FloatyBoaty

For ships with these venues, Teppanyaki/Izumi Hibachi is included, with a $15 surcharge, and Chef's Table is included, with a $49.99 surcharge. These will be charged once onboard.

I just ordered a shake last time, no meal, no problem

They do start checking people in - in the terminal you have to go through security and then review your documents etc.. My last cruise I had a 10 am check in time - once those things were taken care of we were in a holding area (with chairs) until the ship was cleared for us to board. Then it was the suite guests that were waiting first, then the Key guests, and then everyone else who had already gone through checkin. I know it sounds like a lot of people, but it was just a steady stream of people going up the ramps to board. And once people got on board and went wherever they were heading first, it was a pretty empty ship for quite a while.

My last travel agent charged a per person "service fee" and an additional fee if they were able to reprice a cruise. After spending some time on these message boards and finding out that that was absolutely NOT the norm (and a couple of other reasons too), I changed travel agents.

You do have to have at least 100 shares to request the OBC - that and other questions are covered here: https://www.rclinvestor.com/contact-us/faqs/shareholder-benefit/

me too - Once I select anything at all, it goes blank "no cruises available"

^This. My last night on Anthem last month I walked up to the MTD lines at 6:30 and they were just finishing the parade through the MTD dining rooms. I finished my meal and was out of there before it started up again.

But, you know those suggested bds vary by ship, by sail date, , and possibly even by the date you click go into the Royal up. For my January cruise, I was able to move from an inside room to an obstructed balcony for only $130. I only bid on categories that looked like they might have staterooms available that I'd be interested in.

Your bid is priced per person and based on two guests per stateroom for the entire length of your cruise. Only the first and second guest will be charged.

I am in an Ocean View Balcony on Quantum next. My Royal up offer included: Owner's Suite From $955 USD pp Grand Suite - 2 Bedroom From $815 USD pp Grand Suite with Large Balcony From $675 USD pp Grand Suite - 1 Bedroom From $525 USD pp Junior Suite From $390 USD pp Ocean View with Large Balcony From $125 USD pp So pretty much everything "above" me (except Sky loft and Grand loft). I don't recall ever getting more than 4 category offers before, and most of these are pretty booked.

My reservation for The Key on Quantum DOES show Priority access into the terminal (within booked arrival time) on Day 1. I wonder if it's because I booked from the US site and whether it will be listed on my "reminders of your Key benefits" letter that I expect to receive in a couple of weeks. I will try to remember to update you @carole as I am sailing before you. You can cancel the Key up to 48 hours before your sailing, so maybe hold on to it for now? Right now, I'm just praying for the people of New Zealand, their lives and property, as they have declared a state of emergency due to cyclone Gabrielle. Also preparing myself for possible changes to excursions, ports, etc, as I get ready to travel from Chicago to Australia for my New Zealand cruise.

I just got this email for the first time (my next cruise is 29 days out) - looks like they're trying to address a couple of things that have been discussed on the blog: 1- that people had no idea you could book some entertainment online, and that 2 - additional reservations will be available onboard (see the hot pink box):

You can cover your son's eyes - I've seen the show at least 4 times. He is an excellent entertainer throughout the show and goes into his contortion routine a couple of times. I could not watch, myself, but there are many people, including children, that are absolutely enthralled (I watched the audience instead of the stage). There are a lot of great reasons to see the show even if you don't like contortionists.

I have to say that I really, really do like the lemonade that they serve in the MDR, Windjammer, etc, that is free. Even though I've always had the DBX so far, I drink lots of the lemonade! Not the same as soda, I know, but free!

Yes, it does. Several of us responded to this same concern that @wheels_967 posted on this thread just 8/9 hours ago, reassuring them that they will get a letter confirming this benefit. I guess they haven't gone back to read the replies?

As mentioned above , look for a letter from Royal with the subject: Reminder of The Key program benefits! about a week-10 days before you board. It will give you a Key priority boarding time - you can board by the time listed (I've had the Key my last 3 sailings and it has been either 11:00 or 11:30). It goes on to state: *Please arrive at the terminal at (whatever time this letter assigns) AM. If you are not able to make the early access window, you should arrive within your appointment time and will receive priority access into the terminal.

We are not on Liberty until June - if you don't get a response from anyone traveling sooner, then go ahead and send me a reminder sometime in May?

I got the message too. Checked all of my upcoming cruises. No better price than I already had and/or wanted to pay. And not 40% on any of them - maybe on somebody's drink package, but not mine.

I can see the Coastal Kitchen menus in the app for Quantum. I know they're not accurate at this point as they are for a 7 night sailing and I have a 13 night. And I don't get to go anyway because I haven't been able to shimmy my way into a JS or + for this next cruise - yet.

Yes to of the things said above. And once you have a reservation, arrive early if you want great seat selection. I am always amazed at those who arrive as the show is about to start and are frustrated that they can't get "the best" seats. All of the shows are performed multiple times with very few exceptions. The other thing that people have to remember when putting together their "perfect" schedule is that the shows can change. The Aqua performers can't perform when it's 55 degrees out, or in a thunderstorm; the theater dancers cannot perform when the waves are too high - the technology of the shows makes it dangerous for them. If this happens the shows are rescheduled and your reservations are moved. I don't think that I've been on a cruise yet that hasn't had something rescheduled - I try to lean into vacation mode and just go with it. Listen to the cruise director announcements to know what's up, for sure! Wonder is a huge, beautiful ship. I can't imagine not having a great vacation on her. As @Pattycruisesaid, just go get an entertainment listing as soon as you get onboard and start booking. There will be people to help you with reservations as well - that can be a little faster your first time until you get used to the app onboard. Best wishes for a great cruise!

Purchased a Jamie's lunch for 16.99 today for my March cruise. Seemed reasonable. As I looked at my further out sailings though, the prices went up - 18.99 for Giovanni's in June and 20.99 for Jamies in September.

Same. And I use the Blue Lizard Sheer Face Lotion as well. Great protection for a pale blonde!

If you are purchasing the Chops lunch separately from a dining package, you will chose a date and time before you check out. This is the case with any individual purchase. It is only with the discounted multi-meal plans that you wait to make your reservations onboard. I have separate lunch reservations for both Jamie's and Chops on different sailings this spring, no problem at all.

You might not see me tip, but I do. I don't set cash on the bar. When my bartenders hand me back my SeaPass card, I hand them bills folded that same size. The tip makes it into their palm and into their pocket in the blink of an eye. They are practiced at accepting tips for sure. Sitting at the bar in the Music Hall on Anthem, I saw more people tipping than I'd noticed before, either by the drink or as they finished and left the bar, but very few leaving cash sitting out on the bar. I also tip my waiters, my stateroom attendant, and random people I see doing a great job, but that's me. I understand that not everyone feels the same way.

Hi - did you consider Quantum instead? They do pretty much the same itineraries and the same class of ship. Both leave from Seattle - I believe Quantum leaves on Mondays and Ovation on Fridays. I know this doesn't answer your questions, but was just the first thought I had. I'm doing Quantum Alaska later this summer myself. I did just have an obstructed balcony on Anthem (also same class) and it wasn't too bad - the lifeboat is right outside, so no view straight down, and one of the supports also partially blocked my view. It wouldn't be my first choice, but as it was that or an inside cabin for me, I thought I'd check it out.