I've sailed with someone who has Celiac Disease and can't eat gluten at all - their buffet was similarly not labeled well but we were told to ask for the Maitre D' (even the buffets have them I guess) - they were super helpful and even took her around the entire buffet to point out everything that would be gluten free and basically offered to make anything she wanted if she wanted to order something else. Agreed, labeling should be better for folks but they'll go out of their way to help you out if you ask.
Watching this channel just costed me a few thousand dollars. Taking my first cruise ever in the Spring. Alaska with Royal Caribbean. Watching this video is getting me very excited!
@@EmmaCruises Oh come on.. :) where's your goofy adventurous spirit.. lol.. :D :D I am trying to get Morgan to jump into a Panama canal trip.. check off those cruise bucket list interaries.. :D
I originally hated the bed on the ship, but after the first night I asked my steward about it and he was able to bring me a mattress topper!!! It helped so much, so great thing to keep in mind for future cruises!
I can’t believe anyone would try to stow away. I know you hate to leave but they literally track you the whole cruise, especially getting on and off the ship. You will definitely not get away with stowing away 😂
I understand they think it could be easy to blend in once others get on but where did they plan on sleeping???? And how were they ever gonna get off without anyone noticing? Just dumb lol
Hi Emma! We say both “check” and “bill” in the US I use the interchangeably. I probably say bill most often and was shocked when it was a British-ism! I asked my husband to ask for “the bill” just last night when we went to dinner.
Im from the US. I've always said "check" as a form of payment and "bill" for the requested payment. I remember my parents asking for the check so I wonder if it's generational or regional?
I’m English - live in us and switch words from both cultures all the time , I’d probably ask for the check. When I go to the Uk I say I’m going home when I’m coming back I say I’m going hOme 🤷♀️🤦♀️
@@quackaddict9810 If you love watching channels about cruise-vacations, why not experience them? There is so much more to enjoy in person than what you could ever get just from watching remotely.
Every time you lamented the limited vegetarian/vegan selections I said to myself “Solarium Bistro.” This became a theme. When you finally showed the Solarium, I said, “Oh, Good! She found the Bistro!” Nope, nope, nope. I’m so sad you missed this treasure of healthy Mediterranean Cuisine. Time to schedule another RC cruise! 🤣
Amazing that she consumes vegetarian, but tons of sugar, one of the unhealthiest things to consume. Better off eating red meat occsionally and giving up the sugar.
I love your reviews. Reason is that they are totally practical in the sense that it is not about the poshest suite or the grandest most expensive events. Also the what's good and what's bad is totally useful. Thanks!
Being sat in the same section with the same waiter is personally really nice. Often times, they'd give you your drink before you ordered because you got it last time. Occasionally, they even give you an appetizer ahead of time. One cruise, I decided to get 3 apps and no entree, so they gave me a fruit cup without me asking. A person I was sitting with ate some of my kiwi, so they gave her one too. Every night after, they gave us a fruit cup. I also like the slow but steady pace of main dining and the four courses. (Bread, Apps, Entree, Dessert.)
I came back from Odyssey of the seas not too long ago, and by the third night, my waiter knew that I would order vegan foods (just to avoid dairy lol) and even avoid spicy foods so by the time i sat down, my appetizer would be already ready for me. That's one of the things I liked on my cruise.
I was supposed to go on the Symphony of the Seas for 2 weeks in 2020 for my parents 30th anniversary. That didn't happen and Royal refused to give us our money back. They did give us credit but by the time we found out about that, it was too late to use most of it. We have about 1/4th of our credits left and plan to use them in 2023 for a 7 night cruise. We're still mad but we have our hopes up
Bill and cheque are both used where I come from (southwestern US). I am somewhat loyal to Royal Caribbean. I'm currently Diamond Plus on the line. This was boosted by double points offered for solo travelers. In addition, I got quadruple points on my first post-pandemic cruise and will get quadruple points on my upcoming Baltic sailing due to some of their booking incentives. Royal Caribbean is one of my two lines of choice (the other being Princess, where I'm Elite). Looking ahead to next January, I see cruises through the Panama Canal on both sides, with Princess being remarkably cheaper. I'm not yet willing to commit to a booking (until the hockey schedule comes out), but for the price difference, I'd gladly sail on Princess. Your note on the dining is correct. Flexible dining isn't really as flexible as with some other lines. If you make a reservation for the first night, they like to lock you into that for the rest of the cruise, at least on the last three sailings (all post-pandemic) I've had with them. I personally do not like crowds or lines, so I like to go to shows at the less popular time and book my dinner around it. It's easier these days, as with the app you can get the full schedule. The other thing is post-pandemic, Royal Caribbean has not returned to shared tables. Eating alone every night is not ideal, but I have little choice in the matter. It almost makes me with to change to a fixed dining time, but I don't know if shared tables are available there as well. The major upside is that dinner is no longer a two hour experience. I do like Royal Caribbean for their activities. They seem to have more of them, and a greater variety. Perhaps it just seems like that because they are the activities I like. For what it's worth, I've never had a bartender on a Royal Caribbean ship ask what I wanted with Diet Coke. That's a bizarre thing to ask.
Just got off a Royal Caribbean cruise recently and the "my time" dining is more like whatever time Royal Caribbean prefers. We switched to a fixed dinner time after day 1. It was cool to see another RC ship that is basically the same layout with a few random differences like a few names of places.
My parents took a cruise pre pandemic for their 50th anniversary. I still have the cup my dad " stole " from the ship. 😅 this will be 8 years come September.
As a diamond member of Royal Caribbean who has traveled on princess and now MSC (got home today). I can without a doubt RC gets it right. In terms of money the initial price (for non members) is higher but cost for packages/misc is a lot cheaper. The worst cruise in terms of money I’ve experienced is MSC; the fair was cheap but they charged for everything... layouts are a big thing as well. On RC you can tell compared to other lines that they had someone spend a lot of time actually working it out. The entire ship is open as well (besides tiny areas) unlike MSC where 1/3 of the ship (was on the seashore) was restricted. MSC had a horrible buffet layout (not open). All around, if you are a cruise regular or wanting to get into cruising. Picking RC to trying them out is a best plan. Their loyalty also gives out amazing deals. Usually I’ll get a junior suite for the price of a normal balcony on other lines
Only been on RC a couple times but after the first time I became a loyalist. Love them. How often do you cruise and what ship or ships are your favorite?
Just disembarked a royal Caribbean brilliance of the seas ship yesterday. Had a great week cruising around the Mediterranean. Best part was taking my cousins and aunt and uncle from Finland who hadn’t been on a cruise before! I do enjoy royal Caribbean a lot.
I did it! Seeing your video finally made me make my mind. I just booked my first cruise (beside 4 days on a Dahabiya on the Nile in 2010)! It's The cruise is 9 days on the Norwegian Fjords starting from Amsterdam on the Jewel of the Sea on August 31.
Mc Donald's pays to have there coke syrup to carbonated water a bit higher. It makes a Big difference. Our family had a pharmacy with a lunch counter. We also ran our mix"hot" and used to have people go out of their way to get coke with us!
Thanks for the solid content: both spoken and visual. We will be doing Alaska with RC in August and this is so helpful on what to expect. You are great--- no silly filler, cute, quick humour, good editing, no overdone American makeup and hair. Straight up, honest, organized. Very refreshing.
I was on Anthem of the Seas in the spring of 2022 (US East coast) and loved it. You should have tried Wonderland. It is a unique dining experience. From the menu printed in invisible ink to the presentation of each course of the meal.
Your commentary and presentation of these videos are absolutely exceptional. I've just binged video after video this weekend and have not been bored once. Thanks so much for all of your reviews. Your style is unique, thorough in explanations, really useful information, and you have a pleasant voice. Thanks.
Our family sailed on Anthem in 2019. Great ship. We always dined in the buffet. Everyone got what they wanted. Some of our family dined in the fancy pay restaurants and the preferred the buffet.
Joff was our cruise director when we took our 9-night New Zealand cruise from Sydney on Anthem's sister ship Ovation almost 3 years ago. He is so funny (even in point of view of a guest from far east,) he is really everywhere, and I can't forget his shinny shoes with florescent color shoelaces. If what's on Anthem is the same as Ovation (which supposedly should,) Solarium restaurant is a mini Windjammer buffet but way cozier and quieter. I basically eat brunch there every other day during our cruise.
The video was fantastic. I am going doing Alaska on the Quantum of the Seas in August and watching this video provided more detail as to what I can expect on the ship and the dining than any other video. I also find your understated sense of humor to be engaging. Well done and thank you!
We were on the same cruise (in fact on the same deck!) and I would 100% concur with everything you said! I’m lactose intolerant and found things weren’t labelled well in the buffet and a few times I put things on my plate to then realise they were in butter or had cheese inside etc. I also became fed up of jelly as it was the only sweet option I could eat when I craved something sweeter! Behaviour in the theatre annoyed me too and I agree that as the cruise went on we realise where the better seats were! The Music Hall nickname made me giggle as we thought it was just us that could smell it! The tables were always sticky too despite signs saying they were clean! Thank you for sharing Emma, it brought back happy memories!
I was on Anthem back in September last year with only about 800 passengers, can't imagine what it's like when it's full up but have to admit it did lack a bit of atmosphere with so few people onboard when I went. I love Joff, he was our CD on Indy years ago and he's a great CD and his morning shows were always good.
We did Odyssey last fall with 1/3 capacity and it was downright eerie sometimes. One evening I walked front to back and didn't see a single person other than a few staff. But never had to wait for an elevator. So there's that.
Yes on our cruise in January on the Mariner…on the shuttle to the pier I was pleasantly surprised i watched the safety videos. I told everyone on the shuttle to do it. And when on board just went directly to muster station for 2 minutes…It was absolutely great😊🚢
The restaurant in the Solarium was probably open, the door is on the port side. It is the best place on the ship for a buffet meal, breakfast, lunch and dinner. It is usually just walk straight in no waiting, it hasn’t got as big of a choice as the Windjammer but they have a fresh omelette station. It is the best kept secret on the ship. It’s our go to breakfast spot on Quantum class ships and sometimes lunch.
My wife and I love this channel. The different wigs make it seem like a bunch of beautiful young ladies are host. Fantastic, as always! A couple of weeks ago, we booked a cruise after watching this channel. Really good. Thank you!
Hey Emma, thanks for the video. I am a former employee with Royal and spent enough time on board ships that I completely understand what you mean by many of these things. My Wife and I will be sailing on Liberty of the Seas at the end of July. it good to see how things seem now in a new period of cruising coming out of the Covid period.
Great job again We’ve been to those Norway ports and agree with you The best for sure We love Royal Select fixed early time always Keep up the informative videos and port info
I love your review and your channel! I absolutely love cruising with my wife and we have done just over 20 cruises now. I will use your videos to try to convince her to try new cruises. We have done 20 of 22 cruises with Disney. MSC and Royal are the only others. I always wanted to try Cunard but maybe not after seeing your review. The Norway cruise looks awesome! We love Europe and want to do more cruises there and in the UK. I will eventually watch all your reviews. Keep up the great channel!
I just wanted to say I really enjoy your videos. I’ve never been on a cruise and I don’t think I will ever be on one. The idea of being on a ship just isn’t appealing to me, but your videos are so entertaining and informative I always get stuck watching them. Lol
I really liked your hair like this. You've changed it a lot in the Vids I've seen of late, they all look great, just really struck me here. Love the content. Gonna try my first cruise this summer
I’ve just got off my second fjord cruise cruise on the massive Iona.. we did Stavanger, Olden, Hellesylt and Haugesund..all different from my first cruise on Columbus in 2018… so so peaceful love Norway 🇳🇴
Not your normal cruise attire, but the sweater and knit hat is a cute look! (Oh sorry, that's your Americanism of the Week. What you call "jumper" we call a "sweater".) 😁 Also, I've been subbed for a little while now but I'm still impressed with how thorough and organized your videos are. They always feel focused and yet complete. And one suggestion: you might want to put "Norway" either in the video title or the description. You have good info about the ports and that could help people find this video if that's what they're interested in.
Hellooo, far more people on my channel are interested in the Royal Caribbean side than the Norway side. If I included Norway it would make people who wanted to cruise RC to another destination think it wasn’t for them. Can you tell I’ve thought about this a lot? Ha ha 🤣❤️
@@EmmaCruises I'm not surprised you thought about it so much. 🦉🌠 And that does make sense not to put it in the title. But maybe reconsider mentioning it in the description. That helps your ranking if people search for Norway, but has no effect on the title and thumbnail that might scare people away. 👻
My husband and I were on the same cruise I wished we would’ve known you were on there we would’ve loved to have met you!! That was our first time going to Norway it was absolutely beautiful, we loved it so much we booked an Arctic circle cruise for next July!!
Norway is beautiful. Just passing the fjords in a Marine Corps Amphibious Assault Vehicle about 4 feet above the water in the moonlight is amazing, especially with the Aurora Borealis floating in the sky.
Emma, I love your cruising videos! They are very comforting and inviting. I always look forward to your videos! 😊😊😊 As you asked in the video: I'm from Childress, Texas, and I call it the "check" and sometimes the "bill" interchangeably.
I agree with you on Norway being my favorite itinerary of all. We went on HAL Rotterdam and loved everything. I am fairly new to your channel but I have ended up binge watching your videos. Looking forward to Iceland this summer so am anxious to compare with Norway.
Completely agree on the (not very) flexible dining option. When we were on Independence of the Seas a while back we booked this but on our first night were encouraged (felt pressured) to book dining for the same time for the rest of the holiday, and were then always seated in the same place with the same servers. I think they might do this so you know who to hand the tip to at the end of the cruise?
We usually go on a theme cruise and some people are in the theme/group and others aren't and it's basically impossible to eat to dinner even though we technically can. Why should eating dinner when/with whom you want be the hardest part of the cruise. And you can ony change your dining options the first night. Arg
As a veggie Brit that works for royal, I can recommend asking for the Indian meal option at the main restaurant. They have a different veggie option every night and it comes with rice and paratha.
I really enjoy your honest assessments of your cruises. With some of the other vloggers, it seems they are being sponsored by the cruise line. We loved cruising Norway on Norwegian. It seemed to make sense.
Fantastic vlog Emma, really informative and entertaining. We had great fun trying to see if we were in the background and spotted some of our party in the MDR 😀 You must do an Oasis class ship next!
I just spent 7 nights on the Ovation of the Seas and this video reminded me how much I love that class of ship. That was my favorite ship I’ve ever been on. We did encounter the same problem with dining though. We booked our dining for the whole week on the first night and that helped. 270 was great as well as the music hall (no smells) The north star was cool but I wouldn’t spend $70 on it again. I love the Rockwall but it was a little too windy on the way to Alaska so I only climbed once. Can’t wait to get back!
In the USA we use both the terms bill and check. I like Royal Caribbean ... but the lack of vegatarian options in main dining is one of the reasons I prefer the other dining options on board.
Fantastic video, both informative and entertaining. I completely agree that RCCL’s “My Time Dining” system makes absolutely no sense. I don’t understand how it benefits me to not have a set dining schedule if I still have to make dining reservations months before the cruise even starts. I really wish they’d switch to NCL’s FreeStyle dining system. My wife and I cruised on Allure of the Seas very soon after cruises restarted last year, and we actually really enjoyed the Main Dining Room’s vegetarian menu. It is odd they don’t simply list those options on the regular menu. It’s disappointing to hear that perhaps Anthem’s veggie options weren’t as good as Allure’s. Can you help us understand what you meant by your balcony feeling “protected”? Protected from what? Thanks again for the great review!
Likeeee… I’ve had balconies before that stick out further than other balconies so anybody else could throw things on me (ha ha). Protected from things like that 🤣❤️
Did a Hawaii cruise years ago on Norwegian and hated the FreeStyle dining system. One thing I like is having my wait staff get to know me and my dining "habits". Got none of that with FreeStyle and even got practically ignored in one of the restaurants (slow service, hard to find your waiter sometimes). We probably won't sail Norwegian again because of FreeStyle. So we ignored MTD on Harmony in July. Luckily for us the Late dining time in the MDR is about when we eat most nights due to work kids sports schedules.
we did our first royal Caribbean cruise in 2019, and we very impressed with the normal speed they get you on, we timed it as 10 mins from locking the car, to being topside getting a drink, all done online,wish others would get up to speed with that, the only thing we found issue wise with them was you never got the same “cocktail” each time, even in the same bar, even the same staff member making it ,so if you found a nice one,it was never the same it was always different taste wise ,doing first ncl cruise this year,from the centre of new york,and we can not wait as for your britishism, down here we call it the “damage” 😀😀
Great review Emma! I have sailed RCCL 4 times (it would be 5 times if the pandemic hadn't happened in 2020 that cancelled that cruise). The Quantum class ships look amazing. Breakfast on the balcony is a favorite when I cruise! Norway looks so beautiful! I'm curious, how long did it take to get back on this ship from each ports of call?
You do a wonderful job on these videos! I love coming along with you on your travels.😊 We just got off of Anthem in December and your observations were spot on! Please keep them coming. Happy cruising!
I cruised on Anthem late last year. And your review was spot on! I will say that the restaurant up next to the Solarium always LOOKS closed, but it was likely open. They rarely open the curtains so it always looked closed even when I was on it. If I recall correctly, they had an interesting, hybrid buffet and service dining. Where you'd order your entree, but then also have a buffet available for smaller meals.
We really enjoyed Anthem when we went on at the end of the lockdown and it was running at 50% capacity. We have heard a lot of people say it gets too crowded and the staff struggle when at full capacity. The bigger RCCL ships have never been good at managing the crowds! Independence can be horrible when full
I was on a RC cruise and picked any time dinning, never again, any time as long it is 8:30 any later…..so many complaints the Captain (for real) had a meeting with the cruisers, standing room only…my take away from what he said “ sorry but there seems be an old cruiser crowd on this cruise and they all want to eat early”.
I've done 3 RC cruises and they're the only brand I've been on. Mariner, Monarch and Allure, in that order. RC does assigned dining for the main dining room, you always sit at the same table and have the same wait staff the entire cruise. I guess they do that for gratuity purposes as well as not having to struggle with names etc? One thing I remember about the Allure was being able to go to the dining room throughout the day at random times and get this specialty dish, being that it was 2011 I don't remember what it was but I remember going back and back again to keep getting this one meal it was so excellent. I'm a Floridian (USA) so Iced tea is one of my staples, I can't remember the last time I had it hot.
Usually it is the check in the US but personally I've also referred to it as the bill. I think both are acceptable in the USA. What would you recommend for a single person traveling? Would a cruise like this be good or would you suggest something smaller?
Hey Jason, Royal don’t have brilliant options for solos you’d be better off with a cruise line like Norwegian in my opinion. Very similar, but more focused on solo cruisers. I have a solo cruise line guide on my site here: emmacruises.com/best-cruise-lines-for-solo-cruisers/ and a solo cruise intro chapter in my cruise course here: emmacruises.com/cruiseforless/ hope this helps ☺️❤️
If you had the ice tea from a dispenser (made with syrup) rather than brewed ice tea, you need to try the brewed type. It is much better. If it comes from a machine like the sodas do, that's not good stuff. I take a hot/cold cup on cruises and brew my own tea, then cool it down and ice it--great improvement over the machines!
That wasn't real iced tea. Give it another try! But it has to be fresh-brewed. Make a strong branch of your peppermint or perhaps some PG-tips, then just pour over ice. Some like to also add sugar or milk. Note that "bill" is also used in the US. "Check" and "bill" are interchangable terms here
Hey, if I could get a 7-night balcony cruise for $1000, that's a bargain. Of course, I usually travel solo, so there's always the supplement. I like Royal Caribbean, but I have never been on the larger ships. I don't know if I would like them. I can appreciate more facilities, but the amusement park stuff doesn't appeal to me. But, then again, I'm 61 now, so I'm definitely not a youngster anymore. I don't like paying extra for food on a cruise. Since I've already paid for it, why pay for more? I did eat at a specialty restaurant on my last cruise, because I had one included in my package. It was good, but I don't think it was worth the extra charge. Oddly enough, for the bill vs. check, I've heard both interchangeably, here in the US. One would probably ask for the check, but you would pay the bill. Confusing, isn't it?
I’m still pretty new to cruising, and I’ve only cruised with RCL and Princess so far. I have to say that when it comes to food, RCL hit a home run. Even Sorento’s pizza was leagues better than Alfredo’s. Everything from the buffet to the specialty dining was phenomenal on RCL compared to Princess. Lobster night on the Oasis of the Seas was fabulous, as the lobster tails were sweet and succulent. Lobster night on Princess’s Majestic was absolutely horrifying. The meat was super salty and literally as tough as shoe leather. I have another Princess cruise booked for this coming November, so I’m willing to give it another go (I like the value better on Princess). But food is a super important component for me when it comes to cruising, so I may wind up sticking with Royal if Princess doesn’t do a better job this time around. Would absolutely love to cruise Norway. Thanks for the idea!
Agreed overall in RCL vs Princess. However, one thing I really enjoy on Princess is the "International Cafe" snacks and the coffee card (which includes all you want premium tea selections)
@@davidlylerobinson Yes, most definitely. I'm with you there. RCL (especially on it's largest ships) provides a fabulous resort-style experience that cannot be beat, in my opinion. However, Princess seems to deliver better value, because they offer a fare package that includes specialty drinks, crew tips, the internet package, and even a couple of specialty restaurants. I'm a sucker for the all-inclusive fare packages. RCL will nickel and dime you.
My last cruise before the Pandemic was on Anthem out of New Jersey. We arrived home on March 8th of 2020. I loved the ship even at full capacity. So many fun activities. I can’t wait until October when we finally cruise again.
I'm from the US - our restaurants issue checks. I also agree with you about Coke at McDonald's, definitely something special about it compared to other places (I've heard its a slightly different syrup to water ratio and frequent cleaning of the machine).
Norway is a truly beautiful country! I’m Swedish and spent much of my childhood traveling to Norway by land, mostly to the far north like Nordland and up, but I’ve also visited the more southern parts like Geiranger and Hardanger. It’s been about 30 years since my last visit to Hardanger though, and 19 years since my last visit to Norway at all. Hoping to see Norway from a ship someday though, other than short ferry trips to get between places, I’ve only seen Norway from land. My parents have however cruised with Hurtigruten from Bergen to Kirkenes, Hurtigruten is not a pure cruise ship though, it’s a ferry cruise which initially was just a ferry (and still is) that started upgrading their cabins and facilities and offer cruise packages because it became popular to take the ferry due to the scenery along the Norwegian coast. There’s also excursions, many of the port calls can be pretty long as they load and unload cargo on the ship, guessing some port calls have also be extended to facilitate for the time needed for an excursion if there’s some really special place to see nearby, will have to ask my parents if they know if the length of port calls only rely on the cargo or if it’s been adapted for the tourism as well. As much as Hurtigruten looks amazing, I do honestly think I’d prefer to go with Royal Caribbean if cruising in Norway because the solarium would be my go to spot, and I’m not big on fish and seafood and fish and seafood is a big thing on Hurtigruten because that’s typical for Norwegian cuisine (Norwegians can cook fish and seafood really really well, I just personally don’t like fish and seafood much at all, both flavor and texture issue for me, so kinda better just avoiding it for me, or at least be in a less fish and seafood focused restaurant) And I think you made the right choice with cabin, if there’s anywhere in the world where you need a balcony or at least a window on your cabin, it’s Norway! There’s just always scenery to view as you’re going along the coast of the most beautiful country in the world and you aren’t out to sea much or any. If I was to go on a cruise in the Caribbean I honestly wouldn’t care much because the sea just looks the same, only reason to have a balcony on such a cruise would be the private spot to just catch some sun
Emma, you need to come over and do the Caribbean on Oddessy of the Seas. Royal's newest Quantum Class Ship. So you and your friends can experience the outer Deck in the Sun. They are fabulous Ships...
Awesome video!!! Royal Caribbean is definitely my number one for cruises, I've been on all the rest except Disney, and Royal Caribbean is still the best.
Back in the US I called it a "bill", sometimes a "check". Here in the Philippines we say "bill out". Filipinoism - You can use your two index fingers to draw a box in the air, and the waitstaff across the room will know you want to bill out.
Another great memory of our Anthem of the Seas cruise, loved the central atrium, and in fact, everything else. Also it was our first and so far last experience of a silent disco (great fun). And the viewing arm that extends of the sea was amazing. Flip, can't wait to book another cruise now !!
I had a similar experience in London last week watching moulin rouge.two people talking all the way through,after I turned round and gave them a ultimatum to Carry on or shut up or else ,never heard a peep after that ,,,some people are just so rude and think there doing nothing wrong and we are the weirdos ….rant over ,keep up the good work 👍👍😃
I have always enjoyed Cruising with Royal Caribbean International, I have been on a Transatlantic from Miami to Southampton, and another From Perth to Sydney Australia
Just went on my first ever cruise and we went to Norway! I absolutely loved it, Geiranger was my favourite & I can’t wait to go on another cruise now 😁
Just did Norway fjords June 4. Suny and 72 -74°. Crazy great Weather. Scavenger was a little grey, but never used my rain gear in 12 day trip to London and Norway.
I love those Freestyle soda machines! I also love to make concoctions, although a couple of times the result was- not good. :) My husband is a non-drinker. I don't remember him getting "up-sold" much. He did tend to find a favorite bar and once they were clear he didn't drink alcohol, they would just bring him his Diet Coke and the occasional mocktail. They have some very tasty non-alcoholic drinks! We'll be doing a Norwegian cruise next year on Celebrity. Your beautiful footage makes me so glad I booked it!
We had Joff as the Cruise Director in Australia on Ovation of the Seas - in the inaugural season 2016 and again in 2019. He was very approachable and always smiling.
I’ve never been on a cruise but love your videos, they’re really making me want to go :) I LOVE a buffet and a bit of organised fun, so I think this kind of holiday would be right up my street!
I've sailed with someone who has Celiac Disease and can't eat gluten at all - their buffet was similarly not labeled well but we were told to ask for the Maitre D' (even the buffets have them I guess) - they were super helpful and even took her around the entire buffet to point out everything that would be gluten free and basically offered to make anything she wanted if she wanted to order something else. Agreed, labeling should be better for folks but they'll go out of their way to help you out if you ask.
That’s very kind, im glad! 😀❤️
@@EmmaCruises you should book a perfect day cruise, the private resorts are GREAT
This is great to know. I have celiac's disease and have been wondering how it would work.
@@meganrasey4377 the last few cruises I have been on with Royal Caribbean and Celebrity both have stations with gluten free food.
It also depends on which ship you go on some are labeled better than others❤
Watching this channel just costed me a few thousand dollars. Taking my first cruise ever in the Spring. Alaska with Royal Caribbean. Watching this video is getting me very excited!
I've been on 2 cruises in my lifetime that's why I subscribed to Emma " plus she's British 🇬🇧 like me 👍
@@jackwatsonepic626 currently reading this from the ship. This has been my first cruise. It will definitely NOT be my last. 😄
I'm THIS close to booking a cruise and I don't even have my passport yet! Emma's channel is so great.
AHHH!!! I am so excited to share this video with you!! Thank you so much for watching, and reading this. Have a great day :-)
Thanks, you too!
I am still waiting for the Little Orphan Annie wig... ;)
@@MrJJSimonds You’ll be waiting a long time 🤣
@@EmmaCruises Oh come on.. :) where's your goofy adventurous spirit.. lol.. :D :D
I am trying to get Morgan to jump into a Panama canal trip.. check off those cruise bucket list interaries.. :D
Joff is awesome. Love that guy.
Emma,
Your reviews are in a class of their own. Every word is well chosen and there is no bland filler. It never bogs down and is always entertaining.
Thanks so much Louis, I do edit them down a lot and try not to waste anybodies time 😂❤️
@@EmmaCruises
Emma, can’t fool me. I know that
Hudson does a lot of the work!
Others should follow your example.
@@louislandi938 🤣🤣🤣🤣
I'm always blown away with how informative these videos are
Thanks so much 🥹❤️
@@EmmaCruises❤÷is 😅s s for e008aee😅and 8 😂e0😅😅
I originally hated the bed on the ship, but after the first night I asked my steward about it and he was able to bring me a mattress topper!!! It helped so much, so great thing to keep in mind for future cruises!
So glad to know this!
what was wrong with the bed?
@@manoz6194 It was too hard! (that's what she didn't say)
you eat donuts and drink soda all the time😮
I can’t believe anyone would try to stow away. I know you hate to leave but they literally track you the whole cruise, especially getting on and off the ship. You will definitely not get away with stowing away 😂
Yep!!! Such a selfish thing to do 😕
Wow... I never heard of that
I understand they think it could be easy to blend in once others get on but where did they plan on sleeping???? And how were they ever gonna get off without anyone noticing? Just dumb lol
@@asens6241 yeah, where exactly were they planning to sleep?
@@mindyschocolate my questions also!
Hi Emma!
We say both “check” and “bill” in the US I use the interchangeably. I probably say bill most often and was shocked when it was a British-ism! I asked my husband to ask for “the bill” just last night when we went to dinner.
I was about to comment the same
Im from the US. I've always said "check" as a form of payment and "bill" for the requested payment. I remember my parents asking for the check so I wonder if it's generational or regional?
@@candidwings5609 both, on top of personal preference. They are indeed interchangeable.
This. I would usually say check, but it wouldn't register as odd whatsoever if somebody asked for the bill at a restaurant.
I’m English - live in us and switch words from both cultures all the time , I’d probably ask for the check. When I go to the Uk I say I’m going home when I’m coming back I say I’m going hOme 🤷♀️🤦♀️
Something about these videos are so comforting
This is the biggest compliment ever, thank you so much!! 💕
Emma, you are just so good at this. Have no intention of ever cruising, but I adore relaxing and watching you do it!
Thanks so much Kya ☺️❤️
I've only been once but I urge you to try it. Go on a simple 3 day cruise at least once your life; preferably sooner than later.
Do it you won’t regret it
Same lol never plan to go cruising but love watching this channel!!!
@@quackaddict9810 If you love watching channels about cruise-vacations, why not experience them? There is so much more to enjoy in person than what you could ever get just from watching remotely.
I went on Royal Caribbean for the first time this year. I was genuinely impressed by the experience and it changed what I thought about cruising
Every time you lamented the limited vegetarian/vegan selections I said to myself “Solarium Bistro.” This became a theme. When you finally showed the Solarium, I said, “Oh, Good! She found the Bistro!” Nope, nope, nope. I’m so sad you missed this treasure of healthy Mediterranean Cuisine. Time to schedule another RC cruise! 🤣
Amazing that she consumes vegetarian, but tons of sugar, one of the unhealthiest things to consume. Better off eating red meat occsionally and giving up the sugar.
@@Gardis72 she's most likely vegetarian for ethical reasons, not health reasons, not that she looks unhealthy at all. Let her enjoy her sweets!
I love your reviews. Reason is that they are totally practical in the sense that it is not about the poshest suite or the grandest most expensive events. Also the what's good and what's bad is totally useful. Thanks!
Thank you! Oh yeah, I’d like to try a posh suite one day but the majority of us cruise in the regular cabins haha 😅❤️
Being sat in the same section with the same waiter is personally really nice. Often times, they'd give you your drink before you ordered because you got it last time. Occasionally, they even give you an appetizer ahead of time. One cruise, I decided to get 3 apps and no entree, so they gave me a fruit cup without me asking. A person I was sitting with ate some of my kiwi, so they gave her one too. Every night after, they gave us a fruit cup. I also like the slow but steady pace of main dining and the four courses. (Bread, Apps, Entree, Dessert.)
I came back from Odyssey of the seas not too long ago, and by the third night, my waiter knew that I would order vegan foods (just to avoid dairy lol) and even avoid spicy foods so by the time i sat down, my appetizer would be already ready for me. That's one of the things I liked on my cruise.
@@Brendiniii__ 😁
As a Californian, I ask for the check and pay the bill. I also really enjoyed this video. Thank you for sharing.
Haha, love that ☺️❤️
I was supposed to go on the Symphony of the Seas for 2 weeks in 2020 for my parents 30th anniversary. That didn't happen and Royal refused to give us our money back. They did give us credit but by the time we found out about that, it was too late to use most of it. We have about 1/4th of our credits left and plan to use them in 2023 for a 7 night cruise. We're still mad but we have our hopes up
Did you purchase Cruise insurance?
Great video, Emma! Norway looks amazing
Matt! Norway is! Add a third onto your Europe adventure!! 🤣🤣🤣
Sweden > norway right?😊
Bill and cheque are both used where I come from (southwestern US).
I am somewhat loyal to Royal Caribbean. I'm currently Diamond Plus on the line. This was boosted by double points offered for solo travelers. In addition, I got quadruple points on my first post-pandemic cruise and will get quadruple points on my upcoming Baltic sailing due to some of their booking incentives. Royal Caribbean is one of my two lines of choice (the other being Princess, where I'm Elite). Looking ahead to next January, I see cruises through the Panama Canal on both sides, with Princess being remarkably cheaper. I'm not yet willing to commit to a booking (until the hockey schedule comes out), but for the price difference, I'd gladly sail on Princess.
Your note on the dining is correct. Flexible dining isn't really as flexible as with some other lines. If you make a reservation for the first night, they like to lock you into that for the rest of the cruise, at least on the last three sailings (all post-pandemic) I've had with them. I personally do not like crowds or lines, so I like to go to shows at the less popular time and book my dinner around it. It's easier these days, as with the app you can get the full schedule. The other thing is post-pandemic, Royal Caribbean has not returned to shared tables. Eating alone every night is not ideal, but I have little choice in the matter. It almost makes me with to change to a fixed dining time, but I don't know if shared tables are available there as well. The major upside is that dinner is no longer a two hour experience.
I do like Royal Caribbean for their activities. They seem to have more of them, and a greater variety. Perhaps it just seems like that because they are the activities I like.
For what it's worth, I've never had a bartender on a Royal Caribbean ship ask what I wanted with Diet Coke. That's a bizarre thing to ask.
Just got off a Royal Caribbean cruise recently and the "my time" dining is more like whatever time Royal Caribbean prefers. We switched to a fixed dinner time after day 1. It was cool to see another RC ship that is basically the same layout with a few random differences like a few names of places.
My parents took a cruise pre pandemic for their 50th anniversary. I still have the cup my dad " stole " from the ship. 😅 this will be 8 years come September.
As a diamond member of Royal Caribbean who has traveled on princess and now MSC (got home today). I can without a doubt RC gets it right. In terms of money the initial price (for non members) is higher but cost for packages/misc is a lot cheaper. The worst cruise in terms of money I’ve experienced is MSC; the fair was cheap but they charged for everything... layouts are a big thing as well. On RC you can tell compared to other lines that they had someone spend a lot of time actually working it out. The entire ship is open as well (besides tiny areas) unlike MSC where 1/3 of the ship (was on the seashore) was restricted. MSC had a horrible buffet layout (not open). All around, if you are a cruise regular or wanting to get into cruising. Picking RC to trying them out is a best plan. Their loyalty also gives out amazing deals. Usually I’ll get a junior suite for the price of a normal balcony on other lines
Only been on RC a couple times but after the first time I became a loyalist. Love them. How often do you cruise and what ship or ships are your favorite?
Just disembarked a royal Caribbean brilliance of the seas ship yesterday. Had a great week cruising around the Mediterranean. Best part was taking my cousins and aunt and uncle from Finland who hadn’t been on a cruise before! I do enjoy royal Caribbean a lot.
I did it! Seeing your video finally made me make my mind. I just booked my first cruise (beside 4 days on a Dahabiya on the Nile in 2010)! It's The cruise is 9 days on the Norwegian Fjords starting from Amsterdam on the Jewel of the Sea on August 31.
Mc Donald's pays to have there coke syrup to carbonated water a bit higher. It makes a Big difference. Our family had a pharmacy with a lunch counter. We also ran our mix"hot" and used to have people go out of their way to get coke with us!
Thanks for the solid content: both spoken and visual. We will be doing Alaska with RC in August and this is so helpful on what to expect. You are great--- no silly filler, cute, quick humour, good editing, no overdone American makeup and hair. Straight up, honest, organized. Very refreshing.
I was on Anthem of the Seas in the spring of 2022 (US East coast) and loved it. You should have tried Wonderland. It is a unique dining experience. From the menu printed in invisible ink to the presentation of each course of the meal.
Very random, but I’ve been watching your videos recently and no idea your cat was named Hudson! So is mine! I love it!
Love it 😂❤️
Your commentary and presentation of these videos are absolutely exceptional. I've just binged video after video this weekend and have not been bored once. Thanks so much for all of your reviews. Your style is unique, thorough in explanations, really useful information, and you have a pleasant voice. Thanks.
Thanks so much 🥹❤️
Our family sailed on Anthem in 2019. Great ship. We always dined in the buffet. Everyone got what they wanted. Some of our family dined in the fancy pay restaurants and the preferred the buffet.
Yess, sounds good 😀❤️
Joff was our cruise director when we took our 9-night New Zealand cruise from Sydney on Anthem's sister ship Ovation almost 3 years ago. He is so funny (even in point of view of a guest from far east,) he is really everywhere, and I can't forget his shinny shoes with florescent color shoelaces.
If what's on Anthem is the same as Ovation (which supposedly should,) Solarium restaurant is a mini Windjammer buffet but way cozier and quieter. I basically eat brunch there every other day during our cruise.
The video was fantastic. I am going doing Alaska on the Quantum of the Seas in August and watching this video provided more detail as to what I can expect on the ship and the dining than any other video. I also find your understated sense of humor to be engaging. Well done and thank you!
We were on the same cruise (in fact on the same deck!) and I would 100% concur with everything you said! I’m lactose intolerant and found things weren’t labelled well in the buffet and a few times I put things on my plate to then realise they were in butter or had cheese inside etc. I also became fed up of jelly as it was the only sweet option I could eat when I craved something sweeter!
Behaviour in the theatre annoyed me too and I agree that as the cruise went on we realise where the better seats were! The Music Hall nickname made me giggle as we thought it was just us that could smell it! The tables were always sticky too despite signs saying they were clean!
Thank you for sharing Emma, it brought back happy memories!
Hahaha, thanks Katie!!!! Hope you enjoyed :D
Emma! So glad I found your channel! I love cruising and so enjoy your videos! They are excellent!
I was on Anthem back in September last year with only about 800 passengers, can't imagine what it's like when it's full up but have to admit it did lack a bit of atmosphere with so few people onboard when I went. I love Joff, he was our CD on Indy years ago and he's a great CD and his morning shows were always good.
We did Odyssey last fall with 1/3 capacity and it was downright eerie sometimes. One evening I walked front to back and didn't see a single person other than a few staff. But never had to wait for an elevator. So there's that.
@@lorieslawsky6712 yeah it's very weird when you're on a big ship. No queuing is nice, but I did miss the buzz.
Yes on our cruise in January on the Mariner…on the shuttle to the pier I was pleasantly surprised i watched the safety videos. I told everyone on the shuttle to do it. And when on board just went directly to muster station for 2 minutes…It was absolutely great😊🚢
Yes!! Wish all cruise lines did it 😎 Thanks for watching 😀👏🏼
The restaurant in the Solarium was probably open, the door is on the port side. It is the best place on the ship for a buffet meal, breakfast, lunch and dinner. It is usually just walk straight in no waiting, it hasn’t got as big of a choice as the Windjammer but they have a fresh omelette station. It is the best kept secret on the ship. It’s our go to breakfast spot on Quantum class ships and sometimes lunch.
My wife and I love this channel. The different wigs make it seem like a bunch of beautiful young ladies are host. Fantastic, as always! A couple of weeks ago, we booked a cruise after watching this channel. Really good. Thank you!
Hey Emma, thanks for the video. I am a former employee with Royal and spent enough time on board ships that I completely understand what you mean by many of these things. My Wife and I will be sailing on Liberty of the Seas at the end of July. it good to see how things seem now in a new period of cruising coming out of the Covid period.
Great job again
We’ve been to those Norway ports and agree with you
The best for sure
We love Royal
Select fixed early time always
Keep up the informative videos and port info
Thanks for watching! 🥳👏🏼
I love your review and your channel! I absolutely love cruising with my wife and we have done just over 20 cruises now. I will use your videos to try to convince her to try new cruises. We have done 20 of 22 cruises with Disney. MSC and Royal are the only others. I always wanted to try Cunard but maybe not after seeing your review. The Norway cruise looks awesome! We love Europe and want to do more cruises there and in the UK. I will eventually watch all your reviews. Keep up the great channel!
I just wanted to say I really enjoy your videos. I’ve never been on a cruise and I don’t think I will ever be on one. The idea of being on a ship just isn’t appealing to me, but your videos are so entertaining and informative I always get stuck watching them. Lol
Thank so much that’s really kind ☺️
I really liked your hair like this. You've changed it a lot in the Vids I've seen of late, they all look great, just really struck me here. Love the content. Gonna try my first cruise this summer
I've been looking for a video with you going on an RC cruise for so long and finally you post a video of it
Haha, I caught covid and that delayed me 🤣❤️
I’ve just got off my second fjord cruise cruise on the massive Iona.. we did Stavanger, Olden, Hellesylt and Haugesund..all different from my first cruise on Columbus in 2018… so so peaceful love Norway 🇳🇴
Not your normal cruise attire, but the sweater and knit hat is a cute look! (Oh sorry, that's your Americanism of the Week. What you call "jumper" we call a "sweater".) 😁
Also, I've been subbed for a little while now but I'm still impressed with how thorough and organized your videos are. They always feel focused and yet complete.
And one suggestion: you might want to put "Norway" either in the video title or the description. You have good info about the ports and that could help people find this video if that's what they're interested in.
Hellooo, far more people on my channel are interested in the Royal Caribbean side than the Norway side. If I included Norway it would make people who wanted to cruise RC to another destination think it wasn’t for them. Can you tell I’ve thought about this a lot? Ha ha 🤣❤️
Thanks so much that’s really kind of you to say ☺️
@@EmmaCruises I'm not surprised you thought about it so much. 🦉🌠 And that does make sense not to put it in the title. But maybe reconsider mentioning it in the description. That helps your ranking if people search for Norway, but has no effect on the title and thumbnail that might scare people away. 👻
The indoor pool area looked so lovely! Great video! Loved it
My husband and I were on the same cruise I wished we would’ve known you were on there we would’ve loved to have met you!! That was our first time going to Norway it was absolutely beautiful, we loved it so much we booked an Arctic circle cruise for next July!!
Hey Lisa!! Sorry you didn’t know I shared as much as I could while onboard. I’m so glad to hear you enjoyed it, that sounds AMAZING!! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
Norway is beautiful.
Just passing the fjords in a Marine Corps Amphibious Assault Vehicle about 4 feet above the water in the moonlight is amazing, especially with the Aurora Borealis floating in the sky.
Colorado USA here, in a restaurant, we call it a check, and in a bar, we call it a tab. Love your videos! 🇺🇸
Emma,
I love your cruising videos! They are very comforting and inviting. I always look forward to your videos! 😊😊😊 As you asked in the video: I'm from Childress, Texas, and I call it the "check" and sometimes the "bill" interchangeably.
Ooo, good to know. Thanks so much, really appreciate it that’s very kind of you to say ☺️❤️
I agree with you on Norway being my favorite itinerary of all. We went on HAL Rotterdam and loved everything. I am fairly new to your channel but I have ended up binge watching your videos. Looking forward to Iceland this summer so am anxious to compare with Norway.
Who are you and what did you do to Emma?
Norway looks Amazing 😻. Maybe one day Great video Emma Gorgeous footage views ❤️
Completely agree on the (not very) flexible dining option. When we were on Independence of the Seas a while back we booked this but on our first night were encouraged (felt pressured) to book dining for the same time for the rest of the holiday, and were then always seated in the same place with the same servers. I think they might do this so you know who to hand the tip to at the end of the cruise?
Yeah they definitely were waiting for a tip on the last night; didn’t like that I picked flexible dining so I could be flexible 😅❤️
We usually go on a theme cruise and some people are in the theme/group and others aren't and it's basically impossible to eat to dinner even though we technically can. Why should eating dinner when/with whom you want be the hardest part of the cruise. And you can ony change your dining options the first night. Arg
As a veggie Brit that works for royal, I can recommend asking for the Indian meal option at the main restaurant. They have a different veggie option every night and it comes with rice and paratha.
I really enjoy your honest assessments of your cruises. With some of the other vloggers, it seems they are being sponsored by the cruise line. We loved cruising Norway on Norwegian. It seemed to make sense.
Fantastic vlog Emma, really informative and entertaining. We had great fun trying to see if we were in the background and spotted some of our party in the MDR 😀 You must do an Oasis class ship next!
Haha, thanks Jenny!!! If ever you want to be in a video just let me know I’ll plant you in a scene 🤣🤣🤣🤣
@@EmmaCruises 🤣🤣🤣
I just spent 7 nights on the Ovation of the Seas and this video reminded me how much I love that class of ship. That was my favorite ship I’ve ever been on. We did encounter the same problem with dining though. We booked our dining for the whole week on the first night and that helped.
270 was great as well as the music hall (no smells)
The north star was cool but I wouldn’t spend $70 on it again. I love the Rockwall but it was a little too windy on the way to Alaska so I only climbed once. Can’t wait to get back!
I was just on it too - loved it!
In the USA we use both the terms bill and check. I like Royal Caribbean ... but the lack of vegatarian options in main dining is one of the reasons I prefer the other dining options on board.
Yes! Thanks Laura ❤️❤️❤️
Joff is a fabulous cruise director. He was fabulous at entertaining us Aussies on our two Australia to NZ cruises.
Yesss 😁🙌
Fantastic video, both informative and entertaining.
I completely agree that RCCL’s “My Time Dining” system makes absolutely no sense. I don’t understand how it benefits me to not have a set dining schedule if I still have to make dining reservations months before the cruise even starts. I really wish they’d switch to NCL’s FreeStyle dining system.
My wife and I cruised on Allure of the Seas very soon after cruises restarted last year, and we actually really enjoyed the Main Dining Room’s vegetarian menu. It is odd they don’t simply list those options on the regular menu. It’s disappointing to hear that perhaps Anthem’s veggie options weren’t as good as Allure’s.
Can you help us understand what you meant by your balcony feeling “protected”? Protected from what? Thanks again for the great review!
Likeeee… I’ve had balconies before that stick out further than other balconies so anybody else could throw things on me (ha ha). Protected from things like that 🤣❤️
Did a Hawaii cruise years ago on Norwegian and hated the FreeStyle dining system. One thing I like is having my wait staff get to know me and my dining "habits". Got none of that with FreeStyle and even got practically ignored in one of the restaurants (slow service, hard to find your waiter sometimes). We probably won't sail Norwegian again because of FreeStyle. So we ignored MTD on Harmony in July. Luckily for us the Late dining time in the MDR is about when we eat most nights due to work kids sports schedules.
we did our first royal Caribbean cruise in 2019, and we very impressed with the normal speed they get you on, we timed it as 10 mins from locking the car, to being topside getting a drink, all done online,wish others would get up to speed with that, the only thing we found issue wise with them was you never got the same “cocktail” each time, even in the same bar, even the same staff member making it ,so if you found a nice one,it was never the same it was always different taste wise ,doing first ncl cruise this year,from the centre of new york,and we can not wait
as for your britishism, down here we call it the “damage” 😀😀
Ooo ha ha. I love that 🤣🤣🤣🤣
Great review Emma! I have sailed RCCL 4 times (it would be 5 times if the pandemic hadn't happened in 2020 that cancelled that cruise). The Quantum class ships look amazing. Breakfast on the balcony is a favorite when I cruise! Norway looks so beautiful! I'm curious, how long did it take to get back on this ship from each ports of call?
You do a wonderful job on these videos! I love coming along with you on your travels.😊 We just got off of Anthem in December and your observations were spot on! Please keep them coming. Happy cruising!
I cruised on Anthem late last year. And your review was spot on! I will say that the restaurant up next to the Solarium always LOOKS closed, but it was likely open. They rarely open the curtains so it always looked closed even when I was on it. If I recall correctly, they had an interesting, hybrid buffet and service dining. Where you'd order your entree, but then also have a buffet available for smaller meals.
We really enjoyed Anthem when we went on at the end of the lockdown and it was running at 50% capacity. We have heard a lot of people say it gets too crowded and the staff struggle when at full capacity. The bigger RCCL ships have never been good at managing the crowds! Independence can be horrible when full
I was on a RC cruise and picked any time dinning, never again, any time as long it is 8:30 any later…..so many complaints the Captain (for real) had a meeting with the cruisers, standing room only…my take away from what he said “ sorry but there seems be an old cruiser crowd on this cruise and they all want to eat early”.
Oh dear, it seems a coincidence that we all found the same?
I've done 3 RC cruises and they're the only brand I've been on. Mariner, Monarch and Allure, in that order. RC does assigned dining for the main dining room, you always sit at the same table and have the same wait staff the entire cruise. I guess they do that for gratuity purposes as well as not having to struggle with names etc? One thing I remember about the Allure was being able to go to the dining room throughout the day at random times and get this specialty dish, being that it was 2011 I don't remember what it was but I remember going back and back again to keep getting this one meal it was so excellent. I'm a Floridian (USA) so Iced tea is one of my staples, I can't remember the last time I had it hot.
Usually it is the check in the US but personally I've also referred to it as the bill. I think both are acceptable in the USA. What would you recommend for a single person traveling? Would a cruise like this be good or would you suggest something smaller?
Hey Jason, Royal don’t have brilliant options for solos you’d be better off with a cruise line like Norwegian in my opinion. Very similar, but more focused on solo cruisers. I have a solo cruise line guide on my site here: emmacruises.com/best-cruise-lines-for-solo-cruisers/ and a solo cruise intro chapter in my cruise course here: emmacruises.com/cruiseforless/ hope this helps ☺️❤️
Norway is gorgeous!
If you had the ice tea from a dispenser (made with syrup) rather than brewed ice tea, you need to try the brewed type. It is much better. If it comes from a machine like the sodas do, that's not good stuff. I take a hot/cold cup on cruises and brew my own tea, then cool it down and ice it--great improvement over the machines!
LOL! My husband and I do the same thing to make ice tea! :) Plus we never use sweetener...
The Oasis Class is my favorite. And the Quantum Class is my 2nd favorite Class. It is such a Smart and Efficient Ship...
That wasn't real iced tea. Give it another try! But it has to be fresh-brewed. Make a strong branch of your peppermint or perhaps some PG-tips, then just pour over ice. Some like to also add sugar or milk.
Note that "bill" is also used in the US. "Check" and "bill" are interchangable terms here
Just beautiful. I would want a balcony room too. Thanks for sharing!!!
Hey, if I could get a 7-night balcony cruise for $1000, that's a bargain. Of course, I usually travel solo, so there's always the supplement.
I like Royal Caribbean, but I have never been on the larger ships. I don't know if I would like them. I can appreciate more facilities, but the amusement park stuff doesn't appeal to me. But, then again, I'm 61 now, so I'm definitely not a youngster anymore.
I don't like paying extra for food on a cruise. Since I've already paid for it, why pay for more? I did eat at a specialty restaurant on my last cruise, because I had one included in my package. It was good, but I don't think it was worth the extra charge.
Oddly enough, for the bill vs. check, I've heard both interchangeably, here in the US. One would probably ask for the check, but you would pay the bill. Confusing, isn't it?
Ha ha, that’s very confusing!’ 🤣🤣🤣
I went on the Anthem of the Seas a few years ago and it was an absolute blast!
I’m still pretty new to cruising, and I’ve only cruised with RCL and Princess so far. I have to say that when it comes to food, RCL hit a home run. Even Sorento’s pizza was leagues better than Alfredo’s. Everything from the buffet to the specialty dining was phenomenal on RCL compared to Princess. Lobster night on the Oasis of the Seas was fabulous, as the lobster tails were sweet and succulent. Lobster night on Princess’s Majestic was absolutely horrifying. The meat was super salty and literally as tough as shoe leather. I have another Princess cruise booked for this coming November, so I’m willing to give it another go (I like the value better on Princess). But food is a super important component for me when it comes to cruising, so I may wind up sticking with Royal if Princess doesn’t do a better job this time around. Would absolutely love to cruise Norway. Thanks for the idea!
Agreed overall in RCL vs Princess. However, one thing I really enjoy on Princess is the "International Cafe" snacks and the coffee card (which includes all you want premium tea selections)
@@davidlylerobinson Yes, most definitely. I'm with you there. RCL (especially on it's largest ships) provides a fabulous resort-style experience that cannot be beat, in my opinion. However, Princess seems to deliver better value, because they offer a fare package that includes specialty drinks, crew tips, the internet package, and even a couple of specialty restaurants. I'm a sucker for the all-inclusive fare packages. RCL will nickel and dime you.
My last cruise before the Pandemic was on Anthem out of New Jersey. We arrived home on March 8th of 2020. I loved the ship even at full capacity. So many fun activities. I can’t wait until October when we finally cruise again.
Emma Lavigne 😍
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
I'm from the US - our restaurants issue checks. I also agree with you about Coke at McDonald's, definitely something special about it compared to other places (I've heard its a slightly different syrup to water ratio and frequent cleaning of the machine).
soo early that the count of likes is bigger than the views
Hahaha, wow!! Thats a superpower :')
Norway is a truly beautiful country! I’m Swedish and spent much of my childhood traveling to Norway by land, mostly to the far north like Nordland and up, but I’ve also visited the more southern parts like Geiranger and Hardanger. It’s been about 30 years since my last visit to Hardanger though, and 19 years since my last visit to Norway at all. Hoping to see Norway from a ship someday though, other than short ferry trips to get between places, I’ve only seen Norway from land. My parents have however cruised with Hurtigruten from Bergen to Kirkenes, Hurtigruten is not a pure cruise ship though, it’s a ferry cruise which initially was just a ferry (and still is) that started upgrading their cabins and facilities and offer cruise packages because it became popular to take the ferry due to the scenery along the Norwegian coast. There’s also excursions, many of the port calls can be pretty long as they load and unload cargo on the ship, guessing some port calls have also be extended to facilitate for the time needed for an excursion if there’s some really special place to see nearby, will have to ask my parents if they know if the length of port calls only rely on the cargo or if it’s been adapted for the tourism as well.
As much as Hurtigruten looks amazing, I do honestly think I’d prefer to go with Royal Caribbean if cruising in Norway because the solarium would be my go to spot, and I’m not big on fish and seafood and fish and seafood is a big thing on Hurtigruten because that’s typical for Norwegian cuisine (Norwegians can cook fish and seafood really really well, I just personally don’t like fish and seafood much at all, both flavor and texture issue for me, so kinda better just avoiding it for me, or at least be in a less fish and seafood focused restaurant)
And I think you made the right choice with cabin, if there’s anywhere in the world where you need a balcony or at least a window on your cabin, it’s Norway! There’s just always scenery to view as you’re going along the coast of the most beautiful country in the world and you aren’t out to sea much or any. If I was to go on a cruise in the Caribbean I honestly wouldn’t care much because the sea just looks the same, only reason to have a balcony on such a cruise would be the private spot to just catch some sun
Yes! Agreed. Can’t beat Norway 🇳🇴 😀
Emma, you need to come over and do the Caribbean on Oddessy of the Seas. Royal's newest Quantum Class Ship. So you and your friends can experience the outer Deck in the Sun. They are fabulous Ships...
Awesome video!!! Royal Caribbean is definitely my number one for cruises, I've been on all the rest except Disney, and Royal Caribbean is still the best.
Back in the US I called it a "bill", sometimes a "check". Here in the Philippines we say "bill out". Filipinoism - You can use your two index fingers to draw a box in the air, and the waitstaff across the room will know you want to bill out.
Another great memory of our Anthem of the Seas cruise, loved the central atrium, and in fact, everything else. Also it was our first and so far last experience of a silent disco (great fun). And the viewing arm that extends of the sea was amazing. Flip, can't wait to book another cruise now !!
I had a similar experience in London last week watching moulin rouge.two people talking all the way through,after I turned round and gave them a ultimatum to Carry on or shut up or else ,never heard a peep after that ,,,some people are just so rude and think there doing nothing wrong and we are the weirdos ….rant over ,keep up the good work 👍👍😃
Good for you Kevin!! ❤️👏🏼
I have always enjoyed Cruising with Royal Caribbean International, I have been on a Transatlantic from Miami to Southampton, and another From Perth to Sydney Australia
Just went on my first ever cruise and we went to Norway! I absolutely loved it, Geiranger was my favourite & I can’t wait to go on another cruise now 😁
Execellent video. I have decided to take that same cruise. Norway looks breathtaking.
Just did Norway fjords June 4. Suny and 72 -74°. Crazy great Weather. Scavenger was a little grey, but never used my rain gear in 12 day trip to London and Norway.
Emma, the key to good fountain Coke is the machine filtering the water.
I’m English and now live in CA . Only helpful hint with ice tea is add a lot of lemon to it. I cannot driNk it unless there is loads of lemon
Balcony is life 😍 very scenic cruise! The solarium is lovely, that would be my hang.
Gearing up for my first Royal Caribbean trip. I appreciate the heads up.
Thanks Emma. Really Enjoyed this! Was in stitches at the end!!
🤣🤣🤣🤣
I love those Freestyle soda machines! I also love to make concoctions, although a couple of times the result was- not good. :) My husband is a non-drinker. I don't remember him getting "up-sold" much. He did tend to find a favorite bar and once they were clear he didn't drink alcohol, they would just bring him his Diet Coke and the occasional mocktail. They have some very tasty non-alcoholic drinks! We'll be doing a Norwegian cruise next year on Celebrity. Your beautiful footage makes me so glad I booked it!
Yesss 😁🙌 Thanks for watching 😀👏🏼
We had Joff as the Cruise Director in Australia on Ovation of the Seas - in the inaugural season 2016 and again in 2019. He was very approachable and always smiling.
Yess ☺️❤️
I’ve never been on a cruise but love your videos, they’re really making me want to go :) I LOVE a buffet and a bit of organised fun, so I think this kind of holiday would be right up my street!
If I wasn’t so restless, I coujd sit and relax and watch the scenery go by.
I went on that ship, Joff was SO Nice! I went on a Spain and Portugal Cruise (Atlantic Side). I loved the ship, the North Star was so fun!