F1guynz

Hi, there was no special line for re-boarding the ship after shore excursions, we had to queue for the tender and security once back on board.

My only thought was as it is meant to be going to Singapore for dry-dock that maybe the timelines have moved a bit. Is this when they are going to fix the Northstar do you think?

I have lucky with 2 of our cancelations, we actually ended up with similar itinararies but more nights for the same price. i agree though, that is a bit of a crap shoot as to whether you get a better offer.

When I use my iPad I notice I get an ad at the bottom of the screen. Until I read this thread I had never noticed the ad there before so I am not very observant. I don’t use the site on my phone so maybe if I did I would be more distracted by the ads.

Hi, you will get an email from Royal with all your cruise documents which will include cruise documents. You will also be able to find them in the app at this time. even if you don’t print them before the cruise the porters will label the bags when you drop them off.

I was surprised as well. I assume they follow a similar process to Royal so the fact the ship is still at the ship yard must mean there is a work to complete and then coast guard approval and maybe test sailings. Princess haven’t cancelled the 18th cruise but I suspect it would be ambitious to be ready by then as well.

Hi, sorry to hear your cruise has been cancelled. When offering an alternative cruise I have always found it to be the same length of longer at the lowest price. It is complicated by the fact your cruise is lengthy so the only near equivalent sailing will be Ovation which is likely fully booked. what replacement cruise itineraries have Royal offered? This ia a quote from an email we have received previously for a cancelled cruise. “We invite you to transfer your reservation to one of the below selected sailings, in like accommodations, at the protected/lowest available cruise fare. Price protection is limited to the cruise fare only. Taxes, fees, gratuities and other non-cruise fare items are subject to prevailing rates” ‘In the event that the alternative cruises are not suitable you also have the option of transferring your booking to another cruise at prevailing rates. ‘“Alternatively, you may transfer your booking to any other Royal Caribbean sailing at the prevailing rate (not prevailing promotions.)” You should also receive some on board credit. Regardless of the sailing you choose, selected sailing or not, you will receive US$100 onboard credit per standard stateroom or US$200 onboard credit per suite (as per your original stateroom category.)

Originally scheduled to sail 8th February. Very upsetting for those who were booked on the inaugural sailing. New Princess Cruise Ship Delayed, Inaugural Voyage Cancelled (cruisehive.com)

Details here. https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2022/08/02/royal-caribbeans-royalup-guide-tips-and-tricks

Part of the issue is that apart from P&O there is really any genuine year-round cruising. Royal is usually here from October - April then gone as are most other cruise lines. I am thinking of trying MEI travel for our next set of cruise bookings in 2026 when they are released. Just need to factor in exchange rate, fact that gratuities are included in the fare etc. to see if the pricing works out similarly. As cruises get closer it would be nice to have the option to upgrade without using Royal Up but I have always found that an existing cruise cannot be adjusted so they have to cancel and rebook forfeiting the deposit.

We don't really use travel agents down here as some charge fees and there are no longer any cruise specialist agencies (they all shut down as result of the pandemic). When there were they used to charge fees on top of Royal's. Always book direct with Royal and have never had any issues using them.

I remember the time many years ago when you could just upgrade your cabin or switch cabin numbers the website without having to call someone. The price of progress I guess, you now have to spend more time doing something that used to be simple.

Thanks for the suggestion. We have booked here for our September 2024 cruise.

Reminds me of the $10,000 18ct gold Apple watch that is now obsolete. Nice gimmick but just not worth the money.

It is "free" on port days but on sea days there is a charge, but you do get extra time flight time as compensation. (like North Star is free on port days but does not go from side to side like sea days).

All checked in ready to sail, Royal Up bids submitted just on the off chance. Next step will be hearing from our genie.

Actually, is that a screen shot of the RCL App, doesn't look like it to me. I am guessing this is some other cruise line. I feel the OP won't be back to tell us anyway.

When you booked did you provide names of another 3 people? as I don't believe you can book 4 people without providing names. You could then change the names but there would be admin fee for that.

Yes, typically around March/April. the buzz is that Voyager will replace Quantum and possibly Ovation will be replaced as well, possibly by Anthem.

Once you have spent 175 days at sea you will be diamond plus in the loyalty program or 88 days in a suite (double points). ‘once you reach 75 days you will be diamond when most valuable perks kick in (4 drinks vouchers, discounts, free photo etc.)

We did the bridge tour on Brilliance in November, so it is definitely an option. We have also done it on Quantum, Ovation and Independence so I don't think the class of ship matters. When the concierge contacts you prior to your cruise be sure to mention you would like to do it and I am sure your name will be added to the list.

Yes, I remember the entertainment tour morphed into the meet the entertainment staff which is a shame. The backstage tours were enjoyable. I can't remember clearly as it was a few years ago but I don't recall the AAA tour including a tour of the theatre, but I am sure somebody will correct me if I am misremembering.

The bridge tours are normally conducted with other suite quests, and you will get about 15 minutes before the next one. You are limited to one side of the bridge and the main area is roped off. You get up close with the bridge wing controls. Even in star class you only get the standard tour. Any suite complementary tours are not like the All Access tour which we have also done previously. All access included the engine control room, the laundry, the food storage and recycling centre as well. I recommend this tour if you really want to see the ship operations in detail.

You do not get to see the engines of the ship, you only get to see the engine control room for monitoring the engines. You can see the engines on one of the video screens.

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