We too were on the Wonder Inaugural sailing and agree 100% with your review. It honestly felt as if they knew the ship wasn’t ready and rushed the sailing. I’ve been on several inaugural sailing with Royal and others and this was by far the worst…..
Don't pull the Disney card, a lot of things go wrong at Disney all the time, but most cast member in most departments can just " wing it and make the situation turn from a negative to a positive ". Everything for the guest, and cast members to give it their ' all' even if that means being injured or dying in a performance at Disney! It has happened, but most are sworn to silence.
Drink packages on all cruise lines are crazy. I would love to see a limited drink package offered. I can't drink $50 of drinks per day, much less $70 /day.
i think one thing most people forget when they think of the drink package prices is that its alcahol only...too many forget that specialty coffees, sodas, bottled water, fresh juice and milkshakes are all included as well...so with that in mind its not hard to justify the price tag when you figure 3-4 "drinks" a day is 35-45 dollars by themselves and them coffees sodas water bottle for excursions and the like ...it values out in the end.
You are spot on with everything said! Another note on the specialty dining restaurants…They are actually doubling up on profits on that too as you’re paying for dinner every night (included in the cruise price) but then taking more money to eat at a different place while you’re still essentially paying to eat at the main dining hall. I think perfect day is the absolute best business move they could have done…Although haven’t been yet, it looks like it would be an amazing day. They take you to their private island, avoiding port fees for every passenger (“PortMiami charges a head tax of $12.74 per guest. With a mega-ship like Symphony of the Seas with 6,680-guest maximum, it can add up quickly. With a full ship, Royal Caribbean will have to pay PortMiami $85,103 per cruise.”) and enticing you to pay even more to have cabanas, water parks, specialty foods, etc they are straight killing it from a business standpoint. I think they are greedy when it comes to some aspects but overall, I’ve always enjoyed everything that’s included and never felt like I was missing out on something from not paying extra. As bad as I hate trying to be upsold around every corner, I still think cruising is still one of the best and cost effective ways to travel and go on vacation. That’s my $.02 anyway.
Yes...idk if ppl realize that's for ALL drinks, soda, juice, bottled water, shakes, smoothies. The juice in the machines on all cruise ships are ATROCIOUS. I could never survive a week long trip drinking that trash. Also if you are traveling to private islands....the drink package applies. You can't beat that! Nonetheless it is expensive but I can def meet the 70 a day or close to.
You're spot on. No one should be angry at you. You paid for the cruise and the line does have one chance to impress because if it doesn't, they lose customers.
Agreed with everything you said. I had a massage at the spa and the masseuse ambushed me at the end of the massage with a product sales pitch and handed me a bill asking for more gratuity WHILE STILL ON THE MASSAGE BED. I was so uncomfortable and it completely erased any relaxation. Horrible.
@@joeo7693 it was sad. I’m someone who loves the spa. It was a beautiful place, but there were also incredibly loud noises bleeding through into the rooms. We’re paying enough already for the service, we should be able to go in without the fear of being pressured.
Just say no. As with all cruise ship the spa is rented space. I hope you told someone while on the ship. Maybe the spa manager. I used the spa, two massages and the thermal suite. Do you remember the name of your masseuse? Just curious. I had Baby and Sanal.
@@cheryllink7808 It was a couples massage and I very kindly let them know that I was not interested and that we had dinner to get to. That was after a super long spiel that I couldn’t interrupt, just felt super awkward. Also, have you ever heard of being handed the bill while still on the bed? Not sure why I even was handed a bill. They asked me to add more gratuity on top of what was included, stood over me watching what I was writing, and I ended up writing more in a panic just wanting to get out. I was so sad after. I called the front and the manager was so kind and disturbed by my experience. They gave me a free day of using the spa amenities and removed the EXTRA gratuity that I miscalculated way over what was necessary. I didn’t go back to use the amenities. I really wanted it to be a good experience. I don’t remember their names at this point. :(
@@alycat5719 I am very glad you did talk to the manger of the spa. That is a terrible experience to have. Breaks my heart and it shocking. They Are usually super friendly
Jost got off the Wonder on Sunday and gotta tell you it was AMAZING! Our NEW FAV ship and the food was AMAZING! Maybe they were not ready for the inaugural cruise, but food, service and everything else was absolutely perfect our sailing.
I've been on RC, Celebrity, Princess and NCL. I can't believe that YOU didn't check out WOS before getting on the ship using RU-vid. When people ask about a ship on fb, I tell them to go to RU-vid BEFORE getting on the ship. Do your homework. I would never go on the Bahamas cruise line. I'm going on celebrity apex in a few weeks and I've watched numerous videos on RU-vid. RC used to offer a drink package on the 4th or 5th day of the cruise. I think it was 10 drinks for a certain amount.
After watching all the Cruise-Tubers I can honestly say, I have no desire to go on a ship that big. I love the feel of the smaller ships. Smaller intimate is more my style.
yes!!!!! Jewel of the Seas was great!!! Harmony of the Seas was too big, one thing I noticed was the rocking, even with calm seas, that joker rocked!!!
This was an inaugural sailing and the kinks needed to be sorted out-- It’s a big ship and probably needed a few extra weeks before it’s first sailing I’m on it for the transatlantic and B2B for France and Italy. I’ve never had a problem with RC --BUT IM A LOYAL CRUISER and Diamond Plus so I get whatever drinks I need free. I only cruise with Royal. I’m 71 yrs old and prefer a little luxury than party ships. I have cruised on all the big ships and love them. Especially Boardwalk and Central Park. I eat my dinner in the MDR and Specialty restaurants and breakfast anywhere else. I enjoy formal nights and I dressed to the nines. For me it’s a grand time to be on a Royal Caribbean cruise❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️loved it👌🏽❤️😊🤩😎
June will be me and my wife’s first cruise…my anxiety is starting to kick in due to all the extra costs…mandatory gratuities for everything, drink, dinner, excursion packages….Wi-Fi…..can we afford it, absolutely, just don’t like to nickel & dimed; not getting my money’s. We have a stateroom of deck 8 w/balcony, ocean view; pretty much smack-dab in the middle of Central Park.
Very refreshing comments. The funniest part was you’re explanation in the beginning in not offending those who do not believe in free thought. I like to hear what one believes than a bunch of BS. Great Job and best of luck.
Wonder of the Seas messed up on the WiFi. Oops they forgot to get the cellar with the US cell phone carriers. This ship was going to Asia. The WiFi will be corrected soon. I was happy to have it stay in the USA and Europe. The ship was built for 3 - 4 night cruises. The change came fast. I had other issues with the ship, decks 17 and 18. The wonder of the Seas Is a beauty. Maiden voyage.
Good overview. I admit I'm loyal to Royal but you made good points about the poor contingency planning on entertainment etc. I will say it is alot easier to not feel nickel and dimed all the time if you do your research to know what's included and not. Eases the stress and frustrations. Planning ahead and booking things ahead of time saves moula.
@@chidebrown4420 I don't agree. You can have a fantastic time without upcharges and utilizing what's included. Pay for booze ALA carte and save money on a drink package.
J your reviews are always appreciated! You worked incredibly hard on this cruise to give us a real taste of Wonder of the Seas. I have cruised once with RCI, but it was for my honeymoon in 1984 so seeing all the new ships is incredible. I am a little partial to Princess, but love Celebrity as well. Still, I would love to sail on WOTS just to check out the ship! Thanks for all your hard work. You're fast approaching 100k viewers!
those drink prices are crazy, i remember seeing it upwards of $84/day and then the auto 18% gratuity added on makes it even worse.... And those excursion prices are also ridiculous. All of these things as well as me being kosher and unable to partake in most everything available and need to either order the usually sub-par frozen kosher meals many ships provide or when RC has their fresh kosher, which btw they charge around $70 p/p/day _ that 18% gratuity , i wonder what makes going on a cruise nowadays so worth it?
Thanks for the great feedback J. We plan on going on this ship next year. Hopefully they’ll work out those little kinks. But overall great information as always. You showed the best on worst of the ship of course in ur opinion. Which is kool bcuz that’s why we tube into ur channel. So very happy with this video:) 😘
I was on the Wonder in April 2022 and I loved everything about it. I’ve been on 8 cruises, all Royal and this is my absolute favorite. I’ll be there again in February and hopefully the ICON shortly after.
Thanks for information...I cruise Wonder on 10/30/22 - 11/20/22. I agree with everything you said. I usually only do the things that are included with cost of the cruise 🛳.
100% agree about the water park on the private island! I have a family of 5 and every time we travel with Royal my kids are sad we don't go to the water park. It is just way too expensive (for us at least!)
Yes. It is way to expensive. Then the cabanas are outrageous in price but you can hardly find a chair in the shade. The food was good but even better if you spent much more money at the Coco Cay Beach club!!! Up charges every where you went. Sad. The drink package is to expensive for us Seniors who can’t possibly drink enough to justify the cost. They need a package of maybe 10-15 drinks per 7 day cruise. We just got back from Wonder of the Seas in January and they seemed to have worked out many of the problems. Their comedians were not funny and the cruise director was a better magician than the real magician!!!
I eat where its FREE!! The cruise overall cost A pretty penny. The drink packages are over the top. I'm a out to sail on the Ovation. I hope the entertainment will be better.
Congrats on 100K! I'm enjoying seeing and learning more about this ship. Might be on it sometime next year, so it's cool to know what to expect, good and bad! :-)
1. Free wifi would be great 2. Doesn’t the daily cruise compass list all eating options - yep it does :) 3. So glad not a large party vibe 4. Hate the up-sale for products after a massage - enough that I won’t go again 5. Trash or amazing… you say both - sounds like out of their control. Just sensationalism… you also said, “I get it” but I guess not really But I will be judging for myself on the TA next month. Again, “I understand full well” Maybe “hate” is a little too strong…
I agree with you on all points with this cruise line. Our 3rd and final cruise with them this month has us packing vaseline to ease the pain of bending over. They are greedy , greedy greedy and we are done. ⚓
@itsasia_ each cruise line has a different on board culture and appeal to a target market that will make money for them. We are 4*, platinum and gold on 3 lines, but we have cruised for 30+ years and each line has cut back since pandemic. We loved ncl but since they raised gratuities not so much. Our last cruise on HAL is this week. Geriatric clientele, even though we are mid 70s, is not for us and entertainment is horrible. Royal Caribbean has lots of kids, but great shows however they have cut way back in dining room offerings. We like certain ships in each of those lines. we live 1 hr from tampa and have decided that we will go to Mexico 15 times, never get off the ship, but cruise to get away, gamble, meet different people and not have to cook. I doubt this answers your question but to be honest we don't have a favorite and all have been disappointing since covid. Happy traveling!
Your honesty is appreciated. Love your channel. Thanks for taking the risk . It is not easy to talk honestly about the industry that in a way is the one that provides food on your table
For breakfast hours, the app outlines what is open at what time and what is an up charge! And in terms of entertainment, definitely give Royal another chance. We were blown away on Symphony a few years back. Wonder felt like an off display of what they can do.
All shows will be fully ready in a few months. I did see the documentary while on the ship. Everything that on behind the scenes of making it all come together.
I love your point of view because you have worked on ships so you see things we may not. I have only been on RC and Carnival. I did like the RC ships better. What surprised me is I had a better time on The Liberty if the Seas than the Anthem of the Seas. I found the crew much more friendly and service impeccable. Thank you for your honest opinion!❤️❤️❤️
I think RCL should offer a discount for all Wonder of the Seas Inaugural guest to come back to Wonder in future to see all the shows we missed. I think that would make a BAD situation a little better and good PR??? What do you think Jay???
Glad that Carnival kept the breakfast price a low $5 at Emeril's on the Mardi Gras. Makes it much easier for those of us cruising on a budget to try different eateries.
I always do my "due diligence" research on CruiseCritic (or as we sometimes call it, "CruiseCranky" :) ) before sailing on a new ship to find out all the "secrets".....such as the free options for embark-day lunch BESIDES the always-crowded buffet, and any out-of-the-way places to grab a complimentary breakfast...or the "secret" decks at the front of many Carnival ships. On the Mardi Gras, which has a staggering number of "free"/included dining venues, that research really paid off! (And I still couldn't make it to all of the places.)
Another good review . I’d be totally ok with it not being mobbed all in one spot or certain areas giving a little more relaxed space without being overwhelmed.
Jay I agree what with you’re saying about the additional cost with the water parks and the specialty restaurants. Especially the drink package is ridiculously expensive!
Just found your channel but wow...what a difference you tell the truth and a lot of stuff I never knew from other cruise ship channels..l appreciate the honesty...I see why you have so many subscribers...I just became one thx..
Love your shows man! You keep it real! Keep doing what you do. Unfortunately for me because of my immune disorder + COVID your channel is the way the only way I can cruise for now... So let's keep cruising at least virtually for me... LOL
You’re right Jay, too many up sales. RC was my very first cruise and I like everything;but once I experience Carnival party style atmosphere, I was hooked!!! I will sail with RC, but I know not to expect certain things, it’s more laid back. The food on RC use to be high quality, but one year I noticed the changes and I was so disappointed. Since then I haven’t been back. Like I said, I haven’t given up all the way yet; but until then, #Carnival is my cruise of choice
I agree with many of your points. Here are some of my thoughts on your analysis: Internet: I have had nothing but good experiences with the Voom internet speed and reliability. I have been able to FaceTime, send texts, send Snapchats and Instagram Messages, browse most forms of social media such as Instagram, FaceBook, and Snapchat, and browse the internet and have had a really fast connection speed while doing so. That being said, the prices are ridiculous. They need to be lowered. I can almost guarantee that it doesn’t cost them anywhere near the amount that they charge to use it to run the service, but they know people will still pay for it anyway, and that’s the problem. Our plan was purchased weeks before our cruise started and it wasn’t even close to as bad as it would’ve been had we purchased onboard, but even then it was still pretty costly. Also, our plan was just the basic plan, as we felt we don’t really need Netflix, RU-vid, etc. on a vacation like that. Maybe you’re the exception with making your RU-vid videos, but most people shouldn’t need it. So, if you’re reading this and debating which version of Voom to purchase, get the basic version. You will not need Netflix, RU-vid, etc. with all there is to do on the ship! Hidden secrets: I sort of agree with you here. Yes, they should definitely make things like the Park Cafe and Solarium Bistro more known. It might be a possibility for them to put info like “Some great spots for lunch, etc.” on the Wayfinders or even in the elevators. Although, as someone who knows about these “hidden gems,” I like when I can go into Park Cafe and eat in a not so crowded space 😂. Overall vibe: I agree with your point about the sail away party. I just had my first cruise back since COVID on Symphony last week and there didn’t seem to be a big sail away party. Now, there were pop up parties in the Royal Promenade throughout the cruise such as the 70’s Disco party and the likes, so maybe Wonder is just the exception. I have always experienced big sail away parties on ships like Freedom of the Seas and Adventure of the Seas, but Symphony did not have a big one. Perhaps they just haven’t brought them back yet, for whatever reason. Too many upsales: YES!!! I was thinking the same thing last week on Symphony. Now, in terms of the drink package. I am not of drinking age yet, but my mom kept saying how she wished she got the drink package. She doesn’t drink absurd amounts, but she did said it would’ve been less of a hassle not having to worry about how many drinks you are purchasing per day. In terms of the specialty restaurants, I don’t mind them. I actually think it’s a good thing that they are giving people more options. The problems start when they are noticeably putting less effort into the main dining options such as the Windjammer and the Main Dining Room. I’m not saying they shouldn’t be putting MORE effort into the specialty dining, that’s what you pay for. I’m saying that they should not be putting less effort into the included food. Now, I disagree with you on CocoCay prices. We recently visited CocoCay on Symphony and felt that our price was very reasonable for the experience. We also experienced many long lines and I feel that if they reduced the prices, more people would flock to the water park and other things that come with a cost. I feel that if they are going to reduce the prices, they need to add more rides first, in order to spread people out. Entertainment: I’ve heard a lot of negative talk about the entertainment onboard Wonder. No broadway show? Are you serious? This has become a basic thing that guests have come to expect. It’s ridiculous that there is no broadway show. I understand that Wonder was originally supposed to go to China and maybe the broadway shows aren’t as popular over there, but I think it’s really disappointing that they were not able to get one onboard. The magic show looked terrible (for what it was hyped up to be, no shade to the magician). I had the same show from my waiter at dinner in the Main Dining Room on Symphony last week. The tap dance show and the Voices show both looked like cool, new, innovative (for Royal) ideas. The Aqua show is understandable. On Symphony, we didn’t get to witness the show until the last two nights of the cruise due to rough seas. And don’t be too hard on them for showing snippets. They probably wanted to make sure the inaugural guests got at least a little bit of a taste of the Aqua Theater show. One thing that I don’t like about Royal that you didn’t touch on, for obvious reasons is the lack of activities for 18-20 year olds! Royal has an outstanding kids and teens program with their Adventure Ocean, and I loved it growing up. However, I turned 18 the day we got onboard Symphony of the Seas and I found that it kinda sucked in terms of being able to find friends to hang out with onboard. As an 18 year old, I’m not of (legal) drinking age on the ship and I’m also not allowed in the teens club, so I’m in the middle of both groups with nothing catered to someone like me. It felt really awkward trying to meet people my age without something like a teens club for 18-20 year olds to kick that relationship off. That’s one of my biggest grievances. Thank you for coming to my TED talk. Sorry for all the comparisons to Symphony of the Seas but it’s the only Oasis class ship that I’ve been on 😂
We too were on the Wonder inaugural and we agree with your review 100%. It felt as Royal knew the ship wasn’t ready but rushed the sailing regardless. Wasn’t a good showing for Royals flagship.
I hope your review does not dissuade people from the Wonder of the Seas. The inaugural sailing combined with the pandemic has made it difficult for this ship to get all its ducks in a row. Hopefully, given a few more sailings, things will improve. We are loyal to Royal and found many negatives to Carnival before we found RCCL. I think that is what makes having different cruise lines with different "vibes" so important. Not all of us care for the loud party atmosphere or insist on "exciting" entertainment. I will say that good shows are a must for me. The magician probably should have been in one of the smaller venues, not one of the main shows. As with all cruises (and most other vacations) you pay your money and pray for the best but weather and unforeseen circumstances can change the outcomes very quickly.
@@Feefee50We chose Royal simply because I didn't want to party 24/7 and I love Freedom of the Seas. It was our first cruise and we're loyal to royal too.
NCL is much more nickel and diming than RCL. Charging for go karts, laser tag, specialty restaurants (NCL started this charge), charging excursions on their private islands, etc.
I love NCL. I like the flexibility of eating wherever and whenever and food is hot. Been to RCL, not impress, entertainment is great but food is cafeteria like..cold and bad quality.
RCCL charges for the same thing so what's different about NCL I have cruise both lines and the up sales on RCCL are more than NCL. The 2 RCCL cruises were my most expensive cruises I have been on
@@jameswade7550 RCL doesn't charge for their activities onboard like the flow rider, laser tag, zip line, ice skating while NCL does charge you for activities onboard like Go karts , laser tag, virtual reality simulator.
@@aly3287 I have been on 2 RCL cruises and 8 NCL cruises and the 2 RCL cruises were more expensive. They nickel and Dime you too just in a Different way. Like charging you more upfront to pay for those rides. I like ocean view cabins and RCL cabins were more expensive so that was more. but on avg I paid 1000 dollars more on RCL then NCL
@@jameswade7550 The cost of the cruise depends on time of season and what ship you are traveling on. I am Platinum on NCL, Diamond on RCL and Elite on Celebrity so I have traveled those lines extensively. Sometimes RCL ships are more expensive and sometimes NCL is more expensive. Again it depends on when you are traveling and the ship (new/old) and itinerary. Celebrity is always more expensive than RCL/NCL. NCL has been a pioneer of extra costs starting with the specialty restaurants. Of course all cruise lines saw earning potential and followed suit. NCL started to charge for onboard activities....Carnival now charges for the roller coaster onboard. NCL is raising the "gratuities" and sure enough other cruise lines will follow suit. On the NCL Prima that is coming out, the menu will stay the same the whole cruise in the Main Dining Room. That is a way to push more people in to the specialty restaurants and make more money. As far as looking at prices for your 2 RCL and 8 NCL....if you look at current pricing, NCL is more expensive than RCL. Look at the price of NCL escape/joy in April and compare it to a comparable ship like the Liberty of the seas . Rcl is cheaper
Jay, I have cruised mostly with Royal Caribbean cruises and I welcome your opinions on the line. I have cruised other cruise lines, maybe I should cruise a bit more with other cruise lines to broaden my view.
I am a new subscriber. Your friend Tony sent me. You are good and I am glad I found you. Keep going. I know how hard you and Tony work to create interesting contents.
Thanks, J, for your honesty! I really appreciate it, and I appreciate YOU! I'm betting that you will hit 100k by the time I get up in the morning. I'm so excited for you!! Best wishes! 💜
Dude you do VERY WELL in your videos; that being said, I assume that you, at some point, will review the NCL Prima and/or Viva. Let us know, when appropriate.
My family really enjoys royal cruise lines because of the vibe of people doing their own thing. We are trying to go out and relax and just not worry about the world every few years. Cant wait to go on the Icon cause of this to see how it goes
I really appreciate this video (and ALL of your videos!!!). I am a Carnival Girl. About to go on my first Royal cruise in a few weeks so this video is very helpful to me. I look forward to your "good things" video coming soon though I like all of them.
Thanks for the video. I like your down to earth, honest perspective on things. I could tell by your vlogs that the entertainment was disappointing and you & Lauren ended up eating pizza almost every night. That may be the result of not knowing where all the free food was. And, I totally agree with you about the price of the water park on the private island! That should have been much less $$, $20-25 at most.
Love the brutal honesty. Royal’s wi-if is really terrible and a complete rip off. Tried the Wi-Fi this past week on an Alaskan cruise and it did not work at all. Royal has terrible shows. You are 100% there. I am “loyal to Royal” also.
Bro i been watching everyone else but you, seen you on other people's cruise vlog, i have to give u ur props, u are better at vlogging, more free spirited, information, and entertaining, keep doing ur thing
I paid $38 for the thrill side. With Royal you have to pay attention to the sales they offer on your planning page. I got a great Black Friday deal for the thrill side and the refreshment package which was 40% off. Same for excursions and internet.
@@chidebrown4420 Setting a base price and then allowing it to go on sale is not price gouging. Price gouging is when you set a base price and have that price go up during times of emergency, because the demand goes up. Like gas during a hurricane or water.
In my experience, Royal Caribbean cruises wifi is very good most of the time. I hope Jay the next lot of Royal Caribbean cruise experiences for you are more favorable.
Love all you do for us keeping us informed. But for my money i go with Carnival everytime. I am about biggest bang for your buck. Been on NCL and on Royal.
My wife is Phillino, and her Dad, rest his soul, always had booked or pulled off private breakfasts for us on every cruise we went, blew my mind how he pulled that off! And I’m retired from the hospitality biz!! Disclaimer, our waitstaff was from his hometown! But still!
Thank you for your review. I’m LOYAL to ROYAL. I’m not a Carnaval fan at all. I’m open to other cruise lines (except Carnival). I can’t wait to sail on Wonder (March 24). We’ve got an Alaskan Cruise May 22 on Quantum. It’s my favorite Destination. Thank you again for your review!!! God Bless.
I definitely appreciate your perspective, but I feel like this review is not really about Wonder of the Seas so much at it is about RC's business model in general (expensive extra dining, drink packages and excursions) and the inaugural cruise problems (which you repeatedly stated were to be expected). Probably the only thing you said that may still be relevant specifically to this ship is the WiFi and whether that crappy magician is still on board 😅 Otherwise, this is very much more a review about Royal Caribbean in general. The title of the video really should be "3 things I hate about RC - plus two things I hated about Wonder's first cruise." 😅. But here's the thing - if enough people listen to you and don't go on Wonder, so much the better for my family and the overcrowding. So preach on! 🎉🎉
