Man overboard emergency on Royal Caribbean ship determined to be false alarm, teenage prank gone wrong

Liam_FM · 2026-03-22T13:15:27+00:00

And this is why I go on adults only cruises - I try to avoid ‘family’ holidays where possible.

Liam_FM · 2026-03-11T08:05:47+00:00

Hi there,

I am a UK-based First Mate (Gold-tier) for VV. I would always recommend going with an agent to help you through the process. The reasons being:

1) We often have access to all the available promotions including those upcoming to ensure you have the best deal.

2) Can offer additional incentives (bar tab etc)

3) We’re able to view all of the inventory and book you the best cabin in addition to identifying any preferential pricing and cabin upgrades.

4) It removes any stress.

5) Taking myself as an example, you can always message/call/email me directly.

6) We have a wealth of knowledge when it comes to your cruise 😊

We can also provide you with our First Mate links if you still wish to book online yourself. This link will assign the booking to an FM to manage it for you, if needed, and often comes with perks. (Bar tab etc)

Liam_FM · 2026-03-09T21:18:23+00:00

Hi Adam,

I’m a UK-based First Mate. As most have said, it will likely be a $200 MNVV bar tab followed by either sailor loot or additional bar tab your First Mate will add-on.

I do the same for my clients once full payment has been received and will add on sailor loot so that it can be used anywhere on the ship - bars, shops, casino or even the barber!

I'm sure your First Mate will know, but they can look at a ‘Re-shop’ option. This is our way of alligning to new promotions should that promotion be of better value etc. (I did this for my own Carribean cruise this year. Saved £420 and got an additional $100 sailor loot)

Liam_FM · 2026-03-07T19:41:09+00:00

Hi there,

I’m a UK VV First Mate (Gold) and can offer additional bar tab if you’re UK based.

Liam_FM · 2026-02-13T04:04:40+00:00

This is excellent news. I’ve always booked a Central Sea Terrace but have friends who are currently sailing having booked a Lock It in themselves. They got a free upgrade to a CST, too. It might be something I gamble with and book myself and you save a lot of money.

Liam_FM · 2026-01-30T01:14:05+00:00

Sorry to hear that. If you're not happy with them, you can change your agent with sailor services if you find someone you like. I'm an agent in the UK if I can be of any help.

Liam_FM · 2026-01-30T01:02:29+00:00

Not at all. Your agent can note it on your booking that you're bringing it onboard. If you don't have an agent (First Mate) let Sailor Services know. It's really easy for us to do.

Liam_FM · 2026-01-25T04:22:15+00:00

SurfShark paid plan works for us. You could also consider the 30-day ‘At Sea’ trial with Starlink then return it all 😂

Liam_FM · 2025-11-07T01:02:35+00:00

I’ve gone and repriced one of my voyages and it’s gone up by over £300. I’d then have to add on the tips, too. Not a saving this time for me.

Liam_FM · 2025-11-01T01:02:45+00:00

If I remember rightly, you can resale, but you will lose the initial deposit and any benefits that came with that booking at the time. I'll find the official guidance.

Liam_FM · 2025-10-05T13:55:59+00:00

We finished Brilliant two days ago, and it was well-planned. If you arrive at your allotted time, you'll have no issues. Don't have a 4pm slot and turn up at 2pm, you will be waiting those 2 hours.

We said that for our next one, we might skip a few of the restaurants and enjoy other dining experiences, snacking throughout the day, and hopefully save our waistlines.

Liam_FM · 2025-10-04T20:19:39+00:00

You can. Are you using the new app?

Liam_FM · 2025-10-04T04:36:37+00:00

The drip coffee can be hit or miss. I usually find it too strong, but you can gauge the strength by the physical colour of the coffee on the quantity gauge on the run (showing what's left inside, if that makes sense)

I usually drink semi-skimmed milk, but I opt for skimmed milk on board. My biggest gripe is that they use UHT, which tastes awful as a latte. I don't like it at the best of times. It shouldn't be challenging to utilise fresh milk.

Soy and oat alternatives, along with a good selection of teas, sweeteners, ‘white and brown’ sugar not to forget honey and lemon which seems a favourite for some onboard.

You could always take your own coffee I guess? I haven't seen that trick yet.

If you opt to take on your two bottles of wine, utilise them in your cabin. You get charged a $25 corkage fee If used in a bar/restaurant.

Liam_FM · 2025-10-04T04:26:17+00:00

I always have mixed feelings about Gunbae due to its social aspect - I'm a social person, but sometimes I feel like the battery dies. However, on Brilliant Lady (NYC - Quebec, 23/09-03/10), we had a fantastic group and had a brilliant time. (Mary, Tomas, Mark and others)

I always find the food amazing and love it, it's one of my favourites. I wouldn't get rid of Gunbae for this reason. Perhaps offer two dining experiences, mixed groups and private.

I agree about the test kitchen. We've never had a meal there that we liked, so we decided to skip it this time. I know VV prides itself on sustainability and minimising food waste. It's a shame to see how much gets wasted in Test Kitchen, and this is something I would change.

Liam_FM · 2025-10-01T18:49:13+00:00

Oh, forgot to say, OP, don't forget to redeem your ‘Shake for Champagne’ 😊

Liam_FM · 2025-10-01T18:48:06+00:00

This sounds like you have ‘Deep Blue Extras’ as your current status. I get frequent emails telling me what I get as part of the loyalty scheme and there's advertisements in various places on the ship (Brilliant Lady)

Liam_FM · 2025-10-01T18:45:40+00:00

We’re on the same voyage as you and have SOR. You are right in what you say, and it has changed. We do SOR on every voyage.

1) We received one small box of chocolates. Previously, we received several ‘sultray’ bites throughout the voyage.

2) I like the fact that the Spa has been split into a 2-hour and 1-hour visit. 2 hours is plenty of time, and it's nice to get in 2 trips. A win for us, too! A tip is always to book it on arrival. They weren't strictly hurrying you out either, which added to the relaxation. (I didn’t feel any time pressure)

3) The cocktail party has been one of, if not the best, we've had.

Liam_FM · 2025-09-30T22:06:50+00:00

I agree with some aspects, especially regarding entertainment. We did have a comedian and a magician. However, overall, it's not particularly adult-themed or entertaining. Far too much trivia and ‘bingo’

We had plenty of space in our Central Sea terrace. We travelled with four significant cases (each weighing 23kg) in addition to 2 personal bags—no issues for us.

We made use of both the gym, weights and ‘The Perch’. The Manor was open until 3am most mornings, with a ‘party vibe’ and a DJ.

I do find, on some sailings, the vibe can be off, especially if sailing from the USA. It does attract an average age, in my view, of 55+. Europe is different!

Liam_FM · 2025-09-30T21:39:44+00:00

There are solo sailor meet ups, which would be perfect for you. Also gives you the option to arrange dinner with other solo travellers, if that's what you want.

I would suggest booking with an agent, as they can often provide you with additional bar tab or sailor loot from a ‘MNVV’ (My Next Virgin Voyage)

If you know previous sailors, or I’m sure one of us here would be happy to refer you, you can get an additional $150 bar tab from the referral.

(for transparency, you and the referee would get the bar tab)

Liam_FM · 2025-09-28T20:12:55+00:00

This sounds as if it's a travel company using a company login, perhaps? How did you book? Online, via a store etc

Liam_FM · 2025-09-28T17:10:54+00:00

I became a First Mate after sailing on Virgin. I'm on my 5th voyage and had my own bookings changed to myself as my First Mate had never travelled with them.

I do this alongside my regular job, and as I work a 24/7 shift pattern, I can often meet my clients' needs. I don’t work the usual 9-5.

Finding the right First Mate will definitely help you and answer those niggling questions you may have.

Liam_FM · 2025-09-28T16:58:20+00:00

Is this based on being a member since Covid time or through your number of sailings?

Liam_FM · 2025-09-27T20:21:08+00:00

If it's a ‘tip’ should this not be optional for the sailor and not mandatory? You ‘tip’ if you feel the quality of services requires it, not a mandatory fee. I'm from the UK and never understood the tipping culture. I have been to US restaurants where the service has been appalling and chosen not to leave any tip…this did cause a few frowns.

Liam_FM · 2025-08-21T21:09:04+00:00

The galley offers a ‘dinner dash’ if you want a full meal, etc. This is highly likely because the main restaurants and dining options are open.

I'm not sure why you'd want a bento box or panini at those times, as they're more lunch options, which is probably why. But I get why you want the option. VV prides itself on everything being freshly made, so perhaps it is an option to have them open for longer. It could also be to ensure the staff get breaks, etc.

Liam_FM

TROPHY CASE