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I received good news via email today! They made an additional Key available for me! I'm glad I won't have to watch my 13 year old eat lunch at Chops without me now ? Hello, Hope this email finds you well, I am glad to inform we were able to obtain the additional spot that you requested; to book The Key service, please call us as soon as you can in order to pay for it please. Payment can only be made today. Regards, Kevin Velasquez Resolutions Specialist Royal Caribbean International®

Greetings all! Currently sitting on the Tri-Rail at the Miami airport station waiting for it to depart northbound heading towards Ft. Lauderdale. (Check out writeup @twangster did going from Ft. Lauderdale airport.) Day started off catching a 6:30 am flight to Miami with a landing just after 7:30 am. Have to admit a hour flight sure beats sitting 7+ hours in either a car or bus. Just a shame the flight costs 3-4 times what RedCoach would have been. But the convenience so far is worth it. So those wondering what exactly 3343 means, I'll reveal that tomorrow. Sure some smart folks might figure it out. Also if you want to get an idea of what to expect. Please check out my previous LIVEish:

Ok, so I just got off allure on March 31 and was not happy the Chicago forecast predicted snow this week. That might have had something to do with it! Or....I was feeling guilty that my daughter was graduating from university of Illinois and I didn’t go to mom’s weekend! Or....I was still not 100 days til we head to Barcelona and board our first European cruise! Or it might have been the excitement of finally making platinum but I totally flipped and decided to give my daughter the choice of a trip for her graduation. And she picked a cruise! And in searching I realized that the 4 day cruise to Havana and key west was pretty much the same as the 5 day to Cozumel. Within 24 hours of coming up with this crazy idea, we booked it with my husband’s blessing...which was nice because he will be teaching summer school to pay for the other summer cruise. So in 66 days, my 22 year old, my 16 year old and I will be boarding majesty! With this cruise I will have been on 5 different classes and to 11 different ports. I never thought when I booked my first cruise in 2015 that I would take more cruises in 4 years than trips to Disney! My obsessions still war (someday Disney cruise) but I have to say that 4 cruises in a 13 month period will make all those long hours of babysitting worth it! And I must say, this blog might encourage my yolo book it tendencies a bit too much. I will need lots of advice on where to go in key west and Havana! Jane

Call back and speak with another rep, and if they give you the same line ask (politely) to speak with a supervisor. If the supervisor gives you the same line, hang up and call back to speak with another rep and another super if needed, until you get a rep who properly knows the policy. You are absolutely allowed to reprice a cruise with NRD as long as you are on the same ship and sailing on the same date, with no cabin changes that would involve -- for example -- consolidating from two rooms down to one.

But in the end it's the same amount of money, yes? For all I care, they can call it a Honey Badger Victim Counseling Fee.

Key West is super easy to just walk off the ship and find something to do - I absolutely love the charm and walk ability of Key West. As for Havana, I can't say because I haven't been but I did book a tour for my trip in November through Blexie Tours. It's a private tour in a classic car, but it is through third party. That said, I know lots of people who have used them with great feedback.

I have 2. 1st story I work for a national mens clothier. I go off and buy what I think is a great outfit for my husband. White/navy blue striped cotton sweater, and navy shorts. One a.m. we were at the pool and it was kind of chilly, but he knew it would warm up, so he wore this outfit. It is @ 10 a.m. and he is sleeping on a lounge chair next to me...snoring. Passengers are walking by and glaring. Thus, I nudge him so he will stop snoring. He stops snoring, but they are still walking by and mumbling under their breath. Huh? I don't get it, why are they looking at him this way. A few mins later a bar staff member walks up to me and asked if I needed a drink. I looked at him, looked at my husband and broke out in laughter. His outfit was almost identical, just different stripe design on the sweater. I am positive all those passengers thought he was part of the crew sleeping on the job! 2nd story We as a family (siblings and cousins) decided that we were going to surprise my Mom for her 80th with a cruise. She got wind and said she was not going. We (siblings/cousins) decided we were still going and celebrate my Mom's Bday without her. My brother is a practical joker. He went to Staples and had a 24x32 picture of my Mom printed up. In his mind, she was going on this cruise with us no matter what. He took it with him on the ship, but kept it a secret. Formal night rolls around and VOILA he pulls this picture out for the photos.. I can't recall the Captain's name, but he was European and needed staff to translate. There is my brother asking the Captain to take a picture of him holding this huge picture of my Mom. The captain could not wrap his head around he was being asked to do. I am pretty sure when he got back to the bridge, he told everyone, now he has seen it all for the photo ops. My brother also makes calendars for every family member as a xmas gift. Every month is a photo. That yr. her bday month was the picture of the Captain holding this picture of her

Our Symphony of the Seas cruise leaves tomorrow, Apr 13th, 2019. “Our” being my husband Mike and 7 year old daughter Delilah. This is Delilah’s first cruise, Mike and my second. Our first cruise was Freedom of the Seas in 2007. I’m hoping cruising will become our family thing, but it depends on how this cruise goes with my daughter. I printed my Set Sail pass, cruise docs, and luggage tags. I packed magnetic hooks, a USB hub and sea sick bands and pills. I am at the airport in Sacramento as I type. We fly Sac to Denver to FLL arrive in FLL tonight at 12:30am. We have our drink packages purchased, alcohol one for Mike and I, refreshment one for Delilah. We have ordered the picture package, the octopus stuffed animal for D, and water in the room. We got the key because at 19.99 is was only $3 more than the internet and with the chops lunch, it was a no brainer. I would have even paid 24.99, since you don’t have to wait in line for shows and to get off the boat. Waiting in any line with my ADHD daughter is a nightmare. I was going to also take advantage of the key for flow rider and zip line times but I read in the cruise docs my daughter is not old enough for those. Had I realized that I would have probably picked a boat with iFly instead and dreamworks characters. My daughter loves zip lining. We booked an ocean balcony, #12610. I’m kind of worried this room is going to be too far from an elevator. We tend to forget stuff a lot and I think it’s going to be a pain having to run that far to the room. To make it less painful I bought a Fitbit watch, so I can be happy getting so many steps. We made low bids for each RoyalUp category, but doubt we’ll get an upgrade since the ship is full. It would be nice to get a bigger cabin but I mostly bid in hopes of getting something closer to an elevator. We requested early dining and have all our shows booked. My daughters bedtime is usually between 7 and 8 so we’ll see if she can stay awake through the shows. We have all our excursions booked, Atlantis in Bahamas, dolphin encounter in St. Kitts, and Turtle island Sail and snorkel on St Thomas. Most of my posts will be more pictures than text but I thought I would make an introduction post here. I have read all the other Symphony blogs and got a lot of my questions and info from them. I had lots more questions on traveling with young kids, so I’ll try and include info on that too. I have no idea if my daughter will like Adventure Ocean or if she’ll be with us mostly. 25 to 1 ratio of adults to kids with 40 kids may not be her thing. If anyone wants pictures of anything or has any questions let me know.

Can you convert a refundable to NRD without cancelling in your region? We can in the US. I often book a cruise refundable due to uncertain travel plans. As I start to get closer to sail date but still before final payment due date I can check to see if current NRD is below my fare as booked. Often it isn't but occasionally it is and I can convert a booking to NRD without fees.

I have a friend who sails on Princess and you can cancel and rebook for no penalty. Typically the deposit would be 10% of the cruise. The Travel Agents here do not work the same way as the U.S as they will also add on their fee for cancelling. Where RCI want a $400 deposit the Travel Agent will want $500, $400 to pay RCI and $100 for them. They also don’t monitor price drops either. This is originally why I started booking RCI directly as before NRD the TA wanted $200 to cancel and RCI would do it for no charge. Like shares it’s hard to know the best time to book a cruise down here as prices go up and down. For our cruise in 2020 (before NRD was a thing) I cancelled and rebooked 3 times to get the best price and saved $1500. Our cruise in September this year never got cheaper since we booked early last year until the OS popped up cheaper than the GS last week. I have looked at booking our next cruise in 2021 through the US but the pricing is about $300 NZD more expensive than the local price. One anomaly I noticed was the 2 Bedroom Panoramic Suite is only $50USD than a JS. Here is $2500 more expensive so that would be worth booking. I also noticed we get a CAS discount of $400 on the cabin but the US booking did not have any CAS discount available. Hopefully next up we will have 30% off sale with OBC which might be the best deal to get.

No, thats in addition to the free yearly prime cruise.

Hi there! I loved your blog on Harmony.

thanks. also good point RE: RoyalUp. I didn't consider the cabin roll would help balance (potential) oversells for the lower-end rooms, so even if I'm not bidding for a better stateroom odds are that it'll resolve itself without them having to INVOL upgrade a bunch of people. In either case, this trip is about checking out the new and improved Navigator (and of course Perfect Day at Coco Cay)! I wont have time for lolly-gagging on a balcony anyways ?

Exactly I didn't serve in the US Army to "qualify" for discounts.. If theyre given and advertised then ill take them.. When I enlisted in 1989 that was the last though on my mind lol ? FREE drinks for Veterans is a policy I could get behind! could you imagine the carnage at the bar? lmao

Hello. My name is Will. I'm originally from Chicago, but now live in Florida. My travel goals are to visit all 50 states, mixed in with cruises. What does fascinate me about cruising is that some people meet other passengers randomly in various settings and that there is an instant connection. Those lucky few wind up making lifelong friendships as a result. I don't expect it to happen for me, because I'm introverted with a capital I.

YIPPEE !! Have a great cruise !

Welcome. I am sure you will be a cruise addict like the rest of us here. This is a great place to share your experience, ask questions, etc.

I understand rinky-dink. That tells the whole story....

Try upgrading or downgrading that’s technically not price matching..it’s the way we have to do it in the UK no price drops here either?

Have a great time. We leave on Harmony Sunday.

This is our philosophy too. We will usually pick the cheaper option between a promenade cabin and an ocean view cabin. I have never sailed in a "proper" interior because I think it might feel like being in a big cupboard.

Thank you so much ???? The struggle a real lol

Rang back a second time, got the same answer. Asked for a supervisor, and got told “she will just tell you the same thing AND she’s busy”! Does it make any difference that mine is an Australian booking? I’m seeing a few references to things only applying for North American bookings.

We have a tour arranged in Mumbai. Currently there are 4 of us. We welcome another 2-4 people to join us. If you are interested, let me know as I have to register everyone. No of people: 4 adults PLEASE ASK THE OTHERS TO WRITE MAIL WITH YOUR NAME AND THEN WE CAN ADD THEM TO YOUR TOUR. Sailing on: SPECTRUM OF THE SEAS: (Arrives 4 am on and departs the same day at 6 pm) Pickup time and place: 8 am, the guide will wait with placard at the area where you exit immigration/customs. Nature of the tour: Mumbai Must Sees and bazaar http://www.magictoursofindia.com/ Cost: Rs 5500 per person x 4 = Rs 22000, to be paid in cash Rupees to the guide Rs 4200 per person for a group of 9-16 people Rs 4460 per person for a group of 7-8 people Rs 5000 per person for a group of 5-6 people ($96/person) Rs 5500 per person for a group of 4 people Rs 6550 per person for a group of 3 people Rs 7900 per person for a couple

I'm worried but hopefully all will be good for us on the 19th. I just ordered an anniversary sign for our cabin door for the cruise.

I'm past the snot and milk covered stage fortunately, but I usually have at least one color of buttercream icing on me at all times! ?

Maybe I'm stupid (ok, I'm probably stupid), but isn't it just semantics whether they call it gratuities or a service fee?

Out of general courtesy, let your table mates know that you will not be there, they then know to tell the head waiter not to wait and to proceed with dinner. This has happened to us in the past and it was nice to tell the head waiter to go ahead, that we knew or table mates were not showing up.

We were at Coco Cay yesterday truly beautiful. According to workers they are on schedule to be finished in May 2019. If they cancel an excursion due to work, delays, weather etc you will get a full refund to the card you used. If you choose to cancel at least 24 hours prior you will still get a full refund to the card you used.

Dropping luggage with porters then meeting with them first and checking in at a later time would be a safer and possibly less stressful idea. If I got on the ship, i wouldn't want to get back off LOL. Certainly don't want to deal with doing boarding 2X. not to mention Murphy's Law once you got back off to meet family.

My live blog from December 2017: https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/boards/index.php?/topic/5068-anthem-112517-712-b2b/&do=findComment&comment=50523 This was right after they started accepting ships after the hurricanes that devastated Puerto Rico.

So true!! I never get to dress up anymore. Nowadays I'm either covered in my kids' snot or milk, or food splatter from cooking. Alright, I'm gonna fancy it up like no one's business.

At the photo ops where they have a backdrop and the area is set aside for ship photographers they typically do not allow you to walk up and use your own camera. If you can find a nice place to take pictures where they haven't setup the professional cameras, then you can take pictures. I often see people trying to use staircases and such but there is nothing to stop other guests from accidentally photo-bombing your pictures as they walk down the stairs. Generally speaking most guests are very accommodating when they see someone trying to take a family picture on the stairs but our fellow guests come from a cross section of our society and sometimes a guest couldn't care less that you are trying to capture a family moment on a public staircase.

Thanks @fonemanboband @SpeedNoodles. This makes me feel more at ease. Do they allow you to use your own camera at the photo ops?

@Justice. Agree. I bid on a GS and won. I was notified on February 15 with a set sail date of February 24, 2019. Moving from a JS was great.

My son had this picture

My only cruise so far was when I was about 10 years old (22 years ago). It was a 7 night cruise on Majesty. During the trip I somehow became "popular" on the ship. I was a big kid who always looked older for my age who would be on the basketball court and occasionally the hot tub having a great time. I had the soda package and would just use the fountain dispensers... One of the nights I wasn't feeling to well and I stayed in the room during dinner. My mother went to one of the bars and asked the bartender to use the phone. Keep in mind that I'm 10 years old. The BARTENDER asked if she was calling the room to check on (my name). She was all kinds of confused and was wondering if I had been a regular ordering drinks at the bar. It is something that we laugh about to this day.

Which every other site saw and then posted their own version. Sorry, couldn't resist.

In addition to the great podcasts and blogs here, @monorailmedic did a really nice podcast on Key West on cruisehabit.com - after listening to that we booked one that included Key West.

I know that I do not need a second entrée. Even if it was free. If we want to have a variety of foods, we choose the WJ that night. If you don't like what you ordered, just like in a regular restaurant, you have the right to send it back for something else. People are right in stating that it is just a way to increase revenue. The MDR is just like a big banquet facility. A certain amount of each entrees, appetizers and such are prepared for the evening and then just plated up when ordered, as I'm sure others have mentioned in the past. I've even seen some entrees from the MDR menu one night being served the next night in the WJ. I'm not saying that is was leftover or reheated, but if they don't plan on using the uncooked portions of meat and such in the next day or two, that's a way to use it up.

As retired U.S. Air Force I feel a bit compelled to weigh in here....with a response that may surprise! I think they should get rid of the military discount altogether! Here is why...First, it only exists on paper. It rarely if ever actually gets applied. Meanwhile you ruffle the feathers of those non-U.S. non-Canadian military personnel. There is seemingly no problem with state-side companies offering discounts to U.S. service personnel only, as they are stores/restaraunts etc. that are based in thr u.S. and physically located in the U.S. (I would not expect to get a military discount at McDonalds in Japan..... BUT despite the fact that TC is suposedly a U.S. company, their market is very international including international ports, routes, and indeed crew! So to only offer the military discount to certain countries defenders slights others and in today's world of reading-to-much-onto-everything could even be viewed as a political statement. Offering the military discount to ALL military likewise doesn't work..do yo offer the discount to military from opposing countries? If not, s soon as you elimnate one you make a statement. Too many pitfalls here. Get rid of it I say! (Now, free drinks for veterans i could support! ?

OBTW, my husband is a wise arse. He still takes/wears that outfit, but he says that he does it now hoping he will make some tips while on board to offset the cost of the cruise! If now only he would use youtube to learn how to make towel animals!

Ok here is my take on this. I served and I have received discounts here and there, however I have never ever "asked" for them. I did not serve to get discounts later on in life. If others get discounts and I don't, so be it. I will not ask my "share". My freedom and that of my family and fellow countrymen is good enough for me.

Sad it has taken all these years to come out. I personally have asked that question many times. Getting a state discount is a joke also. Or a senior discount or a disabled discount. And so on and so forth. To all who have served : THANK YOU.

Always good to sample the market. It's the only way to know your are spending your vacation dollars wisely. Let us know what you think when you return.

It is reported that RCCL was planning overnite stays in the Bahamas. Maybe this is part of that plan.

Exactly my point. I'm curious to see what RCCL has up their sleeves that will really make me go "WOW"!!

I've had my doubts about this program since I first heard about it, but, I got the email about my 1/27 sailing of Freedom (58 Days!) and found myself visiting the bid site adding a bid for a balcony cabin. Sure, my bid registered on the upper scale of "weak" on the bid strength meter, but, I don't find it worth it to pay more than I would have paid at the time I booked. Fingers crossed. If I get picked, GREAT! if not, I'm still gonna have a good time!

Agreed. Just because it may not be something everyone is interested in, doesn't make it a scam. Royal is a business. This is about taking a manual upgrade process that only typically benefited Pinnacles (for the most part) and automating it. Automation is more efficient and can process through the ripple effect of a suite becoming available much better than humans can deal with it. As a D+ I've never been visited by the upgrade fairy. Probably never will. With RoyalUP I can choose to play the game and have a chance at a paid upgrade. Before RoyalUP I might have been lucky enough to see a suite pop into inventory before anyone else but then I'd have to pay full price which for a full suite that can be three or four thousand more. That's just not worth it. I'll book another cruise for that. So I'm not losing out on anything with RoyalUP in place. I have a cruise coming up with a step-daughter. We could use a bigger cabin, free room service, get her into the concierge lounge, etc. That isn't worth a massive amount to me, but it's worth something. I've thrown a low bid in that probably wouldn't be accepted if such a suite becomes available. Who knows? I'm not counting on it. If double C&A points were on the table that would be worth something more to me that would cause be to offer a higher bid. Absent of double C&A points I'd rather sink $2,000 or more into another cruise. If Royal dramatically updates the C&A program double C&A might be worthless if the goal posts are moving. With automation of a manual process presumably bringing in new revenue Royal can keep base fares low to remain competitive. That's a side effect we all can benefit from.