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Showing content with the highest reputation on 05/05/2019 in all areas

  1. Embarkation day success! Tampa Port security was a breeze as was check in. We have never had so many friendly people around us before. We arrived at the port between 1015-1030 and we're through security within 5 minutes. Check in took no more than another 5 minutes. We had the pleasure of enjoying some company and conversation of Candice and Roy that we had met on the message boards. Once onboard we headed straight for the helipad and were the only ones out there exploring. The windjammer buffet was packed full with no available seating in or outside so we decided to go to the park café. We were able to get a salad and sandwich from there which was more than enough for us. We grabbed drinks at the pool bar which was not busy and by that time it was still only 1300. Our rooms were ready by 1330 and all of our prepaid paperwork was waiting for us (Excursions & arcade credit). The only confusion was with our BOGO dining package. We where initially told that a reservation would be made on our behalf for the first night but that was not the case. We called Chops after the must drill and were told that both Chops and Giovanni’s was booked full for the first two nights but we could pick a different day. We ended up stopping by Chops on the way to the windjammer just to double check and the were actually able to get us into Giovanni’s at 1730 that night. The food at Giovanni’s was phenomenal. Corin and I were in agreement that we apparently had never eaten good food before because our taste buds were stimulated in ways we had never had. I would list exactly what we ordered but I couldn’t pronounce it let alone remember what it was called. (I do have pictures of the menu for anyone interested) we split the pork belly appetizer and each ordered the filet mignon main dish. Both were FULL of flavor and melted in your mouth. By far the best restaurant experience we have ever had. We have Chops booked for day 5 and the chef’s table on day 6 so our standards are very very high for the next two. We wrapped up our evening watching the ship pass under the bridge out of Tampa from the helipad and then taking a dip in the pool while (it seemed like) everyone else was eating. So far we really feel like Royalty with Royal Caribbean. Stay tuned for more updates and pictures. *Sorry for the lack of pictures form the first day. Was a little hectic.
    9 points
  2. In an unplanned breakfast and a show yesterday morning in Vancouver guests were treated to a collision between 2 Holland America ships. Apparently the Oosterdam struck the Nieuw Amsterdam during movements near Canada Place. Damage was described as minor and there were no injuries. The planned operations of both ships should not be affected.
    3 points
  3. deep1

    Indy 4/29- 5/4

    Arriving at Lauderdale was a breeze. Parking lot closest was full so a little extra walk to lot 19 was in order... For some reason my RCL App went from my phone to the cloud and reloading took very long time to reload. It was ok because I had the set sail passes printed as well. Check in was a breeze. We are carry on people so we had no bags to check in. My dear GF and I selected Independence for the ship rather than itinerary. Lots of research went into finding just the right one and we weren't disappointed. To begin with she was "fresh" with a recent refit and "amped" upgrades. Though not Oasis Class shes still a really big comfortable layout. Ice rink deck three was home to great shows and family fun. Deck four Playmaker sports bar was very casual atmosphere and the casino nicely laid out. The promenade on deck five was breathtaking. We made our way to deck eleven for lunch at Windjammer which had me a little turned around on this ship being aft where the other RCL ships I had traveled previously were all forward. From there my very blonde GF made a reservation at the spa to have her hair lightened a little. This is where things went bad. It took twice as long as predicted (Making us very late for dinner) to begin with. Then the disaster unfolded when her hair dried. Instead of lightening it they darkened it countless shades to black in places! She went from Sondra Locke type hair to Lilly Munster in that ill fated visit. That's why I took one of the five stars I would have awarded had all gone right. We bit our tongues and moved forward. Opening night parade on the "street" of the promenade was very uplifting. Room was spotless and comfortable. Very good attendant. Our day at sea gave us a chance to check out the water slides, flowrider, golf course and explore. The "sky Pad" was closed I guess due to a mishap on another trip. Lunch again in Windjammer did not disappoint. Dinner was also excellent. That night we were treated to very spot on performance of "Grease". First stop was Costa Maya. We opted to do a ruins tour with Native Choice based on recommendation. Very detailed and informative! In that recommendation they said they would drop us at the beach where we snorkeled, had a great lunch, did some shopping for hammocks (got great deals) and had time to get GF a massage. Dinner aboard was again fantastic. Our next day found us in Cozumel. A few quick stops to pick up free trinkets then a stop at a recommended pharmacy for vanilla (which you can find everywhere) and some other deeply discounted medications (4 month supply of Omeprazole for what I pay for three week supply here). Our next stop took us off the beaten path to Kao Kao chocolate factory tour instead of the one being offered by RCL. We selected it after much research and again that research paid off with an extremely memorable hands on experience. From there it was off to Money Bar where we had an outstanding lunch of mixed nachos then some excellent snorkeling. Back aboard we joined in a fun "activity" cheering on and heckling those who were late returning to the ship. Dinner was good but the beef stroganoff did not resemble what I envision. More like oriental stir fried beef over buttered spaghetti. Still tasted good. We dabbled in the casino. I wound up $80 ahead playing craps and roulette. Gf wound up 35 cents ahead on the slots. Yesterday at sea we pretty much relaxed redoing some things we had done before. Dinner was fine. We went to Next cruise booking same Independence for next year but will be bringing her teens for that one. I went on my RCL app to check my expenses and noticed an odd $89 charge that was put on and taken off several times. At the service deck the attendant was rude and indifferent. No explanation . I then noticed that the same spa that destroyed my GF's hair took it upon themselves to "pad" the gratuity by quite a bit and unauthorized. Again the attendant was abrupt. "You need to take that up with them." They were closed and closed again for todays disembarkation! That's the second star removal reason. We did breakfast in the MDR and that was good. By then the line to get off was thinned out. Probably the fastest easiest disembarkation I have ever done. Its a shame that the spa incident(s) took place otherwise it would have been my pleasure to give it a full 5 star rating...
    3 points
  4. I love how a passenger said that their aft balcony cabin was now an unobstructed sea view.
    3 points
  5. Now that it is officially single digits until sail away, I figure it is not unreasonable for me to get this live blog started! (though I AM endlessly amused by the people who have recently started their posts far in advance of their sailings. *cough @StayFrosty @Lovetocruise2002 @Matt cough*) I will be transparent in that, since this is my first live blog, I can't guarantee I will be able to stay on top of it the way I might like, but I will be doing my level best to share with all of you for multiple reasons. First and foremost, I have gotten so much out of other's live blogs and genuinely want to give back to this community in any way I might be able to. But it isn't ALL altruistic. I think, if I'm able to stay on top of a live blog, it will make a great memory in a bottle of my trip to allow me to revisit wistfully on extra stressful days. I think I will start with a bit of background organized in a format that I'm shamelessly stealing from one of @Lovetocruise2002's blogs. Pre-cruise report: Sailing: May 12-19, 2019, Allure of the Seas, 7 Night Eastern Caribbean cruise Sailing with: Me (32), and my parents (not my age to tell) Flying from: PHL to FLL on Southwest and returning on American (boo baggage fees, yay nonstop flights at reasonable times) Pre-cruise hotel: Ended up with Holiday Inn Express Ft. Lauderdale Cruise-Airport (the one on 17th Street) We cycled through many different hotels before we ended up with this one. Like the sane person I am, I would check on hotel prices about once every 2 weeks starting 8 months in advance and if I saw a great price at a hotel that looked convenient or interesting I booked it just to guarantee the price. At one point I had 4 hotels booked at the same time. You may be starting to get the impression that I take as much enjoyment from planning my vacation as actually taking it. You would be correct. And thank you kindly for enabling that! Other hotels that were considered and discarded: Drift Hotel - liked that it was close to the beach, disliked that it didn't seem to have as many amenities as other hotels, such as having someone there to hold our luggage if we got there far before check-in. Holiday Inn Express & Suites Ft. Lauderdale Airport/Cruise - liked that it had 2 queen beds (not doubles) for a good price. Disliked that it didn't seem very walkable Hampton Inn Ft. Lauderdale Airport North Cruise Port - this was the #1 hotel until the price recently came down for the Holiday Inn on 17th Street. I liked that it had the normal things like a free airport shuttle, concierge, pool, but it also was across a smaller side street from a shopping center that has restaurants, a Big Lot & a liquor store where my dad could grab some wine. But you just can't beat the convenience (from what I hear) of hotels in that 17th Street strip so while this hotel was walkable...the Holiday Inn Express won out. The itinerary is as follows: Day 1 – Fort Lauderdale Day 2 and 3 – At Sea Day 4 – Basseterre, St. Kitt's Day 5 – Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas San Juan, PR Day 6 – At Sea Day 7 – Nassau, Bahamas Day 8 – Fort Lauderdale We have booked a third party excursion on St. Kitt's through Thenford Grey. I've heard good things about him on here and elsewhere so I'm excited for this tour. We were originally slated for St. Thomas as a stop, but as many of you have probably already seen, Allure is having some propulsion issues and we will now be stopping in San Juan. There are many people in my sailing's FB group who are devastated by this news. While I respect that reaction, I don't want to start letting negativity seep into my vacation before it has even started. So goodbye trip to Secret Sands beach we had through Royal and hello to last minute research into self guided walking tours through San Juan. I'm actually legit excited about this change as I would prefer getting to know the history and culture of a place than simply laying around on the beach all day. And that FOOD. So time to dust off my super rusty 14 year old spanish lessons and go with the flow. WEPA! And for Nassau, we have been before and my parents have no desire to get off the off again. With a ship like Allure to explore and relax on instead, I will not be arguing with that. Cabin: We have a hump balcony Junior Suite on the 8th floor. Very much looking forward to "having" to walk through Central Park to get back to the room. ~*~WOE~*~ Pre-purchases: Besides the excursions which I covered above, we will be trying out The Key (I see it as a great little upgrade to Sea Class) and my mother and I have the refreshment package. Since my mom doesn’t drink, my dad gets the 2 bottle of wine allotment to himself and will supplement that with the occasional beer here and there. Nowhere enough to warrant a drink package for himself. The last time we were on a cruise, he would decant half of his bottle of wine into an empty (clear) water bottle from the room. The moment he proceeded to do this with his bottle of red as well was the moment I was mentally buying him a portable wine tumbler for this trip. None of the crew members said anything, but seeing him walk into the MDR with a clear water bottle full of dark red wine was not our proudest hour. Though if you asked him, he would quip that Jesus paid him a visit and turned that water into wine. *facepalm* Random Pre-cruise thoughts: I am going to take as many pictures as I can remember to, though it’s not ingrained. Please let me know if there is anything in particular you would like me to check out or take pictures of for you. I am open to requests. I will make sure to detail how easy or difficult it was for me to get reservations in Coastal Kitchen as a Junior Suite. That is something that seems to have very mixed results so I’m curious how it will work out. Ideally we would have reservations there every night except for the night we have Giovanni’s reserved. If all goes according to plan, I shall be running a completely unofficial and entirely arbitrary “Allure’s Best Steak” competition since I plan to have steak in Chops (Key lunch), Coastal Kitchen, Giovanni’s, and the MDR (Key breakfast). I will be sure to let you know my thoughts. I will also make sure to note how I am liking the Key since that’s such a new feature and it seems to vary wildly from ship to ship. I have reached the point in trip antsyness where I’m overthinking my packing and buying unnecessary things from Amazon to help. Because buying a toiletry bag is the most important thing in the world right now! I promise future posts will have more pictures!
    2 points
  6. I have not sailed on Anthem yet, but as far as I know, all Royal ships (based on length of cruise) have at least one formal night (except Empress at times)... here is some general info from RC's website which covers how many formal nights and proper attire: https://www.royalcaribbean.com/faq/questions/formal-dress-code-guideline Formal nights: 3/4/5 Night Cruises - Usually on Day 2 6 Night Cruises - Usually on Day 2 and 5 7 Night Cruises - Usually on Day 2 and 6 8 - 10 Night Cruises - 2 Formal Nights, Days vary by ship and sailing 11 - 14 Night Cruises - 3 Formal Nights, Days vary by ship and sailing 15+ Night Cruises - 3 or 4 Formal Nights, Days and number vary by ship and sailing Oasis and Allure - Day 2 and 5 on Western itineraries and Day 2 and 6 on Eastern itineraries Empress of the Seas - Formal Nights are not offered on some sailings As @JennyB suggested, the best way to get a good idea is to take a peek at prior Anthem Cruise Compasses with your specific itinerary (if available)... here is a link to the Cruise Compasses uploaded on the forum for Anthem: https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/cruise-compass?ship=435
    2 points
  7. ... at least the claim process will be simple! ?
    2 points
  8. https://www.diariodecadiz.es/provincia/Reparacion-Oasis-the-Navantia-Cadiz_3_1351394856.html
    2 points
  9. i posted below with the ships that currently have the Coastal Kitchen. On those ships, JR and above get access - with the JR suite getting dinner only access. If you cruise in the future on one of these ships, it's definitely worth shooting for if it's in the budget ? have a great cruise on Adventure
    2 points
  10. My ratio is currently 8:1. Meaning 8 weeks of recovery for every one week of cruising. I'll try on those jeans again at the end of June.... Maybe July to be safe.
    2 points
  11. 2 points
  12. Lol, Derick came to our room at 8. We were in our towncar by 8:15! Amazeballs.
    2 points
  13. That brings back some memories. I served on a ship that was commissioned in 1944 and she served from WWII until the 90's. Nothing like haze gray and underway.
    2 points
  14. Matt

    Taking Food to Room

    You can take food from any venue to anywhere else on the ship. Whether it's food from the Windjammer or MDR or any specialty restaurant, you do not have to finish the food there. In fact, the staff is usually very helpful in providing a "to go" container.
    2 points
  15. Thank you so much!!
    1 point
  16. https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/podcast/episode-182-dealing-being-sick
    1 point
  17. No need to disrespect people who live in trailer parks. You could have just given your suggestion about plates.
    1 point
  18. Pima1988

    COCO CAY QUESTION

    If I recall correctly it is a NO for the waterslides. Yes, for the zipline, but you need to bring your own helmet mount and the staff may require you to set it in a different position due to safety requirements. I believe Matt discussed this on the Coco Cay opening blog.
    1 point
  19. They Also Have The Stowaway Piano Player On Coco Cay!
    1 point
  20. Put your phone in airplane mode then just turn on Bluetooth and you should be fine. That is assuming that the Fitbit app doesn’t insist on an internet connection.
    1 point
  21. Don't apologise - you're enjoying yourselves. ANY photos you share with us are a bonus! Looks like you're off to a great start! Have a fabulous cruise.
    1 point
  22. Fairlynew

    Guarantee room

    We were on Navigator in September with a guaranteed balcony and two guaranteed interiors. We got assigned right after final payment and got two interiors with virtual balconies and a spacious ocean view balcony, so it worked out great for us. Best of luck to you.
    1 point
  23. Oh boo, no way to get the lemongrass version without eating there? Oh well....I’ll still def give the cucumber one a try. Thanks!
    1 point
  24. TheHobbys

    Phone Apps and Syncing

    You Fitbit should be connected via Bluetooth to your phone. That doesn't require an internet. As long as you don't turn off Bluetooth, you should be good.
    1 point
  25. twangster

    Guarantee room

    Since the Royal Up program was introduced it's logical that GTY assignments will take longer to post. As the ship books out they have the flexibility of upgrading some guests who placed bids which can free up cabins within the GTY category you booked. It's further complicated considering muster station capacity and ensuring they maximize muster capacity while accommodating all guests from solo cruisers to families. Keep in mind that just because they aren't advertising cabins on the website doesn't mean they don't have any unoccupied cabins in that category. Often accessible rooms are kept out of the general inventory in case someone who needs one requests it, but at a certain point they'll release them for any guest to occupy. There are other reasons to keep some cabins out of the sales inventory and then open them for GTY bookings closer to the cruise. This is expected when booking GTY cabins - you might not know right up to embarkation day.
    1 point
  26. Thanks! In case it’s not obvious, I’m very much looking forward to it. I’ve heard such great things about this ship and can’t wait to try it out myself ?
    1 point
  27. Yeah, but you're worth it. ?
    1 point
  28. Ok Sabrina....I’m just dreaming about that martini now!! Jane
    1 point
  29. It's a well known quirk of the Cruise Planner that it shows "At your leisure" even after making reservations. In your purchase history it should show what you actually reserved (and I think there's another way to view it too). But as long as you see it in your purchase history, you are good. And yes, you do have to make a separate reservation for every night that you want one. Remember, you can treat My Time Dining like a land restaurant and just show up and wait for a table. (And like a restaurant, how long of a wait will depend on how many other people show up around the same time.) If you do reserve the same time every night, it is highly likely you will be given the same table and wait staff each night. Some people really like that.
    1 point
  30. If you go the lemongrass cucumber martini was amazing. I will try and hunt down our pics...I didn’t take a picture of the menu I don’t think! Jane
    1 point
  31. If you've never done the chefs table and are a foodie ...I highly recommend doing it at least once.
    1 point
  32. We haven't made reservations yet because we won't know which restaurants they assigned for our BOGO. But we are definitely planning to go to 150 CP at some point on our May 18 Symphony cruise. Don't know if that will help @hayley_bopp but if nothing else, it will be interesting to compare the restaurant on the 2 ships. @spiralqueen have a great cruise!!
    1 point
  33. I always welcome scans of the Cruise Compass so I can add it to the blog
    1 point
  34. And I'm of Irish descent. I'm going to be cast out of my family if they ever come to hear of this ?
    1 point
  35. @SweetPea Thank you for such an entertaining blog! Glad to hear that you enjoyed your experience. Hopefully it does not take you too long to get back into those jeans. ?
    1 point
  36. I haven’t personally used resort for a day, but I wanted to pipe in just in case you were thinking about taking that statement on their website to mean that your pass as is will be honored as is at the Allegro. It’s possible it will be, but I know I would personally email RFAD customer service to let them know about the port change and see about getting reissued documentation with the correct date on it. I wouldn’t trust that a random Allegro employee checking you in will know the ins and outs of policy and might just see the wrong date on the pass and give you a hard time. Best to get something in writing.
    1 point
  37. Who says you can't have room service breakfast on the last day?
    1 point
  38. We are back in NJ. Boo. I will do some wrap up later. I've saved all the Cruise Compasses if anyone is interested, but I don't think there are many more cruises with our itinerary. I will post pics of the bridge tour also. Those aren't on my phone. I didn't think pics would be allowed. Derick is meeting us at 8 to escort us off. He says he's bringing me a Bloody Mary. I've never drank on disembarkation morning before... Good thing I have some detox tea waiting at home. Thanks to everyone who followed along!
    1 point
  39. Lol that restraint brought to you by me annoying my friends and coworkers with how much I talk about this upcoming vacation and showing them pictures of various things.
    1 point
  40. This of course is after checking the spelling of his name no less than 8,352 times.
    1 point
  41. I'll add to @Matt information above. The Coastal Kitchen will be open for embarkation day, that's the first place we go to meet the staff. And, if you have any reservations for specific times - you book those at that time, just to be safe. The sun deck should be good to go for suites - however, I'm not sure there is a dedicated bar up there - there was on the Oasis. If not, you may want to make sure to bring any beverages / snacks with you. You may have to keep checking the cruise planner to see when the signature activities are available. If you have problems, you MIGHT get lucky if you make friends with the host in the coastal kitchen to help figure out how to get some reservations ?
    1 point
  42. Following too! We’re getting on as you disembark on 5/19... Western Caribbean. I may also try my first live blog... we’ll see if my wife and friends tolerate it! ? Have an amazing time!
    1 point
  43. This was so great. As soon as I ditch the kids I am so going on a celebrity cruise! Thx so much for all your amazing pictures...it is such a beautiful ship! Jane
    1 point
  44. @cpgecko Welcome to the message boards! Some background info on us...we have two girls, 10 & 12 and they have been cruising with us since they were 5 & 7. We have done RCL, DCL, MSC, and Carnival. With our kids, we have done RCL and DCL. Truthfully, and not because I am biased, I firmly believe that RCL offers the best over all package and value for families, especially if you choose an OA class ship. The only thing the DCL does better, IMO, is the shows. But that becomes less of a factor if you sail Oasis class because even the Fantasy and Dream cannot beat OA class. And I won’t even get started on the price comparison. As far as itineraries, I personally would go with the Caribbean, especially if the flight isn’t really an issue. If you cruise Alaska, you will likely pick an older, smaller, ship and while there is nothing wrong with that, as a first time RCL cruisers with young kids, those ships simply don’t offer all the amenities that a newer/revitalized ship will have for the kids. I would also pick OA class if you are looking for the WOW factor because honestly that class appeals to all ages. Feel free to ask anything else. Lots of helpful and knowledgeable people here ?
    1 point
  45. My kids fall into the same scenario you do, and I just buy them a soda individually. It's cheaper than a drink package and half the time they don't charge me for it (probably since I'm ordering it when I have a drink package and the bartender can't be bothered to swipe the included drink and re-swipe for the paid soda). Is it fine to give them literally one or two sips of yours? Of course. But I think when it reaches a point where they are quenching their thirst or enjoying most of a drink with your drink package benefits then there's cause for concern. Of course, all of this is just my opinion and neither I nor anyone here, are the arbitor of drink package enforcement.
    1 point
  46. I think you are missing the point of traveling in star class , one phone call to Derick and the Captain would have aligned the ship to resolve this issue, after all it was sunny somewhere so why not over your balcony ?
    1 point
  47. Ok Sorry Everyone This Blog Is On Pause Until I Get Home From My Next Cruise.
    1 point
  48. No problem. Sorry this Is happening to you.. But is there a reason they would not enjoy Symphony or Navigator? its only a 30 min drive from Ft. Lauderdale. Both are amazing ships
    1 point
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