tonyfsu21

IMHO some of the promenade/boardwalk/Central Park shopping options are a complete waste of space. I would have preferred another bar/dining venue in the majority of the higher end retail shops. There’s no need for Cartier, Bulgari or Tiffany on a mid tier cruise ship. I feel RC missed the mark on this and should offer a nice mid to high end watch and jewelry shop (slightly higher end offerings then the current shop on promenade), mix in the logo store, mercantile, sugar beach and a beach lifestyle store with name brands and it’s covered. Swap Bulgari and Cartier (which by the way don’t even sell the love bracelets which is what 99% of people want) with a dueling piano bar or possibly the Tiki style bar that they have on Mariner. I have a close friend that is an executive at one of these luxury brands and insists the ship outposts are not money makers and actually dilute the brand. Tear them all out and replace them with useable venues! 

IMHO some of the promenade/boardwalk/Central Park shopping options are a complete waste of space. I would have preferred another bar/dining venue in the majority of the higher end retail shops. There’s no need for Cartier, Bulgari or Tiffany on a mid tier cruise ship. I feel RC missed the mark on this and should offer a nice mid to high end watch and jewelry shop (slightly higher end offerings then the current shop on promenade), mix in the logo store, mercantile, sugar beach and a beach lifestyle store with name brands and it’s covered. Swap Bulgari and Cartier (which by the way don’t even sell the love bracelets which is what 99% of people want) with a dueling piano bar or possibly the Tiki style bar that they have on Mariner. I have a close friend that is an executive at one of these luxury brands and insists the ship outposts are not money makers and actually dilute the brand. Tear them all out and replace them with useable venues! 

IMHO some of the promenade/boardwalk/Central Park shopping options are a complete waste of space. I would have preferred another bar/dining venue in the majority of the higher end retail shops. There’s no need for Cartier, Bulgari or Tiffany on a mid tier cruise ship. I feel RC missed the mark on this and should offer a nice mid to high end watch and jewelry shop (slightly higher end offerings then the current shop on promenade), mix in the logo store, mercantile, sugar beach and a beach lifestyle store with name brands and it’s covered. Swap Bulgari and Cartier (which by the way don’t even sell the love bracelets which is what 99% of people want) with a dueling piano bar or possibly the Tiki style bar that they have on Mariner. I have a close friend that is an executive at one of these luxury brands and insists the ship outposts are not money makers and actually dilute the brand. Tear them all out and replace them with useable venues! 

IMHO some of the promenade/boardwalk/Central Park shopping options are a complete waste of space. I would have preferred another bar/dining venue in the majority of the higher end retail shops. There’s no need for Cartier, Bulgari or Tiffany on a mid tier cruise ship. I feel RC missed the mark on this and should offer a nice mid to high end watch and jewelry shop (slightly higher end offerings then the current shop on promenade), mix in the logo store, mercantile, sugar beach and a beach lifestyle store with name brands and it’s covered. Swap Bulgari and Cartier (which by the way don’t even sell the love bracelets which is what 99% of people want) with a dueling piano bar or possibly the Tiki style bar that they have on Mariner. I have a close friend that is an executive at one of these luxury brands and insists the ship outposts are not money makers and actually dilute the brand. Tear them all out and replace them with useable venues! 

I feel the same way!  We do not like Nassau at all but we loved Coco Cay.

Yeah I’m with you on this. I would rather spend an overnight in Coco Cay then go to Nassau. 

I still can’t believe they’re going to put a brand new O class ship on shorties.  It’s either a stroke of genius or a BIG mistake.

As a family we continue to return to the brand for the Oasis Class ships which in my opinion are the best. The C&A program (especially at the diamond level and higher) can’t be beat. Deck 17 Suites on the Oasis class is something we look forward to. I’ve sailed all the mid tier brands and they each have strong points but nothing comes close to RC in terms of its fleet and the variety of things to do!

As a family we continue to return to the brand for the Oasis Class ships which in my opinion are the best. The C&A program (especially at the diamond level and higher) can’t be beat. Deck 17 Suites on the Oasis class is something we look forward to. I’ve sailed all the mid tier brands and they each have strong points but nothing comes close to RC in terms of its fleet and the variety of things to do!

As a family we continue to return to the brand for the Oasis Class ships which in my opinion are the best. The C&A program (especially at the diamond level and higher) can’t be beat. Deck 17 Suites on the Oasis class is something we look forward to. I’ve sailed all the mid tier brands and they each have strong points but nothing comes close to RC in terms of its fleet and the variety of things to do!

Definitely not loyal.  On multiple occasions Royal has provided an over the top experience and on multiple occasions Royal has stated loud and clear they feel no need for any loyalty in our business relationship.   From those multiple occasions where they threw me under the keel it was absolutely clear we have nothing more than a business relationship. 
I sail multiple lines and during the restart I made a point of spreading my money across five different cruise lines.  Two of those were Royal and Celebrity but the other three were not in the RCG family.
Royal is the line I like the best, right now, but I will continue to test the waters elsewhere to validate I still feel that way and Royal will continue to throw me under the keel when it suits them.  I do most of my cruising with Royal but I'll eagerly cruise with other companies when something catches my eye just as Royal will drop me like a wet paper bag full of groceries if they can make a dollar more with a cancellation.
I feel like we both have a very clear understanding of our business relationship and it is not exclusive in either direction.  I think we are both okay with that.  

DAS cigars in St. Maarten are absolutely phenomenal. I researched what cigars were on the island and found DAS cigars. Once I got off of the ship, I saw the Das store and I went over and started talking to the gentlemen that was sitting there. He explained all of the verities and I asked if I could sit there and enjoy one with him before I bought any. He said can I cut and light it for you? We sat there and enjoyed the beautiful day with a great stick. He asked what my name was and I asked him what his was - and said, I am Das! I was thinking holy cow, sitting here with the man himself. What a great experience and Das was such a gentlemen. I highly recommend Das if you are in St. Maarten. 

I believe it’s $21/day. Whatever it is, the price is well worth the convenience. 

I think the determining factor is not necessarily the airport but rather the issue with ship clearing customs in port. The recommendation for both airports noon or later is driven by unforeseen delays with the ship. MIA is a 15-20 minute UBER on the weekend, FLL 25-35 min on a weekend via the express lanes. During the week, throw everything I just said out the window and add 1 hour for contingency. 

I’m not sure about 2024, but for 2023 there is a huge difference in that Quantum isn’t going to Skagway. Having been to Skagway, that would be heartbreaking. I agree with @twangster to look VERY closely at the itineraries for port times when booking. Last thing you want is a full day in Victoria, but only a 5 hour day in Ketchikan, Skagway, Juneau, or Sitka. 

I've sailed both in Alaska.  The ships are nearly identical.  If you were teleported between ships there are areas you wouldn't be able to tell the difference.  
Look for subtle differences in the itineraries.  How long is the ship in each port of call (especially Victoria)?
When I was on Quantum the noodle bar served different items compared to the menu offered in Asia.  
If one day of the week for embarkation works better for you factor that in.  
 
 

No cigar room onboard Freedom. The designated smoking area on the pool deck is the “cigar lounge” and it just doesn’t feel right.

The pizza at Giovanni’s Kitchen is fantastic! I prefer the Kitchen to Jamie’s and the standard Giovanni’s for sure.

Amen. The money is rolling in, cruises are booked to capacity as far into the future as they will allow you to book. There should be no more excuses for a lack of service excellence! You are correct, RC needs to tighten up. 

@Matt needs to step up the game and start chartering the ship for these RC Blog cruises! 

I think the determining factor is not necessarily the airport but rather the issue with ship clearing customs in port. The recommendation for both airports noon or later is driven by unforeseen delays with the ship. MIA is a 15-20 minute UBER on the weekend, FLL 25-35 min on a weekend via the express lanes. During the week, throw everything I just said out the window and add 1 hour for contingency. 

Amen. The money is rolling in, cruises are booked to capacity as far into the future as they will allow you to book. There should be no more excuses for a lack of service excellence! You are correct, RC needs to tighten up. 

Amen. The money is rolling in, cruises are booked to capacity as far into the future as they will allow you to book. There should be no more excuses for a lack of service excellence! You are correct, RC needs to tighten up. 

Amen. The money is rolling in, cruises are booked to capacity as far into the future as they will allow you to book. There should be no more excuses for a lack of service excellence! You are correct, RC needs to tighten up. 

Amen. The money is rolling in, cruises are booked to capacity as far into the future as they will allow you to book. There should be no more excuses for a lack of service excellence! You are correct, RC needs to tighten up.