First timer here to your videos. I happened to catch you on one of Dara Altadonna's TicTok videos while you were on one of your weekend cruises. I was like who's that? Both Dara and her friend Lisa told me who you were and to checkout your TH-cam channel. You have a great channel and well spoken. Looking forward to watching more. I've never cruised before but between your videos and watching Dara and Lisa it will build my confidence to. Thanks ;-)
Hey Dave!! That is an awesome way to find the channel! I actually apologies to Dara for jumping in her live streams, I didn't realize she had gone Live but was so excited to finally meet her I couldn't help myself! Such good people!
Two things I would mention: 1. Vintages - Though the venue doesn't exist anymore, the have expanded the entry to Giovanni's and it now has a bar and lounge area. So you can still get some of the Vintage's feels, though there is no tapas. 2. Elevators - Royal doesn't do a good job of explaining this. The button for the floor should be pressed once FOR EACH person in your party. If you don't do this, then the elevator doesn't know how many people want to go to the requested floor and it leads to overcrowding in the elevators. This results in a lot of people having to wait and recall for their floor.
Good call out on Giovanni's and the "new" vintages! Had not really considered this but def makes sense. Will test out #2 in a couple of weeks when I am on Utopia... as we discussed, you know what I am going to do ;-)
I used the Bionic Bar once and hated my drink so never used it again. Plus I always like getting to know the different bartenders throughout the ship so that was probably a good move!!
That is def one of the biggest disadvantages is the crew you miss out on meeting. So many remember your drinks, make things specially for you, it is a great experience.
The destination elevators look to be one of the best upgrades for the Oasis class ship in my humble Pirate opinion! The elevators on Allure took FOREVER to almost NEVER to get from deck to deck! I stayed positive on both cruises on Allure and decided taking the stairs was part of my exercise program onboard! 🤣 My cruise on Utopia will be during the week instead of the weekend next September so I imagine it won't be quite as amped up. I saw the Utopia a couple of times when I was in Port Canaveral recently and looked like it will be a fun ship to cruise on!
Regarding the Bionic Bar, I used it quite a bit while I was on Harmony of the Seas last year. It was active with guests throughout the night and you absolutely could use your drink package there for drinks up to $14. I do think I’d like the Pesky Parrot better but I did not leave there thinking the Bionic Bar was a flop at all. I’ll miss it.
Hey Chris, I have learned you are not alone here! Apparently, you either liked it or didn't! Was there a change at some point to where drink packages were accepted? Even online, it has both answers but most seem to lean towards yes... Thanks for chiming in!
Thanks Vickie! For bigger social media folks, they did a special night at Utopia Station during the inaugural and invited a bunch of TH-camrs. Since then, they have locked it down and I am still climbing the TH-cam ladder! 😂
Agree on All In! One of the best shows on Royal. It hasn't gotten the buzz it deserves A lot of Royal musical review shows are stale and I often am looking to make a graceful exit after 15 minutes But I enjoyed every second of that show
All In is amazing!!! Honesty, of the RC sailings I've been on, Utopia had the best entertainment across the board. Youtopia, Aqua 80s Too (watched this from my Boardwalk Balcony room...Had the last room on the floor just for this purpose...Great view!), the comedy show in the Attic was more fun than in a huge theater...it was more intimate)...Bolero was poppin every night on our sailing!!!! I had never seen a Boleros crowd like it was on Utopia. I didn't like the elevator experience because it just didn't seem to work well during our sailing. The wait time was really bad and so many ppl seemed confused in how it worked lol. I'm a stairs person on ships anyway so I rarely use the elevators but my roommate is an elevator person and she hated it...as did I the couple of times I used em.
What is an incorrect way to book The Railway? I’m worried now! I was going to try and reserve it as soon as it comes available. I do have the UDP but I don’t think the Railway is included in that so I was just going to buy it.
This person was very aware they did it an incorrect way. Someone posted a "hack" online on how to snag a reservation with a workaround process online. His reservation was cancelled and he had to fight to have it reinstated. Not worth it. I believe with the UDP you will receive a discount but still have to pay extra? Don't hold me to that.
I just googled this to learn more! I didn't realize they were different. It is "Izumi Hibachi & Sushi" and have always called it that assuming that is what it was. Now realize it offers Hibachi, Sushi, and Teppanyaki! Always be learning and thank you!
What changes have you liked or disliked from the new Utopia of the Seas?!?!
Great review of the differences. You're the best!
Awww Thanks Donald!!! Always appreciated!
First timer here to your videos. I happened to catch you on one of Dara Altadonna's TicTok videos while you were on one of your weekend cruises. I was like who's that? Both Dara and her friend Lisa told me who you were and to checkout your TH-cam channel. You have a great channel and well spoken. Looking forward to watching more. I've never cruised before but between your videos and watching Dara and Lisa it will build my confidence to. Thanks ;-)
Hey Dave!! That is an awesome way to find the channel! I actually apologies to Dara for jumping in her live streams, I didn't realize she had gone Live but was so excited to finally meet her I couldn't help myself! Such good people!
@@TheWeekendCruiser Oh I think she was more excited just to meet you and glad you did jump into her live. Your like a celebrity. Really cool. :-)
@@DaveD2488 haha it was mutual! Glad I knew a few folks on the live stream too that I got to say high to!
Two things I would mention:
1. Vintages - Though the venue doesn't exist anymore, the have expanded the entry to Giovanni's and it now has a bar and lounge area. So you can still get some of the Vintage's feels, though there is no tapas.
2. Elevators - Royal doesn't do a good job of explaining this. The button for the floor should be pressed once FOR EACH person in your party. If you don't do this, then the elevator doesn't know how many people want to go to the requested floor and it leads to overcrowding in the elevators. This results in a lot of people having to wait and recall for their floor.
Good call out on Giovanni's and the "new" vintages! Had not really considered this but def makes sense.
Will test out #2 in a couple of weeks when I am on Utopia... as we discussed, you know what I am going to do ;-)
It’s always great to see your Brandon!
your video was very informative, thank you
Thank you Joan!
Thanks
Great video.!! Going on utopia of the seas in April. Looking forward to it.
I used the Bionic Bar once and hated my drink so never used it again. Plus I always like getting to know the different bartenders throughout the ship so that was probably a good move!!
That is def one of the biggest disadvantages is the crew you miss out on meeting. So many remember your drinks, make things specially for you, it is a great experience.
The destination elevators look to be one of the best upgrades for the Oasis class ship in my humble Pirate opinion! The elevators on Allure took FOREVER to almost NEVER to get from deck to deck! I stayed positive on both cruises on Allure and decided taking the stairs was part of my exercise program onboard! 🤣 My cruise on Utopia will be during the week instead of the weekend next September so I imagine it won't be quite as amped up. I saw the Utopia a couple of times when I was in Port Canaveral recently and looked like it will be a fun ship to cruise on!
Hey there River Pirate!! You are going to have a blast if it is your first time on Utopia! She still has that new ship smell and everything!
@@TheWeekendCruiser Great! I can hardly wait!!! Thanks Brandon!
It was nice review. We are going for New Year's eve cruise.
Thank you!
Wow I love your content but this was your best review ever!
Awww thank you!!! Always love the feedback! If you would be so kind, what made this one the best? Would love to keep doing that!
@@TheWeekendCruiser It was really thorough and everything you had to saw was good information.
Regarding the Bionic Bar, I used it quite a bit while I was on Harmony of the Seas last year. It was active with guests throughout the night and you absolutely could use your drink package there for drinks up to $14. I do think I’d like the Pesky Parrot better but I did not leave there thinking the Bionic Bar was a flop at all. I’ll miss it.
I agree… I miss the bionic bar…. It was a conversation starter and a place to meet other cruisers
Hey Chris, I have learned you are not alone here! Apparently, you either liked it or didn't! Was there a change at some point to where drink packages were accepted? Even online, it has both answers but most seem to lean towards yes... Thanks for chiming in!
So excited about Utopia. Sailing on Dec 2nd for a week.
Doing a back to back!!! I am jealous but have a blast!
My husband and I definitely were upset that there's no vitality Cafe anymore.
On Allure now and 100% agree. Even getting a bottle of water now before the gym requires a trip to the Windjammer or pool bar...
Sounds like the changes are to enhance your fun and maybe get you to spend a little bit more which helps pay for new ships
haha it is all about spending money! 100%
There is an outstanding video that a couple did on the Utopia station it was posted online last month I believe
Thanks Vickie! For bigger social media folks, they did a special night at Utopia Station during the inaugural and invited a bunch of TH-camrs. Since then, they have locked it down and I am still climbing the TH-cam ladder! 😂
Can’t wait to sail on her only a few more days till 10/25
Agree on All In! One of the best shows on Royal. It hasn't gotten the buzz it deserves
A lot of Royal musical review shows are stale and I often am looking to make a graceful exit after 15 minutes
But I enjoyed every second of that show
100% of many of the shows being dates from 20+ years ago. It is def noticeable as other cruise lines, including RCL step up their game.
Great info! Is there no espresso in Park Cafe?
There is not... though, this was removed on prior Oasis class ships too. I don't understand why...
@@TheWeekendCruiser Oh, really? I was just on Oasis in Europe and they had espresso in Park Cafe available
@@NWong95 This is new to Utopia only I believe. I can't remember if Wonder started it but it is one of the new changes.
All In is amazing!!! Honesty, of the RC sailings I've been on, Utopia had the best entertainment across the board. Youtopia, Aqua 80s Too (watched this from my Boardwalk Balcony room...Had the last room on the floor just for this purpose...Great view!), the comedy show in the Attic was more fun than in a huge theater...it was more intimate)...Bolero was poppin every night on our sailing!!!! I had never seen a Boleros crowd like it was on Utopia. I didn't like the elevator experience because it just didn't seem to work well during our sailing. The wait time was really bad and so many ppl seemed confused in how it worked lol. I'm a stairs person on ships anyway so I rarely use the elevators but my roommate is an elevator person and she hated it...as did I the couple of times I used em.
Great feedback Dani and it sounds like you had an amazing time!
Any word on whether the bionic bars are being removed from other ships as well (like the Quantum class ships)?
I have heard rumors of this but have nothing to go on... as the ships go into dry dock, this is when you might see this happening.
Did they get rid of 150 Central Park?
It is still in Central Park! Just Vintages is gone.
Amazing video. But can i see an unpacking of the ship model plz 😅
haha ohh Beatrice!!! I didn't make this video and the box is already in the trash!! Next time I get one, will definitely do an unboxing! Appologies!
@@TheWeekendCruiser I thought we had a conversation 😭😭
How could u do this to us ? 😢
Where is the love !!?
@@beatrice3506 haha it was a good conversation too! I will do better, I swear ;-)
@@TheWeekendCruiser please do .. my heart can't take it anymore 💔😪
I cannot imagine being on a ship so huge for less than a week.
Definitely a back to back to take it all in!
@@TheWeekendCruiserYou bet, my friend
What is an incorrect way to book The Railway? I’m worried now! I was going to try and reserve it as soon as it comes available. I do have the UDP but I don’t think the Railway is included in that so I was just going to buy it.
This person was very aware they did it an incorrect way. Someone posted a "hack" online on how to snag a reservation with a workaround process online. His reservation was cancelled and he had to fight to have it reinstated. Not worth it. I believe with the UDP you will receive a discount but still have to pay extra? Don't hold me to that.
@@TheWeekendCruiser Yes I believe you are correct. Much like Playmakers and Izumi have that upcharge even with the UDP
I’m in the minority here! I loved the Bionic Bar! 😂😂 I thought it was such great fun!
haha don't worry! The Bionic Bar has had many people come to it's rescue saying they loved it! haha
Hibachi is not teppanyaki
I just googled this to learn more! I didn't realize they were different. It is "Izumi Hibachi & Sushi" and have always called it that assuming that is what it was. Now realize it offers Hibachi, Sushi, and Teppanyaki! Always be learning and thank you!
It’s always great to see your Brandon!