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We got an Owner's Suite on our 27 November Navigator of the seas cruise for the minimum bid of 190 each. Upgraded from a Jr Suite. Never been in anything above Jr Suite so this will be fun!

I work at Port Everglades. This is a TEST program only on Freedom at the moment. It is similar to the Expedited arrival that Royal was doing prior to Covid shutdown. We have not heard results from the test yet, but if all goes well they will be rolling it out ship by ship.

We made it! It’s just a super fast line. There are signs everywhere. From the taxi drop off to being on ship was 6 minutes. We never stopped moving!

DAY 4: ST. THOMAS - (WED, 11/1)… continued… OK, let’s see what I can cover tonight before I crash from exhaustion! We disembarked the ship and met our excursion group on the pier. We decided pre-cruise to book the same excursions. Today, we went on the “Mountain Top & Villa Botanica” excursion booked through Royal. I love that double hot tub cantilevered over the starboard side of the ship just inside the Solarium! We entered the port area and boarded an open-air vehicle and headed to the first stop, Plantation Crown & Hawk & Villa Botanica. Looks like a Costa and Disney ship at this pier… some really nice views of both the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea (in this picture) sides of the island. Atlantic Ocean side of the island… very hazy! We walked the gardens after we received a little orientation. Pretty gardens, but do not expect the same level of most of the nicer gardens and arboretums in the states. Wow, the roads in these mountains are so steep! Next we were taken to Mountain Top… Absolutely beautiful views of Magens Bay and the surrounding islands! This was the highlight of the tour! Mountain top has a HUGE gift shop and sells what they call a “world famous” banana daiquiri… not impressed! Very little banana flavor and too much Cruzan rum! After some time at Mountain Top, we were taken back to the ship. The tour guide/driver was very entertaining and knowledgeable! Here’s a shot of the ship taken on the way down. It was really hazy up on the mountain. Walking back to board the ship at the port… Sorry for dragging this out, but it’s been another long day and my wife is yelling at me to go to bed. LOL! Have a good night!

Day 4, St Thomas! (The day I was too tired to update after ) Stsrted the morning off easy with room service continental breakfast, made for a good excuse to sleep in since we didn’t arrive in port until 12:30pm, DH also got a chance to do the zip line. Still need to hit up the rock wall on our sea day. We booked Magen’s Bay, Drakes Seat, and Skyride excursion. We had a nice small bus well air conditioned that took us up to Drakes Seat for breathtaking views of St Thomas. I was not prepared for the narrow roads up the mountain. DH got a kick out of my nerves but we made it just fine. Then onto Magen’s Bay for a few hours, we really enjoyed this small stretch of beach, although we were spoiled with our CCC beach Bed, we didn’t opt for a chair here. They wants $20 a person so we just laid out of towels and joined the crowd in the sea for awhile. The Skyride up to Paradise Point was a great final spot to watch sunrise over the island. There were four ships in port today, but we got lucky and had the Skyride virtually empty as they left before Wonder. Had just enough time to grab a quick bite before returning. While the food was good, we probably could have gone without as we had Wonderland for dinner at 8pm. It was an emergency option in case we didn’t enjoy Wonderland, but we ended up getting more than our fill there. I’ll make that a separate post after dinner. Enjoy some photo spam.

DAY 4: ST. THOMAS - (WED, 11/1)… continued… This evening we went to the Mason Jar for dinner. We sat at the bar for a bit and my wife had another Mint Julep and I had another PB&J Old Fashioned. Delicious! As usual, they start you off with buttermilk biscuits and jalapeño cornbread served with Cajun and whipped honey butter. I liked both! We ordered Lobster & Crawfish Gumbo, Smoky Deviled Eggs, Caesar Salad, and Crab Beignets… Christine was creeped out by the crawfish! I wasn’t a fan of the crab beignets… rather bland to me. I don’t think I’ll ever order these again. I wanted to try another signature drink so I ordered the Mississippi Moonlight which refreshing and went down a little too easily! Most of us tried the “Meat n’ Two Fixin’s”. I had the beef brisket with sweet potato mash and mac n’ cheese… also very good! For dessert we ordered the cherry pie, deep fried Oreos, and chocolate pecan pie… all delicious and decadent! The house band (“The Country Crew Trio”) was playing during dinner. They were excellent! After dinner, half our our party retired to their cabin after the long day. Christine and I wandered around the ship for a bit. Before we crashed back at the cabin, we stopped by Next Cruise and purchased a Book Later reservation for our friends. We are going to look closely at a Mediterranean cruise for 2025 and the schedule is supposed to open up next week. We had another port day coming up and had to be off the ship by 8:00am so we called it a night.

We're in Costa Maya. That's what we thought they were, but my family is going to forever call them the quidditch goals. We got off the ship about 12 and ate a snack in the port area then went to the aviary. I may have found a jalapeno that was too hot, even for me. They used to give cups of bird seed at the aviary, but we did not receive any this time. Still had a good time off the ship killing a couple hours.

This is wedding number 6 for Lorenzo. Invite said: October 29th at 9:45 in the morning on the Wonder of the seas. He is almost 65. New wife is 38. So, if you see what looks like father and daughter together, it’s them.

As far as I know they are random, but all facets of the pre cruise check in must be completed, including health questions. There will be a separate seating area until boarding commences and from what I was told will be boarded after Suites/Pinns/Key.

Congratulations, @Shari. You're in for a real treat. The OS is my favorite class. Enjoy the dining table/chairs and order a room service meal if you can. So awesome !

We were taken to a round table on the landing of the stairs at the back of the main dining room between decks 4 and 5. They brought us each a loaf of the 150 Central Park bread, but this was slightly different than what we had on Allure's Chef's table or at 150. Instead of truffle, this bread had more of a lemon garlic flavor. It was still really good, just not what we expected. First course scallop carpaccio second course smoked tomato soup third course lobster salad fourth course branzino fifth course tenderloin sixth course, The World

They had fruit, veg, and seeds out for the birds; they didn't give any to us to give the birds though. That's probably a good thing. When we did the aviary before the birds were really aggressive and we all got bit a couple times as they were trying to get food from us. This time they were much more docile. We lounged around the rest of the afternoon and took our time getting ready for Chef's Table. At 6 we parted ways with the kids at the elevators - they headed up to the WJ for dinner and we headed down to the R Bar which was our meeting point. We were greeted with a champagne cocktail ‐ St. Germaine, mojito mix, and champagne.

DAY 5: ST. MAARTEN - (THU, 11/2) I woke up to find the pilot boat approaching the ship to take us into the harbor. What a beautiful view to wake up to in the morning! We had breakfast in the solarium bistro and then met in the Royal Theater and were escorted off the ship. We met our excursion group (“Philipsburg by Trolley Train”) on the pier. I’ll pick up in a bit!

Low cruise fares are hard to find. Found this one so I thought I would share. This deal is pretty good, especially if you live in Central Florida.

Just tell your wife that she is dreaming. You are already in bed, fast asleep. LOL

We loved Portside BBQ! I wish they would have this restaurant on more ships!

Wonderland (day 4 part two) We were moderately happy with dinner tonight. I’m not sure if the norm is to have the appetizers chosen for you, or if it was because we had a later dining time (8pm), but we were only given the choice of entrees.

Time will tell, I guess. The unfortunate choice of name reminds me of a couple of names I've come across here in Custard Tart Land because non-native speakers of English are determined to use English in their company names without asking for advice from a native speaker. A few years ago, back in the days of floppy disks (who else here remembers those? ), I had dealings with a technology outfit who thought they'd come up with a clever name: Mega Flop. And more recently, a company providing a space for kids' parties thought it would be a good idea to call their venue Funny Farm.

We just saw the Beatlemaniacs show onboard the Odyssey of the Seas transatlantic sailing from Rome to Fort Lauderdale (Oct 27 - Nov 11, 2023). If you haven't seen their show, you don't want to miss it. Whether you are a Beatles fan or not, you won't be disappointed. We sail often and currently in the middle of 42 days out of 80 on board a Royal ship. Their show is by far the best show we have seen ever. Although, it is extremely rare for me to even attend a tribute show, this is one I want to see again ASAP. As a side note, my wife and I had the pleasure of sitting down for coffee with a member of the band just by chance. He is the most delightful person. Friendly, very funny, and courteous. I haven't stated his name purposely as a matter of privacy. Richard and Raquel

The general population of Royal Caribbean Blog is more mature experienced cruisers. The general population of a Royal Caribbean cruise is not. What we want on here and what they want is different. It is adding nothing of value to me but it's not hurting me having it there either. The positive for me is that some of the other areas become a little quieter.

While I was 100% content just a moment ago, now I feel like my life is less until I too get Express Boarding.

Yep. It’s very obvious. I 100% consider the loyalty program to be the best in the industry but that doesn’t necessarily mean legacy cruisers are actually valued. I do not believe Mr Liberty considers Pinnacle Grandma the long term gameplan as she rolls through the promenade like she owns the place (and gets everything for free). Mr Liberty wants money to feed the Royal Caribbean beast and that money is not coming from Pinnacle Grandmas 30 cruises per year in an inside cabin sipping her free rose with the captain.

RC is partnering with a company that has an unfortunate name (IBS) to streamline the booking and customer experience process. https://www.cruisehive.com/royal-caribbean-partners-to-elevate-guest-experience/114818 Here's their product overview: https://www.ibsplc.com/images/insights/productsheets/travel-and-cruise-solutions/iTravel_Cruise_Flyer.pdf

November 2023 6 - Melmar02 (Liberty) 9 - FJ28 (Jewel) 10 - Snotarni (Allure) 10 - RWDW1204 (Voyager) 10 - SeniorCruiser (Ovation) 10 - ScottishRobbie (Ovation) 12 - Crusin and Boozin (Harmony) 13 - SeniorCruiser (Ovation) 17 - MarcD (Navigator) 20 - CowboyMedic (Freedom) 26 - SpeedNoodles (Harmony) If you would like to be included in this list in the future, please add your information to the following thread. https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/boards/index.php?/topic/17-when-is-your-next-cruise/ PSA: If you do not include all your info (ship, sail date, year), it will not be added.

Purple indicates you are willing to pay for pizza at Sorrentos.

idk why but this gave me big portside bbq vibes

I just added my info to the other blog…it’s on page 67! For this month we are cruising on Independence Nov 6, 2023 Hoping to say Hello to @WAAAYTOOO while onboard!

I once had a studio apartment that was smaller. You will love it! We are hooked on the owner's suite, unfortunately. I would agree strongly with WAAAYTOOO, order a room service meal (or several). We've only done so for breakfast, but even that is nice. Yes, I'm sure we would have had better by going to one of the breakfast venues but it's nice to open that door and let them set the tray on your table before you've even gotten ready for your day. Enjoy the other perks that come with the suite, as well, and have a great time!

11-6-23 - Independence 11-26-23 - Independence 11-30-23 - Independence

to add on to that - specialty coffees cost you - but are included in the deluxe drink package & refreshment package. There are also coffee cards that are for 15 specialty coffee drinks (from cafe promenade, park cafe, cafe lattetudes, cafe 270 & sometimes windjammer - locations are ship specific). Freestanding Starbucks locations are NOT included in any package, although you can use starbucks gift cards, I believe.

This morning we were followed in Cozumel with Carnival Glory, a Princess ship, and Harmony. Suite lounge offerings. DH and the kids had Chops while I just had coffee - I'm still stuffed from last night. Our Save a Sea Turtle excursion meets at 12:15, so DS went to AO, and the rest of us went back to the room. I packed two wash and fold bags of laundry and two ambulances showed up on the pier. Not sure if they are here for our ship or Harmony.

Icon of the Seas Inaugural sailing (Jan 27, 2024)!

So basically the free coffee is just out in giant urns, like you would see at a convenience store or gas station. If you have to order it from the Promenade cafe or park cafe (or any cafe), it's a specialty coffee...which is anything other than regular or decaf coffee.

Just about everything is done by you, with tongs and spoons. They may have a carving station or omelet station that is done by staff, but other than that- it's a lot of touching by others

The competition for open alternative ports would also increase as time goes by.

Yeah we were supposed to go to Israel and Egypt on Voyager in late June, but they’ve canceled all our ports and now we’re going to Istanbul, Mykonos, Santorini, and Ephesus. While I’m disappointed we’ll miss Israel and Egypt, I am beyond excited to get to go to Istanbul and Ephesus.

I graduated from FSU and I can barely spell so I’m elated you actually think I can communicate.

Still more coming….I’ve been working 14-15 hour days since we got back. This combined with jet lag is exhausting me

Last year it was Nov 18-22 with C&A members getting Nov 17, too. So if they follow the same dates this year, Nov 19-23

Well, hopefully this system does not turn out to be Irritable Bull Sh*t

you definitely did, but i was not connecting the dots - i thought you were just encouraging me to book it okay good idea!! thank you!!

that blue toned bird is

Yes, those prepaid grats should be refunded. I hate the way Royal refunds items. It's so willy-nilly. I'd give it a couple more days and then start the calls.... Good luck.

DD and I decided to go on a walk. Still very overcast.

yes! I attached the notification and the set sail pass

I am D+ and I figure there's little chance of us making Pinnacle. We got a very late start into the cruising lifestyle, and we lost some momentum during the Covid cruise curtailments. I cruised extra heavy to make D and D+, but now I'm just gonna cruise to cruise. And knowing I probably wont make Pinnacle, I can spend more time trying the other cruise lines.

Friday October 20 Transportation Strike Day!! We got back to the airport at 500 and had no problems going through security. The process was fast and simple...nothing came off our body or out of our bags. They didn't care about liquids, tablets, etc. In addition, since our flight was within the Schengen Area, we didn't have to go through any kind of passport check. Our flight took off and landed as planned...it was rather uneventful. Two and a half hours of nap time for us. Once we landed, we had to figure out transportation to our hotel since there was a scheduled National Transportation strike in Italy today. Our original plan was to take a water taxi from the airport to our hotel when we arrived, but the canceled flight changed that. Thankfully, one of the bus lines, the ATVO bus is privately operated and we were able to take that from the Venice Airport to Piazzale Roma at the end of the bridge to Venice. The cost was 20 € for the both of us. Tickets can be purchased inside the airport just beyond the baggage claim area or outside at ticket machines in the ground transportation area. We bought ours inside because I wanted to try my hand at Italian. The woman at the ticket counter understood me fine, but replied in English. This was a common theme in the Venice area....people seemed to rather speak English than risk a non-native Italian speaker misunderstanding something. The bus trip was 20 minutes and you get off at Piazzale Roma, right in a big area with lots of bus and car activity. Watch out for vehicles cause they don't seem to watch out for you. There are many vaporetto stops nearby and the train station is a very short walk away. Since no water buses (vaporetti) were running because of the transportation strike, we decided to walk to our hotel....Google Maps said 35 minutes. We didn't have a ton of luggage, and we're both in good physical shape...what could go wrong? This was one of the only real mistakes we made during the whole trip. The walk on the uneven ground and narrow alleys in the heat and humidity was brutal....and the crowds. Holy S the crowds!! The popular areas were shoulder to shoulder people. It's currently the time of “acqua alta” (high water) in Venice so the water was shin deep on me in places...and I'm 6'4”...my wife is 5'2”...she was not impressed. The Rialto Bridge was so crowded that it was an exercise in futility. We ended up finding a reroute which added another 25 minutes to our walk. We were absolutely exhausted when we arrived. On the flip side, the hotel experience was great. We stayed at the Locanda Silva. It's an easy walk (5 mins) from a Vaporetto stop, and the owners are wonderful. I had contacted them the day before to let them know we would be a day late and they said not to worry. I neither expected nor asked about a refund for the missed night of lodging due to our canceled flight. We have trip insurance for that. Our room included a private bathroom, included a breakfast, and ran us 200 € each night. The check in process was easy and the owner spoke good English and humored me while I spoke in Italian. After changing clothes and hydrating, we spent the next few hours walking around Venice...unencumbered by luggage. Our hotel was in the Castello neighborhood and we headed deeper into it, going away from the tourist areas. We love to see normal people like us going about their daily lives rather than fighting the crowds. Dinner tonight was at place recommended to us by the young man who was at the hotel desk. He even called to get us reservations. We ate at 6342 Alla Corte. Dinner ran us 75 € and even our “thrifty” selves thought it was worth it. There are pictures below. The appetizer was a local seafood platter, I had a chicken dish, and my wife had bacon wrapped monkfish. We're not foodies, so I can't tell you the names of the dishes. Sorry. The restaurant was very nice and to be honest, a lot higher class than we're used to. I felt like the proverbial bull in a china shop, but everyone was really nice to us. The owner felt bad that we didn't have a drink and wanted to give us one on the house after dinner, but we don't drink alcohol. This was a recurring theme. We ran into a lot of confusion from people who didn't understand why we wouldn't have a glass of wine or an after dinner drink. The walk back to our hotel from the restaurant was amazing, even in the drizzle. Venice at night is worth seeing. We were in bed by 2230. Tonight, we had two single beds pushed together, so while we could sleep together, there was a light outside our window that shone in on us all night. We were exhausted, so it didn't bother us, but I could see some people complaining about it. It's something to be aware of at least if you consider staying here. Another consideration is there are no elevators at the hotel. You will have to walk up stairs to get to the desk and then more to get to your room. Tomorrow: travel to Ravenna Edit: Added one final picture to this reply...it's of the entrance to our hotel, Locanda Silva. It's the brightly lit open door.

Excellent question ! currently I will be retiring in 2 months but unfortunately my wife doesn't want to retire for two more years so at the risk of being bored I have decided to spend 200 days aboard a Cruise ship (Not all 200 at once but all within the year). The first reason is to determine if I would like staying on a ship for extended periods of time so that when my wife does retire we can do the same for her. We have only taken one B2B cruise because of my wife's dedication to her job. Me.... Not so much. The second reason is that I am not in great health and have always wanted to try "Living on a cruise ship." I may never get the chance if I don't start soon. I am not actually "Chasing" pinnacle per se but it will be a bonus when my wife does retire as she will enjoy the added Perks as well. After 40 years of work I am convincing myself that I deserve this while I can still enjoy it and am healthy enough to do it. Also, I live close to the pier in Los Angeles and it is a minimal cost to get to the Cruise ship. After calculating everything I will be spending less than 30K for B2B2B2B2B2B... (You get the idea) cruising. I will be out nothing if I do not choose to continue and will not be disheartened if I do not or can not reach my dream of spending my retirement years on a Cruise ship. Pinnacle is just a milestone and not a goal I am reaching for in this endeavor. I am hoping that I will enjoy it as much as I have been wanting to do this for over 40 years since my first Royal Cruise in 1983.

Hubs and I think that we're cruise people now. Ovation - May 17, 2024

The only reason we are getting off the ship is that the guys wanted to do some of the activities. Our son recently turned 18 and has wanted to try jet skis. When we visited Coco Cay the jet skis were cancelled due to winds. My preference would have been for an overwater type cabana but that isn’t going to happen in Mexico. So I am going into this with low expectations and we will see what happens. At least we have a dedicated space and for $50 it will be what it will be. The daybed definitely won‘t live up to our overwater cabana experience at coco cay but again it’s only $50.