JohnK6404

See, I told you there was no need to worry! Bad guys go after good guys... good guys win in the end! That reminds me that we have to see the show again this OCT, but from the lower-level this time. I think it's naturally more immersive when the lasers, drones, etc., are over your head. I was not a fan of the Key seating in the upper-level last JAN. We could not see part of the stage (very front) and all the action was in front of us.

Congratulations Chris! Best of luck! Hopefully, we'll finally be able to meet you on our May sailing (5/11/24)!

OK, almost double digits!

After the launch hype wears off, I can't imagine Icon will be much different than Oasis class overall for families/kids. Do we think there will be this instantaneous and overwhelming tidal wave of families sailing with Royal now that the Icon class has been created? Oasis class never appealed to them, but Icon is now irresistable? Royal has catered to families for such a long time (Dreamworks, etc.). Most of their commercials for many years have targeted families (at least since the Oasis class launched). I know they are stepping up their advertising and looking to take on the Disney/theme park segment more than ever. I think the well thought out flow and design of Icon (Surfside and the water park neighborhoods especially) will help "contain" young families and small children better than Oasis class. I'm going to assume (and hope ) that most families will want to spend significant time in the Surfside and water park neighborhoods which should free up much of the remainder of the ship for much of the day. For the record, we don't have an issue with families/children... we just like the option to sometimes get away to adult-only and quieter areas throughout the day! As they say... time will tell! ... and I have to laugh at the endless articles and news segments on the size of Icon... will it float? Is this the next Titanic! It's only marginally larger than Wonder/Utopia (only 5.5% larger in gross tonnage and 14 feet longer). Wonder is almost 237K tons, comes in at 1,184 feet long, and has 19 decks. Icon is almost 251K tons, comes in at 1,198 feet long, and has 20 decks. Knock on wood... Oasis class ships have remained afloat for many years! I do agree the aesthetics (especially the bulbous aquadome) will take some time getting used to! We can't wait to see the new spaces, inside and out, and experience the new dining options/experiences! 300 days to go for us!

I would hope Royal would design a smaller LNG fuel class to replace some of the older vessels that can access the smaller ports, etc. I understand the big money/profits of course are in the larger ships, and right now we prefer them, but I hope they don't completely abandon the smaller class ships. Maybe an LNG version of Voyager class as @Jill mentioned above? You could argue Celebrity can fill that niche going forward, but they don't offer the same experience... maybe a little too "mature" of an experience for my wife and I right now!

Getting closer! LOL!

Congrats on reaching Diamond! My wife and I will be diamond after this sailing... unless we magically squeeze a 3-nighter in before Icon!

If the ship is the destination, then Oasis class wins hands down IMHO. No other class has the volume of activities, restaurants, venues, neighborhoods, etc. At least until Icon sets sail. The Royal Promenade on Oasis class is far superior (multi-level and the only one with natural light from Central Park just above) to any other class including the Esplanade on the smaller Quantum class ships. Central Park and the Boardwalk (including the Aqua Theater) will give you the WOW factor! My vote is also for Symphony!

Happy Anniversary! Have a great time! We'll be following for sure!

Generally speaking, a typical large OV balcony is just deeper (often located near the "bump outs" on many ships), not wider than a traditional OV balcony, so I don't see an advantage from a viewing perspective while outside on the balcony. Yes, if you're trying to view from inside your cabin, a standard OV balcony is probably slightly better due to shorter depth of the balcony.

Quick update since I brought the issue up... I won't torture you all with the painful details! I got through to my agent this morning when they opened and 90 minutes later all appeared to be resolved with Royal. In the end, they actually conferenced in the Royal CS rep so I could speak directly to them to explain and confirm all was resolved. We're just going to keep a close eye on our Cruise Planner purchases to make sure nothing gets cancelled and I'm going to call my travel agent before the final payment date to check with Royal to confirm they still reflect a zero balance due on their end!

Uuugghhhh! Royal IT at their best once again! Just paid the remaining balance off for our OCT Wonder sailing a few moments ago and not 5 minutes later... buy, buy $100 OBC! Did not want to spend my Sunday morning on the phone!

Have an awesome time!!!

Have an amazing cruise!

Our travelling party was so tempted to leave some bananas in his open palm!

Updates to Labadee would be really nice!

I remember that now... I haven't read anything new regarding that resort project. Not sure if they cancelled it during the shutdown. Maybe the Royal Beach Club is going to replace that project? I'm sure someone will have an accurate update for us!

Other than the completion of the expansion of CocoCay (Hideaway Beach - adults only area) very soon, I can only think of the upcoming development of the Royal Beach Club in Nassau... https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/royal-beach-club-paradise-island https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2023/06/15/royal-caribbean-hires-bahamian-business-leader-head-of-new-bahamas-beach-club

First thing that comes to mind... IT nightmare on CocoCay with their computer systems! Now they have to connect to Celebrity's system/network too!

It was $20 for us as well, but that was back in OCT 2021. $40 does seem a little steep!

Congrats and best of luck to you and your fiancé !!! My wife and I are also Team Oasis. For us, much more WOW factor with Oasis-class! Odyssey was a beautiful ship and the Aruba/Curacao itinerary was absolutely amazing for sure. I agree with the comments posted above. You can find a ton of "Live" blogs/reviews of both ships on the forum which are so very helpful. If you're not familiar, you can check this forum section: Live Blogs - Royal Caribbean Blog If you're interested, take a peek at our "live" blogs from our Oasis and Odyssey sailings. Maybe, they will help a little with your decision! Have a great time!

Just to double-check so I get it through my thick skull ... Izumi is the only restaurant that will allow you to make all of your specialty dining reservations for all of the restaurants onboard? I understand the others can't book Izumi. We will be trying the UDP for the first time and plan on having Izumi 2-3x for lunch/dinner during the week. Starting to plan already... LOL! Thanks as always!!!

Have an amazing time in Alaska!

Thank you so much for sharing! Love the photos! A Mediterranean cruise is on our "bucket list" along with Alaska!

Wow, just amazing photos! Thank you so much for posting! My wife and I have been trying to decide between Alaska and the Mediterranean the last year or so. Both "bucket list" cruises, but sooo hard to decide which to try to do first! Currently waiting for NOV/DEC for the schedule release to see which Oasis class ship is assigned to the Med in 2025 (hoping for Symphony)... that may help us make the decision! We'll likely target Ovation and one of the Seattle roundtrip itineraries when we sail Alaska. Thanks again!