tfabriz99

I would definitely try.

3 hours ago, Host Clarea said:

I would have asked for a refund on the dining package if all they had were reservations at 9pm or later.

We did think about doing just that but didn't want to cause a stink. We just chalked it up to a life lesson.

Honestly I was just suggesting the multiple bookings. I didn't realize they wouldn't allow it. Back to the drawing board I guess. lol There's always the option of standing in line hoping to get in but honestly we felt that would be horrible waste of time with so many other things going on.

First of all this ship is incredible! We literally just got off the ship and loved it. So much so that we've already booked another trip next year. That being said, there are some down sides. Let's go over the pros and cons of each.  #1 ( Pro ) The shows were spectacular! Book them early and often. I say often because you should book several of the same show in case you can't make one. ( Con ) There's SO much to do on the ship that we missed several shows because we wanted to catch a different show. ( again..book several in case you miss) Not really a con I know...the shows were amazing! #2 Embarkation/ Debarkation ( Pro) Embarkation was seamless and effortless with the online check in. We literally walked right on to the ship. ( Con ) Debarkation was a mess. We chose to use the "express" debarkation. ( take your own luggage). We were at the designated area 30 minutes before the gangway opened and still stood in a very long line that filled a dining room. We recommend heading down at least an hour early. # 3 ( Pro ) Beverage package. If you drink more than 6 drinks a day it's totally worth it. Keep in mind that even people who are "not big drinkers" WILL have tasty, fruity cocktails while on the ship. We met several people who didn't but the package because of that and were dismayed at their bill after they couldn't help but sample the beverages. They're extremely expensive without the package. ( Con ) Not really a con with this one:) # 4 ( Pro ) There is a smoking section on upper deck and Casino. ( Con ) They have both smoking sections located in high traffic areas that bother the non-smokers. The smokers need one bar or venue ( inside) that they can go too without bothering other guests as Carnival does. And by the amount of people in the smoking area I'd say it's worth a look Royal! # 5 Last but not least. The dining package. Stay far away from this money grab. We purchased the dining package anticipating eating in a different venue every night and saving a few bucks. The problem is that with the dining package you can't make reservations until you board the ship. No worries. We were on board by 1pm. We went directly to Hooked to book our venues for the week. Unfortunately, most of the time slots in ALL the restaurants were already booked! Most openings left were for 9 or 930 pm. A little late for dinner. ( for us anyway) Apparently those without the package and were paying ala carte were able to book online months ahead. So..they're paying full price and are seated. We paid for a package that we couldn't use. Royal double dipped. Not cool Royal. But we did find out through necessity is that they're included dining options are just as good as they're specialty restaurants! The buffets and included venues were MORE than enough for us. AND as an added bonus, you can eat whenever YOU want instead of trying to work around a reservation. Because of events on the ship and shore excursions we actually missed 2 of the reservations we WERE able to book. So..totally NOT getting dinner package again. So minor notes. Our room steward was not really on his game. He never vacuumed once. But I don't find this indicative of the room staff as we did see other room attendants working very hard...just not ours...lol  Bottom line folks...this cruise and ship were incredible and I would HIGHLY recommend it! The only con to this ship is that once you're on it, no other cruise ship will compare! They've GOT you!