scubaslayer

We did the online check in and our check in time is at 11am. I was curious how fast we might get onboard. I know each port varies on how fast the line moves and we haven't been to Galveston's new terminal. Last cruise in the old terminal the check in took 15 minutes and we went straight up the ramp to board, so maybe 30 minutes to get to the muster station but that was Liberty. Normally we don't pay for specialty dining but summer cruise, so I am guessing packed for the included venues and we will want to relax once onboard until the rooms open.

My family is sailing on Harmony out of Galveston in June. I was looking at booking Jaime's for lunch when we board. Our check in time is 11am. We get a very slight boarding group (gold) advantage. What time is feasible to make the reservation for? This group is 2 adults and 2 teens, so no small children to wrangle to get to Central Park but we have also never been on this class of ship. I was looking at 12:00 or 12:15 but am worried boarding might take longer and how long the walk will be. We also generally stop at the muster on the way onboard but we could also do it after lunch. I had been looking at getting the Key for us but the price has stayed high. Does it ever drop in price closer to cruise or should I just give up looking for a price drop?

I read that but was looking for something more specific. I mean Xbox is older than my teen. Iwas hoping someone has a teen that knows the rundown

What video game consoles and games are available in the teen club on Harmony of the Seas?

Tourettes is generally outgrown or gets worse. My daughter's symptoms now are basically gone. The worst was when she was much younger. I will follow what her specialists have told us, as she is far more complicated than "just" Tourettes.

I could understand this in comparison with the UK. Unfortunately many of the restaurants where I am have this sort of thing and I enjoyed how calm and quiet dining at restaurants was while we were in England. I think many of us just want a different experience than what we typically get back home.

At least 2 nights on a 7 day cruise from my experience and the person who is currently on a ship. I simply asked the question, so I could attempt to help my kid prepare/avoid it. I do realize it is not fine dining but it is a multi-course dinner in a nice setting. I do wish the MDR had remained a more upscale experience. It still isn't going to have a big impact on our life and I would hope it doesn't for anyone else. I really wasn't expecting this to be a new topic to go off about but I guess we were due for something to strike a nerve.

Maybe? We have MTD reserved 4 7pm every night so we can fit in the shows, but after issues booking entertainment (because Royal IT is great) I spoke to my TA who possibly had us changed to a 7:30 fixed dining time and waitlisted for early. So I am guessing we will have dinner with MTD at 7pm or the new fixed time at 7:30 (unless that is some how light dining). Either way after talking to the TA, all of my entertainment was able to be booked and we will deal with whatever, because the worst day cruising is still better than being at work. I plan to speak to our servers and plan it out so kid can step out but plan food around that issue. It isn't the first time we have altered plans slightly to accommodate. Things are much improved over the days of oh crap surprise fireworks when we attended events.

It isn't that obvious when you are enjoying your meal and having a conversation. I am often not paying close attention to what is happening everywhere around me. Dinner is when I have the best conversations with my kids about the day. The rest of the time they go off doing teen stuff and enjoying their freedom. If the crew enjoy it and want to do it, that is fine. My servers last time did not seem to be in that group but I do understand majority rule in things like this. I deal with that in my job as well.

I think this is where I am with it. First I would not complain about my servers on this, as they are doing their job. I mostly would just like to know in advance so my kid can plan accordingly. It isn't acceptable for her during her meal and I would like her to be able to escape before it begins and not miss out on her meal. I may not enjoy it but it is what it is. It just sucks if my kid is interrupted while eating and comes back to cold food. I guess I will speak to our server and see if we can arrange some sort of signaling so she can excuse herself at the correct time and it be less noticeable. I am aware that some like it and Royal is likely to continue with it as they shift more from "fine dining" and acting more like a family friendly chain restaurant. As my kids get older we may switch lines but right now they want the slides and to act like kids and I'm all for that as long as it lasts.

It wasn't on Royal for our pre-covid sailings either. It takes away the servers from clearing and serving. Our last cruise it was while they were trying to get desserts served to everyone. As for sensory overload, my teen is generally fine on a ship. Some shows are a bit much but kid loves theater and tolerates it for the most part or excuses herself and heads to something else. Of course my kid has had to learn a lot of coping mechanisms to avoid the stares and comments when the tourettes flairs and the spastic tics begin. Ships have plenty to do and spaces to escape. It is actually a great vacation, as you can really customize it to what works for you.

It really doesn't fit with a multi-course dining experience in my opinion. Plus it takes the servers away from what they are trying to do. I find it more annoying than the survey speech. If I know when it is going to happen, I can at least prepare the kid so she knows when to excuse herself to the bathroom for 15 minutes.

In 2022 they had the servers performing a song and dance thing during the MDR service on a couple of nights. Are they still doing this? I am sure some people enjoy this but honestly it takes away from our meal and my sensory teen doesn't like it at all. If they are still doing it, is it on specific nights?

So at what price point is the upgrade worth it from Sky to Star for most of you? I am debating between the 2 bedroom Grand and the 2 bedroom aqua for a high school graduation cruise on Harmony. Also should I wait to book onboard in a couple months or just book now to save our spot. What tours can your Genie arrange onboard? One or 2 of my kids are interested in theater but the backstage ins and outs as well (think stage crew, sound, and lighting). What experiences/extras have you had your Genie provide besides the food (and OMG the food)?

So overall, is Star Class worth the extra price per person? Would it still be worth it for people that don't drink or teens in the room?