s an adult evening. I have been to CT with children and they never really make it all the way through.

Specialty restaurant hours of operation are totally ship-dependent but in general, under non-COVID “rules”, specialty restaurants are usually open on sea days.

You're so welcome and of course, @HeWhoWaits is correct. I forgot the most important part of your post. Congratulations on 50 years together !!

We are also early diners and relatively light eaters. We always purchase the UDP. Unless 5:30 - 6:00 is too late for you (most specialty restaurants begin serving at 5:30 or 6:00), the UDP will work fine. My only concern for you would be the possibility that the repetitiveness of the menus at the somewhat limited choice of specialty restaurants on Radiance could be an issue on a 9 night itin. The nice thing about the UDP is that it includes both dinners and lunches whenever the specialties are open for lunch (usually on sea days). Also, realizing that on an Alaska itin you are often off the ship for lunchtime, it’s just a matter of what is most convenient for you. Here’s what I would recommend. If they are offering a 5 night dining plan, I recommend that. That would give you plenty of opportunities to utilize the specialties but also give you the flexibility to make alternate arrangements for some nights. Just remember that only the UDP offers the option of complementary lunches. Between the Main Dining Room, the Windjammer and other options around the ship, you will not go hungry on nights that you do not have specialty reservations. If they are only offering a 3 night dining package, I would get the UDP. It’s very nice to be able to board the ship and go to Chops for lunch on boarding day. I will note, however, that with the COVID restrictions (whatever they may turn out to be), lunch on boarding day at Chops may no longer be an option. ?? Enjoy your first cruise ! You’ve picked a wonderful way to start out !

You will have NO problem then. Let the Genie know ahead of time that your sisters-in-law will be along but don't ask for or expect any acknowledgement up front. They will be included...I'm sure of it.

You're perfect, Robert !!!

Congratulations on the Star Class. You will be ruined for life....but that's a good thing ! Officially, the Genie is only able to make arrangements for their Star Class passengers. Unofficially, they will certainly do things like make reservations for the entire group at a specialty restaurant. If dining reservations are made for non-SC pax, just realize that those not in SC will be required to pay for their meals and drinks. What the Genie may or may not do are things like hold seats at venues (theaters, etc.) for non-SC pax. Honestly, it has a lot to do with how many non-SC folks we are talking about. If we are talking about onesies and twosies, I have great confidence that the Genie will go out of their way to include everyone. If we are talking about multiple cabins and many people, it would be much more difficult for the Genie to do. We have traveled with non-SC friends many times and the Genie has always accommodated us....but we were also careful not to place the Genie into a situation where they weren't comfortable. For dining....absolutely, I'm certain it would not be a problem. I will offer one bit of insight that my last Genie shared. The Genies are VERY careful to NEVER put anything in writing that violates their "rules". So, if you correspond with your Genie and ask them to do something that is a violation of the rules, they will NOT correspond back to you with an answer that violates the rules. This also goes for conversations over the phone and texts. Once you are onboard and you can chat face-to-face with the Genie, I have never had a Genie that wasn't completely helpful with my non-SC pax....but again, this was never more than 2 people. My rule of thumb is to advise my Genie that there will be non-SC pax in my group, but never expect or ask for the Genie to acknowledge that or "discuss" in writing, that fact. Trust me....your Genie wants you happy...and they will do whatever they can to make that happen. But don't ask them to take a bunch of non-SC kids to the front of the bumper car line. Probably the best way to include non-SC pax in your party is to have the Genie arrange a gathering in your suite. There are no limitations placed on the Genie to prevent them from having as much food and [applicable] drinks brought to your suite as you could ever want. I say "applicable" b/c, as SC pax, you are entitled to virtually unlimited amounts of water, soda, beer and juice brought to your cabin. However, if you want wine or liquor, you have to pay for that and liquor is only available in individual drinks...no bottles of liquor are allowed. But food ? You can order as much as often as you want. If members of your non-SC group want to enjoy SC benefits, that's the best way and puts the Genie in the least uncomfortable position. Enjoy your SC cruise !

This is my opinion too. I can take it or leave it. We have been there a few times and I'm very ok with never seeing it again.

Awesome ! That is just what I was hoping to hear. Thanks !