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Matt

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  1. Like
    Matt got a reaction from Miznikki2u in Spa Services   
    The spa is one of the few areas that I don't think it greatly benefits you all that much to prebook from purely a price point of view. Sometimes, single services are a bit cheaper online if you want to have it done on like embarkation day.
  2. Love
    Matt got a reaction from Karahvacatimes in The sweet firsts of Symphony--An as live as I can make it blog! March 2-9,2019   
    Glad your daughter is doing better
  3. Like
    Matt got a reaction from WannaCruise in Corkage Fees - Are They Charging?   
    FWIW, I have yet to be charged for the wine.  I am wondering if part of it is I usually bring a wine that is one of the wine's RC sells onboard.
  4. Like
    Matt got a reaction from AllisonNC in Navigator Mar. 1, 2019 - 9 Nights Southern Caribbean   
    I second this sentiment!
  5. Like
    Matt got a reaction from MorganMichelle2001 in Adventure Ocean Question   
    Generally no. The only time they do is if the staff feels there may be a good reason to, like the child is apprehensive about going in or some other special need. In my experience, I think we've only ever gotten pagers from Aquanauts.
    Generally not. I can't recall that being the case.  If they want to find us, I'm sure they can.
    Never heard that, other than after 10pm you will be charged hourly for after hours
    First step is they leave a voicemail on stateroom phone.  This has happened a half dozen times. In all those cases, we were never at the room to get the call or message.
    If it remains an issue, or escalates, then I believe you might be paged.  They do know your dining info if they need to track you down in a restaurant.
    They can stay for as little as long as you want.
    Other than meals, they never leave the room
    I bet you can if you ask. I've never tried, but I think it rarely changes anyway.
  6. Haha
    Matt got a reaction from Marc Van Niekerk in 25th Anniversary on Symphony Post Cruise Not Remotely Live Blog - Eastern Caribbean Feb 2-8, 2019   
    Really enjoying these photos, although it's lacking Dianne giving you the disapproving looks I have seen all too often on group cruises! ?
  7. Like
    Matt got a reaction from RDDAILY in The view from my office in Miami today!   
    I woke up on that ship while that photo was taken!
  8. Like
  9. Love
    Matt got a reaction from BrandonOwen in The sweet firsts of Symphony--An as live as I can make it blog! March 2-9,2019   
    Glad your daughter is doing better
  10. Haha
    Matt reacted to twangster in Navigator Mar. 1, 2019 - 9 Nights Southern Caribbean   
    Wow.  All I can say is... Wow!
    Having just been on Navigator this is a different ship now.  
    I wish I had brought a camera to show you folks how awesome it looks.  My StarTac analog phone doesn't have a camera... 
  11. Like
    Matt got a reaction from CazV in Navigator Mar. 1, 2019 - 9 Nights Southern Caribbean   
    I second this sentiment!
  12. Wow
    Matt reacted to Marc Van Niekerk in 25th Anniversary on Symphony Post Cruise Not Remotely Live Blog - Eastern Caribbean Feb 2-8, 2019   
    Departure Day and Pre-Cruise Hotel
    Our departure had some interesting hiccups along the way but it all worked out in the end but highlights why we prefer to fly out the day before a cruise. 
    We had made an appointment for my wife to have her NEXUS Global Entry interview the afternoon of out flight so we arrived at the airport in plenty of time.  After the interview concluded we took an airport train to the correct terminal and went through security.  As we were going through security just after we had passed through the metal detectors there was a power outage in the airport.  Thankfully our bags had already passed through the machine as anyone whose bags were in the machine and those who were waiting for the metal detectors needed to wait about 15 minutes for the systems to reboot.
    As we approached the customs agents they closed the doors to clear the backlog created by this power outage but about 5 minutes later the doors opened and we were quickly through customs too.  For those who have never travelled from Canada to the US, you pass US customs in Toronto airport creating much simpler arrival at your US destination.
    After security we found that our flight had been delayed by several hours because of weather 2 flights upstream from ours.  Our plane was delayed leaving Washington DC for Miami due to de-icing which delayed the Miami to Toronto leg and therefore our Toronto to Miami.  We made the most of it and found some nice lounges with outside views and relaxed in the airport knowing we had plenty of time.
    Once in Miami we made the long walk through the airport to luggage claim where we quickly found our bags and headed out to catch a shuttle to the Hotel.
    For this cruise we used points to get a free stay at the Homewood Suites by Hilton Miami - Airport West.  We had never stayed at this hotel before but I'm never going to complain about free.  One note was that due to our late arrival (after 11PM) the room I had requested was no longer available and we were given a room on the main floor about as long a walk from the hotel entrance as there could possibly be.  The room was quite spacious though and we quickly settled in for whatever sleep we could get before a cruise.
    In the morning we made our way to the included breakfast and then for a quick relax in the warmth of the pool as it was still only 8am.  Below is a photo from the pool area of a let passing over the hotel.

  13. Like
    Matt got a reaction from Lovetocruise2002 in Navigator Mar. 1, 2019 - 9 Nights Southern Caribbean   
    I second this sentiment!
  14. Love
    Matt reacted to Karahvacatimes in The sweet firsts of Symphony--An as live as I can make it blog! March 2-9,2019   
    What a perfect time to continue.....look what showed up today!  New swag to add to our suitcase.  Side note--I have not even started packing yet which is extremely odd for me!

    Now that I have lured you all in, its THAT time...

    Oh YES, yes it is!!!  We need your help (please). We have decided not to do any formal excursions on this cruise but rather, fly by the seat of our pants and explore on our own.  We plan on staying on the ship in Nassau but where would you go or what would you do in....

    St. Thomas--10:00 to 6:00 
    and

    St. Kitts/Nevis--7:00 to 4:00
    We don't want to lounge on a beach all day (see profile pic-ha ha) but would rather explore unique or scenic areas and eat local food at a place with an amazing view with a few cocktails!  
    Cant wait to see what you come up with!
  15. Like
    Matt reacted to twangster in Navigator Mar. 1, 2019 - 9 Nights Southern Caribbean   
    I originally booked this cruise as the second leg of a back to back.  The first segment was cancelled by Royal so instead of 14 nights on the ship, I now have just 9 nights.  First world problems.  
    Itinerary:
    Day 1 - Embark in Miami
    Day 2 - Sea Day
    Day 3 - Labadee
    Day 4 - Sea Day
    Day 5 - Aruba
    Day 6 - Curaçao
    Day 7 - Bonaire
    Day 8 - Sea Day
    Day 9 - Sea Day
    Day 10 - Debark in Miami
    I last sailed Navigator just a few months ago on the same ‘ABC’ itinerary.  That was an awesome cruise even though it was a few weeks before she went in for her makeover.  
    Navigator isn’t the first ship to be ‘refreshed’ but how they did this refreshment does have some notable differences.  
    When the refreshment couldn’t be completed in time Royal canceled the first leg of my planned B2B.  They eventually completed the work and on short notice invited employees and some media on a 2 night ‘shakedown’ cruise using the time that was left over from the cancelled cruise.  Check out this blog post from @Matt who participated in that shakedown cruise which illustrates how this refreshment is new and different:
    https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2019/02/28/navigator-of-the-seas-completes-115-amplification-upgrades-across-the-ship
    To set the stage, I’ve sailed Adventure and Mariner after their recent makeovers.  I’ve also sailed Explorer, another in the Voyager class.  While I love most ships I sail including the newer Oasis and Quantum class, Voyager class ships are my favorite at the moment and all of the above mentioned ships fall into this class.
    With my recent Navigator ABC cruise in mind I am looking forward to experiencing the same ship on the same itinerary but in a fully refreshed condition.  
    My hotel is near Miami's airport but I flew into the Hollywood/Ft. Lauderdale airport since it was cheaper.  For the first time I took the Tri-Rail train from Ft. Lauderdale to Miami International Airport.  When I landed in Ft Lauderdale the prices to reach my hotel in Miami for Lyft was $45 and Uber $48. The Tri-Rail cost me $3.75 but it was a longer transfer compared to Lyft/Uber.  I may do a separate post on the Tri-Rail experience.   In summary it was great for just $3.75 but it did take over twice as long compared to a ride-share. 
    From my hotel in the Miami airport area as I write this I am not too far from the Port of Miami and will be ready to go early in the morning hoping the ship is available early given no debarking passengers to hold us up.  
  16. Love
    Matt got a reaction from The Cruise Junkie in Navigator Dry Dock   
    Hooked is a nice restaurant. Keep in mind that I do not eat shellfish, so 75% of the menu is unavailable to me. What I did eat was very good, but if I would probably prefer a different restaurant just because I eat more things at other spots. So don't take this as a negative review of Hooked, just my personal preference.
  17. Thanks
    Matt reacted to CGTLH in Navigator Dry Dock   
    New blog entry about the refurbishment https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2019/02/28/navigator-of-the-seas-completes-115-amplification-upgrades-across-the-ship
  18. Wow
    Matt got a reaction from The Cruise Junkie in The view from my office in Miami today!   
    I woke up on that ship while that photo was taken!
  19. Thanks
    Matt reacted to twangster in What is your best secret/piece of advice for new RC cruisers?   
    Don't try to do every activity available on the ship or you'll need a vacation after your vacation.
    Take time to relax.
    Don't let small stuff ruin your vacation.  Not receiving a towel animal on day 2 shouldn't ruin the whole cruise.
    If you fall in love with cruising as much as all of us have, consider this a practice cruise.  Practice makes perfect.
    You've already make a great start by finding this web site.  Look at the top of this page for the "Getting Started" tab:
    https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/getting-started
    Enjoy your time planning and preparing.  Look over the "Live Blog" section of the message boards for any Harmony live blogs. 
    Once onboard take time to talk to the crew.  
  20. Like
    Matt reacted to KLA in Allure and Prohibition Party   
    Blog post on the event - https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2016/04/27/experiences-prohibition-party-royal-caribbeans-allure-of-the-seas
  21. Like
    Matt reacted to RDDAILY in The view from my office in Miami today!   
    I admit I haven't really been keeping up with Royal Caribbean news, so when I saw this ship from my office window this morning, I was a bit surprised!  After staring at the bow for a little bit, I was finally able to read the name, Navigator of the Seas!  She looks absolutely amazing!  We went on Mariner last year, and would love to go on Navigator in the near future.

  22. Like
    Matt got a reaction from JennyB in LIVE - "Back on Brilliance, baby!" Brilliance of the Seas February 14-18, 2019   
    In case anyone is interested, here is the Cruise Compass from our sailing: https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/cruise-compasses/brilliance-of-the-seas/thu-2019-02-14-0000
  23. Like
    Matt got a reaction from JennyB in Explain Voom   
    Here's a guide to Royal Caribbean's Voom internet offerings.
  24. Like
    Matt got a reaction from michelle in Passports and Documentation   
    Thanks for sharing this, @michelle
  25. Love
    Matt got a reaction from SpeedNoodles in Introduce yourself!   
    Welcome to the boards @SpeedNoodles
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