RoperDK

We usually get the regular coffee at WJ or Cafe Promenade. We bring large stainless to go mugs for the coffee and I bring our own flavored creamer onboard. I have to admit to getting intimidated by the suite/diamond lounge coffee machines. I've been told to just push the Americano button. So, on the last cruise on Mariner when I was in the suite lounge for evening drinks I bravely walked up to that machine and looked for that Americano button. There wasn't one, dang it! So now what do I do? I decided that we were happy enough with the regular old coffee onboard and left it like that.

Glad this seems to be only for top tier heavy cruises. Spreads out the crowds. We don't use the coffee machine in the Crown or Suite lounges because we can't figure out how to use it. 😁 I have to admit that we use the evening snacks as a light dinner sometimes. It would be missed if we don't have access.

I learned something new today! Thank you.

Lol, those plastic bags have many reuses. I use them for kitty litter scooping, too, along with doggy poop pick up bags. I wrap my shoes in them when packing to keep clothes clean. I also wrap toiletries in them to handle a leak when traveling. I guess they aren't "single use" after all. 😉

Why oh why can't Carnival use the compostable cornstarch straws that Royal uses? I bought some on Amazon and that's what I take on Carnival cruises. I can attest to the fact that they do break down. After a while they get brittle and crumble. Tip: don't buy them in bulk. You will have to throw them away. To be honest, I have actually cut way down on my straw usage. I have adapted to going without for most drinks, but some things just need to have a straw!

I have Verizon, too. I have used wifi calling/texting on Royal many times. Our last cruise was on Mardi Gras in Jan. We weren't able to call or text on that ship. Maybe they have enabled it, now. Yes, I love that phone and text is just like at home on Royal. Of course, you have to pay for the internet plan. Much better than the chat feature on the hub app for communicating with your family on the ship.

We love CK! We have always had dinner access in a JS. Of course we would prefer to be in a GS or above, but a JS isn't a bad compromise at all if that option isn't available to you. When you get onboard head directly to the CK/Suite Lounge and work on getting your reservations. We are flexible about dining times so we haven't had to skip a meal if we wanted reservations there. The "always available" is still on the menu. A big plus for us. We love the filet on the first night, but each night has a good choice. The last night's veal chop is amazing! Service is better and the venue has a cozy feel. Much better than the MDR. Enjoy the benefit!

I wish they would stop blocking wifi calling/texting. I am paying for the wifi after all and I can stream Netflix, use WhatsApp and Facebook messenger, but I can't get a phone call or text over wifi. I've really enjoyed being able to do that on other cruise lines.

Tell me more. Were you successful ordering the old classic menu items even when they weren't on the menu that night? I wonder if a ship that has CK makes a difference.

Filet has always been on the first night at CK on the ships I've been on. The app should have the CK menu as you get closer to sailing. Sorry, not Pinnacle. Lobster is served on the second formal night in both the MDR and CK. The CK version is a poached style which I actually prefer. That night is packed with my favs. So, I get scallops as an appetizer instead of entree along with rack of lamb and a "side" of lobster. No dessert for me that night!

I agree with everyone above. Just don't do it. If the concierge makes an exception for you, then he/she has to do it for everyone. They have to walk a fine line sometimes. No need to make things awkward for both you and them.

Don't want to be controversial. I'll just say what happened to us and how I feel about it. We are fully vaxxed and boosted. We have accepted the fact that we may pick up an illness onboard. We have cruised several times since the restart and have picked up the "cruise crud" a couple of times. To my knowledge we haven't had covid before. However, we just got off of Mariner and both my husband and I have tested positive once we got home. Many from our roll call have also reported positive results. So far we have mild cases, as do most others I have talked to. It does seem that there is quite a spike in cases. I really don't think there is a way to avoid it at this point. I won't stop cruising, but we will keep to ourselves for a week from now on after disembarking. I don't want to pass it along.

Lol, I insisted on spending most of my time outside during our Alaska cruise. You can get in the sun and out of the wind and be just fine! We always spend some time at the beginning of the cruise discovering the ship anyway. There will always be a quiet place next to a window to read and watch the sea. Adventure has less views of the sea that will be quiet than the older ships that are more connected to the sea. It is hard to choose when it is your first time. In reality, you will have a great time whatever you decide.

It sounds like Baltimore has some very good positive points! Having someone available to take you to the port eliminates a lot of chaos.

I haven't been on any of those ships, so I can't offer insight on the ships. I'll just offer some thoughts on the things you said you were planning on doing and looked forward to. We just got off of Mariner (sister ship to Adventure) on a 6 day itinerary. We enjoyed our cruise but it was too short and so very loud and crowded. February will be spring break time and the smaller ships (Vision and Enchantment) will be less desirable for booking from that loud crowd. I don't know your ports, but some are easier to just get off the ship and walk around than others. Baltimore will be chilly for a few days for the person in your group that wants to hang out by the pool. Since this is your first cruise you will enjoy a smaller ship even though it doesn't have all the bells and whistles. It might actually be nice to experience an older, smaller ship before they don't exist anymore. Whatever you choose, I hope you have a great cruise!

You can request your dinner reservations from the concierge once you get your welcome letter. If you wait to do it once you are on board you may have limited times. Our favorite dinners are the filet on day 1 and the tomahawk pork chop on day 7. Most dishes are very good at Coastal Kitchen.

Yes, that would be perfectly acceptable. I have found that men can wear dress shorts and golf shirt to dinner, also. I think slacks are more appropriate for formal night, but on the first night and port nights you will see men in shorts at dinner.

You are correct!

We may be tempted to try sailing out of Galveston. It's a bit of a longer drive for us, but maybe a B2B would make it worthwhile.

Condolences on the loss of your Father. I hope that the family enjoys the cruise. Good job Royal.

I think that Port Canaveral pricing is higher in general. Pricing for Adventure 6/8 day itineraries in 2025 is outrageous compared to similar current Mariner pricing. At least Mariner is amped with Playmakers! We are pricing GS so maybe that has something to do with it. Wonder JS pricing has at least doubled. Glad we booked it when we did. We have our cruises booked through Jan 2025 and can't find a single cruise past then that we would consider booking. Sad.

If your budget allows, there is always the casino. I've never done a TA, but have crossed the Pacific after 7 days cruising around Hawaii. It was a welcome break from the non-stop Hawaii itinerary and we enjoyed relaxing on the sea days. We love sea days, but even we have our limits.

When was the last one?

Just had the health questionnaire show up in the app. The question says in the last 24 hours now.

He is feeling great this morning! Fever broke last night and he slept like a baby. Feeling like his old self now. I still have no symptoms. I truly wonder if it was something he ate after golf the day before. We are proceeding with the trip, minus the family visit. If something does creep up then we will deal with it. There is always Urgent Care. We would never board a ship knowing we were sick. Wish us luck!