I_Love_RCI

I assume it is only pulling relatively recent data since they created the system in the app and how they've labeled certain itineraries. Otherwise, there are plenty of people that would have all or nearly all the destination badges already completed. As someone pointed out earlier, its a marketing tool to get people who feel compelled to fill them out to book more cruises... Not that my spouse needs another reason

24 different ships Monarch, Legend, Grandeur (x2), Rhapsody, Enchantment, Radiance, Brilliance (x3), Jewel (x2), Explorer (x3), Adventure (x2), Navigator, Freedom (x2), Liberty, Independence (x3), Oasis (x7), Allure (x7), Harmony (x3), Symphony (x5), Wonder, Quantum, Anthem (x3), Ovation, Spectrum (x2), Icon (x2) Utopia and Star upcoming...

It's in the Aquadome, starboard side. One of the easiest places to get a coffee, or a drink, as it was never busy on our sailings.

Are you including Rye & Bean in that number? They can also make specialty coffees that don't include alcohol.

Everything on the ship is based on US dollars, regardless of region of the world it is sailing. And yes, while tips are optional, the crew appreciate tips in any amount in any denomination.

And if you're a Pinnacle who stays in suites, make sure they know NOT to use your vouchers in SL... have had that happen way too many times.

Yes, don't drop your bags with the others. The Star Class spot is marked and IIRC near the end of when everyone else has dropped their luggage before you start to leave the terminal area. There will be dedicated staff there who will ask for your room number and then help get your luggage to the correct porter to take. They will also have luggage tags (paper) for you.

Besides the items others have pointed out, I would say the scariest thing is looking at the bill/account at the end

We recently sailed on Symphony in star class, and based on what we learned, the new "shoreside" genies are royally mucking up the services for the "real" genies on the ships. I wouldn't worry too much unless you go past 1 week prior to your sail date and you don't hear directly from your ship genie. In theory, the shore genies were primarily intended to help ease the burden on the ship genies, especially with Utopia's short sailings. In practice, it's creating a lot of confusion for guests and more work for the ship genies.

We've used it several times and as others have noted 1) only put in items you don't mind exposing to high heat and 2) items can and will be lost (happens about 10% of the time) - nothing can really be done for a lost item or items.

The Effectors on Icon... that was his downfall. I'm kidding of course...

The problem isn't that there are kids. The problem is that the parents haven't been parents and taught their kids to be respectful of others. Although, there are also plenty of adults (kids or no kids) who have also not learned that lesson.

There are three primary benefits to a suite - the sun deck, access to CK, and the suite lounge/concierge(s). The Grove - Easy to find a place to camp out and the food is decent Mediterranean type far, but the pool feels very isolated as its sunk down in the deck and there are no views out to the water (unlike the nice views on Wonder). Hot tub can be popular at times. Bar service is excellent. Coastal Kitchen - We never eat in the MDR anymore so its either specialty or Coastal. The view is not over the water as it looks into the Aquadome. Thus, it depends on which "views" you prefer. Food and service is comparable to other CKs. Suite Lounge/Concierges - They were fantastic and really helpful. Bar staff was good as well. But, here is the main issue - the room - Besides your concern about not looking out over the water, the other thing to consider is that the room "doesn't really feel like a suite". There is less storage (especially if you actually have a family in the room of more than two people) and the space is "tight". Royal provided several little "amenities" during the week - things like shower bombs, Icon swag, etc, throughout - I assume because they're aware people don't feel those rooms are "suite" enough and they're trying to make them feel special. (We sailed on Icon twice, and the first time was a different suite category - RCCL did not provide the little daily amenities in that one, thus the reason I think they're trying to plush it up a little) I told my DS that I did not want to stay in those rooms again unless there was no other suite option. Thus, in my view, we tend to like and sail only in suites, but the Surfside suites are not worth it.

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.