The only direct flight we could get home is an evening flight, so maybe we will just try to be last off the ship…I read somewhere you wait in your room now until your group is called.
I just got off the Odyssey of the Seas and can definitely confirm that you there are about 30 or so disembarking groups and you can stay in your room until your group is called via the TV or the intercom if you choose to go to breakfast. Your group number is determined by ship area and by plans after getting off the boat (people with RC transfers to airports or RC excursions will get debark times corresponding to early/late flight departures or tour times). I live in Florida so I don't quite know the ins and outs specifically relating to flying. There were 1500 people on our sailing and disembarking was SUPER smooth and not crowded at all. It was a breath of fresh air compared to my October Dream sailing where everyone lined up in the foyer waiting to get off. Disembarking begins around 7am or so and continues until around 10:30 but they usually call groups early.
The RC app is your best friend. It'll be how you reserve spots in the Headliner shows and some of the rides. Unlike Disney right now, RC is still providing paper "Navigators" (called a cruise compass). The state room attendant didn't provide us with one until we asked for him to. You can also nab one at the Guest Services area. The main dining room does NOT have rotations. It's the same dining room every night. They have digital menus but they were very happy to provide physical ones as well.
Bathrooms aren't split bathrooms like the Dream class ships if that's what you're used to.
Be prepared for what you want to drink. There are three drink packages: soda, refreshment and deluxe. All three will get you a refillable cup you can use at the Coke Freestyle machines (a WONDERFUL improvement than the DCL stations imo). Refreshment will add bottled water, specialty coffee (NOT starbucks) and alcohol free mixed drinks. Deluxe gives you all of that plus alcohol.
The cruise planner site has "up to 35% off" sales all the time but it MIGHT NOT be the same percentage every time. It's good to keep track. You have to pay for all of your cruise planner activities UP FRONT but you can cancel it and get a refund at any time.
Crew on RC has been AMAZING and helpful. On my Adventure sailing back in June and Odyssey, they were so helpful and nice. I had app issues reserving the VR experience. I went to GS and they called the VR folks up and got us one of the last spots. They are firm about washing or sanitizing your hands and wearing a mask but they aren't mean about it.
In my opinion, the beds on RC have been way too firm for me (6'3'' male, 250 pounds). I've had to ask the room attendant to put a couple of extra duvets under the sheets to soften it up. Bring a topper if you're concerned. I'm 100% a side sleeper.
PLEASE BE SURE to keep checking back on your cruise fare. RC has been running a "Cruise with Confidence" promotion where if the cost of your room goes down AT ANY POINT (even during sales and even if you've paid in full), RC will give you credit for the difference. For example: I made a reservation on the Symphony earlier this year for the week after Thanksgiving. RC had a WOW sale earlier this year, I had my TA check for a price adjustment and I saved 300 dollars. RC just had another WOW sale last week. I asked my TA to check again and I got another 300 dollar credit. It's amazing and worth stalking your rates. It's not guaranteed to go down but you don't have to pay more if it goes up. Again, it's up to you to monitor the cost and contact them. It's not automatic.
No kids though so I can't answer any of those questions. I hope this helps!!! Have a wonderful time!!!!
you will wait to be seated. So I suggest making reservations.
