Twenty2020

Wasn't there a post on here with some guy claiming he brought like 3 cases of beer in a checked suitcase? That might be my favorite one ever

8 hours ago, BND said:

When we were younger, we never stayed "on the beach".  We stayed on the bay side which wasn't even half the price of being on the beach. And, then it more likely 3-4 nights and not 7.  Going "to" the beach does not mean staying waterfront.  Our generation also didn't vacation every year and definitely not more than once per year.  Expectations have changed a lot.  We had a TA friend (friend's parent) when we were younger so logistics weren't that difficult.    All my friends growing up (I grew up in a very nice suburb) were lucky if they went anywhere outside of visiting family.

2 bedroom condo bayside across the street from beach this spring break (St Pete area) was $450/night. Very average accommodations. Even at elevated fares we are getting two adjoining cabins on Royal next spring break for roughly same price. But includes food. 

How much wine would I drink on a TA?

They are just significantly different experiences. What appeals to you on a cruise? 

2 hours ago, BND said:

There are, but many b**ch about paying more.  I see plenty of those complaining. Cruising isn't what it used to be at all.  It's been  "dumbed down" quite a bit.  How many of current cruisers  cruised as kids?  And, how many kids cruise now?  The expectations for vacations have changed a lot. When we were in our 20's and 30's and raising our kids a week at the beach was a big deal.  Families now have expectations that previous generations didn't.  I love when people complain about how they can't afford xyz with young kids.  LOL.  We were happy to have a townhouse and a weekend at the beach when ours kids were young.   The entitlement is extreme.  

Lots of truth to that. I'm only early 40s and we are taking my kids (9/6) on a cruise next year. When I was growing up cruises were only something my grandparents did. We took nice vacations but cruising was considered a step up in vacationing. I went on my first when I was early 20s... And that was considered young. There weren't that many people my age and that was 2004 on Adventure. 

Royal's target market has changed considerably and I think they are struggling to balance not losing their long-time customers while also appealing to a different market. Those kind of shifts take a long time to play out. 10 years from now RCL is going to look like a very different product. 

57 minutes ago, RRTcruiser said:

Just stepped off Mariner of the Seas…. In all honesty the food was at best like a “Golden Corral” quality.  While I have been loyal to Royal, I have to say mediocrity is where the bar is now set. For everyone still  defending Royal Caribbean’s downscaling of the food you either don’t remember the quality of the food 10 years ago or you are okay with substandard meals.The pendulum has shifted too far in one direction and In my opinion they will drive the people who support RCI the most away for good…. Squeeze us for every dollar now but remember we are shareholders too and vote with our wallets.

 

Well RCI is now about on par with a Golden Corral level experience across the board. Would make sense that the food matches the product and clientele. 

20 minutes ago, Bullet100 said:

Let me start by saying we've been on approximately 35 cruises. Most of them have been Azamara,NCL,Royal Caribbean, Celebrity with one MSC included. The food quality and selection on RCL borders on par with MSC which is pretty bad. The prime rib was fatty and as tough as shoe leather. The NY strip steak that the gentleman next to us looked like a door stop and he stated it was uneditable. There is no comparison to NCL whatsoever. We tried Chops hoping for a better steak experience but it was just a bit better. Definitely not with the 190 up charge. In the future it will be NCL,Azamara and Oceania only.Bye Bye RCL !

What ship? 

7 minutes ago, latebuyer said:

I don’t know why we’re rehashing this. There has been statements from royal caribbean officials including Michael Bayley that they are introducing this new class. Are people suggesting they are lying?

No they haven't said that. They said they were in a planning phase and were considering it. But it still had a ways to go, including being approved by the board. 

3 minutes ago, Ourusualbeach said:

I guarantee you 100% that Royal will build ships to replace Vision and Radiance class ships...Celebrity is not Royals market. 

What is Royal's market then?

9 hours ago, Ourusualbeach said:

The simple fact is that the big ships cannot service many of the existing itineraries that Royal offers.  As these smaller ships age out Royal has 2 choices. Either build new smaller ships or abandon many of their itineraries.  My money is on the new ships.  

I kind of doubt it. Back when Royal was building ships like you are discussing they didn't own Celebrity or SS. They bought X in what...'97? And SS just a few years ago. 

So they were already building out and planning Voyager and Radiance class while they absorbed X, which was a very small line at the time.

Fast forward to today... The company now has a significant fleet of X ships with more coming. If cruisers are interested in that type of product RCG already offers it. 

Little reason for them to cannibalize sales from X rather than just building more X ships to service demand for those itineraries. Most brands don't attempt to be everything to everyone. Just like Carnival and Princess cater to different demos under the same parent company.

2 minutes ago, Cruisegirl6 said:

Great unfortunately 11pm is too early but its something.  I can go there and when it closes head to Viking Crown Lounge, thank you.

Crown lounge (Olive or Twist) is open until 2AM. It's basically a DJ/dance club starting at about 11p.

Looks like most all of the other bars down on decks 4 and 5 are open until 1am. You could always get a drink and head out to the outdoor Promenade that wraps around deck 4. Boleros, Schooner Bar are both right next to the outdoor area on 4.

The pool bar (Lime and Coconut) is open until 11PM. Some nights they are showing movies out there. 

19 minutes ago, kernow said:

I did too, I was laughing my head off at some of it. I think the whole thing was meant to be very tounge in cheek.

It's like Hunter S Thompson writing a cruise review.

19 hours ago, HBE4 said:

 

I'm curious if you are the author of this article as this is your first on CC?

 

From what I was allowed to read, it looks like satire. Sure to entertain most and maybe infuriate a few. I'll decide later if I want to sign-up for a free trial.  Maybe there will be a copy in the waiting room of my dentist or barbershop & I can read for free.

 

It's definitely satire... Or maybe just dark humor. Depending upon your take.

To be fair... The writer is known for being satirical. I thought it was kind of funny in a dark humor sort of way. Not surprised he wrote for Succession.  Some of you need a little more sense of humor. Like he insulted your child or something. 

33 minutes ago, RobInMN said:

For the I-35W bridge collapse, it took 1 week before they started removing debris and vehicles, and it took almost 3 months to complete demolition and removal to start the new build. And that was for a 1900 ft bridge. The main span of this bridge is 1200 feet, Total length 1.6 mi

Granted, the importance on removing the debris wo get freight traffic going was not a concern on the I-35W bridge, but I would not be surprised if its close to that.

Yes but Port Baltimore is one of the busiest shipping ports on the entire east coast. Priority 1A (after search and rescue) is going to be clearing the shipping channel. I think there are like 7 cargo ships currently stuck in the harbor. 

1 hour ago, Jenna1983 said:

People are calling Royal already? Sheesh. The only people who should even be concerned in this moment or near future are really the people on a Baltimore sailing now. I’m with you- I don’t believe I’ll be sailing end of September and really…I’ll survive. 
 

My brother lives in Baltimore. I have been across this bridge numerous times on my way to Annapolis. I was excited to sail under this bridge end of summer. I am more concerned about the loss of life, the economic ramifications from loss of jobs at the Port, not being able to move hazardous waste, import/export of cars, etc. I’d say cruising is at the bottom of the importance at the moment to those people who are calling!

Shipping lanes will be back open quickly. The port traffic is too important economically. Obviously rebuilding the bridge will take years but I see no reason why ships wouldn't be sailing relatively soon. 

38 minutes ago, GOLFER1234 said:

Good to hear. From the aggressive vendors to the lousy food and lack of lounge chairs, I certainly won't miss it. RCC should have their heads examined for spending the millions on this fake "resort". What the hell would stop a gang from storming the docked ship? And please don't say the security guards who you can't trust as far as you could throw them.

 

Always enjoyed it. Very pretty spot for a beach day. Never had an issue finding plenty of chairs. Food is nothing great, but whatever. Beer is cold. Vendors are easy to avoid. 

I'm 100% positive Royal will be back there... Likely sooner than later. 

3 hours ago, not-enough-cruising said:

Answering questions at Captain’s call is hardly effecting cruising 

Per passengers on Oasis, the captain made an intercom announcement to the ship about the issue. 

47 minutes ago, Tatka said:

Disney actually controls very well adult areas so adult fans without kids have fun.

I expect RCI to fix this situation.

How are they going to 'fix' it?

1 hour ago, IAMGPW said:

I am just wondering if all Royal cruises are packed with children.  I have nothing against them, but, a lot of parents were busy drinking and not watching their kids.  Also, the pool was FULL of children.  This was two weeks ago and it wasn't even a school break.

 

Thank you.

Wasn't two weeks ago President's day week? 

I would anticipate a lot of kids to now be the norm on most RC sailings, with exception of the older smaller ships and long itinerary.

Suggest looking at other lines as Royal is now THE family cruise line. 

Re: crowds. I understand they are still not sailing at full capacity, correct?

If so, then I don't know if an honest comparison of pool deck crowds can be yet made. 

On 2/17/2024 at 1:24 PM, Tatra603 said:

So my TA called RC (UK) today to bat for me.

 

She was baffled by the level of intransigence shown by both persons she spoke to.

 

TA: "My client has booked flight and hotel in Dubai. He would like to book the new cruise leaving on the 9th May and is surprised he hasn't been given that option"

 

RC: His options are to rebook another cruise or cancel for a full refund. There is no sailing on the 9th"

 

TA: "It's part of a world cruise. We know that it won't sail a quarter full. We know it will be remarketed. Why haven't the existing bookings been given the option of the new itinerary?"

 

RC: "Your client has no other option than to book another cruise or ask for a refund. There are no other options"

 

They went round and round in circles. RC supervisor stuck to the script. They recommended I booked an alternative cruise and wallow in the incredibly generous $100 OBC, as there is no cruise leaving Dubai on May 9th.

 

My TA was very professional, but could get nowhere. She said it's an awful way to treat loyal paying customers.

 

It was weird just how much they were trying to steer us away from the idea that there might still be a possibility of Dubai to Cape Town. Everything, including the seemingly pointless 11 day delay before voting, seems designed to dissuade us mini segmenters from holding out in the hope of getting our cruise (and stateroom) back.

 

 

 

 

I don't know how you can expect Royal to rebook you on a cruise that doesn't even yet exist. 

The priority should be given to the full WC guests, and allowing them to decide their voyage should take precedence to any mini segmenters.

Cruises get cancelled.. Sometimes a lot closer then the 2.5 months you've received. That's the nature of cruising and why travel insurance is a product.

Considering the fact that the base reason for all of this is active war and ongoing loss of life.... Your complaints about a cruise cancelation is particularly out of touch. 

Hopefully you can still get your stateroom. 

7 hours ago, K8T said:

Really!  I thought it might just sit there until the vote.  No one told me, or my travel agent!   It’s still showing to book and ‘live’ in her system. 
 

I’m disgusted if that is the case, where did you get that information from please? 

It's been pretty clear for a couple months now that world events (war) were going to take the Suez passage off the table. 

4 hours ago, orville99 said:

Never seen that high a payout on any slot I’ve ever played.

That's a very low payout... But wouldn't surprise me if it's that low on a cruise ship.

In Vegas, slots payout in the 90-95% range. Some even higher.

https://vegas411.com/gaming-gambling/top-casinos-in-las-vegas-with-the-best-slot-payouts/?amp=1