bretts173

3 hours ago, island lady said:

 

Laura is leaving in 4 days.  

She could pass her log on to someone she trusts, post incognito 🥸

On 2/1/2024 at 8:06 AM, fac429 said:

Are we talking about tribute bands or cover bands?  When I hear "cover band" I think of a band that plays songs by lots of different bands, whereas a tribute band (generally) is playing the music of one band (and often tries to look & sound like that band).  On Ovation this past summer there was a cover band in the Music Hall most nights (which was very good!), but the only tribute band was in the main theater (Beatles tribute).

The cover band on Ovation are indeed excellent, full bore Killing in the Name of. Outstanding.

On 1/28/2024 at 11:43 AM, cruisinghawg said:

Couple of quick shots of Crown Lounge

 

 

The saddest place on the ship

11 hours ago, Norwich Cruiser said:

That’s rubbish you should see the complaints and lines especially on certain nights a total shambles.

Never had an issue, we book 7 every night, turn up at 6:55, seated by 7:05, 95% of the time. Drinks cart in line, easy.

No, the stories you hear are a few and only from those with an issue. The thousands like myself who are mostly satisfied with MTD have no need to post. Never waited more than 10 minutes for a table.

1 hour ago, CSHS1979 said:

 

Depends on how you count full. But way more than half

At double occupancy she holds 2000. We are at 1600. Royal told us months ago they were keeping occupancy at no more than 1800

Yes but it's way easier to be negative if you don't use actual numbers.

56 minutes ago, little britain said:

The biggest noticeable difference is the wine and beer selection. A lot of local Australian wines and beers 🍻 which is good to see. I wish other cruises had a larger selection of local drinks. 
 

I can vouch that this rose is delicious! The menu is from Vintages.  

 

Because tips are included the drinks allowance rises to $15
 

 

 

 

Ponting wines, with former Australian cricket captain as the figurehead. 

Rianna is his wife's name.

If you believe what a few people write on reviews over the thousands that are satisfied and don't feel the need to you will never do anything. 

People like to draw people into their misery to feel better.

33 minutes ago, JoeyJoeJoe said:

Ok thats cool.

So in conclusion prices are in USD but grats are included in the prices.

Last problem is what are those prices?

So who has a current price menu /picture for an Australian cruise?

All the ones online seem to still include gratuity so I assume are for foreign departures.

Thanks Team!

The best way to find anything Royal related is download their app, you can look at any cruise, you dont have to booked, on any ship. Has all the menus, entertainment on there.

Beers around $8, cocktails $15

1 hour ago, CSHS1979 said:

 

Doesn't make me wonder anything. Weather changes and the captain knows a little more than you I'd guess

One would think the wrong person is in charge. The one with years of service and qualifications should step down for the new skipper.

Royals cruises in Australia have had all prices inclusive of gratuity on menus for multiple years. At least 5 anyway.

Menus in the USA for example have cocktails at $14 while in Australia they are $15. So about a 7% gratuity added.

5 hours ago, ddvgww said:

Friends just received an email from Royal asking them to turn up an hour later than their current check-in time on Friday because there will be extended immigration process from the previous cruise,   it's no big deal but she is just curious to know what extended immigration process actually means.  She asked me but I also have no clue.  Any ideas anyone?

Nothing sinister but this has happened on a few cruises this season. The ship still arrives at the same time as the itinerary hasn't changed but immigration is doing a face check with passports on each person arriving back. This just extends the process. We were told last time due to the overnight in Vila. No idea why that makes a difference but coincidentally or not this cruise also has the Vila overnight. 

2 hours ago, cruiseboy89130 said:

You really believe that?

 

Not everyone is cynical about everything in life.

22 minutes ago, ReneeFLL said:

IIRC Royal said they were going to start charging for Sorrentos pizza. There was such an uproar that they ended up not doing it.

They never said they were going to charge, they asked cruisers what they thought about the idea of charging for Pizza 

Just repeated that many times because of the size of the venue.

4 hours ago, crzndeb said:

I wish there were more posters like you on Cruise Critic. It seems like most threads anymore, people just want to complain. It’s become the Grumpasaurus Rex Club. 

Yep a couple of prime examples on this thread who only come on to be negative and cynical.

3 hours ago, Tenderpaw said:

Seriously?  Are you saying we are imagining the food quality has decreased or exagerating the fact that its crappy?  It's a known fact they have cut the food budget to the bone.

 

And cruise line executives LOVE when the cheerleaders say "food is subjective", "you can't feed large numbers of people and maintain quality", and such.  Well, years ago they fed thousands of people and the food was much better.

 

Have been on a few cruises in the last 12 months on Royal and MDR has been great every time, maybe it's because I'm in Australia, no idea but there has been no decline for me. The only thing ive noticed is slightly smaller servings. This same topic discussed on Fbook once someone complains and 90% of the replies are positive. 

Would be interested to know how many people who think the MDR has fallen so much, are most things in life also not as good as the good old days?

8 hours ago, yes!yes!yes! said:

we are enjoying it as much as last year.

I think the food in the main dining room is better. the menu is better too, they have removed the pavlova every day and put back the cheesecake of the day.

the cruise director, Karen, is good but not witty and quick with the jokes like aaron. her support staff are mostly good. nick and clare are excellent.

the band are much better.

we still haven't had any luck with the 6 night cruise, but we won't let it bother us. we enjoy Melbourne and will make the most of it.

The food has looked great in the dining room, ...... Maybe in 10 years I'll be ready.

2 hours ago, time4u2go said:

They removed the every day items. That seems like a pretty significant change to many. 

Most of the old every day items available 4 or 5 times a week. Whinge for whinge sake.

Geez must be the quality of produce, the quality I've had in Australia is still there. No discernible difference from 5 years ago. 

Sure the menu is different and portions may be slightly smaller but being negative is contagious, once one person says it easy to follow. 

2 hours ago, bonsai3s said:

Our cabin fridge...Symphony and Voyager....genuinely enjoy a few sips in the balcony, and just watching the ocean go by...Happy New Year!

 

 

Arghhh Foster's, Australian beer that no Australian would touch.

People really should have a close look at a menu from 2018 and see not much has really changed.

3 hours ago, yes!yes!yes! said:

we didn't have dessert last night. we were too full.

we enjoyed the 50s, 60s theme with the band, trivia and gameshow.

the band is excellent this cruise.

had breakfast in the buffet this morning. sometimes you can't wait till after 7am for the dining room.

 

Does the band play anything from the last 30 years?

1 hour ago, yes!yes!yes! said:

lunch.

all good.

 

The lunch menu looks great and different to most of the dinner menus has a bit more of a modern feel.