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Sigh. Another reason why I wish I was young again. GoPro? I'd have enough difficulty just holding my bladder. Enjoy my friend.

People are jumping ship from Carnival to Royal because of the service level dropping, etc., etc.. I for one don't mind the pricing and don't plan on moving to another cruise line, I like Royal, the product they deliver, service levels and so on. This is just my opinion.

Last sea day full of surprised! Next Cruise - warm and windy today on deck so we eased into the day with a Windjammer breakfast and a mid morning visit to Next Cruise. We first booked our traditional January cruise on Allure to the Western Caribbean. It will be our second time on an Oasis class ship and our second back to the Western Caribbean. Then a wave of "that's a whole year away" came over us so we booked four nights to Cuba/Key West via Majesty. The ship and Cuba will both be new. Super excited! The Art Auction - Say what? We have never stepped into that realm on the ship but with a newly Platinum award of extra raffle tickets in hand off we went. It was a learning experience but very enjoyable. A glass of champagne, lots of action and also rather informative made it a fun two hours. Most importantly, we learned what art we liked and are coming home with two pieces. Who knew!! He last evening - A final MDR led to some time at Olive and Twist which took us to the last production show, Once Upon A Time. This particular show maybe our favorite non Broadway production on the cruises we have been on. All this led to getting our luggage out with four minutes to spare before the 11pm deadline. We have a flight leaving at 6pm tomorrow so yesterday we booked a debarkation day excursion to the rain forest. It's a rather good deal considering we would have to pay for two Ubers and figure where to store our luggage for 10 hours! Stay tuned for that bounus day recap. In the meantime here are some random thoughts. Leaving from San Juan is a weather treat! It's been between 80 and 82 for the entire 7 days. Lows around 75. - The freestyle coke machines had no lines ever. Maybe the cruisers were a different make up or the price increase to $10 a day has decreased demand. We stopped buying the soda package because of price. - talking soda machines, even without the chip mug, it was a great place to get water and ice fast. - This trip went fast, really fast.

Recap of Bonaire and Aruba. Part 2 With anticipation we pulled into Aruba for a 15 hour port of call. After a room service breakfast we headed out early for a horseback riding adventure. Very efficiently we went from the Acadia theater to a van and was wisked away to a ranch on the Eastern side of the island. After a short but thorough briefing, I mounted Bacardi and 1 we hit the trail. It was a blast going through Aruba's arid land scape with 20 foot high cactus. We eventually made our way to the coast with us riding by the crashing surf as high as 20 feet. Our stop was a beautiful beach before a ride back to the ranch. This was a five star excursion! Back to the ship to eat and change and out we went on our own to find a beach. We took a taxi to Asanti beach which is way North in the hopes to get away from the tourists but even that was crowded. It was an Aruban holiday so that may have brought out a lot of local families. After a few hours in the sun we had to figure a way back to the ship. The taxi there was $29 at holiday rates so we contemplated public transportation but a small tour bus came by offering $5 rides to the cruise port so we hoped on. It was a tour in progress so we spent a relaxing 40 minutes learning about the island and going by all the local and tourist beaches. Of all the Islands on this trip, Aruba is by far the biggest vacation spot. The hotel rooms alone dwarf the other stops by tenfold. That's good and bad depending on your preferred experience you want when you sail. All told it was 11 hours off the ship so we dragged ourselves into the windjammer for dinner. We are definitely MDR folk so we just treated it like that. Bread and starters first, some conversation then the main course, then dessert. It was fun to set it up that way. We finished the evening wearing our bathrobes to the jacuzzi and then reading in the solarium overlooking the lights of Aruba. Honestly, we went to bed before the ship left and never heard or felt anything. Sea day today. Time to book our next cruise!

Some say pop, some say soda. I say mixers.

I know for me, I like tipping additionally for exceptional service in addition to the built in gratuities. I like bringing cash with me to tip exceptional cabin stewards on the spot, or an exceptional waiter or bartender. I like recognizing exceptional service when I see it. I believe it encourages continuing the exceptional service that I see. I never feel obligated to tip additionally though because I do pay my gratuities in advance. But I like knowing that my additional gratuity is going directly into the hands of the person I intend it to rather than under the generic "staff" and being split among people who I dont know if their service is exceptional or not. Also I make a point of writing on a sticky note or on my smartphone notes the names of people who performed exceptionally for that after cruise survey so that they can be recognized and get selected for their next contract if they choose another one. Another thing I like doing for the staff, just because I'm strange like that. But I think they appreciate it. I like bringing a small trinket from my home town for them. I especially like doing this for my cabin steward. Usually its something small like a tshirt, or a unique body wash or lotion, or a pin. Usually I give the pin to waitstaff or bartender and the lotion to a cabin steward. I know if I was working for months and months straight at sea with limited access to interesting new items that I'd like these things, so I just bring some small things for them and I attach a note that this gift is for them.

They have a special spot up front for short people to watch Ocean Aria..there bench seats. Don’t let @rjac fool you...he wants to keep that a secret. I believe we will be sailing a week before you on Allure

Recap of Bonaire and Aruba! Part 1 It's been busy doing so many things I will have to condense the two days into this one post. The day in Bonaire started with us watching Freedom dock on a very small pier. As I mentioned, watching the different ways each port ties up the ship has been facinating. The big Panoramic windows tilt out a good two feet so the view is enhanced in all directions. After a windjammer breakfast we headed out to a snokel and beach break at Coco beach. The snorkeling was good but the beach break was very crowded. It reminded me of some of the places in Phillipsburg St. Maarten. For us, if you have to find your row to get to your beach chair it's to crowded. Again, the fish were colorful and plentiful so it wasn't a total thumbs down. The best part of the day was the afternoon. After lunch on board we went into town. The street fair vendors were true island artisans and we shopped more here than the last 10 ports. The whole center of town hand a real pleasant feel and we lingered a long time. With bath salts, jewelery and gifts in town, we headed back. Back on board we realized that on this trip, day five was formal night. Feeling so good from the day we posed for photos and had a delicious meal in the MDR. The Las Vegas Tenors headlined. They said they did over 50 RC cruises last year. It was our first time seeing the and we along with the crowd enjoyed the performance. Off to sleep to get ready for Aruba. Quick thoughts - Sprinkles is broken. Oh the humanity! - I know the late leaving ports of call effect show times but they just seem to be at very odd times. - Is it me or does the schooner bar and boleros always seem to need about double the seats when they just entertainment - freedom class ships have such an impressive profile when docked with other ships. Proud to be on her!

Hey guys! We are going to go to the Adventure of the Seas crouse on the 31.05.2019 from Manhatten to the Cape Liberty Cruise Port. Has anyone an idea how to get there (cheapest way, if possible) ? We looked up on the internet and only found taxi´s for prices around 60 Dollar (one way). Is anyone of you on board? Best greets from Germany

Daily occurrence in our house....

Good idea. The only issue is with our kids, if one likes black, the other likes white. Sometimes I think they disagree just for the sake of disagreeing. ? Pretty sure we'll end up with Jamie's. It's just on Symphony, Wonderland is probably a good version and from what I hear, that one has a kids menu.

VOOM is "only" internet. But if you setup your phone to use Wi-Fi Calling, your Verizon calls and texts will be sent using the internet so you avoid international roaming. I don't remember if you have to call/visit Verizon to setup your account first, but you definitely need to do it before you leave. You can't activate Wi-Fi Calling for the first time when you are already roaming. (The phone needs to do some sort of one time setup using the actual Verizon network). Remember this will only work while you are on the ship. In port, you may be able to find free Wi-Fi or you can get it by making a purchase at some restaurants/stores. If that doesn't work, Verizon also has Travel Pass which allows you to use your plan internationally for a daily charge of $5, 10, or ? depending on the country. Again, I think you have to add the feature to your account before you leave. Then, the first time you attempt to make a call/text from a foreign country, you'll get a text asking you to authorize the daily charge. It's actually good for 24 hours from the moment you say yes which means if you do it in the afternoon in one port, you would still have access in the morning in a different port. However, Travel Pass does not get you access at sea on the ship so you have to remember to turn Wi-Fi Calling off and on at the appropriate times. Cellular At Sea roaming charges are expensive. Hope that helps.

Still no luck for me. I’ve tried everything others have. I get Celebrity emails and emails for cruise planner bookings but no marketing and no Royal Up emails. I suspect the real subscriber list is an excel spreadsheet on a computer under someone’s desk and checking the check box does nothing. Until someone copies and pastes my email address into the magic spreadsheet no joy for me.

Seapass card. But remember to bring cash if you want to buy any of the shirts or other trinkets from the vendors. They don't take the card, cash only. The lockers work by a paper bracelet, like the one you get at an outdoor concert. It takes some getting use to to work them. They say that you can only have one locker in use at any time on the island, but that's not true. Steven

No screaming, but it did make you pucker, see If I can figure how to post it.

We did not get credit for the 5 night land tour portion of our 2008 Alaska cruise. Since we didn’t sail on Royal again until 2014, I didn’t notice it. When I did, I emailed C&A and they corrected it a few days later. I hope you have the same success! ?

I object to your objection! Also, get bigger stomachs! ?

When the conversion was made from 1 point per cruise to 1 point per night, every cruise (regardless of length) was counted as 7 points. An extra point was added to that total to account for the possibility of longer cruises. 2 cruises =14 points + 1 extra = 15 like you see. Those who took longer (e.g. 10 night) cruises didn't get what would now be considered "full credit" but those who sailed shorter (3 or 4 night) itineraries made out like bandits.

Thank you, James - I'll contact C&A. Nice to know it isn't just me :)

Thank you for the helpful cruise excursion info! jpmackay

No Twangster, YOU were the hero through your perseverance not the sail boat captain. Good on ya!

My MEI agent has my due date 30 days before my final due date. I think it makes for a built in notification which I really really like. But I also keep a folder with my invoice that has my due dates in it so I can keep on top of my due dates as well. Though my OCD has me making payments towards my total as I go, so it doesnt put thousands on my credit card all at once and incurs interest. Instead I make my own payment plan where over months I'm making larger payments so I am making my final payment before the first payment due date. Its just my OCD about paying off the cruise. Because when I have it paid off it becomes that much more real

New name. Scrawnybot.

Interesting story about some stranded snorkelers on Klein Bonaire. This isn’t cruise ship related so forgive me. In my late teens I was scuba certified and went to Bonaire by plane to dive. We chose a hotel right next to a dive shop / bar with views towards Klein Bonaire. One day after several dives we were eating dinner at the dive shop when I saw a series of flashing lights coming from Klein Bonaire. Dot dot dot dash dash dash dot dot dot. Being a geek I knew this was Morse code for SOS. I told everyone about it but being a scrawny kid in my teens everyone thought I was a nut. I kept pestering the server who said talk to the bartender who just rolled his eyes. “It’s a lighthouse” they said. Eventually other people heard me and saw it too. Lighthouses don’t use Morse code and not SOS A sailboat owner who ran charters had finished his day and took his little zodiac tender to the bar for dinner. The bartender who was fed up with me finally said “tell him, he is a sailor” pointing to the sailboat operator just a few years older than me. That guy looked at me exhausted after a long day who just wanted a beer like I had just killed his best friend. He ignored me, ordered a beer, then he saw it too. Off he went in the dark on his little inflatable tender with a 6 hp motor in the dark with only a flashlight. 45 minutes later he returns with his small dingy overloaded with at least 8 people. Their hotel who dropped them off for a snorkeling excursion forgot to pick them up. They wandered the beach and found a flashlight Once dark they started signaling. Klein Bonaire is an island The sailboat captain was a hero, they called their hotel very upset of course but no one who had ignored my constant pestering acknowledged I was right. The server, the bartender and even the sailboat captain ignored me while he reveled in the limelight as a hero This was nearly over 30 years ago long before cell phones existed. Lesson learned. Be prepared at all times.

Oh no! I guess I’ve been away from the forum too long! ? It’s sailing out of Cape Liberty from May-Oct 2020 after the dry dock... Port Canaveral, Perfect Day & Nassau... We may have to take advantage while it’s in NY/NJ! We’ve sailed Explorer & Liberty out of Cape Liberty (not Anthem yet)... Oasis would be crazy passing through NY Harbor and passing under the Verrazano Bridge!

Maybe I just have low expectations/lack experience with comps. I generally only have gambled in two places....I have a players card for Golden Nugget in AC, the most comp I've ever had was enough points on their card to buy some souvenirs for the family and one time they called me on the phone to invite me a concert and overnight that was literally the next day...and I play at the local Hollywood near my house and have never even bothered to sign up for a card. On the cruise ship I knew all the 'bosses' by name because they all introduced themselves over the course of the first gambling night. They and the dealers all welcomed me back telling me it was great to see me again (this was on the second trip and I was really surprised they would remember me). I had a 'conversation' with Casino Manager about the way they managed the free chip program that made me consider not going back on that trip...but here I am...going again ;). All in all.....3-4 bottles of champagne and multiple trays of chocolate strawberries and magically appeared in the room plus the 2 free balcony room cruises and the icing...I'm technically up (pretty much broke even trip one and came home with 2 fancy paintings from trip two that were bought with winnings)

Awesome. Love the updates on Indy. Rainy and cool in Nassau today but I’m on a ship so who cares ??

Waaaaytoooo I've sailed twice on Royal in 2018....before that my last cruise was in 2000...so essentially I had no history with Royal. I went out on Grandeur, booked the royal suite with drink packages and ate at Izumi and chops with the wife and 2 kids....had a fabulous time. I gambled what to me seemed like normal amount for a couple nights, same type of gambling I would do in AC when I am at the Jersey shore with the family and I made 'prime' on this first sailing and also received a free balcony cruise cert. I used that cert for a second sailing, upgraded it to the RS for only a few $$$$ with the wife and 2 kids again and at the end of that sailing received another free balcony cruise cert. Going on 3rd cruise in April ? and already thinking about summer cruises to take since I know I will have the prime I can leverage or maybe I will get another cert with a favorable sailing to my schedule and port preferences.

It only works during the time of sailing. If you select a current itinerary, it will allow you to add it the calendar.

Funny enough it's my 9 year old that wants to try Wonderland...but not for the food, for the atmosphere and theme. Thank you all...am quite convinced then that Jamie's is a better pick. I should say too that we have Navigator BOGO in the summer as well, which means Chops and Jamie's (as those are only choices), but Jamie's seems to make more sense and a safer choice.

Here are some Indy bar menus:

We will definitely be showing up early then! I’m vertically challenged (5’1”),so good seats are important!?

Thank you so much for the wealth of information! I have also wondered about staterooms. We have an ocean view at the front of the ship. Thoughts?

Just one vacation planned so far this year... can't wait! ? Allure - 5/19/19

Bring on more private islands I say. The days of quiet ports on beautiful Carribean islands are fading. With the amount of people traveling in the world now many ports are not just that nice anymore. Variations of that theme have been covered heavily in this and other blogs. All of the ports now seem to focus on shopping shopping and and more shopping. I think for the casual cruisers that is great. Duty free and they get a chance to buy something maybe they wouldn't but at home. A special rememberance for that anniversary cruised they have carefully saved for. I have participated in my share of adding $ to their economies. Alas, after umpteen cruises behind me I am not there to find the best deal on a watch anymore. I think a lot of people feel that way. As experienced cruisers how much did you spend in Nassau, Cozumel or Barbados the last time you were there? Not counting a meal or 2 I am guessing not a lot. Or even stayed on the ship and spent nothing. With the private islands cruise lines have the opportunity to make the experience tailored to the passengers. The activities, the excursions on or around the islands, the food, etc. Also they will be able to maintain the islands as beautiful vacation spots. Have you ever been to a dirty disney World? Or a broken down looking 5 star hotel? I like the idea of sailing to a private island that I dont have to go through throngs of vendors, or hassled for every form of transportation to get to beautiful beach or cabana or whatever excursion I may want to do. With the trend on many of the cruise lines catering to luxury suites with perks (endlessly discussed here) or areas of the ship like the Haven people are clearly looking for top shelf experiences and are willing to pay for it. Imagine what the marketing minds of cruise lines could come up with for perks on these islands for higher tiered members? Diamond member retaurants? Emerald level beach area? The "Key" gets you on a luxury launch to the island...possibilities are literally endless. Would that interest you? It interests me for sure. I am still very happy to go on a cruise with multiple stops in many island nations and hopefully be able to enjoy the culture of each while adding $ to their economy while I am there. But, if the option is there to sail to a well maintained luxury "perfect day" island and possibly stay over night? I think I am on board for that experience.

They do charge port taxes for private islands. Since we did stop @ CocoCay, we received a whopping $5.10 back each. ?

Will be writing up our great day in Bonaire later but woke up and wanted to share sunrise over Aruba. (It is called a live blog) ? Note that a port side room to the ABC islands really is full of activity as you look over the downtowns at each stop.

Hi @Camilla - hope these photos help. Freedom does not yet have the latest updates on the kids swim area but there are lots of things to do. I also appreciate the life guards at all the pools whether for kids or adults. 0124191658.jpg

No problem. I have a series of tips for cruising with any dietary restrictions and I think it'd be worth reviewing (for you, her, or both). The biggest take-away though: communicate. Ask if you're note sure, tell someone if there is something you want that you don't see. https://www.cruisehabit.com/how-request-vegan-vegatarian-gluten-free-or-kosher-meals-your-next-cruise

The sea day continued with dinner in the MDR, a late sunset promonade walk, a bit of music at Boleros, followed by our first ever top tier event and ending with the headliner show. For us, a busy evening! Here are my thoughts... As part of My Time dining we asked for a window seat for two. For us it is well worth it not just for the view but adds to the privacy. Most tables for two have other tables for two lined up so tight you feel like your tables run together. Our first top tier event was enjoyable with a Captains welcome and Q and A session. For the Platinum level, non alcoholic drinks and musical entertainment was followed by the speaches and awards. Very nice indeed. I am super excited for the next three ports. I have wanted to do the ABC Islands forever. My chance starts tomorrow!

The sea day continued with dinner in the MDR, a late sunset promonade walk, a bit of music at Boleros, followed by our first ever top tier event and ending with the headliner show. For us, a busy evening! Here are my thoughts... As part of My Time dining we asked for a window seat for two. For us it is well worth it not just for the view but adds to the privacy. Most tables for two have other tables for two lined up so tight you feel like your tables run together. Our first top tier event was enjoyable with a Captains welcome and Q and A session. For the Platinum level, non alcoholic drinks and musical entertainment was followed by the speaches and awards. Very nice indeed. I am super excited for the next three ports. I have wanted to do the ABC Islands forever. My chance starts tomorrow! 0122191921.jpg

I have an Iphone and the swipe to the left does nothing on my calendar. Nothing comes up to add to calendar. Not just your android phones.

This one is a good one. @betatke1480 said that I am disembarking on a sea day. Sure hope not ?

We just received an email for final payment this morning for or cruise in April. I do not see a problem with this approach, as this gives the cruiser plenty of notifications to pay.

Sending notifications 10, 5, and 1 day prior to final payment date is very fair. I don't think RC does this.

What's the current policy with Royal? I don't see any major issue with that.

From September 2017: Cabanas Cabanas have a thatched roof area with semi private walls (somewhat see through) and some have a wood deck and upgraded loungers in the front or on the side exposed to the sun as well as some standard plastic island loungers you can drag down to the water if you wish to. Bungalows Bungalows have solid back wall and curtain sides. Each also has some upgraded loungers exposed to the sun.