Heymarco

3 minutes ago, Gilley said:

Thank you, not even sure what version I currently have.

Settings App > General > About 

It's normally second line down.

9 minutes ago, Gilley said:

I had same issue, apparently it's working now for those of us with older I-phones who choose not to upgrade.

Just make sure your iphone software (iOS) is still up-to-date to where it's getting the security updates (iphone software (ios) version 15 and above currently).

If it's no longer getting security updates, time to upgrade. A new phone is cheaper than working your way out of identity theft.

https://endoflife.date/ios

Royal Caribbean recently required a force password change on most of its users, I would recommend trying to log into the website and seeing if a new password doesn't fix it.

Also, if your iPhone is no longer getting Apple updates then you open to security vulnerabilities. I would highly recommend getting a new phone ASAP.

Just now, OCSC Mike said:

You shouldn't have but congrats!

Right, felt super lucky and surprised. We also received the upgrade notification about a month early if that made a difference.

Airbnb in Galveston area is the way to go for sure!

On our last cruise, we were upgraded to a Crown loft suite with Royal up from a balcony cabin and still received double points.

@Matt November and December 2024 seem to be back on the schedule and bookable. Any confirmation of changes?

12 hours ago, happy cruisers 2 said:

"It was ok" sure doesn't sound too promising.  We have always enjoyed the ice shows on other ships and look forward to BLADES on an Allure cruise.  I'd be interested in other opinions.

The team definitely has talent and it's a fun show. Not one of the best ice shows I've seen but definitely worth seeing and still lots of fun.

It was ok, lots of skating to different genres of music.

We did it with ours a few months older. Do everything @Momof4crazytocruise suggested. We also had a lighter car seat for flying. Pro tip, you can have Amazon deliver diapers, etc to the hotel you are staying at prior to the cruise. Most importantly, don't let others discourage you. Each cruise with a child is very different and we have never regretted one.

On 9/1/2023 at 3:57 AM, Xaa said:

Call it a ferry if you want, but I can certainly enjoy my cruises along with the choice to spend some pocket change on popcorn or not spend it.

What the difference between a cruise and a ferry? Again, less and less.

https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/beer-and-popcorn-to-return-to-wa-ferries/

And the popcorn charges continue...

https://cruisespotlight.com/celebritys-all-included-package-now-includes-less-costing-you-more/

Royal is working on trademarking Royal Caribbean Ferry Line as we speak.

I don't think anyone is really concerned about popcorn. It's more that Royal Caribbean is slowly exiting cruise industry and becoming more of a ferry service. 
 

ie, Would I expect to be charged for popcorn on a cruise, heck no that stuff is dirt cheap. On a ferry, of course because I expect nothing more than the ship to get me from point A to B. Popcorn is one of many recent changes in that direction...

Did cabin attendants start receiving more tips when they went to one cabin cleaning a day? They received more cabins as a result and we are still paying same amount of ore-paid/auto gratitudes.

2 hours ago, Uncwmark said:

This is 100% why they charge for popcorn, according to F&B manager.  And, for what it's worth, Disney charges for popcorn too unless you're in a suite (which, as you may know, is not cheap!!)

I was in a Crown Loft and still got charged for popcorn. How much more would it be for Disney?

5 hours ago, Rackham said:

Would everyone be happier if popcorn wasn't available versus Royal charging for it?

It's not the popcorn itself, it's just the experience. It's the same reason I don't fly discount airlines. I like to pick my seat, carry on a bag, etc without being asked to swipe every 5 seconds. Just give me the full price and I'll pay.

I saw the popcorn thing on Allure, reminded me of RyanAir wanting to charge for in flight toilets. That and with all other cutbacks, would rather just pay a few extra bucks on cruise ticket than be nicked and dimed for week. Would love to hear of any other main stream cruise lines that aren't like this, have tried NCL, HA, and MSC so far. We are Diamond with Royal but open to change.

They just changed out the ice show in Allure of the Seas.

So, if you are using walkie-talkies on a cruise ship (or anywhere) please:

• Plug in an earpiece,
• Remember that “inside voices” work just fine, and
• Keep in mind that people around you, and anyone using the same unprotected frequency, can’t help but listen in.

So it may not be such a great idea to use your walkie-talkie to arrange that illicit mid-afternoon rendezvous in your stateroom.
 

Great Article: https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna20605873

10 minutes ago, fireclan said:

I have a SIL cruising in September to Alaska, closed loop Seattle to Seattle. Her passport is being renewed and will not be back in time. She has been a US citizen for 40+ years but her BC is from Poland. Royal's travel documents info only mentions "state issued" birth certificates that I read. Anyone have any knowledge or experience with a similar situation? 

US states only.

36 minutes ago, cruisellama said:

Give the D and D+'s a couple of extra drink coupons and give the lounge to the Pinnacles.

Just make it optional for all members. For each cruise you can choose to have lounge access or an extra drink voucher each day added to your account. Problem solved.

Hard no since I don't have a US birth certificate, just have to rely on the good ole passport. Thankfully they don't make you walk the plank for losing it anymore.

Nothing extra unless service was just exceptional. No guilt either since have already paid generous gratuities, no need to double dip. Tipping amounts left by Americans is extremely high.

On 7/26/2023 at 10:03 AM, CruisingSteve said:

Probably more Icon class ships. We have only heard about 3 because that is what is contracted to be built. Same thing happened with Oasis class when it was announced. Then came 4, 5, and 6. Royal need to "Test" the ship for profitability. They also want customer feedback and other research before they commit to a 4th one and beyond. $2 Billion per ship is a lot of money to spend.
I would love to see a Project Discovery at around 100,000 tons that can sail from ports like Tampa and get into ports that the big ships can't fit in. Radiance and Vision class ships are almost up for their lifespan. It's a smart business move since they said Vision class ships don't break even until about 80% capacity

They built 8 Voyager/Freedom class ships with majority being in former class. 9 might be it for Oasis/Icon, no guarantee any more will come until ordered.

On 7/26/2023 at 10:03 AM, CruisingSteve said:

Probably more Icon class ships. We have only heard about 3 because that is what is contracted to be built. Same thing happened with Oasis class when it was announced. Then came 4, 5, and 6. Royal need to "Test" the ship for profitability. They also want customer feedback and other research before they commit to a 4th one and beyond. $2 Billion per ship is a lot of money to spend.
I would love to see a Project Discovery at around 100,000 tons that can sail from ports like Tampa and get into ports that the big ships can't fit in. Radiance and Vision class ships are almost up for their lifespan. It's a smart business move since they said Vision class ships don't break even until about 80% capacity

It's so funny because Voyager class is older than Radiance but no one ever mentions them. It's just a better class, hopefully will get more Voyager style ships.