Jump to content

Leaderboard

Popular Content

Showing content with the highest reputation on 12/12/2018 in all areas

  1. Just reloaded the Find a Cruise page and the Summer 2020 itineraries for Cape Liberty are now showing! Here's what I see for July and August, and yes, Oasis of the Seas is sailing from Cape Liberty!! 7-night and 9-night Perfect Day at Coco Cay – Oasis 5-night Bermuda – Adventure 9-night Bermuda and Caribbean – Adventure 10-night Bermuda and Caribbean – Adventure Aaaaaannnnnndddd.... 9-night Canada and New England – Adventure – leaving July 15 and August 27! Ladies and gentlemen, I think we all know what the 2020 Summer group cruise is gonna be!! ??
    6 points
  2. mworkman

    News Flash

    The One, The Only....Oasis Class Denier is now actively looking at the Oasis for sailing out of New Jersey...That is all!! ?? @JLMoran
    6 points
  3. Ahhh, ok, we're leaning towards the 8-nighter, SE Coast & Bahamas on April 15th What better way to spend Tax Day ---- then to go to a place where they can't collect my taxes. ?
    5 points
  4. JLMoran

    News Flash

    Ummm.... NOPE!! ?
    4 points
  5. Some Christmas decorations around the ship:
    4 points
  6. 3 points
  7. Adventure is alternating 5-night Bermuda with 9-night Bermuda & Caribbean through the summer.
    3 points
  8. Thetechie

    The Key

    It just showed up for our Navigator Cruise in March. And when it goes into drydock next month, they are adding Laser Tag! So there you go, wish granted!
    3 points
  9. Day 8 Disembarkation day The day everyone dreads. Not as much this time for me as I was ready to get home and get back to my own bed. Having a departure tag of 33 we knew we’d be called around 8:40, so we got up at 6:45 and got everyone dressed. Addie and I walked down to Park Cafe to pick up a quick breakfast. As I mentioned yesterday, this is normally the day we order in breakfast as it’s nice to have to head down to a packed buffet for breakfast. Luckily, Park Cafe is nearby, but it was busier than we had seen it any point in the week. As the tables were full we walked it back to the room and ate there while Nikki got ready. Shortly thereafter we were ready too early as always and just sat out on the balcony. One of the features I like on RC is that you can see which groups have been called on the internal TV stations rather than running into the hallway to try and hear the muffled numbers. Once again I checked out the map from our journey which gets really just looks like we’re patrolling Cuba for 7 days. At about 8:25 they called the few numbers before us so we walked down to 5 for disembarkation. No wait to speak of getting off the boat, but once we got to luggage claim the terminal mess began. People were backed up all over and groups that hadn’t been called were allowed in line and groups that had were being herded off to the side. Given that we were in a suite and had been told we had Priority Disembarkation this certainly didn’t feel it. Per Matt Hochberg’s advice, once down the escalator grabbed the first porter and grabbed our luggage. Even though we had global entry he said it wasn’t necessary and he cut through the lines and found a line seemingly for portered customers that only had one person. After a very cursory glance at our passports and quick question about buying jewelry we were on our way. The Uber we called only took about two minutes to get there and another 10-15 to get to FLL. The B gates at FLL are always a mess with twice as many people as seats and only lackluster dining options to choose from. We ended up finding three seats a few gates away and setup shop till our flight. We boarded right on time but didn’t even close the door until 30 minutes after our departure time and then with much confusion left by less than communicative crew we sat for another 90 minutes. Finally two hours after scheduled time we took off back for BWI on our completely full flight and this vacation was officially over.
    3 points
  10. We saved Izumi Hibachi for the last night on the cruise as it seemed a fitting start and finish to the trip. We were one of the earlier seatings as we had dinner at 5:30. I’m surprised they only put three hibachi grills in as they’re always full and I’m sure could fill up one or two more. As we didn’t eat much lunch we ordered some appetizers with the girls sharing a Spicy Shrimp Tempura Roll and I stuck with the easy potstickers. I was adventurous at Wonderland, not starting on sushi now or anytime. Our Teppan chef was friendly, but the shtickola was the exact same as the table behind us, so it would appear they’re working from a script. There was one uncomfortable moment when the chef made a smiley face out of cooking oil. That wouldn’t have been a problem, but he dragged the eyes to the side and said “Japanese eyes” which seemed quite off-color. The fried rice was entirely too full of egg as the chef used 6 eggs in enough rice for 6 people. The meat was cooked well and all of the different proteins were delicious. After dinner dessert was served with choice of either Mochi or a Sesame and Red bean dessert. All in all a very good experience and one we would definitely do again next time on a Royal Caribbean cruise.
    3 points
  11. Woohoo for red velvet cake. Can't wait.
    2 points
  12. Day 3 - Sea Day We woke up much too early for sea day , again I had to join some meetings at the morning. Post the meetings we went to eat something small as we schedule Sushi class. This time the cruise team did not done really good job in coordinating the activities , between 10 am to 11 am we had : The C&A welcome back party, the meet and mingle meeting and cruise port talk , Anyway , I took the numbers C&A numbers from the TV recording , total 2780 C&As , 1521 Gold , 526 Platinum , 212 Emerald , 322 Diamond , 164 D+ , 37 pinnacles 2 cruisers were with 1700 points and the top one with 2035 points IT was time to go to Izumi for the class, we arrived at time , signed some waver, washed our hands again and started the demonstration , I do not have many pictures from the class as we were wearing gloves to prevent any food issues. The class was nice, I learned some new things and yes its allot of food to eat at 10:30 AM (or any other time). Most of the people did not complete the food they created. All in all I am happy we booked it and will recommend to try it at least once, I just wish they have done it in a better time (lunch time maybe). Here is my creation : Post the class , we went to explore the ship once again to see whats going on , it was quite cold and windy outside so we went to the casino for a while, later we went to eat some very late lunch at the park cafe , we were still full from the morning sushi, after we thought its a good time to take a nap. we were planning to watch the water show but it was canceled due to the ship movement and it was moving quite allot , when I walked I thought I might had too many drinks , but considering the fact I was only drinking water I guessed we encounter some rough waves. later went to the WJ for recon only and we found some interesting dishes so we had to taste them for the research only ... sure . Velvet cake strikes back They established a pasta station, some veg/fruits drinks, jerk chicken and tasty Indian food. around 10 PM we went down to the Casino as they were going to have a raffle of an upgrade to a crown loft suite for the rest of the cruise , three names were announced but none of the people were not around so they lost it , at the end some lady won it (She was in regular balcony room) , surprisingly I did not won , its not that I needed the upgrade , I just wanted to have more pictures to share in the blog ?. Love and marriage was our next station, there were many volunteers so the eliminate process took some time but was very funny , the activity director (Fabio) was very funny, the cruise director Jemmy was less fun , but we will give him another chance during the quest. The interesting thing was that none of the couples were watching the show before (after all its the same questions every time and you can prepare for it if you really want to win). it was time to go to sleep as we were tired from the early morning , quick email round and I called it for that day.
    2 points
  13. I found 3 listed here, although they are 11-12 nights. https://secure.royalcaribbean.com/cruises/?dates_maxDate=12%2F31%2F2020&dates_minDate=11%2F01%2F2020&destinationRegionCode_CARIB=true&durationCode_12plus=true&durationCode_9to11=true The one we booked is on Adventure in May 2020, embarking in Ft. Lauderdale and disembarking in New Jersey. Great itinerary, IMO......5 ports and 6 sea days.
    2 points
  14. I am waiting too. Husband gave me his credit card. Must strike when he's happy.
    2 points
  15. 2 points
  16. Now It Gets Retractable Smoke Stacks
    2 points
  17. Do you actually capitalize every word manually, or are you using software that does it? Just curious.
    2 points
  18. The Cruise Junkie

    The Key

    They Do Have It. I Think He Said Laser Tag Should Be Added To The Key On Those Ships If The Key Goes To Those Ships.
    2 points
  19. Royal IT making it very confusing to book a 2021 cruise...?
    2 points
  20. Day 7 We slept in today so much in the way of morning activities. We attempted to go up to the Windjammer at 10 but quickly learned that was a terrible idea. Not a table to be found and people just holding tables with cell phones or jackets. Yesterday the amount of people was frustrating, today it seemed unbearable. I decided just to skip breakfast, the girls however grabbed a plate and we took it downstairs and grabbed a quiet table in a nearly empty Dazzles. Not having much on the agenda we made our way to the captains corner event in the royal theater. We hadn’t had a chance to meet or get pictures with Captain Johnny the entire week. It was a good time as the Captain is so approachable and affable. So many captains are uptight and don’t seem like anyone you’d want to grab a beer with. The only problem with the event was that it became a whining session for a few customers about little issues on the ship. I did get to ask a question of the Chief Engineer in regards to how the change to Liquid Natural Gas changes how they fuel up and where. After captains corner Addie wanted to see the towel folding demonstration, which was held in the Boot and Bonnet pub. It was a bit odd having a kid focused event in a working pub while people in buying drinks. It’s the one time all week I missed the Atrium concept from the largest Norwegian cruise ships. It was rather short compared to others she’s been to before.
    2 points
  21. Dhhhh, it's been so long since I have been on a ship with a CK I forgot. We were on Allure last October, but it was such last minute cruise that the only thing available was a balcony room. All my cruises since then have been on a Freedom class, so no CK. 33 days to Star class on Allure and then I will remember again, last time we were in CK was 2016 when we were on Harmony in the Mediterranean in a JS, so it's been a while.
    2 points
  22. You should hear from your Genie any day now
    1 point
  23. How about just holding it in your hand?? That doesn't involve lanyards, pockets or wristlet purses. OR put it in your cellphone holder. You always have your cellphone with you.
    1 point
  24. I actually had great luck with Black Friday - I'm on a Mariner sailing shortly after the holidays, and the price had been hanging around $60/day for the drink package. Finally around Black Friday it dropped to $52.
    1 point
  25. Hmmm, guess I'm having thirds on that serving of crow, then! ?
    1 point
  26. Nope, schools in NJ don't close until almost the very end of June, and I recall that the districts in Chicago, Boston, and even where @Lovetocruise2002 teaches in Canada are the same. Colleges are closed by then, but the public grammar / middle / high schools keep the kids around far longer than any of us parents / teachers really care for.
    1 point
  27. I would have transferred to Annette but apparently some guy named "Matt" is keeping her busy...... ?
    1 point
  28. We did the same for our cruise in March. We've never been to Miami, so we're flying in two days early. Got The National Hotel in South Beach for $250/night. The rate on the hotel's web site is $450/night.
    1 point
  29. Really glad to hear this strategy worked for you!
    1 point
  30. Matt

    The Key

    Internet tab
    1 point
  31. We got notified by our TA on Monday! We elected to move to the Allure sailing the same dates...Just out of Miami now and a different itinerary. Just replied back to our TA email with our choice and they made it happen...No fuss or muss. Got 200 OBC! We had booked this cruise over over a year ago to intrudce or son and family to cruising. We had connecting ocean balcony’s but now now we are on separate decks but with the same category rooms. We are not going to let this ruin our cruise. After so many years in the military...Ive learn that S#*” happens. Adapt and overcome.
    1 point
  32. John, if your Genie has already contacted you and you have his /her email address, I would go ahead and contact him/her and let them know which cabana you want. Star Class gets first dibs on cabanas but you want to get your bid in as early as possible as it’s first come first served among the Star Class pax.
    1 point
  33. I am sure that RC's concern is "is it bright enough that you can consume what's on your plate (oh, looks like mystery meat again tonight...yummo!), if so use your camera/smart phone flash".
    1 point
  34. Just emailed MEI for a reservation On Symphony for fall of 2020.
    1 point
  35. Following & enjoying your blog! ?
    1 point
  36. Following! Glad you're having a great cruise. ?
    1 point
  37. Matt just did a podcast about it. Here is the link: https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/podcast/episode-279-guide-terminal-portmiami
    1 point
  38. WAAAYTOOO

    Sticker Shock!

    Wow, you got a very good rep. These kinds of details are rarely shared. Good sleuthing !
    1 point
  39. mworkman

    Sticker Shock!

    Okay...here's the latest info on that TA.. i spoke to my TA who called RCCL, right now its in the Revenue department for correct pricing with a release date (at the latest of Thursday next week) but could be released much sooner.
    1 point
  40. Vision and Radiance Class aft balconies are the best. It's where the "fad" began.
    1 point
  41. Well made it home from the Big Apple with my Bank Account still having some money in it ? As a first time cruiser reading these threads or listening to Matts podcasts helps but in no way can it prepare you fully for your maiden voyage. So here's my own conclusions on everything from start to finish in order of my experience (1) Sleeping In JFK Airport - NEVER AGAIN!! Now offically No1 in worst Airports i have visited, only one dunkin Donut stall to cater for 6 terminals during the night. Lesson Learned Next time i will ensure flight times are better and book a hotel (2) Peurto Rico - Fantastic Island, Having stayed at The Courtyard by marriott beach resort in Isla Verde this time, if i was to cruise from San Juan again next time i would look at Old San Juan. Reason for this is simple, the beach is good, relaxing and peacfull but you are only there for a day or two and there is so much to see and do in old San Juan. Uber is a great cheap way to get about (3) Freedom Of The Seas - For a first time cruiser i believe i made the correct choice, not to big not to small. Sure it doesnt have waterslides or Broadway shows but for a first cruise when you are still finding your bearings and sealegs its great. There's not a second you will be bored or tryng to find something to do. Room - Outside Oceanview was spacious and in good condition Staff - cant fault any of them Entertainment - Overall good, a few minor issue's with regards Entertainment staff. CD ( Drew ) and AM ( dont know hisname) only really saw them on the TV, and when they did appear it wasnt for long. The real stars of the Entertainment crew were Rhaiann and some mexican guy who was just naturally funny, anyone can be funny by telling a joke but this guys quick one liners without thinking were hilarious. At the finish the lyric quiz, a contestant looked at card to see answer, after a retake the next contestant came up and was quickly informed NOT to peep at card by mexican guy who knew exactly what he was saying! after everyone had stopped laughing the contestant who had white stick in hand and needed a guide onto stage was allowed to continue. Food - My expanded wasteline says it was good ? ( even the Pizza ) We ordered room service breakfast at no additional cost each day to save time Ports of Call - Here's where i let myself down! In Hindsight i should have booked more excursions even if only to a beach for 4hrs. The area's around every port are built the same, same shops, bars etc. Yeah it's good to hang out and do nothing but next time i will book excursion for mornings then walk around cruiseship port before rebaording ship. Noticed that Duty free was cheaper in St Kitts, Antiigua and St Lucia than Peurta Rico, Barbados and St Maarten. eg: Carton of Malbora $20 - $24 in first 3 ports $34 in others and $45+ in Peurta Rico ( JFK $49) AWARD FOR FUNNIEST MOMENT ONBOARD Each Night after our evening meal my wife and myself would go to the Schooner Bar for an hour or so ( sitting at bar not on sofa's) to have a drink and watch the guy play the piano singing songs by Elton John, Billy Joel etc, every night there was an American couple sitting on sofas ( the woman was from Philly) this couple were obviously seasoned cruisers and were enjoying themselves as much as anyone else. On the first night every song played was met with shreiks of delight by the slightly intoxicated female, the second night was the same as the first, HOWEVER on the third night while signing along to Lionel Ritchie the intoxicated woman who was unaware that we were sitting behind them leant forward lifted herself up, removed her underwear and tucked them into her husbands breast pocket of jacket. If said person is reading this you were seen and thank you making my night, havent laughed so much in ages ? Embarking - Easy Note for anyone Embarking from San Juan, we left hotel for port which is a10 min drive away at 10:20 am and took over an hour due to there being two ships leaving that day so traffic in and out was busy. Disembarking - Recieved a time to disembark of 10:30am went off at 9am, luggage was waiting, had arranged RC transfer to airport, was concerned about luggage as you dont take it with you, you go on bus luggage is in a truck. Luggage arrived at airport about 20 mins after we did. Delta Airlines - Upgraded from Comfort to Comfort+ for flight down to SJU, never again. COMPLETE WASTE OF MONEY. legroom is ample in comfort, priority boarding want an issue as your only one group in front of everyone else and the added free alcohol is 1 drink during flight due to cabin crew vanashing for basically whole flight. Snacks i received more on the lesser grade flight than than the upgraded one. New York was good, shopping during the sales is always an advatage, my wife ticked off ice skating in new york from her bucket list and the John Legend Concert was great, all i can say is if you ever get the chance to see him do so, his concerts are not just him sitting at a piano and should come with an 18 rating ? i left Aberdeen on the 22nd of Nov believing this would be my one and only cruise due to my wife's dislike of water, at JFK while waiting on our flight home, my wife used the free internet to catch up with facebook while i on the instruction of my wife searched the RC website to look for our NEXT cruise. Hopefully any new cruisers will find this helpfull Ray
    1 point
  42. tiny260

    RCCL and Celebrity

    @Boston Babe , I would say that Edge and Apex were at a minimum 20-25% (if not more) more when compared to Silhouette, but that is understandable when considering they are the 2 newest ships in Celebrities fleet, just like Harmony and now Symphony is for Royal. As an example a 7 day cruise on Apex was as much as the 14 day cruise on Silhouette. I really thought I could find something earlier in the summer of 2020 but they were either on the Edge or one of the smaller, older ships like Infinity or Constellation, she really prefers to stay away from smaller. She is most definitely a Voyager Class or above sized type of girl.
    1 point
  43. Today is our first and only sea day and to be honest the rest is needed, now understand why so many of you prefer the sea days. Almost 8am and sitting in smoking area near pool, a rough guess over 50% of the chairs have already been claimed, towels and other items just left on them with very few people actually here. This one was here at 6am and has not returned, it did cross my mind how funny it would be if the last page vanished ?
    1 point
  44. HeWhoWaits

    Royal Up program

    That's not $433.23 total - it's $433.23 more than you already paid for the ticket you have.
    1 point
  45. So its just after 7 am somewhere in the caribbean, first night done, wife found not only her sea legs but also her sea voice sitting in schooner bar signing along to the piano player. Theres no real words to explain how yesterday went, most of you will know what mean when i say every step you take you encounter or learn something new. Wasnt keen on windjammer but thats more down to the fact im not keen on buffet style meals, ok for breakfast but not actual evening meal. Room is an oceanview stateroom on 9th deck, cant complain, spacious and clean Today is St Kitts nothing planned will just see where our feet takes us
    1 point
  46. First pic of my home for the next week, i was sitting in the back of uber amazed at the sight before me. Even my wife was amazed, in fact her exact words were " ive never seen anything so big" Thanks dear!! Even the uber driver is sniggering while looking in her mirror
    1 point
  47. When we were on NAV last week we went to Sabor (sit-down restaurant). Our favorite thing to get at Sabor is Queso Fundido. It is so yummy. Queso Fundido has been removed from the menu - at least on NAV. Sabor is dead to me.
    1 point
  48. I Hope It Gets The Sides That The Harmony Has
    1 point
×
×
  • Create New...