The Fun Researcher

OP, it's just up to you how much of a risk you are willing to take. Personally I would carry them in one of those cloth like wine carriers with just the tops showing. That's how we bring our wine on every time and they hardly glance at it. In the proper carrier, probably wouldn't look much different than a normal 750mL bottle that way. This is one of those areas where technically you are over the allowed limit, but really is it going to decrease their liquor sales because of it? Doubt it. Worst case they hold it until after the cruise I believe. Dan

I'm an uber planner and still missed the 45 day information. I did know that we can't book shows until onboard. Didn't get the email saying we could check-in until 31 days out. It was my fault to wait another few days but it's hard to wrangle 4 reservations and get all the required check-in info. (passport info, photos, payment info, etc...) I'm checking everyone in since I'm the only one who's familiar with the process. Even so, I was surprised that the earliest check-in 26 days out was 2pm. It is what it is. Live and learn

Yes, in the past we've intentionally waited to board after 1pm so we could go right to our cabins and set down our stuff before we go off to explore the ship. I'd much rather have a relaxing lunch on land than to battle the masses at the Windjammer or other locations. So yeah, don't mind the 2pm check-in one bit. Plus, it's an 8 night cruise, so getting on the ship a few hours later is no big deal. We have LOTS of time remaining on the cruise. However, yes the shows are the ONLY thing I'm concerned about. If you truly have most of the 1st day to reserve shows, then that would be great. The shows are very important this time because my parents (mid 70's) are with us, we well as my sister and her college age daughters. They have never cruised before (and who knows when/if they will be able to again) so the evening entertainment is a huge part of their experience that we don't want to miss out on.

I don’t mind 2pm. I prefer to walk on the ship after staterooms are ready anyway. I do however mind having my check in time affect my ability to book activities and shows. It’s better when they used to open it up before the cruise to everyone at the same time. Good to know about the 45 day early check in times. I’ll try to remember that. Dan

Finally got around to checking in our party of 10 (cruise is 26 days out). 4 cabins, with guests spread between Michigan and Washington state. All the earlier check in time slots must be already taken, so all we can get is 2pm. I'm fine with that, EXCEPT I don't want to miss out on booking the shows. A few things: If we show up early will they make us wait? Can you book shows from inside the cruise terminal? How fast are the shows booking up? Thanks! Dan

Thanks for letting us take the journey with you!

Oh yeah OP, wanted to say that I appreciate your good spirit and humor as you navigate the covid protocols! Hope you feel better ASAP Dan

Sorry to hear that OP. We have a cruise on the Allure coming up June 11. Kind of makes me wish our entire group (10 family members spread between WA state and MI) gets covid right now so that we don't run into your situation. My wife and son just had it last week. We are all vax'd and boosted but dread two things. 1) Testing positive within the two days of sailing. This is our biggest concern 2) Getting sick on the ship. This is lesser concern because we are spread between 4 cabins and at least most of the group could still enjoy the rest of the cruise.

Great review. Love all the photos! BTW, we also love the MDR for lunch when it's available. Actually breakfast too but I'm not normally up early enough except port days if we have an excursion. LOL Dan

We love Celebrity. Plus versus Royal: Food overall was a slight uptick versus Royal. Not night and day though Service was a slight uptick as well LOVED the grassy areas and sunset bar at the back of the Solstice class ships Minus versus Royal: The ship interior layouts aren't quite as good IMO. (we love the promenade on Royal's ships that have them) Less to do later at night. Pool area a little more cramped and not as open Some of the floor surface in the pool area was nuclear hot and could easily burn the bottom of your feet (85F sunny day)

Having a cruise cancelled more than a year in advance, versus your experience of actually successfully sailing but not enjoying your experience, are two very different things IMO. That's all I'm saying. Never said changes don't happen with RCCL, just that it seems way blown out of proportion by the member I quoted. I'm not a RCCL fanboy. I do like their product, but also had a great cruise on Celebrity, and even enjoyed (to a lesser extent) the NCL Getaway last Christmas.

Must be the fact that all of our RCCL cruises have been more typical 6-9 night Caribbean itineraries. By the nature of the types of cruises you are booking, I could see more frequent changes being made. Here's to better luck in the future. Dan

For real? In our 10 years of sailing Royal, we have not had a single cruise modified. No change of ports, dates, nothing. The only two that were impacted were those cancelled due to covid March and July 2020 It's like we're sailing different cruise lines. ???? Apples to oranges. Your reason to think twice isn't even close to what the OP is talking about. Dan