NatalieDoreen

Thank you all for your help here! We have decided that being able to select the dates and times we want to dine is more important than the discount, so we didn't buy either the dining package or The Key. We would rather do fewer times, and get when we want to dine. Any idea how far ahead the reservation system becomes available? Regarding the reviews... with HA they are not anonymous, and you have to have done the cruise in order to write a review. I found them very helpful. I am happy to find this place to ask questions, but it is a lot more digging.

Thank you Ryan. I think a lot of my confusion is because the trip is so far out, and the information just isn't there yet. There are no restaurant prices in the cruise planner, nor any reservation ability. Regarding the restaurant discounts (either the Key or unlimited). If folks without these packages can make reservations before boarding, is it not possible the spots will be taken, and I have paid for nothing? Does that ever happen?

Hello Royal Caribbean folks. My hubby and I are booked on 2 back to back cruises next April and May 2025 on Odyssey of the Seas. We read a lot of reviews prior to booking, so thought we knew what to expect, but find the processes more convoluted that Holland America (our only recent cruise). I have looked up answers here and elsewhere, but sometimes answers are different, so I think some times things change. So hoping someone can help me out. Anyway, here are my newbie questions. I was surprised I couldn't see the available excursions before I booked the trip, and disappointed in the choices once I could. Is it because the cruise is a year away, and not all are known yet? For example, no excursions whatsoever in Barcelona and Rome, and only one if Florence. That doesn't seem right. I have contacted customer service on this, but no answer yet. Also, no reviews of the excursions, and descriptions somewhat lacking. Are we on a bus? (With a bathroom?) And how long are we on the bus/shuttle etc. Is there anyone I can ask specific questions? I was comparing the dining discounts. For our first cruise the only choice is Unlimited Dining in Specialty restaurants (the second cruise has 3 days and unlimited), or, getting 20% off by buying The Key (which has other perks). But 20% off of what? I can find nothing about the restaurant prices. Is it $100 a plate, or $50, or $? Also, it says reservations must all be made of first day of cruise, and at a restaurant. Really? This can't be online ahead of time? Doesn't this process lead to mass line ups on Day One? If I went for the Unlimited Dining, do I still need to book everything first day? What if I spent all that money for an unlimited package, but then were unable to get reservations where I wanted? I hope that's clear! Thanks in advance for any help here. Natalie