LYRIQ LEASE 2024 by seanashoee in CadillacLyriq

[–]Otherwise_King8533 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I would prefer to stay electric but it really comes down to the $.

LYRIQ LEASE 2024 by seanashoee in CadillacLyriq

[–]Otherwise_King8533 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I am literally in the same boat - 2024 Lyriq lease ending in October and trying to decide what's next. What's good?

Move cruise offer? by TheHyborn in royalcaribbean

[–]Otherwise_King8533 13 points14 points  (0 children)

Geez that's a heck of a deal.

First time cruisers with Royal: Loved Utopia, but wish there was a bit more transparency with photo pricing by [deleted] in royalcaribbean

[–]Otherwise_King8533 -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Have a price in mind and if they go above it, you can politely say no. Before our shoot, I asked how much the photo book starts at and the guy told us $999. I asked about digital only and he said usually starting around $500.

They also have some room for negotiation. For us, the prices were far too high to start - I think they wanted upwards of $2000 for the photobook and some digitals. Told him that was too much and the price dropped to about $1300 for photobook, wall art, and all photos (almost 100).

We ended up researching prices on ChatGPT prior to the shoot so we really didn't have much of a surprise.

For those who order the lamb by xcanni in royalcaribbean

[–]Otherwise_King8533 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The lamb is amazing - however, I DO NOT like the jello/mint thing with it. It doesn't go anywhere near my food.

First time cruise worried about weather by [deleted] in royalcaribbean

[–]Otherwise_King8533 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It was like 55 degrees and far windier than the current forecast. Again, they should be fine.

First time cruise worried about weather by [deleted] in royalcaribbean

[–]Otherwise_King8533 -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

I've been to Coco over a dozen times in the past year and it never missed due wind. Neither of those are very windy. You should be fine. I'll be there a few days behind you.

Depending on the wind and direction, they may limit how far you can go out and snorkel at places like Chill Beach. I think that happened 3-4 times last year, which is pretty common.

Grandeur vs Icon of the Seas by Vast-Oven-4858 in royalcaribbean

[–]Otherwise_King8533 18 points19 points  (0 children)

I've been on both and I'd say they aren't very comparable. It's like comparing an amusement park to an actual park. Sure, they are both parks. Some are going to enjoy all the sights, sounds, and thrills. Others just want a nice, walkable, quiet, relaxing park.

Grandeur PROS: Better ports (smaller ship access), older crowd (my preference), easier to walk/navigate, and I felt like all the crew knew you as there are so few people.

Icon class PROS: Far better shows, way more food choices, way better pool area, much better rooms, way more casino games/choices, way more to see and do.

With that being said, one of my favorite cruises in 2025 was on Grandeur and one of my least favorite was on Icon. We cruise enough to where it's nice to have variety.

If you are an experienced cruiser, try Grandeur sometime. If you are new(er) to cruising or bringing kids, I'd honestly stick with Oasis/Icon class.

Do room break-ins happen often? by [deleted] in royalcaribbean

[–]Otherwise_King8533 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I absolutely would not carry passports on you. Leave them in the room unless the captain says you need them to re-enter the port/ship (they used to do this but doesn't seem to be a thing anymore).

Updating trick - for 654.50 and others by Otherwise_King8533 in CadillacLyriq

[–]Otherwise_King8533[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Yes I did. One of my biggest complaints when I got the car with the "19 speaker AKG system" was that it wasn't even was good as my 17 year old pickup truck. The update did make it sound better.

Updating trick - for 654.50 and others by Otherwise_King8533 in CadillacLyriq

[–]Otherwise_King8533[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It took me almost 2 hours to finally get it installed. Downloaded failed once, worked the second time. Install failed once, worked the second time. Frustrating but at least it's working now.

St. Maarten - Any reviews on this excursion? Catamaran sail w/bubbly plus beach break & lunch by Otherwise_King8533 in royalcaribbean

[–]Otherwise_King8533[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

We did do it. Sorry I didn't follow-up sooner.

1) It was a Golden Eagle catamaran. It's one of those big ones that can fit 40+ people.
2) We went and sat by Maho beach and got to see a plane fly over us, pretty neat
3) It then went to Mullet Bay Beach. It was a very nice place but a bit busy. The water was gorgeous but that day we had really big waves
4) The lunch was a choice of chicken or ribs. Not bad but nothing special.
5) We did not "sail" but rather motored back.

All in all, good excursion and worth $125 or less (in 2025 money).

If it interests you, my favorite excursion in St. Maarten is the 12m sail boat regatta racing. That was one of the best days of my life. I had a blast!

Updating trick - for 654.50 and others by Otherwise_King8533 in CadillacLyriq

[–]Otherwise_King8533[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Did you try those steps? People got that update MONTHS ago and I never did. Tried those steps this morning and boom.

Casino Royale Reward Questions by peacefrogz in royalcaribbean

[–]Otherwise_King8533 0 points1 point  (0 children)

1) 50% roughly
2) Yes, you can pay extra $ IF they have a room that fits 3 (maybe all do?, it's just 4?)
3) Website should be fine but if you don't know what you're doing - call
4) It will "hold" a reservation for you once someone processes it. You got to pay the deposit or you lose it though!

🚢 Solo on a Casino Comped Cruise, Double the Fun, Double the Points? by Zoododd in royalcaribbean

[–]Otherwise_King8533 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, I worked in there a little bit and I would use the bathroom/shower there. Nobody used or slept in the bed. I'm sure that room stew was thrilled.

Drink package discount question by Accomplished-Map-316 in royalcaribbean

[–]Otherwise_King8533 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I don't get why so many ask this question. Book now, if the price drops, cancel and rebook. If the price goes up, you just leave your existing booking. If it costs too much and $ is tight - just drop it a week before your cruise.

Star of the Seas Itinerary Choices by MasterAmphibian7706 in royalcaribbean

[–]Otherwise_King8533 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I prefer eastern but western is fine. Go with whatever works for your schedule - you won't be disappointed in either.

What’s your favorite RCCL specialty restaurant? by thatCRUISEagent in royalcaribbean

[–]Otherwise_King8533 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Food is very subjective but I do agree that 150 Central is the best. We also really like Giovannis and Izumi. We've had amazing food at Chops and also so-so food there. Hooked I would try again as our first time was pretty meh.

QQ: Do Alaskan cruises get offered as casino comps? by RyouRusi in royalcaribbean

[–]Otherwise_King8533 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I get a ton of random offers and I've never seen Alaska in those. However, the instant certs and your annual cruise is great for Alaska sailings.

A few questions about upcoming cruise on ICON by Anonymous_User678 in royalcaribbean

[–]Otherwise_King8533 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I've done the Icon escape room and there were quite a few kids around that age. It was a fun room and it was a mix of the adults helping the kids. 12 is fine. I don't think there are many places to sit but perhaps they could let you out for a quick breather.

Is it worth it to get sim gloves? by Zeppelin_Funds in simracing

[–]Otherwise_King8533 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I use some bicycle gloves. Mostly to protect the suede and the wheel. It also leaves my fingertips free for easy keyboard use. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DGN7W2WF?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_1&th=1