goldfish65

Amazed that giving even ONE dollar is such a big deal to people!

It depends. On a transatlantic having so many days at sea, it was worth it that one time. Table mates were pleasant. If you are a food or wine snob, you won't be too impressed. The server was older, put forth some effort to be a showman, but he had no credibility as a sommelier, while the chef was an undistinguished young lady. Still, it was something I wanted to do, glad I did, but won't repeat.

$10 for one or two bags. If the porter makes a six figure income, more power to them. Why should I care?

Stress ball and two pens.

I suspect that various amenities are not offered or desired, an evacuation such that it is and Americans grateful for having a way to get out.

Plenty of people enjoy boasting about their extravagant travels....the biggest, the newest, the costliest...as much or more than the vacation itself.

The toboggan coaster is fun.

Playground of the Seas?

Most agree that some of the names Royal has chosen for their ships are odd... Just for fun, share your suggestions for absurd or funny names you may have thought of.

Star of the Seas, not very original but better in my opinion than forcing improbable words into the names like Spectrum, Quantum, Utopia, Ovation, Icon.

I started saying "no garnish" after my gin on the rocks came with a lime in it.

They never enforce rules, and if your daughter is quiet, and the solarium isn't so full that she'd be preventing anyone from having a spot, then what is the harm in her being there?

They will refund your cruise fare?

Deck 12 port aft, there is a little alcove with a few wooden deck chairs, shady and you can sit facing the ocean. Promenade deck 5 is also a quiet place to relax and read.

Recent cruise on Grandeur: 4/10. My first two cruises 2022 old menu: 8/10. I went in with an open mind, but in reality the food quality and variety was mostly mediocre. I can get lasagne in the employee cafeteria where I work...on a cruise I want something better. The MDR food and experience is an important part of the cruise for me. The service staff I had was quite attentive, but I found myself becoming less and less excited about going to the dining room. Escargot, shrimp cocktail, and fish were all good on Welcome Aboard menu, but meals went downhill after that. Bread was good. Breakfast in Chops was good overall except for cold pancakes. The Kummelveck Sandwiches in the Park Cafe were wonderful. Like magic, a chef appeared and took over for the young lady who was inexperienced in slicing the roast beef. Surf and Turf was disappointing. Something you pay extra for, should be good. Has anyone received a steak with a proper sear on it? (Even in Chops you could barely see the grill marks.) Another negative aspect is the menus being the same sequence on similar cruises. Upcoming cruise on Freedom, identical day-to-day to what I just had last week. Doing a Canal cruise on Carnival in March. Will be interesting to compare. Too bad they don't use tablecloths in their MDR. May try Celebrity after that.

A few photos

Four nights Tampa-Cozumel, fellow passengers were as one might expect. Every demographic was represented which was refreshing. It was a full sailing. I was on this ship back in January, this time I had a grand suite, which was extremely clean (I like to disinfect the cabin myself.) The stateroom attendant Crisanto had the demeanor where you instantly feel comfortable. I asked him to clean the windows, and I found out that it is impossible to keep windows on a ship clean, they get dirty again overnight. The a/c was cold, the way I like it. How did Cris know I like big chunks of ice in the ice bucket? A few reflections - I can see how some people would be put off by the age of the ship, the '90's decor, the rough chipped paint, the slight bilge-y smell, signs of wear on furniture, etc. I am just glad to have the experience you just can't get on the large ships. Especially looking out from the teak promenade. The ocean and sky are so beautiful and relaxing. The MDR food was just okay with the "new" menu, which was disappointing because the old menu I found to be good. Service was good, not too slow. I'm not crazy about the head waiter's overlong visits to the table. It struck me as comical how intent the staff was on making sure I set my clock ahead one hour...I'm on vacation, what does it matter, and besides, our phones do it automatically and I don't even know how to change the time. I told the assistant waiter "I'm giving you all 10's so no one needs to tell me about the survey." Lunch in Izumi was great. I stayed away from the 'jammer except to grab a cookie or smoothie, it was just too chaotic. The suite concierge was very helpful and the small lounge had good coffee and snacks, and heavy liquor pours. I really like the calm, expedited boarding and departure with the concierge escort. Tango Buenos Aires was really good, with a 7 piece band that sounded excellent. The violin and guitar were a couple called Entourage Duo, from Ukraine, they are incredible. This brings us to the main downfall of the cruise, the loud, drunken, poorly behaved people. You could be enjoying something magical, musicians who have worked so hard to be so good...but instead being obnoxiously disruptive ten feet away. Saying "we're sorry" but not making any effort to be quieter and show respect. Finally I got up and stood right next to them and just looked at them, and they quieted down. Otherwise, I just stayed away from the crowds. The egg-drop challenge was really exciting and fun to watch. And, I won the Disco Trivia game. Cozumel was hot.

I know I have read that the cabin steward will run tape around the door. I would be inclined to bring a roll of foam tape that’s made for that purpose and do it myself.

No one wants to read books when they are sloppy drunk or hungover. 🤪

It's the USA culture racing to the bottom. Being loud, trashy, and crass is seen as a virtue. Oblivious of how one's behavior affects others. Across all income brackets.

Not too bad, NYC this time of year and not paying for a hotel room!

I heard a rumor that it will have a higher-grade sand.

So envious that you are on Jewel and on that itinerary. The crew is so nice too. If you happen to notice the name of the artist of the paintings at the entrance to WJ, I would love to know.

Funny I cannot ever remember why I put a bid in on an OS when I am perfectly happy with the GS I have. Must be a psychological thing, the chance to "win" (pay more for!) a bit more floorspace and a bidet, while the balconies are the same size and the bed is farther away. So when I "lose" it will be a win. 🤣

Easy to jump to criticize when we don't know the details of how serious situations like this one are handled. Maybe some passengers wanted the chance to say prayers for the airlifted person's well-being.