Jill

Was there just 6 months after Hurricane Maria on Oasis. They did a wonderful job getting Old San Juan up and going. Back then we had to be back on board by 1:00 pm because they still were doing construction around town. Just left on Freedom last March for Southern Caribbean from Pan Am pier and it was fine. There was a little more Latin flare to the cruise but those Latinos are FUN people with TONS of energy. The biggest issue right now is that not only are they still recovering from the hurricanes but 4,000 people are homeless from all the earthquakes this past month. They really need the tourism dollars.

I just checked my May Symphony and we’re the only ones. Whew. I’ll still wait to hear reviews to see if I’ll keep it.

I have the beach pass for May with Symphony. Got lucky and was able to re-price at $59.99. Originally booked it at $74. Anxiously awaiting the reviews. We were on CocoCay back in October on Mariner. It was very empty. I got the beach pass because I didn’t know what to expect with an oasis class with the possibility of a second ship there too.

Aw heck coming from SC, I’d drive down the day before and spend a fun night in St Augustine! Then you’re roughly an hour and 45 minutes to port canaveral the next morning and you’re feeling rested. You can board as early as 10:30/11:00. Definitely go with Allure. Much better itinerary.

Definitely! I just booked Odyssey for October 2021. Got a great group rate from Sharla at MEI that made this 9 night cheaper than the 7 night. Also did refundable deposit. Our Symphony coming up in May I booked 14 months out. There’s only been one price drop of $100. Just made final payment so I’m locked in.

If you want to be wowed go with Allure. There’s nothing else like an Oasis class ship out there right now. I’ve done Oasis 3 times and doing Symphony in May. I love this class of ship. Hubby and I did a quick 3 night Mariner in October and it was fine for a quick getaway but honestly it doesn’t compare. Entertainment is far superior on the big ships. Food was better too. But as @WAAAYTOOO said, when you start at the top, it’s hard to go down! Lol Eastern Caribbean also is better itinerary than Mariner Bahamas

I would only buy from an authorized Rolex dealer. You can find them on their website. I bought mine back in 1994 at John Bull in St Thomas. No longer a Rolex dealer on St Thomas. Price the watch you want at home, then compare when you travel. There are still a few dealers in the Caribbean. I’ve not filled out a declaration form with customs in several years. In October we just walked up to customs agent, he held iPad to my face and confirmed identity. Walked right out. Even when we bought my watch 25 years ago, I just walked through customs. My husband on the other hand was stopped and his watch was already 5 years old! Lol

Someone from the company posted on our sailings Facebook group and all of a sudden, they all came out of nowhere! Lol Come to find out it’s not a huge group thank goodness! About 100 of them with corporate also. The parent company that was on my cruise 4 years ago were somewhat annoying.

Multi level marketing. Similar to pyramid scheme

That is VERY true! I really don’t mind the big groups. As long as they maintain some decorum and don’t start the company cheer every 10 minutes.

What are your experiences? This is now the second time one of our cruises has been booked by an MLM. The first time I felt like this group was slightly obnoxious ? however, I also noticed the ship didn’t feel as crowded because they had their own private events going on. This time around it’s a spin off company of the same group as before. I hope they aren’t obnoxious and overrun the ship. What’s been your experience?

Join the Symphony of the Seas Facebook group for your sailing.

We were on Mariner in October. We only had one meal (breakfast) in the MDR and the service was horrid and the food was cold. Also had a very bad experience at Johnny Rockets for lunch. It’s a very small restaurant and we were sitting in a booth smack in the middle. No one came to our table for over 10 minutes. Waiter after waiter just walked by. No one even acknowledged us. We finally waved down a white shirt (officer) and things improved quickly. The best service we received was from the concierge in the Diamond Lounge. He was phenomenal! Mentioned him by name in the post cruise survey.

My Symphony shows just showed up for my May sailing about 5 days ago.

Was there In October on Mariner and we were the only ship. Going in May on Symphony and will be there on a Friday. I know Mariner and Navigator won’t be there. Not sure about others. We went ahead and booked the cabana club for symphony in the event a second ship is there.

Good time for the deluxe drink package! ? ? ? Bottoms up!

That’s why I love living in Florida! I’m not a fan of the cold! Have fun!

Might end up on Mariner in October for a quickie since we’re only 2 hours from canaveral. We shall see.....

I have Symphony in May!

Well I have another 1 1/2 years before the 5 year mark but I plan on making it! ?

So my Symphony cruise coming up in May doesn’t have a cruise compass in the compass section. (Eastern Caribbean with Perfect Day. St Maarten/St Thomas) There is one for Eastern/Perfect Day St Kitts/St Thomas with the same days at sea (days 2,3 & 6) and port days (4,5 & 7) It should be the same correct? I’m getting close to 90 days out and ready to plan!

Odyssey October 2021 Italy/Greece. 9 nights with overnight in Athens. Will spend a few days in Rome before cruise. So Excited! This itinerary has been on my radar for a few years. Each year we cruise to celebrate another year cancer free. This cruise will be the 5 year mark. I was given a 15% chance to make it 5 years. I have every intention of making this cruise. Stage 4B endometrial cancer. I also have Lynch Syndrome which is a hereditary cancer gene that puts me at risk for another 12 cancers. So looking forward to living life to the fullest!

We never get off in Nassau. Been there so many times. We enjoy a half empty ship! Lol We’ve done the dolphin encounter at Blue Lagoon. That was fun. I remember hearing that one of the resorts close to the port offer a day pass. Includes use of the beach, lunch and 2 drinks. I want to say it’s the British Colonial but don’t quote me on that! Just saw a video the other day about how the entire port area is going to be revamped. It needs something. They need to get a handle on the crime too.

Super info! Thanks everyone! Putting a deposit down on Italy/Greece on Odyssey for 2021 very soon!

I have to say I like both but really impressed that Jaime’s sources from White Oak Pastures. I try to avoid factory farmed meats so was super excited to see meats from White Oak. 100% grass fed beef. The braised short ribs I had on Mariner were out of this world. One of the best meals I’ve had in a specialty restaurant. However it’s location on Mariner was horrible. Totally looked like an afterthought.