joberry57

I've done Hibachi 5 times over 3 ships. In general the show is so-so but the chef really makes a difference. It definitely doesn't match on land. However with the exception of one time I have found the food markedly better than on land. I don't understand the reason for the surcharge but I would spend the extra for the experience

Can the suite concierge help book restaurants when they contact you before the cruise? The one time I did the dining package was at the beginning of the restart and had no issues even though I boarded late.

I have been to both and I would choose Trunk Bay.

Our genie in September said he could book at only at 7 for Hibachi so I think you are right about them holding that time back.

My December cruise on Allure was the same. They eventually showed up in cruise planner. I figure yours will do the same.

I'm on Allure in December and had planned on skipping Samba. Not anymore as it sounds amazing.

Just turned diamond but on next cruise I'm in a star class suite. Have friends on the cruise and was planning on using my free drinks on them. That won't be a problem will it?

I did solo with UDP. One night I ate with a couple I met. Was able to add them to my reservation. It was my first solo but really enjoyed the dinner options. Did a second solo but it was the Grandeur so only did one night at Chops. I would still do UDP on the Oasis/Quantum class if solo.

According to my genie on my upcoming cruise there is no escape room running on the Harmony. My wife was very disappointed.

It disappeared the day after I uploaded them for my September cruise.

Well the cruise is over. Was a pleasant vacation. Hate being home. The port days were fun. Dove at both so that is always good. Now some overall observations of my vacation. Inside cabin was perfect for me. Got used to the shower so it wasn't as bad as I expected after first day. Room attendant was perfect. I rarely saw her but my room was always made up and she had fresh ice for me in the morning and evening. As expected only 2 towel animals for the week. It was fine for me but my wife and co-worker were disappointed on their trips with just 2. Food was better overall than my first cruise with Royal. I don't count my Odyssey cruise last October since I had specialty almost every day. Just like the Odyssey I learned not to trust the menus in the app as I got burned again when I chose my night for Chops to avoid a certain nights menu to only have them move it to the night after my Chops dinner. Ended up have Spaghetti that night. I was in the same wait teams section every night but one. I felt sorry for them as they had what appeared to be a 10-12 top with half being children. I honestly expected to be adversely affected but the whole team made sure I wasn't. I also watched them work the big table and I hope they got a huge tip because they did what looked like an amazing job with them. I did the comedian one night and both production shows. The comedian was enjoyable and Broadway: Rhythm and Rhyme was impressive though I didn't enjoy it as much as I expected I would. I went to see Tango Bueno Aries because that is just something I do because I enjoy most shows. Honestly didn't have high expectations but it was easily the best entertainment for the week. Didn't plan to spend much time in the casino but they had a hand shuffled/dealt table and I prefer that to the machines that normally is used. I was almost break even for the week and I can really gamble on my next cruise. We had a second slot pull on Sunday and had 5 new players. Unfortunately we lost half the money this time but it was still a fun time. Almost every worker on the ship was helpful and happy. There seemed to always be someone nearby if you needed help and they helped with what seemed a smile even though you really couldn't see with the masks. The elevators seemed responsive and never had to wait to long to get one. Debarkation was just as organized and easy as embarkation. I was off the boat and in my car by 8:30 and I did not carry my baggage off. I am looking forward to my next cruise on the Harmony in September. It will be my first Oasis class and first time Star class. Thank you for reading.

Embarkation Day I drove to Houston Tuesday night to get a head start. Left my friends house at around 8am. I had a 10:30 check-in and ended up very early. Parked at Lighthouse Parking and they took me straight over. I had bought the Key for this trip so was seated outside the terminal in that area since I was too early and terminal hadn't opened. I have never experienced a boarding process this efficient. They had people helping at all parts of the process. The Key probably bought me 5 minutes of time but it seemed no one had any delays getting on. Easily the best boarding I've ever had. I bought the Key because the cost was $5 more than just internet which I need for work so pretty much the rest of the perks were just gravy. The embarkation lunch was very good and the carry on drop-off was very nice and they were in my cabin when it became available. I was very tired and took a nap as soon as it opened up. Turned out to be a mistake. I was supposed to have early dining which showed on Cruise Planner. However I was given My Time. Which I don't mind but all the 6-7 time slots were full for the week. Minor inconvenience but I can live with 7:30. Dinner the first night was solid. Probably the best MDR meal I've had in 3 Royal cruises. Hope the rest are that good. Comedian was fun. Did a PG show and had fun with audience. Tried room service and had wings and grilled cheese sandwich. Wings lacked sauce but had a really good taste. Will order again. The sandwich was a cheese sandwich but not grilled. Will not order again. Turned out they are still honoring free room service for the Key. Did not expect that but it was a nice perk. Day 2 so far Woke up before alarm. Having an inside cabin threw me off a bit being so dark but not too bad. I'm going to have a hard time with the shower this week. It seemed small this morning. Had breakfast in MDR. It wasn't too bad. Will do again. Still haven't been to Windjammer and doubt I will. Maybe just to check it out. Had our first Slot Pull this morning. 19 participants. Only lost a total of $25. All but 1 person voted to carry it over and do a second on Sunday. Going to use Wheel of Fortune Sunday. I have reservations at Chops tonight and judging by the filet I had for lunch yesterday I should really enjoy tonight. Then I have the production show after. Next 2 days will be Mexico ports. Plan on diving both. That is really what I've been looking forward to the most. Overall so far the cruise has met my expectations. Just a few minor blips that have been quickly resolved. Cabin is perfect for me with exception of shower. I wish Royal offered a mobility impared cabin that was made for people like me who don't need a full ADA cabin just a few modifications to assist. I just know I don't want to take a full ADA cabin for my minor disability. Staff has been good. Ship is older but clean. So far so good. Thanks for reading.

I took a last minute solo cruise on the Odyssey last year and I guess I gambled enough to get a comp inside cabin on the Grandeur. I discovered the option while researching for a friend of mine. Luckily they had a date that worked for me. I was in the middle of a project but it was expected to end in June. I booked it and started making plans. The next week the project end date moved to July 17 with the cruise leaving on the 27th. Still within time frame but not much room for error. Then the end date was pushed out to the 24th. Now I am sweating a little bit but I went ahead with planning but not buying anything not refundable. Well the important parts of the project is now done and what is scheduled for the 24th will not affect my vacation. I have now bought parking and have started scheduling my excursions. Which is easy as I plan on diving at both stops. Cozumel will be with my normal dive company that I use for my diving trips. Costa Maya on the other hand will be brand new to me. Found one with decent reviews and was able to answer all my questions so I should be set. I never thought I would want to go on a smaller ship again but a comp cruise is a comp cruise. I have a interior cabin but the location is perfect for me so I passed on trying to upgrade this time and location is much more important to me than a balcony. I ended up buying the Key when it went on sale and was only $5 more than the internet package by itself. I'm a bit fan of shows so I'm hoping the seating benefit will be worth at least that. I did choose to pass on the drink package this time as I know I will not use much on the port days and I can bring 2 bottles of wine for myself. Along with a small OBC I figure I will be set and not worry about a big bar bill. I hope I'm not wrong. With the Grandeur not having all the extra dining venues I decided I will give the MDR another shot. My first 2 RCL cruises were a bit of a disappointment in the food department outside the pay venues. I did however book one night at Chops which I really enjoyed in October. After 4 overnight weekends in the last 5 I am really looking forward to getting away. I got a new laptop so I'm hoping the internet is decent on the ship and I can keep this updated. Thanks for reading.

I ended up trying the key for my upcoming cruise when price dropped below what I has previously paid for internet alone. It was also only $5 more than the internet sale.

The Effectors and Tap Factory on Odyssey. I don't have a least favorite. Maybe Saturday Night Fever on Liberty.

Sic 'em!!

I went into my experience with limited expectations but I found the food quite good. The short rib was amazing.

I was surprised I got the points for my cruise last October. I actually thought it was a mistake and they would catch on and take them away from me. Thanks for that info and I feel much better.

I had great service on Odyssey except when we went thru a small storm where I lost connectivity during the football game I was streaming. Have worked via VPN in the past with no issues on Liberty.

You absolutely can. I had the dining package and paid for others. As Ashley said just let them know. They are very easy to work with.

I took one of the front of both cards in one picture and one of the back with both card in the picture. That way it had both sets of info on one pic of both.

I had two cards. I took a picture with both in the frame and uploaded it. I had no issues at check in either. No one even asked a question about it.

Days 5 & 6 These were the days I circled for this trip. A chance to get back diving in blue water. It was the first ocean dives since my strokes so I was a little nervous and my last dive in the lakes in Texas were not promising for me but there was no way I was coming here and not giving everything I had to dive. Curacao was 2 shore dives with The Dive Bus. I was the only one signed up so it was just the divemaster and myself. I explained my situation when I arrived and he was incredibly helpful. I had to suit up and then walk across the street to get into the ocean. I'm sure I was quite a site in full scuba gear walking across the street with a cane. Both dives were spectacular. The reef and marine life reminded me why I started diving in the first place. Nanna, the DM, was an angel. When my knee gave out getting out of the ocean after the second dive he didn't hesitate and carried my gear back to the shop. I couldn't have asked for a better afternoon. Came back to the ship and had dinner in the MDR. I don't know what I was thinking. It just confirmed by belief that the free food Royal provides is not very good. Service on the other hand is still top notch. Luckily it will be my last time in the MDR and Playmakers does have decent wings so it wasn't all lost. I had a 10:15 reservation for the premier of Royal's new show, The Effectors. It started slow but by no means did it stay that way. The lasers and drones they used and the singing and dancing was able to relegate Tap to second place on this trip. I didn't think that would be possible. I would easily go see it again if it was available. I was tired and thinking I really need to get to bed so I can get up in the morning, but by the end I wasn't ready for it to be over. Royal really outdid themselves. Thursday morning came quick and I had to get off almost as soon as the gangway opened to make my dive boat. I get to the pickup site and a couple told me they were running a little late at the shop. Found out later the reason they were late is they were waiting on me at the shop instead of the pier. The seas were unbelievably choppy. I'm glad I don't get motion sickness because they were the worst I've been in going diving. The 2 dives were fantastic and the crew on the boat were so helpful and understanding getting me in and out of the water. Now I'm ready for a real diving trip. I didn't have breakfast before leaving this morning so as soon as I got on the boat I ran up to Playmakers for an Impossible burger and fries. I'm loving the sports bar. Tonight I have dinner at Giovanni's and The Book at 270. I hate that we are about to be heading home. Alas I do have 2 more full days to enoy.

Day 3 & 4 - Sea Days Days 3 and 4 were days to relax before we hit the southern islands and I go diving. I had breakfast both days in the Solarium Bistro which I have decided is my go to location. It has freshly made omelets and eggs along with crispy bacon. It isn't crowded so I don't feel rushed and can take my time. Spent a little time in the pool in the Solarium and a little time donating my money in the casino. One day I had Sorrentos for lunch and one day I had El Loco Fresh. Neither would get gold stars although the burrito I had wasn't horrible like I expected. Day 3 was formal night so I dressed slightly better for dinner at Chops. I didn't really know what to expect. I figured someplace like Outback maybe but definitely not comparable to the land based steakhouses I have enjoyed. While it may not be quite on the level of some of the nicer steakhouses it was decidedly better than Outback. I had the bacon and wedge salad and loved them both. I had the ribeye for dinner and it was cooked perfectly medium rare and had a wonderful taste. My initial judgement on any steak is if I have to have steak sauce to eat it. This one did not require steak sauce. The cheesecake was solid. Tuesday was the adventure of Wonderland. I definitely had low expectations for the food though I was looking forward to the experience. The meal far exceeded my expectations and I honestly expect it will be the highlight of my family cruise next year. The waiter took what interested me and then added some items that he thought I would enjoy. He was almost universally correct. The food wasn't just about the presentation. The beef for the main course was also wonderful and easily equaled the tenderloin I had at Teppanyaki. All in all the dinners I have had has shown me the UDP was money well spent. I will definitely now just consider that just a part of my cruise fare in the same way I consider the gratuities. I went to see Tap last night and it was absolutely the most entertaining thing I have ever watched on a cruise ship. I'm hoping the other shows later this week just come close to that performance. Tonight I have put my Scuba gear together for my 2 dives tomorrow in Curacao.

Day 2 Coco Cay I've been looking forward to seeing what the island is all about. Coming back next year and plan on doing a beach club cabana with the family. The Mariner was docked with us. Today I decided to just check out what all is offered. Left the ship early and decided to walk instead of tram. I knew I would wear our and have to tram back and wanted to enjoy it while I could. Headed to Chill Island and got a chair and relaxed a little bit and got in the water just so I could say I did. Then decided to have a quick lunch. Had a cheeseburger and hot dog because it was the first thing I came across. Was basically buffet food. I then went to hop the tram to see all the spots. Eventually came back to the Oasis pool It was quite active and looked like a great place to hang out. I then just walked about checking out South Beach. Making me second guess doing the beach club next year. There is so much to do that is free. I did get tired of hearing the Coco Cay song on the tram though. As expected I was worn out and took a tram back the ship a little early. Cleaned up a little and headed to Playmakers. Met a couple from out meet & greet and joined them to watch a little football. Decided to try out the wings. Was honestly expecting wings like you get from pizza places but they were actually pretty good. Will definitely have them later this week. Also had one of their Sundaes, and it was huge. Luckily I had someone to share at least a bite or two with. Plus I got to keep the football helmet. With time to kill I stopped by the casino, only a couple of tables were open and no blackjack. I decided to play 3 card poker. I'm not a fan and almost never play but I sat down. I don't think it took 15 minutes to blow thru $100. Oh well it is only money. I had 7 pm reservations for Teppanyaki and headed back to rest up. Headed to the restaurant and sat down. There were 8 of us. I got to meet a Star Class family and got to ask them questions since I will finally get that experience next year. They were great people even though the daughter was a Texas Longhorn. Was a fun time with the chef and I was shocked how good the food was. I had the tenderloin and shrimp and he didn't overcook the meat. it was absolutely wonderful. Turns out I was more tired than I thought and even though it was only 9 I headed to my room to go to bed. The biggest downside of my lingering disability is I do tire out too easily. I'm definitely going to have to pace myself the rest of the week. Now I have 2 wonderful sea days to look ahead to before the southern islands and I get to go diving.