mac_tlc

So, RCG will slim down the menu, people will rant ( me included) and they will say it’s what their customers want… The cynic in me says that the results from their test are irrelevant. Their decisions recently on a number of items is certainly pushing me away and more towards X or others. As you can see by my signature, I will oblige. mac_tlc

I can’t remember the last time I ordered two entrees, but we often utilize the “everyday” items, especially as @Jim_Iain said, in Luminae where you don’t have access to the MDR menus. Terrible idea, driven IMHO by cost, not speed. Pre-Covid, they could feed the entire MDR on an Oasis class ship efficiently and within 2 hours, with most probably around 1 1/2 hrs. Post-Covid, based on the reviews I have read and what I have seen in person, their “my time” dining is a cluster……… What they used to be able to do, seems impossible now —— and on our August Harmony of the Seas cruise the captain said they were fully staffed, so I’m not buying the “not enough servers” line. mac_tlc

If possible, we choose deck 10 near the front elevators since Luminae, Solarium, Retreat Lounge and Retreat Sundeck are all in the front. Also prefer port side. mac_tlc

I have not seen anything saying that they have/are. mac_tlc

OOOH! Love the last teaser sentence. I have my guess as to what dining experience was the game changer. I’ll wait for your next post t see if I am right ! mac_tlc

Looking forward to a possible Eclipse sailing to Bermuda! mac_tlc

Don’t worry, Royal will solve that problem by slimming down the menu 🙄🙄. When we were on Harmony in August, Captain J. said they were “fully staffed”, so the understaffed excuse for the long lines doesn’t work. They certainly seem to be having a lot more issues post-shutdown. mac_tlc

Congratulations! We just booked Alaska on Edge for the family but I’m looking at one of the Hawaii repo’s for the DW and I. mac_tlc

Just booked the Edge in Alaska for ourselves, kids and grandkids , 8 total. It has been 16 years since we have done Alaska. Grabbed four Sunset Verandas next to each other. A little pricey but kids really wanted to do Edge. Was interested in TP for the two of us, but at $20K+ for a SS, it’s too expensive. mac_tlc

Although it may have been mentioned somewhere before, I did notice on the TA website that the Edge is confirmed to be going to Alaska in 2024. CEL_2024_25_Itinerary_Reference_Guide.pdf (rccl.com) Now I need to see how crazy expensive the repo is. mac_tlc

😭 It didn’t last long, only a couple of days. We weren’t really looking for a Jan 24 cruise since we have the Beyond in Feb 2024 for 11 days. But, couldn’t pass up that deal on and new ship. mac_tlc

We are on the June 17th Jewel cruise to the Arctic Circle and are anxiously awaiting the shore excursions as well. mac_tlc

My absolute favorite at Luminae!!!!

Hope you have a great time. We loved our Equinox cruise, which was our last pre-Covid cruise. Hope you are enjoying all the retirement cruises !!!! mac_tlc

I guess there are no Summer 2024 Caribbean cruises … bummer. mac_tlc

Because we were in a suite, we could make one reservation through the concierge before we boarded. Otherwise, it’s when you board. After our first reservation was past, I tried to make another for a later show and the app said only one per show, so I could not reserve another. The standby lines were huge and very very few seats were available for that line, so we were unable to see it twice. mac_tlc

We were on the Edge last Halloween and were amazed at the baking that was done! Lots of other decorations in the Grand Plaza too. And then, by early the next day every bit of it was gone…. A busy night for some folks! mac_tlc P.S. Happy Birthday chemmo!!!

It’s always a good idea to buy early. If the price goes down, you can cancel and rebook. mac_tlc

Safe travels. Thanks for bringing us along. Looking forward to the 2023 schedule😜😜. mac_tlc

As is the useless “table”. So much for eating anything on the balcony. The room “table” is not much better. It was our only complaint on Edge and Apex. The Edge table was the worst. We mentioned it on the survey, not much else one can do. Can someone bring Kelly Hoppen on the Equinox balcony —— please? mac_tlc

Interested in your comparison to Royal. We have done 20+ Royal cruises but lately have leaned towards Celebriy, as you can see in my signature😂. mac_tlc

We were on the Allure 2020 TA as well, and then the Harmony 2021— both Covid casualties ( one by Royal, one by us). Then decided to do the Brilliance TA for 2022, which we had to cancel for other reasons. Ugh. Let’s hope next years Edge repo has better luck. Have a wonderful cruise..you have certainly waited long enough for it. mac_tlc

She is waiting for you!

I would imagine that as the small number of Sky JS’s begin to sell, the difference will only go up. I could convince myself at $1K —— almost —- but not $9K total. I’ll head over to the Edge/Apex/Beyond/Ascent for a Suite that includes a lot more. mac_tlc

Prices are way too rich for me, although I do like the idea of a JS that is Sky class. From comparing some categories, it seems like Royal puts about $1K per person “value” on Sky Class vs. Sea class. Having identical size cabins in Sea and Star makes it easy to compare. mac_tlc