Leaderboard

Just wanted to share! 17 days until we sail! So excited!

Man...where were you a week ago with that tip when my razor kept falling to the shower floor and exploding into pieces? This tip is HUGE!

Not sure how "brilliant" this is...but we take one of our larger suitcases and put it in the closet with the top unzipped and use it as a hamper (just cram the dirty clothes in). That way when we get home, we just wheel that suitcase into the laundry room and drop it off. The only thing you have to worry about with this is the weight limit of your bag if you are flying on an airline that has severe weight restrictions (ala Spirit).

Old thread so interesting... I still manage to have a relaxing time on ships with all the bells and whistles. It helps me that there are activities to occupy other people that seek them. That leads to fewer people competing for the areas where I want to relax. I did bumper cars once and enjoyed it but it's not something I feel compelled to do every cruise. I've zip lined before and it was fun but not something I do every cruise. This is actually one of the things I love about where Royal has gone. There is as much or as little to do as I want. I can choose to go skydiving or zip lining or I can choose to relax in the solarium while other people are going skydiving or zip lining. The simple presence of attractions and activities has zero impact on my ability to enjoy the core elements of cruising - the smell of the ocean, the sun, relaxing. I will be introducing some family to cruising in the coming years. They can choose to jump into these activities or they can choose to sit back and do little. They won't be limited by my choice of ship. It's perfect for multi-generational family cruising.

After watching the sail away from the balcony, we did some unpacking, and then it was time for dinner. We did get the early seating (5:30 on Independence), and our servers were Ryan and Mutsam (I may have his name wrong). Mutsam was fairly new, and this was in fact his first contract. I thought they did a good job over the course of the cruise. Nothing spectacular, but everything was done competently. My first night main was the Caribbean Jerk Pork Chop. Cooked very nicely, although perhaps not enough jerk flavour. We also asked for extra vegetables for our table. Seems weird, but we do eat a lot of veg, so this worked out for us. After dinner, we wandered around the promenade a bit. They had singers and musicians doing some standards – it was nice. (So much better than two singers and an iPad) We then went to register Olivia in Adventure Ocean. Hannah (my older one) was 12 so she went to look in on the Teen club meet and greet, but the kids there were mostly older teens, so she didn’t want to join in. She’s actually quite sociable, but I could definitely understand her apprehension. After this, I think that we experienced a first day adrenaline dump, as we all felt quite tired. I’d planned on doing some more first night exploring, but, well, sleep beckoned, and tomorrow would be a new day.

Yes, all cabins come with some form of a closet with hangers supplied to hang up your clothes. No stupid questions. Better to research and ask questions compared to assuming and having incorrect expectations.

I always pay mine up front. Don't like getting the bill at the end of the cruise.

Next week, we should be able to book short cruises. I was told this information while I was on Explorer 2019.

We always break our $100 bills at the casino. The line usually isn't as long as Guest Services.

Only one correction to that statement -- "Best thing about any balcony on sea days is the ability to enjoy the ocean without the crowds." I've only had side balconies, albeit on the "hump", and had zero complaints about my view of the ocean or my ability to hear its sounds and smell its smell with no other passengers mucking it up for me. I'll agree it's a lot more expansive a view from an aft balcony, but any ocean view on a (non-virtual) balcony is better than no ocean view from no balcony.

Another thing I "learned" last week was that if I dry (as much as you can) in that little shower "pod"....then get out quickly and shut the doors right behind you to finish drying...you trap the steam in the "pod" and your mirror doesn't fog up nearly as bad (if at all).

We always have a "dirty bag". We dedicate at least one empty luggage bag to dirty laundry (we rarely wear EVERYTHING we take.....does anyone?).

TWO magnetic hooks with a screwdriver to hold a very heavily stuffed hanging organizer. The screwdriver was also used to tighten a loose hinge on a bathroom cabinet door on day one.

In no rush to get off the ship we had a casual breakfast in the Oceanview cafe and shared a table with a retired couple from Mexico City. We enjoyed a nice conversation and left about 8:30 to grab our remaining bags from our room. All the numbers had been called and there wasn’t any line in the terminal but a line on the ship which we cut in line because we couldn’t tell where the line started since our elevator dropped us off right next to the ship’s exit. We weren’t asked to present our passports probably because we had required immigration in Key West. They did stop us briefly to ask if we had anything to declare. We were in the parking garage and in our car in minutes. Now the depressing drive home began with the knowledge that our cruise was officially over. A short stop at home to empty the car and then out to get some lunch before heading to the airport to pickup the kids. For some reason my seapass card didn’t work at the restaurant nor did my drink package. There were actually prices on the menu and I couldn’t get as many things as I wanted without paying for them all. I passed on the dessert for the first time in a week. I will post some random observations/opinions and take any questions anyone has.

Stick a washcloth on the shower shelf so that your small bottles don't fall between the cracks. Magnetic whiteboard outside the door if you're travelling with a large group. I think everything else I do is a general travel hack/tip.

YIPPEE !! First cruise....so exciting ! As Cruisegirl1976 said, a great deal depends on the time of year you are traveling/cruising. Also a factor....whether or not you have any connections or if the flights are nonstop. Most regular cruisers will advise that it is BEST to arrive at the port [area] a day in advance of sailing but we all know that it's not always possible to do that. If all goes as scheduled, you will be fine. If, however, you are traveling in the winter months and you have connecting flights somewhere, your risk is significantly increased. Just to show you that I am complete hypocrite, next month (arguably the coldest and most unpredictable month of the year) I am traveling from DCA to Newark via Charlotte on sail day...so I have violated all of the recommendations that I just made to you. ...but I like living on the edge. #notreally

Hello Everyone, just received this email. :) I thought that I would share this email as it outlines suite benefits for the Explorer of the Seas with the hopes that it may benefit someone else that has questions related to this ship. I am counting the minutes, Kiki :). Dear Suite Guest, It is my pleasure to welcome you onboard the beautiful Explorer of the Seas. We are honored that you have selected Royal Caribbean International for your cruise vacation! My name is Jorge Delgado, your Concierge onboard. I am available to assist you with any special requests you may have throughout your cruise holiday. My hours in the Concierge Lounge, Deck 9 mid-ship are daily from 8:00 am to 11:00 am and for your complimentary cocktail hours from 5:00pm to 8:30pm. As a special VIP guest you are offered exclusive amenities and services not available to other guests onboard Explorer of the Seas. For your convenience, here is a brief summary of those services: Use of the Concierge Lounge, located on Deck 9, mid-ship. Complimentary fruit plate and Evian Water (glass bottle) on Boarding Day. Luxury Spa Bathrobes for onboard use. Upgraded bathroom amenities. In-room tea kettle & coffee maker with complimentary tea & coffee. Complimentary pressing on formal night (available for the attire you will wear on that evening). Continental breakfast served daily in the Concierge Lounge, Deck 9, mid-ship from 7:00am to 10:00 am. Horsed’ oeuvres, petit fours and complimentary bar setup served in the Concierge Lounge on deck 9 mid ship every evening, before and after dinner from 5:00pm to 8:30 pm. Daily menus displayed and assistance for pre-ordering your dinner wine.(Concierge Lounge, Deck 9, mid-ship). Full Dining Room room-service privilege (available when Dining Room is open , dial 8762 for priority). Priority reservations for our specialty restaurant, sports activities, shore excursions, Salon and Spa appointments (depending on time, availability), etc... Limited VIP lounge chair set-up near the pool bar area between Decks 11 & 12.(On a First Come - First Serve basis, seats cannot be reserved). Priority Port &Shopping advice. Business services such as faxes, copies, printing of boarding passes etc.. Priority departure, including exclusive departure lounge featuring continental breakfast Limited VIP seats for productions hows and ice spectacular shows. (Please show Cruise Director’s staffs your Gold colored SeaPass card at the entrance 20 minutes prior to the show) or see your Concierge for more information. Please note that 10 minutes prior to the start of the shows, reserved seating will be opened up for walk-in guests. Suite guest’s exclusive breakfast will be served at Giovanni's Restaurant on Deck 4 Forward, from 7:30 am to 9:30am during port days and 8:00 am to 10:00 am during days at sea. The Concierge Lounge is a private area accessible on a 24-hour basis, with your GOLD Colored Sea Pass card. The Concierge Lounge has been designated a smoke-free area. We respectfully request that guests observe a Smart Casual attire when visiting the lounge (no swim/gym wear or pool attire is permitted, footwear is required at all times). To ensure all our guests are able to enjoy this exclusive lounge we require that all guests 17 years and younger must be well behaved and accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times. For table assignments in the main dining room(Sapphire Dining Room) Kindly advise your seating preference for either Main or Second seating and your table preference. (Please disregard if you have selected My Time Dining as your choice of dining) If your are travelling with other guests and would like to sit together for dinner, please advise their names and stateroom numbers. FOR SPECIALTY RESTAURANTS RESERVATIONS AND OTHER DINING ACTIVITIES; (Please select below link to make reservations as they do tend to get booked out) https://www.royalcaribbean.com/cruiseplanner?icid=hpnvbr_pagehe_crs_hm_awaren_953 SHORE EXCURSIONS are limited and are booked very fast as they are open online- (please click the link below to book your Shore Excursions) Pre booked Shore Excursions can only be cancelled onboard prior to 48 hours of the tour departure time. https://secure.royalcaribbean.com/asr/login.do?componentTypeCategoryId=1002 LABADEE HAS ADVANTAGES TOO!As a special VIP guest, we are pleased to offer you access to the Barefoot Beach Club & cabanas, a private beach located on Labadee. Located on Barefoot Bay, this exclusive experience is only available to our suite guests with Gold colored SeaPasscards – Simply show your SeaPass card to the Island Concierge at the entrance. The Barefoot Beach Club & Cabanas offers complimentary non-motorized water sports equipment (floating mats &snorkeling equipment) in addition to an upgraded lunch menu and service from Suite Beach Attendants. For the ultimate way to relax in luxury, why not reserve one of the cabanas for the day? Featuring beautiful view sand dedicated Cabana Attendant service, the cabanas at Barefoot Beach Club are a not to be missed experience. Please check the attached file for more details. Please ensure to email back your cabana preference 1st option and 2nd option and it will be confirmed once you arrive onboard. The Barefoot Beach Club & Cabanas are located on the private island destination of Labadee. This exclusive beach, available only to the top suite guests and those guests renting cabanas, offers VIP service and amenities to enhance the vacation experience of these valued guests. A maximum of 8 guests may have access to your Cabana.Please provide the names of any guests that will be joining you to the concierge.These names will be added to the Barefoot Beach guest list.For this Caribbean Cruise we offer to you a Cabana in Labadee. We have cabanas available in Labadee below you will see the categories:1) Standard Cabana $350.75 (Only 9 available)2) HillTop Cabana $495.75- (Only 7 available).3. Overwater Cabanas $595.75 (6 available)These types of cabana are in a premium location above the ocean with direct access to the water and beach. TheseCabanas are not wheelchair accessible, and guests will need to walk in the water and up the stairs to get to the cabana. 4.Waterfront Cabanas$495.75 (2 available) These cabanas are next to the beach at the water’s edge with full views of the bay. They are not wheelchair accessible;however guests with limited mobility may access them. Cabana charges are per cabana and not per person. Cabanas hold up to 8 guests only. When reserving a cabana it is reserved for you the entire day in Labadee. Cabanas reserved are only for you and your family or friends use only, remember they only hold up to 8 guests. If you are interested in reserving a Cabana please let us know as soon as possible as there are limited cabanas and we have 40 suites. Please also note that when reserving a cabana, no shows, will still be charged.Please come and see me in the Concierge Lounge, Deck 9, mid - ship or contact me by dialing 8903 from any ship phone. If there is any way I can be of assistance to make your cruise vacation more enjoyable, please do not hesitate to ask. We hope you will have the vacation of a lifetime onboard the Explorer of the Seas.Warmest Regards,Jorge DelgadoConcierge | ms Explorer of the Seas Dect 8903 Office 3239 | [email protected]

A great way to get familiar with your cabin-type features ahead of time is checking out YouTube. For instance: "Explorer of the Seas oceanview" - someone will have posted a cabin tour of every type of cabin on every ship.

room 1269 I haven’t described the stateroom much. We had a concierge ocean view balcony room. Concierge rooms are the same as the balcony rooms with some minor differences. They have upgraded toiletries and use of plush bathrobes. I believe theee is an upgraded shower head and pillow menu. They are found in preferred areas of the ship which I believe means higher decks. We didn’t have any available on the hump when we booked 10 months in advance. We were on deck 10 port side about 10 rooms aft of the aft elevators. There were several concierge rooms along our hallway. The bathroom had a good amount of storage and the mirror and vanity were along the length of the room. Closet space was pretty good with a small shelf along the top that we used for shoe storage. The chairs on the balcony reclined. The bathroom had a nightlight type of lighting that kept it from being completely dark inside. When the lights weren’t on.

@Jedi Jason, thanks for this great live blog! Even though you were on a larger class ship than I'll be taking in a bit over 6 months, it was still good to read about the experience. Long way to go, but you've helped to build up my excitement for what's to come!

We did the UDP on Anthem 9 night cruise and loved it. Gave us an opportunity to try all of the things we wanted to at all restaurants without over indulging because we knew we would be back in a few nights.

Yes, and a small sewing kit. Buttons and zippers always need to be fixed.

I wouldn't worry. The odds of something happening are so insanely small. Even compared to the plane getting shot down, that's a very different scenario and set of variables than a cruise ship getting attacked. Obviously, everyone has to do what's comfortable for them, but for me, changing plans because of a 0.0001% chance that something may happen is no way to live.

In an attempt to pack as little as possible, I have no major hacks...but I will say having a white noise app on your phone does wonders. Turn that bad boy on when it's time to sleep, and let the world drift away.

And you could quickly hang up any wrinkled clothes in there to get the wrinkles out....

I'm on a bumper car ship right now. We had to skip Antigua because of winds today. Guess where all the kids are right now? Bumper cars 9am to noon. I love it. They are all in the SeaPlex leaving other areas kid free. Did I mention how much I love the bumper cars? And I have no plans to drive one this cruise.

one of my favorite things to do on a cruise is Nothing.

As we say in Canada, "Sorry". And if it makes you feel better, I learned of this tip after a couple of trips and numerous battles with the shelf.

My dates come from Royal Caribbean, so don't shoot the messenger!

The good news is that it gave me some time to explore Deck 11 and 12. Not having been on a Freedom class ship before, I was curious to see the layout. I liked it. Splashaway Bay has a layout similar to what I saw on Harmony, with the addition of a kiddie pool that hopefully wouldn’t be a “kid soup” pool similar to DCL’s Mickey pool. If you’ve been on DCL, you know what I’m talking about. The sides of the deck even had some windows open, to let in some air. The main pool area had a couple of pools bisected by a deck area, with a few hot tubs surrounding it. There was also a large video screen for movies. Further back was Solarium, which was actually a nice layout. In the bar, I noticed a BOGO deal on the drink package. Still more expensive than in the Cruise Planner, but hey, better than paying full price, if one were so inclined to purchase the package (I was not). In the adjoining terminal, we could see the Majesty, set to sail out that day as well.

Day 1 - Embarkation Day Whether it’s your first time or your 100th time, boarding your ship on that first day gives you that feeling that “it’s happening”. For me, it’s similar to when I finish checking in at a resort or open the door to my Airbnb. Nothing has really happened yet, but you Just Know that you’re ready for it. As always, we got the complimentary Hyatt Place breakfast, ensured that we were ready with our carry-on gear, visited the “cruise tag station” (a stand with two staplers some pens and tape and ...waited. Because we’re always ready a wee bit too early. No matter. We called an Uber around 10:15 and headed out to the terminal. We arrived at the terminal around 10:30, where it looked like there were people still getting out of customs. And it was early enough that few of the baggage carts were loaded up. This… was really early for us. Naturally we squandered that because we couldn’t find the big sign that said “Expedited Arrival”. I’d checked in via the app, and 3 of us were given Expedited Arrival. My wife, inexplicably, did not. No matter. After about 5 minutes, we were good to go and over to security, which was fast and efficient. A couple of obligatory “heading onboard” pictures and it was up to the ship. On board before 11:00, an estimated 25 brisk minutes from car to ship. We headed up to Windjammer to grab some lunch and… the sign said it opens at noon. Oops.

Not sure about 90 days out, but for me, once a cruise is booked, the following are checked Daily: Cruise planner prices on everything I might be interested in Flight times for both out and in bound flights for that day I have a spreadsheet for both so I can see how the prices fluctuate on the cruise planner, and also to see how "on time" my flights are historically. As an example, here is the Beverage package for our March cruise on Radiance in AUD: Beverage 27/04/2019 $87.68 24/07/2019 $90.42 12/08/2019 $89.05 30/08/2019 $83.57 $83.57 06/09/2019 $89.05 21/09/2019 $78.09 $78.09 04/10/2019 $83.57 08/10/2019 $72.61 $72.61 20/10/2019 $83.57 29/10/2019 $78.09 27/11/2019 $69.87 $69.87 05/12/2019 $75.35 11/12/2019 $65.76 $65.76 20/12/2019 $69.87 08/01/2020 $65.76 Middle column shows the prices as they changed, with green indicating the low point. Right hand column shows the points at which I purchased, then cancelled and repurchased. Prices in AUD BTW.

We were also due to go on the 13th, was deliberating all weekend if we should go or not. In the end we took the financial hit, and booked an all inclusive break to Mexico instead go on the 15th. Luckily we paid very little for our cabin, got our drinks package and excursion money back and put this towards our new trip. Feel like a massive weight has been lifted from my shoulders now. Holidays should be for total relaxation not to be extra vigilant. Read on Facebook fighter jets flew over the ship today, I would have literally had a melt down. I know I’ll be relaxing with my mojito now ?

I make up a mini medicine cabinet. One sleeve each of antihistamine, anti-diarrhea med, gas-x, Pepto-Bismol, Benadryl, Mucinex, etc. Small bottle of calamine lotion, tube of antibiotic ointment, a few bandages in common sizes, antiseptic wipes, etc. Mine fits in a small make-up bag. It is nice to have what you need without paying ship prices, or realizing you need it after the ship store closes.

Our last night was a realization that our cruise was nearly over. We skipped the evening entertainment which was a Broadway/Cabaret type of performance by the ships singers and dancers. It was a little disappointing that they used outside entertainment for 3 of the 5 nights. Needing more time to pack though we decided we were willing to miss the entertainment. We also went to the photo gallery to decide on any photo purchase. They have different loyalty discounts on Celebrity. One free photo is given to diamond Crown and Anchor members but the Captain’s Club gives a 20% discount for photo packages which include printed and digital starting at 6 photos in the smallest package. There was a special they were running on all the packages starting at $99 and the loyalty discount could be used as well. Since we don’t consider ourselves photogenic we opted for two printed photos. It used our remaining OBC to the penny. We walked off the ship without a bill or leaving any unused credit. Dinner was Italian themed and there were some nice starters like a wedge salad or caprese. I tried the turkey parmigiana. The pasta and sauce was really good but the difference in the turkey and chicken tasted just different enough to not fully enjoy it. Desert options included a tiramisu and a baked Alaska. We found time for one more trip to the World Class bar for a drink and to thank the two bartenders that worked there.

I never said they were. There's places in my small City I wouldn't walk around with with my camera setup. That's why I asked the question. I've never been there so I don't know what's safe or not. I asked the same question about Vegas, New York, etc when I travel there.

Zip lock bags for wet items.

Lots of good practical tips here. My favorite packing tip is more theoretical: "Leave half the stuff, bring twice the money."

Stop ? ? isn't a millenial thing, it's a young person thing. You'll always find these types of issues with the younger set, no matter which generation they're from. From a Gen X-er

I do not like inconsiderate people. In a case like this I may have tolerated it once, maybe twice. Then I would have put on my pants and confronted them. Nothing weird or aggressive .. just an "OK guys, I know you are here to have a good time, but the next time you wake me up in the middle of the night, you, me and security are going to have a talk, so how bout showing some respect?" I'm a pretty big guy that lifts weights even if I am a bit over the hill and have a few years experience dealing with obnoxious people as a first responder. This usually produces results. If that is not your 'cup of tea' I would just call security directly. That is their job.

I am going on Navigator of the Seas next week and debating what to do in Nassau. Suggestions on what to do on land or on board are appreciated! We have been to Atlantis once before and nothing else on land looks appealing but I am open to ideas!

@JLMoran miss the "drinks and know things" thingy

Let's see, after three cruises, I can check off: Sailed with a sweetheart/spouse Sailed in or out of a port in your home town state (out of Cape Liberty) Visited a cruise line's private island (Labadee) From @KWong's list, I've also got: Lost money at the casino Won money at the casino I can add these as new: Dined in a specialty restaurant on board Done Chef's Table Done the exact same itinerary at least twice (5-night Bermuda sailing on Anthem in October) Seen the exact same production shows at least twice (We Will Rock You, Spectra's Cabaret) Put myself into a food coma Developed drink fatigue while using the DBP Gotten seasick After I've sailed sister line Celebrity in August, I'll also have these ones cleared: Done a repositioning cruise Sailed in or out of a port in foreign country Had formal tea on a sea day Sailed on a cruise line other than RC

Exactly - use what you want to use and ignore what doesn't appeal to you. Best thing about an aft-facing balcony on sea days is the ability to just enjoy the ocean without the crowds. Best thing about the pool deck on sea days is the ability to enjoy the crowds (people watching is fun to do).

If I go to book a new reservation and select MTD the only option given to move forward with the booking is to prepay gratuities (at least on the UK version of the website). Maybe that is what the friend's TA is referring to? I don't know if the gratuities could still be removed later.

And it's a Publix... man I miss Publix.

We booked a 2021 sailing with MTD and we didn’t prepay our gratuities. Our TA asked if we wanted to prepay and we said no. No issues at all. Of course, we booked a couple of months ago.

I live out here. Near Port Canaveral. All tolls between MCO and the Port have toll attendants. There is only 2-3 told between the airport and the Port. Once the road splits towards the port, there are no more tolls. ? just leave the airport. Hope on 528 East. And it’s about a 40-45 min drive 528 takes you right to the Port. Piece of cake! I’ll wave to you as you drive by. Lol

We are just back, at Coco on Dec. 30th on Allure. We went every where Chill, Thrill, Ocean, and the Pool and the crowd felt smallest at the water park. It was $119.oo prior to cruise to book. No where was over crowded but we only had Allure in port. Great time, might have been my favorite port! I heard one couple say that " a water park for $120.oo per person, ridiculous, as a family of 5 were out"! We scored the cabana early on for $549.oo and prior to sailing it was 3 grand. Why was I in the know...... this cool site. Thanks

We are "scheduled" to be there the second day it is open. We already have a day pass to the CoCo Beach Club reserved. Keeping fingers crossed and ?