KLA

I've started doing a bit of investing myself and taking a look at the RCL stock prices, it seems like there's been a steep drop. While I understand that this is happening across several industries, wondering if there are any insights here as to why this is happening specifically for RCL and if based on any opinions here - is now actually a good time to buy?

Thanks! 

8 minutes ago, twangster said:

Go early, it becomes very popular after 4pm despite using the vouchers in the DL now.

Noted! We aren't drinkers at all so the crowds and drinks aren't a big appeal for us, but having a place to grab a quick snack or a light breakfast and coffee before wandering off the ship is definitely a big draw for us. 

OH!!! What a nice surprise - it doesn't show at all on the deck plans on the app. Super excited about this! Thanks, all! 

After Symphony in May we both realized the benefits of the Diamond lounge (having hit Diamond just before the start of the pandemic) and spent a good amount of time there before dinner or for a quick coffee before disembarking to a port. However, it doesn't look like Allure has a Diamond lounge on the deck plans and I recall there was a move to start rolling these out in favor of drink tickets, etc. Was the Diamond Lounge completely eliminated on Allure?

14 hours ago, whitsmom said:

You might be my hero . We are very port intensive so I will probably wear my Keens on the plane as those are my bulky shoes. I need to check the weather for mid-August for Amsterdam, Scotland, Ireland and England to see if I will need any shorts. 

Having just been in that region of the world - layers are your friend. You can go from being warm to being a little chilly very quickly.

54 minutes ago, whitsmom said:

We won't be doing "formal" just smart/business casual.  I'm not sure on using the on board toiletries as I have sensitive skin but I can do double on somethings as put some in hubby's carry on.  We both have an under-seat rolling bag also.  I just I need to see how much mix and match that I can create.   Now I need to think of this as a challenge....

I like this approach! The nice thing with cruises is that there are lots of 'costume changes' through the day (swim suits during the day, maybe some shorts and tshirts to wander around in, a few sun dresses for dinner) - a lot of things can be simplified with mix and match (like you said) and rolling is a good option to save space in your luggage. Worst case, you can always use one of the laundry bags to clean a few things up if needed. 

For souvenirs on the way home, pack a separate bag to carry along with you on the plane and check the rest of your luggage home! 

Maybe a little off topic - but having just done a big international trip with lots of luggage I highly recommend AirTags in your luggage if you are already an Apple user.

2 hours ago, Carlos A. said:

Does anyone have any info on the availability for JS guests on Odyssey recently? Can you make all your reservations on the first day or do you have to make them day bay day?

Go up to the CK desk on Day 1 and see what they'll let you do. Back in October we had no issue doing this, but that was also during reduced capacity. You may not have the same luck now, but it doesn't hurt to ask. 

Barbados is one of the islands that I visited on a cruise that made me say, "I want to come back here and spend some time." 

A cruise with a really unique itinerary is a great reason to do just that! Money well spent, imo. 

Towel clips?

Just off of Symphony this weekend - still completely closed at all times of day. Was bummed, it's a favorite of ours for breakfast and lunch. We had made a reservation at Solarium Bistro for dinner and we received a note on day 1 saying that our reservation was cancelled due to the venue remaining closed.

Oh - and Heineken 0.0 if we really want a cold beer on board. 
 

Also not a mocktail, but I’ve come to love coconut lattes from cafe promenade or two70 on board. 

My go to’s are club soda with lime or ginger ale with lime and mint. Also lots of Pellegrino. 

Overall we really enjoyed the excursion (Drakes Seat, Magens Bay, Skyride). The open air taxis are a fun way to see the island and tour provides some great views. 

Drakes Seat - only stopped for a couple minutes, but it’s a great view. Good option for some photos. 

Magens Bay - easily our favorite stop. Can be crowded right where the taxis drop off, so you can wander down the beach a bit for some space. There’s a beach bar with drinks and some chair rentals available, but the sand is super soft and we were happy just with our towels. We will probably just take a taxi here in the future. 

Skyride - unique, but definitely touristy. And stunning views. Skip the restaurant at the top. A couple shops with some cool souvenirs. There’s a shop run by a charity where we found some local coffee and a Christmas ornament that we were happy with. 

As a side note, if you are considering taking an independent taxi or ferry somewhere like St. John’s, we saw a couple actually get left for the first time when we departed. Please pay attention to all aboard times. It was actually super sad to see. 

8 minutes ago, anxiouscruiser said:

Dont stress about it. It will make you sicker.

Username checks out. 

Seriously though, this is all great advice and I hope you feel better soon @Kirsten!

6 minutes ago, Ampurp85 said:

Even though I travel solo a lot, I don't think I could do a transatlantic solo, so I am excited to follow along.

I could 100% do a TA solo. It sounds so peaceful, and would be easy to fall in to a routine on board.

Both on Odyssey - Angel at Giovanni's and Marlon at Coastal Kitchen

How fun! Looks like you're having an incredible time. Thanks for sharing, and can't wait to board on Saturday! 

How's everything going on board?!

On 4/23/2022 at 6:38 PM, AdventureKenandCar said:

We were some of the people that had bad luck with the Cuba cruise. We were booked on the Empress, counting the days until we could sail to Havana and Cienfuegos, all land-based (and government-accepted) excursions secured…when they pulled the plug. This was 2 weeks before we sailed. RC made it up to us, though. 

This happened with us as well. We still went on the cruise (Cozumel and Costa Maya instead) and had a wonderful time, but really bummed we couldn't make it to Cuba. 

Actually, I absolutely loved Empress in general. It was one of my favorite ships and I had a second cruise booked on her before the pandemic shut everything down. Really need to get something booked on a small ship. Radiance class is still my favorite.

26 minutes ago, Pima1988 said:

I am on the same cruise and it shows on my planner I am booked for dinner too.

Any word yet for you on your bids...still pending for my 3 bids

Got accepted to move from an OV window to OV Balcony last week - happy with that move, and it's in a location I would have picked on my own anyway! Though it looks like suites are pretty booked up at this point.

Oh, weird! I was able to book Solarium Bistro for dinner on my Symphony cruise in just over a week. It hadn't occurred to me that it hasn't been open yet.

CK is reasonably casual - no strict dress code.

Wow - that cabin looks incredible! 

7 minutes ago, FionaMG said:

It was amazing to see the pyramids, sphinx and the exhibits in the museum up close and in person but it was scary travelling in a convoy with an armed guard and the traders around the pyramids and sphinx were very, very aggressive. If you've ever walked past the market in Labadee, it's that on steroids.

I think it's something that's really worth seeing and I'm glad I got the chance but I'm not in a hurry to go back.

Yeah, I've heard that before. I think that's why this is a travel destination that would appeal to me as a port visit as opposed to a place I would feel confident travelling independently.