Cruise a holic

I do not think RCCL is trying to compete with Carnival. Carnival is a cheesy cruise line , Royal much more upscale. I think both Celebrity and RCCL attract all age groups and if you want variety, you can find it for all. RCCL is a great cruise for multigenerational families. Celebrity also has amenities for kids. The no smoking policy and limited announcement policies are great on celebrity. Royal has more bells and whistles for the young!

Definitely the sunset veranda. With the infinite veranda, you will miss the panoramic view and the beautiful true balcony. Infinite veranda is a narrow room with a window that sometimes opens and can be closed by the captain. So if it is raining you have a window cabin.

Best to always bid at least in the mid range of the amounts listed. Also check to see if you upgrade without a bid, might actually cost the same or less. You get the increased points and perks if you just upgrade independently.

We dine in suite restaurants on both. While we love Celebrity, we find the food very repetitive. However we sailed on the Adventure of the seas in May and the food was terrible. We dine for dinners mostly in special restaurants on both. Some of the SP restaurants IMO are better on Celebrity- but it depends upon the ship.

We have been on four carnival cruises of the past 15 years. Never again. We much prefer Celebrity cruise line and Royal- now the only lines we go on. We have tried a few Princess cruises, but they were not great at all. We also tried NCL and Disney- again, not for us. I think once you have the opportunity to try Celebrity- our favorite the S and Edge class, you will be spoiled. On Royal, I suggest Oasis class is the best.

Just noticed the tables for two are on top of each other in Blu

We use the laundry only for underwear, pj's , cheap tee shirts and socks. Never anything "special". I hand wash swim suits and if necessary dry clean or have pressed other items. Since we are heavy packers, we never have a problem. I would rather take the extra clothes and pay if additional luggage if necessary.

Never had a cool day. Always able to swim. However in the evenings, the ship sometimes is cool. Bring a sweater or jacket. Enjoy

Honestly, we have tried both- the MDR is ok but like a catering hall. Food good. Blu sells itself as a private restaurant with "healthy options" However it is very crowded. Tables for two are on top of each other and food and service not great. We didn't appreciated the "benefits" of Aqua class. I would take a regular balcony cabin if a suite isn't in your budget, and dine in specialty restaurants with the money saved for dinners. So much better. If you need the captains club points, consider a concierge class stateroom which is typically less.

Not worth it . Used it a couple of days, for a short period of time.

Have had some great bartenders. I love a French Martini. At some bars, I was told Chambord was out of stock! You cannot make a decent French Martini without Chambord. So sometimes either a bar or bartender isn't great. Did find some good bars however. Especially in suite lounge.

Best to consider using room service.

We get up early and enjoy the shade also. My DH cannot be in the sun as he has had skin CA so we only stay in the shade. Will be on Apex doing a back to back in a few weeks. Will make sure we have a couch in a shaded area.

Yes! It was busy, I do not know why it was eliminated.

How do you get TA groups?

What is Amethyst Tier? and what are TA groups? Tis

We used to enjoy the bar that was before the world class bar. The name escapes me. They used fruit and made really unusual tasty drinks.

Usually the first sea day, and a two days before your cruise ends. Now people seem to dress a little less formally. Some stay most of the cruise in the Casino, dine in the buffet and don't dress up at all! Hopefully they shower! lol

My DH and I are at about 1600 points. We are Senior Citizens and who knows if we will ever reach Zenith. I also believe that a new level of increased benefits should be added that is between elite plus and zenith. I would also like more benefits added per each category. We really enjoy sailing on Celebrity, and Royal and the increased benefits would IMO be a great incentive for those who sail on celebrity.

I had a royal suite on the S class. Reflection and Equinox- didn't realize M class on had one bathroom. Good to know- Txs

We also love the ship and the suite. We cannot go back to a regular cabin! LOVE the suite deck and restaurant. Worth the extra fare IMO. We are booked on the Apex this winter and truly looking foward to the b/2/b cruises! Also not a fan of the infinite veranda staterooms. Glad you enjoyed your cruise.

You will love the suite! the extra 1/2 bathroom wonderful. We enjoyed dining in specialty restaurants nightly and even some lunches. Enjoyed Luminae for breakfast and some lunches. But nice to have breakfast on your balcony- butler can arrange also. The only restaurants we didn't dine in was sushi on five and don't care for blu, as we do not enjoy that food. Our butlers varied- some excellent and some not so. If you have any special requests, do it through either the butler or the suite lounge concierge. The butler can set up your bath or outdoor hot tub. Give advanced notice. The Martini bar was a great place to hang out. The suite has great storage.

Looks like a great time! Following.

Only Aft balconies are traditional balcony cabins. Or if you go into a sky suite you have a "real" balcony. And of course large suites.