cot427

52 minutes ago, Jeremiah1212 said:

Hate to be the negative one, but there is a lot going on there. Design-wise, it really seems like a step backwards. Maybe they in a race with NCL to see how much stuff you can cram onto a top deck. 

At least the slides and Flowrider are in the aft and not right next to the main pool area like on NCL. NCL Breakaway and Breakaway Plus class ships have the absolute worst pool deck. At least the Navigator has two main pools AND a solarium. I don't think it looks tacky, I think it looks clean and modern/tropical. I love the cabanas and umbrellas. 

3 minutes ago, parrotfeathers said:

Can someone remind me the changes that will take place on Deck 12?  Thank you.

New forward staterooms

The Lime and Coconut Bar replaces Sky Bar

2 new whirlpools on the sides of the decks above the pool

Rearranged Adventure Ocean

Moved Gym to aft, port side 

Johnny Rockets gone (moved to deck 11, poolside, express version)

Definitely not the FOS. I had friends that sailed on FOS just 2 weeks ago. Navigator has been in drydock since 1/4 or so and the 2/24 sailing was canceled. She will sail to Miami 2/25 to restock and the first sailing back will be 3/1.

Seems like FOS will go into drydock on 1/23/20 and enter back into service 3/1/20. The blog has their ship and years mixed up.

1 minute ago, CRUISEFAN0001 said:

Not that it matters, but our household represents 3 of the named generations actually...including millennials.

 

Our millennials have never been to Starbucks, don't walk everywhere with earphones plugged in, have worked at their companies for  more than 5 years, don't do selfies, have been in long term relationships, own a home and car, and regularly discuss their annoyance with their peers' entitlement mindset.  In other words, their successful, smart, independent, responsible, and and not terrified to make long term commitments - they're anomalies for sure, and they'd tell you that proudly as well in person anytime.

 

They enjoy cruises, and today's marketing works just fine for them...thank you very much.

There are many many many "successful, smart, independent, responsible" people who enjoy Starbucks, use earphones, work less than 5 years, take selfies, etc...in every generation. So just do yourself a favor and don't generalize. 

14 minutes ago, CRUISEFAN0001 said:

It's not about being "spoiled".

 

This is the first generation of "me, me, me and I am entitled to everything - preferably free".

 

Apples and oranges. Catering to them will be entirely different than the world has ever seen.

 

The workplace, products, buying homes & cars, marriage, and other society elements are all struggling with this entirely new and "totally different" mindset.  There's no reason to think marketing would be any different.

What's your generation? I have a guess but I don't have time to read back through all of your posts since I'm all about me me me and my time is more important... 

On 2/16/2019 at 8:37 AM, GalwayGirl03 said:

This may seem like a stupid question but on RC's website they have different deck plans from  Feb 24, 2019-April 21, 2019 ( that doesn't show the resort pool) and then deck plans from 4/26/19-4/27/20...does anyone have any idea why there are three different deck plans for the navigator refurb? Thank you and I am sorry if this was asked before

On 2/16/2019 at 8:51 AM, Biker19 said:

That's their plan to roll out the changes - it may or may not reflect reality on the ship.

Actually, the Feb 24-April 21 deck plans do in fact show the resort pool and Lime and the Coconut...as well as the new whirlpools for deck 12...so not sure what you're seeing. At least that's what I see when I click Feb 24.

3 hours ago, xxHadleyxx said:

On our most recent cruise the DJ was playing the same few, 70s, songs over and over nightly (some of the same songs would repeate less than an hour after he'd played them)---and the dance floor was mostly empty (many were not even good danecbale songs from the 70s---and there is plenty that is very danceable from that era, even if I am sick of them for the mst part).  3 or so nights in about 5 people went up with requests in a short period of time, I was one.  After that he stopped the music, mid song, and got on the mic and lectured the whole club about "if you do not hear a song you like, WAIT; this is my job and I know what to play and at what hour and I do not need people telling me what to do...."   He sounded like an angry teacher chastising young school children.  It went on for about 3-4 minutes, which is really long for something like that. Everyone else was dead silent, in shock at his outburst.  I was appalled---as were many others.  A whole bunch of us were in the elevator leaving together after that and heading to guest services to say something.  Absolutely out of line.

 

Some of the DJs are good.  DJ Sunil is fantastic.  We'Ve had him 3 times and he always keeps the party going no matter the demographic.

OMG! I would have done the same thing and went to GS. Which ship were you on and do you remember this name? Not that you can avoid one, but just in case I run across him, I'd like to know which one that is. 

I agree, it's fun to watch once and maybe do yourself once, but I have to say, my drink was horrible. And my lemon wedge was literally just a tiny piece of the rind. You just can't replace a real bartender with a robot. 

6 minutes ago, Glitterati said:

I’m a young millennial (25 this year). I couldn’t care less who the cruise director is. They are not in charge of organising the events that happen across all the ships. 70s night is fun, but maybe newer music could be brought to the same concept? We had an 80’s night on the Symphony which was awesome, but still not my era!! 

 

The thing that would interest me is things like mario kart competitions on the outdoor screen, nightclub events, silent discos, CrossFit style classes in the gym. Royal have put so much effort into their marketing to target my generation, but the reality often comes up short. 

 

My boyfriend and I were one of the youngest couples on our Symphony cruise in May. Their newest, “amplified” ship, yet the passenger demographic was very heavy on the 60+. 

 

I love Royal, but I am definitely going to try out Virgin voyages in the coming years. They seem to have targeted my generation quite well. 

Agree with you 100% on these points. 70s/80s is fun, but here's my main issue: the DJs. Anthem had one of the worst DJs ever! He literally played the exact same songs for 9 nights in a row and when you went to request something, he would look at you like a deer in headlights. I surely hope that isn't fleetwide. 

I am also looking forward to Virgin, and I knew the price point would be higher, but I can get a 9-night cruise on Royal and add the deluxe beverage package and its still cheaper than Virgin's fare, exclusive of alcohol (I think I read they will not be selling packages?). But their entire concept markets well to the millennial generation. I think Richard Branson and his team knocked it out of the park!

23 minutes ago, Cruise_Couple said:

I need clarification... I booked reservations for our upcoming cruise while Izumi was Al La Carte pricing. I based making my reservation on the item pricing on the menus at the time (assuming there may be a slight increase). So am I correct that now I am not eligible for the A La Carte pricing I reserved at and must pay $49.99 per person? Do I still get full run of the menu for that price? Is it now unlimited? I am not sure if i should be mad or not.

I agree...I booked on cruise planner when it was a la carte pricing, so obviously charged $0 and got my reserved slot. Since then, it changed to $49.99 and there is a prix fix menu, essentially.  Should be able to view that prix fix menu on cruise planner...but if they follow through with that or say I have to do that, my reservation will be promptly canceled onboard. I can't think of any sushi/asian place that is worth $50 for a prix fix, especially Izumi. 

Millennial here...and here's my two cents if anyone cares. So I've been cruising for 17 years now, since I was 10. So growing up, taking 1-2 cruises a year, I do remember looking up to the CD as the person who was everywhere, was energetic and funny and who sometimes made a difference or a memory, in some way or another. 

Fast forward to taking cruises with friends groups or with my s/o, I pay less and less attention to CDs. I think it's a combination of the fact that 1) I care less about them and 2) they are repetitive and less entertaining lately. I doubt my friends even know what a cruise director is or does, especially with no thanks to Dennis. It was a lot of their first times and he just does not do it at all anymore. He was not only unfunny, but he had no energy and was downright creepy...in my opinion. 

13 hours ago, Jasonmom said:

Just read through all posts.  So sorry to all who were booked on this cancelled trip.  

 

I was wondering if there was a website that we could see the progress on the Navigator as it occurs (outside of ship I mean)?  Am scheduled for the 4/12 voyage.

Try this thread. Not official, but Lloyd posts pictures of Navigator quite often. 

1 minute ago, lr657 said:

 

I'm hoping this is the case for our 3/1 sailing too. If not, we will be on Mariner shortly after this cruise, so we'll be able to experience Hooked on Mariner instead. 

 

At the time we booked Navigator the dry-dock wasn't yet planned. We would likely not have booked the 2nd sailing after dry dock if we were aware. We're hoping for the best but if everything isn't completed, we will still enjoy ourselves. After all, it's better than being home!

True! When I booked the drydock wasn’t announced either. But I’m so glad they are doing it...I’m so excited for the enhancements, new bars and attractions! ABC itinerary has been on my list for a while too!

Enjoy your cruise, can’t wait to hear about these first few sailings!

On 2/8/2019 at 6:42 PM, lr657 said:

 

We're on the 3/1 cruise We're also hoping that dry dock is completed as scheduled. There are things that show on the deck plans that haven't appeared on the Cruise Planner such as Hooked. Makes me feel pretty sure that if we do sail, the work will not yet be totally completed.

I am on April 12 and Hooked is also not available in Cruise Planner...so thinking they just haven't updated it. Don't expect them to have the venue closed that long. 

On 2/8/2019 at 3:53 PM, twangster said:

I'm on the first cruise post-dry dock and I'm preparing myself for some things not being finished.  

 

Based on the one day cruise duration listed for that cruise, I'm also preparing for them cancelling the 2/24 sailing to finish the work.  I hope that isn't the case, but booking a ship right after dry dock always carries that risk.  

So glad I chose the last of the 9-night ABC itineraries...I would hope that just under 2 months after the completion of the dry dock, everything should be operational and all the new venues and bells and whistles will be running smoothly. Looking forward to those who report back the first few sailings to hear their thoughts. I hope everything is done and working for everyone! 

22 hours ago, timf2001 said:

 

We've also never seen Oasis class in Bayonne, but that's about to happen.  It's difficult to draw conclusions about what RCI will do when there's never been more than one Quantum class ship in the Atlantic at the same time.  My ultimate point is I think we'll see Odyssey in Bayonne sooner rather than later, just not during its initial winter.

22 hours ago, Ourusualbeach said:

 

Michael Bayley stated in an interview that Odyssy would be doing Florida / Barcelona homeports.

I also think Odyssey should come to Bayonne, eventually, but I don't know how soon, if ever, since Florida/Barcelona will be homeports. I mean, these ships are built for colder climates, as people say time and time again. It just doesn't make a ton of sense to homeport this class from Florida when you have the Oasis class ships. When Odyssey comes to FL, I hope they enhance outdoor activities and modify outdoor bar times. Because on the Anthem 9-night Bermuda/Caribbean runs, no bars were open at night outside, no deck parties, nothing. It was quite disappointing, especially being in the Caribbean...which is why you're there. 

1 hour ago, GalwayGirl03 said:

Yes I would love a live review!!! We just booked the ABC in April...just a quick question are they getting rid of the ice rink for the laser tag or will it now have both the rink and the laser tag?

Thanks!

Pretty sure they will continue the ice shows, maybe more limited free skate times though, as they will cover the ice for laser tag and have to blow up the blockades, etc. 

Still excited for this "live" cruise!! Also interested in The Fun Researcher's questions and also, more info about the Bamboo Room...all has been quiet about that bar from Mariner. 

2 minutes ago, Host Clarea said:

 

You have to cancel and repurchase.

Thanks, done! First time I ever had a price decrease, came to $32 a person and better in my pocket than theirs. Surprisingly easy to do right in cruise planner. I had issues booking everything with website glitches a few months ago, so knock on wood...seems to be working okay for me at the moment. 

If you already bought, do they just give you the price adjustment and credit your credit card, or do they cancel the entire first charge and recharge your card for the lower price?

Or is it just easiest to cancel right online and repurchase?

Just now, cruisinfromtampa said:

Plus the Rooftop on Deck 13!

Hopefully some dancing under the stars there!

2 minutes ago, molsonschooner said:

where is the Lime and Coconut located?

 

It’s the new concept for the Pool Bar and Sky Bar. One name but keeping the two bars on decks 11 and 12 respectively. Supposedly a cool place to hangout at night with events or parties, so we’ll see!

Ugh....please no more kids on that sailing  jk! But did not realize that schools give more than 2-3 days off for Easter...around here we only get those, so I didn't expect it to be packed with kids...think again I guess.

31 minutes ago, Glitterati said:

 

I was just about to reply with this! 

 

I also read somewhere (i cant remember where) that they would be serving "late night food" at the Lime and Coconut. I don't know how that would happen unless a burger station was set up on the deck. Makes sense if they are using it for late night deck parties that there is food readily available 

I SO SO SO hope that they really utilize The Lime and Coconut. One of my major pet peeves on Anthem was there were no outside deck parties and every single outdoor bar closed early. Granted, Music Hall was a suitable late night venue, but on the Voyager/Freedom class, the Crown isn't that large of an area, so hoping they have a dj or music outside at night with the new Lime and Coconut. And you're right, would be great if the taco place or JR opened late too...forgot about those! 

1 minute ago, The Fun Researcher said:

 

Agreed, one of my pet peeves with Royal...  lack of late night food options.  I'm definitely planning to make use of what Playmakers offers.  I love that they have wings and other typical pub options.  I just hope they serve food until closing, or close to it.  We'll see.

Dan

Just looked at a Mariner compass from July 2018 and Playmakers and Bamboo Room stopped serving snacks at midnight, but the Windjammer was open for “late night snacks” until 12:30...lol. So there’s that. 

1 hour ago, The Fun Researcher said:

 

It can be a good thing or bad depending on your preferences.  It is nice having a "one-stop-shop" in the Royal Promenade, so it's convenient not having to walk from one end of the promenade for pizza, and then all the way to the other end for sandwiches.

 

However, it is one venue, so the seating isn't as spread out.

 

We like both options on the Freedom Class and the Voyager class.

Dan

I agree with you, it is nice having a one-stop-shop but at the same time, at least from my experience on Explorer, the pizza was 100x worse than it is on ships with a dedicated Sorrentos. I mean Explorer's pizza was barely edible imo. I would actually be included to spend a little more and buy food for a nominal fee across at the new Playmakers...depending on how late they serve too...which I wouldn't be surprised if they stop before midnight, because typical Royal.

3 minutes ago, OfTheSeasCruiser said:

Yes, I know that.

 

I was saying that the photos are of the Windjammer bar area, not Hooked. 

 Oh okay, gotcha. That wasn’t clear. 

Seems like a very nice bar area for the Windjammer then!