BeachGal

Yup, I got the survey - took me about 20 minutes to fill out

Huh, I wonder how many different sample menus they're using on the surveys. Mine was basically the traditional MDR menu, no theme whatsoever

Hi Everyone,
I'm new here and this is my first post.  I have half a mind to delete this because it might be a little strong for a first post- LOL!  The last time I cruised was on Explorer back in 2006.  I recently booked my family on Allure going to Roatan and Mexico in March.  It's a surprise and I'm excited to see my kids faces when we get dropped off at the cruise port and they see the ship for the first time.  "Yep WE are going on THAT!" 
One thing I've noticed since 2006 is that things seem much more complicated with the add ons and tack on fees and complex reservations etc. It's kind of made me half crazy and anything, but relaxed.   "Manage your cruise" What?  Isn't that sort of what I'm paying you a whole lot of money for, Royal Carribean?  
When I last cruised my wife and I did one night at Portofinos which was a restaurant that used to be on the Explorer.  The food was good I'm sure of that, but I don't even remember how it tasted these years later or what I ate.  Here is what I do remember: the fun we had with our dinning room waiter and tablemates. We still laugh about them to this day!  The cabin attendents making towel animals and the bartenders, and looking out at the ocean, the sailaway party and the New Yorkers saying "Heyyyy! it's the Verrazzano!!!" as we glided underneath the bridge on the start of our carribean adventure. 
As soon as I booked Allure, I was introduced the the Key program and dining packages which are not cheap!  Forgive me for saying this but it seems like a rude bait and switch.  A cruise should be about hospitality and abundance and the Key program introduces scarcity...that little fear that you know "they really are short on Flowrider time and show tickets and if you want your kids to be able to try it you need to give us $160 a day for 7 days..."  

Honestly, I'm not trying to be cynical, perhaps this is the way it is and I'm making a "rookie" mistake in this day and age, but I'm taking a different approach so tell me if you think this could still work.
1.  We're going to eat in the MDR and have fun at dinner.  We're going to eat at the Windjammer and try to find a nice table near a window and try food from around the world.
2. We're going to eat soft serve ice cream at 2 o'clock every single day!
3. We'll eat Sorrentos and the Park Deli.
4. We're going to look up at the stars at night and go for walks around the ship.  Maybe watch a movie!
5. We're going to get up early and watch the sun come up over the ocean and whisper a quick prayer or two.
6. We're going go to the pools and shoot hoops in the middle of the carribean sea and play ping pong and do the flowrider and have mini golf
tournaments everyday with prizes I'll be giving out.
7. We'll book some shows and hope we get seats.  It'll be great if even one of my kids begins to love theather.
8. We're going to enjoy time together and walk up to the bow of the ship and stand on the helicopter pad.  We're NOT going to have internet.
9. I'll buy my daughter some candy-- Ok there's 7 bucks, I can't say no!
10. We'll spend money doing excursions and see some Mayan ruins and enjoy being in another country and play on the beaches.
 
I just want to be together with my family on an already great ship. Let me know if I've got this wrong.  Thanks, T.

I've never been much of a shopper but now I am a shopping recluse.  I haven't been inside a department store in....well, a very, very long time.  I too am technology-spoiled.  I don't even go to the grocery store anymore.  Between Amazon Prime, Instacart and teleworking, I am a total hermit...and I LIKE it !

Cash tips... just sayin'

Florida weather forecasts are useless. Basically they can all be summed up "it could rain, but we have no idea where or when exactly, nor for how long"

Cash tips... just sayin'

This might have been covered in another post (though I doubt it). Was on Symphony…Seas back in April and was in one of the public restrooms and came across a very odd sign above the stalls. I decided to see if this was a one off thing or not, so I had some free time and went all around the ship snapping pics of the various pieces of “art” – I might have missed a few, though.
I was also on Enchantment…Seas a few weeks ago, but they didn’t have this “feature.” Was wondering if anyone has noticed this or if they’re on any other ships? Wife and I will be on Oasis…Seas in about 6 weeks, so maybe more/others there?
And, sorry ladies, my wife confirmed that these do not appear in the ladies restrooms. See what you’re missing out on?
 

I have/had the same with my room steward on Nav. She didn't tell me her name, I saw it on the card left in room. She hasn't chatted at all other than a hi, when I say it. I asked for ice the first day......it's day 5 and never got a bucket. I saw the envelope when I returned after lunch.  I am going to still tip not because I am in the same room for next sailing but because I know the other rooms have kept her insanely busy. I happen to past by the balcony next to me and my God!! How can people make such a mess, I couldn't believe it. I have to remember I'm not their only cabin. I know my steward is possibly new or overwhelmed with work. 

@BeachGal I agree, I noticed that on sailing of 5 nights or less the people are a little meh, especially if it falls over a weekend. I have seen a lot of rude, drunk people. Parents not keeping their kids from misbehaving and just bad manners. I feel bad for the crew.

I did three cruises on Navigator this last year, a 7-day, a 3-day, and a 4-day.  The 7-day cruise was delightful and the folks on board were a pleasure to hang around with.  The 3 and 4 day cruises were a bit of a nightmare.  I sailed solo on all three and was truly disappointed in the behavior of folks on the shorter cruises.  Just a general lack of class (jeez, I sound like my mother!), and people who were incredibly unaware of how their actions affect others around them.  Ensenada was a big fat 'meh' both times I was there.  If I ever sail out of LA again, I will definitely do the longer cruise.
 

I forgot to add that the diamond lounge had fresh, soft oatmeal, ranger, and chocolate chip cookies. 

Too many to mention, but one that stands out is this last year. I did two cruises on Navigator in fairly quick succession this last year.  A 7-day in November, and a 3-day in January.  I apparently spent far too much time in the Schooner Bar because not only did the bartenders remember me, and called me by name, but they remembered how to make the 'Kat-tini' that I had showed them how to make in November.  Wow!

You can do any restaurant solo, they will usually sit you at a table for 2 and treat you fabulously. 

Lots of us solo sail! Look through the blog section for present and past blogs. 
 
I like to travel and sometimes it means not waiting for the people around me to go. Manage your expectations pre cruise. Know what makes you comfortable and where you may need to push yourself. For me I'm content being solo and bring my Kindle or a book everywhere but that's also my regular life - I read a ton and it's what makes me happiest on a trip or commuting or before sleep or a a beach. I'm not a huge fan of the MDR (I view it more as an experience) so on solo trips I get the dining package. I don't get the drink package because while I'll have a few drinks per day it's not worth it. I'll book excursions I really want to do.
Whether cruising or traveling solo you will meet people if you are open to it. I border the extrovert/Introvert line and can either be super friendly or very shy depending on how comfortable I am, I know traveling solo means I may have to adjust my behavior and push through to get out of my own head. The first excursion I did I was a little nervous but people are generally friendly and it wound up being great. 
 
The only thing I hate and I've mentioned this before is when a well meaning person tells me how "brave" I am for traveling solo and then lists reasons why they would never be able to. I get the point but I find it slightly condescending. The staff may make a few comments as well. Again, everyone had good intentions. 
 
 
 

Same issue on Navigator... grrr!

ellcee, I don't have luck every time.  I have found that if I situate myself near a group or couple, and strike up a conversation, they will normally ask me to join them in trivia. Or even to walk up to a table that has empty seats and ask if they could use an extra for trivia.  Keep in mind that I am an introvert, so these are tasks I take on to get myself out of my shell and to be more social.  Keep at it... you'll figure out what works for you.

I enjoy it for the morning light fare.  
otherwise, the Oasis diamond lounge was about as exciting as a conference room at an airport Hilton.  

So sounds like I’m glad my 4 free drinks are on my card.

I fully support you getting another cruise in... you need it, cruising is medicinal!!

I fully support you getting another cruise in... you need it, cruising is medicinal!!

I fully support you getting another cruise in... you need it, cruising is medicinal!!

Woo hoo, congrats!!!  I hit Diamond in June, and get to take advantage of my sparkly new status in December.

Woo hoo, congrats!!!  I hit Diamond in June, and get to take advantage of my sparkly new status in December.