KWofPerth

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

33 minutes ago, Jamesszy94 said:

I'm hoping Royal has some surprise ports on their South Pacific cruises. Hoping Fiji or Vanuatu.

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.

3 minutes ago, Jamesszy94 said:

I know Ovation is a Panda, and since this is clearly Anthem - I guess Anthem is a giraffe

What does Quantum, Spectrum and Odyssey have?

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.

2 hours ago, Jamesszy94 said:

As someone who sailed on Disney a few weeks ago, I honestly think that Disney's product is FAR SUPERIOR than Royal's. We always meme on Disney for their prices, but honestly, Royal's prices are just as bad, if not worse sometimes.

I sailed on the Disney Wonder and it was ~$8,500AUD for 5 adults and 2 infants for two interior rooms for a 3 night sailing on the Disney Wonder leaving from Sydney.

I tried to find an equivalent on Royal; the closest I could find was a 4 Night Western Caribbean Cruise leaving from Galveston, Texas on Voyager. 5 adults and 2 infants in 2 interior rooms is $9,109.73. (Keep in mind we'd stl have to fly to Texas)

OR

A 4 night Western Caribbean Cruise leaving from Tampa, Florida on Enchantment of the Seas is ~$4,666.53 for 5 adults and 2 infants in 2 connecting interior rooms. (But then we'd have to fly to Florida, which is even more money because a return flight in economy to the US is ~1.9k PER PERSON, so basically it's pretty much the same price if you factor in flights)

And not to mention Royal skimps on most things. Disney at least includes unlimited soda and ice cream + complimentary food venues in their cruise fare, something that Royal does not do. Plus the shows on Disney are WAY better.

Honestly, if Disney ever gave us the Fantasy or the Wish, I would sail with Disney again in a heartbeart.

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!

On 1/6/2024 at 6:44 PM, EnSeven said:

I LOVED Spectrum out of Singapore! The 2 main things I want on a cruise are the outdoor pool in full sun, and the specialty restaurants. On my cruise of majority Asian passengers, it seems what they wanted was indoor solarium and buffet/MDR...so I could always get a primo seat by the pool, and could get a seat at any restaurant with no booking - it was awesome!

What I didn't like was the reconfiguration of large sections of the ship which have been blocked off for suite or VIP guests.

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.

12 hours ago, steverk said:

Thank you to everyone that responded.  I'll get the appropriate cash and tip like a local!

So hardly ever?! 

3 hours ago, steverk said:

I have a quick question for all of the Australia/New Zealand cruisers on the board!

I'm flying from the United States to Sydney for a Celebrity cruise that ends in Auckland. What currency should I use to tip the crew while on board?

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!

16 minutes ago, HeWhoWaits said:

In today's world, it is not uncommon for children traveling with a parent to have a different last name. The fact that you, as parents, are also traveling with the children removes the barrier of requiring extra paperwork allowing the kids to travel with adults who are not their parents. Just keep together as a group when you board.

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?

36 minutes ago, Big Tule said:

Well after Ovation this year and Brilliance next Jan it might be  our last Royal cruise...We tend to like the radiance class so will be looking further afield to cruise on smaller ships

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

5 minutes ago, OCSC Mike said:

Again, you're trying to judge what others should spend their money on.

I just overpaid (IMO) for reservations at my wife's favorite onboard restaurant... because it brings her happiness, I also love the food there, and we may not get to go there again. To some... a waste of money. To me... worth it even though I think it's a bit overpriced.

If the daybed is worth $350 to someone then it is, even if you can't personally fathom it.

I agree with all you have just stated.

11 hours ago, OCSC Mike said:

What’s sad about people choosing to spend their money how they see fit? As long as they’re not hurting anyone, why would you judge them?

People spend money on things I wouldn’t everyday. Everyone has different preferences.

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.