Rose City Cruiser

Re-pricing prior to final payment.

Unfortunately the RCCL cc is not available to Canadians.  I now use HomeTrust Visa w/ zero foreign transaction fees and no AF for my US spending. 

46 minutes ago, WannaCruise said:

Slides are better in Navigator but line ups were longer.

Lines for Riptide flowed very fast.  The lines for the aqua-coaster, The Blaster, is long and sometimes stops because it is stuck in one of the various valleys.  Still a great way to spend a sea day!

Been on both post-AMP'd.  I prefer Navigator.  Has the resort-style pool deck, El Loca Fresh (complimentary Mexican food), and waterslides are better. 

19 hours ago, Matt said:

I could be wrong, but I swear I did not pre purchase voom.

Did you make a "sleep purchase"?

If you are purchasing the drink package, it will work on Coco Cay and Labadee because they are Royal's private destinations.

I'm booked for the one going to Falmouth May 2nd.  We will most likely stay on the ship while docked in Falmouth.

We were looking at the Coco Cay & Labadee one but couldn't make the dates work for us. 

Don't fall for the "free" bracelet/necklace offer.  We just politely say no and move along.  Like @WAAAYTOOOsuggested, taking the free tram will bypass the stalls. 

I would price out what an interior room would cost now vs staying in the booked neighbourhood balcony and switch if the savings are there. 

Also, how are the prices for the neighbourhood balcony rooms Jan 2020 onwards?  I always figured the cost for those perks were built into the price.  So in theory, the prices should be dropping.

I believe there was a work around to have access to YT via the Royal IQ app.  Are there still ships in the fleet that are still using Royal IQ app?

1 minute ago, RatedPG said:

OK... what is special about an inaugural cruise?  

There's nothing like being the first to use the throne.  

Kidding aside.  This is the first new Royal ship in awhile that started in North America.  

1 minute ago, twangster said:

Heck if I'm going all that way, might as well make it a B2B.  

We are looking at doing that as well.  

This could be a sign.  We are currently booked Asia cruise on Celebrity Millenium in Nov 2020 but the situation in Hong Kong is making us nervous.  

When my wife and I started cruising, we only eaten at the MDR for dinner.  Now, we are going to the MDR less.  Not because of food quality/service.  More because the Windjammer is just more convenient.  We prefer a quick meal and go about the rest of the evening.  My favourite offering at the Windjammer is the oxtail curry. Mongolian Grill night is also up there on the list. 

Yeti (or similar) cup/bottle.  No metal straws needed for cold drinks.  Easy to clean w/ brush/sponge.  

Maybe prices for Symphony will finally fall!  Wishful thinking of course!

Photo thumbnail for 5nt Eastern Caribbean & Perfect Day shows Labadee zip line.  Will Odyssey be visiting both Labadee and Perfect Day on those sailings? I know Indy is doing something similar May 2020. 

1 hour ago, HeWhoWaits said:

If that's the way you approach the survey, it would be better to just skip it. Rating all 10s doesn't do anything to improve the areas that can be improved.

I understand what you are saying.  If the survey was to actually improve I would be a bit more critical.  But the questions in the survey are very vague.  You can tell it is basically a pass/fail test for the employees.  It is the same type of surveys sent after you make a call to your cell phone provider.   

I still input any areas of improvements in the appropriate sections of the survey.  Any corrective action is best dealt while on the cruise with the employee and if necessary, escalate to the manager. 

I just give them 10s.  Don't want anybody lose their jobs or contract non-renewed.  If it came to something that was warranted for termination/discipline, I feel that is best dealt with onboard with the position manager.  Royal is usually very good at resolving issues while onboard. 

May 2, 2020 - Independence of the Seas

33 minutes ago, firebuck said:

Fingers crossed that their scales are off in my favor 

Show up in a Royal bathrobe w/ Eye of the Tiger playing.  They have to let you on!

 Good job Royal!

8 minutes ago, JLMoran said:

Is Mariner going to be sitting in the port overnight? I know all the delays and rescheduling have played havoc with arrivals and departures, but I don't recall hearing about Mariner sitting in port for a day. If so, that's going to be some expensive port fees they're paying!

My guess is if they reach Port Canaveral on Thursday, they may do a humanitarian mission to Bahamas and then return Friday for the next sailing.

8 hours ago, Lovetocruise said:

We are supposed to go on the Mariner this Friday, September 6 on a 3 day cruise.  (Fri to Mon).  Royal is still saying we are going out???? 

My wife is on the same sailing doing a B2B.  She is scheduled to fly to MCO Friday AM.  Mariner is scheduled to arrive at Port Canaveral Thurs.  Hopefully there is zero to minimal damage at the airport and MCO.  I can imagine MCO is going to hectic once it opens up. 

Biggest jump from the smaller ships to Oasis/Quantum ships are the suite options.  If you want to shoot for the stars.... those suites will change your cruise experience. 

Usually the best pricing and cabin selection is when the itineraries are released to the public.  They are approximately 18mo-24mo ahead.  If you reside in the USA/Canada, you can book and re-price if there is a better promo for your sailing up to final payment.