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AGSLC5

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Posts posted by AGSLC5

  1. 12 hours ago, Lovetocruise2002 said:

    By around 4pm, everyone was shopped out, and tired, so we headed to La Bamba!!! Best part of the day. I tried something different tonight. I got the fish tacos and really liked it. Usually, the chimichanga is my go to, but I wasn’t feeling it today. Thank you to @LandstromCruise and @AGSLC5 for leading us this way. The family sends their thanks as well. 
     

     

    I am very Glad you got to go to La Bamba. Also good idea you went at 4:00PM. On Saturdays as soon as it becomes 6:00 there is always a wait. Enjoy the rest of your vacation I can't wait to see some pics from the Royal Loft!!

  2. 13 hours ago, Lovetocruise2002 said:

    Were you on HM on the March 11th, 2023 sailing? We were on that one. I agree. HM used to be my favourite ship. I loved that sailing, the cabin and being with my sister and parents. We have such treasured memories from that trip, but the food definitely was not as good as on other ships.

    We seriously cannot thank you enough!!!

    Hubby was like, "How did you miss that location?" I don't even know lol, I am just so thankful you came to our rescue! Fried Ice Cream here I come! 

    I believe I was on on the sailing right after you on March 18. I always buy UDP and still the food was not very good. The shows on Oasis class and now Icon class can't be beat and I have been on I believe 56 Royal Caribbean Cruises but I really have moved over to more Celebrity now. Still I like the newer ships I am a new ship snob lol. When both your girls are officially out of the nest maybe you should try an Edge class ship and see if you like it. I saw you are trying Reflection but here is the problem with that. It's now old and wasn't refurbished so I feel like it's not a fair test to see if you like the brand. I don't mind the solstice class ships and I still go on them but I strongly prefer Edge class and you can really tell the difference between the two classes. I still think you will have a great time on Reflection but I would give Celebrity one more chance on an Edge class ship. 

  3. 11 hours ago, WAAAYTOOO said:

    Still….great to “hear” from you.  I knew you were cruising more on Celebrity.

    Thank you for the Pinn congrats.  Now that we finally made it, the door is slightly open to trying other lines.

    It would be great to see you, Steph.  I hope it happens.

    It would be great to see you too. I have been trying other lines. I signed up with URcomped and they got me on Virgin which I love. The food is really good. The casino is on the smaller side but they have Ultimate Texas holdem and three card which are the two games I play and it is also non smoking. Also I love the Adult only aspect and it's not as wild as people think. It can be if you want it to be but if you just want to see some shows, eat good food, and gamble it's perfect. I am also even going to try princess next year and see what I think. This summer I am going on Beyond to the ABC islands and then over thanksgiving going on Ascent but next year I am trying a princess cruise that is 10 nights that goes to Eastern and Southern Caribbean. I heard getting in their casino program is not too difficult so hopefully that will happen and I will have another option to try. 

  4. 2 hours ago, Lovetocruise2002 said:

    It's settled....WE ARE GOING TO LA BAMBA!

    Thank you @LandstromCruise for bringing it up, and thank you @AGSLC5 for catching that and letting me know about the Plantation location!

    I am glad I could help you out. I have lived in plantation my whole life lol. I will never forget the first time my parents took me to La Bamba I was hooked and still am I am proud to say I dine in and take out from there quite often lol. Enjoy your cruise and of course Enjoy La Bamba!! I also am a big fan of the fried ice cream!! 

  5. 3 hours ago, WAAAYTOOO said:

    @AGSLC5, where have you been ????

    I am always here lol. I just read more than comment BUT I have loved La Bamba since childhood and I had to help her out lol.  I have been doing a lot more cruising on Celebrity than Royal lately. Last march I went on Harmony and I know it was spring break but it was just not the best. The food really has declined and I just really like Edge class and solstice class ships better. I hope you're doing well. I saw you made pinnacle that's awesome. Oh and one more thing I really love that the Casinos on Celebrity are fully non smoking that is a game changer for me lol. 

  6. 5 hours ago, Lovetocruise2002 said:

    Unfortunately, I don't think so. We did not rent a car this time. We looked into it but the car rental that is close to the hotel does not open on Sundays for returns. It was just going to be too much of a hassle to return the car so we decided it was not worth the cost. So anyway, in answer to your question, sadly, I don't think that we will make it to La Bamba this time around.

    On Friday, because we are stuck on that afternoon flight, we don't land until 4pm (assuming it's on time), and then on Saturday, the kids want to go to Sawgrass Mills and that is nowhere near a La Bamba location. However, we, or should I say I, because I am the Home Genie, found an interesting place for us to try for dinner this weekend.

    I am counting on you to take over the live blogging on 3/17!

    Winner, Winner!

    This is why we have to do. Not sure how many more times we can round up all 4 of us that doesn't fall on high season pricing. And even with low season pricing, SC is becoming more and more out of reach these days. Not that we got a bargain at all on this cabin, but we are going to do it now while we still can. Because it might literally not happen again.

    There's always gotta be one in the group lol

    We don't come across the shenanigans that some of you do lol, only cancelled flights 😬 but thank you, hoping for smooth travels and sailing all the way through!

    It's not the ATS this time, but there quite a few ATS in the future. I have to leave room to add on more freeloaders possibly, omg, I cannot believe I am even admitting that.

     

    I just wanted you to know I live 10 Minutes away from Sawgrass Mills Mall and I have been eating at La Bamba since I was 6 years old( I am now 37 so over 30 years) There is Most Definitely a La Bamba near Sawgrass Mills. It's literally like 7-8 min away by car. Sawgrass Mills is on a road called Sunrise Blvd. Its Sunrise Blvd and Flamingo Rd.. Well La Bamba is located on Sunrise Blvd and Nob Hill which is literally 3 streets away. Go to the La Bamba website and click on locations and pick the one that says plantation. Look up the address and you can put it into a gps and see how close it is. I just wanted you to know so you could still go to La Bamba if you want to. 

  7. 44 minutes ago, CrimsonCruiser said:

    Hi.

    Now that we've hit diamond, we're finally thinking about looking into Celebrity since we'd get matching level to their Elite status and I wanted to know, what class(es) of Celebrity ship should we look at if Freedom Class on Royal is our favorite class?

    What we primarily like about Freedom Class

    • the Royal Promenade
    • the theme parties
    • the overall vibe balanced between not too calm and not too bustling
    • the size and number of passengers

    You should pick a solstice class or edge class ship. The millennium class is going to feel too small for you. I would go with the Edge class which is the newest class. It holds about 2900 people and has their best activities and entertainment and most food choices too. However, if you find a good deal on a solstice class ship I would say go for it too. 

  8. 5 hours ago, AspiringCruisePlanner said:

    Did anyone also receive the email offering a free cruise in a balcony stateroom for Solstice this September through March?  I was surprised at the offer because I'm only pearl as I only utilized the free play on a cruise back in 2019.  I offered my wife to go on the cruise with a friend and I can watch our little one at home.  I booked her a sunset veranda and the only cost were the port taxes and fees!

    Yes. They sent this offer out to anyone who has ever played even a small amount in the casino. The were having trouble filling the ship for those itineraries so they sent out a major email blasts for free cruise in a veranda on solstice. 

  9. 8 hours ago, Ferramc said:

    Hi everyone,

     

    I’ve been a die hard royal cruiser for over 28 years (only a diamond as there were some lean, limited travel years).  I just got a really good deal on a Celebrity Equinox cruise - retreat class, royal suite - that I jumped on for next May.    Life has presented some unique challenges the past few months and it was time to do something positive.   This cruise it will be just my husband and me - we’ll be celebrating 35 years! 
     

    Has anyone sailed the Equinox since it was refurbished? I know this is a royal blog but would love to hear thoughts on sailing the equinox compared to the Oasis class ships   Thanks  

     

     

     

     

    I love Celebrity but their ships are nothing like the Oasis class.. Celebrity's ships are beautiful and elegant but they do not have the entertainment offerings like an Oasis class.. I recently realized I prefer celebrity over Royal.. Their food, service, ambience, no smoking in casinos all much better on Celebrity but you cant go into it comparing it to Oasis class.. I am going on Equinox on the 26th in their Aqua class and I am excited But I really really enjoy their new Edge class ships. I know you got a great deal but if I were you I would of started with their best new ship Beyond so you could make a proper comparison.. 

  10. 3 hours ago, WAAAYTOOO said:

    A YT vid that I saw today said that Princess has announced that they will begin taking unvaccinated pax without any exemption required....but I have heard that exactly one place (that vid) and nowhere else.  According to this Vlogger, Princess will allow unvaxxed up to 10% (the new CDC threshold) and it will be on first come, first served as to who can sail.  I will not believe this until I see something in writing from Princess BUT if they do it and they also eliminate testing, I will be making a jump to Princess ASAP.

    I saw the same video that you did...  I just went on princess website and this is what it said for their updated policy.. 

    We manage an exemption process for a small number of guests who are ineligible for vaccines, subject to the regulations of the ports we visit. Exemptions are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Children under five years old (who are not yet eligible for COVID-19 vaccines) are not required to apply for a vaccine exemption but must still follow all other requirements for unvaccinated guests.

    To request an exemption, please call us:

    • North America: 1-800-PRINCESS
    • United Kingdom: 0344 338 8663

    Please note that Canada is supporting a process for medical exemptions to vaccination with proper documentation. Cruises that begin, end, or visit Canada will require sailing guests who are not Canadian citizens, and ages 12 and above, be fully vaccinated, unless they are granted a medical exemption. Find out if you can enter Canada at travel.gc.ca^.

    ^You are now leaving princess.com and navigating to a 3rd party website that is not owned, operated, or controlled by Princess or any of its affiliates.

  11. 2 hours ago, AlohaLivin said:

    I take a mask to the casino and use it to go into the smoking area. I smoked for years but in the 10+ years since I quit it has become more and more difficult for me to handle.

    Another Reason to go on Celebrity. Their casino's are 100% non smoking and its wonderful. I am still Prime with Royal and always plan to be. I am also Diamond plus with 405 points BUT I love celebrity so much more than Royal. The food is so much better, no smoking in casino, The design of the ships, the pool areas, the upgraded level of service.. The only thing I like Royal better for is the entertainment. I will still go on Royal for new big ships and when friends want to go on Royal or I need a quick 3 night cruise but I have decided to mostly focus my bankroll on Celebrity and having status in their casino. I know I am halfway to pinnacle on Royal but I just like celebrity better. 

  12. 28 minutes ago, AlohaLivin said:

    If I’m missing this answer somewhere, I apologize ahead of time. But… once you have matched status, how does that status help for obtaining additional status on the 2nd line or does it?

    Example - if we are D+ on Royal, that matches to Elite on Celebrity.  But then say we wished to sail fairly often on Celebrity after the match, do the points for us start at 300 (the pts needed to qualify for Elite) or do they begin at 0 snd we have to earned our way from 0 to a status higher than Elite?

    After we married we cruised with Norwegian and enjoyed it. My parents cruised more own Holland America and princess back in the 80s  and 90’s, but that first Haven sailing to Alaska was so amazing that was our preferred line for a while.  But then we moved over to Royal. Since we’re about 3 years from retirement, I’m trying to figure out what is the best way for us to travel at the highest possible levels in terms of both quality and quality (as I say to DH, OPTIMIZE is my word of the year, this year and most years 😂). Because we have only sailed in full suites,  we might have benefited from beginning with celebrity. But that is not what has happened. Since it is a long way from, D+ to Pinnacle, this is the time for us to take a look around a bit 😊

    @WAAAYTOOO do you know? I think the news may be bad 😂

    You start at zero and have to work your way up. I am currently doing this now with celebrity. 

  13. 19 hours ago, Steve in Orlando said:

    Hi everyone -

    We have been focusing on Royal for a while to get to Diamond and are about to hit that mark shortly.   Once there - we thought we would try out Celebrity.

    Any recommendations on what to look for for our first cruise with the sister company?

    We would prefer to sail out of Florida - but would travel if needed for the right experience. 

    Thanks!

    Steve P

    Go on the new Edge class ships.. Edge, Apex, or Beyond.. They all leave from Florida from Nov-April which is the Caribbean season.. If you need a summer cruise from florida only one option which is Equinox. That is a solstice class ship. It is still very good and  in fact I am going on Equinox in 5 weeks and I am very excited about it. But the wow factor is on the Edge class ships.. I went on Edge and Apex last summer and I have been hooked on Celebrity ever since. 

  14. 1 hour ago, Psycho and Barb said:

    What bugs me is they always bring a gallon of it and I never ever came close to using it all...Seems like a big waste.  wished they had smaller sizes

    I agree I never use it all either lol especially when I am on a short 3 nighter 

  15. 1 hour ago, TNMIKE said:

    is c pap water available on the ships for purchase ?   QTS in a few days.  or do i need to bring on board ? 

    I also use a CPAP machine. Fill out the form but don't be nervous if they dont have the water for you right away. On the first day meet your room attendant and remind him/her that you need distilled water and an extension cord and they will make sure they bring it to you at NO COST by the time they turn down your bed that evening. 

  16. 2 hours ago, Ampurp85 said:

    I was told about 5% but the rep didn't have the right amount of knowledge and told me so; I love an honest person.

    I wasn't going to call back until later, in hopes that someone on here had used this feature and could give me a better idea. 

    I have used this perk before.. If you are prime you get 5% off the other cabin. If you are signature you get 10% off the other cabin.. I am not sure how much you get if you are masters. 

  17. 48 minutes ago, mrcrab2022 said:

    If I have to end up paying $43.50 x 2 for gratuities, I'll never use Royal Caribbean again. I got my own food (buffet) and I got my own refills (drink stations) most of the time on the boat. 

    Its not just Royal Caribbean that charges these gratuities its every cruise line. You should of done more research before you went on the cruise to find out about all charges and practices cruise lines have. Sounds like based on how you feel cruising in general isn't for you. 

  18. 3 hours ago, WAAAYTOOO said:

    Wow...that's a lot of great information already.  Thanks !

    Kind of a bummer about the comped cruises.  I have no idea what "net50" is but it sounds pretty good.  I wouldn't miss the Royal shows much as I have seen all of them and never go to them anyway (except for We Will Rock You, which I love).  Might miss the ice and AT shows a little but I would get over that.  Oh well...it's rather a moot point at the moment as I can't go yet....but it's something to think about. 

    How hard was it for you to reach their equivalent of Prime ?  Were you able to do that in 1 sailing ?  It almost makes me sick to think about starting over on a new casino program !

    One other thing I forgot... After you go on your first cruise based on how much you played they also take money off the cruise that is combinable with the net50 offer.. They will give you a quote and then just say to them well based on my previous play how much extra can you take off. They calculate it and let you know. last time I got an additional $600 off for asking that but they dont tell you that you have to ask.. 

  19. 3 hours ago, WAAAYTOOO said:

    Wow...that's a lot of great information already.  Thanks !

    Kind of a bummer about the comped cruises.  I have no idea what "net50" is but it sounds pretty good.  I wouldn't miss the Royal shows much as I have seen all of them and never go to them anyway (except for We Will Rock You, which I love).  Might miss the ice and AT shows a little but I would get over that.  Oh well...it's rather a moot point at the moment as I can't go yet....but it's something to think about. 

    How hard was it for you to reach their equivalent of Prime ?  Were you able to do that in 1 sailing ?  It almost makes me sick to think about starting over on a new casino program !

    Their equivalent to prime is much harder to get.. Unless you are a heavy slot player it will take 2-3 times to get to the level... Net 50 is when they take the base rate before whatever the online promo is and take 50% off.. It seems to give about a 25% discount off what the online rate is but it includes the perks which I like.. Then like I said there are times they send offers for a free veranda (balcony) but those dont include the perks. I would say if they lift the vaccine mandate for 2023 try to get on an Edge class ship in the Caribbean that way you get a sense of their best class and you can see if you really like it or not. I have a feeling you will especially if you get a suite. I got a really great deal on the suite.. It was $6,000 on their new ship beyond and I got it for $3,100 including taxes and fees but it also comes with premium drink package, upgraded wifi, tips, and $600 in OBC plus full suite benefits including their suite only restaurant Luminae which alot of people say is better than Coastal Kitchen. Also on their new ship beyond which is what I am going on they made the suite only area even larger and added a pool to the sundeck so I am looking forward to trying that out as well. I also just feel like you get treated a little bit extra special. Small touches really but I have really enjoyed my experience. I am going on them this July as well but not in a suite so I will have to wait until January to tell you about that experience. 

  20. 3 hours ago, WAAAYTOOO said:

    Steph, how hard was it to get "rated" with the Celeb casino program ?  Do they use the same crappy points assessment protocols for table players that Royal uses ?  Once (if ??) we start cruising again I am considering trying Celeb but I am so worried about starting from scratch with a new casino program.  Just wondering how painful it was.  Thanks !

    Yes sadly they do use the same annoying point system lol. I still do go on Royal especially for short weekend cruises and when Royal releases a big ship I always like trying new ships.. However, last summer when I went on Edge and Apex I fell in love with celebrity. Their included food is so much better so if you dont want to eat in the specialty restaurant you dont have to its more of a choice. I like to mix it up and do have restaurants and half dining rooms. I so enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the ship during the day and then at night they have things going on until 2-3 am if you want.. Also the casino. I love that the casino is No smoking. For me that makes it much more enjoyable. The shows are not as good as Oasis class shows but they aren't bad. The pool deck is also so much nicer and so are the chairs they all have cushions. I know that the suite area called the retreat is a ship within a ship and sky suites which are junior suites get full suite perks which is nice.. I am doing my first suite on Celebrity beyond in January for my birthday so I will have more info after that.. The only other complaint I have is how they give comps.. Its very difficult to get a fully comped cruise like hoe Royal does it.. Also when they do give a comped cruise it doesn't come with the perks like when they give discounts.. I find many times their "net50" offer is better than a comped cruise because then we get drink package around the whole ship, tips, and wifi included so for me that is a better deal.. Let me know if you have specific questions I would be happy to answer them if I can. 

  21. 7 minutes ago, YOLO said:

    I like Celebrity, but being an Engineer the tech stuff pulls at me.  So for me I would pick by ship and for me that's Symphony over Equinox.  I don't look at it as Royal over Celebrity...

    agree symphony is a better ship.. If they were choosing Edge, Apex, or Beyond I would go with those. The tech on those ships are just as good as symphony in my opinion

  22. 1 hour ago, Ja-sun said:

    You guys are making me lean more towards Celebrity. It's still part of RC so no loss of loyalty.

    to get a good feel don't do their older ships for your first one. Do at least solstice class or edge class. That way you can really see their product at its best.. 

  23. 7 hours ago, 1st Mate said:

    I'd like to know what is more "upscale".  

    Enquiring minds want to know!

    I didn't use the words upscale lol. What I like about celebrity is the following: The food in the MDR is much better than Royal's food in the MDR. I like that they have a sommelier come over and make wine suggestions for you and then take your order. I like the design of the ships and the artwork. I like that there are much less children around and the children that are on the ships are much more well behaved in my opinion than on Royal. They dont run around pressing elevator buttons and being loud and annoying. Not saying all children on Royal are like that but I find it even less on Celebrity. I like the ambience and atmosphere at the bars and I like that the Casino is Non smoking. 

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