Chef Sandra

Last September we sailed the Oasis of the seas..Pre renovation and the pool water was disgusting. It's only changed every other day and it is murky by lunch on the first day. People stand in the pool all day long drinking. Think what you may . My husband and I decided not to go in either the pool or Jacuzzi. The adult pool was also in the smoking section. That ship had questionable sanitation to begin with so it was a hard pass for us

Hi we are in Greensboro area and my prized White German Shepherd came from Lafayette 

Was on Ovation 2 weeks ago in a suite. Because of key sales chops was closed for everyone else. Concierge could not even get table. So another suite perk falls off the list. It does amaze me how royal has taken something that literally costs them nothing, early boarding, move up in line, wi-fi and a lunch and have turned it into a large revenue source. What next clean towels and soap 10 dollars a day. Coin slot on tv. Elevators cost 1 dollar a ride. 

The Concierge didn’t even try to get you into Jamie’s ?

We found the Cafe Promenade to be an easy alternative to the Windjammer our first day on board.  We grabbed a sandwich and then a table by the pub and got  a drink.  

In September the first formal night was "wear your best" but the lobster night was still labeled "formal".  We dressed the same for both -- I wore a suit and my wife wore nice dresses (but not formal gowns).  And technically, the nicer dress is optional (recommended), with many men not wearing ties.  Other threads explain the dress practices in detail, but I want to point out one new practice I witnessed this fall.  On the 2nd formal there was a "white" night at 11 PM, so a lot of Harmony guests changed to white outfits in the PM to stroll the promenade, have the formal dinner, and then enjoy the later evening.  If that appeals to you, go for it!

Right..you should have been able to swing into Izumi and get up to $35 per person in sushi and then gone to your Chops dinner.  Royal really fails at being consistent with their policies and the only thing you can really do is advocate for yourself on the ship and try to get it resolved at that time.  Of course that means spending some of your precious cruise vacation arguing to get what you paid for. 
Unfortunately it may or may not be the same situation when you try it on Allure. though you will have more options.  

Oh it wasn’t the official page. Just something someone claimed and when I noticed I could no longer buy it on mine, it raised my suspicions. I’m on Mariner in December. We’ll see I guess. 

Thanks...? fingers crossed...
 

@Chef Sandra, it is HIGHLY unlikely boarding will actually be delayed until 2:30PM.  These form emails (and in fact all emails giving you specific boarding times) should be ignored.  You'll find this advice in many, many threads on these boards.  Most people report still report boarding around 11 even when they've supposedly had a Coast Guard inspection.  If you have the Key and showed up at 2:30, you would probably be told you missed your Chops Key lunch.  Also, purchasing the Key for an earlier embark time doesn't make sense.  If you are there (and checked in) before boarding starts, yes, you'll be among the first to board.  However, non-Key guests who also showed up that early will be following you onto the ship.  The Key has its benefits, but embark time is not one of them (in my opinion of course).

You can show up any time. They will likely begin boarding around 10:30-11:00 and The Key guests will be called near the top of the list (on my Mariner sailing they boarded us with Pinnacles, Diamonds, and Suite guests, but I think that was because there were only about 30 of us in the terminal that early.

Going on our first RC cruise (Navigator) at the end of Dec. I have purchased the Key and my cruise package material says my embarkation time is between 11 and 11:30. 
Possibly silly question but does the Key allow me to board “anytime” (even earlier than my stated time of 11-11:30) or do I still have to show up at the terminal in that window but the Key has some form of separate line? 
thanx in advance. 

No reservations needed, by purchasing the key that is your reservation.  Just show up during the time it is offered.

I would think, from a sales stand point, this would be a HUGE benefit to RC.  It would open up cruising to more and more people. Not everyone can afford to pay cruise fare, AND purchase airline tickets. I would think they would want to spread out the options to make it more available to more people. 
 
....and getting better, all the time. Its changed A LOT just in the last few years. You should check out Legal Remedy Brewery, for lunch or dinner, next time youre here. Its by far my favorite spot for beer (they serve a local hard cider, also) and food (pub nachos with pulled pork....amazing). 

On this one.... the ship that sails out of Charleston is one of Carnivals smaller ships.  There are plans in the next two years to expand the port area in this location but not sure what size ship would be able to come to this port.  BUT i am always asking this at sales meetings because I love a driveable port!  Allows you to cruise more often.
And Rock Hill..... My son lives there!  I am there a few times a year.  great place you are at !