Censored

39 minutes ago, cruisellama said:

I think we got that price too.    We found it a good deal, nice lounge chairs on the beach, less congested when we were there - really enjoyed the meal.

There are so many loungers without congestion all over the Island.  After having walked through Coco Beach Club with 2 ships, I actually thought it congested itself. Loungers and nice day beds around the pool all taken ( seated or reserved with towels and books)  . The ocean water and beach sand is all the same. The pool was also quite crowded, but it was a nice infinity pool.  Food meh?  lower grade lobster and beef.  Im good with a crispy chicken sandwich or tacos, burgers etc.....there's enough food to go back to on the ship. So for me, its not worth it even at a discounted price.  

36 minutes ago, JasonOasis said:

Your first cruise on Oasis of the Seas you are going to have a so much fun while onboard, soak it up and enjoy every minute of it, because you blink and the cruise is over.  Great choice for your first cruise and enjoy, enjoy, enjoy yourself.

As far as the DBP there are some drinks that are not included but you will only be charged the difference but for the most part depending on what you drink you should not have to worry about being charged for drinks while onboard.

No worries. Just watch your wine selection. 

I would agree with the other responses in going direct. Or if you are in a suite, use your concierge.  I dont do specialty restaurants, as there is more than enough free food of good quality throughout the ship. My recent experience in speaking with patrons however is  "the sooner you book the better"  They fill fast!  Some people could not get the restaurant date and time they wanted. 

7 hours ago, ChrisK2793 said:

I’m starting to rethink doing the pre-paids myself.  We’ve been on Symphony since Saturday and thanks to this thread ….. this is the first cruise where  I’ve kept track of what we’ve been giving out on our own in cash tips …….. between room stewards, suite concierge, bartenders, specialty dining servers, and a few others we’re at over $900 in cash tips above the pre-paids….. and at least I know the people actually got the tips, I handed out because really I have no idea what they end up getting from Royal out of the pre-paids, ….. maybe it’s only pennies on the dollar, especially after taxes are taken out as well as what Royal may or may not keep out of the pre-paids.

 

I dont know what kind of service you are getting , but that sounds very very high.  If you are getting your hair done, or spa services , then perhaps, but for simple dining and cleaning your room and drinks?   You are high. Not that there is anything wrong with that. If you have money to burn and appreciate the staff and have a philanthropist  spirit in you then knock yourself out.  Note that some luxury cruise lines include tips , so if your tip level is up near $2,000 then perhaps that money should go toward that kind of cruise? just sayin    

14 hours ago, SpeedNoodles said:

I would do it again if I could get access for under $80.  We had a cabana, which was amazing (and we got that at a record deal as well, that'd be hard to pass up).

Well, if you are a "lounger" kind of person thats great. I like to be out and about, check out the main pool, float in the ocean bay, check out the floating bar etc...   Those lower prices were a one off I think, and still too high for my liking.  I would pay $25 ...and I know that won't happen.

I tip for drinks all day. I give cash$$$ to my room steward. I tip cash to my server at dinner.

I do not pre pay anything and not ashamed to say so.

On 2/13/2022 at 9:15 PM, SpeedNoodles said:

It's rare to find it at at that low price.  I'd say it's worth it if you want a quiet place to park yourself for the day.  We really enjoyed it.

Canadians have to do the conversion on dollars. Right now its $199 US  that's $266 CAD   NOPE,  NEVER.   should be for suite guests,,,with some bbq . But Ilm glad you enjoyed it. Would you do it again?

7 hours ago, BrianB said:

Anthem and Oasis out of Port Liberty….usually 1-2pm. Sometimes later, but there was a reason, such as the ship was delayed and they didn’t start disembarkation until later. And they don’t usually allow access until all the rooms are ready. That’s easier than having guests trudging down the hallways with their carry-ons checking on their rooms. That interferes with the crew as they deal with piles of laundry bags in the hall and run from cabin to cabin trying to finish. Turnaround day is a big day for them!

As I usually get a suite, Im assuming they have priority and are done first? Further my recent cruises have been at 30- 50 percent capacity . Sometimes they lock the doors to the hallways. Ive been lucky since October.  Yes turnaround day is a more hectic time for them. If Im let in by the steward, he gets rewarded instantly.$$$

1 hour ago, SpeedNoodles said:

But what about Quantum Class ships, where the Suite Lounge and Coastal Kitchen aren't near each other? Would those drinks still be included?

 

Ill be checking it out on Anthem in a few days!

31 minutes ago, Elway730 said:

We're looking at booking a cruise for next year.  I found a 5 night cruise on Grandeur with stops in Labadee and Key West.  However, my travel agent said that any cruise with Key West on its itinerary will reschedule that stop.  Any idea what the deal is? Thanks! 

Ill be doing the Grandeur beginning March 20 out of Barbados for 4 weeks B2B!! can't wait for that one!

6 hours ago, BrianB said:

@EddySell your home and live on the ship! Easy peasy...you're welcome!🛳

$100,000 per year.... sure easy peasy...

With the recent tragedy aboard the Carnival Valor , I was wondering how often this happens ?  25 people  over board per year?  200 deaths per year ? Here’s a linkhttps://www.sealawyers.com/blog/2021/12/the-rates-of-deaths-and-injuries-on-cruise-ships/ 

16 minutes ago, fa-li said:

Wait, wine is included at CK?

Yes wine and I think cocktails  liqueurs,  and fresh squeezed orange juice for breakfast . And expresso based coffees 

Im a Canadian living in Toronto.  Most of my cruises involve a 7 hour drive to Bayonne New Jersey.  Im considering either buying or renting a place in Florida as I simply dont want to do winter anymore in Canada.  Im looking for recommendations  for best cities to live in perhaps a 55 plus kind of community,  with not too much congestion, easy driving time to ports,  safe, low taxes/fees  low crime rates , reasonably priced .  Royal Caribbean will be the brand of course along with Celebrity.

16 hours ago, bakingbad3 said:

I took my first solo cruise and my first Royal Caribbean cruise on the Feb 6 sailing out of Miami on Oasis of the Seas.  What follows is a stream of consciousness list of thoughts, reflections, and recommendations.  Reading other posts like these helped me prepare for my cruise, so I hope I can pay that forward. I apologize in advance for the novel!

First some background about me.  I am divorced, in my mid-30s, and have two young children at home.  I am an outgoing introvert. I enjoy a little gambling, a little drinking, a little physical activity, and trivia and games. I am not a huge fan of shows or live music. I enjoy exploring on my own.

Cruising solo was one of the most amazing experiences of my life.  I would highly recommend it to anybody, but particularly to people who can enjoy their own company.  That being said, I was shocked at how easy it was to meet people on the boat. I exchanged numbers with at least 5 different people, and learned more names in a week that I did all year. The easiest way to meet people for me at least was during trivia games (ask to be on someone’s team), or just striking up a conversation at dinner (the tables are close together) or at the bar.  I feel like everyone has their guard down and is much more willing to talk on a cruise, and it was easy to connect with people. I was invited to meals and to join people in their activities just about every day.

I originally booked an interior cabin, but was lucky enough to get upgraded to a spacious oceanview balcony.  I would not pay for the upgrade in the future, but that’s just me.  I barely spent any time on the balcony. I would probably turn down an upgrade to a boardwalk or central park balcony, simply because of the lack of privacy. I don’t think the deck you’re on would make too much of a difference, but I loved being smack dab in the middle of the ship.  Less foot traffic in front of my door, and I could get to both sets of elevators easily.

I had a list of everything I wanted to do during the cruise before I even got on the plane.  I didn’t plan out each day in detail, but the night before I would look at the Cruise Compass to see what was open and what was happening the following day. I made it a goal to do at least one of my “must do” things each day, and by day 6 I had done everything I set out to do. 

1)      Trivia: I missed the first day or two in my rush to see everything, and I wish I had been more willing to slow down on those early days and attend these. They were a ton of fun and a great way to meet people. Good variety of topics, with about half of the sessions being general trivia and the other half specialized, like name that Disney tune, Star Wars trivia, or TV theme songs.

2)      Games: there were only a few games onboard, and I hope they increase the number as Covid restrictions roll back. We had Scattegories, Who Wants to Feel Like a Millionaire, and the Blankety Blank game (like Quiplash if you do Jackbox), and all were a lot of fun, even as a spectator.

3)      Rock wall: I did this a few times throughout the cruise. The hours were fairly limited, and only one side of the ship was ever open. They will also close it for wind or rain.

4)      Casino tournaments: I did both the slots and the blackjack tournament. They are a fun way to stretch $25 into a good amount of time if you spectate all the rounds.  I don’t like the fact that Royal won’t increase the payout (or add 2^nd and 3^rd place wins) for a higher number of players.  The re-buy, especially on slots, also adds to the feeling that it’s a money grab. But still fun.

5)      Main Dining Room: I didn’t eat here until day 3, but once I did I was hooked.  It’s basically like a free meal at Applebees or Outback Steakhouse every night. Service was excellent, food was on par with casual restaurants in the USA, selection was impressive. Don’t be afraid to go solo. I enjoyed eating here more than the Windjammer as a solo cruiser. I brought a book to read and it was very relaxing and enjoyable.  I also don’t think I ever spent more than an hour at my table.

6)      Escape Room: I lucked into doing this, as I hadn’t originally planned on it. I was invited to fill in a cancellation from one of the new friends I met on board.  This was probably the most fun in a single hour I had all cruise. I’ve done a few escape rooms in the USA, and the one on Oasis blew them all away. The production values in the room are incredible, the puzzles were satisfying, and the way it is structured really prevents one or two people from monopolizing the entire room and running the show.  Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys a puzzle or brainteaser from time to time and has a little bit of a competitive edge. The host also did a great job of dropping a few hints when we were getting close on time.  Seriously, such a fun time. Book the escape room!

7)      Flowrider: this was way harder than I thought it would be, but maybe that’s just because I’m a klutz. One thing to note – you should dedicate a decent chunk of time to this activity. You need to sign up at the kiosk by the Wipeout Bar, sign a waiver, and watch the safety video. Then you get in line.  Each person gets a few minutes, so if there are 10 people in front of you (not uncommon) you might have a 30 minute wait.  I only went once and then checked it off the list.

      Water slides: these are actually a lot of fun! I thought they would be “token” slides for kids especially compared to what’s on Coco Cay, but I enjoyed them. Did each of them twice and then checked them off the list.

9)      Magic show: this was decent, our magician was very theatrical and used a lot of humor, but he also had some of those “big props” tricks to go along with the standard card and rope tricks. 

10)   Stand-up comedy: I’m a huge fan any time, so I had to make sure I saw the shows.  Both performers were solid, one better than the other, but I definitely enjoyed it!  The adult show is *extremely* adult, so if you’re not a fan of raunchy bedroom humor, maybe stick to the family show.

11)   Coco Cay waterpark: definitely worth what I paid ($45) especially considering the number of people in the park (virtually none).  We were the only ship there, and with only ~3300 pax the island and the park felt downright empty. I was able to ride every slide with minimal waits. Not sure I would pay $90 to do it on a day with two full ships in port.  The slides are great, so if you are a huge fan of water parks, factor that in.  I missed having a lazy river.  Maybe a future upgrade to the island.

12)   Coco Cay floating bar: this is just too cool.  I spent a few hours drinking here, and it is definitely worth the hike to South Beach and the swim out to the bar.  Tuck some cash under your hat for tips and you might get treated to some mystery drinks as the bartenders empty out some bottles towards the end of the day.

13)   Volleyball: this is my favorite sport to play, and I was able to do it on Coco Cay and on the boat.  Pay attention to the Cruise Compass for the hours, because they don’t come around often.  Good blend of casual and serious players, and we had a decent 5v5 and 4v4 going.  Maybe don’t give 100% and dive for anything – on Coco Cay the sand is really rough with sharp shells and I am still dealing with a gnarly scab as I type this a week later.

14)   Snorkeling: I was ambivalent about this, but when I saw the number of lifeguards stationed at floating platforms way out in the bay, I had the confidence to go ahead and rent some gear.  Some interesting things to see, as well as a decent amount of marine life.

Coco Cay blew me away, and I can’t wait to come back.  Such a well-executed island. I love the resort/amusement park feel.  If you are looking for a natural beach experience, you might be disappointed, though there are quiet spots.

I rented a car in Roatan and hired a guide to ride shotgun.  Really fun way for me personally to spend the day.  I didn’t care to do any of the activities on the island, I just wanted to see the entire thing and explore a bit, and that is exactly what we did.  I had a Toyota Land Cruiser which cost me $80 for the day.  Plus the tip to the guide (plan on at least $100, double if you feel they earned it) and $10 worth of gas.  Really cool experience driving around the entire island, which should only take a couple hours to do.  I would highly recommend the guide I hired – fluent English speaker and has been at it for 13 years.  Marcus Brooks from BIPTGA is his name.  We also had plenty of time to fit in the zip lines or the chocolate factory or whatever, had I wanted to stop.

I have always wanted to sail an Oasis-class ship since they were first launched, and I was not disappointed. The ship itself was incredible.  It did not feel like it was as old as it is. Royal takes great care of their ships, and I struggled to find any flaws or signs of age.  The entire ship was spotless and the crew kept is sparkling clean the entire week.  I love the variety of free food offered onboard and did not feel like I was missing out on specialty dining.  I did book Izumi Hibachi but feel conflicted about recommending it.  The food was fantastic, but the show was mostly just a bunch of jokes and puns with a few very tame tricks.  No fire, no incredible creations on the grill, and no food thrown into your mouth.  I don’t feel it was worth the extra money.

I spent most of my drinking time at the Globe and Atlas and at Vintages, depending on my mood.  For a louder and more typical bar experience, Globe and Atlas can’t be beat.  But I kept finding myself back in Vintages to recharge.  There is never any live music in there, and what they do play on the speakers is quiet.  The bar is a relaxed place that never got very busy, so I would drift back there often to read or just recharge (closet introvert here, remember).

I purchased the Deluxe Beverage Package and while I do feel like I came out ahead, I certainly didn’t blow their margins out of the water.  7 days of heavy drinking was pretty exhausting, and I found myself holding off on that first drink until 3 or 4 in the afternoon.  I would definitely recommend the Refreshment Package, as I drank a ton of club soda and could grab a can of Coke or water whenever I felt like it. I also got a few non-alcoholic drinks, including juice from Vitality Spa and a smoothie and hot chocolate.  Having the drink package also made me less inclined to drink in port, which I suppose is part of the cruise experience.  I paid $58/day and would not pay more than this for the package for a 7 night cruise.  I was able to try several new drinks on board, but at the end of the day booze is booze and I always fell back to my favorites.  If you’re a tequila drinker, ask for Patron. The bottom shelf tequila is horrible. I suppose I would get it again at this price if I cruised solo in the future or with a drinking buddy, but certainly not with family.

I made a decent donation to the casino, mostly on slots and blackjack.  Stick to the $15 dollar tables as they pay 3 to 2 for blackjack.  Splitting aces only allows one card, which is frustrating when you end up with a 13 and a 14.  It was difficult to find a slot machine that offered the max payout for less than $2 a pull.  They are there though, and I managed to hit a $625 jackpot on a 50 cent pull.  Gave it all back, of course!

I am a hiker and backpacker and there is a saying in that community of “Hike Your Own Hike.” The idea being that there is no right or wrong way to enjoy yourself in the woods.  Skip a difficult part, go slow, take whatever heavy gear makes you happy, etc.  I feel like this attitude should apply to cruising as well, so Cruise Your Own Cruise!  What I mean by that is don’t be afraid to skip the things that you’re not really excited about.  I know it’s probably shocking to some, but I never saw the Aqua 80 show, Cats, the ice show, or the headliner. I never sat and listened to any live music. I never got in a pool or a hot tub, and I never ate at a few of the free venues or ordered room service.  These things just didn’t interest me, and there was always something else going on that I preferred doing. I have no regrets for missing these things, so don’t feel like there is anything you *must* do. Just follow your sense of adventure and go towards what interests you most. I can’t wait for my next cruise!

Im 63 and lost count on how many cruises I've done. Excellent summarization on your first cruise experience that im sure a lot of first timers can learn from. There are many things I have not done on the Oasis class of ships as well., and I never let that bother me. Not even one specialty restaurant. Sorry about your divorce. (been there done that)  but for you to go solo and have this type of experience speaks volumes and you are obviously on your way through the healing process. Perhaps now you are hooked, and cant wait for your next cruise? Im sure you missed your children and wished you brought them too.  Cheers!

13 minutes ago, BrianB said:

@bakingbad3  I’m at 84 cruises now, 80 since 2015. Virtually all of them have been solo. Your description is excellent and exactly on point. Many people are nervous about solo cruising but it really is a heck of a lifestyle. Every cruise is a brand new experience with new opportunities to meet different people…or not. Sometimes I just feel like being anonymous and people-watch. The crew is always phenomenal and many become friends as they do their multi-month contracts and I see them again and again. In some ways it’s like coming home seeing their friendly faces…even with the masks…and yet I still get to see and meet new people every cruise. When people ask me isn’t it lonely cruising solo…I tell them I may be solo, but I’m never alone. I hope you get hooked and have the opportunity to do it again, and again! It only gets better!

I would agree with you. There is a difference in being alone and being lonely.

28 minutes ago, twangster said:

The recent approach has been for the cabin attendants to service the cabins early then all crew leave the guest areas so they can fog these areas with a mist that attempts to eliminate any virus that is present.  No one should want to inhale the fog chemicals so the guest hallways remain sealed absent of crew while the chemicals do their thing.

After time it is safe to reopen the guest hallways.  

The extra time keeping guests out of their cabins is used to minimize spread.

I checked Royal's website on this protocol you post. I find nothing about "fogging"  https://www.royalcaribbean.com/the-healthy-sail-center/cruises-health-and-safety

Baha Mar is a 1,000-acre resort complex on the island of New Providence in The Bahamas. Owned by Hong Kong-based Chow Tai Fook Enterprises, the establishment opened in April 2017.  Anybody done a day pass at the Hyatt or Rosewood?  Looks like an awesome place to check out. https://bahamar.com

On 2/16/2022 at 8:15 PM, tlk said:

First time in Nassau, family of 4.  Been looking at some of the Royal Carribean excursions in the cruise planner.  Nonenof them seem that exciting.  The dolphin excersion would be a hit with the kids, but difficult to justify the price.  I'm sure they would have just as good a time with a beach day.  Any recommendations for a beach day with easy access to food and drinks or another excursion even non Royal Carribean sponsored.

This question comes up all the time. Theres really not much to do other than enjoy the sun, beach ocean etc....Matt always seems to recommend  hanging out at the blue lagoon or one of the hotels along the beach strip.  Im a gambler, so Ive been visiting the newest and most elaborate casino/hotel complex anywhere in the caribbean. its called Baha Mar.  You can get a day pass for your family im sure. Ive wake through the whole place and its stunning. Better option for those who are thinking of Atlantis.    Numerous restaurants throughout with first class 5 star cuisine,  pools, beach, etc.   I took the bus of a dollar and change,  a short walk from the ship to bus depot.  You can phone the hotels in advance ( recommended) to make sure.  Here's a link...... https://bahamar.com

3 hours ago, Jack S said:

On embarkation day, recently have rooms been ready right away?

Or is there a wait?

Ive been on multiple cruises since October -dec  and  got lucky . room was ready by noon.  Luggage can arrive quite late, so I bring mine.

1 hour ago, jbrinkm said:

Wondering where y'all eat breakfast the last morning (if you do)? Is it your usual breakfast spot on the ship, or somewhere else?

I remember eating in the dining room that morning once (we had a later flight and were last off of the ship that time). Is that still an option? It was really nice.

I think most people go to the windjammer buffet.  They can just grab and go.  If your flight is later in the afternoon, then certainly the MDR might be more relaxed.  I drive, so it all depends how I feel that morning. 

33 minutes ago, Lovetocruise2002 said:

Oh no, I'm going to Shopper's Drug Mart for pre-cruise test.  I will use Switch Health for the way home.

wallmart $19.95. Shoppers $40

8 hours ago, PG Cruiser said:

@SaveTheSharks,  there's a wire cable with a threaded closure that comes with each sleeve

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01E4SQNU4/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

thx for this!

5 hours ago, BrianAlt said:

I wouldn't go so far as to say, "meh!"  But I understand the sentiment.  I think it's good, but it's not specialty restaurant good.  I appreciate the more personalized service.  It's nice having a private dining space.  I enjoy it, but it's not like I'm blown away.

I have yet to experience any "mind blowing" culinary  experience on ships.  Please do share...maybe Im missing something?     Most of the food is very good. 

26 minutes ago, CruisingNewb said:

There is an inherent problem with public food reviews these days.  The problem is that because of the internet and wide accessibilities to sites like this one, everyone becomes a food critic.  This is not to say you shouldn't have an opinion, but I have read and trusted too many reviews (Yelp, and others) and felt the exact opposite of many of these reviews.  

Guess my point is, I hope that everyone continues to share opinions, but I also hope that new cruisers (or cruisers new to RCCL, etc.) are still willing to try and explore for themselves.  I would rather state an opinion that is specific to my taste and leave it open for others to try, than try to use loaded words and phrases to deter others from trying.

BTW-never eaten at CK, but it is already on my list to try when I get on board!

With mountains shared on social media,I think that expert reviews are essential. I wonder how chef Ramsay would rate cruise food? Some may argue that most restaurant-goers these days prefer Google, Yelp and Instagram for quick points about the menu and ambiance, and care less about the quality, preparation method and historical context of the food itself. Social media has changed the nature of food criticism. Unlike food critics, public online reviews can state whether civilian diners found a meal to be simply good or bad, without necessarily explaining, or even understanding, why those opinions were formed. In other cases, online reviews act as a quick overview of the restaurant’s menu offerings, service and atmosphere, often relying on photos without any written expert assessment of the actual food. Everybody thinks they can write about food—and they often don’t have the background. I have found it difficult to find "expert" or professional reviews  for cruise ships in general. I checked "cruise critic" forum on this , and most of the positive reviews were for the luxury lines. Royals only favourable mention was the Italian burger at Jamie Olivers. Go figure.    I personally enjoy the variety, and enjoy many things on board that I don't make at home...I don't have lobster, escargot, Beef Wellington, etc at home, but I certainly enjoy it on a cruise where I don't have to spend a fortune on groceries, cooking, etc.