NanciRDH

I finally started getting offers after years of cruising.  So far it's been complimentary for me with a "special rate" for my guest.  But what if I want to go solo?  Does anyone have experience with this? 

I was surprised about the fee too.  My first thought was they're adding an adult beach like Disney has, far away from the family beach, and complimentary.  I wouldn't pay $70 for a day at their beach, unless more came with it.   That's what I paid for the Beach Club in 2022, and to us was worth the price for a nice lunch.  Current pricing will keep me away from there now. 

In a similar situation, the Waterpark may be a hard sell to Icon guests at current prices with her having so many slides onboard.   

After our first suite we too were like how can we ever be expected to go back to that peasant life?!!  But if given the choice of inside or no cruise, I'm good inside.  

My kids became adventurous eaters because of cruising, and even as toddlers rarely ordered off the kids menu.  I challenged them to try something new or prepared differently every day.  They didn't have to finish it if they truly disliked it, but more times than not they surprised themselves by liking it.  It did backfire on me, because at 8 yo in a land restaurant she was planning to order a 5 course meal like on vacation 😆 

We were on one of the early 2021 cruises out of Nassau, before the US allowed cruising. The beach club was $70 I think, but close to our sail date the beach cabana price dropped to $300, so I surprised my husband and daughter.  The Waterpark was $40ish.  We had 2 days at Coco Cay, including a rare overnight.  

On 1/6/2024 at 1:03 PM, soremekun said:

Do crew members tip other crew members?

The good ones do.  

10 minutes ago, Ourusualbeach said:

The price was $200 for us on the inaugural sailing booking it in the cruise planner.

Im not saying anyone was wrong,  I'm just going by what she was told, we were texting between courses, she sent me foodie pics.  Maybe they'll adjust it one way or the other depending on bookings, we all know how they like to change up things.  And she didn't pay, it was a comped meal from upper management 

My daughter was treated to dinner in the supper club the other night. She said the price is going to be $250, she had originally said $200, but was corrected a bit later.  The food was good, she shared entrees with a friend, so was able to sample everything.  They were greeted with champagne, and that was free flowing thru dinner, but she's not sure if that was special for them.  Overall it was a good experience, but she said the Chef's Table we did on Wonder last fall was better tasting food-wise.  

Thanks to whoever shared the new years video, i was able to find her in the crowd. 

15 hours ago, NanaPam00 said:

I follow her on Tiktok - she is part of Royal’s official social media team, so what she posts has been vetted.

And she's not posting things to give a sneak peek at anything.  They're still holding back a few surprises.  (Crew mom here who can't get her own kid to send me secrets)

1 hour ago, SilkySal said:

I've seen some other sneak peek videos of the Icon, so not sure why Chris Wong is not allowed to post his yet? The ship looks fabulous inside and out!

The social media relations person has been posting stuff, but nothing not already made public.  They're holding back a few surprises (crew mom here)

I predict with Icon those prices will be a hard sell since she has a Waterpark onboard that's complimentary 

Diamond drink question if a different sort...my daughter just turned 18, no more kid C&A perks for her, but will she be allowed to order non-alcoholic options?   She is D+ in her own count, we've been cruising for years.  I just never thought about her new perks lol.  

The Northstar is down until next drydock. It still shows available to book, which is frustrating.  My info comes from a current crewmember onboard Quantum 

My 18 yo is D+ in her C&A status, she keeps that, and now earns her own points.  She will probably hit pinacle in her lifetime, she's almost halfway there now.  My oldest turned 18 before getting to D+, so she has to earn her own way there.  

Don't some of the interior cabins have virtual windows?  I think I remember reading Quantum class does.  Disney has virtual portholes and those rooms cost a bit more on the ships that have them, and always sell out first.  

I'm on the 8/14 Quantum sailing, and Juneau shows both in app and website for me, with Endicott glacier missing.  I booked recently, and there's no rollcall I can find for that week, so I don't knowhow long its been MIA 

1 minute ago, George C said:

We are also diamond plus , also 3, 4 or 5 night packages required night one or two for dinner.

Good. Then not all our fault.  🤣🤣🤣

42 minutes ago, George C said:

We normally get email 5 days before sailing, we normally then have him/her make first couple of reservations, first two days seem to be the hardest to get restaurant and time you want. 

I'm going blame C&A D+ for that.  We get BOGO on specialty restaurants on nights 1& 2.  I'm guessing originally those were the slow nights, especially night 1.  I think they added the 2nd after D+ couples fussed about only being able to use one.  (And yes, I include myself at fault here, no shade aimed at anyone)

The room for 3 either has a drop down Pullman bunk or a sofa.  Book however you need to, they don't care where you sleep.  You can request additional keys in guest services so everyone can access both rooms.  

On 10/12/2022 at 11:38 AM, Cigar King said:

 

 

BTW, I love being able scan the passport.  That's a time saver.

I totally agree with this.  I do wish it was like DCL and they save your info.  I can understand the security concern with the passports, but at least save the photo.  It's hard to get a good selfie every darn time!  🤣🤣🤣

14 minutes ago, Ashland said:

Why does a 12 year old need an UDP ?

Maybe because that's the family dinner plans?   I know every kid is different, but by 12 my kids were well beyond the kids menu, and knew exactly how they wanted their steaks cooked.  Now as adults they are not the cheap date lol.  

11 hours ago, RoamingRetirees said:

OK. So? The point is the changes are published as being part of the current safety protocols. They have not said they are permanent. That doesn't change what I said. I still believe it will be made permanent, or something similar. Not sure why you feel the need to argue about it. I was just expressing my opinion. It really didn't warrant this much discussion.

Not arguing, just stating a current fact.  Who knows what will happen down the road, so chill.  

6 hours ago, RoamingRetirees said:

 

I know. That's why I said I think it (or something similar) may be permanent, not just on Adventure. 

It's not just Adventure, Quantum has been doing 5his too.  

First off, at 12 he's aged out of Adventure Ocean, but aged into the teen program 12-14 group.  Lots of activities, but the ability to come and go as they please.  We've been sailing with kids for 20+ years, most without texting lol.  They knew I expect them to check in regularly, and we lived by the cabin post it note.  

We went on Anthem for NYE a few years ago, our first holiday sailing, and it was lots of fun.  As previously mentioned there were free events, and a paid one in 270.  The prices for that were insane, but people paid it because it was full.  The Seaplex was the family party, more kids there than the other location in the esplanade.  There was a midnight balloon drop, lots of noise and dancing, and a free glass of champagne.  We decided to stand on the upper level and watch.  The Activities manager ran this party, the CD was in 270.  She was staged on the top stair, Wonderland side, close to the art gallery, we were right beside the stairs, so we had a great view.  And a lucky spot to be if you want extra champagne.  They had it set up on tables outside the gallery, and once all were served, the servers walked away from it.  My DD was crew on the ship, and was told the extra glasses, and there were dozens, were just going to be tossed out, so we helped ourselves to more.  Once the table was discovered it disappeared fast.  We later heard we were at the fun party, and all that champagne didn't cost extra like it did in 270.  My younger DD went to the kids party, and said it went dead after the midnight balloon drop.