superduper123

13 minutes ago, ajtaylor29 said:

And that's always been me too....until this cruise!!! It's almost inconceivable that i didn't have one single thought about it until we pulled into the terminal! Usually, I'm checking and rechecking the pocket where I've zipped up the passports (in their special passport carry case, which also zips up).....😲 

So glad it worked out for you! I can't imagine going throught that. My stress and anxiety would have been off the charts!  😬

This is my biggest fear when traveling. I check, re-check, double, triple, and, quadruple check that I can put my hands on my passport... on the way to the airport, in the hotel, on the way to the cruise port.... ugh

We booked a gty for the first time, and are curious as well. We are still 100 days out, so not concerned yet. But was hoping we would know around the 30 day time frame. 

We impulsively booked a cruise, and after the fact, realized it is over Easter, so expecting there may be lots of families and children. Not to offend anyone, but we are empty nesters, and slower paced. For this reason we usually choose longer cruises and older ships that suit our style better. Unfortunately we did not check the calendar before booking, so we will make the best of it.

Where are some adult quiet places? I know the solarium, as well as the Viking lounge tend to be quiet. Any other public places?

Maybe the new menu will help people from gaining weight now.  😉

1 hour ago, homedepot124 said:

We just got off Symphony yesterday.  The new MDR menus are a real disappointment.  No more always available classics.  The starter selection is very limited.  Shrimp cocktail is not available every night.  I asked the waiter if there was a shrimp cocktail available one night when it was not on the menu and he came back with a resounding NO.  Most nights there is only one soup selection in the starters.

The Mexican night theme menu has spaghetti as one of the entrees.  Really?  I have never seen spaghetti on a menu in a Mexican restaurant.

Thanks for sharing. That definitely sounds disappointing for sure. 

I order from the "classics" more often than not, as I prefer simple, basic foods. I don't cruise again until March so it will be interesting to see the options. I may end up in the Wj depending on menu selection.

8 hours ago, Coralc said:

When we sailed in September, there were 2-time changes on the way down and 2-time changes on the way back. It was ridiculous. 🙄

Yep. Same for our November cruise.

12 hours ago, flamingos said:

Carry on.  Ours are in a backpack and never got a second look.

 

 

Same here. Never had my carry on looked at, and I always have wine in it.

12 hours ago, cruisegirl1 said:

They inspected the bottles carefully  at the Baltimore port.    Not sure what  they are looking for.   Ours were sealed, so no problem.   I can't imagine why it would not be sealed. 

M

Oh that is interesting. I wonder why. I have never had my wine taken out of my carryon.

13 hours ago, paross4 said:

Ours have never been checked.  (we carry them on in a backpack)  Used to take corked wine, but decided it was simpler to bring screw top bottles.  (wine snobs, please don't judge us.... 😉 )

 

 

 

Yes, we do also. Screw tops are so much easier!

4 hours ago, BND said:

 What we really need is newer smaller ships.

YES!! I have been thinking this exact same thing for a while now. I cruise frequently from Baltimore and Tampa. I do enjoy Enchantment & Serenade, but it would be nice to have something new. 

I've sailed many times with an inside cabin. I don't mind them at all, because I don't spend any time in there, other than sleeping.

I've been in adjoining cabins a few times. Never an issue for me.

9 hours ago, geoff2802 said:

At our call in November they used contracted tenders.  Service was ok.  

Same. Nov 11-18 sailing was contracted tenders.

We still don't know exactly what happened, or the reason,  but we waited in the theater for almost two hours after our meeting time, before our number was called. By the time we got to shore, the tour had been canceled because it was too late. This happened to many excursions that day, and lots of very unhappy people.

On 11/16/2022 at 11:14 AM, George C said:

Always a great ice show , loved all the ice shows on rccl, normally good piano player in schooner bar and guitar player in pub , plus lots of entertainment in main theater, plus more.

Yes, the ice show is fabulous! I was on the Nov 11-18 sailing.

I found a previous thread discussing sailing with a passport expiring within six months. Many report that this is not an issue.

So.... 

Would you sail with a passport that will expire in three months, or apply for renewal when you need it in 7 weeks? The gov website says expedited renewal processing is 3-5 weeks, not including mailing time. Itinerary is Southern Caribbean.

Which option is least risky?

Has there been any announcement of when (if) official Meet & Mingles will resume?

When are you notified of your cabin number when you book GTY?

Thanks

Not in the cabins on the Navigator Nov 11-18 sailing.

2 hours ago, ARandomTraveler said:

 

That leads me to another realization that I confirmed about myself, which is that I really dislike being on a schedule on vacation. Having to revolve my day around dining and show reservations I made on the first day was really annoying. I wish it was easier to decide what restaurants and shows to attend on the day-of without risking not being able to go at all. I just got off Symphony and had to make all my reservations the minute I boarded the ship. I was annoyed every day that I had to go to dinner when I wasn't hungry yet, or that I had to wait to go to dinner when I was hungry now (I had the dining package). 

I felt the same way on my cruise earlier this month.

I was on the Navigator last week. We had several time changes, and a fellow passenger was complaining about it. He said that other cruise lines don't do this... ?  I have no clue, maybe depends on the itinerary?

While I don't particularly like it, I am used to it happening pretty regularly on the cruises I have been on.

8 hours ago, twonpcb said:

I have seen on Facebook (so it must be true) that Royal is “experimenting” with a new MDR menu on one ship.  They claim the “Classic” choices are gone and have not returned.  Additionally, the nightly menu has been much more simplified and “Carnival”ified. 
 

 Now, from what I have experienced in the past these things can be grossly exaggerated.  Can anyone shine a lite on this? 

I am curious as well. Just off the Navigator last week, and everything was the same as it's always been.

3 minutes ago, happy cruzer said:

Anyone know the eta for serenade of the seas?  Is boarding delayed?  Thanks

I have a friend returning on the Serenade today. Her last update said 1:00 pm ETA.

Any recent feedback on Vision of the Seas? Just booked a 10 day for the end of March.  We too, are "older" 😂 (empty-nesters) and enjoy quiet time on sea days. I have been on the Grandeur 5 times, and also love Radiance class.