[Phoenix]

Actually, since we're talking about the new ship, did I read these plans wrong or did the Café on the Promenade get removed? Couldn't find it when I looked at the plans on RC's website.

[mbob]

Actually, since we're talking about the new ship, did I read these plans wrong or did the Café on the Promenade get removed? Couldn't find it when I looked at the plans on RC's website.

The Café is still there. Don't know why they did not label it on the deck plans.

[cegr80]

Actually, since we're talking about the new ship, did I read these plans wrong or did the Café on the Promenade get removed? Couldn't find it when I looked at the plans on RC's website.

The Café is still there. Don't know why they did not label it on the deck plans.

Good .. I still need those sandwiches for a change after I get tired of eating all that pizza

[Bob]

Actually, since we're talking about the new ship, did I read these plans wrong or did the Café on the Promenade get removed? Couldn't find it when I looked at the plans on RC's website.

The Café is still there. Don't know why they did not label it on the deck plans.

Good .. I still need those sandwiches for a change after I get tired of eating all that pizza

Oh good news that it's still there. My caffeine pit stop shop.

Don't know why it's not labeled on the deck plan either. https://www.royalcaribbean.com/cruise-s ... ns/1836/05

It is listed tho in the descriptions. https://www.royalcaribbean.com/cruise-s ... -promenade

[Phoenix]

Actually, since we're talking about the new ship, did I read these plans wrong or did the Café on the Promenade get removed? Couldn't find it when I looked at the plans on RC's website.

The Café is still there. Don't know why they did not label it on the deck plans.

Good .. I still need those sandwiches for a change after I get tired of eating all that pizza

I can't eat gluten, so eating the filling out of the little sandwiches is all I have going for me unless I have time for the Windjammer. Without the Café I'd be in trouble.

[cowboy71]

Did you mean 9 rather than 10? I notice a new cabin (9237) on 9. Nothing on 10 though....

The public areas at the aft elevators were converted into 4 new cabins on decks 6, 7, 8 & 10.

Deck 5 - The cigar bar (Connoisseur Club) is gone and is now the library.

For those interested, here are the key changes as I see them:
Deck 2 - lots of new interior rooms
Deck 3 - Interior cabins replacing Labyrinth, new interiors around photo/art gallery
Deck 4 - new eatery, new bar & arcade
Deck 5 - changes to bars and eateries
Deck 6 - couple of new staterooms (6716 and 6416)
Decks 7-10 - no noticeable changes
Deck 11 - Couple of new cabins ON THE SAME DECK AS THE POOL STAGE(!!)
Deck 12 - Bunch of new cabins
Deck 13 - changes to attractions
Deck 14 - new "Olive or Twist"
Deck 15 - Escape Room replaces chapel

Went back and had another look at the plans and noticed two staterooms on deck 6 - as noted above, 6716 and 6416:

https://70000tons.com/deck-plans/deck-6/

https://www.royalcaribbean.com/cruise-s ... ns/1836/06

Wondering..... are they new? Or were they just not listed on the 70k deck plans because they got re-purposed or were reserved?

Just seemed a little odd to me!

[cowboy71]

Updated

Deck 2 - lots of new interior rooms
Deck 3 - Interior cabins replacing Labyrinth, new interiors around photo/art gallery
Deck 4 - new eatery, new bar & arcade
Deck 5 - changes to bars and eateries. The cigar bar (Connoisseur Club) is gone and is now the library.
Deck 6 - couple of new staterooms (6137, 6716 and 6416)
Decks 7-9 - The public areas at the aft elevators were converted into new cabins
Deck 10 - no noticeable changes
Deck 11 - Couple of new cabins ON THE SAME DECK AS THE POOL STAGE(!!)
Deck 12 - Bunch of new cabins
Deck 13 - changes to attractions
Deck 14 - new "Olive or Twist"
Deck 15 - Escape Room replaces chapel

[mbob]

Did you mean 9 rather than 10? I notice a new cabin (9237) on 9. Nothing on 10 though....

Cabins

1343
1345
1347
1349

behind the aft elevators on deck 10.

[cowboy71]

Did you mean 9 rather than 10? I notice a new cabin (9237) on 9. Nothing on 10 though....

Cabins

1343
1345
1347
1349

behind the aft elevators on deck 10.

Ah right - I see them :) Thanks!

[cowboy71]

Further updated:

Deck 2 - lots of new interior rooms
Deck 3 - Interior cabins replacing Labyrinth, new interiors around photo/art gallery
Deck 4 - new eatery, new bar & arcade
Deck 5 - changes to bars and eateries. The cigar bar (Connoisseur Club) is gone and is now the library.
Deck 6 - couple of new staterooms (6137, 6716 and 6416)
Decks 7-9 - The public areas at the aft elevators were converted into new cabins
Deck 10 - 4 new cabins, behind the aft elevators
Deck 11 - Couple of new cabins ON THE SAME DECK AS THE POOL STAGE(!!)
Deck 12 - Bunch of new cabins
Deck 13 - changes to attractions
Deck 14 - new "Olive or Twist"
Deck 15 - Escape Room replaces chapel

[cowboy71]

Did you mean 9 rather than 10? I notice a new cabin (9237) on 9. Nothing on 10 though....

Cabins

1343
1345
1347
1349

behind the aft elevators on deck 10.

INTERESTINGLY, while according to all I've read, 107 new cabins have been added in the refurbishment, if you compare the official deck plan with the 70k deck plan, there are actually 133 cabins different. So I guess there are a few that get blocked out by UMC for other purposes (ie BEEEEEER).

DECK 2
2607 2609 2617 2407 2411 2415 2419 2423 2427 2409 2413 2417 2421 2425 2317 2627 2325 2327 2329 2331 2659 2661 2663 2665 2667 2669 2671 2673 2357 2359 2361 2363 2367 2369

Deck 3
3541 3545 3549 3553 3557 3543 3547 3551 3555 3245 3251 3241 3243 3247 3249 3253 3559 3257 3255 3305 3307 3309 3311 3313 3315 3317 3323 3325 3327 3329

Deck 6
6137 6716 6416 6443 6445 6447 6449

Deck 7
7139 7441 7443 7445 7447

Deck 8
8237 8135 8441 8443 8445 8447

Deck 9
9237

Deck 10
1343 1345 1347 1349

Deck 11
1100 1101 1102 1103 1104 1106

Deck 12
1802 1804 1806 1808 1810 1812 1814 1816 1818 1820 1822 1824 1826 1828 1830 1832 1834 1836 1838 1840 1852 1854 1856 1858 1860 1862 1864 1866 1868 1870 1872 1874 1876 1878 1880 1882 1884 1886 1888 1890

[Godflesh]

I was disappointed to find out that the Royal Suite and the two Owner Suites on deck 10 have been there all along, but hidden on the 70000tons web site, probably reserved for the 3 headliners.
I thought the bigger suite came with the retrofit, but that must have been another boat.
No more “bigger suites might attract bigger bands” theory :-(

[Godflesh]

Shiprocked (January 2019) is already sold out, with ZERO bands announced: http://www.shiprocked.com/lineup/
At least they were smart enough to start accepting people’s money. There’s a refund clause if you don’t like the lineup once it gets announced.
Somebody might get ideas...

[Pellaz]

Went back and had another look at the plans and noticed two staterooms on deck 6 - as noted above, 6716 and 6416:

https://70000tons.com/deck-plans/deck-6/

https://www.royalcaribbean.com/cruise-s ... ns/1836/06

Wondering..... are they new? Or were they just not listed on the 70k deck plans because they got re-purposed or were reserved?

Just seemed a little odd to me!

I used to be one giant suite, with space for up to 14 people, that was blocked by 70k for whatever reason. After refurb it was split into two standard family suites like the ones on decks 8 and 9.

Edit:
You can still see the "Villa Suite" on the Freedom deck plan:
https://www.royalcaribbean.com/cruise-s ... ns/1821/06

Hard to be sure, but I suspect UMC reserved that big Villa Suite (renamed from "Presidential" Suite because Trump) either for a headliner band, or for Andy himself and his permanent senior staff. It used to hold up to 14 people at full capacity.

[Jotunheimr]

Those scurvy dogs stole our beloved* catchphrase.



*Not really

[Godflesh]

All signs point to a logistical issue. I have friends who run events for my province, and when they run into problems, they have to leave people hanging. While they can usually get it working for the year, the NEXT year has some changes. So while 2019 is, I'd say, 90% likely to go ahead without a hitch, 2020 may have some substantial changes in store. Which we were pretty sure it was going to anyway, since it's Round 10.

I’m thinking about this again. Perhaps UMC is giving bands the choice between the last year on the old boat, and 2020 on the new boat, and perhaps even another Barge To Hell.
So the delay could be caused by trying to get a quorum of bands for two years.
In a similar vein, Shiprocked is doing their 10th cruise, and they didn’t announce any band before they were sold out.

[cowboy71]

That's a very good point. I would imagine more than ever, scheduling of bands would be difficult for this one :/

You would imagine that every band would prefer to be part of the 'big' 10th cruise celebration given a choice, and if they are on 2019 then no 2020 for them.

That, combined with the logistic issues of the re-fitted Independence to deal with for 2019, and the (guessing) new ship for the 2020 cruise.... Lots of new complications to contend with.

[Amalu]

You would imagine that every band would prefer to be part of the 'big' 10th cruise celebration given a choice, and if they are on 2019 then no 2020 for them.

Maybe this could be resolved by having exceptional rules for the anniversary cruise.
If 2020 is indeed on an Oasis Class vessel that will mean significantly more passenger and thus also more bands (as it has been done for the switch to the Freedom Class ship).

That, combined with the logistic issues of the re-fitted Independence to deal with for 2019, and the (guessing) new ship for the 2020 cruise.... Lots of new complications to contend with.

Would be nice though to give the fans just a little bit of info. Sure thing that nobody will discuss internal details in public, but a short update like: "Hey guys! We're still working out some logistical details and will need another X weeks before we can open booking/announce bands."

[doomguy]

Would be nice though to give the fans just a little bit of info. Sure thing that nobody will discuss internal details in public, but a short update like: "Hey guys! We're still working out some logistical details and will need another X weeks before we can open booking/announce bands."

That's almost like saying "Soon" but with more words.

[Pellaz]

You would imagine that every band would prefer to be part of the 'big' 10th cruise celebration given a choice, and if they are on 2019 then no 2020 for them.

Maybe this could be resolved by having exceptional rules for the anniversary cruise.
If 2020 is indeed on an Oasis Class vessel that will mean significantly more passenger and thus also more bands (as it has been done for the switch to the Freedom Class ship).

Sure. Andy could waive his (presumed) rule about bands not repeating two years in a row for 2020. I don't think it's ever been presented as a hard-and-fast rule, either...just a trend that we've noticed every year.

That, combined with the logistic issues of the re-fitted Independence to deal with for 2019, and the (guessing) new ship for the 2020 cruise.... Lots of new complications to contend with.

Would be nice though to give the fans just a little bit of info. Sure thing that nobody will discuss internal details in public, but a short update like: "Hey guys! We're still working out some logistical details and will need another X weeks before we can open booking/announce bands."

Yep. Sure would be nice.

[mbob]

I forgot to mention this. The last night of the 2017 cruise I was sitting with Uli Jon Roth in the Schooner Bar and he told me that he was already booked for the 2019 cruise. I will have no issue if this is true because it is a pleasure to watch him play.

[meshuggah]

I forgot to mention this. The last night of the 2017 cruise I was sitting with Uli Jon Roth in the Schooner Bar and he told me that he was already booked for the 2019 cruise. I will have no issue if this is true because it is a pleasure to watch him play.

I SO hope this is true. He's a god of the guitar!

[cowboy71]

Giving this a bump, adding the Uli info.

Amorphis - they love the cruise
Angra - because, Fabio
Annihilator - seem to do it practically every other year
Borknagar - everyone expected them to be on in 2018
Dragony - lead singer on as a cruiser in 2018
Ensiferum - due for a return
Evenmore - singer was on board in 2018
Ex Libris - lead singer posted on Facebook that she'd love to return
Ne Obliviscaris - because, NeO
Moonspell - due for a return
Mors Principium Est - because, Phoenix :)
Overkill - seem to do it practically every other year
Persefone - because, Persefone
Rage of Light - singer was on board in 2018
Scour - due to the bikini facebook ad prior to 2018 cruise
Thaurorod - band members on as regular cruisers in 2018
Therion - they love boat
Uli Jon Roth - told a cruiser in 2017 that he was a lock for 2019
Unleash the Archers - really want to be on
Visions of Atlantis - male singer on as a cruiser in 2018
Vital Remains - lead singer on as a cruiser in 2018

[Pellaz]

Giving this a bump, adding the Uli info.
Therion - they love boat

Plus, it would be great if they could return and perform the two different sets they'd have LIKED to have played last time, but couldn't due to Christofer's injury.
Vital Remains - lead singer on as a cruiser in 2018

[Amalu]

Plus, it would be great if they could return and perform the two different sets they'd have LIKED to have played last time, but couldn't due to Christofer's injury.

Christofer was really pissed about that injury. He mentioned it during a concert in Switzerland (Z7 - Pratteln) and promised to play extra long that night now that he was healthy again. They went for almost 3 hours... Great show.

[Amalu]

Demons and Wizards had promised more dates today after being announced for W:O:A 2019.

Demons & Wizards

We are thrilled to announce that we will be performing on the following dates:

31.05.2019 - Garage, Saarbrücken, Germany
01.06.2019 - Z7, Pratteln, Switzerland
02.06.2019 - Batschkapp, Frankfurt, Germany

Check out the Events and Tour Dates tabs for information and ticket links.

Stay tuned!

[Phoenix]

Plus, it would be great if they could return and perform the two different sets they'd have LIKED to have played last time, but couldn't due to Christofer's injury.

Christofer was really pissed about that injury. He mentioned it during a concert in Switzerland (Z7 - Pratteln) and promised to play extra long that night now that he was healthy again. They went for almost 3 hours... Great show.

You should have heard him on the boat pre-surgery, when he wasn't sure he would ever be able to play again. I don't think there was a still heart (because metalheads that aren't me never admit to crying) on that pool deck when he gave that speech.

[Speedy]

In the extremely tenuous rumor category:
I tagged a bunch of bands in the "which first timers would you like to see?" FB-post, and got likes from Dark Sarah, Ronny Thorsen from Viper Solfa and Kirsten Jørgensen from Evig Natt.

[Amalu]

I have tagged Excelsis in that Facebook post and got a like from them within 5 minutes.

As they are a rather small Swiss Folk Metal band who's lyrics are in a mix of Swiss-German and English, I highly doubt they will ever make the boat tough. But you never know, our Skipper might enjoy them.

They growl in Emmental (you might know the cheese) dialect.
Here they are: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QWNbZSxNQ4g&feature=youtu.be

[Speedy]

We had Abinchova in 2016, so a small Swiss folk metal band isn't unprecedented.

[Amalu]

I did not know them before. Just listening to their set at W:O:A 2017.

There's more to the Swiss metal scene then Celtic Frost. I'm always learning something more., thanks Speedy.

[Gratch]

(apologies if I mentioned this already in this thread)

We talked with Riley and Greg from Allegaeon when they came through Salt Lake last fall, mostly reminiscing about their insane Pyramid Lounge show. They said 70K was one of their favorite things they've ever done as a band, and that they'd do it again in a heartbeat if asked.

For whatever that's worth...

[Pellaz]

Christofer was really pissed about that injury. He mentioned it during a concert in Switzerland (Z7 - Pratteln) and promised to play extra long that night now that he was healthy again. They went for almost 3 hours... Great show.

You should have heard him on the boat pre-surgery, when he wasn't sure he would ever be able to play again. I don't think there was a still heart (because metalheads that aren't me never admit to crying) on that pool deck when he gave that speech.

I wasn't crying, but.....oh wow, the feelz.

I spoke to him at length* about the whole injury thing during that 70K and I could tell he was angry/pissed/heartbroken about it, and not being able to play two different sets on the boat as they'd normally do. They chose a setlist that was intended to minimize his pain while playing guitar (repetitive motions, I think, were the biggest problem)....EXCEPT for "To Mega Therion," which they felt they HAD to play...and which was agonizing for him both times they played it. It was worst for him during their Alhambra set (oddly enough), and if you were watching closely during "TMT" you saw he had to quit playing for a bit due to the pain.
What a fucking trooper he was!


-----
* although not quite as long as the 3-hour marathon chat we had during their previous 70K

[Godflesh]

I did not know them before. Just listening to their set at W:O:A 2017.

There's more to the Swiss metal scene then Celtic Frost. I'm always learning something more., thanks Speedy.

A few years ago, UMC needed a filler band at the last minute (2 weeks from departure) so they invited GURD from Switzerland, and I really connected with those guys. Great guys and awesome innovative thrash metal. I should check out what they became.

[Speedy]

Visions of Atlantis has a gig in Colombia on 06.02. More across the pond gigs TBA.

[CaughtInAWeb]

Visions of Atlantis has a gig in Colombia on 06.02. More across the pond gigs TBA.

Miami is probably the North American airport with the most direct flights to Colombia. It would make absolute sense to fly from there on 05.02.

From VoA’s Facebook: “ Visions of Atlantis’s ship will cross the Seven Seas and reach the other end of the world in February 2019! Bogota is the first announcement, where should we play next?!”

Interesting announcement ...

[sven321]

Hi,
in an interview back in May the Visions of Atlantis drummer announced that they will be on 70K 2019.
Link to video (in German) interesting part starting around 1:50...
https://www.facebook.com/HiWayRegionalT ... 229446875/

[Ethrivas]

(apologies if I mentioned this already in this thread)

We talked with Riley and Greg from Allegaeon when they came through Salt Lake last fall, mostly reminiscing about their insane Pyramid Lounge show. They said 70K was one of their favorite things they've ever done as a band, and that they'd do it again in a heartbeat if asked.

For whatever that's worth...

That would be awesome man, one of my bucket list bands

[Amalu]

So this is something from the 70k Facebook page:



So at least for now there will not be any change to the Gold/Silver booking system.

[Pellaz]

So this is something from the 70k Facebook page:



So at least for now there will not be any change to the Gold/Silver booking system.

Or at least, not as far as their social media people have been told about.