DigiPro

Although I have not cruised as frequently as Orville99, my experiences have been the same. And my question was basically number 1: Whether there is now a service charge for room service for Sky class suites. We always stay in Grand Suites and above, and almost always order room service breakfast from the MDR menu. We’ve never been charged before (and of course we tip appropriately). It’s not about the actual fee. If I can afford the suite, I can afford the fee. It’s about a perk that I previously had as a suite passenger possibly being taken away, given how much I am paying for my upcoming Owners Suite.

I think there is definitely some confusion at RCI. I wrote to Mr. Bayley expressing my concern over this change. Apparently he is receiving complaints from others, as well. Nonetheless, this was his response.

I just did it 2 weeks ago. My mom’s cabin dropped by $500 and mine dropped by $250. This is the second time we’ve had a price drop for that sailing. The first one wasn’t as much.

That’s good to know because we sail on her at the end of November!

Thank you for this detailed review. We sail on her in a few months. Think I’ll skip the hot tubs! 😂

I’m interested in sailing a TA, too, so love this thread. Lots of good info so far! Just curious, how can you tell how many kids will be onboard? I love kids. Raised 2 really great ones and anxiously waiting on grands 🥰. But it would be nice to sail a TA with fewer kids.

I pray there were no casualties. Thank goodness there was that period of warning, although it’s reported that people and vehicles did fall into the water. I just watched the footage. Unbelievable!

Love your pics so far! Looking forward to you review.

Is the “lack of limes” a thing with Royal? LOL! A few years ago we were on Brilliance and they ran out of limes early in the trip, too. Everything else was in full supply so we joked at how strange that was, especially for a cruise departing Florida. Obviously not the end of the world, but it definitely had an effect on my favorite cocktail at the time, the mojito! The OP’s post just triggered that memory.

I get it, but I think you missed my point. Someone mentioned they get into PC at 6am due to the itinerary change. IF RC amended a Disney excursion to take advantage of the early arrival time, one could effectively have more hours at the Kingdom. Not a couple of hours. Then it might be worth it. Either way, I would be upset with the itinerary change that only included 2 ports from NJ, but I’d try to make the best of it.

The video may be a bit misleading. I don’t believe you actually have to wear a headset during dinner, but I plan to dine in this restaurant on my 2025 Utopia cruise. I think the overall experience of the views from this “train” will be interesting. As long as it’s done right and they account for any possible motion sickness. If you’re done true VR in real life, you’ll know what I mean 🤢🤮

I’d be quite upset with that revised itinerary, only 2 ports. I’d rather skip PC instead of Nassau, although I’ve been to Nassau many times. Arriving so early in PC could be a positive if there is an early excursion to Disney. It’s about 75 minutes to Magic Kingdom. If the excursion can get you there at 9am, you’d have a good 5.5hrs to explore. If Disney is of no interest, there’s Sea World or Universal. And, of course, the spaceships. Just trying to make lemonade out of this lemon.

I received this email that my November 2024 cruise dropped in price. While the cost of my particular suite didn’t decrease, the cost of my mom’s cabin decreased by $320 (Boardwalk view balcony). I called Crown & Anchor and they reduced the price and sent a new invoice! I’ll keep watching for decreases on my other cruises 🥰

I remember the magnificent ice carving demonstrations.

Is this the receipt you were referring to?

Love to see the excitement. Wishing you a great cruise!!

Me too!

I also just booked it for 2 of my upcoming cruises - Feb 2024 Allure and Nov 2024 Oasis. Canceled the Beach Club cabanas. We’ll have seniors with us who love to watch the crowds, yet need a place to lounge if necessary. I booked the Hideout cabanas so hopefully it’s a compromise between action and “peace”. My mom’s gonna LOVE this 🥰

Isn’t ironic that a ship built for families is so very expensive? When everyday people are complaining about the price of gas and other necessities, how are those same people expected to afford a cruise on this Iconic vessel?

Wow! I as curious and checked a few dates for Mar/Apr 2026. Waaay too expensive for the suites, let alone a balcony cabin. I’ll stick with Oasis class for a while and perhaps even go back to some of the smaller / older ships.

Wow! $7500 for a 4nt trip to the Poconos seems extraordinarily expensive, especially if alcohol was not included. But I did like “bing bong”! 😆

I’ve done Grandeur and Brilliance out of Tampa. It’s spectacular going under the Skyway bridge at night, but I agree with you. While Brilliance was nice, I do prefer the larger ships now. And I’m not the biggest fan of the Western Caribbean. The waters can get quite choppy.

What a great problem to have! I’m very close to Tampa and Port Canaveral, so spoiled being that close! Good luck on getting into the retirement home.

How many Star Class suites are there? On Oasis, for example, I counted about 11 (Ultimate, Grand and Owners Panoramic suites, 2 Star Loft Suites and 6 2br Aquatheater suites). Is it the same for Allure and the newer ships? We currently have a Star Loft booked on Allure but I can’t see the others. I’m in the process of booking Utopia, although I wish there were longer voyages on that one.

You just won’t let it go, will you? Geesh! To the OP, good on you for trying to find the rightful owner. Hopefully the ring makes it back home. If it was my ring, I’d be forever grateful.