cyclone1414

I was on Oasis Dec 22-Jan5, and I am vegan. At that time, the vegan menu was available every night, which usually offered 2 apps, a soup, 2 mains, and a dessert option. In addition, there was usually an Indian dish that was vegan available. This is a HUGE decrease in options. Does anyone know of any other way of communicating the disappointment in this? I am booked next December as well, and hoping this is still subject to change!

On 1/7/2023 at 10:00 AM, mcatmcat said:

Leaving the Explorer right now and the “ crazy quest” is back. It was longer and funnier than ever. I’m glad they brought it back 

Glad to hear! Just got off Oasis, and although the quest was back, I didn't find it nearly as good as previous...I think it mainly has to do with the CD running it.

51 minutes ago, ReRe71 said:

Yes that is the same sailing I was on, she was great! 

Do you know her name?

10 hours ago, mil76 said:

Boarding Navigator today and the Royal app shows they have a menorah (chanukiah) lighting service every night in the Star Lounge.

nice...let me know if you can find any latkes or sufganiyot on board!

Any ideas what RC does for Chanukah on the ships? We are boarding on Thursday, so midway through the holiday. Thanks!

How was Tom Hopkins as a cruise director? And did you go the Quest? Looking forward to having it back!

Hi- the excursion I wanted to book through the cruise line is now sold out :-(. Basically, want to visit a monkey/slot park and the iguana park...will there be (safe, reliable, good) vendors selling excursions like this when we get off the ship in Roatan? Or is it really something that should be pre-booked?

Thanks!

15 minutes ago, BobNoxious said:

Is QUEST back on OASIS?   I did not see it on recent postings for the Cruise Compass for this ship. Other ships have reported it.

Checking the daily planner on the app...yes! 10:30pm tomorrow, in fact 🙂

1 hour ago, Donsyb said:

No

looks like its back now though!

1 hour ago, MMsteffey said:

We’ve Turned the loveseat around to face the wall,  put a mattress on the floor (both with help from cabin steward), have brought a portable / foldable bed railing, and have used pool noodles slipped under the bottom sheet along the edge of the bed. No mishaps.   Pool noodles were the easiest. You can cut them in half to fit in your suitcase.  Have a great trip! 

Thanks! 

Hi...our 2.5 year old sleeps in a crib at home. While she sometimes tries to climb out, she's generally ok. We don't think there is any way she will sleep in the pack-and-play provided by Royal but she will also for sure not stay in/roll out of a bed since she's never slept in one. Has anyone done anything creative for a kid this age (i.e. mattress on floor against couch?). Thanks!!

Interesting...I had thought the CD was the important factor! I'm sure a lacklustre CD/MC doesn't help either though

Graham seems quite popular...is he still working as a CD?

Now that Quest is back...(regardless of whether you like it or hate it, or don't want it back, or whatever)...wondering who your favourite CD for Quest has been? For me, it would have to be Jimmy Rhodes- he was amazing!

6 hours ago, marys350 said:

Yes, my granddaughters are vegetarians and were happy with choices at Coco Cay. There are veggie burgers, salads, a taco bar, rice and beans, fresh fruit, etc. Enjoy!

 

amazing, thanks- good to know!!

any idea re veggie burgers on the island??

Hi...I've seen some images of menus being posted from the different venues on the island, with standard fare (burgers, dogs etc). Does anyone know of any vegetarian/vegan options? Also, after being on Allure with Boardwalk Dogs, I would love Royal to add a Veggie dog/option to their menu- any way to submit this feedback?? Thanks!!

Is there a specific travel contract anyone has??

On 7/15/2019 at 8:11 PM, cb at sea said:

RCI does have the "kids clubs" and the larger ships have nurseries.   So you can get some "free" time without a nanny onboard. 

Good point...We have had mixed results with the nursery on previous cruises (not because of the staff- they have been awesome!)...but one child who went easily, and one who refused (I think I heard him screaming from the pool deck after dropping him off)...so the point of bringing a nanny is to 'ensure' some vacation time for us, knowing that the child is comfortable.

On 7/15/2019 at 11:25 AM, VicRock said:

Former nanny here:  I would definitely make hours & expectations clear.  If she is working more hours she should be compensated accordingly.  The cruise, IMO, is NOT compensation.  It is something she is required to do.  If you want evenings kid free, change her working hours accordingly, giving her time off during the day.  If it's over her normal days off, again she should either be compensated accordingly OR make arrangements to change her days off so she is not losing those benefits. Get a room where she has a little privacy whether thats adjoining rooms or a suite with some sort of separation.  Thats what i have for now.

Thanks for the input. Agreed- she will definitely be paid her regular weekly wage, in addition to all travel expenses being covered. To make up for the extra work days (i.e. weekends) on the boat, I was planning on offering extra days off when we return home. My thought was connecting rooms for my wife and 3 kids and I, and then her to have a separate room right beside us.

On 7/14/2019 at 8:59 PM, mom2oneXY said:

What kind of hours/responsibilities does your nanny have at home?  If you are paying her way and her weekly wage, I'd think they'd be similar.  Your two older children will likely spend time in the kids' club, but I could see your nanny helping with the 8 mo old quite a bit.  You may also want to have separate arrangements for sea days vs. port days.  I could see hours possibly being from 2pm-10pm for port days.  If you're off on an excursion as a family there's a strong possibility you'd want some help once you're back on the ship.  For sea days, I'd maybe plan on something similar.  I think you could really plan out your sea days vs. port days and see where you'd need her.  

I think the different schedule for sea/port days is a good idea! Thinking ahead, the most critical time is at night (i.e. after 7pm) when a baby would be sleeping in the room.

16 minutes ago, jbethel11 said:

Check with your nanny! If they are willing to go, and pay (if you are not already paying for them), that would be a great idea! I would book two rooms, maybe a balcony/suite and an interior across the hall! This way, the nanny could be in the room with the three kids, and you and your spouse/partner could be in your own room. Or, the Nanny could have their own room, and your family could share a room! Whatever works for you!

We are planning to cover all her expenses and pay her regular wage- I was wondering about how people have worked hours on/off work while on the trip? What were the nanny's responsibilities etc.

In terms of rooms, we have connecting rooms for my wife/kids, and then a separate room right beside for the nanny, but open to other possible arrangements too!

11 minutes ago, jbethel11 said:

I have not brought a nanny, nor have one brought for me (I am an older teen). However, that said, certain cruise lines, like Celebrity, charge for in room baby sitting for up to three guests. 

Thanks...If RC still offered in-room babysitting, that would help, but it is no longer an option. This is our best bet to provide us (the parents) at least a partial vacation!

Hi...we have cruised with our two kids a bunch of times, but will be doing our first cruise with 3 (ages 6, 4, and 8 months at the time) next year. We are planning on bringing our live-in nanny from home with us. I was wondering if anyone has brought a nanny before, how it worked out (arrangements during the day, at night, sleeping etc), and if you had any specific travel contract arranged with them?? Thanks!

Awesome work, thanks so much for sharing!!