Carlos A.

This has now disintegrated into the bizarre.
 
 

At the time at the pool, I only had a few $2 bills on me.  The main reason I was using them is it's much easier to carry the $2 bills to carrying a bunch of singles.  I certainly did not do it to be showing off or a ego boost or to stand out.  This thread has made me aware of the trouble the crew has in exchanging them.  I will be bringing singles from now on.

A nosotros nos pasó igual, embárcanos en el freedom of The seas el 03 de oct en Miami, dejamos todas las maletas por el puesto 1 con el Sr. Jamison de la terminal de Royal caribbean del puerto de Miami. Cuando recibimos las maletas en el camarote falto una maleta, la más grande que desgraciadamente tenía todos los regalos, recuerdos de nuestra semana anterior en Disney, cerré esa maleta con todo esas cosas para ni abrirla en el crucero, pero increíblemente desaparece, nadie sabe nada de ella, cómo puede ser que desaparezca una valija de 23 kl con colores llamativos con tag y candado desde el embarque en el puerto hasta la entrega en el camarote?, nadie me pudo responder!. Mi hija de 11 años está destruida, de la tristeza y el stress se enfermó en el barco y pasó 3 de los 4 días en la cama enferma, nos arruinaron las vacaciones, hasta el momento domingo 09 de octubre, nadie se responsabiliza ni se preocupa, la imagen de la empresa quedó por el piso!!!

Ok. The debarkation debacle:

My wife and I have two grown sons with autism. My youngest is more affected by being surrounded closely in heavy crowds. When he was small, being in a bunched up crowd might cause a full blown melt-down.  As an adult, it seriously stresses him and will affect him for the rest of the day with lots of anxiety.

Carnival really touts their commitment to helping those with autism, PTSD and other sensory related issues. Good on them! I am all for that. 
The day before debarking, we get the memo in our room going over the instructions for the next morning. On that memo they talked about their Express Debarking Program for folks with those sorts of needs, and that we need to see a crewmember in our staging area for debarking to get the ball rolling. Since we had a 8.5 hour drive ahead of us, we decided to try for the early Express Debarking.
 We went to a crew member and asked to be allowed to use the Express Debarkation service. We were directed to the theater and placed with people who needed wheelchair assistance, which I found very odd.  But the young man assured me, this group would go first.  They did not.
We were on the right side of the theater with the wheelchair and assistance needed folks. In the center of the theater were cruisers with early flights. While the left side of the theater had folks with Platinum and Diamond status and some other folks I could not tell you who they were.
The Platinum members got to leave first along with all the folks on the left side. Then people with early flights, and then finally the wheelchair users. And to top it all off, before the theater was empty, an announcement was made to others on board that they could now debark. This caused a big crowd we were caught in that was exactly what we tried to avoid. 
I could tell, in the confusion of debarking a lot of guests, that some crew had no idea what other crew were doing.  Believe me, I do understand debarking a bunch of hard-headed guests can be like herding cats. Which is why, I think more care needs to be given to folks like my sons who have sensory issues.

Had we known how this debarking would have been handled, we would have gone to MDR for a nice breakfast, hung out for a bit, and then strolled off the ship after the crowds had dispersed.  

I don't think that wearing them is what bothers other people, is the people that act entitled while using them, so go ahead and wear whatever you want on your next cruise, I'm sure no one will be disgusted about it, unless you act entitled... 

New review of The Key from the other week: https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2022/10/06/i-tried-the-key-again-see-if-its-worth-it

I don't think that wearing them is what bothers other people, is the people that act entitled while using them, so go ahead and wear whatever you want on your next cruise, I'm sure no one will be disgusted about it, unless you act entitled... 

Couldn't agree more.  It is not the wearing of the pin, but the "better-than-thou" attitude that a very, very few exhibit from time to time.  Our experience was once trying to get off the ship in Ft. Lauderdale early in order to start our 800 mile drive home, some Pinnacled Princes complained that the early departure was supposed to be for the Pinnacle guests.  
The few Pinnacle exhibitionist remind me of of man I met in Arlington, VA who years ago lived on a neighborhood with a lot of retired generals and admirals who had their name and rank on their mailboxes.  He put his name and rank on his mailbox as well, "Private (Retired)."

I just got off Navigator yesterday. I was so pumped to finally sail navigator and try out the blaster but ended up underwhelmed. While the concept seemed crazy the actual product was kind of meh. I much preferred the rip tide slide.

I don't think that wearing them is what bothers other people, is the people that act entitled while using them, so go ahead and wear whatever you want on your next cruise, I'm sure no one will be disgusted about it, unless you act entitled... 

This!
If I recall correctly on our Harmony sailing a few (3) ladies (pins) could not get their gold cards to open the door to the suite lounge. I was staying in a CLS and saw them getting angry and continuing to tap but the door wouldn't open. I went over and said oh I'll do it for you and swiped my sea pass for them. The door opened for me and they verbalized how it was disgusting that mine worked and theirs didn't. Wait, what? 
Then they continued they knew they weren't wanted in there but they were going anyway; wait didn't I just open the door for you? 
Not even a thank you and as I was following them in they didn't even attempt to keep the door from closing in my face. I promise you it actually took me a minute to keep my mouth securely shut as that door continued to close in my face behind them. 
It was a sad display and honestly I was like am I on candid camera? I find most pins will gladly share stories and such if asked, I get and feel their frustration as the experience I'm sure has changed a great deal over their 700 plus nights ie. teens in wet bathing suits and no cover ups in the lounge but wow, that really stuck in my crawl for a minute. 
 

I really didn't know so many people were disgusted with others wearing their C&A pins.  I just may have to find mine and wear it on my next cruise.🤩

I don't think that wearing them is what bothers other people, is the people that act entitled while using them, so go ahead and wear whatever you want on your next cruise, I'm sure no one will be disgusted about it, unless you act entitled... 

I don't think that wearing them is what bothers other people, is the people that act entitled while using them, so go ahead and wear whatever you want on your next cruise, I'm sure no one will be disgusted about it, unless you act entitled... 

We also purchased The Key for our recent Oasis cruise, for less than the cost of internet alone. There was only one security line for Key guests when we arrived shortly after 10 am. It moved slowly due to an older passenger in a scooter, but once he  was through, it moved much quicker.
I believe we were on the ship around 10:30. After visiting our muster station, we dropped our carry-on bags at the main dining room. The crew member was very nice and told us to be sure to come back for lunch. We would usually go to the buffet for lunch, but the Chops Lunch in the main dining room made for the most pleasant embarkation day lunch ever! My wife was instantly won over. 
On arriving at our stateroom, our attendant made note that we were Key guests. I'm not sure it mattered, as we received the same great service that we always do.
We did take advantage of some of the special times for activities, for example, i rode the slide twice at 9:05am with no wait. We also used the seating in the main theater for Cats (The performers were great, but what the heck did we watch?}
We received the Key luggage tags on the next-to-last day. On debarkation morning, we went to the breakfast in the main dining room {so relaxed!} then collected our carry-on luggage from our room and left the ship at 8:30. There was almost no line so we just walked off ourselves. The luggage for Key guests was in one spot and it was there first, meaning we could have walked off immediately upon being cleared if we preferred. 
Bottom line, we will absolutely purchase the key again if it is $5 -$10 more than Voom itself.

Aqua 80... Maybe 15 minutes early. Ice show just a couple minutes... I didn't notice when or if they released seats. Aqua 80. There was a very long "no reservation line" and standing room only like under the rock climbing walls. 
 
 

Day 4 Santorini.
Santorini is a lovely island but it's a quite busy one. It's always a tender port so we chose to take RCL to bypass the tender lines. The RC excursion which we choosed was Santorini island view but we got noticed it was cancelled and we got 15% discount to any other excursion. We took the Oia &Fira excursion which takes you first Oia follow by wine testing and ends in Fira. We figured due to the wine testing less chance to have many childrens. The only problem was the excursion meeting point 7:20 Am , night time. Royal wanted to send all the excursions on the first tenders. I was sent to bring some food from the WJ and we started our day. After 20 minutes waiting at the theater we went on the tender and got to the new port. A bus took us to Oia for few minutes of guided tour followed by 1.5 free time. We used the free time to take the required pictures and to eat some very good frozen Greek Yogurt. 




We went on the bus and continue to a local winery, lucky for us we were the first bus so the place was just for ourselves, it a lovely place with wonderful view of the bay. They gave use three wines to taste and some cheese, crackers, olives and tomatoes. It was only 11 am but I am sure it was 5 pm somewhere. We relaxed for an hour at the winery and went to the last stop Fira we're we got tickets to the cable car to go to the port so we could stay as much as we want before returning to the ship. We went to a local supermarket to buy some olive oil, wine and local sweets. We tour the village for a while before we decided to return back to the ship to beat the cable car line (or so we thought)


As you see we weren't the only ship in the island.

Making sure everyone knows who are the real local residents and already dressed for the official night (they did not heard it's dress your best)

We went to the cable car line but it was just too crazy, it was very long and nearly moved, people that went to check estimated at least one hour. I hate lines, I hate lines that not seems to move but most I hate lines which many seems not to respect. We decided to walk down... We forgot one thing, sun screen. The way down is shared by people and donkeys which means it is full with mines and the steps are very slippery. It takes about 20 minutes to go down during I got reminders I have some mussels which are not that I use most of the time. I also felt sorry for the poor donkeys that beex to go up and down all day under the sun. 
Here is what my spouse called picture of three donkeys (she used other words but hey it's PG rated blog)

Once down at the port we located the RC tender tent and we're so happy to use the cold water station they had there. Back at the ship first thing we done as to take a shower , most needed after our adventure and some close encounter with the trail partners. We went for some drink and food in the diamond club ,finally we saw two other people there, we are not the only one. Leaving Santorini at evening time is always good time to take sunset pictures



We skipped dinner as we eat at the diamond lounge and went to see the Piano man production show followed by some recreational time in the next door smoke lounge (which some referring it as the casino) missing the non smoking golden room at wonder. At least we got a jackpot. 
 

Relative speed is slower than on land but absolute speed can be very fast if ship is cruising. 
I get a thrill on Navigator blaster having a negative absolute speed at sea. 

I've suggested the Blaster should have been put on Oasis & Allure (whenever it's Amped). Also, I hate they removed the kids pool from Oasis, when it was Amped... the pool should had remained, when Royal Amped the area vs sacrificing a percentage of the original space(landscape) for loungers, reducing the overall size of the area. Kids want to be "in water", think it was 30inches deep; as well as, treading in 2inches of water while getting dumped on. The kid's pool was regular populated, vs now reduced "traffic & use" over a period of time. And also, gotta get it off my chest again, although I've said this many times before, I wish when Oasis got Amped, they would have put in a cascade pool in the Solarium, much like what's on the Quantum Class Ships.
Hopefully, these things make the cut for Icon... as well as, a Lazy River, which could be engineered done, on Oasis Class Ships, w/o encroaching on much of the ship landscape (pump & filter included). Anyway, that's my "Rant & Wish"

You can't take te bathrobes home with you, even if you're staying on a suite. If there are 3 persons on the reservation there should be at least 3 bathrobes available on the suite, why there wouldn't be enough robes for all of you?.
 
P.S. It's not a "cleaner", the position is called Stateroom attendant. 

There are a couple of options:
 
https://ultramarsales.ultramarferry.com/en/routes-and-departures.html
https://winjet.mx/en/schedules/
 

***UPDATE***
I filed a complaint when I got home from the cruise. It took them this long to respond.
I just got this email below. I asked for clarification on whether or not the outlet expander I brought was permitted or prohibited; I asked to see their specific guidelines that cover this topic. They responded saying that "Clarity should always be given and uniformity on certain polices", which I agree with completely! Then they completely failed to do that - all they did was cut & paste a section of the cruise ticket that doesn't mention any specific items at all! Basically it says, "you're not allowed to bring what you're not allowed to bring".
So much for clarity and uniformity!
 
"Thank you for contacting Royal Caribbean International. Due to a high volume of emails, our response time has experienced a delay. I regret any inconveniences this may have caused.

I'm sorry to learn of your negative experience with the confiscation of your property. I appreciate you bringing your concerns to my attention. Based on your feedback, I can understand your frustration in which this matter was handled. Clarity should always be given and uniformity on certain polices. Rest assured, a report has been filed and your comments will be shared for an internal review.

As per your request, I have posted information below which is printed on the third section of our Cruise Ticket Contract.

3. BAGGAGE, PROPERTY AND LIMITATIONS OF LIABILITY:
a. Baggage Limits and Prohibited Items. Each adult Passenger is permitted to carry onboard the Vessel or check-in only the wearing apparel and personal effects reasonably necessary for the cruise, including suitcases, trunks, valises, satchels, bags, hangers containing clothing, toiletries and similar items. In no event shall any Passenger bring on board the Vessel or check-in, or in connection with the Land Tour, any illegal controlled substances (including medical marijuana), fireworks, live animals (except under the terms of Section 13.e below), weapons, firearms, explosives or other hazardous materials, or any other items prohibited by applicable law or Carrier policy.

Marijuana possession and/or use, including medical marijuana, and possession or use of any illegal drugs, is strictly prohibited in many jurisdictions visited and on the Vessel at all times, as well as in terminals, during shore excursions or any other part of the cruise, regardless of any local, state, or other laws which might permit use or possession of marijuana. Passengers who violate the laws of any jurisdiction are subject to being reported to law enforcement or customs authorities, arrest and prosecution. Passengers who bring on board dangerous items, marijuana in any form, or any illegal drugs or controlled substances are also subject to immediate disembarkation or denial of boarding. Passengers shall have no claim for refund, loss, damage, inconvenience, or compensation whatsoever under any of these circumstances. Passenger shall be responsible to notify Carrier in advance of the Cruise if there is any question as to the permissibility of taking any item or substance onboard the the Vessel.  Carrier reserves the right to refuse to permit any Passenger to take on board the Vessel or on any mode of Transport any item Carrier deems inappropriate.

We truly look forward to the opportunity to welcome you back again and demonstrate our commitment to service on a future sailing."
 
 
 
   

There are a couple of options:
 
https://ultramarsales.ultramarferry.com/en/routes-and-departures.html
https://winjet.mx/en/schedules/
 

Ok, so let me expound a bit on what I said in my last post.
I have taken two cruises in my entire life. Cruise number one was on Adventure of The Seas in April, 2022. Cruise number two was with Carnival on The Breeze in September, 2022. 
 Why Carnival?  I listened to a friend. A friend in retrospect who obviously knows no better! LOL
Both Adventure of The Seas and The Breeze are of a similar size and had very similar itineraries. So, I feel this is a very good apples-to-apples comparison.
The Ships: Winner - Adventure of The Seas.  My wife and I both found the interior of Adventure of The Seas to be far more beautiful and appealing than The Breeze. Also, we found getting around on AoTS to be easier and more intuitive. The Breeze felt blocky by comparison without any natural flow. Also, the promenade on AoTS is just much more appealing than the atrium on The Breeze. AoTS is like a nicely appointed high end hotel and The Breeze is like a Super 8 hotel.
Food: 
I am breaking down the food in to categories:
Buffet: Adventure of The Seas by a long mile.  In almost every category, the Windjammer kicks tail over the Lido Marketplace buffet on The Breeze.  I am not saying the food is perfect in the Windjammer, there are hits and misses for sure, but the food was just overall very bad on The Breeze buffet. 
Sodas:  Royal for the win. Why? They have Coke products. Carnival has Pepsi.  I am a Coke man.
Pizza: Ok, The Breeze wins one. The Pizza Pirate on The Breeze was superior in my opinion than the pizza we ate at Cafe Promenade on AoTS.
Overall Included Dining Options:  The Breeze again. The included options on The Breeze include Guy’s Burger Joint, Guy’s Pig & Anchor BBQ, Pizza Pirate, and Blue Iguana Cantina. In fact, the burgers from Guys, the pizza from Pizza Pirate and the tacos from Blue Iguana were very good.  
MDR: Adventure of The Seas. The dining rooms in AoTS are far more elegant and beautiful and feel more open. The food was a notch above as well when compared to The Breeze.
Cabins: Tie. I found both cabins on the ships to be comparable. The Breeze may have had more usable storage as well, but lacked in decor. I slept great on both beds. (I like a very firm mattress).
Staff:  Adventure of The Seas.  And really, this was close. We got great, friendly service on both ships, but the staff on The Breeze really bungled debarking for us. And that is another long story for later.
Entertainment: Adventure of The Seas. The shows, the entertainers, the options, and the venues we found to be just a bit better on our RC ship. Not to say The Breeze didn’t have good entertainment, just not as good as on AoTS. 
 

It may seem counterintuitive but capping wifi speeds has been proven to cause more problems than it solves.  
WiFi is a shared medium much like the old days of ethernet hubs.  When you cap or throttle users you prolong their session.  If you are downloading a 10MB email attachment you will download all of that 10MB regardless how long it takes.  For as long as you are downloading that 10MB you are consuming time on the radios of the access point you are attached to.  Basically your activity is congesting the spectrum for as long as it takes to complete your download. 
The best solution that has been proven time and again is to get your download done as quickly as possible which then frees up the spectrum for other users. 
When users are capped the problem becomes more prevalent as the number of connected users grows.  The spectrum becomes more saturated because all stations are consuming time slots for longer periods.      
The same logic applies to streaming.  Some people assume that when streaming TV you have a constant stream of bits coming in but in reality you receive a series of data spikes that are buffered in your device.  Each of those spikes is just like downloading something like a 10MB file.  The best solution is to allow your device access to all the bandwidth that is available at that moment in time so that your spike of data is completed as quickly as possible.  The worst case scenario is capping your throughput so that your spikes are smoothed out into one long constant download.  That ties up the radio spectrum making it less available for other users.  
Shared medium always works best when users jump on and off rather than constantly consuming the resource.  Think of a party line telephone.  If one user is constantly using it no one else can.  It only works if all users jump on and off as quickly as possible and for data that requires allowing them access to the whole pipe.
Ask any WiFi pro and you'll hear this time and again.  Twenty years ago it was thought to be a solution but since that time the WiFi professional community has come to the conclusion that user data caps don't work and make the problem worse.  Royal is so outdated in their approach to technology.