c-leg5

We don’t mind the food in MDR but we certainly won’t wait in line for 20-30 minutes, when we have a reservation. Initially on Adventure they didn’t even have the signage for the two podiums with lines one for reservations and one for walk-ups - something they managed to find when pointed out to them. It wasn’t like we were on one of their initial sailings. We have done MTD for almost as long as it has been available ~15 years(?). We are not averse to going to the Windjammer, just prefer to go by choice rather than by default. We find specialty dining overrated but certainly did more of it last year than ever before. When it comes to limited choices, specialty restaurants score high, with the same menu every night. We even rescheduled our reservation there one night when it was obvious there was going to be a considerable wait. So it isn’t just MTD it is poor general administration. I like choices. I am a relatively adventurous eater. MDR, Windjammer, Specialty all serve a purpose but each needs to perform to the best of their ability within the confines of their individual parameters.

LOL when did you last have a sommelier on Royal, experienced or otherwise?

It is a pity Adventure is still experiencing the same MTD problems that existed the first time we sailed with them 18 months ago. We had discussed our problems with Windjammer head waiter who made the mistake of asking how things were after we had abandoned the MTD line the first night we were on the ship and gone to the Windjammer instead. He forwarded our complaint and we had exactly the same scenario of being contacted by head waiter and dining services. We were also offered “special attention” with the option to “skip the line” and the same table and staff for a standing reservation. We told them people shouldn’t need preferential treatment and they should just fix the system that had worked quite efficiently pre-Covid. We had multiple sailings on the Adventure out of Galveston so obviously became familiar with the staff and didn’t experience many problems as the months went by. 18 months ago they were understandably understaffed and lacking in experience. It is difficult to understand how guests can still be dissatisfied 18 months later and are still being given “special attention” .

I saw the photo that was why i asked. I wondered if it was a hangover. MTD was so much better when they had dedicated servers and tables.

Yes

Is that a dedicated dining floor for MTD or are they still mixing with traditional?

Duplicate

It would be helpful for others if you could remember the beach club you were at? I sounds like unfortunately you ended up at El Faro which is renowned for these tactics but not the only one. What was the $15 for - that would have been a red flag for me? It has always been recommended to have the name of a reputable place in mind in Costa Maya. Although I am surprised the taxi took you that far unless you requested somewhere. The general dropping off point these days seems to be Krazy Lobster which, while reputable, does seem to be acquiring an unhealthy monopoly?

May be a hangover from MTD days when it was required.

There used to be a blackout time for the middle popular dining times that couldn’t be reserved but were still available on board. I am not sure that is still the case since the mess with MTD but I agree on N American sailings early MTD will be popular because people want early but not as early as traditional dining early! It appears early dining is still often available on standby basis without reservations but we book late anyway so can’t verify that. Since they appear to be booking the new sailing they are considering close-in, you are correct it may/may not be available to pre-reserve.

Online on your planner.

Why would you pre-pay gratuities, unless an increase was announced that you wanted to avoid, or it was a TA perk? We always use our OBC towards it.

Having done multiple 5-day B2B out of Galveston last year for ease after cruising resumed, i would go definitely go for Jewel. Change of ports and does away with wasted changeover day and cooler days leaving and returning to port. I don’t remember if you are a big ship fan? We prefer smaller, love radiance ships and change of layout. Snacks at Cafe Latitudes and Solarium Cafe. If you don’t give it a try you will never know if you would like it but I would go for ports alone - rare to get some of these different itineraries out of Galveston. We love the repositioning in and out of Galveston for a change, and had a 10-night Radiance Panama Canal booked last year. I think you have to take the opportunity when it presents itself.

Yes

Unfortunately no.

If you dock at Langosta I would definitely choose that port to stay around the port. Lots of shopping, restaurants, town square, museum, churches, ocean front sculptures, mercado, food courtyards and wall murals. Venture back from Melgar for more authentic experience. Upstairs bars and restaurants for sea view. If you like to snorkel and can walk, go to La Monina or Hemingway’s (downstairs) or No Name Bar at Hotel Barracuda.

That was the original walk prior to the port authorities blocking the path probably 15 years(?) ago. You can go outside the port and cut back to the coast through Nuevo Mahahual but i have never done it. It is a long, hot but safe walk along the road but we save our walking for the length of the malecon about 1.25 miles.

What did they expect at a Brazilian steakhouse? Did they look at the menu before they went.

Yes.. The map on the website indicates what is included and what is extra.

I thought they were on Celebrity?

Thanks we have been before . I agree the facilities are good but will reserve it for if we are with a group with tweens/teens. Perhaps AI prices are keeping crowds down? It is definitely an expensive beach day if you buy water passes for a family. Three ships are nothing for Cozumel - 6-8 are quite common. Looks like a nice day in Cozumel! Enjoy!

So are they selling PAYG? Agree there is no shortage of loungers. I am just not keen on how close together they are for a party of two.

$4 pp

Sorry I misunderstood. When you said you just wanted to go to “the hotel” and not check out anything in Galveston, I assumed you meant stay at a a hotel at the airport. I cannot comment regarding hotels in Galveston and transport. We have occasionally stayed a night but have driven and parked as usual and not for a Sunday departure.

About the same. Prices listed on board at the port.