Twenty2020

Wasn't there a post on here with some guy claiming he brought like 3 cases of beer in a checked suitcase? That might be my favorite one ever

2 bedroom condo bayside across the street from beach this spring break (St Pete area) was $450/night. Very average accommodations. Even at elevated fares we are getting two adjoining cabins on Royal next spring break for roughly same price. But includes food.

How much wine would I drink on a TA?

They are just significantly different experiences. What appeals to you on a cruise?

Lots of truth to that. I'm only early 40s and we are taking my kids (9/6) on a cruise next year. When I was growing up cruises were only something my grandparents did. We took nice vacations but cruising was considered a step up in vacationing. I went on my first when I was early 20s... And that was considered young. There weren't that many people my age and that was 2004 on Adventure. Royal's target market has changed considerably and I think they are struggling to balance not losing their long-time customers while also appealing to a different market. Those kind of shifts take a long time to play out. 10 years from now RCL is going to look like a very different product.

Well RCI is now about on par with a Golden Corral level experience across the board. Would make sense that the food matches the product and clientele.

What ship?

No they haven't said that. They said they were in a planning phase and were considering it. But it still had a ways to go, including being approved by the board.

What is Royal's market then?

I kind of doubt it. Back when Royal was building ships like you are discussing they didn't own Celebrity or SS. They bought X in what...'97? And SS just a few years ago. So they were already building out and planning Voyager and Radiance class while they absorbed X, which was a very small line at the time. Fast forward to today... The company now has a significant fleet of X ships with more coming. If cruisers are interested in that type of product RCG already offers it. Little reason for them to cannibalize sales from X rather than just building more X ships to service demand for those itineraries. Most brands don't attempt to be everything to everyone. Just like Carnival and Princess cater to different demos under the same parent company.

Crown lounge (Olive or Twist) is open until 2AM. It's basically a DJ/dance club starting at about 11p. Looks like most all of the other bars down on decks 4 and 5 are open until 1am. You could always get a drink and head out to the outdoor Promenade that wraps around deck 4. Boleros, Schooner Bar are both right next to the outdoor area on 4.

The pool bar (Lime and Coconut) is open until 11PM. Some nights they are showing movies out there.

It's like Hunter S Thompson writing a cruise review.

It's definitely satire... Or maybe just dark humor. Depending upon your take.

To be fair... The writer is known for being satirical. I thought it was kind of funny in a dark humor sort of way. Not surprised he wrote for Succession. Some of you need a little more sense of humor. Like he insulted your child or something.

Yes but Port Baltimore is one of the busiest shipping ports on the entire east coast. Priority 1A (after search and rescue) is going to be clearing the shipping channel. I think there are like 7 cargo ships currently stuck in the harbor.

Shipping lanes will be back open quickly. The port traffic is too important economically. Obviously rebuilding the bridge will take years but I see no reason why ships wouldn't be sailing relatively soon.

Always enjoyed it. Very pretty spot for a beach day. Never had an issue finding plenty of chairs. Food is nothing great, but whatever. Beer is cold. Vendors are easy to avoid. I'm 100% positive Royal will be back there... Likely sooner than later.

Per passengers on Oasis, the captain made an intercom announcement to the ship about the issue.

How are they going to 'fix' it?

Wasn't two weeks ago President's day week? I would anticipate a lot of kids to now be the norm on most RC sailings, with exception of the older smaller ships and long itinerary. Suggest looking at other lines as Royal is now THE family cruise line.

Re: crowds. I understand they are still not sailing at full capacity, correct? If so, then I don't know if an honest comparison of pool deck crowds can be yet made.

I don't know how you can expect Royal to rebook you on a cruise that doesn't even yet exist. The priority should be given to the full WC guests, and allowing them to decide their voyage should take precedence to any mini segmenters. Cruises get cancelled.. Sometimes a lot closer then the 2.5 months you've received. That's the nature of cruising and why travel insurance is a product. Considering the fact that the base reason for all of this is active war and ongoing loss of life.... Your complaints about a cruise cancelation is particularly out of touch. Hopefully you can still get your stateroom.

It's been pretty clear for a couple months now that world events (war) were going to take the Suez passage off the table.

That's a very low payout... But wouldn't surprise me if it's that low on a cruise ship. In Vegas, slots payout in the 90-95% range. Some even higher. https://vegas411.com/gaming-gambling/top-casinos-in-las-vegas-with-the-best-slot-payouts/?amp=1