KWofPerth

Spectrum is cool. It has a proper MDR for one thing.

I went to both of them on my first cruise back in 2013. Disappointed they were taken out of rotation ever since.

I'm happy to get a Voyager class back. Would be nice to have a Radiance too.

Maybe not a panda, not sure what it is actually.

Quantum has a giant pink panda (I think), Spectrum had some smaller pandas holding red balloons.

Revealed: The two new Royal Caribbean ships coming to Australia - Cruise Passenger

Variety is the spice of life.

I received a RC email today advertising Wiggles themed sailings for the summer of 2025-26 that will go on sale 10th of April. So lock that date in that itineraries open to the public. I don't remember if C&A members get access one day earlier still?

I expect it will be quietly shelved at some point.

All those fares sound very expensive to me. I recently sailed Spectrum out of Singapore. 9 nights at $1,250 per head in obstructed balcony cabins. 2 x interconnecting cabins and one other adjacent cabin. That was value!

In contrast, we really enjoyed the indoor pool. Climate control, no sunburn...Perfect! Also, the Solarium is beautiful. I missed, though, having a pub onboard. The Esplanade does not match up to the Promenade on other classes, but the Music Hall and 270* Theatre are great venues. What I have realised over time is that every class has its pros and cons. There are compromises and benefits to each. I loved sailing through Asia for the second time. I have now done the South Pacific twice and Asia twice. Each are great in their own way. Any questions, please feel free to ask

I'm on Spectrum right now. Of the 4,400 passengers, 1,100 are Aussies. That's a quarter! Next is Singaporeans with 550. Coming from Perth, cruising from Singapore is no further than cruising out of sydney or Brisvegas. Can recomend.

So hardly ever?!

Both Aussie dollar and NZ dollar would be fine. Even US dollars would be ok too, but I think AUD or NZD would be preferable, since they would be able to spend it onshore. When cruising the South Pacific I have even used leftover currency from the islands, as the crew will spend time there during their time off.

Personally, smoking should be banned from the designated areas on the pool decks, ahead of the casinos. Admittedly this was 5 years ago on Voyager, but an entire side of the pool deck was a smoking area, so when strolling down that particular side you had to contend with the foul stench of all the smokers gathering. I've only taken one cruise since then (next is in 17 days) so it could be different nowadays for all I know. A casino is an adult venue to begin with, so let people have their vices there if they wish. Let it be a default smokers' lounge, as Last2know alluded to above. Just my 2 cents.

Thanks for the advice everyone. I'll carry a notarised letter, just in case!

Yes, I agree. I am just wishing to avoid an over-officious pencil-pusher at the Singapore terminal who decides I haven't completed procedures appropriately.

Hi everyone. Is anybody able to tell me if RC will be fussy if my children are booked into their grandparents' room. The grandparents have a different surname. I will be on the cruise in a different room. Will I need signed documentation, or will it be OK since I am taking the same cruise also? Thanks.

I'm not sure where else they can sail to. Indonesia and PNG from Fremantle? I'd love it, personally, but the economics probably not there (noting that other cruise lines have done similar itineraries but I don't know how financially successful that was).

I'm cruising out of Singapore in January, with check-in opening today. The earliest slot was 11am, so obviously took it. It must vary from place to place, region to region, like others have said.

As most of you would be aware, in the Australian and Asian markets the gratuities are rolled into the upfront costs. It makes life a lot easier and these sorts of discussions redundant. Do you guys see a time where the same approach is applied in the North American cruise market?

I'm with ya. Time to look at different options.

I agree with all you have just stated.

It's sad because it will justify Royal's charging of such a ludicrous price, meaning that the rest of us who are more sensible with our disposable inncome won't be able to use what is a fairly basic amenity. But hey, on such a large ship, there's plenty of other things to do (which is also why I can't fathom why anyone would want to shell out $350. You basically anchor yourself to that one location for a whole day). Each to their own though. I agree that there would be fights and arguments if the use of daybeds wasn't regulated in some way.