Doug S

I don't think the crew has much interest (or room to store) miscellaneous gifts. Perhaps a bit of candy as long it is window dressing for CASH. They will always act grateful but may not value or keep other items.  My only venture outside of cash tips was for a favorite bartender on our regular Galveston cruises. We asked in passing what he missed from home and found it odd that he missed turkey. We cruised again a few months later and brought a big bag of turkey jerky from Bucky's. He hoarded it and ate some all week. Drinks were exceptionally good that week... I consider that more of a 'friend' thing than a tip.

9 hours ago, niksmom630 said:

thanks for sharing , Doug! And this is a great perspective! You are right that certain venues may be a bit more crowded depending on the cruise population. I happen to like both the solarium and casino! 😂 

 

But, and I also noticed a larger presence of Asian guests on this sailing. 

 

I’ve had some cruise experiences in my lifetime. College spring break cruise? I’ve been there! Where 30 percent of the passengers are under 25 🤪 it was Crazy! 
 

 

 

 

I am highly allergic to spring break cruises 😁. Did one New Years cruise and it was like a week in a mosh pit... We try to book the in-between, lower demand times like the gap between Thanksgiving and Christmas.

We were also on this sailing. Good times. Enjoyed reading your review after our 4 hour drive home. A few of my thoughts to throw in the mix...

As said a few posts earlier, each shuttle service is assigned a parking slot, so a given company's shuttle has to leave for the next to pull in. Compound that with the line of private drop off traffic the shuttles must wait in to get to their assigned slot. I think since the shuttles pay a fee per vehicle (which is why they try to run only full shuttles) they should have a dedicated lane to expedite their round trips. I know our biggest delay departing this morning was not loading or unloading, it was waiting for the next shuttle to work through traffic and get to the pickup spot. And the rain did not help

Our boarding on the 4th was easier than ever, and we've gone out of Galveston about 20 times. New terminal was very nice, but I can see they can still work out a few kinks on the parking side. From getting off the shuttle to entering our cabin was about 15 minutes. 

We spent most mornings in the Solarium as well, and it was not very crowded as you pointed out. I know the cruise was not sold out, which I imagine kept numbers down a little. But we also noticed a very large contingent of Asian guests on board, but never saw any Asian guests around the pools. Maybe that contributed more than us Texans not soaking up some sun. Other sailings I've been on out of Galveston (predominantly Texas cruisers) always had crowding and chair hogging issues around the pools. Just throwing this out there, but maybe Cruisers from Asia prefer to spend their time in the casinos or other venues rather than poolside. That would explain the crowding/non crowding. As a side note, we had the UDP and the specialty restaurants appeared under-utilized. I saw few, if any Asian guests in any specialty dining. Please don't take this as racial commentary. It is not meant to be at all. Just pointing out that cruisers from different cultures (like Texans😁) may use different amenities, and crowding issues may vary accordingly. In any case, I enjoy the Solarium and have no use for the casino, so whatever the reason it worked well for me...

Sail on...

Doug 

I was not a fan. We cruised Scarlet Lady just after Thanksgiving and won't be back. Entertainment tried to be edgy, but was more cringy than edgy. I am not a prude, but it was just not entertaining to me. Very few music options. Was truly bored at times. If you are single wanting to mix with a late night crowd, maybe it would be different for you.

The shops, public areas, pool, entertainment venues, were just odd. No grand, impressive venues. For a taller guy the ceilings seemed a bit low and claustrophobic in many areas We got relocated to an accessible cabin without our knowledge, and it was actually very roomy and nice, but had a lot of wasted open space - minimalist furniture design. Strange part of the accessible cabin was that it was literally the longest walk possible to get to it. All the way forward and farthest removed from the elevator. 

I like to get away from my phone when cruising. A break from it is refreshing. VV you have to use their Ap for many things, so everyone is always looking down at their phones. Even with that the communication was very sketchy. 

Many say food is great, but for us it was a mixed bag. some very good, some not. Not a fan of the Galley (food court). Options were fairly limited, and hard to just sample a bit from all the stations. Not enough quick snack options around the ship either. Missed the convenience of a Sorrentos/Cafe promenade. The dining experience was not nearly enough to bring us back.

Positives - child free was a nice change. Staff was very nice and tried hard. Enjoyed the Private Beach club on Bimini. The mermaid videos on the elevators were mesmerizing. The boarding / disembarking was very smooth, even with covid testing to board. The more casual dress code was also good. Wrist bands worked well for us. No pesky photographers everywhere. Muster video and check in was a breeze

Didn't mean to make it a review. Main point is if you like way Royal rolls, VV may not be your cup of tea either. 

Doug

,   

We were moved without notification, so yeah it happens. Were originally mid ship adjacent to family and when we boarded we realized we had been relocated to an accessible cabin all the way up front.  Accessible, but a Loooong walk to get there??? We just went with it. Cabin was larger and bed was better (not one of the convertibles) so it was a wash.

At production shows (not the broadway numbers) I've always heard the CD introduce the cast as the 'Royal Caribbean Singers and Dancers'. Perhaps this is what OP is referring to.

On 1/10/2022 at 6:13 PM, MichaelCMTX said:

I never fail to hit the bank before the trip and get AT LEAST one $50 wad of singles, most likely two for this 13-nighter if something doesn't happen to it.  Easy to grab and peel a few off without a bunch of digging and waiting.  

Rather than take a big stack of bills onboard, we make sure to have enough to take care of boarding, and maybe a few days, then periodically swing thru guest services when they have no line and break a $20 or 2 as needed. Drink tips add up...  

Port staff were very good about it. My wife does not normally use a wheelchair, but was struggling a bit due to ankle issues. Really nice port agent noticed and insisted that she let him push her in a chair. Quite a long upslope walk thru gangways to get on the ship that would have caused her some pain. Unfortunately, saw nothing available outside the building.  We were on 11/26 sailing.

Only time I've needed mine is cruising. No local checking. There is a pocket in my passport book where it fits perfectly. May not work for all, but best place for us to keep it. 

Just now, benjaminnicholas said:

 

To be fair, comparing Tex-Mex and Chilango-style from CDMX (what Pink Agave is getting inspiration from) are two very separate things.

 

Mexico City rarely deals in Tex-Mex.  They do things their own way.

Totally Understand. I've had Mexican food from all over, and like most of it... but partially frozen guacamole? I don't think that's a thing in any Mexican style... And the tortillas on board... not good.   I know its personal preference, but the Mexican food offerings on board seemed to me like they were made in England. Maybe I just got bad servings?

3 hours ago, _tacocat_ said:

I thought 99% of the food we ate was really good/flavorful, with two notable exceptions.  The corn pudding at the Wake looked revolting to me (husband ordered it, I didn't touch it).  He said it was basically corn flavored flan.

 

The other miss, if you can even call it that, was Gunbae.  When someone asked our server if the meats were marinated/seasoned, he told us that usually KBBQ is spicy but basically said that they had to dumb it down/make more bland to appeal to a wider range of palates.  I thought it tasted okay, but it was missing heat/flavor that you're supposed to have.  A guy at my table ordered the wagyu upcharge entree and looked pretty pissed when he basically got a plate full of unseasoned meats.  I probably would be too at that price!

Agree in part... To me Gunbae was just an evening of scorched meat. Minimal flavor unless you sauced it up yourself. I had also heard all the raving about Razzle Dazzle's Fried Chicken sandwich and it was not good. Way too breaded - very dry and crunchy. But the cookie dessert there was great. Any attempt at Mexican food on board was a fail. The guac in Pink Agave was smashed chunky avocado that was still partially frozen. But being from the capital of Tex-Mex, I am a hard sell. Test kitchen gets a hard no from me but Extra Virgin and Wake were very good. My Gnocchi and New York strip In Extra Virgin was my fav meal of the cruise. Appetizers were also good there.  Clam Chowder in the Wake was very good. Galley was good for breakfast, Lunch was ok, and never ate dinner there.

4 hours ago, helengirl said:

I was on Virgin a couple of months ago. My 27 year old daughter and her friend loved it. My 26 year old, also a girl, hated it. My husband and I (60) were eh - we would take it again if it were really, really, really cheap, but only if really cheap (and I would bring tons of books or games or something to fill my time since there is noting to do on board most of the time)..........

Mirrored my thoughts but you said it much better.

3 hours ago, benjaminnicholas said:

You can see a theme here already.

 

The older gen doesn't get this line.  They complain about it being 'woke'

 

That's what Virgin does.  They shake things up.  It's always been that way across all of their products.

 

Change isn't for everyone.

I agree, part of it is the woke factor, but a large part of my issues are universal. It's not woke to want more entertainment, games, and maybe even higher quality featured entertainers. Entertainment can be edgy without being either boring or offensive to the point that a good percentage of passengers just walk out. I just think Virgin has not found the sweet spot there yet. Its not woke to want a chair that is comfortable for someone over 6 ft tall. Dining is always subjective, and not a woke/unwoke issue. Some of the wokest people I know eat junk and dont know what a fresh vegitable is. I have pretty diverse tastes, and am a bit of a foodie, but just felt some offerings tried so hard to be edgy, they neglected taste/flavor. Again, some food was really good, but its fair to say that some was not. Preferring larger venues, higher ceilings, and beautiful open spaces is not a woke issue. Granted, the umbilical phone connection is not as predominent in my gen, but plenty of old geezers were tied to their phones too. I'm tied to my phone at home. I prefer cruising to be a break from that.

So, yeah, Virgin is different and may appeal more to the younger, woker crowd, but I don't think you can put all the negative issues into the woke bucket. 

To each {his/her/their} own,    

Doug

My wife and I are 60. We tried Virgin (Nov 26 sailing) after many Royal cruises. There was a fair amount that was positive, but overall, it really wasn't for me. My wife liked it a bit more than I did.

Entertainment was lacking, and somewhat strange. No venue where you could seat a sizable crowd and have a quality guest entertainer, of which there were none. Ship's ensemble staff tried really hard to conduct some kind of emersive / interactive entertainment, but for the most part it was a swing and a miss, and was sometimes awkward and uncomfortable. One show had a lot of attendees get up and walk out when they asked you to approach strangers and talk about erotic memories. Pool party on the scarlet night was just some mediocre singing and dancing I could do myself, splashing about in the shallow water. I kept waiting for the wow, but it never happened. Stargazing night was a waste of time, with a few crew members telling greek mythology stories on the aft deck and telling attendees they could write messages and tie them up in the tree. I'm no prude, but I guess I just ain't woke enough for all that. Simply not enough on board that I had any interest in seeing/doing. 

As many have said, the seating was not comfortable. I usually felt like I was sitting on the ground. My wife has had foot surgery, and I always had to get up first and help her up. Never a problem with  normal grown up chairs. Our first table in the Test Kitchen was a booth arranged so tight (bolted down), the table touched my stomach when I tried to slide in. I am big and tall guy, but never have that problem elsewhere. There was only about a foot from seat-back to table (not exagerating). 

Never been on a cruise before where everybody was so glued to their phones. I like to disconnect when cruising, and put my phone in the safe, but Virgin has very little communication outside their ap, when it was working. Throw in free wifi and a lot of passengers might as well be home on their couch cuz they never got off their phones. i think that results in less intraction with other guests.  Looking around the Galley most were sitting there texting away. Communication was severely lacking overall. Even disembarking most had no idea when they could leave. I understand the attempt at no cruise director, and less paper, but Virgin has gone too far in the other direction. I never saw anything but a blank screen on the Virgin Channel in the room. Great place to communicate with the passengers, but I only saw dead air. 

Food was a mixed bag, with some really good, and some I'd not go back to. Left the Test Kitchen a bit hungry after 2 hours of small courses. Galley was decent once I figured out the routine, but it was mildly crowded at times with our light passenger load. I see problems if they are anywhere near capacity. Coulda used a deli / pizza place on the lower decks that was good for a quick bite like on royal. Fast food you had to go to Galley for grab and go options.  I really liked the soda from the freestyle machines. Nice not having to buy a coke or drink package. We drank enough, but not nearly enough to warrant a drink package, so their ala-cart system with OBC bar tab worked fine for us.

We missed the large open space of a promenade or atrium. Being a taller guy, I could easily touch the ceiling in most corridors and passenger areas, so it felt a bit claustrophobic. Shops were clustered down a passageway and not that inviting. The roundabout with the stairs almost goes there, but stops short of being that impressive open space I would have liked.  

THE GOOD: The port staff was very helpful. Onboard crew was generally very nice and helpful, but changing restaurants every night it was hard to develop any relationships with wait staff. Elevators were fast, with no waits, but our cruise was way under capacity. Embarking and disembarking were actually very easy, but again, not many passengers to clog the works. The covid testing and delayed boarding for a deep clean were understandable and well handled. The one acrobatic show in the red room was not ice show quality, but it was pretty good. Not sure if I would like the bracelets, but they actually worked well. We got relocated without our knowledge to an accessible room and it was very spacious. Bed was the most comfortable we've had on a cruise, but it was not one of the beds that converts to a couch during the day. Definitely less storage, but it was enough. Plenty of plug and usb outlets in room, including on the bed side. AC worked well. Overall Ship was very clean and beautiful. Dress was very casual and comfortable so you can pack pretty light if you want, but remember to have a red outfit for scarlet night. Private resort in Bimini was very nice if you like a beach day.            

Told myself I was not going to write a review, but looks like I almost did...

Doug (who is looking forward to his February Royal Cruise)

10 hours ago, moonltnite said:

Hi, all - 

I had sent email (from the RCI site form) to request that a note be added to our reservation in March on Oasis - for an extension cord...

FYI, on Oasis class there is an outlet at the head of the bed, so no need to run an extension across the stateroom. At least in the balconies we've had. Wish all ships were like that. 

Bad idea, mask should be treated as contaminated. Any virus trapped by the mask can come into contact with the straw as you feed it through, and go right into your mouth. 

Oasis cruise-had last boardwalk cabin on 12 several years back (pre-slide). Noise not really an issue unless you have a child that needs mid-day naps.  It is a Looong walk to the elevators if you have any mobility issues. Watching the shows was really neat form there. Different perspective.  Get to see the safety divers not visible from the stands. Like a peak behind the curtain. But my absolute favorite was watching the performers practice their routines late afternoon. Crazy talented divers. Acrobats just messing around on the trampolines and such.  I'd book there again.  

Bartenders can rotate. Repeated cruises on Liberty, my favorite Bloody Mary bar would change. I'd chat with the Bartenders, ask for a bit more of this or that, and leave a tip. By day 2 I didn't have to ask. I like them by the pool before noon, so poolside bars or Jade bar in Windjammer were more convenient than Promenade locations.

As has been said, RCI will provide, even if you forget to ask special needs. Cabin attendant will bring you some distilled H2O.

On Oasis class ships there is an outlet at the head of the bed, so no extension required. Other classes an extension is required to run from desk area.

If you travel with your CPAP, carry it in its provided case. I once put it in with my other luggage to have one less bag and TSA made me open it so they could inspect. No inspection only if it is carried separately in its designated case. And don't give it to a porter. I'd carry it on.

Just got second dose of moderna yesterday. So far I can only report a bit of arm soreness from both shots. Hardest part was actually getting the appointment scheduled.  

1 minute ago, John&LaLa said:

 

They also have to reduce capacity in the crew quarters. Theoretically by moving them into unused passenger cabins.

 

I'm also thinking they will expand medical facilities into the conference rooms. They are generally out of the way

Very true, I could see that happening. Wondering how fully staffed ships will be if they have a reduced passenger restart. Space in crew quarters and unused passenger cabins could allow some distancing with crew living arrangements.

Seldom used conference facilities definitely a candidate for medical use. A separate triage / treatment area for suspected infectious diseases makes a lot of sense.  

Doesn't say directly, but doubting that they will eliminate emergency fire training for general crew. But looks like they will have a dedicated fire crew that will take the lead, and likely conduct such training. That's how I'd do it. Not a bad thing.

Much of the job cut lingo is 'cruise-speak' to me. If I didn't know the internal staffing changes I wonder how much impact it would have (if any) to my on board experience. Speculation on my part, but I'd think eliminated positions' roles will likely be assumed by other employees. Not sure if there is a total reduction in staffing numbers, or if they are just eliminating some levels of hierarchy. Probably eliminating enough to offset the added housekeeping, medical and Fire crew. Only so many crew births/capacity I'd imagine. If the lines start up with reduced passenger counts, it may be a no brainer to reduce crew numbers in areas other than safety and housekeeping as well, at least until they sail full again.

Seen a lot of these, but my favorite was on our Jewel TA a few years back. A young lady violinist from Europe was onboard with her music teacher, traveling to study in America, I believe. She gave an afternoon show that was simply amazing. Bob was on that sailing and I know he'd remember all the details if he was still in the neighborhood.  That act was a one time good deal. 

Other than that, my favorite was on Princess on a cruise to Hawaii in 2010. Steve Moris, former Beach Boys band member, did a comedy/Music act one evening. Laughed a lot and he could sure play the Guitar. He did an encore the next afternoon that was very interactive with the crowd. Just him telling stories and messing around with the guitar. True talent and so authentic. Not like you were watching the same act he'd done a thousand times. 

42 minutes ago, HicksRA said:

Is Hendricks gin included in the DP?  

Has been in my past cruises. 

WHO also said no human to human transmission. Unfortunately it seems the WHO is often more of a political agent than a health organization. No credibility with me.