ptf2009

On 12/9/2019 at 2:29 PM, berbician said:

Thanks again for the additional information.  I do plan to go to the beaches so I will make sure to take our water shoes.  I visited all those islands last year on Adventure and enjoyed them.   I understand your statements with the food, neither am I a Foodie so  I will be thankful too. 🙂 However, when something does not taste good period you have to say something. That's how I feel 🙂 🙂   I am sure Symphony will definitively be a different experience for the better !!  

The only time we said anything about the food was when the risotto was not edible, just one big glob on the plate, so my DH gave me half of his fish dinner. The Head Waiter came by and we mentioned it to him how disappointed we were because when we were on Harmony in Sept., the same risotto meal was delicious and that's why I ordered it. The HW, Constantine, told us he would send an order of risotto from Giovanni's for me the next night, but it never came, nor any night thereafter. My DH didn't want me to say any thing, so I didn't....some things are just worth "letting it go."

Yes, Symphony should be better. We've had much more fun and better entertainment on the Oasis and Freedom class ships, so we'll stick with them and any new ships from now on.

1 hour ago, berbician said:

Thanks so much for the update on Explorer. I will getting on her early in Jan and appreciate the update.  I am assuming you were on the nine day itinerary correct?  Did they offer the drink card by any chance? Do you happen to have any of the criuse compasses to share?    Thanks again for the report.      

Yes, we were on the 9 night itinerary (which was the main reason why we booked this cruise). If you go to the beautiful beaches in Curacao (Blue Bay) and Bonaire (Lac Bay/Sorobon), wear water shoes. The entrance to the water is very rocky. Aruba's Palm beach was smooth:)

I only noticed that they offered a buy one , get 40% off the second one drink package. We weren't interested because my DH only drinks during the diamond lounge hours (5:00-8:30p.m.) and I don't drink.

I don't have any cruise compasses...just threw them away each day...sorry.

One more thing. We are not foodies and consider the food on the cruise ships as just that ..."cruise food," so we don't have high expectations and are just grateful that someone is serving us and we don't have to clean up and do dishes:) However, the risotto was just awful...came out as a glob and just overcooked. The head waiter actually told us that people were complaining about the food! We loved our waiter and asst. waiter...Dedy and Denys! We only ate dinner in the main dining room because we have eaten in the specialty restaurants many times and it's really gone downhill and isn't worth the money to us.

We are looking so forward to going on Symphony in September!

1 hour ago, mo&fran said:

The pools have heaters.  Must not have been turned on.

That's right. I asked several times and was told that they only turn them on in colder climates! It was just so weird to see very few people in the pools when it was hot outside....ggggrrrr....

1 hour ago, IndyCapt said:

Thanks so much for the follow-up! We go mid-January so we had already purchased passes through a 3rd party. We'll remember to call the resort directly if we go back in the future. We'll try to get there as close to 9am as possible. So, is it open bar with the Day passes? Thanks again for the review!

Yes, open bar is included with the day passes. There is a bar in the pool and in the restaurant. There are also waiters on the beach who will take your order. My DH ordered from the pool bar and got me my water there also. If you arrive at 9:00 you may want to check out what they serve for breakfast. I hope you have as much fun as we did! No problem getting a taxi back to the port for $16 per taxi.

On 11/8/2019 at 7:24 PM, IndyCapt said:

Can you report back on your experience? We'll be there for the day pass in mid-January. It has good reviews on here but hoped to hear from someone with really recent visit....thanks in advance!

As I promised you, I'm reporting back about our experience at Barcelo's last week. It was a really nice place! We arrived around 10:00a.m., but wish we would have arrived at 9:00 because it was such a wonderful resort:) The pool is very large and clean and the clientele represented all ages. The beach was beautiful with lots of shaded areas. The resort appeared very safe as there were several security guys making sure everyone had a band on their wrists. The food was good, not fantastic, but good. We didn't go for breakfast because we couldn't wait to enjoy the beach and pool areas. Lunch is from 12:00-3:00p.m.  I don't drink, but my DH had several margaritas. I saw several people with frozen drinks that looked delicious.

Would we go again? YES! The RIU was a couple hotels away from us, so we may try that one next time, just to compare. I would suggest that you call Barcelo before you book with a 3rd party and see if they will sell you a pass cheaper. We didn't do that, but talking to some other cruisers, they said that they always call the hotels directly for day passes.

On 11/3/2019 at 2:22 AM, dramamama628 said:

 

@little britain  Thank you so much, have been trying find out about this.  We would prefer late seating, so I think this will work out for us.  Glad to hear people are dressing up, we love to do it and my hubby is shopping for a new flashy shirt and tie over the last week to have something new to wear.

 

Um..we just got off Explorer yesterday and we did not see a strict dress code on ANY night. Like other RC ships, some dress up and some dress down (even wearing shorts in the dining room). 

We had a nice time because we were on a cruise, but we now are certain to only go on larger and newer ships. The Explorer needs some serious TLC (our bathroom sink had many cracks and our balcony was in very poor shape in our Jr suite:( Thank goodness it will be refurbished in March. Hopefully the entertainment will be amped up also for future cruisers. It was VERY lame. The singers and dancers performed 3 nights. They were very talented from what we could see and hear. The orchestra's volume is so loud that the singers had to try and sing over them most of the time. 

I didn't want to believe what Thorsen was reporting about The Explorer of the Seas, but unfortunately he was correct about the condition of the ship. Many windows in the Windjammer need replaced because you couldn't see out of them! One more thing...the pools were very cold, even though it was hot outside! We have never been on a cruise where there were only a few people in the pools...and the ship's facts stated that one of the pools is heated...NOT SO!

We also split the day between the beach and pool. The very large pool is beautiful with the entrance having a "cushiony" feel:) There are really cool loungers that are stationary on the area that you enter the pool. We can't wait to go back!

Enjoy every minute!

15 minutes ago, Ourusualbeach said:

Its really quite simple.  If you don't like it don't book Royal.  Whining and complaining isn't going to change things.

Being snarky is not nice. People are just giving their opinions of this thread.

On 10/31/2019 at 11:32 AM, Biker19 said:

The same ones who'll pay $1000+ for a cabana at CocoCay.

Or the "cheesy" Mystery Dinner at Giovanni's RC pushed (not sure if they still do it). The meal was awful because of its limited selection...and the acting was over dramatic. Oh well, live and learn!

Thank you...no problem about the CD. We don't pay much attention to the CDs. They are just showoffs anyway:)

I also hope there is a tea and coffee pot in our JS cabin. But I don't mind walking to the cafe promenade and getting one in a paper cup. 

On 11/10/2019 at 8:58 AM, lanzer said:

I am in a JS on explorer at the moment and have a kettle and coffee maker. If you don't have one just speak to your cabin steward about getting you one. There should be no problem

How is your cruise going on Explorer? Are you happy with the food, entertainment, crew and condition of the ship?

On 11/8/2019 at 7:24 PM, IndyCapt said:

Can you report back on your experience? We'll be there for the day pass in mid-January. It has good reviews on here but hoped to hear from someone with really recent visit....thanks in advance!

I sure will!...We go the first week of Dec.:)

5 minutes ago, cruiselvr04 said:

We should hear within 48 hours about our royal up for our first week of our B2B.

Just wondering...did they give you a response date when you "royal upped?" I have a feeling that people who have GTY cabins won't get their assignments until all the royal up requests are granted or denied.

2 minutes ago, Tulsacoker said:

I would just use your three drink vouchers at any place or restaurant during the happy hour time and not have to visit the DL /CL

That's what I've tried to talk my DH into:) But he likes "getting" to go into the D lounge. I have NO desire to go and would rather stay at the pool longer or have a longer nap before getting ready for dinner:) I just want to make him happy, so I go with him. If there is a seat, I sit there while he is finishing a gin and tonic, and we each order a glass of wine for him to have at dinner and then we walk out.

57 minutes ago, Saab4444 said:

Why are 3 free drinks per night and person not enough?

Agree....but then this is from a person who does not drink (don't like the taste or the weird feeling I get from 2 sips of wine:) I have and am a lot of fun without it:)

1 hour ago, matj2000 said:

Do you really want to go on a cruise

 

Just to sit in a isolated room with a bunch of people bragging on how many RC trips they have been on?

Totally agree! I go to the D lounge to please my DH. We order a drink (both are for him), look over the appetizers and then walk out and go to dinner with drink in hand. The room is way too crowded and we rarely find seats for two.

Worth a try....I thought that like the airlines, you have a 24  hr. window to cancel. This is an honest mistake, but if you are unable to cruise, I hope you have a wonderful cruise! We are on the same cruise!

28 days to go!

23 hours ago, hockeymom71 said:

We are in a GS on the Explorer late November. I put in a bid for OS and GS with two bedrooms. I'll confirm back if we were upgraded.

Are you on the 11/29 sailing? Just wondered since we still haven't rec'd our GTY cabin assignment:)

Looking forward to hearing if you are upgraded.

2 hours ago, Tulsacoker said:

Sorry about my picture, caribbean humidity and sun wreaks havoc on my hair, skin and lips

You are funny...but it's still scary😟

2 hours ago, John&LaLa said:

 

He really was tame. Very funny. Second one was definitely both crude and rude. 

Believe me, I understand that sitting in the front row in a comedy venue makes you a target, but Simeon "picked on" an elderly German woman in an inappropriately way. The poor woman (probably in her 80's), cruising solo, obviously didn't understand a lot of what he was saying. When he asked her questions and she answered with a very German accent, he made fun of her and then wouldn't let up! People were all looking at each other as if to say "what is he thinking/doing?" By the time the second guy came out the poor thing was sound asleep in her seat! We saw her the next evening in the Diamond lounge and had a wonderful conversation with her, not mentioning what had happened to her the night before.

Simeon's crude part of his "show" was so gross....maybe he was just fantasizing his own wishes. YUK!!!

No thank you...will definitely skip the adult comedy if he's on Symphony next Fall.

40 minutes ago, John&LaLa said:

 

He was the intro act last year. Headliner now, but still considers himself the 'fluffer'

UUUGGGHHH...so glad to get the warning that Simeon is on Symphony. When he was on Harmony a couple of years ago he was so crude and rude. We've been to many comedy shows on RC and have never experienced someone like him.

44 minutes ago, Tulsacoker said:

yes you can

Aring75,

I'm enjoying your review and thank you for sharing your experiences on Symphony. My DH and other family members are planning a cruise on her for next fall:)

Tulsacoker,

I just have to tell you that your "picture" freaks me out! I guess it's "appropo" for tomorrow, but I have to hurry up, read your response and scroll really fast past "you." I have a feeling you are much better looking in person! Plus you are frequently on John&LaLa's review also!

Happy cruising everyone!!!

Looking forward to your review, John (your reviews are always so much fun to read and makes us feel like we are cruising with you:). We hope to sail on Symphony next Fall!

Enjoy every minute!

On 10/5/2019 at 8:13 AM, Host Clarea said:

Graham - we have to use two of the Fields & Selects in each cup to get decent flavor.

Whoa...that cup of tea must be very strong!  I use de-caf cinnamon apple tea with no sugar or milk...and one tea bag lasts me all day:)