ABFrenchie

For anyone interested in knowing how this turned out - Royal notified us today the luggage has been shipped back to us via FedEx and we should receive it Wednesday!

Does anyone have any experience with misplaced luggage being returned to you by RC or luggage valet, and if so, how long the process took? We just got off an absolutely fabulous week on the Harmony and opted to check 3 bags in with the luggage valet program. When we filled out the form, we put 2 bags under my husband's name and 1 under mine. We got a call yesterday afternoon from customer service claiming they couldn't check my husband's bags because there was an issue with his airport check-in. However they were able to check me in just fine. We asked customer service to then put 2 bags under my name for luggage valet, and we would check the third in at the airport. They said no problem and last night I received 2 luggage valet tags in my stateroom. We set the luggage out before the deadline and it was gone by morning. As we arrived at the airport for our flight we got a call from a rep (unclear if Royal or third party luggage valet rep) claiming to have our 2 bags because we cancelled luggage valet (we did not). The bags were not sent to the airport and would not be on our flight. The rep couldn't/wouldn't provide any information as to how we will get our bags back other than to say they have to be sent to a warehouse first and we would get a call "in a few days". Anyone deal with a similar issue? How was it resolved? We enjoyed our cruise so much we booked a NextCruise 2019 sailing on Symphony but I am incredibly disappointed with customer service so far in resolving this issue and am considering canceling it.

Thank you!!

I'm boarding Harmony on Saturday and needless to say, I'm not getting much done this week other than thinking about cruising. I pre-paid for the deluxe drink package. I've read that 1) the drink package is loaded on to Sea Pass card, and 2) Sea Pass cards are placed outside the stateroom when the room is ready. If I want a frosty cold one before the Sea Pass card is available, how will the bar know I have a drink package? First world problem, I know.

All of my prior cruises have been with Carnival and I was given numbered tags the night before disembarkation which identified the disembarkation group. Perhaps it was just Carnival, but my experience with the highest number groupings meant we didn't off the ship until 10:30am or so. Does RC use a similar method? If so, does RC take into account flight times (info is in my cruise check-in profile) when assigning disembarkation groups? I'm nervous we will get a late group and have to rush to our flight, so I'm considering self-assist. I'd like to avoid self-assist if I can because I am notorious for overpacking! Flight is at noon and we are flying out of FLL on Thanksgiving weekend so I'm a bit paranoid. Thanks!

You had me at free champagne! Thanks all for the suggestions.

I'm going to check it out if it's open, sounds wonderful! In 2 weeks I'll be on my first RC cruise and I've never been to St. Thomas. Thanks for the info!

I don't have anything against Nassau. Any cruise port is a good cruise port in my book because it means I'm on vacation! I've just done the Atlantis gig before and Royal currently has just 2 excursions for my sailing for Nassau. In my book the ship itself is more interesting at this point but it could change depending on what Royal can come up with for excursions.

I would tell you but it appears you're a Florida State fan...Go Gators! Kidding. I don't know of any all inclusives. The cruise planner is showing just 2 excursions right now. Did Atlantis last time I was in Nassau. Will probably stay on the boat and get some activities in like rock climbing or a spa treatment. Maybe walk over to Junkanoo beach to check it out.

Just heard from my TA again - the final word is Nassau, St. Thomas and Labadee.

Interesting! Guess my TA's source had it wrong - says Freedom will be the first ship back on 11/30.

No kids here, which makes completing the bucket list a bit easier ? I am intrigued by the Quest!

All fantastic ideas. I like a lot of activity and to stay busy! I hadn't heard of the Love and Marriage show but I'll definitely check it out. I want to feel like I got every dollar's worth out of this cruise ?

I'm putting together my cruise "bucket list" - a list of everything I want to make sure I eat, drink, see and do while aboard the Harmony in a few weeks. I have the usual suspects down like seeing shows and specialty dining. I've been lurking on this site (and the dining Facebook page) for a few months now and have discovered a few blog favorites. I must try the kummelweck sandwich and the 150 CP cucumber martini! What else should I add to my list? What are your favorite things to eat, drink, see and do on a RC cruise?

Royal's website hasn't addressed this sailing on its itinerary update page, but my travel agent emailed me today and said he was able to confirm no changes to the Eastern itinerary and we will visit San Juan, St. Thomas and Labadee as previously scheduled. Does anyone have any insider info as to the condition of the San Juan and St Thomas ports and surrounding areas? Royal paints a pretty optimistic picture of their readiness for guests.

According to RC's website our itinerary could become Nassau, Cozumel and Costa Maya.

I am sailing on the Harmony 11/18-11/25. St. Thomas is currently on the itinerary for our third full day (Sea Day, Sea Day, St. Thomas, San Juan, Labadee, Sea Day). I've read that St. Thomas was devastated by Irma. If the port is not open as scheduled, any ideas on how RC might change our itinerary? No complaints here - just curiosity. I don't mind a different port or another sea day. Are there any other ports in that area that are currently operational or expected to be operational in two months? Thanks!

I am sailing out of Port Everglades and trying to determine whether I should fly home from FLL or MIA. It seems flight prices are better out of Miami compared to Fort Lauderdale. If I utilized the self-assist departure method and immediately Uber'd it after customs to the MIA airport, how early of a flight could I/should I book?

Lunch and cocktails on the Ocean Key Resort Pier near Mallory Square. Food is fantastic (I'm biased, I was married there!)

I'm a bit of a health conscious eater and new to Royal Caribbean. In researching dining options I came across a 2016 "Vitality" Menu for the MDR (3 courses, under 800 calories). Is this or something like it still offered? If so, do I have to request this menu from the waiter? Sailing HOTS on 11/18. Thanks!

I would prefer to not make reservations! It's just my husband and I, so I tend to think a table for 2 is easier to come by? With MTD, are you seated at a private table, with another group, or possibly both? We have a preference for dining on our own.

Yep, I am confirmed for My Time Dining! My Time Dining does appear in the same section as the specialty restaurants. However, unlike the specialty restaurant options, which have times listed underneath for reservations, My Time Dining does not. It just says "your dining selection will not allow you to create, modify, or cancel Complimentary dining."

I've read it is recommended that you make reservations each night with MTD - playing around in the cruise planner and I can't figure out how it's done. When I select "Plan all cruise dining" I'm taken to what looks like a reservations page. However, when I select the day/guests, I only see times for and can only make reservations for Specialty Dining. The following text appears under the My Time Dining option - "your dining selection will not allow you to create, modify, or cancel Complimentary dining." Am I doing something wrong? Thanks in advance!

My husband & I will be on the Harmony 11/17-11/25. Can we expect any special events, menus, etc. to coincide with the Thanksgiving holiday? Or will the cruise be business as usual? In your experience, are cruises more/same/less crowded over the holiday? Thanks!