monorailmedic

I wouldn't doubt that prices are trending higher - RCI beverage packages are arguably the best value of all cruise line beverage packages, and if people keep buying them, they'll raise the price until it plateaus. Now, do I think that a price increase has anything at all to do with that $18 thing? Not a chance. That $18 error impacted revenue, but in a really small way, as it happened for a small window of time. Further, while it seems like many people may have taken advantage of this, do remember that if you're reading this, you're likely representative of less than 1% of Royal's customer base, as others don't follow this site, Facebook groups, etc. Think about how many people you see looking into purchasing beverage packages once they board - even though all of us here know that a few small exceptions, that's the most expensive way to go about it. TL;DR - I'd expect that, barring world events that would cause a significant drop in spending, prices will only go up. I'm also confident it's unrelated to the pricing error.

Moderator Note: Please refrain from name calling or other personal insults, including labeling others in a negative way based on their preferences. I'll weigh in on dress code simply by reminding everyone that simple human kindness is far more important than dress code or anyone's take on the subject. Thanks!

I can't say for certain that this is the case every time, but in general, cruise lines (not just X) tend to strip OBC or other incentives for resident rates and other discounted fares. It's another reason it's important to compare apples to apples when looking at prices.

I have unlimited paid leave, and they're pretty reasonable with letting you actually use it so long as your work gets done and it doesn't cause a big issue with coworkers helping out. Not a bad perk.

Let those kids head to Coco Cay, I don't need water slides and balloons to make me happy ? I don't doubt that one factor in their color and height decisions at Coco was visibility to Norwegian guests - it's especially visible from the rather impressive villa area at the far end of Great Stirrup. On both islands, I'm just hopeful they can maintain a "remote island" and peaceful atmosphere for those not looking for a theme-park experience. For those who are, I am glad it's an option.

Wow, surprised to hear that. I've never experienced anything like that on any line (not doubting your experience at all). Did you ask for anything specific? It sounds like the entire staff that sailing lacked the most basic of creative instincts, but you joked yourself about pasta primavera - and while not the most creative dish I'm sure they could have made that so. Very bizarre situation in my experience of 56 nights on RCI so far (and hundreds on other lines).

You'll find a ton of options. My spouse and I are both vegetarian (though if you catch me on a cruise, you may find me having sushi once in a while) and have sailed a number of ships, including Symphony. There are some options listed on menus in the MDR, specialty venues, the Windammer, etc, but ultimately the key is communication. If you don't see something you like, if you're like to have something adjusted - just ask! Also, don't trust the signage in the WJ. I've seen plenty of vegetarian things that aren't marked, and occasionally, non-vegetarian items marked vegetarian. If I have a question about whether or not something is vegetarian, I just ask. If there is any uncertainty, have them check with a chef or officer. I also find it helpful to find an Indian crew member, as whether vegetarian or not, they're likely to be well-aware of what is and is not vegetarian in terms of ingredients. I've got a number of other tips here: https://www.cruisehabit.com/how-request-vegan-vegatarian-gluten-free-or-kosher-meals-your-next-cruise

I'll echo something several have shared already, speaking as someone who has been booking with MEI for a decade. To me, it's not about saving money (though when it happens, that is of course awesome). It's not even about how easy it is to book on any given line's site (more on that in a sec). It's about the service. There are agencies out there that rebate commission, and to those who use them - I genuinely hope you have awesome experiences. I don't use agencies that do that for the simple reason that I've worked in that world, I've been around the industry - those agents are stacking as many deals as possible and just don't have the time to get to know their clients, triple check their work, provide guidance as needed, check for price drops, etc I love that my agent (and others) at MEI have got to know my preferences (and they've got all my info stored, too). I don't like to speak for @Matt, but I think it's safe to say we're both quite capable of booking trips ourselves. Despite this, we've used MEI agents for a long time. What's awesome is that I often book trips with a call or email of just a sentence or two. My agent knows my tolerances, so if I ask for an OV, but they've got a group rate or other incentive that makes a verandah $250 more for a seven night, they know I'll probably want that - and I'll end up with a hold until I confirm that difference. There are times too that I am not sure what I'm looking for, and I'll just throw out some basic criteria (x type of line, y date range, z part of the world), and that's another time when it's helpful for an agent to really know what you like. When something has come up, either because I've needed to make a change, or the cruise line wants to bump me, etc - I have a liaison. Someone who will fight for me. I'll never have to wait on hold for Royal or any other line (that's never fun), nor will I have to plead my case. It's pretty great. In short, booking is a bit easier, but that's not the reason I use an MEI agent. Sometimes there are some additional perks (OBC, category upgrades, etc), but that's not the reason I use an MEI agent. I use them because whether things go perfectly, or the trip encounters some unexpected turbulence, they're in my corner - and those are the times you'll REALLY wish you were working with a great travel agent - whoever that may be.

Essentially, any non-buffer, non-MDR, non-pool grill is a specialty restaurant. This is reasonably standard across the industry. We often use it to refer to up-charge restaurants, as not only does the description work for that - but of course lines don't like using the term "up-charge". There are a number of lines that don't charge at all for "specialty restaurants".

This thread has been locked due to continued political discussion, abrasive discord, and personal attacks. For more information on changes in itineraries due to new Cuba travel restrictions, please check https://RoyalCaribbeanBlog.com and https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2019/06/05/royal-caribbean-cancels-all-scheduled-visits-cuba

Moderator Note As Matt mentioned just a bit ago, political discussion, well-intentioned or not, is not welcome on the boards. There are plenty of logistics and other legitimate questions and discussion on the changes to itineraries scheduled to visit Cuba - please keep the discussions on these topics. No one is likely to sway others' political opinions, and any effort should be made somewhere that is *not* RoyalCaribbeanBlog.com. I realize some discussion is good-natured banter, but to prevent issues please stick to this restriction. We don't want to freeze the thread, but will if political discussion continues. Feel free to message me with any questions. Thanks!

This is simply a matter of them going off only what they can see in an xray. I had to get our bag from downstairs on one of our Edge sailings. They asked if I had a power strip, I explained I didn't. As we opened the bag they asked me if I was sure, I explained that yes, I was quite sure, as I packed the bag and they've not yet looked in it. It turns out it was my spouse's hair iron. Long metal object with a cord, which on xray, looks like a power strip - reasonable observation on their part and no big deal for me. It did make us put that iron in our carry-on when we sailed the next couple times to help ensure we didn't have our bag delayed again.

Agreed. This was my first thought as well (wrote about it here). I suspect that for this reason it will be more popular towards the end of cruises. That said, there are some (like me) who don't end up going int he water at all on a cruise. I'm not averse to it (I swam competitively and love the water), I just spend my cruise time differently. Maybe I'll find out if they have day one specials for this reason ?

Yup, I carry one everywhere (multiple cruise lines, land/air trips, etc). The one I use (and have at home as well) is similar to the one above, but also supports USB-C PD, which is helpful for some newer devices, including laptops. (This one to be exact: https://www.amazon.com/Charger-Anker-Premium-Desktop-Delivery/dp/B072K5ZJXF/ref=as_li_ss_tl?keywords=usb+c+pd+anker&qid=1559514153&s=gateway&sr=8-3&linkCode=sl1&tag=chrc-20&linkId=8e62adf6f737c09a9d2c0462c5e04971&language=en_US)

I understand folks' knee-jerk reactions to this, but I've done multiple crossings, been around many storms, etc - never were the conditions rough in a way that I felt it would be harder to write, which seems a reasonable way to gauge how the affect would be tattooing.

I also sell "Cuban" cigars.

Yes, this is the case on every cruise line (barring rare circumstances where some extended maintenance is done of course). If the ship doesn't have guests then it's not making money - so no sense in disembarking guests by the mid-morning just to have the ship sit empty for 20+ hours. Turnaround day, as it's called, it an amazing thing operationally.

There are many different types of lines out there - not just RCI and Crystal (for example). As @JLMoran notes, we really enjoy Celebrity (especially Edge, but all their ships have been great for us) and find them a nice 'middle ground' in many ways. If you like Royal, the good news is that Celebrity has a rather similar feel to it - but adjusted a bit differently. This post explains the difference between the types of lines that are out there now, but I'm actually in the midst of updating that post to talk a bit about MSC and importantly, how Celebrity has become the more modern and young/active of the premium lines. As someone who is generally up until 1am even during the work week, I can assure you that Celebrity isn't shutting down after 9pm ?

Wow. I have no doubt this happened to you, but I have to say it's quite different than our experience on both BB and Nellie's. Usually our attendant has been sitting "at the ready" within 20 feet of us (unless actively getting drinks or other items of course) and checks in regularly. When was this? (just curious)

Welcome! A few users have answered the main question: you can link reservations once booked. This in mind I HIGHLY recommend using a good travel agent. There are plenty of reasons to do this for a single room, but when you have three rooms for different folks, you don't want to be the "point person" for any questions, special requests, etc. Let a travel agent handle all that, make recommendations for your family, take care of linking dining and other reservations, etc. Below are a couple articles that talk about the benefits of using a good agent: https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2018/01/23/10-secrets-royal-caribbean-travel-agents-wish-you-knew https://www.cruisehabit.com/should-i-use-travel-agent-or-book-directly-cruise-line In full transparency, this site is sponsored by MEI Travel - but I can tell you that I and others have used them for years (actually, coming up on a decade for me) with great results. If you want to give them a shot and support the site, you can request a quote by filling out the form right on the home page. The important thing though is that you'll benefit in many ways from using a good agent - whoever you might choose.

I'll always be second fiddle to Larissa, but that's alright. It's something about 'arissas. I mean, I know @Matt and I have never rolled our eyes together looking at Marissa, but Marissa and I at @Matt...

On ships with a pub that's where you'll generally find the widest selection - past what you see on the more generic menus. On Oasis class ships, the bar by Coastal Kitchen may also have options. Schooner and/or Champagne/R bars are the other locations that may have additional options, especially on ships without a pub. Any particular spirit he might be looking for? Below is the list of whiskies (found here: https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/menus/boot-bonnet-pub-menu-harmony-of-the-seas) on Harmony's Boot and Bonnet (pub) menu. And no, I'd not consider Fireball a whiskey of any sort...but I don't make the menus ? Arbeg 10 Year Blanton's Single Barrel Chivas Regal 12 Year Crown Royal Dewar’s 12 Year Fireball Four Roses Single Barrel Gentleman Jack Glenfiddich The Glenlivet Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Jameson Johnnie Walker Black Label Maker's Mark Monkey Shoulder Blended Talisker 10 Year Wild Turkey 101 Proof

During peak season in the Caribbean I suspect that part of it is simply scheduling. Another aspect is likely scheduling. When X does/did visit those destinations they may have had less favorable feedback than when RCI sails there. If more of it is around scheduling than feedback, then perhaps we'll see more private destinations in the works - or expansions of Labadee and/or Coco that would allow them to better facilitate multiple ships.

No problem. I have a series of tips for cruising with any dietary restrictions and I think it'd be worth reviewing (for you, her, or both). The biggest take-away though: communicate. Ask if you're note sure, tell someone if there is something you want that you don't see. https://www.cruisehabit.com/how-request-vegan-vegatarian-gluten-free-or-kosher-meals-your-next-cruise