Spike89

Yeah, and now there's the MonkeyPox that we have to watch out for (er, well, 1 case in CT so far).

Sorry I missed the kids ages in my response. I had eye surgery recently and am missing capturing some words in my reading or take time to write and may have left and came back; However, there's no need to go around correcting every little thing someone writes that's not germane to the conversation since it was covered anyway. Like I said, my kids like Carnival more, but there's a lot to consider as many people make cruise decisions based upon budget. A 4 year old may enjoy the Dr. Suess and the Carnival club more than the Royal, never know... until you've sailed both (and do recommend that at some point). And, comparing a fleet (or even a whold class) to a specific sailing isn't the correct way in my opinion to view things. It may be location (ports) it goes, the weather encountered, the time of the year, how old the ship is, how long since refurbished, COVID response, etc... I noticed that there were few people that had problems with the table cloths, but that was a major issue for me, so to each their own! Either way, sounds like you have a great vacation coming up!!! I do recommend that you sail on an Oasis Class Ship (Oasis, Allure, Symphony), a Mardi Gras class ship (Mardi Gras, Celebration, Jubilee) for sure on your bucket list. Also, if the budget allows, try to catch a Disney before the kids get too old.

I would like to start, (or restart) a section for RoyalUp acceptance and denials. Please put in this format: Sailing Date Ship Current Category Sailing (priced) # Passengers Category Bid On Amount Bid (Per Person) Accepted or Denied 12/19/2021 Liberty of the Seas Category 2V (ZI) 2 Passengers 4D (Balcony) $125 Accepted 12/19/2021 Liberty of the Seas Category 2T (2T) 2 Passengers 4N (Oceanview) $45 Accepted 12/19/2021 Liberty of the Seas Category 4N (4N) 2 Passengers 4B (Spacious Balcony) $450 Accepted

I don't know if we're allowed to talk about products we sell on here, so I'll avoid the commercialization. However, there are ways to sail safer, and it has worked for us to the point where one person had COVID and the other 3 in the same cabin (1 in same bed) never got it. I do hope that you have a very mild case and get over is soon. We've got 4 family members that have it THIS week, so I know that it's going around very quidkly again. However, our family members have very mild (sniffles and 99 degrees) to mild/moderate (1 day in bed and similar symptoms and tired). I'm glad that they have non shaming protocols for you.

Oh, what a question..... I've sailed on BOTH Carnival and Royal many times. The real issue is that things are CHANGING so fast. My last cruises were within the last 3 months, and I found such a difference with Carnival from years past to the point I was really disappointed. Now, let me give you my 2 cents. The Horizon and Allure are both wonderful ships and some of the best in any fleet, so you have options and will enjoy either. You didn't say how old your kids are, so I'll assume they are between 6 and 16 for purposes of my answers. I like to sail this way: Either get a family type of suite, or get 2 rooms that are adjoining, or if the kids are older, you splurege on the verandah/balcony and give the kids an interior across the hall (hint, you can get them a connecting interior, or a next door cabin at front of ships usually on the lower decks. I haven't looked at exact Horizon or Allure deck plan prior to answering. Carnival: Pros: Kids love the atmosphere, the constant music and fun around the pool area. It's fun to hang out on deck, let the kids swim and you can get burgers at Guy's Burger, the Lido buffet, or the Blue Iguana tacos. The drinks are lower priced on Carnival. The comedy shows are MUCH better on Carnival. I find that the major "broadway" type shows are slightly better on Carnival. The piano bar and the promenade decks are always fun for adults. on the Horizon, there is a Family Harbor area (Get FJ, FA, FE type cabins) - some have 2 bathrooms, VERY nice as women get their own area). The Kids love this. It's also a way to grab a quick sandwich or small bite after coming in from shore excursion. The pricing is better, not just the cruse ticket, but photos, extras (like candy, pie pieces, coffees, etc.). Rooms are generally bigger (say 184 sq ft to 174) - not exact numbers, but you get the idea... I find the talent better or there is just MORE (last sailing, there were a total of 4 comedians, (to 1 on the Royal sailing, both 7 day journeys). The family suite area is very useful with xBoxes, small food, drinks, and a place to chill.. - kids hang out there and you have some peace knowing they are just down the hall Bingo is a bigger on Carnival. Cons: Main dining has gone downward in a bad way. The options are more limited, and the portion sizes have shrunk. They NO LONGER USE TABLECLOTHS! I hate that last bit. They are understaffed right now. May not be when you sail. But they are down to only cleaning ONCE per day (Royal does 2x). You can get more party crowds on Carnival. Last cruise there was this group of 20 somethigns, walking around with big speakers blasting rap and it screwed up my concentration at the casino even.... Carnival hides incidents (per my recent experience) of accidents and major issues and becomes difficult to deal with after initial response. (All cruise ships are basically immune under maritime laws) They have stopped tournaments (slots, blackjack, poker) which were really popular. Royal: Pros: The surf simulator is a huge hit with teens (and even to 8 years old I'd say). The Allure is one of the largest cruise ships on the sea (shorter by 3 feet of the Symphony), and is a destination in of itself. My kids right now prefer the Vista (Horizon is a Vista Class), but they haven't been on the Oasis Class). The water show is awesome and you should see this. The ice skating is fun for kids that aren't from the north, or even those can get practice in... limited times during COVID, but still on the ship. The food is good, restarant and the room service has actually improved a bit. The Royal is a step higher than Carnival on the ladder, I'd say that Royal is between Carnival and Holland on expectations and "class." It's say that the spaces are nicer. The ship is quieter and the crowds are more subdued. Cons: They are more expensive. Everything is a bit more on board, and you find that they are tapping you for small things (coffee is more, you might want to get a danish or something, that's a bit of a hit, and so on and so forth). Drinks are .25 to $2 more. Wine can be a lot more per glass that we found (note, not on the drink program). The entertainment wasnt' as good as Carnival in our family's opinion. Shows were "old" and 60 themes and other themes didn't work well with kids (or in fact even us, who grew up in the 70s and 80s). So, what's the recommednation? My kids would say "Let's try the Allure, but we'd rather sail on Carnival." I'd say, if you are trying to go low cost, or party atmoshphere, or gambling, then Carnival is the choice. If you want to go for the ship and the meals, and you have some more money, then Royal is the way I'd lean.

Hi, we're on the June 11 sailing of the Symphony of the Seas, docking San Juan 4:30 until 10. Looking for a great restaurant to take my special lady to on her birthday. Got any suggestions? Nothing TOO awful expensive, but not looking for a Taco Bell either. Something in the $100 to $125 range for 2 people with a couple of drinks included would be about where I'm looking. Thanks for any advice in advance!!!