LobsterStalker

9 minutes ago, schooner_Drinker said:

Try not to over think it - The elevator system does the thinking for you 

 

It really isn’t complicated and software does it all for you 

 

Nancy.

And it works well 

 

Wasn't overthinking anything . The video gave me my answer . Looks like a very interesting concept that should work well in most cases .

I can't see that it would eliminate the chaos in situations where the vast majority are heading to deck 2 for Example to exit on a port day .  Am I mistaken ?

2 minutes ago, schooner_Drinker said:

You are assigned an elevator letter or number

How exactly is it 'assigned' ? 

Been reading on a couple different threads about some new elevator system being implemented lately . 

Can someone in the know elaborate on the concept and how this is making the system run so much smoother .

Thx

Cheers

2 hours ago, smokeybandit said:

2 hours ago, Mum2Mercury said:

I understand, but I always choose what I know I'll be happy with.  I'd rather have the savings /a refund rather than "move up" in room category.  

Ah, I got it. A reduced price is better than upgrading for what you already paid. I agree.

You'd RATHER have Savings/Refund ...Agreed ! But to Smokey's original point , If Plan A: having that refund is NOT an option , And Plan B: taking advantage of the opportunity to upgrade for free IS an option , Does that not then become a good option ? 

Edit...Hadn't read Another_Critic response . sorry for the repitition

Cheers

12 hours ago, Cruzin-K said:

I was finally able to reach someone and she said the $50 would be credited to my credit card in 7 to 10 days.  I will be checking it 👀 😁

And if I have to go through this trouble , I will be ppaying foreign currency exchanges/credit card rates of exchange both ways and lose out in the end !

Cheers

12 minutes ago, JeffT237 said:

I don't think it is a matter of being ungrateful, more a matter of reasonable expectations.  We primarily cruise the newer ships when selecting a cruise, we've found the older ships not to be what we like anymore. When we did we could look past the public areas that needed some attention, but I would not appreciate a dirty cabin, linens or broken items.  Of course a visit to GS or bringing it to the attention of a crew member to address it is reasonable and will more than likely it will get resolved. I don't think that is being ungrateful.  The OP was quick to point out the professionalism of the crew, had a bad experience, shared it and tried to address it with Royal to get it resolved.

And just to piggy back on your thought ... In the case of this ship , as evidenced by OP's photos , It is definitely more than a trip to GS to get these issues resolved . The ship is clearly in disrepair and it is a shame to see Royal allow their standards to slip this low . There is nothing 'ungrateful' about expecting more than this ship provides .

  That all being said ,would it ruin my time ? Absolutely not . No matter what issues or problems arise on any of our sailings , we make sure to see the best of the situation and have a memorable time !

Cheers 

1 hour ago, Ourusualbeach said:

Planned gradually increase in capacity to make sure things run smooth.  Kudos to Royal for doing this. 

Oh wow. Yeah , I woulda thought they would fill out the storage closets if they could get away with it , good to hear 

11 hours ago, Ourusualbeach said:

Looks like there will be 4500 on thec3 dsy sailing and only 5500 on the inaugural.  I'm very happy with those numbers. 

With all the hype I'm very surprised that she would not be packed tight , or above double occupancy at the very least .

Have a great 10 days !

Cheers

2 hours ago, Biker19 said:

If the condition of the ship is a criteria for you, don't sail on anything older than Symphony.

... WOW , That is a bold assessment 

53 minutes ago, Jasukkie said:

We all need to stop buying it until they put out an improved product.

 

Virgin Voyages has a much superior internet product that works anywhere on the ship. I thought, okay, brand new cruise line and ship, that's why it's so much better. Then I went on an older Carnival ship, and they also had internet that worked all around the ship, even in cabins. Royal just doesn't compare, even on newer ships. Starlink can't solve the problem of internet not working in cabins. 

LOL....Let me know how you make out with that revolt

36 minutes ago, PhillyFan33579 said:

I understand your point. I have cruised with RCI long enough that I feel very confident that Icon class ships will top Oasis class ships. 

That's pretty subjective . In 'Wow Factor' , for sure ! But for personal preference , there are many, many variables that determine every cruisers 'Top' Class

Cheers

2 hours ago, gosaints2006 said:

I originally booked a standard balcony then switched to a suite guarantee while prices were stable.  Now I am nervous about the guarantee and want to pick my own JR suite.  Ship wide prices have increased a lot since I originally booked.  I know this is hopeful thinking, but if I change rooms, do I get it at the rate it would have been when I booked?

 

Might win the award for the most 'HOPEFUL' comment I have read on these boards 

Cheers

3 hours ago, cruiselvr04 said:

I have seen some nasty pool towels on just about every ship I’ve sailed but yes, it’s gross. Dirty cabins are not acceptable. Maintenance should be at a certain level, temperature control hanging by wires are unacceptable.  

Twice on our last cruise I stepped on the floor in our bathroom and the tiles came up on the bottom of my foot.  I told the steward and it was fixed both times by the end of the day. We’ve had maintenance issues even on brand new ships, leaking pipes but it was handled quickly.  Maybe she’s so old they can’t keep up.  
 

I understand what you are saying , but I would argue that no it wasn't fixed the first time. the bathroom is not so large that when he came to fix it the first , he couldn't have checked the integrity of the remaining tiles ... Job done poorly IMO

Cheers

9 hours ago, moesyk4 said:

Not bad. One floor apart and close to the stairs so really just a couple of cabins down on separate floors. 

You are much more trusting than I ... Having kids that young , a floor apart from you

20 hours ago, S.A.M.J.R. said:

Read carefully... *WE* couldn't latch the doors.  The cabin attendant had to unlock the door (which they wouldn't do with two separate parties).  I'm sure the attendant would latch it back if we asked, but is that something you really want to do? 😉

Ahhh.... Understood

Cheers

11 hours ago, S.A.M.J.R. said:

This is incorrect.  RCL allows kids to be directly across the hall from the parents.  

 

When we travelled as 5 (kids were 16, 10, & 7 I believe), on Freedom, we did connecting balconies.  I agree with the two rooms.  We've done 5 in hotel rooms for a couple of nights for weekend trips, and while doable, it's a pain.  Cruise cabins are generally going to be smaller than hotel rooms.  

 

One thing I remember from the connecting rooms, we couldn't latch/lock the connecting door.  So "private time" had to be selected carefully to avoid the chance of kids barging in. 

This makes no sense as these cabins are sold to people who are not together and therefore not using the connecting feature.

2 minutes ago, shofer said:

On one of our first cruises (they still had set dining then) we were given early seating instead of our preferred late time.  Went right to maitre'd line and experienced a very rude/obnoxious passenger demanding a time change.  The maitre'd took his name and said he would put that person on a list.  The couple huffed away and DH commented on the rude behavior and I remarked how horrified I was that the maitre'd had to deal with such behavior.  DH apologetically requested a time change, if possible and we were accommodated immediately.  So, tears maybe, but tantrums, never.

 

On our last cruise the Mom of a 10 year old girl was "consoled"by her daughter as she cried at the concept of not getting what she wanted . "It's ok Mommy " we heard over and over again as the 10 year old was more of an adult than the Mom !

I REALLY want an eary dining slot too but I mean Really ?

Whatever works I guess

Cheers

On 1/15/2024 at 1:56 PM, leaveitallbehind said:

Not sure how true that is as we have made early dining reservations with MTD in the past. (6:15 / 6:30)

 

And if early fixed is booked out then why would they not allow similar reservations with MTD?  They typically are in different dining rooms.

 

But to be fair we typically eat in the specialty restaurants v the MDR, so we don't have too much recent experience with MTD in the MDR.

MTD is no longer in different dining rooms hence the ridiculously late start times for earliest seatings ( usually 6:45). If you go to the dining room immediately when you board and wait in line with the hundreds of other disgruntled diners ... they MAY be able to accommodate you with a traditional early spot... I have witnessed tears and tantrums often help the outcome

# OhSoSad

Gl

On 1/12/2024 at 1:31 PM, A&L_Ont said:

On 1/12/2024 at 9:49 AM, Mum2Mercury said:

Then what are you doing here?  If you dislike /distrust Royal, why give them your business? 

 

 

I’m responding to you quoting me twice. 

I don’t dislike nor distrust RC. It’s just easy to be cynical by some of their actions. It’s not the people, it’s their practices at times for me. 

 

On 1/12/2024 at 9:49 AM, Mum2Mercury said:

That one hits hard.  I'm still salty about it and likely to remain so.  

 

And I think you have the same feels about RC as I do. I’m long past the 2 increases but some, like you, don’t like it and it still resonates. 

Ya it did seem this was a bit "Pot calling Kettle black"

7 hours ago, Toddcan said:

 Kinda... but that's not exactly what I meant.  I'm sure we all pick a cruise line, or a cruise ship for a combination of different reasons.  While I don't believe that the buffet open after 9pm is a deal breaker, it might be enough of a factor (in combination with the other reasons you use to pick your cruieline) to be a contributor.  

Although it's not to some who have responded to this thread , (to remain nameless as they know who they are ) , It should be common sense that EVERY factor could influence someones decision on where to spend their hard earned dollars . Though this issue is certainly not a dealbreaker either way for me , It can and has sparked an interesting discussion . 

Why some on a cruise (DISCUSSION forum) feel the need to over criticize blows my mind a bit ! 

Cheers ...and happy cruising !

15 minutes ago, time4u2go said:

I stated this a few years back, that I thought that eventually the only included food will be the buffet (and the smaller places like Promenade Cafe).

To me the writing on the wall could not be any clearer on this one . It will start with revamping 1 level of the MDR into possibly several new venues , citing of course "Due to the overwhelming demand from cruisers to have more (specialty) offerings we are pleased to announce ...."

Note : I have been wrong before !

Cheers  

11 hours ago, time4u2go said:

It sounds like of people are doing exactly what the cruise line hopes they will do.

You hit the nail on the head.

Eventually , phasing out of free "traditional dining" is on the way out.

There will still be free options , buffets etc. , but not a dining hall style

JMHO

Cheers

13 hours ago, wreckem2013 said:

People spend a fortune on drink packages not sure why people don’t see the dining packages the same way.

 

If a ship has 4 or more different specialty restaurants I always get the UDP.  3 or less I just do a 3 night package.

 

 

Because they are TOTALLY different in concept obviously !

Without a drink package , If you want an alcoholic beverage you will PAY for it

Without a dining package , if you want food , you still pick and choose where you will eat.... (included in your fare)

Cheers

15 hours ago, wrg said:

Hi all. I didn't realize how many negative reviews are on the cruise line's website for the Adventure of the Seas. It's making me nervous about our upcoming cruise. Should I be worried?

If you are on the 12th highest rated  ship in royals line up , and didn't know it from reading the reviews , you'd still be on an amazing ship and have a great time .If you are looking to pinpoint problems based on others observations , you will find them , and it will influence your end result .

We have had minor problems/inconveniences , and observations of imperfection on every cruise we have taken , and every trip has been an awesome experience.

It's all in how you approach it

Cheers

On 1/8/2024 at 7:57 PM, massfamilyof4 said:

Hi all! We are cruising Odyssey of the Seas  on February 3,2023. I am a bit confused about reserving seats for the shows. It has been a while since we cruised Royal Caribbean and I read a post that indicated that we should reserve seats for the shows. This was not the case on all our previous cruises. When I go into my app, under entertainment, there is only the option to reserve one show? We really like the nightly entertainment, especially the comedy shows and would be so disappointed if we were unable to get in to enjoy them. Am I missing something? 

I hate to give you the devastating news , But .... You've missed your cruise !

Cheers