uncwmark

1 hour ago, yogimax said:

o.k., you are entitled to your opinion but I'm afraid comments like yours tend to discourage others from even going.  Who knows, they may actually enjoy the show, marvel at the costumes and walk away with a positive catitude.

 

To those who haven't yet seen the show... give it a try.  For us, CATS is by far the best show on RCCL!  

I went in with an open mind…. and genuinely tried to give it a chance, but the story is nonexistent and based on the number of folks who left before I threw in the towel I clearly wasn’t alone in my opinion. I still contend a cruise ship is not the right audience for this show.

We may have been on the same sailing?  We sailed on November 5th.  

Been on 30+ cruises in my life....

CATS! was, in my opinion, the least enjoyable show I ever attempted to sit through on a cruise ship.  I gave up after 30 minutes.

If you're a theatre person then, perhaps, there are some redeeming qualities to the show; however, whoever at RCCL made the decision that CATS! was a good decision to perform on a cruise ship -- they should be fired (or fired 10 years ago when the decision was made).  Just not a good "fit" for many, many reasons.  

Hello All,

I’ve attempted to search the forums, but unable to locate an answer…

Sailing on Oasis next month in a Jr. Suite… will

housekeeping be once or twice a day?
 

Thank you! 

38 minutes ago, Biker19 said:

In case you didn't see it in another thread, we know where/when the ship will be based on a crew member joining the ship:

 

"Not sure exactly when the TA will be, but I join the ship Dec 19 in Cadiz."

Think I had read that RCCL was scheduled to take delivery of Icon in October... seems like a long time (~2 months) between delivery and going into service... would suspect other staff outside of casino hosts likely will board ship sooner, but, still...  

5 hours ago, rockmom said:

I thought those were Sky Junior Suites?  

A few Sky Junior Suites are also available on newly-announced Utopia of the Seas... 

4 hours ago, Boz575 said:

 

I think they were referring to # of cleanings vs # of rooms:

74 stewards x 16 cabins x 2 cleanings/day = 2368 cleanings

54 stewards x 25 cabins x 1 cleaning/day = 1350 cleanings. 
 

This still may not equal exact numbers of cabins on Explorer but still a good wag. Also, it looks like you pulled your stats from Cruisemapper. RCI officially lists on their site 1,715 total cabins with 125 being suites.  I’m not really understanding the need to fact check the numbers in someones post imho but if data analysis to prove someone wrong on a cruise board is your jam, at least pull your numbers from the official site. 

Wasn’t insinuating that OP was attempting to deceive at all — WAS insinuating that, perhaps, Room Steward wasn’t the best or most accurate source of RCCL staffing data… 

Just now, uncwmark said:

Math doesn't quite add up there...

 

74 cabin stewards responsible for 16 cabins each equals 1,184 cabins

54 cabin stewards responsible for 25 cabins each equals 1,350 cabins. 

 

Did Explorer gain 166 cabins when the change was made? 😉  

Further, according to Google, Explorer actually has 1,641 cabins... 

Math isn't adding up anywhere here... even if you don't include suite cabins (of which there are 115, again, according to Google)... there are ~1,525 cabins to service once daily. 

24 minutes ago, sowhat said:

On Explorer of the the Seas  in May this year, we used the app to request  ice and additional  towels 4 tines, not delivered.
Asked for  morning  cabin cleaning,  not done just a quick  wipe  over  in the afternoon. Not vacuumed  all week,  same marks  on work surfaces  and mirrors.
Bathroom  cleaned but not cleaned  to a good standard.
Only spoke  to  cabin steward  only once on the second day. He informed  us that Explorer  did have 74 cabin stewards cleaning 16 cabin twice a day, now only 54 cabin steward cleaning 25 cabins once  a day.
Therefore  doing less work as the tips have increased.

Math doesn't quite add up there...

74 cabin stewards responsible for 16 cabins each equals 1,184 cabins

54 cabin stewards responsible for 25 cabins each equals 1,350 cabins. 

Did Explorer gain 166 cabins when the change was made? 😉  

Or China!? 😬

23 minutes ago, Nathan Graveson said:

I might as well voice my opinion on Utopia.

 

Firstly, I think we can all agree that the Utopia's launch has been overshadowed by the launch of Icon, which was always going to happen, however not at the scale we first thought. With Utopia, we are witnessing the demise of the original game changers, the Oasis-Class, and then the birth of the next game changer, the Icon-Class, which explains all of our concerns about how she will perform for Royal in the long run. As we all are aware, Royal's approach to new ships has remained the same for a while, such as the introduction of the Quantum-Class (Project Sunshine), during the period of time between Oasis & Allure to Harmony and beyond, this allowed them to show off their next, new product that can really push the boundaries of what is possible with cruising and as we know it. What I am getting at is that the reveal and launch of Utopia couldn't have come at a worse time as the hyped up demand for the new product, being Icon, it makes Utopia almost redundant. 

 

Next, we must talk about some of the positives to Utopia and the things that Royal have changed and worked on as the ultimate finale to the Oasis-Class, at least we think, unless that 7th ship gets built. So, lets begin with the design and changes to Utopia. Firstly, the elephant in the room, the brand spanking new Solarium Suites, which provide 280 degree panoramic views across the ocean waves. I will be honest here, after what happened to Oasis during her amplification, I was reluctant to even think about what these would do to the design of Utopia, however unlike her older sister, she won't look like some deformed junk of metal, instead will hopefully add a bit of character to her, giving her a new experience for guests. Next, I would like to touch on some of the top deck changes to Utopia starting with the new Ultimate Abyss slides, as Royal have decided to spice it up giving it more fun and enjoyment along the way including; transparent sections to see the other person racing you, speed increasing rollers to give guests that added boost and the new set of LED lights that add a new immersive touch to the slides. Along with the enhanced version of the Ultimate Abyss, Royal have changed the Playscape onboard Utopia, to make it different and unique to Wonder's Playscape, giving it a more seaside and traditional fishing style that ties into the new Mini-Golf area that connects nicely. Also the improvements to bars and dining on the top decks are also a welcomed addition to Utopia, especially for those summer nights in the Caribbean, such as the improved Lime & Coconut Bar and the new Food Truck on the pool deck.

 

As we have all seen today, Utopia will be another fantastic ship for Royal, however I have one final, massive complaint about her, the itineraries. I'm sorry but I struggled to see all of the Disney Wish on a 3 night cruise, so god knows how you are going to see ALL of this ship in the same time on a ship almost double the size! As much as it is a good idea to offer THE BIGGEST WEEKEND EVER as there deployment for Utopia, but don't you think it would be better suited for Allure as she is older and still isn't amplified? The idea I think Royal were going for was that this ship will be the ship that they want guests to keep going back to, and fair enough, more money returned on their end, but once you've done it 3-4 times and know the ship, won't you just want to go and try something different like Icon or Icon 2 (Star OTS) or even Icon 3 in the future? Or even go smaller with Project Discovery (Discovery OTS) and her sisters in the distant future? All I will say is that I will give Utopia at least 2 years on her Itineraries, but I think that she will move to 4-6 night cruises in the near future, as the Icon Class expands with more ships, allowing Royal to explore more different itinerary options.

 

So all in all then, I must congratulate Royal on the 14 year development of the Oasis-Class, they are undeniably some of the best cruises you can ever go on, packed with fun around every corner, and I hope that Utopia does as Royal wants it too. As much as we can have our reservations about her now, wait until we get onboard her next July and have our faces gobsmacked by the pure excitement she will deliver!

Very thorough post regarding the new enhancements on Utopia. I think the strategy to deploy on 3/4 night cruises is interesting by RCCL, but trust that the cruise line feels this is the best way to maximize revenue.

Out of curiosity, are you still pretending to be an RCCL naval architect as you were on the Icon thread or, finally, given up that charade? 😉

19 minutes ago, twangster said:

 

Don't forget Royal's new beach club in Nassau will be opening soon.   There will be a new reason to get off soon, assuming we can afford it.  Go early, in a year or two it will be so popular rates will go up.   

When's "soon"?  Have they even broken ground on construction yet?  You're an RCCL expert, so genuinely asking as I didn't expect the beach club to be open when Utopia begins sailing next summer... 

11 minutes ago, NightOne said:

 

Actually I take it back.

 

Apparently, it is me that doesn't have a clue what Royal is trying to accomplish with this move. 🙂

 

My apologies.

No offense... but you've been continually wrong with everything you post.  You should not be demeaning other posters with your track record.  

Everyone (but you?) knew Utopia was going to be doing the 3/4 night cruises with Friday and Monday sail dates for the past month.  You coming on these boards acting like this is surprising news makes you look foolish.  

2 hours ago, cruiseboy89130 said:

Don't like the small pools and the layout of the pooldeck and the missing features and the loud movie screen!

They sure cheaped out on that ship!

Disagree wholeheartedly... i've been on all Oasis Class ships and Wonder is my favorite by far.   

Wonder did a three night sailing back this past December out of PC prior to it's long-delayed naming ceremony... prices were unbelievably expensive... and the ship was completely sold out... during what's normally a very slow time of year for cruises (early-December).  Granted, it was one sailing, but... it wouldn't surprise me at all if RCCL decides to sail Utopia out of PC from the jump. 

Also worth noting that Disney's newest ship, the Wish, does 3/4/5 night cruises out of PC too.  

13 hours ago, Nathan Graveson said:

Future RCL Ship Names

 

Magnificence of the seas

Fantasia of the seas

Paradise of the seas

Haven of the seas

Melody of the seas

Grace of the seas

Sanctuary of the seas

Illumination of the seas

Unity of the seas

Intrigue of the seas

Aria of the seas

Euphoria of the seas

Splendor of the seas

Awe of the seas

Eternity of the seas

Eden of the seas

Vibrance of the seas

Bliss of the seas

Aura of the seas

Joy of the seas

Marvel of the seas

Nirvana of the seas

Divine of the seas

Nova of the seas

Splendor of the seas

Star of the seas 

Monarch of the seas

Titan of the seas

Majesty of the seas

Sun of the seas

Marquee of the seas

Hero of the seas

He would know... he's currently got the plans for all of these ships on his desk, but sometimes he "mixes them up" and forgets where the aqua theater is located 🤣😜🧐

11 minutes ago, bruzin_for_a_cruizin said:

Except.... while you will get tier matched, you start with 0 points. 

 

So, my Emerald RCL status matches me to Celebrity Select, but I need to earn ALL the points with Celebrity to move up to Celebrity Elite.

Or just achieve Diamond status on RCL...  

Hello All,

We’re doing back-to-back (well, technically I think the term is side to side) cruises on Harmony and Wonder at the end of November.  We get off Harmony on Sunday morning and board Wonder Sunday afternoon. 
 

We will obtain Diamond status upon completion  of first cruise (on Harmony). From my recollection, there’s normally a few week delay between completing cruise and C&A status updating. I assume we won’t be “tagged” as Diamond when we board Wonder, but do you think we will have a hard time getting Diamond benefits applied on the second cruise?  Looking for at the 4 free daily drinks, especially! 🙂
 

Any advice on how we should handle and who we can speak to about this upon boarding Wonder?
 

For what it’s worth, we’ll be in a crown loft suite on Harmony… could suite concierge help facilitate with staff on Wonder (we will not be in a suite on Wonder, however)?

Thanks!

Sounds like blanket statement that would be effective throughout the fleet, though I don't think there are many non-US cruises that are less than 6 days long, except some of the sailings out of Singapore? 

Just now, smokeybandit said:

It's not better than nothing when you're likely to piss off your loyal big spender cruisers by establishing policy that caters to the one-off weekender crowd.

Huh? So, folks are going to cancel their 6+ night cruises because they're upset that 3 night cruisers don't have to test anymore? (especially when all other US-focused cruise lines are requiring everyone to still test?)  Ok... 🤪

Look... I get it, would I rather all testing be eliminated immediately... sure.. but, that wasn't likely going to happen so I take this as a TEMPORARY step and moving us in the right direction.  

1 minute ago, smokeybandit said:

It's a completely random number pulled out of thin air.

Perhaps... but, it's better than nothing... and, as far as I know, they're now the first of the "big 3" US cruise lines to eliminate pre-cruise testing out of US ports for a segment of their customers... 

It's the same approach they've taken with almost everything... you've got to start somewhere and this is likely a measured approach... give it another 30-45 days (conjecture on my part) and, likely, it'll get expanded to sailings up to 10 or 14 days... baby steps... 

According to RCCL's latest quarterly earnings (released this morning)...

"Starting Aug. 8, testing will be required for unvaccinated guests on all voyages and for vaccinated guests only on voyages that are six nights or longer. "

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/royal-caribbean-group-reports-second-120000818.html

I know this won't please everyone, but probably a reasonable step and one that moves cruising towards where the rest of the travel industry has already gone pursuant to COVID. 

PandaBear, suspect we're on the same cruise and may be neighbors -- November 26th sailing?  

Our last cruise on Symphony we won a royal up bid to go from JS to CLS.  Hard to go back now (I suspect this part of RCL's strategy regarding Royal Up!)

12 minutes ago, molly361 said:

So if nothing gets updated on the cdc website tonight I guess it just expires at midnight?  Regardless of a meeting on Friday

I think the fact that we haven't heard anything from CDC by now (4pm EDT) on the day the Order expires speaks volumes.  It's 2020 so nothing means anything any more, but... if Order expires then, essentially, the ball falls into court of the cruise lines.  We would still need to await some kind of announcement of intent to resume sailing by one of the major lines. 

11 minutes ago, Pratique said:

I have not seen an official announcement. FWIW the NYT has reported some of the same things as Axios, that the extension is through October, but not the part about a meeting with the administration on Friday.

 

CDC still needs to respond to the comments solicited over the summer and to approve the plans.

I don't think CDC is extending... I think they're letting the order expire:

Per the NYT article ( https://www.nytimes.com/2020/09/30/health/covid-cruise-ships.html )

"The administration will instead allow the ships to sail after Oct. 31, the date the industry had already agreed to in its own, voluntary plan."

Might be semantics, but... if CDC simply allows order to expire knowing CLIA has already committed to suspending cruising through 10/31 (they have)... then you have a de-facto no sail order in place until 10/31.  If NYT article is to be taken literally, it appears federal government intends to let cruising resume (likely in very limited capacity) beginning November 1st.   

If we get through today without an official announcement by CDC of an extension, then the order has expired.