Steve in Orlando

I was willing to pay for access to the Hideaway for our Icon trip in February - but not for the day bed.   Guess we'll just have to look over the fence from the cheap seats to see what they are like. 

It's one of our favorites.   Slightly ahead of Mariner but surprisingly for us, behind Jewel and Brilliance. 

We're not you your cruise (yet) but have been on Indy 3 times so far this year and two more scheduled at the end of summer.
We really like this ship and the short weekend cruises.  I hope you will too.   (though waiting over a year? We got off Indy two weeks ago and can't wait for August to get here to get back on.).  lol 
 

No Cup cake making classes?   Hmmm.   We may have to re-consider this.   😉
What ship were you on?

Hi everyone -
We have been focusing on Royal for a while to get to Diamond and are about to hit that mark shortly.   Once there - we thought we would try out Celebrity.
Any recommendations on what to look for for our first cruise with the sister company?
We would prefer to sail out of Florida - but would travel if needed for the right experience. 
Thanks!
Steve P

Like the vloggers - we will probably wait for the first US departure too.   And I understand about things not being 100% yet.   More of a soft opening than a Grand opening.  Same thing is true of every new venue.    Just debating with ourselves if rubbing elbows with Matt and the Royal elite makes up for it. 🙂

Three kinds of rain in Florida...  3pm, Did I miss a Hurricane and Hurricane.   
 

PLEASE WAIT.  We did the first and second voyages of Princess Regal and Royal in Europe and it was horrible.  Folks are learning their new jobs and the ships themselves had minor issues, one that comes to mind is ceiling tiles coming loose in the main dining room.  I also made the mistake of buying a Ford Explorer the year Ford made drastic model changes - won't buy a new car model again either.

I was on the 1st sailing of the restart (Adventure from Nassau) and Wonder Inaugural. Was it perfect, no, not by any means, but it wasn't a disaster either. I think, as with all things, having expectations in line is key. If you want the wizbang, everything running "smoothly" and all entertainment up and running, you'll probably want to wait 3 or 4 cruises for that to happen. But an Inaugural has certain swag (small stuff, but still cool) they give out and it's nice to be among the 1st to test out the ship and crew. That's another thing, for a new ship, they recruit their best for it. Wonder being the example here (and Adventure to a lesser extent), the service for her 1st cruise, was better than expected. It is a bit of a novelty and usually more expensive than the other cruises that year (minus holidays). 
YMMV, but I wouldn't hesitate to book an Inaugural again. If you do book it, book it quick, as in as soon as you hear the sailings are live quick. 
 

Most likely, but, judging from the prices I've seen in the Cruise Planner the past few months, it's gonna depend on your own personal definition of "SALE".

went from almost 2 packs a day to cold turkey about 30 years ago.  no regrets (except ever once in a while when someone lights a cigarette with a zippo lighter.. mmmmmm that smells good).  

went from almost 2 packs a day to cold turkey about 30 years ago.  no regrets (except ever once in a while when someone lights a cigarette with a zippo lighter.. mmmmmm that smells good).  

Should we be expecting a sale this coming long weekend?    I know all bets are off in today's world - but did Royal usually have a sale on this weekend in the times known as BC (before covid)? 

We decided this year to try and get to Prime to see if 1- we enjoyed the casino enough to do it regularly and 2- if the benefits of Prime were worth it.   I was hoping that our 900 (ish) points each so far this year were enough to get their attention and maybe throw us an interior room but I read this week that they won't be doing that anymore.    Oh well - it's still fun (even if way too smokey) 

Cheryl and I have hidden ducks on a couple of ships now.    It's fun when you get to see the kids find one.   Sometimes more fun when you get to see an adult find one (and then proudly present it to his wife). 😉

Last week at this time we were somewhere in the middle of the ocean.   Now I'm back at my desk and keyboard counting the days until the next trip (47 days on MSC's Meraviglia).
Thought I would share a couple of thoughts from the trip.
From the time we got to the luggage attendants at the port, we didn't stop walking until we were on Desk 8 for a stop at the Trellis Bar.  Very smooth boarding process.   Be prepared to show your vaccine card, ID and boarding pass (I used the phone app) several times.  I can understand why there's really no need for priority boarding any more even if you are in the suite level. 
Rooms were available early - around 1:15.  Luggage showed up some time in the afternoon but well before dinner. 
We Royaled up to a Crown Loft Suite on the 17th floor overlooking the Boardwalk.   I would do the suite again but would prefer a port or starboard view.   The crew on 17 was incredible and made Cheryl feel very special for her birthday cruise.   However the RoyalUp process is buggy - Our records were still attached to the old room.  The letters we had in the new room were for someone else.    For the first half of the cruise every time we gave our room number to someone, they greeted us with someone else's name.  
Expectations for Sky level were much higher than what reality ended up being.  Videos here and on other sites talked about some upgraded shampoos and other bathroom amenities.   That didn't happen.     We were expecting priority reservations for some of the shows.   That didn't happen - though with 2400 passengers on board, it wasn't an issue.    We were expecting concierge to help with reservations at some of the speciality restaurants.  That happened but was a much more complicated process than it should have been.     The Concierge was very helpful and making the best out of a Covid cruise, but things were off.
For Dinner, we ate at Coastal Kitchen, Chops, Giovanni's Table, 150 Central Park and the Main Dining Room.    Each was a great meal.  Of all I think Giovanni's was the best.    On our next cruise, I think we'll go a bit lighter on dinner choices.    Great food but 7 nights of 3 courses (plus extras) was more food than we needed.  So maybe two specialty, MDR and pizza or hot dogs a couple of nights.  🙂
Mama Mia was the show in the main theater and was broadway quality.   The seats were very comfortable and maybe reclined a little to much and I had to fight from wanting to take a nap. 
The Ice show was fun.  Very talented skaters but the show it self was disjointed.  The "roll the dice" Segways between scenes lasted too long (over a minute once). 
The way they divided up the seating because of Covid for the Aqua show was a bit confusing but the show was incredible with several OMG how does she not fall? moments. 
We had fun hiding ducks around the ship.   At first we thought "why are we doing this silly thing" but one time, quite by accident we sat by the trellis bar after hiding a few and were able to watch the reactions of the kids (and kids at heart) find them and watched their reactions.   We'll do that again. 
We knew it before going on board, but the Suite deck was just a deck.  No pool.   Walked up there once.  Didn't use it.  The main pools were much more enticing.   
We got the drink package because it was $58/person/day and that worked out to our benefit.   Wouldn't do it again if it was over $90. 
We got the 100 picture package and only had 60 pictures taken so that was over kill. 
We got the Coco Beach Club package for about $80/person.  It was a great place.  We were one of the first ones there and almost last to leave.    Didn't see anything else of the island on this trip so next time we may skip that just so we can see the other parts of the island.   But well worth it and would do it again (not for $160/person though).
There are so many things we didn't get to do on the ship that it warrants another Oasis class trip for sure (which will be Harmony next October).
The staff was one of the best parts of the cruise.    Looking forward to seeing them again. 
Steve & Cheryl  
 
 

Last week at this time we were somewhere in the middle of the ocean.   Now I'm back at my desk and keyboard counting the days until the next trip (47 days on MSC's Meraviglia).
Thought I would share a couple of thoughts from the trip.
From the time we got to the luggage attendants at the port, we didn't stop walking until we were on Desk 8 for a stop at the Trellis Bar.  Very smooth boarding process.   Be prepared to show your vaccine card, ID and boarding pass (I used the phone app) several times.  I can understand why there's really no need for priority boarding any more even if you are in the suite level. 
Rooms were available early - around 1:15.  Luggage showed up some time in the afternoon but well before dinner. 
We Royaled up to a Crown Loft Suite on the 17th floor overlooking the Boardwalk.   I would do the suite again but would prefer a port or starboard view.   The crew on 17 was incredible and made Cheryl feel very special for her birthday cruise.   However the RoyalUp process is buggy - Our records were still attached to the old room.  The letters we had in the new room were for someone else.    For the first half of the cruise every time we gave our room number to someone, they greeted us with someone else's name.  
Expectations for Sky level were much higher than what reality ended up being.  Videos here and on other sites talked about some upgraded shampoos and other bathroom amenities.   That didn't happen.     We were expecting priority reservations for some of the shows.   That didn't happen - though with 2400 passengers on board, it wasn't an issue.    We were expecting concierge to help with reservations at some of the speciality restaurants.  That happened but was a much more complicated process than it should have been.     The Concierge was very helpful and making the best out of a Covid cruise, but things were off.
For Dinner, we ate at Coastal Kitchen, Chops, Giovanni's Table, 150 Central Park and the Main Dining Room.    Each was a great meal.  Of all I think Giovanni's was the best.    On our next cruise, I think we'll go a bit lighter on dinner choices.    Great food but 7 nights of 3 courses (plus extras) was more food than we needed.  So maybe two specialty, MDR and pizza or hot dogs a couple of nights.  🙂
Mama Mia was the show in the main theater and was broadway quality.   The seats were very comfortable and maybe reclined a little to much and I had to fight from wanting to take a nap. 
The Ice show was fun.  Very talented skaters but the show it self was disjointed.  The "roll the dice" Segways between scenes lasted too long (over a minute once). 
The way they divided up the seating because of Covid for the Aqua show was a bit confusing but the show was incredible with several OMG how does she not fall? moments. 
We had fun hiding ducks around the ship.   At first we thought "why are we doing this silly thing" but one time, quite by accident we sat by the trellis bar after hiding a few and were able to watch the reactions of the kids (and kids at heart) find them and watched their reactions.   We'll do that again. 
We knew it before going on board, but the Suite deck was just a deck.  No pool.   Walked up there once.  Didn't use it.  The main pools were much more enticing.   
We got the drink package because it was $58/person/day and that worked out to our benefit.   Wouldn't do it again if it was over $90. 
We got the 100 picture package and only had 60 pictures taken so that was over kill. 
We got the Coco Beach Club package for about $80/person.  It was a great place.  We were one of the first ones there and almost last to leave.    Didn't see anything else of the island on this trip so next time we may skip that just so we can see the other parts of the island.   But well worth it and would do it again (not for $160/person though).
There are so many things we didn't get to do on the ship that it warrants another Oasis class trip for sure (which will be Harmony next October).
The staff was one of the best parts of the cruise.    Looking forward to seeing them again. 
Steve & Cheryl  
 
 

Last week at this time we were somewhere in the middle of the ocean.   Now I'm back at my desk and keyboard counting the days until the next trip (47 days on MSC's Meraviglia).
Thought I would share a couple of thoughts from the trip.
From the time we got to the luggage attendants at the port, we didn't stop walking until we were on Desk 8 for a stop at the Trellis Bar.  Very smooth boarding process.   Be prepared to show your vaccine card, ID and boarding pass (I used the phone app) several times.  I can understand why there's really no need for priority boarding any more even if you are in the suite level. 
Rooms were available early - around 1:15.  Luggage showed up some time in the afternoon but well before dinner. 
We Royaled up to a Crown Loft Suite on the 17th floor overlooking the Boardwalk.   I would do the suite again but would prefer a port or starboard view.   The crew on 17 was incredible and made Cheryl feel very special for her birthday cruise.   However the RoyalUp process is buggy - Our records were still attached to the old room.  The letters we had in the new room were for someone else.    For the first half of the cruise every time we gave our room number to someone, they greeted us with someone else's name.  
Expectations for Sky level were much higher than what reality ended up being.  Videos here and on other sites talked about some upgraded shampoos and other bathroom amenities.   That didn't happen.     We were expecting priority reservations for some of the shows.   That didn't happen - though with 2400 passengers on board, it wasn't an issue.    We were expecting concierge to help with reservations at some of the speciality restaurants.  That happened but was a much more complicated process than it should have been.     The Concierge was very helpful and making the best out of a Covid cruise, but things were off.
For Dinner, we ate at Coastal Kitchen, Chops, Giovanni's Table, 150 Central Park and the Main Dining Room.    Each was a great meal.  Of all I think Giovanni's was the best.    On our next cruise, I think we'll go a bit lighter on dinner choices.    Great food but 7 nights of 3 courses (plus extras) was more food than we needed.  So maybe two specialty, MDR and pizza or hot dogs a couple of nights.  🙂
Mama Mia was the show in the main theater and was broadway quality.   The seats were very comfortable and maybe reclined a little to much and I had to fight from wanting to take a nap. 
The Ice show was fun.  Very talented skaters but the show it self was disjointed.  The "roll the dice" Segways between scenes lasted too long (over a minute once). 
The way they divided up the seating because of Covid for the Aqua show was a bit confusing but the show was incredible with several OMG how does she not fall? moments. 
We had fun hiding ducks around the ship.   At first we thought "why are we doing this silly thing" but one time, quite by accident we sat by the trellis bar after hiding a few and were able to watch the reactions of the kids (and kids at heart) find them and watched their reactions.   We'll do that again. 
We knew it before going on board, but the Suite deck was just a deck.  No pool.   Walked up there once.  Didn't use it.  The main pools were much more enticing.   
We got the drink package because it was $58/person/day and that worked out to our benefit.   Wouldn't do it again if it was over $90. 
We got the 100 picture package and only had 60 pictures taken so that was over kill. 
We got the Coco Beach Club package for about $80/person.  It was a great place.  We were one of the first ones there and almost last to leave.    Didn't see anything else of the island on this trip so next time we may skip that just so we can see the other parts of the island.   But well worth it and would do it again (not for $160/person though).
There are so many things we didn't get to do on the ship that it warrants another Oasis class trip for sure (which will be Harmony next October).
The staff was one of the best parts of the cruise.    Looking forward to seeing them again. 
Steve & Cheryl  
 
 

Last week at this time we were somewhere in the middle of the ocean.   Now I'm back at my desk and keyboard counting the days until the next trip (47 days on MSC's Meraviglia).
Thought I would share a couple of thoughts from the trip.
From the time we got to the luggage attendants at the port, we didn't stop walking until we were on Desk 8 for a stop at the Trellis Bar.  Very smooth boarding process.   Be prepared to show your vaccine card, ID and boarding pass (I used the phone app) several times.  I can understand why there's really no need for priority boarding any more even if you are in the suite level. 
Rooms were available early - around 1:15.  Luggage showed up some time in the afternoon but well before dinner. 
We Royaled up to a Crown Loft Suite on the 17th floor overlooking the Boardwalk.   I would do the suite again but would prefer a port or starboard view.   The crew on 17 was incredible and made Cheryl feel very special for her birthday cruise.   However the RoyalUp process is buggy - Our records were still attached to the old room.  The letters we had in the new room were for someone else.    For the first half of the cruise every time we gave our room number to someone, they greeted us with someone else's name.  
Expectations for Sky level were much higher than what reality ended up being.  Videos here and on other sites talked about some upgraded shampoos and other bathroom amenities.   That didn't happen.     We were expecting priority reservations for some of the shows.   That didn't happen - though with 2400 passengers on board, it wasn't an issue.    We were expecting concierge to help with reservations at some of the speciality restaurants.  That happened but was a much more complicated process than it should have been.     The Concierge was very helpful and making the best out of a Covid cruise, but things were off.
For Dinner, we ate at Coastal Kitchen, Chops, Giovanni's Table, 150 Central Park and the Main Dining Room.    Each was a great meal.  Of all I think Giovanni's was the best.    On our next cruise, I think we'll go a bit lighter on dinner choices.    Great food but 7 nights of 3 courses (plus extras) was more food than we needed.  So maybe two specialty, MDR and pizza or hot dogs a couple of nights.  🙂
Mama Mia was the show in the main theater and was broadway quality.   The seats were very comfortable and maybe reclined a little to much and I had to fight from wanting to take a nap. 
The Ice show was fun.  Very talented skaters but the show it self was disjointed.  The "roll the dice" Segways between scenes lasted too long (over a minute once). 
The way they divided up the seating because of Covid for the Aqua show was a bit confusing but the show was incredible with several OMG how does she not fall? moments. 
We had fun hiding ducks around the ship.   At first we thought "why are we doing this silly thing" but one time, quite by accident we sat by the trellis bar after hiding a few and were able to watch the reactions of the kids (and kids at heart) find them and watched their reactions.   We'll do that again. 
We knew it before going on board, but the Suite deck was just a deck.  No pool.   Walked up there once.  Didn't use it.  The main pools were much more enticing.   
We got the drink package because it was $58/person/day and that worked out to our benefit.   Wouldn't do it again if it was over $90. 
We got the 100 picture package and only had 60 pictures taken so that was over kill. 
We got the Coco Beach Club package for about $80/person.  It was a great place.  We were one of the first ones there and almost last to leave.    Didn't see anything else of the island on this trip so next time we may skip that just so we can see the other parts of the island.   But well worth it and would do it again (not for $160/person though).
There are so many things we didn't get to do on the ship that it warrants another Oasis class trip for sure (which will be Harmony next October).
The staff was one of the best parts of the cruise.    Looking forward to seeing them again. 
Steve & Cheryl  
 
 

Last week at this time we were somewhere in the middle of the ocean.   Now I'm back at my desk and keyboard counting the days until the next trip (47 days on MSC's Meraviglia).
Thought I would share a couple of thoughts from the trip.
From the time we got to the luggage attendants at the port, we didn't stop walking until we were on Desk 8 for a stop at the Trellis Bar.  Very smooth boarding process.   Be prepared to show your vaccine card, ID and boarding pass (I used the phone app) several times.  I can understand why there's really no need for priority boarding any more even if you are in the suite level. 
Rooms were available early - around 1:15.  Luggage showed up some time in the afternoon but well before dinner. 
We Royaled up to a Crown Loft Suite on the 17th floor overlooking the Boardwalk.   I would do the suite again but would prefer a port or starboard view.   The crew on 17 was incredible and made Cheryl feel very special for her birthday cruise.   However the RoyalUp process is buggy - Our records were still attached to the old room.  The letters we had in the new room were for someone else.    For the first half of the cruise every time we gave our room number to someone, they greeted us with someone else's name.  
Expectations for Sky level were much higher than what reality ended up being.  Videos here and on other sites talked about some upgraded shampoos and other bathroom amenities.   That didn't happen.     We were expecting priority reservations for some of the shows.   That didn't happen - though with 2400 passengers on board, it wasn't an issue.    We were expecting concierge to help with reservations at some of the speciality restaurants.  That happened but was a much more complicated process than it should have been.     The Concierge was very helpful and making the best out of a Covid cruise, but things were off.
For Dinner, we ate at Coastal Kitchen, Chops, Giovanni's Table, 150 Central Park and the Main Dining Room.    Each was a great meal.  Of all I think Giovanni's was the best.    On our next cruise, I think we'll go a bit lighter on dinner choices.    Great food but 7 nights of 3 courses (plus extras) was more food than we needed.  So maybe two specialty, MDR and pizza or hot dogs a couple of nights.  🙂
Mama Mia was the show in the main theater and was broadway quality.   The seats were very comfortable and maybe reclined a little to much and I had to fight from wanting to take a nap. 
The Ice show was fun.  Very talented skaters but the show it self was disjointed.  The "roll the dice" Segways between scenes lasted too long (over a minute once). 
The way they divided up the seating because of Covid for the Aqua show was a bit confusing but the show was incredible with several OMG how does she not fall? moments. 
We had fun hiding ducks around the ship.   At first we thought "why are we doing this silly thing" but one time, quite by accident we sat by the trellis bar after hiding a few and were able to watch the reactions of the kids (and kids at heart) find them and watched their reactions.   We'll do that again. 
We knew it before going on board, but the Suite deck was just a deck.  No pool.   Walked up there once.  Didn't use it.  The main pools were much more enticing.   
We got the drink package because it was $58/person/day and that worked out to our benefit.   Wouldn't do it again if it was over $90. 
We got the 100 picture package and only had 60 pictures taken so that was over kill. 
We got the Coco Beach Club package for about $80/person.  It was a great place.  We were one of the first ones there and almost last to leave.    Didn't see anything else of the island on this trip so next time we may skip that just so we can see the other parts of the island.   But well worth it and would do it again (not for $160/person though).
There are so many things we didn't get to do on the ship that it warrants another Oasis class trip for sure (which will be Harmony next October).
The staff was one of the best parts of the cruise.    Looking forward to seeing them again. 
Steve & Cheryl  
 
 

Last week at this time we were somewhere in the middle of the ocean.   Now I'm back at my desk and keyboard counting the days until the next trip (47 days on MSC's Meraviglia).
Thought I would share a couple of thoughts from the trip.
From the time we got to the luggage attendants at the port, we didn't stop walking until we were on Desk 8 for a stop at the Trellis Bar.  Very smooth boarding process.   Be prepared to show your vaccine card, ID and boarding pass (I used the phone app) several times.  I can understand why there's really no need for priority boarding any more even if you are in the suite level. 
Rooms were available early - around 1:15.  Luggage showed up some time in the afternoon but well before dinner. 
We Royaled up to a Crown Loft Suite on the 17th floor overlooking the Boardwalk.   I would do the suite again but would prefer a port or starboard view.   The crew on 17 was incredible and made Cheryl feel very special for her birthday cruise.   However the RoyalUp process is buggy - Our records were still attached to the old room.  The letters we had in the new room were for someone else.    For the first half of the cruise every time we gave our room number to someone, they greeted us with someone else's name.  
Expectations for Sky level were much higher than what reality ended up being.  Videos here and on other sites talked about some upgraded shampoos and other bathroom amenities.   That didn't happen.     We were expecting priority reservations for some of the shows.   That didn't happen - though with 2400 passengers on board, it wasn't an issue.    We were expecting concierge to help with reservations at some of the speciality restaurants.  That happened but was a much more complicated process than it should have been.     The Concierge was very helpful and making the best out of a Covid cruise, but things were off.
For Dinner, we ate at Coastal Kitchen, Chops, Giovanni's Table, 150 Central Park and the Main Dining Room.    Each was a great meal.  Of all I think Giovanni's was the best.    On our next cruise, I think we'll go a bit lighter on dinner choices.    Great food but 7 nights of 3 courses (plus extras) was more food than we needed.  So maybe two specialty, MDR and pizza or hot dogs a couple of nights.  🙂
Mama Mia was the show in the main theater and was broadway quality.   The seats were very comfortable and maybe reclined a little to much and I had to fight from wanting to take a nap. 
The Ice show was fun.  Very talented skaters but the show it self was disjointed.  The "roll the dice" Segways between scenes lasted too long (over a minute once). 
The way they divided up the seating because of Covid for the Aqua show was a bit confusing but the show was incredible with several OMG how does she not fall? moments. 
We had fun hiding ducks around the ship.   At first we thought "why are we doing this silly thing" but one time, quite by accident we sat by the trellis bar after hiding a few and were able to watch the reactions of the kids (and kids at heart) find them and watched their reactions.   We'll do that again. 
We knew it before going on board, but the Suite deck was just a deck.  No pool.   Walked up there once.  Didn't use it.  The main pools were much more enticing.   
We got the drink package because it was $58/person/day and that worked out to our benefit.   Wouldn't do it again if it was over $90. 
We got the 100 picture package and only had 60 pictures taken so that was over kill. 
We got the Coco Beach Club package for about $80/person.  It was a great place.  We were one of the first ones there and almost last to leave.    Didn't see anything else of the island on this trip so next time we may skip that just so we can see the other parts of the island.   But well worth it and would do it again (not for $160/person though).
There are so many things we didn't get to do on the ship that it warrants another Oasis class trip for sure (which will be Harmony next October).
The staff was one of the best parts of the cruise.    Looking forward to seeing them again. 
Steve & Cheryl  
 
 

Last week at this time we were somewhere in the middle of the ocean.   Now I'm back at my desk and keyboard counting the days until the next trip (47 days on MSC's Meraviglia).
Thought I would share a couple of thoughts from the trip.
From the time we got to the luggage attendants at the port, we didn't stop walking until we were on Desk 8 for a stop at the Trellis Bar.  Very smooth boarding process.   Be prepared to show your vaccine card, ID and boarding pass (I used the phone app) several times.  I can understand why there's really no need for priority boarding any more even if you are in the suite level. 
Rooms were available early - around 1:15.  Luggage showed up some time in the afternoon but well before dinner. 
We Royaled up to a Crown Loft Suite on the 17th floor overlooking the Boardwalk.   I would do the suite again but would prefer a port or starboard view.   The crew on 17 was incredible and made Cheryl feel very special for her birthday cruise.   However the RoyalUp process is buggy - Our records were still attached to the old room.  The letters we had in the new room were for someone else.    For the first half of the cruise every time we gave our room number to someone, they greeted us with someone else's name.  
Expectations for Sky level were much higher than what reality ended up being.  Videos here and on other sites talked about some upgraded shampoos and other bathroom amenities.   That didn't happen.     We were expecting priority reservations for some of the shows.   That didn't happen - though with 2400 passengers on board, it wasn't an issue.    We were expecting concierge to help with reservations at some of the speciality restaurants.  That happened but was a much more complicated process than it should have been.     The Concierge was very helpful and making the best out of a Covid cruise, but things were off.
For Dinner, we ate at Coastal Kitchen, Chops, Giovanni's Table, 150 Central Park and the Main Dining Room.    Each was a great meal.  Of all I think Giovanni's was the best.    On our next cruise, I think we'll go a bit lighter on dinner choices.    Great food but 7 nights of 3 courses (plus extras) was more food than we needed.  So maybe two specialty, MDR and pizza or hot dogs a couple of nights.  🙂
Mama Mia was the show in the main theater and was broadway quality.   The seats were very comfortable and maybe reclined a little to much and I had to fight from wanting to take a nap. 
The Ice show was fun.  Very talented skaters but the show it self was disjointed.  The "roll the dice" Segways between scenes lasted too long (over a minute once). 
The way they divided up the seating because of Covid for the Aqua show was a bit confusing but the show was incredible with several OMG how does she not fall? moments. 
We had fun hiding ducks around the ship.   At first we thought "why are we doing this silly thing" but one time, quite by accident we sat by the trellis bar after hiding a few and were able to watch the reactions of the kids (and kids at heart) find them and watched their reactions.   We'll do that again. 
We knew it before going on board, but the Suite deck was just a deck.  No pool.   Walked up there once.  Didn't use it.  The main pools were much more enticing.   
We got the drink package because it was $58/person/day and that worked out to our benefit.   Wouldn't do it again if it was over $90. 
We got the 100 picture package and only had 60 pictures taken so that was over kill. 
We got the Coco Beach Club package for about $80/person.  It was a great place.  We were one of the first ones there and almost last to leave.    Didn't see anything else of the island on this trip so next time we may skip that just so we can see the other parts of the island.   But well worth it and would do it again (not for $160/person though).
There are so many things we didn't get to do on the ship that it warrants another Oasis class trip for sure (which will be Harmony next October).
The staff was one of the best parts of the cruise.    Looking forward to seeing them again. 
Steve & Cheryl  
 
 

Last week at this time we were somewhere in the middle of the ocean.   Now I'm back at my desk and keyboard counting the days until the next trip (47 days on MSC's Meraviglia).
Thought I would share a couple of thoughts from the trip.
From the time we got to the luggage attendants at the port, we didn't stop walking until we were on Desk 8 for a stop at the Trellis Bar.  Very smooth boarding process.   Be prepared to show your vaccine card, ID and boarding pass (I used the phone app) several times.  I can understand why there's really no need for priority boarding any more even if you are in the suite level. 
Rooms were available early - around 1:15.  Luggage showed up some time in the afternoon but well before dinner. 
We Royaled up to a Crown Loft Suite on the 17th floor overlooking the Boardwalk.   I would do the suite again but would prefer a port or starboard view.   The crew on 17 was incredible and made Cheryl feel very special for her birthday cruise.   However the RoyalUp process is buggy - Our records were still attached to the old room.  The letters we had in the new room were for someone else.    For the first half of the cruise every time we gave our room number to someone, they greeted us with someone else's name.  
Expectations for Sky level were much higher than what reality ended up being.  Videos here and on other sites talked about some upgraded shampoos and other bathroom amenities.   That didn't happen.     We were expecting priority reservations for some of the shows.   That didn't happen - though with 2400 passengers on board, it wasn't an issue.    We were expecting concierge to help with reservations at some of the speciality restaurants.  That happened but was a much more complicated process than it should have been.     The Concierge was very helpful and making the best out of a Covid cruise, but things were off.
For Dinner, we ate at Coastal Kitchen, Chops, Giovanni's Table, 150 Central Park and the Main Dining Room.    Each was a great meal.  Of all I think Giovanni's was the best.    On our next cruise, I think we'll go a bit lighter on dinner choices.    Great food but 7 nights of 3 courses (plus extras) was more food than we needed.  So maybe two specialty, MDR and pizza or hot dogs a couple of nights.  🙂
Mama Mia was the show in the main theater and was broadway quality.   The seats were very comfortable and maybe reclined a little to much and I had to fight from wanting to take a nap. 
The Ice show was fun.  Very talented skaters but the show it self was disjointed.  The "roll the dice" Segways between scenes lasted too long (over a minute once). 
The way they divided up the seating because of Covid for the Aqua show was a bit confusing but the show was incredible with several OMG how does she not fall? moments. 
We had fun hiding ducks around the ship.   At first we thought "why are we doing this silly thing" but one time, quite by accident we sat by the trellis bar after hiding a few and were able to watch the reactions of the kids (and kids at heart) find them and watched their reactions.   We'll do that again. 
We knew it before going on board, but the Suite deck was just a deck.  No pool.   Walked up there once.  Didn't use it.  The main pools were much more enticing.   
We got the drink package because it was $58/person/day and that worked out to our benefit.   Wouldn't do it again if it was over $90. 
We got the 100 picture package and only had 60 pictures taken so that was over kill. 
We got the Coco Beach Club package for about $80/person.  It was a great place.  We were one of the first ones there and almost last to leave.    Didn't see anything else of the island on this trip so next time we may skip that just so we can see the other parts of the island.   But well worth it and would do it again (not for $160/person though).
There are so many things we didn't get to do on the ship that it warrants another Oasis class trip for sure (which will be Harmony next October).
The staff was one of the best parts of the cruise.    Looking forward to seeing them again. 
Steve & Cheryl  
 
 

Last week at this time we were somewhere in the middle of the ocean.   Now I'm back at my desk and keyboard counting the days until the next trip (47 days on MSC's Meraviglia).
Thought I would share a couple of thoughts from the trip.
From the time we got to the luggage attendants at the port, we didn't stop walking until we were on Desk 8 for a stop at the Trellis Bar.  Very smooth boarding process.   Be prepared to show your vaccine card, ID and boarding pass (I used the phone app) several times.  I can understand why there's really no need for priority boarding any more even if you are in the suite level. 
Rooms were available early - around 1:15.  Luggage showed up some time in the afternoon but well before dinner. 
We Royaled up to a Crown Loft Suite on the 17th floor overlooking the Boardwalk.   I would do the suite again but would prefer a port or starboard view.   The crew on 17 was incredible and made Cheryl feel very special for her birthday cruise.   However the RoyalUp process is buggy - Our records were still attached to the old room.  The letters we had in the new room were for someone else.    For the first half of the cruise every time we gave our room number to someone, they greeted us with someone else's name.  
Expectations for Sky level were much higher than what reality ended up being.  Videos here and on other sites talked about some upgraded shampoos and other bathroom amenities.   That didn't happen.     We were expecting priority reservations for some of the shows.   That didn't happen - though with 2400 passengers on board, it wasn't an issue.    We were expecting concierge to help with reservations at some of the speciality restaurants.  That happened but was a much more complicated process than it should have been.     The Concierge was very helpful and making the best out of a Covid cruise, but things were off.
For Dinner, we ate at Coastal Kitchen, Chops, Giovanni's Table, 150 Central Park and the Main Dining Room.    Each was a great meal.  Of all I think Giovanni's was the best.    On our next cruise, I think we'll go a bit lighter on dinner choices.    Great food but 7 nights of 3 courses (plus extras) was more food than we needed.  So maybe two specialty, MDR and pizza or hot dogs a couple of nights.  🙂
Mama Mia was the show in the main theater and was broadway quality.   The seats were very comfortable and maybe reclined a little to much and I had to fight from wanting to take a nap. 
The Ice show was fun.  Very talented skaters but the show it self was disjointed.  The "roll the dice" Segways between scenes lasted too long (over a minute once). 
The way they divided up the seating because of Covid for the Aqua show was a bit confusing but the show was incredible with several OMG how does she not fall? moments. 
We had fun hiding ducks around the ship.   At first we thought "why are we doing this silly thing" but one time, quite by accident we sat by the trellis bar after hiding a few and were able to watch the reactions of the kids (and kids at heart) find them and watched their reactions.   We'll do that again. 
We knew it before going on board, but the Suite deck was just a deck.  No pool.   Walked up there once.  Didn't use it.  The main pools were much more enticing.   
We got the drink package because it was $58/person/day and that worked out to our benefit.   Wouldn't do it again if it was over $90. 
We got the 100 picture package and only had 60 pictures taken so that was over kill. 
We got the Coco Beach Club package for about $80/person.  It was a great place.  We were one of the first ones there and almost last to leave.    Didn't see anything else of the island on this trip so next time we may skip that just so we can see the other parts of the island.   But well worth it and would do it again (not for $160/person though).
There are so many things we didn't get to do on the ship that it warrants another Oasis class trip for sure (which will be Harmony next October).
The staff was one of the best parts of the cruise.    Looking forward to seeing them again. 
Steve & Cheryl  
 
 

Last week at this time we were somewhere in the middle of the ocean.   Now I'm back at my desk and keyboard counting the days until the next trip (47 days on MSC's Meraviglia).
Thought I would share a couple of thoughts from the trip.
From the time we got to the luggage attendants at the port, we didn't stop walking until we were on Desk 8 for a stop at the Trellis Bar.  Very smooth boarding process.   Be prepared to show your vaccine card, ID and boarding pass (I used the phone app) several times.  I can understand why there's really no need for priority boarding any more even if you are in the suite level. 
Rooms were available early - around 1:15.  Luggage showed up some time in the afternoon but well before dinner. 
We Royaled up to a Crown Loft Suite on the 17th floor overlooking the Boardwalk.   I would do the suite again but would prefer a port or starboard view.   The crew on 17 was incredible and made Cheryl feel very special for her birthday cruise.   However the RoyalUp process is buggy - Our records were still attached to the old room.  The letters we had in the new room were for someone else.    For the first half of the cruise every time we gave our room number to someone, they greeted us with someone else's name.  
Expectations for Sky level were much higher than what reality ended up being.  Videos here and on other sites talked about some upgraded shampoos and other bathroom amenities.   That didn't happen.     We were expecting priority reservations for some of the shows.   That didn't happen - though with 2400 passengers on board, it wasn't an issue.    We were expecting concierge to help with reservations at some of the speciality restaurants.  That happened but was a much more complicated process than it should have been.     The Concierge was very helpful and making the best out of a Covid cruise, but things were off.
For Dinner, we ate at Coastal Kitchen, Chops, Giovanni's Table, 150 Central Park and the Main Dining Room.    Each was a great meal.  Of all I think Giovanni's was the best.    On our next cruise, I think we'll go a bit lighter on dinner choices.    Great food but 7 nights of 3 courses (plus extras) was more food than we needed.  So maybe two specialty, MDR and pizza or hot dogs a couple of nights.  🙂
Mama Mia was the show in the main theater and was broadway quality.   The seats were very comfortable and maybe reclined a little to much and I had to fight from wanting to take a nap. 
The Ice show was fun.  Very talented skaters but the show it self was disjointed.  The "roll the dice" Segways between scenes lasted too long (over a minute once). 
The way they divided up the seating because of Covid for the Aqua show was a bit confusing but the show was incredible with several OMG how does she not fall? moments. 
We had fun hiding ducks around the ship.   At first we thought "why are we doing this silly thing" but one time, quite by accident we sat by the trellis bar after hiding a few and were able to watch the reactions of the kids (and kids at heart) find them and watched their reactions.   We'll do that again. 
We knew it before going on board, but the Suite deck was just a deck.  No pool.   Walked up there once.  Didn't use it.  The main pools were much more enticing.   
We got the drink package because it was $58/person/day and that worked out to our benefit.   Wouldn't do it again if it was over $90. 
We got the 100 picture package and only had 60 pictures taken so that was over kill. 
We got the Coco Beach Club package for about $80/person.  It was a great place.  We were one of the first ones there and almost last to leave.    Didn't see anything else of the island on this trip so next time we may skip that just so we can see the other parts of the island.   But well worth it and would do it again (not for $160/person though).
There are so many things we didn't get to do on the ship that it warrants another Oasis class trip for sure (which will be Harmony next October).
The staff was one of the best parts of the cruise.    Looking forward to seeing them again. 
Steve & Cheryl