compman9

No loyalty scheme should ever decrease benefits. They should always add more. If there is no room in the lounges, add another lounge. This is not rocket science.

Just off the Symphony - The list above is correct The best Scotch is the Glenllivet (quite easily)

I was on the OP's cruise, and just to let you all know, I am really quite likely to down if there ever was an emergency I heard the signal, and walked towards the restrooms where my wife was. She came out running, as were all the other passengers by now. She asked where her purse was, and I said, "dunno." We rushed back to the bar to collect her purse, and on seeing my full drink, I asked whether she thought I should take it, "just in case." Just in case what, I really don't know, but as a Brit I would guess, it means just in case I couldn't finish it! At about this time, someone came on the tannoy to say it was a false alarm. There were very few people about - presumably already at their muster stations. As I said, mostly likely to drown right here... ...But at least I would have finished my drink.

For those saying, "well don't book a gty, then" that is very unhelpful and more than a little obnoxious given that the difference in price between gtys and chosen rooms can run to hundreds these days. Modern-day marketing for these massive billion-dollar corporations live and die by their small print, which is a sad indictment of our times. And it has not always been the case. Pre and post-war years saw incredible bend-over-backwards customer service levels. The word "guarantee" should not be used in any contract (small print or not) unless it is guaranteed. Especially in Royal's case, where the choice is marketed as max flexibility without mention of the risk.

Hard to imagine the strict UK or EU food standards would mean any foodstuffs in the UK would be inferior to the US. Especially when it comes to animal welfare and additives

I am still onboard. The story circulating is an elderly man who has dementia and after an argument with his wife, he jumped. Fortunately he was rescued, okay, and removed in Valencia.

Symphony is the [joint] best ship at sea Odyssey has very special Diamond + and above perks

No surprise. The loss of grandeur in cruising, the loss of formality, the loss of class. Cruising has been cheapened, so cruising gets cheapness.

Thanks for that, I'll try this

Was talking to DW. Okay, I say talking, I mean debating. Okay, I say talking, I mean arguing, LOL. We appear to have conflicting views on where we have been and some of the countries we have visited. I contacted RCI to ask for previous cruise history info, but they don't have it going back as far as I would like. Is there any way I can find out where I have been on past cruises?

The rules, and what should be the rules, are two different things. And it seems from this thread, most have their opinion on what they believe the rules should be. My two cents worth: Points should be based on fare (full fare, full points), unless sharing a cabin. Then, they should get the senior points person's benefits for that cruise. When a minor turns 18, they should have whatever points they have accumulated based on the full fare, full points principle. I also believe 340 and 520 should become legitimate tiers, and Pinnacle should be relegated by a new tier at 980 points.

Almost certainly the same guy - Mr Fu, apparently 3 and 4 dayers with the odd 9 dayer thrown in

Something I would like to know is if you book a long period, will Royal offer any additional perks, like more internet etc?

A Chinese Malaysian guy on the Spectrum is on his seventh month aboard. Suite on his own, casino every night. According to the Diamond Lounge concierge, he books as he goes along, and hasn't decided when he's getting off yet. Got to Pinnacle in six months, apparently. Must be the quickest anyone has got there, surely?

I'm a drinker. I'ma drinker. Tell me 😁