Engineroom Snipe

Is this the reason why the food service seemed to be much better fare than what we were getting on board at the Windjammer? I have made previous comments about why is the food so different from onboard the ship? Now I know why. The island chefs make a great day at Coco Cay!

That is how many fans of the rock bands of the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s felt when they went to the live shows. 😇

I think this thread is going to be 🔥

"Time is on our side, yes it is..." (Rolling Stones, 1964).

Or chair hogs, smoking in prohibited areas, dress codes, etc., etc., etc. Something must have happened to finally force them into action on this specific item. Royal, like most corporations, is reactive, not proactive. Very interesting development.

I only have an electrical degree, contractor, and inspector license in the State of New Jersey. They all stop at the shoreline. 🤣. They do not cover maritime design so I will leave it to @chengkp75's experience and knowledge in this discussion.

I apologize if I came off gruff. I have lived a lifetime following "rules." I would not butt in line in front of anyone. I would not try to take advantage of a weak spot in the system. My point only was to say, do not sweat waking up at ten minutes into your 45 day check-in period at midnight over 30 minutes of getting onboard because that 30 minute "window" is just a policy and not law. Please have a great cruise and enjoy. It is not suppose to be stressful just to check in. 😁

The Pot calling the Kettle a few names now. One picture says a thousand words.

As for rules, I was within 30 minutes of my reserved arrival time. It was Royal who was not enforcing their own rules or policy. I would have happily waited for my arrival time should Royal direct me to the empty holding queues but it did not seem to matter to them. Royal sets their policy. If they do not follow their own policy, how am I not following the "rules?"

Again, arrived at three ports at about 10:45am after parking and walking to the terminal entrances. I saw two cordoned off approach lines marked 11am and 11:30am arrival lines completely empty as the employees guided everyone directly into the the terminal without checking any SetSail passes. We were processed immediately and sat in chairs for only about ten minutes on two of those occasions, and immediately boarded. Key and Suite passengers (who were physically present) were called and after about ten minutes, we were allowed to board.

I would not lose sleep over checking in. Twelve hours after midnight might only result in a 30 minute later check-in time which in most cases is moot. If you are within 30 minutes of your check-in time, no one cares. Early or late. I have arrived in ports for the past 18 months when they open. There are cordoned off areas for the check in times that everyone bypasses. Royal wants to process and get everyone aboard ship. The assigned times do not seem to matter at this point as much as they would want you to believe.

Many items to put into the calculation basket as you find your happy price point. I always qualify my cruises (and reviews) according to what I think is a good price point for the experience. You have listed some salient observations. Paying a premium price for a last minute booking in a suite is completely different from booking 19 months in advance for an interior at rock bottom prices in a room of my choosing. The food is not the finest, no problem, the service lacking a bit here or there, no problem, I can live with the shortcomings because I did not pay a premium price with premium expectations.

Why not go to the source? Tell me your age and tell me your total amount of 401k balances as of December 31, 2023. This is not a debate. It is law. Easy peezie. https://www.irs.gov/retirement-plans/plan-participant-employee/required-minimum-distribution-worksheets

Bottom line, coconut shrimp, ceviche, and some special pizzas. Nice but not earth shattering.

Already been thoroughly discussed by many posters. I have learned much.

🍿🍺

If my TA group rate goes down before 120 days before cruise, I can get the new reduced price. My TA group rate has always been lower than Royal's best price even, with "sale events". I normally get to pick my cabin with my TA for less than a Royal GTY which with balconies can be a $500 per person difference.

Hot tubs become a hot topic. Who would guess? 🤔

Just making absolutely sure you have moved on........ Last post, I think you are sure. As Columbo would say, "I just have one more question..." (Columbo, Peter Falk, 1971-2003).

Are you sure you have moved on? 😁

@firefly333 and @molly361, This is absolutely one of the most fascinating threads I have read. Learning something new every hour. Time to sit in my chair in class and pay attention.

Now you are making me laugh! We are even and I will comp you. "Nothing to see here.." (Penguins of Madagascar, 2014) 🫥😶‍🌫️

Wait a minute Mister. Nothing with the name "Royal" in it is free on Cruise Critic. You should know that by now. Royal will find a way to charge you for our entertainment if you are not careful. Just enjoy the show and quietly sneak out when they want to see your ticket to avoid any fees and gratuities. 🤑

I do the same but occasionally sneak in a deal that presents itself for the spring or fall after Black Friday or Cyber-Monday deals through my TA. I check more often then you and I have never had a price reduction since post reopening. I think I check just to be happy about the deal I got. 😁

Look on the bright side: you bought your cruises at very good prices!