I seem to recall OP posting about this when deck ten news came out. For our sailing last year the Haven sold out in 1.5 days. Best we could get was H5 which turned out to be pretty good except for the creaking.
I'd find it hard to believe that they are connected. Has to be something else. We had issue on POA on a longer sailing where butler tried to show us first night how it worked but it didn't and he said he'd have maintenance fix it. Well 2.5 days later not fixed so happen to run into a great VP by pool and it was fixed within the hour.
Our Prima sailing was cool and rainy so outdoor Haven area useless. Having your own hot tub would be nice in that case. Sorry for the loss.
We've never gotten either. I did see the thread about YC preferences ahead of time. Last trip was February and nothing. Not a big deal as butler gets it right onboard so far compared to NCL where it can be hit or miss with requests before sailing.
I'd say keep it as news about the drought and backups not widely on the news so it would be good to give a heads up that things could change to folks. I can't even say that the Royal change is even related to drought. But from the one article it said ships were back logged currently so to me, adding a pleasure trip vs commerce MAY be working in the background.
I think we'll have to see how this plays out. Saw Royal changed one ship, people not happy, to skip canal. Then week later article about drought.
Having gone through twice can understand the disappointment.
My guess is they increase the toll greatly.
Are they perfect, no, but have listened and greatly improved. Divina got hammered for lack of YC shade. They added a couple umbrellas. Ships since they have the glass panels over sun deck. Much better.
We've done Mera three times fourth coming up. No smells.
That being said, things can vary widely ship to ship day to day. Example, NCL Sun aft area widely debated for over 15 years.
I'd say BC better. I can eat a lot and the set menu at BC I always leave full. Plus the bread and butter are great too. The cookie is huge and fantastic.