elcuchio24

We were there last week, open at 9am. Just FYI it isnt really floating, just a palapa on pilings about 15ft out in the water. Very nice though.

Absolutly. And honestly the changes that have happened during the past three years are probably inline with any other three year time period in the past 25 years. Love these 'new normal' people. The new normal looks about 98% the same as the old normal,,,, 🙂

The same on every line we have traveled in the past two years and appreciate it on every one!

We've cruised CCL twice, NCL twice, and RCL once in the past 18 months. I would say CCL is better than it was before--BUT---we cruised the Mardi Gras and Celebration, so two of the newer ships. Cant speak to the smaller/older ships. We were happy with our cruises and experience, at the price point especially. That said, CCL probably came in third behind NCL, and cruised Wonder of the Seas on RCL a couple weeks ago--by far the best since pre-covid experience.

I dont mind it once a week or something. But nothing special, and easy to make at home as well if you really like it. Also, basically every other cruise line we have been on has their own version thats similar. Although not every night.

We were underwealmed with Chibang. Lot of sizzle but little steak...

Most ports use facial recognition now anyway, so as long as its valid, its good.

Thanks! We'll definitely check it out. Just trying to keep it flexible with the kids: because who knows what the day brings. But, it is nice to sit down just to have a cocktail and be waited on for sure.

This is exactly the info I was looking for. Really appreciate you help!

I've already selected MTD. My issue is now looking at the app, some nights there are no options to reserve until 8pm.....if we show up at 6:30 would be still be seated, even if there is a wait? Just confusing because on CCL/NCL, it is literally MTD and you just show up or request a table a few minutes before you're ready to eat, and not reserving weeks in advance.

Wonder of the Seas--early May. Thanks!

Thank you! Sometimes its 5:30, sometimes its 7. Hard to pin it down with kids.

This will be our first time doing an My Time Dining on Royal. We have a couple younger kids so like to stay flexible each day. I'm seeing the option to book a time a couple months out now, for a time each night. Since we aren't really sure what each day will bring--do we have to book ahead of time, or can we book/show up once on the ship? (understanding there may be a wait time). Thanks!

Well, prepare to be surprised. Because thats what they said.

FTTF hasn't changed. We were on the Celebration a couple of weeks ago, they told us just to go through the sealed doors and we could leave our bags, freshen up, etc. Our room was actually already ready, at about noon. But not all were.

Nothing I mentioned has special charges, at least as of last week on Celebration. Except the the Rollercoaster. In addition, the base cost for CCL is around the same it was a decade ago. Thinking that the total cost for massively larger ships with much more features and more to do at the same cost as 2010 is nonsensical.

I much prefer the NEW special touches that have replaced the old ones.--better entertainment/better alternate dining venues/a slick and easy to use app/ships that ar 3x larger/rollercoasters/etc etc etc Some people only want to be nostalgic around whats gone rather than whats been added. Or, just cruise HAL or another line that better represents your expectation

Most of whats missing are things that were nostalgic to older generations but fairly pointless. Mints on pillows, chocolate buffets, past guest parties. It's 2023. Print is dead, forget about the menus and printed funtimes. Thrilled they do everything on the app no, so much easier and less wasteful of piles of paper. Plus I guess you can't eat 7 lobster tails at a time if that was your thing. In general, I feel the product is better than it was 5 years ago as seen by the broader/target audience. But then again you'll have detractors at every angle.

We just cruised with CCL for the first time in a couple of years (been doing other lines, AI's). Had a great time on the new Celebration. Thought entertainment was better even than in years past. MDR food was the same-ish. But I did like Big Chicken and Guys and the food trucks whatever they call stations on the lido. Also Chibang and Cochina de Capitano where free venues with Celebration so that was an added plus we took full advantage of. Not sure what the issue is that people have with once a day service, its fine and never an issue. Room was cleaned perfectly every day. Not having the blankets rolled down and chocolate on the pillow is no issue for us. Felt like the MDR service was a bit inconsistent. Felt weird ordering cocktails/apps/entrees/dessert all at once. CD, bars, service in general were all great.

Love the lanyard. Get the one with the clip so you can unclip it to hand over for reservations/bar/etc. I also love how they pre-punch them now. Used to have to go to the casino to have it punched. NCL wont punch their cards because they say it interferes with the scan or something, kind of annoying.

There is actually. I can attest from last week :-). I was purchasing both my wifes and mine on my card the first day and got cut off! Hahaha, from then on we just switched back and forth

Thanks--its MIA. In my experience we're usually on board pretty early there. I was fairly certain FTTF didnt need to adhere to the appointment time but we'll see

We have Faster to the Fun for a cruise in a couple of weeks. I had to pick a boarding time (noon) but if I recall with FTTF you can show up whenever and will board after Diamond/Special Needs/ETC. Is that still the case or do you have to show up at your time slot? We've been on other lines for a few years now so I can't remember the protocol. Thanks!

Its always been a bit buggy for us. I think it delivers chats on time about 75% of the time. CCLs onboard app is probably the buggiest one we have used with the various cruiselines we travel on.

Easy enough to get an ocean facing balcony---nice to give it a try at least, especially with some good options out of NJ near you...