LAKaye

I have taken 4 cruises alone over the past few years, not part of any group--so truly alone. I wanted to cruise, but could not interest anyone to go with me. I am not a very outgoing person, and I will say that those solo cruises were difficult for me. What helped a bit was asking for early seating at a large table, so at least I got to eat dinner with the same people every night. On one cruise on the Brilliance out of Tampa two years ago, I found myself seated with a number of other solo travelers: The Maitre'D had made this arrangement on his own. On the second and third night, other solos were found and brought to join our 10-top. It was brilliant. One of us then said "I'll be here tomorrow for breakfast at 9AM. Anyone interested?", and yes.... We were off and running. So ask if there is a "solo" table on your sailing.

I have not eaten in an RCI specialty restaurant in too very long a time. I'm sailing on Radiance on April 8th, Panama Canal. Please recommend to me some "never fails" menu choices, as I am sailing with my best friend, and I want no disappointment for the upcharge. Please comment on appetizers, mains, and desserts. Thank you for helping me show my dear friend the best possible good time. If it matters, we will be looking for an early reservation. I so very much appreciate your recommendations. Leslie

Hey Ashley! Thank you so much for the first hand information! 🩷 Leslie

Hi Don, I am on your cruise. I'm going to bring my own binoculars. They always feel so heavy to me. I thought for sure they weighed 5 pounds. So last night I put them on the kitchen scale and found that they weigh 1.94 pounds. That's not too bad, so into the suitcase they go! Leslie

Wow, you were able to request and get a kettle in your stateroom?

I am happy to hear this, but could you kindly give a bit more information about this survey/poll/award/whatever? Thank you!

I love the Radiance class. They are sleek, elegant, and I feel that I am on a ship at sea. The open access for all to go on the helipad is pretty special, with benches to sit on. The Solarium pool is deep, with stairs to walk in and walk out, and it's enclosed for all weather. They are the loveliest solariums in the fleet. The Windjammer has lots of outdoor seating, and the food stations are the roomiest. The ice cream is right next to the desserts. Radiance class has a large, traditional dining room. The Viking Crown lounge has great forward views; the Schooner Bar has floor to ceiling windows to the side; and the Colony club has views of the wake. The promenade deck is roomy and there are deck chairs to relax on. The Cafe-Lattetudes serves Starbucks coffees - Yay!

I was not able to be on the Serenade of the Seas for the current sailing of the Ultimate World Cruise. *sniffle* It would be lovely if there were another such voyage in the planning stages. Have you heard anything? Thank you~ 🩷

When I was younger and traveled with my husband, he liked to board as early as possible. There were two of us, so we could take our luggage to the Windjammer, find a table, and take turns getting something to eat. Now I cruise alone, so it's better for me to board a bit later and drop off the bag in the room before going up for lunch. 😊

Recently, I was on a cruise - the Liberty OTS I think, and the time of day and venue selected by the ship (how do they come up with these times?) was not convenient for us who came on the first day. So we changed the meeting to another time, and "announced" it by leaving a big note at the venue with room phone numbers, and on the announcement board each day. In effect, there were two meetings per day--a very good thing. Guest services were not able to change the meeting stats for the app. I take my responsibility pledge seriously. L

I wish that all Royal ships had a Covered Solarium Pool. Nothing worse than being on a cruise and not feeling warm enough to use a swimming pool! Right? Helipads on all ships and free access for all passengers.

That price is for both persons, correct? I agree, it is quite steep!!

Hey Y'all~ Thank you very much for all of your replies. I have decided to avoid this cruise. 🙏🏻🩷

What happens with the crew? Does the dining room staff stay on board/remain somehow (with their expertise) over the dry dock or are contracts ended, with a brand crew coming on board for the season in the Mediterranean? Thank you~

Hello everyone~ I was planning on booking the 15-night TA on the Brilliance in April of 2025, which just became available, but I've learned that she will be going into a two-week dry dock following that cruise. I greatly prefer to cruise on a Radiance class ship, which is why I'm not easily jumping over to another Royal TA. Does anyone have experience of how the food quality/availability and the service is before a hiatus like this? I'm worried that quality will fall off. Thank you 🙏🏻 Leslie