la_croisiere_s'amuse

For what it's worth, six cruises under the point conversion system would likely put them in the Platinum range, which isn't terribly exciting as far as benefits. If they plan to pick up the cruising habit again, their previous cruises could put them halfway to Diamond, so it would probably be worth the time & effort. But if this cruise is a one-and-done, I personally wouldn't bother.

The price difference between the two can sometimes be really dramatic, or sometimes it's just a couple hundred dollars. My advice (which I also follow myself) is this: look at the deck plans for the ship in question and the cabin category in question, and decide which you consider to be the least desirable cabin. Next, ask yourself if you would be content with that cabin. If so, and if you would consider it worthwhile to save the money you did, go for it! Sometimes you are pleasantly surprised. 🙂 Granted, I've only done GTY cabins a handful of times because I don't bother unless the price difference is really substantial, but I've never been terribly disappointed.

That struck me as odd, too. Granted, location preferences are subjective, but ... they're definitely not what I would consider prime real estate. 🤨

I agree, unless the OP plans on spending tons of time on the balcony, or if the centralized location of the hump cabins makes it a more desirable cabin location as well. I would add, however, that with today's occupancy rates, successful Royal Ups are getting pretty rare. Not impossible, but definitely the exception rather than the rule.

It's still there, but it's now serving the El Loco Fresh menu. Good news for some, less good for others. 🫤

Totally agree. That's the advice I give to people who haven't seen it: don't go into it looking for a plot, and don't give up and leave in the first few minutes! 😉 I respect that it isn't everybody's cup o' tea, but DH and I quite like it.

No, "The Book" is on the Odyssey only. Firefly appears to be referencing a headliner on the Harmony, apparently in response to the assertion that RCI doesn't typically have shows that aren't family friendly (or at least identifies them if they aren't). I agree with what others have said: certainly not inappropriate, although whether or not they would enjoy it is another matter. Some kids would, I'm sure, but many would probably be bored.

It can go either way. Sometimes they're in your cabin waiting for you, sometimes you can get them from the loyalty ambassador, sometimes they mail them to you later ... apparently, sometimes much MUCH later. 😉

Hi all, First question, does anyone know if the old etched-style Serenade crystal blocks have run out? I'm guessing that even if they haven't, they probably will during the world cruise. Second, if the new version has been released, does anyone have a picture? A Google image search and a CC search both turned up empty. Thanks, and happy Thanksgiving! 🙂

We had it a couple of months ago on the Ovation, as well. But yes, it does seem to be far less frequent these days.

Since you also have Giovanni's Wine Bar, that's another option. They serve some of our favorite menu items, but it's a la carte rather than the prix fixe menu. DH and I will split a margherita pizza and a banana & Nutella dessert that's to die for. Of course, with the 40% sale, you wouldn't save that much money doing it that way if price is a factor.

Yes, it does.

Wow, that's a great price these days! I don't remember the last time I've seen it below 100. Enjoy! 🙂

I also quite enjoyed La Main à la Pâte.

Thanks for the clarification, Ken. I should have specified that I was talking about the broader Oasis (minus Utopia) and Quantum classes.

Technically you're right in saying "was never" and "were no such." The Sky Junior Suites were announced for cruises beginning in May 2025. According to the original announcement, free Wi-Fi was among the perks. Now, it will no longer be included. That is what's being taken away.

I quite liked it, personally! I had the leek and potato soup, chicken & mushroom pie, and sticky toffee pudding. All delicious. 😋

Ah, gotcha! Well, in that case, here is what we love about the Odyssey. 🙂 I LOVE the fully enclosed and air-conditioned solarium, unlike the Oasis class. DH loves using the skydiving simulator and the bumper cars. Both of us love the Two70 venue and the North Star for incomparable views while in port, and Giovanni's Wine Bar where we can buy our favorite menu items a la carte instead of paying for the full meal. But as I said, I really like the Oasis class too. I wouldn't hesitate to sail on either ship, but for two extra days and better ports (IMHO), I personally would go Odyssey.

Pretty big difference, yes. 🙂 Both the Oasis class and the Quantum class (including the Odyssey) have features that we miss when we're on the other one. Pros and cons are EXTREMELY subjective, however. For example, the size of the Symphony might be a pro for one person, and a con for someone else. Not having the Odyssey's skydiving simulator might be a huge drawback, or maybe you wouldn't use it even if you had it. I would recommend watching a YouTube ship tour of the Odyssey, since you're already familiar with the Oasis class, so you can compare for yourself.

On Allure, I would definitely vote for the Brazilian steakhouse, Samba Grill. We never miss it!

Highlighter/pens on my last two

To be fair, it's really not a simple matter of geographical proximity. Comparing this conflict to Russia's invasion of Ukraine is a false equivalence, although I know that situation has loomed large for the UK and Europe for the past year & a half. As I mentioned earlier, I personally wouldn't cancel my plans, but the reality is that we're looking at a very different geopolitical context in the Middle East. And operating under the (admittedly uncomfirmed) assumption that the OP is American, that puts a much bigger target on his/her back in the context of the Middle East conflict than it does with Russia/Ukraine. Understandably, this might not register quite as much for our friends from across the pond. 🙂 I'm not necessarily asking anyone to believe me ... feel free to tell yourselves that I don't know what I'm talking about, because for all you know I really don't. 🤭 But for what it's worth: ALL Americans (or Canadians likely to be mistaken for Americans) would be wise to keep a low profile these days, anywhere in the world. Yes, travel--enjoy, go on with your life, but be smart.

As others have said, Royal isn't necessarily the best option for Alaska. We did Royal this year for reasons related to the ship, and it was nice, but I was reminded how much I like Princess and Celebrity for Alaska itineraries.

Agreed. Yes, things could easily escalate beyond the current region of conflict, but there's no reason to think that Italy would be in the line of fire anytime soon. That would require a EU/UN level of involvement, which doesn't appear to be on the immediate horizon. Of course, the unexpected does happen, but I wouldn't say that your risk of flying to Rome is any higher than your risk of flying to Los Angeles. Go, and enjoy! 🙂

Rude to the staff, yes, but also not super considerate to people who are waiting to be seated. It's kinda hard to enjoy your nachos and campfire cookies standing up. 😉