lattegirl10

No butlers.  People all over were complaining.  However, you have a cabin host that introduces himself to you on day one that you can request items with, but so does everyone.  I guess the tip with the host is to not be in a rush on day one and have them explain everything to you.  Tell them to give you all the options available and most common request.  

In the Retreat Lounge, the Concierges will assist you with most items but you have to wait your turn.  I did meet the Head Butler after I casually provided my feedback to one of the managers.  He is a tall fellow, who I just saw walking around.  Not much help.  

27 minutes ago, CoachTimmyD said:

Curious, how was the seating around the pool and solarium on sea days?  Did the chairs fill up fast (and early?) 

Yes, but they have soo much available seating that you can find seats closer to the bottom of the pool area if  directly adjacent isn't available.

I was going to write a long review about my sailing but read a couple of other reviews and decided to change my format.  This post is for upcoming cruisers who have built up anxiety about going on vacation and are trying to soak up all information possible to pass the time at work.  Quick back story, Hubby and I are in our late 40's and are newly empty nesters.  We are not loyal to Royal and enjoy cruising on the newer ships (WOTS, Beyond, Apex, Virgin and NCL ships).   Previously, on Apex and Beyond we were in Aqua infinite verandas and enjoyed our experience.  But this time we upgraded to an Aqua Sky Suite.................

Pre-Cruise tips:

Purchase all beverage packages prior to boarding, we were lucky to purchase the drink packages for the "Black Friday" promotions which were basically half off. 

If you purchase a package and you see a better deal closer to your sailing, call and cancel and re-purchase at the lower rate.  

Schedule your dinner reservations prior to cruise, if all the times are full no matter when or where you want to eat, just go to the restaurant on day one to be put on the list.

Check in times are a formality, no one checks.  However, you will have to wait if you come before 10:30am.

Do not eat or drink (not even coffee) anything the morning of your cruise (unless you have to take medicine or something like that).  Get every pennies worth of your included beverages on your cruise.  

Move-up Bids- If you can, do it.  We put in the minimum amount for the Aqua Sky Suite and got the email.  It's amazing how excited you get when this happens.  So to answer your questions about Move-up:

If you purchased the premium package at a good rate, keep it- you will have to show your card in all bars you want to drink in, except retreat areas.

If you get the move-up bid to a suite or above you will have retreat lounge, the retreat sundeck area including the bars with food and Luminae.  

Ship Temperature:  (For Packing)

The ship isn't cold.  However, outdoor dining at night can be windy.  So you can wear sleeveless dresses for dinner without needing a jacket. 

Cabin Tips:

We were assigned Cabin #10101 Aqua Sky Suite.  Large room, large shower and long Outdoor balcony. Obstructed view directly to the right of our cabin.  (This was not horrible, but the obstruction was the bridge (I think) and the captain and other officers could look down at your balcony.  I wave to them several times...

The bathroom has 3 large storage drawers under the sink, most people don't know about those.

Have a list ready if you have special request for your cabin host- We asked for a body pillow, ice, cookies and fruit every night etc.  

You can control the temperature and blinds from the app and on the wall.

Order room service/breakfast everyday.... 

Dining Tips:

Luninae was amazing, notable dishes: The Peach Cobbler French toast for breakfast.  

Blu was also amazing, all dishes were delicious but portions were relatively small.  

Eden for lunch on Sea Days: Go to Eden before you go to the buffet, the pork belly sliders, warm chocolate chip cookies and brownies are everything.  Side note: i'm mentioning the chocolate chip cookies and brownies because they have flavor and taste.  Unlike the beautiful desserts in the buffet and Cafe al Bacio that are gluten, sugar and taste free.

Rooftop Garden Grill, was also amazing.  Try to book early seating if not available, book the available time slot and go a bit earlier.  They will accommodate you.  Oh, and skip lunch and try multiple dishes.  You will thank me later.

Excursions Tips:

When we tried to book certain excursions online through Celebrity everything was either sold out or expensive.  We decided to try Viator.com and were so glad we did.  I guess the cruise line uses them to book their excursions as well but upcharges passengers.  The same ATV excursion was 50% cheaper booking directly with the company.  We had a private transfer to and from the designated area at the port and they had a representative with a sign with our name on it.  Since the majority of their clientale are from cruise ships they have to wait on your ship to dock, so it wasn't a problem if the ship is not 100% on schedule.  We will never book through a cruise line again.  Wish I tried this sooner. 

Wow, this got long quick, let me know if you have any questions so far.  I have more tips to share!

Cafe Promonade serves Starbucks Coffee in starbucks cups, which is included in the replenish package.  But, this is just an FYI...... I can't function without a cup of joe, so I was happy to report this.  LOL!

On 3/1/2023 at 9:41 AM, Travelw said:

We had three generations of family on the Wonder last year.  At busy times there are not enough elevators to handle the number of people.  Almost every evening when going to dinner the younger people would take the stairs while the elders waited for elevators.  The stairs always won the race.

Thank you for commenting. The cost increases are getting out of hand.  

Anything new to add????

Thank you! Keep the tips coming!

Thank you for the feedback.  We will probably take an Uber or Lyft but thought the light rail would be something different to try.  However, since there's only one rail running now it will be more of a hassle. BTW- we are arriving 2 days early, any insider tips....

Sorry don't know what site you are referring to.  Regarding transportation from the airport, the light rail was a cheaper option, I was wondering if Seattle provided an alternative shuttle from the airport to different areas to reduce traffic and congestion in and around the airport.  Wishful thinking....

Sailing next week, can someone post recent dailies for the Bliss?  Also, has anyone heard about the Light rail disruptions at SEA-TEC?  Before I travel anywhere, I always google the local news stations to see what's going and what will impact my perfect vacation.  I was planning to take the Light rail service to my pioneer park hotel (I think its 3 bucks)  but don't think that will be a good idea now.  Any suggestions besides Uber/Lyft?  

I will be on Freedom next week and I compare the service and amenities.  

Casino Slots -

You can't go wrong with Wonder 4, Stinkin' Rich and Lightning Link.  Progressive games were paying out the major several times during the cruise.   

20 minutes ago, depplep said:

This upsets me. I don't like to eat in the WJ because it's always cold. I can't eat cold food. Well, cold food that's meant to be hot anyway.

Your sailing may be different.  These are just observations from my cruise.  

Ours opened at 1pm.  You can go by the room, but the stateroom attendants and that area supervisor double check the rooms before they officially open.  So if you leave stuff in the room before 1pm, your items may not be there.  This happened to me on the Wonder 3 weeks ago.  We had to quickly track the everyone down who was working on our room. 

For all the people who hide ducks on the cruise, this is for you.  We were coming back from dinner one night and climbed the stairs behind the a couple of teens who spotted one and was sooo excited.  They kept saying my mom is going to love this what should I do?  I quietly walked passed them and said show your mom and then go hide it again.  Was I wrong??  I just loved the excitement.  So now before we get on Freedom next week, Im thinking about buying a couple to hide.

I think the stairs vs elevator debate is prevalent on most most larger ships.  BTW- I did see the Piano guy in the elevator on this cruise.  I felt like I saw a unicorn.  

53 minutes ago, Teeara said:

Johnny Rockets was fantastic for breakfast.  The food was piping hot and the service was great.  You can definitely check the app to see the offerings.  It's also free for breakfast and no reservations are necessary.  Wish we had dined there more often since the WJ and MDR often had cool/cold food.

Ditto!  Like I said earlier, Johnny Rockets was the only hot and fresh food I had.  We usually get the Route 66 with the mushrooms.  I didn't visit Playmakers this time but that might be an option for some as well.  

Let's talk about breakfast on the WOTS.  If you are eating breakfast before 9:45am, go to the Main Dining room or Johnny Rockets.  We wanted to be served breakfast on a few mornings and go to the Main dining room around 9:45am and the host stated that the dining room was closed.  We stated the app says you closed at 10am.  They said, Sorry you may want to try the buffet.  🤬

On 3/1/2023 at 10:30 AM, resetjet said:

You can also pick up a next cruise paper at casino host,  fill out the back,  then you can call later and book when you get home.  

Actually, on the last day the Cruise Next reps were encouraging this.

Here are a few more observations:

Room Service- We ordered room service every morning.  Why? Why not.... Coffee was amazing and tasted better when sitting on a balcony looking over the ocean.   We ordered pastries and fruit.  So here's another tip: The room service door hangers are located in the drawers.  For newbies- Continental breakfast is still complimentary and you can basically customize your order on the menu.  We just write extra this or extra that, and add ice or honey or whatever.  They will accommodate if they can.  

1 hour ago, RCFirstTimer said:

I thought this was another tipping thread based on the title so I just came in to watch some of the same old arguments.  Glad it has not turned into that.

 

All kidding aside, thank for the review.  We were scheduled to go on Wonder this October, but decided to move to Mariner because it was going to Bermuda (never been there).  We get 8 days (in an OV balcony) instead of 7 on Wonder (in a neighborhood balcony) and it saved about $1000 because Wonder is still a higher premium ship.  We have already been on Oasis, Allure and Harmony, so we figured why pay the extra.  It sounds like Wonder is just enough different to be worth a trip eventually.

 

Donate to the casino and you will get free cruises.  LOL!  Donate alittle more and get free drinks as well.  I thought I would be board with this ship but hubby and I enjoyed all that it had to offer.  Once I got over trying to do and see everything the first day and just take my time explore throughout the cruise, I was happier.  Especially, if you have sailed on the others. 

10 hours ago, NaplesGoBlue said:

Thank you for the tips.  Could you possibly clarify this?  Where exactly does this late night buffet thing     take place?  Thanks again!

Well let me clarify this as well.  When you enter the Golden room, go to your right and go to the wall and you will find an area with finger foods.  Every night they had something different.  I will try to upload video and pictures.

14 hours ago, Vera/Lee said:

Thanks for the review! We will be boarding her soon. Glad to hear that the slots pay out some. Was it better during the day or night?

When I was onboard, I visited day and night and people were winning.  I will try to post some pictures of some wins I had.  BTW- look for the games with progressives, you didn't have to play high to get them.  I played one that was next to the poker table and hit $100 over and over again on $1.80 bet and then a guy sat 2 games down playing .50 and also hit for $100.  

1 hour ago, LEMJMcC said:

How interesting.  We were on the same cruise, cabin 8642, nice balcony as well.  However, we found Tap Factory to be the best show, though I must confess that we watched Intense from Wonderland.  Effectors sucked bad.  Didn't bother with any other entertainment, but would probably go see Tap Factory again.  Just goes to show how tastes differ.  My absolute favorite place was our own balcony.

I forgot about Effectors, yeah it was super cheesy.  Perhaps I'm use to productions like Hairspray and Grease.  My expectations are a bit higher for newer ships. 

50 minutes ago, Ryder101 said:

Great review. Really felt very honest and genuine. The bad food has me concerned for my upcoming trip though. Was the beef/meats poor quality and fatty? Hard to chew etc? I've read here they are using low grade meat. 

The food is cooked for quantity not quality in my opinion.  If you typically like bland entrees and non sweet desserts this is the place for you.  However, I am a southern girl and like to taste what I'm putting in my mouth.  LOL! Plus, I'm on vacation so its all about indulgence. Im quite sure the food in the paid restaurants are much better.