I_Love_RCI

What time of year are you planning? That will make one of the biggest differences in how crowded the ship is. Additionally, the newer the ship, the more likely it will also be crowded. Thus, your best bet would be one of the older ships sailing during non-peak times of the year.

We've used the "wash and fold" bag service many times. In general, yes, everything is done in high heat so anything that may shrink or is sensitive to high temps (think a logo on a sports shirt) may not do well. Just be aware of what you put in the bag and how it may fare. On a related note, we've also had 3 separate occasions where an item was lost, so also keep that in mind in determining what you want them to wash.

As others have answered your original questions thoroughly, I will add on #1 that you can drink the water out of the tap in your room as well. It is perfectly fine (and likely even exceeds tap water in some local jurisdictions). On #5, there are numerous threads on this topic - the short summary is that if you have already done the auto-gratuities, then anything extra is totally up to your own judgement call. Do it or don't do it.

The short answer is yes. That's the whole point of the "genie" to make things magically happen. As for activities, the flow rider time is usually not very convenient (early in the morning on a sea day), but depending on the cruise, you may or may not have it to yourself (we've had it a couple of times where we were the only family). YMMV. Just let the genie know that you want to do ice skating, laser tag, etc and they will help arrange a date and time to do the activity. There isn't a star only time for those activities, but the genie can arrange for you to go. IIRC, your kids may be able to skip the line for any water slides (just verify with the genie on any rules). I think the only main challenge you may have is the size of the group. Technically, the genie only serves the individuals booked in the room, so anyone not in the room is dependent on if the genie can include them or not. Sometimes they can and sometimes they can't depending on activity/reservations/etc. The shows should be no problem for everyone since the genie will put the purple cover over enough seats. Just remember - when in doubt, ask the genie. More often than not, they will try their best to accommodate a reasonable request (and sometimes unreasonable ones).

Thanks for flagging this. I had been checking the app (we're on the same sailing), but in typical RCCL fashion, the app doesn't have entertainment reservation options, only online. You're not missing anything if you haven't seen any of the other "Effectors" shows as it seems that is what Royal is starting to theme their own production shows. There is an element of "superheroes" to it (if I recall one of the other productions correctly), but there is no need to worry about missing any story elements or tying them together. Separately, Oz is fantastic (we saw it on the inaugural), and I hope the full aqua show is ready as the inaugural was abbreviated. Also, hopefully they do the second ice show (family friendly one), which I thought was better than Starburst. Reservations are not required for that one.

As others have said, nearly every time we've gone to the arcade, half the machines aren't working. Even on the inaugural for Icon, there were a couple of machines not running. If you want to spend time in the arcade, just pay as you play a few games and don't bother with any prepaid plans.

See my post here: As you can see in pic, there is no "hard" divider. There are 2 curtains, a sheer one and a light blocking one.

That's interesting. I think that's consistent with what the policy is supposed to be (ie, no free drinks on suite sun deck on other ships, even during happy hour), but as is typical with RCCL being inconsistent, I had a different experience. I was lounging in the hot tub one early evening and bartender did not charge me during the happy hour time (never took card or asked for room number). Thus, YMMV depending on who is manning the bar.

Nice video and your points are spot on (as usual). I am curious about flow/capacity (point #1 in video and raised above in thread) and whether it will hold true. The inaugural was only about 85% capacity versus a normal summer sailing is around 120%. We will be back on in March for Spring Break, and that will be the real test once we are at fuller capacity and including more kids (there were very few on board since school is still in session).

We had an Infinite Grand Suite, so we had one of the infinite balconies. In that room, there are four "windows" that run floor to ceiling with the mid-point between the upper and lower at cruise banister height level (ie, about mid chest) and the right/left split was almost even. Only the left upper window would open/close. Thus, you get nice views out (regardless of outside weather conditions), and yes, you get a bit of a bigger room (it does allow for more space feeling). But, you have less of the the "open air" feeling out on a normal balcony. Read threads about Royal's premium line as there has been heated opinions on them after they were introduced on those ships. At the end of the day, it will come down to your own preferences. In my view, we like having them as an option, but they will not be for everyone.

Its supposed to be every 30 mins, but as others have pointed out, it is highly variable. It depends on the staff and when they decide to go up and down. Also, as an aside, I think Oasis may still be the only one that has water jets that shoot up when the bar is on the 8th deck. I could be wrong in that they've removed (or don't activate it) anymore.

??? I don't understand your reference here to being the right thing to do unless you are confusing my post with K-Canada's post from above. I have no idea of what they may have done or not with their minors.

To close out this thread, I can confirm that the Hideaway is adults only. We had it booked for the inaugural and for our next sailing in March. We got refunded for having to cancel since we couldn't do it with our minor.

We had an infinite balcony. I had read about them on forums for Royal's upbrand line, and know that there are two camps on them. I agree, it is basically like having a giant, floor to ceiling window in your room. Also, only one window opened (there were 4 windows total, but only the top left is the movable one - I thought that both of the top windows would have opened). However, we fall into the "like" camp. I enjoy having the extra interior space with good views without having to deal with wind and/or rain. That made a big difference on the night when we sailed through some rainy weather and could enjoy watching it. Also, the window does open and provides "outside" air and feel. In addition, it made a good place to put wet swimsuits without having to worry about them blowing away. The nice thing is that there is choice between preferences and the infinite balcony will not be for everyone.

I like your summary, and I agree with most of what you said. The destination elevators were game changing and a much better experience. The 1400 bar is a lot of fun (and the menu booklet gives a good history on Royal's ships). I would agree that the seating for the Aquadome show isn't great, but I loved the Aquadome concept in general. That was my favorite new neighborhood/area of the ship.