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Although you can book a tour in a language that you don't understand I'm assuming that there will be no issue in you actually joining it. Could the guide refuse you if you can't understand instructions about returning to the coach at a certain time or safety instructions for example. I only make this point as I imagine the paperwork and indemnities that Royal insists upon with its contracted excursion suppliers is extensive for our overall welfare.

We were on Anthem towards the end of May last year to the Fjords and yes it was a slightly older crowd but very mixed ages and it was also one of the liveliest at night I have been on. The Fjords and the places you visit are stunning, you will have a fantastic time.

We are the same, UK based and just booked our first MSC cruise to see what they are like. I think I have seen you in the Royal Caribbean forum, we have only ever cruised with Royal and are excited and apprehensive at the same time.

On Anthem in May our son made friends with a boy who had the key. There were two key sessions for the bumper cars, one early morning that only attracted a few people so he was able to stay on for the full session apparently and one at 6pm that was very busy. I only know this as our son asked if I could buy the Key mid cruise after being told about no queuing bumper cars. I'm sure though from memory the morning session was very early around 8 - 8.30am.

Absolutely it's clear the direction Royal is going in but what then is the plan for a 20 year old Explorer for example with just new carpets and a waterslide.

Good point but any company operating just to service debt or any company not expanding is already going backwards. If you don't invest in what you have to make it even more appealing in the market and more profitable you might as well give up. Just my opinion as someone in business... obviously not at the scale of Royal 😀

The deck plans on the app have changed to show the perfect storm water slides on deck 13 since she has been in Cadiz.

I guess you could have pressed the point but I don't know how you would have stood as I've just checked the cruise compasses and each day it clearly states shorts are welcome for breakfast and lunch only in the MDR.

Just for info, over the summer I saw people turned away from the MDR on Anthem out of Southampton wearing shorts. .

Not directly related to your query as this is a UK experience but "Free' drinks packages with Royal on summer sailings here changed the vibe and behaviour considerably. So much so that this promotion isn't offered anymore and you can't even pay for drinks packages on short cruises now departing from Southampton as they are not allowed. I like a drink as much as anyone but I avoided Southampton sailings when this promotion was running.

One of the best Royal cruises we did. A fantastic place to stay pre or post cruise and fascinating ports. I also live in hope......

If you haven't booked yet I recommend googling the port with 'celebrity shore excursions' at the end and usually a number of listed. I've done that a few times to get a feel of what a port offers and from my experience the excursions tend to be the same as Royal.

Ours is showing the same in April, formal night is night 7. Must be the IT gremlins again...

Wow that's a great post, never been Star Class but after reading that I do now.

Thats my concern, I hear the left side of the train is best for view and I wood be very disappointed if we were stuck on the right side looking at the rock face for the majority of the trip.

They do, there is only one notable omission. We have though looked at Celebrity for some winter sun but I think the group as a whole is really off the pace with other offerings with the Infinity out of Barcelona.

The 'rule' for want of a better word is chaos. After the re-start we cruised from Port Canaveral and we see bikini's, bare feet and even onesies like someone has just got out of bed. Head home to the UK and sail from Southampton three weeks later and nightly dress codes stated in the compass and enforced at the door with people turned away. The only thing I can think of is that it is adapted to the market as we are probably a bit more conservative with things over here.

Very good points but a different approach being adopted by MSC with them sending their new ship Euribia for winter 2023/24 to the UK. With Europa sailing the same time from Barcelona that's two Oasis sized ships sailing Europe in the winter. Clearly they not only see demand but increasing demand. In my opinion Northern Europe and winter sun Madeira/Canary Islands will be extremely popular and profitable for them from Southampton with Euribia.

I'm after a bit of advice please from you clued up folks about the itinerary releases. When do you think Alaska 2025 will be released. Alaska isn't really advertised here (UK) in travel agent mail shots and emails etc so and I want to make sure I'm ready to go as soon as they are released as I understand the itinerary is popular. Thanks

Absolutely, I love Joff he's a great entertainer. Really pleased he will be on Anthem in April.

Thats good news he should be on Anthem when we cruise in April then. I did think though that he would stay on board and come across to the UK. I can't remember a summer season in the UK without Joff. Quite a strange choice for the demographic of Alaska cruises in my opinion but what do I know 😀

Thank you for confirming, I thought that may be the case.

That link is interesting, it says you get a $125 onboard credit for being MGM Gold. Is that just for being MGM Gold in your own right or can you get that also if you tier match for being Diamond.

Maybe in the US, things are sometimes interpreted differently for its sailings worldwide.

That's a great find, thank you for that. It will be interesting to see if anything else is added.