vjoe

We are D+ and with little interest in  Diamond Lounge.   Add a voucher, extra day of internet, soda package=problem solved.
Engine room happy hour?   That's something I would attend.

Yep, very true. On freedom class or others w/ Viking crown lounge it’s actually a decent place to spend some time. The lounge that was formally known as the diamond lounge on most Oasis class ships is basically a hell hole with a fancy coffee machine. Total waste of space. 

It's a just room with a coffee machine, some food, and some chairs and tables, nothing to feel awkward about.
And on Oasis class, it's not even a nice room (except for Allure). It's a windowless basement on deck 4, lol.

I love solo cruising..don't have to answer to anyone and you get to live on your own timeline and agenda.  It's fantastic! 
If you are looking to socialize, talk to anyone and everyone on the cruise and you'll meet tons of people. They usually advertise a solo meet up of some sort on the cruises in the Cruise Compass, at least they have been on my current cruise. I'm solo but I haven't attended any of them so I'm not sure how it goes 😂

If only Royal can hold on to the SeaPass cards until the guests report to their muster stations.  Or probably have guests claim the cards from those stations.

Sorry, I confused you. I meant at age 60 the spin class was way too much exercise, I made it through the whole class once.  The price is $20 per class or included with the fitness pass which includes everything they offer.

They have a morning stretch class that is free and an abs class.  I always skip the abs! I buy the pass to get the yoga class which I love.  It is $20 a class, sea days only.  It's my favorite part of the cruise. There is a spin class included with the pass, but at 60 I spin my butt out the exit:) There is a 3rd class, can't remember.  Anyway, I found the pass cheaper than the $20 per class even though I only used a third of what it offers. After yoga, I'm high all day.  Go for it!

They have a morning stretch class that is free and an abs class.  I always skip the abs! I buy the pass to get the yoga class which I love.  It is $20 a class, sea days only.  It's my favorite part of the cruise. There is a spin class included with the pass, but at 60 I spin my butt out the exit:) There is a 3rd class, can't remember.  Anyway, I found the pass cheaper than the $20 per class even though I only used a third of what it offers. After yoga, I'm high all day.  Go for it!

I had a boardwalk Balcony on Symphony last November. The water slides obstructed the view to the aquatic show, but I liked looking over the boardwalk. I could see the ocean as well. I was very happy with the room. During the day, the noise with the balcony doors open was a little bit much. With the doors closed you could not hear a thing. At night there was so little noise on the boardwalk it wasn't noticeable with the doors open.  Great room great cruise, loved it!

I had a boardwalk Balcony on Symphony last November. The water slides obstructed the view to the aquatic show, but I liked looking over the boardwalk. I could see the ocean as well. I was very happy with the room. During the day, the noise with the balcony doors open was a little bit much. With the doors closed you could not hear a thing. At night there was so little noise on the boardwalk it wasn't noticeable with the doors open.  Great room great cruise, loved it!

I had a boardwalk Balcony on Symphony last November. The water slides obstructed the view to the aquatic show, but I liked looking over the boardwalk. I could see the ocean as well. I was very happy with the room. During the day, the noise with the balcony doors open was a little bit much. With the doors closed you could not hear a thing. At night there was so little noise on the boardwalk it wasn't noticeable with the doors open.  Great room great cruise, loved it!

I live in South Carolina, it made sense to me that you didn't understand😂

I wouldn't use a debit card. As you purchase items during the cruise, the system creates a pending sale. All week long your purchases will be held by the bank until they get the actual charge after the cruise. The big problem is that each individual pending takes about 2 weeks to clear because after the cruise they charge 1 total charge for 1 total amount and the individual charges linger for a while. Basically you could easily drain your account without knowing and have to wait.  Use a real credit card

I always call club Royale to book a cruise, I'm Prime and usually get fantastic deals. They will put Prime on your sea pass card and you get free drinks. I play Blackjack and the points accrue terribly. I can't imagine getting signature with Blackjack, but slot players that I've talked with build it up effortlessly.  Anyways call Club Royale, easy!

I'm all-in for a world cruise. If I call tonight before the announcement will I get a discount??

Jim, no worries. Its a vacation. I travel solo about 75% of the time, anything that I like to do I always meet people over and over and make great friends. Like people seem to do like things! Piece of cake! I personally love getting a large table in main dining, meeting them and over the week chat every time we pass. I've had great success with my main dining family! I've found that everyone is off guard on a cruise, everyone is open to chatting. People are at ease and friendly. As for the fitness classes, most people are too busy eating to make it to the gym. My favorite class is yoga, smile and breath! Back to back they take you off as a group and bring you back on asap, no waiting for your appointed time 

Instead of dress shoes I bring black water shoes. I have to hold my pant legs up while I walk, since there's no heel, but they take no room at all in the suitcase and I can wear them all week long on the beeches. I have never been caught

I just wanted to make a quick post regarding comments/messages. As a Royal Caribbean crew member, I have strict rules to follow when it comes to social media. There are certain things I can and cannot talk about. This is why I don't respond to 95% of my comments, just in case I say something I'm not supposed to. I could potentially jeopardise my employment with the company by slipping up.   I hope this makes sense. Please know that I read all of your comments and messages. Thank you for continuing to support me, and engaging with my content.

Empress hasn't has a Diamond event for some time.  They list the VCL as a place for CAS members to get together but also note it's open to the public.  
Despite that I've enjoyed great cruises on Empress.  The regulars made a habit of gathering at the Schooner Bar.  I met some great folks on those cruises one of which I've been texting with even today while she is on Adventure turning Pinnacle.  In another case I met a frequent cruiser on Empress and we realized we would be doing the Panama Canal together.  Saw him on that cruise months later and shared drinks again.
In all my cruises I've met the most folks on small ships like Empress without a need for a Diamond event to facilitate the social aspect.  

We’re currently on Harmony and people are talking abut it ..... see article below:
https://www.cruiselawnews.com/2020/01/articles/disappearances/man-goes-overboard-from-oasis-of-the-seas/
 
 

It took us 18 cruises also to achieve the Diamond Plus status and some were in JS for the double points. Now we are recently retired hope to add many more points starting with 6 B2B's in an attempt to get out of the snow and ice this winter.

The easy answer is to say, don't worry about it.  The cruise lines are in business to get you to spend your hard earned money on a fun and rewarding trip to places you probably wouldn't ordinarily go to.  They are all pretty good at that.  While there is no doubt that I also look at the weather ahead of time, RCCL has staff meteorologists whose only job is to ensure your safety and comfort on your trip.
The Voyager class, Navigator included, are wonderful ships.  You've done the hard part.  You've saved your money and paid for the trip.  Now, go have fun.  Next time, book a 7 day.  You will like that even more. 

Serenade gets into a few smaller destinations that Ovation can't visit.  Look at 2020 itineraries for through Hawaii and South Pacific as examples. 
That being said, Ovation is a newer ship with modern decor and a lot more going on around the ship.  Serenade is a fine ship but half the size and older.  I'm a big fan of the Quantum class ships.  Ovation has a Music Hall with tribute bands, Two70°, SeaPlex, NorthStar and so much more.  I've sailed both ships so if you can accept the ports of call on Ovation it will have a lot ore to offer on board including better entertainment.

I recommend a fifth of vodka for the HR rep. ?