Wanderlust on Wonder of the Seas! (it's me again...Neesa)

[MLH]

2 hours ago, SweetPea said:

The pressure is on!!

 

Oh ... if we notice this, as we say ... THIS IS GOING IN THE COMMENT CARD!!

During our flowrider  8 frickin am sesssion versus skip the line, A star family came.  The mom of some of the kids that were with the family was talking to the other mom and said they wish they could have a balcony on this trip.  I put it on my comment card and got a call from corporate.

[SweetPea]

37 minutes ago, MLH said:

During our flowrider  8 frickin am sesssion versus skip the line, A star family came.  The mom of some of the kids that were with the family was talking to the other mom and said they wish they could have a balcony on this trip.  I put it on my comment card and got a call from corporate.

Oh man, it took me a sec to realize what you were saying .. an inside cabin joined the SC family at the 8am reserved FlowRider session???

How did Corporate respond?

[Neesa]

This type of thing occurred every day this past week. The Suite sun deck as well as the suite lounge. When Kenny the concierge was there he would rather stealthily make his way to the area and quietly, gently yet firmly have them leave. The teen area with the selfie wall was more secure. We couldn't get up there to take a picture until kiddo opened the gate with her key card. There were at least in my humble estimation 1/3 people in the Suites amenities area that didn't pay the upcharge to be there. Once the area had been fully discovered it was an open house type situation. It was just frustrating. 

[asquared17]

not to beat a dead horse but i thought the suite deck was gated off with your key card??? like it is on the other oasis class ships??

or can they just mosey on through if they take the elevators to deck 17???

[MLH]

18 minutes ago, SweetPea said:

Oh man, it took me a sec to realize what you were saying .. an inside cabin joined the SC family at the 8am reserved FlowRider session???

How did Corporate respond?

Yes they were travelling together. They wanted more information and they said they would look into the issue. Normally there are not that many people but this time there were about 12 people there which is no different than the normal lines at time.  I think about 3 of them were "friends"

[MLH]

7 minutes ago, Neesa said:

This type of thing occurred every day this past week. The Suite sun deck as well as the suite lounge. When Kenny the concierge was there he would rather stealthily make his way to the area and quietly, gently yet firmly had them leave. The teen area with the selfie wall was more secure. We couldn't get up there to take a picture until kiddo opened the gate with her key card. There were at least in my humble estimation 1/3 people in the Suites amenities area that didn't pay the upcharge to be there. Once the area had been fully discovered it was an open house type situation. It was just frustrating. 

Definitely note it on the survy.  this happened on Allure,  I talked to Dexter who was a concierge at the time and he had security patrol for a couple of days.  This was during spring break.  

[Neesa]

@asquared17 nope, take the elevator up to 18 and the doors on both sides are propped open  2 seperate ways to enter, the doors were open all week. A few of us would close them but even more opened them. It was the if you can find it you can use it neighborhood 

* just to clarify the doors are propped open to the hallways that have cabins located within, once you are in the hallway it's a few more steps to the sliding suite sun deck, no sea pass needed.

Edited July 2, 2023 by Neesa
Added thought

[Neesa]

On a more positive note, we visited the Solarium on Costa Maya day when the suite sun deck was being chair hogged by who knows ???

A picture of Wonderland and the Wonder model. 

Random, for such a large ship the Arcade was super small. 

 

[Xaa]

@Neesa, you're like my favorite person.  Not only do you temper and immediately bounce back from realistic issues, then you feel it might have been too much complaint.  All that and you cut the grass.  Cabash hit the lottery with you as a wife and we hit the lottery with your presence here and your blogs .  Hope you still do them from time to time.

It is in Royal's best interests to protect the value of the suite amenities.  it's what they charge extra for.  I know that will sometimes mean complaints from suite guests that want to include their non-suite traveling companions and so forth, but those are the correct complaints for them to choose vs the notion that a guest will pay additional for a more private experience only to learn that it is essentially walk up for everyone.

Cruising is such a unique type of vacation.  It can of course vary greatly from cruise line to cruise line, then from ship to ship within a line, but also from time period to time period as the mix of guests might include those more inexperienced with cruising and still having some things to learn about being at any resort style vacation.  As those numbers increase, it puts pressure on control systems for the crew that may work with a certain mix, but not the next.

Your blog helped illuminate some of that and your always even demeanor and kind spirit provides a roadmap on how to navigate it all.

I love the personalities and cruising styles of our live bloggers here.  This area has become my favorite part of the forums.

[Neesa]

@Xaa I read that post twice, wow! I am humbled by the high praise. I sometimes feel the ugly emotions for sure, but tell myself to temper them as when I'm sour it ruins it for my family. Cabash feels bad when I'm upset, I don't want him to. 

I like to cut the grass, I push the mower just under a quarter acre. For me it provides a meditation like no other. I review my blessings and give thanks for my breath, for my heart pumping, for waking up in the morning. Cabash gets to do the pool duties and spray for bugs (we have big ones in Florida!, lol) 

I announced this morning from hence forth he will be addressed as our household Genie, that gave my kiddo a chuckle. Like I said I know this is a fan site & I felt some "push back" so then I felt maybe I was the problem, I am appreciative of all the feedback I've received to the contrary. 

It seems simple, but comes off snotty sometimes but I paid for a certain product, I would like to receive what was promised. And yes, it is upsetting when I can't get a chair in the shade in the little pool because extended family staying elsewhere are taking my tiny amenity. I felt mentioning this was warranted, I am not a suite snob per say but, yes I cut my huge lawn, do my own hair most of the time, paint my own nails except on special occasions when I want the gel & all that savings gets squirreled away to purchase my next adventure.  It's not what I earn it's what I spend, I choose to spend on a more elevated experience, it gives me joy.

We usually walked down the stairs from 18 but if we were going way down we would take the lift. It was always packed with people riding up from the WJ to go down & the comments were not very kind about "the snobs stay up there" Didn't they see we just boarded? 

Thank you again for your very kind words and your thoughts are warm & kind, I am so appreciative. Have an amazing 4th!

[SMOKEY0202]

Here to report currently on Explorer and swear we have been hijacked by uncontrollable kids from another planet ...

Night 1 here it goes casino used to be the cloud of smoke attacking you while playing there.  Last night kids were in there causing such chaos and their parents were MIA.... security was in elevator saying gonna be a long night because another clan was doing water balloons by the dunes

What happened to cruise etiquette 101???

Verified Evian is supply issue and told not sure when available thru fleet again

[OCSC Mike]

50 minutes ago, Neesa said:

Cabash feels bad when I'm upset, I don't want him to. 

I can 100% relate to this. I feel like when my wife is upset, especially if I can't do anything about it.

50 minutes ago, Neesa said:

I like to cut the grass, I push the mower just under a quarter acre. For me it provides a meditation like no other. I review my blessings and give thanks for my breath, for my heart pumping, for waking up in the morning. Cabash gets to do the pool duties and spray for bugs (we have big ones in Florida!, lol) 

I CANNOT relate to this, lol, but more power to ya! Way too hot to cut my own lawn (which is actually tiny) and we just hired a new pool company a few days ago b/c our company of the past decade is raising their rates. I mention being frugal a lot but some things I just have to pay for. We got a much better deal from the new pool guy at least. Will save a few hundred a year... pays for some future cruise purchases, or at least that's how I see it.

50 minutes ago, Neesa said:

It's not what I earn it's what I spend, I choose to spend on a more elevated experience, it gives me joy.

Well said. The snob stuff really bothers me. I grew up comfortably as did my wife but we both lived very down to earth lives. When we were just married we were by no means poor but she had a starting teacher salary and I was still figuring out my career path. We had a one bedroom apartment to start. We're still by no means wealthy but we're comfortable in life and thankful for what we have. Due to our upbringing and mindset, we feel like we can get along with anyone worth getting along with. Back when the DL was busy during happy hour, we really enjoyed chatting with down to earth Pinnacles who were twice our age and clearly wealthy. They didn't look down on us as young-ish interior commoners who somehow made Diamond (mostly from my wife cruising as a child back then) and we certainly didn't care about their cabin or wealth.

[asquared17]

1 hour ago, Xaa said:

Neesa, you're like my favorite person.  Not only do you temper and immediately bounce back from realistic issues, then you feel it might have been too much complaint.  All that and you cut the grass.  Cabash hit the lottery with you as a wife and we hit the lottery with your presence here and your blogs .  Hope you still do them from time to time

amen!!

1 hour ago, Xaa said:

I love the personalities and cruising styles of our live bloggers here.  This area has become my favorite part of the forums.

YES!! i definitely spend more time in this section than any of the other ones

35 minutes ago, Neesa said:

It was always packed with people riding up from the WJ to go down & the comments were not very kind about "the snobs stay up there"

i’m sorry but the way i LAUGHED at this

listen i haven’t stayed on deck 17 in almost 10 years, because it’s not an experience i can afford unless we are traveling as a family. do i miss it? YES. do i begrudge anyone on deck 17 their chosen experience?? NO!!!

i am always delighted when my fellow friends here on the forums are in their suites — be it deck 17 or elsewhere — because i know it’s a special experience and should be enjoyed. 

you shouldn’t feel that you have to rationalize your choice of accommodations to folks who may not give much a damn about empathy or fellow feeling in the first place

this sounds to me like a case of bitter sailors, determined to drag down others with the fact that they’re just miz. 

im still cackling about it

[Neesa]

@SMOKEY0202 okay this is crazy, when we were at Nachi Cocom I met a family there who was sailing the Adventure. She stated nearly word for word as you did. But her point was they had taken over the Solarium and she said the blue tooth loud music was taking over public spaces and she would never sail this time of year again. I'm happy people have warmed to the cruise vacation, but maybe there should be a first timers class, lol.

@OCSC Mike the heat is bad, yes you should see my tiny lawn mowing dress, watch out if I bend over, yikes!!!! The humidity is what does me in, so this time of year I'm the bad neighbor. 0730 is the okay time to start (noise) so i usually mow as soon as it hits 0730 or wait until the sun is going down after dinner.  Cold spring water very close by. Our little gated community of I think 36 homes most everyone besides us are snow birds so they are not here anyway!

My mowing dress gets me thumbs up from the trash collectors when they come by early. When we see them we usually get them some cold spring water also. On a positive note they take whatever I place in the trash, win, win, win.....

 

[SweetPea]

37 minutes ago, Neesa said:

I'm happy people have warmed to the cruise vacation, but maybe there should be a first timers class, lol.

^^ this!!

Batman & I typically sail in suites when we do sail, but we're pretty much a 'one vacation a year' couple. I had a goal to be 'debt free by 43' (no mortgage, no car loans, no debt at all). We did it. If splurging on a suite makes us snobs, I'll take it, who cares!

 

[Lovetocruise2002]

Ok...I am a self-proclaimed suite snob, and I don't care 

With that out of the way, I really love what @OCSC Mike wrote a few posts up. Our lives are pretty much a mirror of that. Hubby and I both did not grow up with tons of money. We were never in need of basic necessities, but our families also did not have any extra to splurge. After we got married, we too started off in a tiny apartment. But we've worked hard in the last 20 years and some, and made some sacrifices along the way. When cruising, we've done everything from Deck 2/3 inside all the way to star. We know what we like, and we like to spoil ourselves when we can. Totally unapologetic for it. Except maybe to my kids, because like @AshleyDillo always says, there goes their inheritance lol.

We have often heard the elevator comments too. I usually just ignore them. Hubby is a bit more cheeky. He usually engages them in conversation every time he hears that sort of comment. It often begins something like, "It's pretty nice up there...." That is usually when I start praying for the elevator to hurry up so that I can escape.

Going by the comments of several here, maybe this was an off week for cruising with the Canada Day/4th of July holiday. Let's hope....

 

[asquared17]

1 hour ago, Lovetocruise2002 said:

We have often heard the elevator comments too. I usually just ignore them. Hubby is a bit more cheeky. He usually engages them in conversation every time he hears that sort of comment. It often begins something like, "It's pretty nice up there...." That

this would be me.

and this is why i love @Ampurp85 dearly but i fear she would be done with my shenanigans in two seconds if we cruised together

[Lovetocruise2002]

2 minutes ago, asquared17 said:

this would be me. and this is why i love @Ampurp85 dearly but i fear she would be done with my shenanigans in two seconds if we cruised together

On the other hand, it would make for a pretty entertaining joint blog lol

[Geezer Of The Seas]

18 hours ago, Neesa said:

This type of thing occurred every day this past week. The Suite sun deck as well as the suite lounge. When Kenny the concierge was there he would rather stealthily make his way to the area and quietly, gently yet firmly have them leave. The teen area with the selfie wall was more secure. We couldn't get up there to take a picture until kiddo opened the gate with her key card. There were at least in my humble estimation 1/3 people in the Suites amenities area that didn't pay the upcharge to be there. Once the area had been fully discovered it was an open house type situation. It was just frustrating. 

Ladies and gentlemen, I give you human behavior in the 21st. century. The rules are for thee, not for me, whatever...........

You're NOT being uppity, whiney or complaining. Royal heavily markets this 'suite neighborhood concept'. You and other passengers pay mightily (or higher) for it. The end. Make It So Royal!!

That said, as we discovered in April, Oasis Class  ships aren't our cup of tea. Glad we sailed Wonder, she is a phenomenal vessel. But I challenge the notion 6900 plus passengers are well dispersed, especially on sea days. The only venues we really enjoyed (and weren't stampeded) were the Solarium, Central Park, Johnny Rockets, 150 Central Park and our cabin and balcony. The elevators on Wonder (or any ship really). Fuggedaboutit!! My wife and I still debate which one is better, Mariner or Jewel. She loves Mariner (as did I), but I really had the warmies for Jewel. Can't really explain why, just really, really enjoyed her.

 

[Ampurp85]

I grew up really poor, I went without a lot of my childhood. I started young assigning value to experiences because I had to be extra careful with my money. My friends and family like to say I am the rich one because I own my own and have no debt........all while being fairly young. 

While I do like luxury and to have nice experiences (and can afford them), I am not a suite snob. I can be on other lines and different vacations, but I don't feel there is enough value in Royal's suite class.........I am bougie though. Having done all the suite classes during the restart might have clouded my judgement but the value just isn't there, more evident by @Neesa experience. These suites are often $10k+ and newbies are paying it while amenities are being reduced. 

 

[asquared17]

1 hour ago, Lovetocruise2002 said:

On the other hand, it would make for a pretty entertaining joint blog lol

i think we have it somewhere on the docket in the future somehow if we can make our schedules overlap someday!!!

[Neesa]

@Ampurp85 funny you mentioned the value. I didnt find the value of Star, and now being D+ the value of Sky with the prices being Sky high is getting hard to stomach. The suite product across the fleet is more and more diluted. It kind of stung knowing what I paid vs the neighborhood that didn't exist. On top of that the sold out ship with 4000+ newbies, yikes! I hear you @Ampurp85 .

[Ampurp85]

@NeesaI hear you, the closer I got to being D+, the less I felt like I needed to stay in a suite. Don't get me wrong, I loved Sky, I would say that is my suite spot, but my experience was during the restart. I was going to book again but I keep hearing how the value has diminished, all while prices have increased. I still have hopes of doing a CLS but the value has to be there. I can spend my money on other things. The UDP gets me the relaxing dining experience I want, and I always take advantage of the DL for a quite breakfast and relaxing snack. 

I also think Wonder will be a one-and-done as it sounds like the crew is overwhelmed with the sheer amount of people they deal with on a daily basis. I am not even going to bother with Utopia as those 3/4 cruises will attract nothing but "loose" newbies.

[MLH]

Our honeymoon in 1992 was on the 13th voyage of the Monarch of the Seas in an inside gty room.  Deck 2 forward with the anchor right next to us.  We saved and now can enjoy the suite life the past 15 years or so.  Some STAR as well.

Now that I am Pinnacle, I find that the suite perks are no longer that enticing. We are doing Alaska next month in a balcony.  I do like the larger rooms and balcony of the suite, but the prices they are charging are ridiculous with amenities being reduced including my last Star sailing last month.

Royal still has a good program,but it's suite program is suffering.

 

[Neesa]

[OCSC Mike]

That even looks like the 4th different font for the ship name portion I've seen.

 

[Neesa]

You are so correct! Things that make you go, hummmmm

 

 

[OCSC Mike]

I like mine the least, lol, but if that’s my biggest cruise-related compliant, I’m doing OK.

[asquared17]

lies i tell myself: they use different fonts for different ships 

[SMOKEY0202]

Another update from Explorer.....well i think of myself a combo between a suite snob and diva.  I work hard to play and when corners are being cut like perks and just nonsense of others not being respectful of everyone then i become a witch with evil eyes.  It's as if before people sail, they need to pass cruise etiquette 101.

Found out while in lounge this morning, this sailing has more kids than even a holiday Xmas one.... .  I told him this is the safe haven of the ship at this point since no kids have been in there at all.

Last night attempted casino to have a lady plop her baby stroller by the craps table......

Today pool deck turned into a circus real fast.  1st lady was told by lifeguard, child in diapers can't be in pool.  She didn't like that so next ripped his diaper off and bare naked child was in pool.....

Couple threw tantrum of their chairs being taken and stuff was at guest services but they hadn't been there in hours

Kids were outta control that each pool has 2 lifeguards to control the zoo and even it's a challenge.  How many times do you tell people NO ice cream cones in the pool??

I might need another vacation just to recover from this craziness this week

 

[Neesa]

@SMOKEY0202 witch with evil eyes, lol. I know her, my kiddo told me there is nothing scarier! Apparently she even told some friends about THE LOOK! Really? 

I am so sorry this is your experience. It's  the bad luck of the draw. @ZBrady is having the time of their lives, so happy for them if not a tiny bit jealous. 

We were the first off the ship debark morning, I couldn't get off fast enough. I've put that one away in the dark recess of my scary mind and will be more particular in choosing my date in the future. I'm so sorry for your experience. I support the etiquette 101 class. 

Funny you mention the casino, there was a couple with their little one at the Vue bar propped on the stool. My kiddo said " mom that's not cool" 

I am sending you positive vibes, deep breaths....

Note: I mentioned earlier I heard from someone on Adventure of the seas, the passengers behavior was abysmal as well. 

Edited July 4, 2023 by Neesa
Added thought

[Lovetocruise2002]

1 hour ago, SMOKEY0202 said:

i become a witch with evil eyes

 

31 minutes ago, Neesa said:

witch with evil eyes, lol. I know her,

Haha!  I know her too...but there is another name for her...I have perfected the look when necessary

[Ampurp85]

So the children in the casino is something I have seen casino staff correct. I have made my thoughts about children sitting at the bar top.

[SweetPea]

Those of us with RBF even make "the look" unintentionally!

#ProudSupporterofCruiseEtiquetteClassInitiative

[Lovetocruise2002]

1 hour ago, SweetPea said:

Those of us with RBF even make "the look" unintentionally!

I have been told by those closest to me to “watch my face” from time to time.

[JustMeJoe]

On 7/4/2023 at 9:33 AM, SMOKEY0202 said:

Found out while in lounge this morning, this sailing has more kids than even a holiday Xmas one.... .  I told him this is the safe haven of the ship at this point since no kids have been in there at all.

Last night attempted casino to have a lady plop her baby stroller by the craps table......

Today pool deck turned into a circus real fast.  1st lady was told by lifeguard, child in diapers can't be in pool.  She didn't like that so next ripped his diaper off and bare naked child was in pool.....

Couple threw tantrum of their chairs being taken and stuff was at guest services but they hadn't been there in hours

OMG!

[Jax]

@Neesa I really enjoyed following along. I just now finished reading your last few days onboard. As others have already noted, an accurate experience is always welcome. I am sorry there were areas that fell short for you but you handled them and didn’t let them consume your week. Hoping it was an off week and  @Lovetocruise2002 has a great week. 

[Neesa]

@Jax I appreciate your post. I believe in my heart it was a bad week. I still keep reiterating to myself the cruiseline can't be blamed for other passengers weird behavior. The sailing left a bad taste as I'm probably one and done on the Wonder and I was questioning my booking the Utopia. I'm sure the Utopia will have more seasoned cruisers and of course the travel professionals so I have faith it will be better. I agree @Lovetocruise2002 will have an amazing time, that was a one off sailing. I'm really ecstatic I didn't book Icon as now I know peronally I prefer a bit less people. Thanks so much for those kind words

[Lovetocruise2002]

4 minutes ago, Neesa said:

I'm sure the Utopia will have more seasoned cruisers and of course the travel professionals so I have faith it will be better.

I think that one will be fine for you seeing that it's the inaugural.

[Ndfan89]

Thanks for the report. I found it very entertaining and did not think you were whining at all.  Call a spade a spade - my type of lady! Thank you for taking us along with you and your family. 

 

I will be boarding the Wonder on Sunday, July 9.  I will not be in a suite but excited to experience the Wonder of the Seas.   I did buy the UDP to try to avoid 4000 of my closest friends for dinner.  I also ordered the Evian water .  

 

I do not feel like I would be a very good blogger but I will try to update of any craziness.

 

Thanks again and I love your writing style and sense of humor.