Avfrattner Posted January 17, 2023 Report Share Posted January 17, 2023 I will begin with saying I am very loyal to royal l and will always still be loyal to royal. So I like to break down my post cruise reviews in three parts, the good, the bad and the fantastic! The Good- Being back on a cruise ship after the pandemic is quite a feeling and a good feeling of that and knowing crew can again earn income. Being a suite and having some form of access to coastal kitchen each dinner was amazing. Was given a 70% refund on the key. Was 70% refund on three night dining package. Drinks package as per usual, got my worth x2 lol Well......that was the good. The Bad- Port staff absolutely stressed the hell out of guests in the key line and suites line, I don't know whether it was a miscommunication between Port staff and Royal Caribbean, but it was poor when they were threatening to push people back to their arranged embarkation time regardless of their status. We missed three-port days out of four, and only got compensation of $200 per state room if you're in a suite. I will not add to the rumours of why royal keeps missing certain ports from sydney and ship capacities from Australia...... Should have of sailed from Brisbane on Quantum lol. The key program is an absolute joke! Tried to do the the good thing by booking everything first up. We were told to go from the sports desk to Northstar to ripcord to call the number to go to guest services and even try booking it at focus????? Also, the key lunch took over an hour to get to the mains. People cutting lines was absolutely horrendous, someone would be in line and let 10 in with them. Not so much a bad thing as it is my own fault but I'm never ever booking a cruise in school holidays. It was like Lord of the flies lol. What 1am curfew hahahahaha. Parents letting children gamble on the slot machines right near the entrance of casino Royale. I saw on four occasions children aged from 10 to 15 ish gambling. Underage drinking and I'm not saying just on the cusp of being legal. I'm saying I saw a 11-year-old with a vodka in a lift. Underage smoking and not even in the designated smoking areas. Was lightly hit with the craps stick at the casino on the hand by a certain dealer, I was new to the game of craps and didn't know the rules too well. Also, it wasn't a mistake because I saw him hit other guests on the hand throughout the sailing. I wonder what would happen if you hit the crew on the hand with a craps sitck???? Internet was absolutely non-existent. Apparently the ship server crashed. Had a really bad dinner at izums, salmon had a metallic taste, Tuna looked dry however the kingfish was good. I must say I've had two really good dining experiences at izumi's in the past. Royals lack of care for overworking the crew with missed port days, I'd rather royal just close the casino and reduce staff shipwide then work these poor people to the bone, absolutely hated that and I felt bad even having to ask for a drink from these absolutely legends!... Royal if you want to miss a port day due to "1.5 m swell"...your loss....not the crew! People defecating and vomiting all over the ship. My heart goes out to the poor crew who clean up after these pigs. Folks who get that messy should be charged a fee and the fee should passed in full to said crew who cleans it up! Royal cutting back on jr suites and diamond members, Enuff said! The fantastic- The crew! The crew are always amazing and fantastic. Doesn't matter. Post COVID pre-COVID no COVID.....They are amazing! The service is that amazing, thats why I always tip everytime even in Oz, our tips are included cause most Aussies are cheap ####'s and don't understand "American based customs" hahaha Now.....In order of legend status. Coastal kitchen - Eguardo, a amazing guy who will go 1001%. Eguardo, if you ever read this, I hope you got to see your kids and sorry we missed you at the airport. Coastal kitchen - Wef and Nomsa, booked us in every night even tho we were in a jr suite. Casino bar staff - Umeish, I did not need to even ask for a drink nor give my seapass card. He saw me and bam! My usual drink was there. Great dude! Casino bar staff - Reymond, when at tables he sorted me out first....every time! Awesome hardworker. The pub staff - Dinesh, really cool guy always sorted me out and was real...he did not take shit from drunk bogan idiots. Music hall bar staff - Michael, really nice guy. Service was great and the only person we let make a "Cesar" for us. Casino staff - Miriam, awesome dealer, she always had the time and patience with not just us but other players. Casino staff - Lay, another great patient dealer who also was working with her husband on the same sailing! Really good to hear that they had a couple's room. Casino management - Bobby, good old Bob. I've seen Bob on quite a few sailings and he's always a good laugh and will always help you with problems as above with two other shithead staff. Good to see that he's climbed the ranks to casino manager! Casino management - Leonardo, He was great. Knew how to have a laugh and really looked after us. Ship cleaner - Mansesh, I saw on two occasions of him cleaning feces from the Royal Promenade and three lots of vomit. Guest services - All of the staff they absolutely copped it...poor guys! Summary- So in summary if you were to ask me, would I cancel this cruise that I just went on? The answer would be yes. A very bold hard.....Yes......waste of money! Did I let it spoil my trip......nope! I do feel like Royal in Australia has dropped the ball overall. They do lie to you and I will not get into how I know but I do know. I don't know if it is a cost recovery measure from COVID. I'm not sure. But one thing I do know is it is not the royal that I was used to pre-COVID. Will I cruise with Royal again? Of course I will and only Royal. But will I do a different form of non cruising holiday? Yes! I think I shall be waiting till they are in a positive cash flow position. Thank you for reading! KristiZ, WAAAYTOOO, Linda R and 6 others 4 2 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cactus527 Posted January 17, 2023 Report Share Posted January 17, 2023 3 hours ago, Avfrattner said: People defecating and vomiting all over the ship I feel SO incredibly bad that you had to see this on your trip. There's no rhyme or reason for it ANYWHERE but a restroom. Overall, though, you've got such a positive outlook. I know I'd be raging red after something like this - I want to have a mindset more like you. ChessE4 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vancity Cruiser Posted January 17, 2023 Report Share Posted January 17, 2023 3 hours ago, Avfrattner said: I saw on two occasions of him cleaning feces from the Royal Promenade I’m sorry, WHAT?!?! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Avfrattner Posted January 17, 2023 Author Report Share Posted January 17, 2023 3 hours ago, Vancity Cruiser said: I’m sorry, WHAT?!?! Yep, poor dude. First night and third night. First night was at about 10:30 p.m. near the stairs that go down to the casino. Third night was was out the front of sorrento's where people were lining up at about 12:00 p.m. ish. This is one that I witnessed happened. This 20 year old just decided to let go while standing in line for pizza. I must say I lost my appetite at this point lol. Too many people getting absolutely obliterated with the drinks package. Also, I forgot to mention that the pizza crew that was Manning sorrento's were absolutely legends as well. They were working like maniacs the whole time. WAAAYTOOO, CrimsonCruiser and Cactus527 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vancity Cruiser Posted January 17, 2023 Report Share Posted January 17, 2023 14 minutes ago, Avfrattner said: Yep, poor dude. First night and third night. First night was at about 10:30 p.m. near the stairs that go down to the casino. Third night was was out the front of sorrento's where people were lining up at about 12:00 p.m. ish. This is one that I witnessed happened. This 20 year old just decided to let go while standing in line for pizza. I must say I lost my appetite at this point lol. Too many people getting absolutely obliterated with the drinks package. Unbelievable, I sure hope these folks were cut off for the rest of the cruise Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SweetPea Posted January 17, 2023 Report Share Posted January 17, 2023 I can't poop in a public bathroom, much less a public, open space. I can't even imagine ... I want to hear more about this, but then i don't. 🫢 Vancity Cruiser, WAAAYTOOO, Cactus527 and 4 others 3 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Avfrattner Posted January 17, 2023 Author Report Share Posted January 17, 2023 4 hours ago, Cactus527 said: I feel SO incredibly bad that you had to see this on your trip. There's no rhyme or reason for it ANYWHERE but a restroom. Overall, though, you've got such a positive outlook. I know I'd be raging red after something like this - I want to have a mindset more like you. Thanks mate! At times....well...I'm not surprised at seeing what I've seen in this 38 years of life and learning about the human condition that is lol. I think the key thing I learnt very young is to know when you've had too much a drink and know what to do when you've had too much to drink and where to do what you need to do when you've had too much of the demon drink hahahahaha. Also, I'm not trying to sound like a saint in regards to the drinking. I racked up 362ish drinks on a 9 night cruise, and that's not counting the doubles and the ones at the crew did not put through lol. I just feel bad for the poor people who have to work on there when things like this occur. I do wonder if American sailings are different to Australian sailings in regards to stupid people. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wheeler825 Posted January 17, 2023 Report Share Posted January 17, 2023 Besides the poop thing, theres a lot of things on your list that could be rectified by minding your own business. Who cares if someone is letting their kid pull a slot machine handle for them? Does it affect you at all if someone else's kid is drinking? Here in Wisconsin I could buy my kid a drink at the bar if I wanted to(he's six), not that I would. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Censored Posted January 17, 2023 Report Share Posted January 17, 2023 7 hours ago, Avfrattner said: I will begin with saying I am very loyal to royal l and will always still be loyal to royal. So I like to break down my post cruise reviews in three parts, the good, the bad and the fantastic! The Good- Being back on a cruise ship after the pandemic is quite a feeling and a good feeling of that and knowing crew can again earn income. Being a suite and having some form of access to coastal kitchen each dinner was amazing. Was given a 70% refund on the key. Was 70% refund on three night dining package. Drinks package as per usual, got my worth x2 lol Well......that was the good. The Bad- Port staff absolutely stressed the hell out of guests in the key line and suites line, I don't know whether it was a miscommunication between Port staff and Royal Caribbean, but it was poor when they were threatening to push people back to their arranged embarkation time regardless of their status. We missed three-port days out of four, and only got compensation of $200 per state room if you're in a suite. I will not add to the rumours of why royal keeps missing certain ports from sydney and ship capacities from Australia...... Should have of sailed from Brisbane on Quantum lol. The key program is an absolute joke! Tried to do the the good thing by booking everything first up. We were told to go from the sports desk to Northstar to ripcord to call the number to go to guest services and even try booking it at focus????? Also, the key lunch took over an hour to get to the mains. People cutting lines was absolutely horrendous, someone would be in line and let 10 in with them. Not so much a bad thing as it is my own fault but I'm never ever booking a cruise in school holidays. It was like Lord of the flies lol. What 1am curfew hahahahaha. Parents letting children gamble on the slot machines right near the entrance of casino Royale. I saw on four occasions children aged from 10 to 15 ish gambling. Underage drinking and I'm not saying just on the cusp of being legal. I'm saying I saw a 11-year-old with a vodka in a lift. Underage smoking and not even in the designated smoking areas. Was lightly hit with the craps stick at the casino on the hand by a certain dealer, I was new to the game of craps and didn't know the rules too well. Also, it wasn't a mistake because I saw him hit other guests on the hand throughout the sailing. I wonder what would happen if you hit the crew on the hand with a craps sitck???? Internet was absolutely non-existent. Apparently the ship server crashed. Had a really bad dinner at izums, salmon had a metallic taste, Tuna looked dry however the kingfish was good. I must say I've had two really good dining experiences at izumi's in the past. Royals lack of care for overworking the crew with missed port days, I'd rather royal just close the casino and reduce staff shipwide then work these poor people to the bone, absolutely hated that and I felt bad even having to ask for a drink from these absolutely legends!... Royal if you want to miss a port day due to "1.5 m swell"...your loss....not the crew! People defecating and vomiting all over the ship. My heart goes out to the poor crew who clean up after these pigs. Folks who get that messy should be charged a fee and the fee should passed in full to said crew who cleans it up! Royal cutting back on jr suites and diamond members, Enuff said! The fantastic- The crew! The crew are always amazing and fantastic. Doesn't matter. Post COVID pre-COVID no COVID.....They are amazing! The service is that amazing, thats why I always tip everytime even in Oz, our tips are included cause most Aussies are cheap ####'s and don't understand "American based customs" hahaha Now.....In order of legend status. Coastal kitchen - Eguardo, a amazing guy who will go 1001%. Eguardo, if you ever read this, I hope you got to see your kids and sorry we missed you at the airport. Coastal kitchen - Wef and Nomsa, booked us in every night even tho we were in a jr suite. Casino bar staff - Umeish, I did not need to even ask for a drink nor give my seapass card. He saw me and bam! My usual drink was there. Great dude! Casino bar staff - Reymond, when at tables he sorted me out first....every time! Awesome hardworker. The pub staff - Dinesh, really cool guy always sorted me out and was real...he did not take shit from drunk bogan idiots. Music hall bar staff - Michael, really nice guy. Service was great and the only person we let make a "Cesar" for us. Casino staff - Miriam, awesome dealer, she always had the time and patience with not just us but other players. Casino staff - Lay, another great patient dealer who also was working with her husband on the same sailing! Really good to hear that they had a couple's room. Casino management - Bobby, good old Bob. I've seen Bob on quite a few sailings and he's always a good laugh and will always help you with problems as above with two other shithead staff. Good to see that he's climbed the ranks to casino manager! Casino management - Leonardo, He was great. Knew how to have a laugh and really looked after us. Ship cleaner - Mansesh, I saw on two occasions of him cleaning feces from the Royal Promenade and three lots of vomit. Guest services - All of the staff they absolutely copped it...poor guys! Summary- So in summary if you were to ask me, would I cancel this cruise that I just went on? The answer would be yes. A very bold hard.....Yes......waste of money! Did I let it spoil my trip......nope! I do feel like Royal in Australia has dropped the ball overall. They do lie to you and I will not get into how I know but I do know. I don't know if it is a cost recovery measure from COVID. I'm not sure. But one thing I do know is it is not the royal that I was used to pre-COVID. Will I cruise with Royal again? Of course I will and only Royal. But will I do a different form of non cruising holiday? Yes! I think I shall be waiting till they are in a positive cash flow position. Thank you for reading! I think all the cruises out in that area had similar issues due to weather. How many points did you score in the casino? Enough for another Junior? Minors in casinos should be reported and escorted out. Have you considered Celebrity(sister to Royal) and their casinos? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Avfrattner Posted January 17, 2023 Author Report Share Posted January 17, 2023 18 minutes ago, Vancity Cruiser said: Unbelievable, I sure hope these folks were cut off for the rest of the Cruise I'm not sure to be honest, but most of the usual offenders were back at it again the next day or either getting their friends to get them drinks. Tho, I had this one guy boasting to me about how he got cut off at one bar then his seapass was blocked shipwide for the next 12hrs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Avfrattner Posted January 17, 2023 Author Report Share Posted January 17, 2023 18 minutes ago, Wheeler825 said: Besides the poop thing, theres a lot of things on your list that could be rectified by minding your own business. Who cares if someone is letting their kid pull a slot machine handle for them? Does it affect you at all if someone else's kid is drinking? Here in Wisconsin I could buy my kid a drink at the bar if I wanted to(he's six), not that I would. All good mate, I can see your point....yep. I guess this can be seen as I'm having a sook, but I'm just giving my honest opinion on what happened to me and my cruise that I paid for. And yes, it does somewhat affect me to see people letting their kids drink and gamble at such an early age because I know that the youth is our future. And trust me, I'm not a part of the temperance union, but I do think there is an issue of early exposure to a lot of things. Now you live in Wisconsin in America. I live in South Australia in Australia. Two different places. Two different people with two different opinions. But I do respect your opinion and your freedom to express it. Cheers, and have a great day! WAAAYTOOO, Wheeler825, SeaSomm and 2 others 4 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maggie M Posted January 17, 2023 Report Share Posted January 17, 2023 I couldn't agree more with this! They work so hard so that we can enjoy our holiday and some people tend to forget that their actions have consequences (with regards to defecating on the Promenade) - that's just disgusting. Avfrattner and CrimsonCruiser 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wheeler825 Posted January 17, 2023 Report Share Posted January 17, 2023 40 minutes ago, Avfrattner said: Thanks mate! At times....well...I'm not surprised at seeing what I've seen in this 38 years of life and learning about the human condition that is lol. I think the key thing I learnt very young is to know when you've had too much a drink and know what to do when you've had too much to drink and where to do what you need to do when you've had too much of the demon drink hahahahaha. Also, I'm not trying to sound like a saint in regards to the drinking. I racked up 362ish drinks on a 9 night cruise, and that's not counting the doubles and the ones at the crew did not put through lol. I just feel bad for the poor people who have to work on there when things like this occur. I do wonder if American sailings are different to Australian sailings in regards to stupid people. Hope to one day get down to Australia myself. You also confirmed my suspicions about 'the key' being a waste. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CrimsonCruiser Posted January 17, 2023 Report Share Posted January 17, 2023 I'm glad you were able to enjoy your trip with all that was going on. It's insane that people were that...let's say relaxed...on the ship.... Maybe the booze is better down under? (Kidding..but also REALLY wondering why it was so insane..) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Avfrattner Posted January 17, 2023 Author Report Share Posted January 17, 2023 46 minutes ago, Censored said: I think all the cruises out in that area had similar issues due to weather. How many points did you score in the casino? Enough for another Junior? Minors in casinos should be reported and escorted out. Have you considered Celebrity(sister to Royal) and their casinos? Only 400ish points lol. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Avfrattner Posted January 17, 2023 Author Report Share Posted January 17, 2023 22 minutes ago, Wheeler825 said: Hope to one day get down to Australia myself. You also confirmed my suspicions about 'the key' being a waste. I think if it wasn't so over sold it would be good. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Avfrattner Posted January 17, 2023 Author Report Share Posted January 17, 2023 30 minutes ago, CrimsonCruiser said: I'm glad you were able to enjoy your trip with all that was going on. It's insane that people were that...let's say relaxed...on the ship.... Maybe the booze is better down under? (Kidding..but also REALLY wondering why it was so insane..) Thanks! We in Australia don't have cheap booze or smokes, so any chance we get at unlimited grog we go hard at it. We pay on average $10 AUD for a pint of average beer at the pub. So I think the prospect of unlimited good hard alcohol is the issue. Not sure royal makes much $$$$ with Aussies.....lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phd1003 Posted January 17, 2023 Report Share Posted January 17, 2023 3 hours ago, Avfrattner said: Third night was was out the front of sorrento's where people were lining up at about 12:00 p.m. ish. This is one that I witnessed happened. This 20 year old just decided to let go while standing in line for pizza. I must say I lost my appetite at this point lol. Right in front of Sorrento's? I'm appalled - Everyone knows the only place that is acceptable is... (Wait for it)... - The poop deck Avfrattner, tjcruisers and brienc 1 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yesiamthere6 Posted January 17, 2023 Report Share Posted January 17, 2023 Sometimes, it’s hard to get a machine in the casino, so heck yea, it’s my business that a snot nose kid is playing in the casino. And, heck yea, it’s my business that a 11 year old is drinking liquor, and possibly could be taken advantage of by someone. SeaSomm 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Va4fam Posted January 17, 2023 Report Share Posted January 17, 2023 11 hours ago, Avfrattner said: Royal cutting back on jr suites and diamond members, Enuff said! Sounds like an eventful cruise. What do you mean by your comment above? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phd1003 Posted January 18, 2023 Report Share Posted January 18, 2023 Sounds like you Aussie know how to party... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Censored Posted January 18, 2023 Report Share Posted January 18, 2023 20 hours ago, Avfrattner said: Only 400ish points lol. 15 hours ago, Phd1003 said: Sounds like you Aussie know how to party... well that gets you zero. I thought you were a high roller. lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maggie M Posted January 18, 2023 Report Share Posted January 18, 2023 LOL Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
princess Walker Posted April 19 Report Share Posted April 19 Hi I am a recent loyal member of Royal Caribbean, in February we cruised on Liberty of the seas for a 3 day to celebrate our sons 25th b-day. It was such a blast we decided to do a 5 day on Explorer in April for my bday. All things considered it was a great experience except the main dining room was a real disappointment. The first night our designated table on our seapass was given to someone else and we were repeated. Upon that seat we were then told it was still the wrong table with no one notifing us of any changes. We then ate at speciality restaurants until that last night, which we decided to avoid the choas and eat at the Windjammer. We then received a call I'm our cabin saying there would be no waiting. We get to the dining room and were told then to stand in a line which was super disappointing. I expected more of a seamless dining experience Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.