RCVoyager

For me there is one other thing to consider regarding these drive-by one and done posts.  It seems to follow a script, or close to the following scenario:  He and his family were planning the vacation of a lifetime.  They had been planning for X amount of months.  Made their deposit.  Made monthly payments.  Researched every aspect of the trip.  Considered excursions.  Maybe even reserved a couple of them.  All of these things and an amazing build up of excitement about the trip until RCCL torpedos the whole thing.
It's at that point the OPs find this website?  That's a little hard for me to believe.  It seems if 8 or 15 or 20 people were so excited about their upcoming trip and were constantly on-line looking at all aspects of their upcoming trip, someone in their party would have found this website by the second or third day of researching all of the great experiences they would be having.   Someone or multiple someones from their party would have been on this site months ago asking questions and talking about how excited the group is.
But instead, it's only when the trip is cancelled that this website pops into their search?  Hard to understand.  Actually, it's hard to believe.
I say all those things and stand by them.  In this particular case, I feel a little for the OP.  I don't necessarily believe all the stuff about not being notified and poor to non existent customer service.  But being caught off guard by a cancellation is a major bummer.  I would be a little upset too.
 

From the other viewpoint, I have been on three chartered cruises.  Two of the three were two of the best cruises I've ever been on. 
Mine were music cruises.  You have all the trappings of a regular cruise (food, ports, casino, ect), except all of the on board entertainment, with the exception of comedians, is replaced by your special interest.  In my cases, it was called Ships and Dips and featured the 90s rock band the Barenaked Ladies.   None of those stuffy music, dancing, and singing shows that bore me to tears.  Just great music from 20 or more acts all over the ship from about 10 AM til about 3 AM every day.  For my brothers and me it is/was the best of both worlds.
I do think the "offending cruise line" should be very generous with it's compensation in these cases.  Very generous to the point of someone like the OP from this thread coming on a website like this to say "we were displaced and received a 50% refund, were rebooked on a similar trip with room upgrades and reduced drink packages, and any cancellation/change fees from our airline would be paid by them"... or something similar.
This OP's post, is one of the few, perhaps the first, of these drive by "rants" that actually has merit to it... at least that I can remember.

From the other viewpoint, I have been on three chartered cruises.  Two of the three were two of the best cruises I've ever been on. 
Mine were music cruises.  You have all the trappings of a regular cruise (food, ports, casino, ect), except all of the on board entertainment, with the exception of comedians, is replaced by your special interest.  In my cases, it was called Ships and Dips and featured the 90s rock band the Barenaked Ladies.   None of those stuffy music, dancing, and singing shows that bore me to tears.  Just great music from 20 or more acts all over the ship from about 10 AM til about 3 AM every day.  For my brothers and me it is/was the best of both worlds.
I do think the "offending cruise line" should be very generous with it's compensation in these cases.  Very generous to the point of someone like the OP from this thread coming on a website like this to say "we were displaced and received a 50% refund, were rebooked on a similar trip with room upgrades and reduced drink packages, and any cancellation/change fees from our airline would be paid by them"... or something similar.
This OP's post, is one of the few, perhaps the first, of these drive by "rants" that actually has merit to it... at least that I can remember.

‘Trip of a lifetime.’ ‘Dream vacation’. ‘Planned for months’.
Seems to me to be some of the key phrases in these hit and run rants.
They could just shorten it in the interest of brevity….. 
‘Royal bad, we mad, so sad.’
I empathize with anyone who has had a cruise cancelled…it’s annoying and ruins plans and dreams. I know it happens for only a few reasons…especially charters and unexpected mechanical issues. 
It’s frustrating to know the company made the business decision to bump existing reservations for a charter. Sort of like saying ‘yeah, we decided their business is more important to us than your’s’. 
It sucks.
But what also sucks are the agenda-driven hit and run posters who have an ulterior motive for their negative posts.
I’m certainly not accusing this poster of being one of those. That wouldn’t be in the spirit of this forum. Just my opinion.

From the other viewpoint, I have been on three chartered cruises.  Two of the three were two of the best cruises I've ever been on. 
Mine were music cruises.  You have all the trappings of a regular cruise (food, ports, casino, ect), except all of the on board entertainment, with the exception of comedians, is replaced by your special interest.  In my cases, it was called Ships and Dips and featured the 90s rock band the Barenaked Ladies.   None of those stuffy music, dancing, and singing shows that bore me to tears.  Just great music from 20 or more acts all over the ship from about 10 AM til about 3 AM every day.  For my brothers and me it is/was the best of both worlds.
I do think the "offending cruise line" should be very generous with it's compensation in these cases.  Very generous to the point of someone like the OP from this thread coming on a website like this to say "we were displaced and received a 50% refund, were rebooked on a similar trip with room upgrades and reduced drink packages, and any cancellation/change fees from our airline would be paid by them"... or something similar.
This OP's post, is one of the few, perhaps the first, of these drive by "rants" that actually has merit to it... at least that I can remember.

From the other viewpoint, I have been on three chartered cruises.  Two of the three were two of the best cruises I've ever been on. 
Mine were music cruises.  You have all the trappings of a regular cruise (food, ports, casino, ect), except all of the on board entertainment, with the exception of comedians, is replaced by your special interest.  In my cases, it was called Ships and Dips and featured the 90s rock band the Barenaked Ladies.   None of those stuffy music, dancing, and singing shows that bore me to tears.  Just great music from 20 or more acts all over the ship from about 10 AM til about 3 AM every day.  For my brothers and me it is/was the best of both worlds.
I do think the "offending cruise line" should be very generous with it's compensation in these cases.  Very generous to the point of someone like the OP from this thread coming on a website like this to say "we were displaced and received a 50% refund, were rebooked on a similar trip with room upgrades and reduced drink packages, and any cancellation/change fees from our airline would be paid by them"... or something similar.
This OP's post, is one of the few, perhaps the first, of these drive by "rants" that actually has merit to it... at least that I can remember.

From the other viewpoint, I have been on three chartered cruises.  Two of the three were two of the best cruises I've ever been on. 
Mine were music cruises.  You have all the trappings of a regular cruise (food, ports, casino, ect), except all of the on board entertainment, with the exception of comedians, is replaced by your special interest.  In my cases, it was called Ships and Dips and featured the 90s rock band the Barenaked Ladies.   None of those stuffy music, dancing, and singing shows that bore me to tears.  Just great music from 20 or more acts all over the ship from about 10 AM til about 3 AM every day.  For my brothers and me it is/was the best of both worlds.
I do think the "offending cruise line" should be very generous with it's compensation in these cases.  Very generous to the point of someone like the OP from this thread coming on a website like this to say "we were displaced and received a 50% refund, were rebooked on a similar trip with room upgrades and reduced drink packages, and any cancellation/change fees from our airline would be paid by them"... or something similar.
This OP's post, is one of the few, perhaps the first, of these drive by "rants" that actually has merit to it... at least that I can remember.

From the other viewpoint, I have been on three chartered cruises.  Two of the three were two of the best cruises I've ever been on. 
Mine were music cruises.  You have all the trappings of a regular cruise (food, ports, casino, ect), except all of the on board entertainment, with the exception of comedians, is replaced by your special interest.  In my cases, it was called Ships and Dips and featured the 90s rock band the Barenaked Ladies.   None of those stuffy music, dancing, and singing shows that bore me to tears.  Just great music from 20 or more acts all over the ship from about 10 AM til about 3 AM every day.  For my brothers and me it is/was the best of both worlds.
I do think the "offending cruise line" should be very generous with it's compensation in these cases.  Very generous to the point of someone like the OP from this thread coming on a website like this to say "we were displaced and received a 50% refund, were rebooked on a similar trip with room upgrades and reduced drink packages, and any cancellation/change fees from our airline would be paid by them"... or something similar.
This OP's post, is one of the few, perhaps the first, of these drive by "rants" that actually has merit to it... at least that I can remember.

For an infrequent or first time cruiser this may very well have been a trip of a lifetime.  In this case the Odyssey itinerary the week that was chartered was more rare and not offered on a regular basis.  That's extra salt rubbed in the wound.
I argue it's quite sad that the practice of dumping guests has become so common place that regular cruisers have become normalized to it.  "Oh well, dumped by Royal again".
The OP's rant is well deserved by Royal and other cruise lines that do the same.  They wouldn't have an agenda were it not for being poorly treated in the first place. 

It would seem like a weird thing to say, but this question brings fond memories for me.  We lost a beloved brother almost 10 years ago to ALS.  The last time he was on his feet was in the pool on the Carnival Magic thanks to the pool lift in the aft pool.  3 brothers together.  Two helping the third take what would be his final steps across that pool with his wife taking photos from the side.  The weight reduction of being in the water allowed what little use of his legs was left to put one foot in front of the other for a few steps.  13 months later, he was gone.
The memory brings a tear to my eyes this morning.  Thanks for asking the question.  I hope whatever your wife's condition, she is ok.

This is just my opinion, but to me, there is no comparison whatsoever to the current trend of music cruises where the normal entertainment is given the week off and touring music acts (usually at least 1 headliner and a bunch of lesser knowns) are brought on board to entertain. I've been on three of these cruises, and they are amazing.
The first two were headlined by the Barenaked Ladies.  We were guaranteed 1 full length concert with the band.  We got 2 and several additional appearances and experiences.  At the sailoff show they said the following (or something similar) "We are here with our families.  If you see us with our families, we ask for privacy.  If you see us out by ourselves or with other band members, stop us to say hello."  In addition to that, the band sat for hours for each travel party to come through a line in which a photo was taken of your party with the band.  Each passenger was given a free 8X10 photo.
On top of that was the legendary Barenaked at Sea photo in which some 700 people gathered on the Lido Deck to drop their robes for 5 seconds to create a moment we will never forget (it can still be found on the internet).
Then the best part of all was that we were exposed to some bands we never heard of.  Most of them you might hear for a couple of songs as you walk by the venue in which they were playing.  However, you might also hear something fantastic... and we did.  The band 'Gaelic Storm' started playing on the stage in the casino one night.  I'm convinced, this is the greatest band noone has ever heard of.  I always suggest people check them out.  Crazy talent, amazing stage presence, strong lyrics (drinking songs, funny songs, meaningful songs), and without a doubt the most fan friendly band in the business (they come out to do a meet and greet with fans after every show and are known to have fans on stage during the show).  Great band.  Check them out.  You won't be sorry. 

I am open water certified having done the class during college and finished my qualifying dives on a land based vacation - I would agree with most of what's here.  the class and the pool work etc are a big time commitment.  if you're ok with that taking up a lot of your vacation and know that going in then great, go for it. 
all things being equal i don't get on a weeklong cruise every year so to me, that time commitment would not be worth it to me but if it's something you really want to do and you're ok making a whole crusie your scuba cruise, then as they say, the world is your oyster.  

^^^ This ^^^  It is much cheaper and easier to do it locally.  Save the trip for enjoying fun diving experiences where you can enjoy the underwater sights, not learning and constantly having to "think" and check your instruments because you are new to them.

My opinion, having been with someone who did it on a trip is... DON'T DO IT.  It will monopolize your trip.  It takes valuable time away from the vacation with your family.  It is much better to do it another time... either before of after your trip.

My opinion, having been with someone who did it on a trip is... DON'T DO IT.  It will monopolize your trip.  It takes valuable time away from the vacation with your family.  It is much better to do it another time... either before of after your trip.

I am a PADI Open Water Scuba Diver Instructor, your best bet would be getting ceritifed before your cruise, and see if there are any diving shore excursions on trip, if not see if there are any PADI Dive centers at your ports of call

I have a contrary opinion. When I was looking at diving classes I found the cruise certification to be about the same in cost as doing it through a private shop. When all things were considered. Some places make you buy a mask and fins, nearly all make you buy the PADI or other online course before you take the class. Not to mention the cost of the OW dives.
As for time...not really a big thing. A couple 3 hour (often less) pool sessions before the open water. You do those first thing in the morning before most people are up and before you would likely be doing anything anyways.  I met people who specifically went on a cruise to get dive certified in warm water in the Caribbean.. The cruise part was a bonus.  I've also met some of the cruise staff diving instructors. They sometimes go along on cruise ship dive excursions. All of them have been very good and look out for their passengers. It's really no different than if you went to a resort to learn to dive. You're learning while on vacation. Not a bad thing.
The OW sessions are no different than if you booked a two tank dive . If you've cruised enough you don't really have to do a lot of shore excursions. If you have a understanding spouse it's no big deal. I did 4 two tank dives in a row on a cruise, and have done multiple 3 day in a row 2 tank dives particularly when we go to the ABC islands, or Cozumel, Costa Maya and Roatan.
 

My opinion, having been with someone who did it on a trip is... DON'T DO IT.  It will monopolize your trip.  It takes valuable time away from the vacation with your family.  It is much better to do it another time... either before of after your trip.

Most eligible bachelor... in Adventure Ocean.  🙂 

Wow. Just wow.
The only thing I see RCCL did that is questionable was to let you board in the first place.  
They gave you a second cabin.  You only paid for one.
RCCL is not responsible for your relationship.
Of all the ridiculous complaints I've seen from first time posters, this one takes the cake.
Suck it up buttercup.  You and your friend ruined your vacation... not RCCL.

Glad you liked it.  They have almost 30 years of amazing music.  Some funny.  Some more serious.  Funny you should mention that it would be nice to see them on board.  That's exactly how we (my brothers and I) discovered them.  They were on the first two Barenaked Ladies cruises.  They have done the Rock Boat several times since then.  A great unknown live band.  Never spent more than $40 to see them.  Usually $20.  Sometimes free.  Seriously, a great band.

Wow. Just wow.
The only thing I see RCCL did that is questionable was to let you board in the first place.  
They gave you a second cabin.  You only paid for one.
RCCL is not responsible for your relationship.
Of all the ridiculous complaints I've seen from first time posters, this one takes the cake.
Suck it up buttercup.  You and your friend ruined your vacation... not RCCL.

Wow. Just wow.
The only thing I see RCCL did that is questionable was to let you board in the first place.  
They gave you a second cabin.  You only paid for one.
RCCL is not responsible for your relationship.
Of all the ridiculous complaints I've seen from first time posters, this one takes the cake.
Suck it up buttercup.  You and your friend ruined your vacation... not RCCL.

Wow. Just wow.
The only thing I see RCCL did that is questionable was to let you board in the first place.  
They gave you a second cabin.  You only paid for one.
RCCL is not responsible for your relationship.
Of all the ridiculous complaints I've seen from first time posters, this one takes the cake.
Suck it up buttercup.  You and your friend ruined your vacation... not RCCL.

Wow. Just wow.
The only thing I see RCCL did that is questionable was to let you board in the first place.  
They gave you a second cabin.  You only paid for one.
RCCL is not responsible for your relationship.
Of all the ridiculous complaints I've seen from first time posters, this one takes the cake.
Suck it up buttercup.  You and your friend ruined your vacation... not RCCL.