Censored

Not proctored. Not for travel. Not good for Canadians at all.  I bet Don finally found his test in Ottawa at the local Wallmart. $19.95 CAD

Disembarking is a concerning issue for us Canadians to.  No more comped tests. PCR at the terminal $210 PP 

5 hours ago, cruisellama said:

They charge a lot for cabanas because people will pay it.  its a discretionary activity - it can make sense for those traveling with a family or group.  

Yes, perhaps for large groups,, but there are only a few loungers in the Cabana. The cost of the Cabana equals the cost of another cruise. The value equation does not work for me. 

5 hours ago, JasonOasis said:

Our check-in time was 12 - 12:30 we arrived at 12:15 and the line was already around the building we went to the front the line assuming some of the people who arrived early were being told to wait out side the employee said it was first come first serve and went simply we to the end of the line.  I'm glad that hasn't been your experience but I never arrive at a cruise port before 12 noon and the 3 times I've cruised out of Bayonne even the 2 times before COVID the lines are simply ridiculous the terminal isn't big enough. 

Sorry about that experience!  I think they have been very strict about check in times now to avoid that. I thought the terminal was actually very big.  Lines can be long, but its the length of time that matters. How long did you have to wait?

I live in Toronto. I have the same issues.  Mine is Drive or Fly?   Im doing a B2B Feb 20,  and I love to fly from Billy Bishop Airport in Toronto. The flight is an hour, with no line ups and easy boarding. I arrive one hour before the flight.   The problem is getting the PCR test after the cruise as Royal have stopped their complimentary testing . The charged last I checked at the Bayonne terminal is $210 US  !  ouch!     Convert that to CAD for a family of 4!   I have no idea how long the results take . For me the logistics of the whole thing is simply too stressful. I have decided to drive and pay $300 for parking,  pay the fuel to drive 6-7 hours to and from Toronto.  I will try a rapid test at a local Walgreens in Buffalo or Niagara Falls New York and try my luck. If  worse comes to worse I will stay at the local Seneca Niagara Resort and Casino to figure things out. 

5 hours ago, Matt said:

Your opinions on certain amenities/offerings sound like they may not appeal to you, but that doesn't mean there aren't lots of others that enjoy them.

As an example, you could not pay me to go on the Flowrider. I have no interest in it, but I know there's lots of others that like it. Different strokes for different folks.

So I don't think these areas/options are a waste. Just not your cup of tea. 

Of course I know that there are others who like things I don't like. The premise of the question was pointing to the investment cost and overall usage of the venue/activity  to determine if it was a good idea, or a bad one.   One day I will muster up the courage to do the flowrider.  

4 hours ago, twangster said:

Not every feature or activity appeals to every single cruiser.  That's actually the point, that is the design.  

When you have 5,000 guests you'll never find one activity that appeals to everyone.  The entire concept of Oasis class was to spread out those 5,000 guests so they aren't all trying to do the same thing at the same time.  Royal Caribbean provides a multigenerational family cruise experience.  In order to do that they need to provide activities that will appeal to each generation.   Grandparents may not climb a rock wall but they can watch their grandkids do it.

At the same time on a typical Oasis class cruise there are just over 50% of the guests that have never been on any Royal ship.  The Bionic Bar may be a gimmick to you but it is something that can be marketed as a feature that is appealing to someone who has never seen it before and never been on a Royal ship. 

The Suite Sun Deck isn't packed every cruise but to say it is never used is not accurate.   Why would a suite guest pay a premium for access to a suite sun deck if it was small and packed and you could never get a seat?  They've sized it so that suite guests can usually get a lounger if they want one.  However not all suite guests are sun seekers who want to layout in the sun.  This will vary one cruise to the next.

When someone who has never cruised before looks to pick a cruise ship and cruise line it is often the small details that can sway them into choosing Royal Caribbean.   There are guests who only book Royal just for the Flowriders.  If waiting in line for a Flowrider isn't your thing those guests appreciate you since that means there is one less guest lining up for it - they are very popular.  

There are activities that small kids can't do because of their size and there are activities that old folks won't want to do because of their age.  In the middle are guests that will be drawn to one activity or another based on their personal level of activity and different classes of ships provide different activities for the same reason - so that all kinds of different people can find something that appeals to them.

A very thoughtful and insightful answer.  Im sure the researchers for Royal have figured out the math on how much these venue/activities are used.  I hardly saw anybody going down the "dry slides " on Oasis. Rock climbing always sporadic.   The suite sun deck has potential for great improvement .Regardless, different strokes for different folks.... Royal does an amazing job to appeal to many.  Thx!

1 hour ago, VACruiser said:

Because there will be so many new Diamond and Diamond + members in the future, due to the double point sailings, I wonder if the benefits will be watered down in the future to save costs?

I think you are right here. Lots of people catapulted to Diamond status with double points especially if you had suites.  My wife does not drink so now I get 12 free drinks a day... .   I think that includes fresh squeezed orange juice and starbucks coffee ... right?

Do you think the perks and benefits for all the levels within this program need some changes?   Pinnacle seems unattainable for most, unless you live to be 90 years of age and cruise every month !   I met one gentleman who was a pinnacle at age 44!!!  What!?    I think if you live in Florida, and go on a lot of weekend cruises, along with week cruises is how he does it.   Do you think there should be a another level created between Diamond Plus and Pinnacle? 

I think there are internal levels of Diamond Plus and Pinnacle not posted.   Super Mario is the highest of all.  

Prior to Covid, I recall you could check in earlier if you were Pinnacle, Diamond, Diamond Plus or booked a suite.  Has any of that reinstated?  Or is it strictly by a reservation on the app....first come first served basis?    No loyalty perks here?

33 minutes ago, JasonOasis said:

I've only taken 3 Royal Caribbean cruises out of Bayonne including the cruise I'm on now (all my other cruises have either been out of Florida or out of Europe) and Bayonne cruise terminal the check-in process is still the mess that I remember from a few years back.  When we cruised on Symphony a few months ago out of Miami check-in was smooth there were no long lines. That was not the case at Bayonne the line stretched around the terminal because everyone showed up nearly at the same time and they just did first come first served check-in time didn't matter at all.  Everyone showed up and check-in and was onboard so early that we actually left Bayonne earlier than our scheduled departure time. The captain came over the PA about 45 minutes early to announce they were closing the doors everyone is onboard and we would be casting off shortly.

Royal definitely needs to take another look at their terminal in Bayonne because once they do go to 100% capacity a fully load Oasis of the Seas leaving Bayonne in the summer the check-in process is going to be a nightmare.    

Most of my cruises came out of Bayonne. I did not experience what you post.  4 cruises in Nov-DEC  2021.  I arrive mostly at 11-12, never waited more than 15 minutes at most.  I check in the earliest on the app as soon as I get the email for check in.   

13 hours ago, Floski said:

So, if I'm in a Balcony (only Platinum until after our March cruise, if that matters), we can't eat at CK?

 

I believe I may want to be insulted. 

 

ETA:  I applied to be a junior member of The Suite Snob Mob but my application was denied. 

Only for suite guest.  Junior suite dinner only

Have you ever noticed how some venues on board look like they took a lot of time and money to create on a cruise ship?  On Oasis class ships there are up to 6,000 cruisers or more.  Ask yourself how many of those people went rock climbing??    Waited in line for the flow rider?  Played mini golf?  The north star... sky pad  etc etc....  The sky deck for suite guests are hardly used.. with an empty bar at most times.  Private loungers in a sealed off area extremely hot, no pool,   ...the whole area to me is just poorly planned.    NCL has the "haven" Is that a better idea?  The robotic drink makers.... Ive watched it, but dont get it.  That novelty wears off quickly...... to me a waste.   Agree? Disagree?

I

Ive heard this rumour, and if its true, it makes sense.  They do it in Labadee, why not Coco Cay?   Suites come at a premium... for some a huge premium, so why should they pay extra for an area like the "Coco Beach Club"?    I walked through there....and it was nice, but IMO not worth the extra $$$.   Its the same sand, the same water, ok they have different loungers  ( some are with cushions and Im sure you must arrive early to get those)  and a nice but small infinity pool that can become crowded.  Along with that a superior offering of food.     The cabanas on the water are ridiculously priced and are for people with money to burn or want to be Fiji tourist wannabes .  Its not the same.  And certainly not worth $2,000 plus IMO.  I like Coco Cay... it needs some refinement. The sand feels artificial. Its not smooth powdery white like the rest of Bahamas.The water is murky along most of the shoreline including the manmade bay.   Ive been there 5 times, and each time someone steps on a sea urchin, and you must watch out for baby sharks, manta rays etc.....  My wife spotted a few of these creatures and now refuses to swim on the shorelines . We go to the bay area where it is netted off to keep the creepy crawlies away.  Personally I enjoy the massive pool area.   All in all I prefer Coco Cay to Labadee .   What say you?

10 hours ago, twangster said:

I think Royal has found a good balance that brings value for the vacation dollars spent.  A luxury cruise experience sounds great but they costs luxurious dollars.  A budget cruise sounds easy on the wallet but are often too budget oriented - you get what you pay for, or not.  

Certain companies I gel with.  I have tried other lines, several of them as I sought to check out the grass to see if it was greener over there.  This has helped me validate my feelings about Royal.  In the end Royal feels like home, if there is such a concept, for a cruise line.  

I like that Royal doesn't include everything as that would drive the price up and I'd pay for things I don't want or need.  

I like that Royal offers activities for a wide variety of ages.  I may not have young kids anymore but the kids areas and activities keeps them occupied so they aren't all swamping my space because they are bored with nothing to do.  When I travel with family or friends that have younger kids the kids programming allows me and my friends to spend some time together while their kids are occupied.  

Sometimes I want to jump in a bumper car or lace on a set of skates and sometimes not.  On Royal there are those things for me if and when I feel like it.  Even when I don't sometimes it's fun watching other people have fun.  

I cruise Royal not because of the Crown and Anchor Society but those benefits certainly don't hurt and it is one of the best loyalty programs in the industry.  For me I just enjoy many different aspects of a Royal cruise.  I haven't had bad experiences on other lines but it just doesn't feel like home like it does when I first board a Royal ship at the start of any cruise.  

I am on board with your comments.  Once free drinks for all in introduced, prices will go up.  Whether you are single, married, have kids, old or young, Royal has worked out something for all.  Ya,  you can call it mainstream generic cruising...but it works.  As I posted, I particularly enjoy the Casino Royale loyalty points program. Its the best of all cruise lines. But it was complicated at first. Took me 2 years to digest and go deep to figure it all out and gamble strategically to optimize all the perks., without going broke.  They recently made some great changes to the program that very few people know about.  You have to stay on top of it.

Ive cruised enough on Royal to achieve Diamond Plus status in the Crown and Anchor Society.  Im fascinated by cruisers loyalty to the brand.  I think the tier levels and rewards has something to do with it, even though some of the perks are really no big deal.  Super Mario and a few like him are anomalies . These people live on ships and I know Royal is very good to Mario.   I personally like the suites on Royal and the Coastal Kitchen cuisine. I have never eaten at any of the specialty restaurants to date. Sometimes I switch it up and go to MDR if I see some specialty items I like. Since I am a gambler and member of Casino Royale Signature status, all of my Royal cruises are comped. Most of them suites., along with free play. My next cruise comes with $1,000 free play. or OBC whatever I choose.  The Oasis class of ships have the biggest casinos, and that makes a difference too.  So I would like to know why other people are loyal to Royal?  And if Royal ceased to exist , what would be your second choice of cruise line?

23 hours ago, CruisingNewb said:

I'm sorry that you misunderstood the analogy.  However, your example makes no sense.  Apples to Oranges.  Price out an ALASKAN cruise for a family of four for 7 nights and price out an ALASKAN trip for the same parameters.  

I used the cheapest food, lodging etc., to make the point that a cruise is much more bang for your buck and therefore more advantageous to your state of mind on vacation being satisfied with the goods and services rather than being super nitpicky.

the post was about food quality and consistency on board.  You chose an Alaskan cruise that im sure you have to factor in flights etc. Then compared that to a motel 6.  Fine.  Dont forget to add beverage packages , excursions, etc.    With regards to best bang for your buck.... or "all inclusive buck"   some land holidays simply cant be beat.  Azul/ Sandals/ Beaches/  Jamaica, Mexico, Barbados.  If you shop well, and wait for sales, you can easily get one of these properties for $1200-1500.   Gourmet food, premium drink, hotel, flight, transfers.  all in.     Not the same as in a cruise I know.  But they do have nightly entertainment, some activities, and kids programs. 

6 hours ago, CruisingNewb said:

This is the attitude that I take when cruising!

Anyone who sets up high expectations based upon fantasy is bound to be disappointed.  

Look at it this way, my family is paying $1,200 per person to take a 7 night cruise (tax, tips, included in the average).

 A 7 night stay at Motel 6 in Alaska would cost us about $300 per person.

McDonald's for breakfast, lunch, and dinner would cost us about $230 per person for 7 days.

Transportation amongst Juneau, Skagway, and Sitka would likely cost us $150 (cheapest car and gas) per person.

Activities would cost us about $300 per person.

So....in the end, if we did the cheapest possible Alaskan trip and paid for the cheapest amenities and food, we would likely pay more than what we are paying for the cruise.  It is all relative.  

This analogy makes no sense. You can book an all inclusive trip to Cuba/Dominican and stuff your face for $600 PP at some resorts.  Flight hotel ,booze included. So what?  Its very obvious to me that many people book a cruise primarily for the food experience . I have never seen so many morbidly obese people in one venue in my life other than the buffet on a cruise ship.  So I think food quality is a high expectation on a cruise ship. No fantasy. McDonald $230?? lol....  Take into account flight costs, taxis, etc,,, I'm sure that overall cost to Alaska was more than you post.      I think for most, the Alaska priority excitement is the sites., a destination.  Lots of cruises are  just sunny sea days around the Caribbean, and a lot of people these days don't even leave the ship.  (Im on of them)   I enjoy the ship, most of the food, and I gamble a lot. Lost interest in the ports and straw markets and jewellery shopping, etc a long time ago. To each his own.  

4 hours ago, Ampurp85 said:

None of the food I ate tasted consistent across my three sailings, nor across the restaurants. The food quality could be the same and each chef can elevate the quality based on their cooking technique. They could also be ruining the food based on their technique.

I joined a group on one of my sailings that said they do a lot of hibachis and the way the chef cooked the steak was the best they ever tasted. 

Everyone will have a different take. Matt loving the spaghetti Bolognese and Hibachi is all him. Doesn't make his palate good or bad, more discerning or less. IMHO cruise ship food is what it is.......some specialty restaurants don't taste better that the buffet or MDR.

Yes I would agree that anybody loving any kind of cuisine is "all theirs" as you put it.  I would simply be careful to recommend something as "the best"  if asked.   

7 hours ago, AshleyDillo said:

Just because he's stating it's his favorite specialty dining doesn't mean that he feels that it's the absolute best food on any Royal Caribbean ship. Hibachi is about the overall experience and it's been a consistently good experience for him. He makes no secret of the fact that he actually enjoys dining in the MDR, and probably more than the specialty restaurants. It's the experience for him and also he knows the items on the MDR menu that are his consistent go-tos. He also enjoys the Indian food options, which many people shy away from because they aren't familiar with those flavor profiles. Everyone has different tastes, palates and what they consider a good dining experience.

Hibachi Izumi has been "recommended"  along with being a favourite.  Numerous times.    

7 hours ago, CruisingNewb said:

1. Isn't Matt the person who runs this site?  He gets due deference from me.  He is more than entitled to tout his own opinion on his own platform. LOL

2. A cruise is a cruise...not a restaurant.  Cruises have a variety of food outlets for its cruisers.  RCCL is indeed a for profit business, but I give them deference in that they want business and one time-tested method of good business, and repeat business, is to offer quality goods and services.  If anyone wants authentic and trustworthy Italian, go to Italy.  If someone wants pristine cuts of sushi, go to Japan. 

3. One of the rules on these forums is "no personal attacks."  Stating that someone does not have a discernable palate because of differing opinion walks the line of making things personal.

4. The OP was with regards to food quality across the board.  My estimate is that over 35% of a cruise ship's staff are kitchen personnel.  There are several sous chefs and an executive chef.  Several galleys.  Most ships dedicate at least 1, if not 2, decks for food storage/preparation/inspection, etc.  The consistency and quality are going to be as good as the kitchen staff can make it.  Serving the same filet at both the MDR and Chops doesn't necessarily equate to a bad thing.  Even if there is a price debate on why pay for a premium restaurant if you can get the same steak at the MDR, the simple answer is because you can get the steak at any time at the specialty place as opposed to waiting for formal night.  Aside from that, the specialty restaurants have extensive menus that are unique only to that venue.

A person with a discerning palate may be able to discern flavors that others cannot. This ability is often associated with wisdom and experience. Being discerning also often involves making a judgment, especially about things that aren't obvious. Japanese cooking tables in general are bland and boring period.  Many would agree. Yes the experience of the entertainment aspect might tickle your fancy. But once is enough for me.  No disrespect to Matt,( I repeat) but he has been asked numerous times about "best" places to dine, or his "favourite" place to dine.   To each his own. 

7 hours ago, CruisingNewb said:

While this statement rings very true, you have to look at the flip side.

I try and give everyone deference.  RCCL, Johnny Rockets, etc. are big companies.  Food Fraud and Misrepresentation is a billion dollar litigation industry. Would such companies risk hundreds of millions in lawsuits for short term profits?  LOL Indeed many do, but many do not.

Although I was a chef for many years and consider my palate to be refined, there are times when I cannot tell the difference between choice and prime cuts of meat.  Why? Because even choice cows may have that one loin strip that was very well marbled, tender, and meaty.  These designations like farm-raised, organic, prime, do not ensure nor guaranty excellence.  There can always be a bad apple in any bunch.

I think with Prime or Wagyu, you are pretty much guaranteed a tasty cut of beef.  Food fraud has been happening for years until caught. The savings and risk is worth it to the big companies, because they know it would take a lot of investigative digging to prove anything.  Its all about profits, and RCI is in it for profits.  But back to the premium restaurants... for Matt to say( all due respect) that Hibachi Izumi is the best dining venue on Royal proves that he has no refined or discerning palate.   All proteins on those tables are fried in oil with added soy sauce.  Oh, but it fresh and hot! lol   

7 hours ago, Matt said:

Correction, you asked me IF they required boosters, what ages would be required. That's a hypothetical on top of a hypothetical.

The bottom line is no one knows what Royal Caribbean will do. Keep in mind Celebrity has different vaccine requirements from Royal Caribbean, so it's not like every brand under RCG is in lock step with requirements.

Here is the latest from Royal......

Here are our health & safety protocols for sailings departing from Barbados, including government mandates, updated testing requirements, and the shore excursion requirement for unvaccinated children and their families.  Due to the fluidity of this situation, our protocols are subject to change and we are committed to keeping you informed if they do. Future protocols may require boosters, lowered vaccination ages, and changes to testing. While currently not required to sail, the US CDC has recommended COVID-19 vaccine booster doses for those eligible, prior to cruise travel. As a result, we strongly recommend getting boosted before your cruise.

Thx Twangster.  A very thoughtful , insightful answer for non boosted cruisers.  

Can anybody confirm how buying a minimum of 100 shares gives you perks and OBC  with every cruise?    

SilverSeas Cruise lines  owned by Royal,  along with Azamara have announced days ago that booster vaccines will be required to board their ships,

This can only mean that this will happen with Royal. I've asked Matt this question and he cannot comment as it is a hypothetical question?  I dont think so

if these other cruise lines owned by Royal are doing so, why would Royal be exempt?. If boosters are required  what are the protocols?  Lets say you have a cruise that is only one week away, and the announcement comes out? Then what? Any grace period allowed?  Must the vaccine still be 14 days prior to boarding?   Many cruisers are double vaxxed, but not boosted.  I know the obvious answer is to simply get boosted asap, but I do not want to do that. Being double vaxxed already and having had covid, I feel I am immune enough.   Comments?