twangster

What FLL fee?  Just looked over all my ride share receipts for 2+ years and couldn't find one at FLL.  

I use Lyft from the Airport but I generally find it easier to use a cab to the airport from the ship in Port Everglades.  Taxis cost a few bucks more on this short route but it's just easier since the Port Everglades terminals don't lend themselves to ride share pick up.

My family members aren't soda drinkers.

Those over 21 in the same cabin must buy the deluxe package if any one does, but other than that, no one else has to buy any package, even if parents buy the deluxe package.  The rest (under 21) are free to acquire any package or not that suits them.

With two adults buying the DX, they can often ask for numerous bottles of water and receive plenty to stock the cabin with water.

I once had a crew member on the gangway refuse me two bottles of water when leaving for an excursion because my step daughter (a minor) had no package.  He was within his right to do so if my intention was sharing.  On many occasions I cruise solo and walk off the ship asking for two bottles - no problem.  I drink a lot of water.     Difference?  Perceived intent.

Royal treats all North American cruises the same.  Age 21.

While you are in a Canadian port, off ship, the drinking age will be 19 in British Columbia.  BC is pretty strict about two forms of ID for those who appear to be near the age. 

I have traveled with American children on two different occasions who were 19 and therefore legal in British Columbia but the establishment needed to see two government ID confirming their age.  Passport and driver's license for example.  Just a driver's license wasn't good enough even with the parents present.  

5 hours ago, CGTLH said:

Right now it seems the ROI is zero.

That's why I don't expect it.  Putting it on new builds is a no brainer.  Retrofitting and spending $$$$$ for zero new revenue?  I don't think so.

The tablets at Bionic could easily be fitted with swipe readers, or so I imagine.

The bionic bar has two alcohol free drinks.  One is a Shirley Temple.  I forget the other.  They aren’t free naturally but I *think* someone under 21 can order those.  

Nothing worse than an entitled frequent cruiser arguing with crew.

Clearly this would never occur on a Royal ship as the crew member would have cowered at the sight of their pinnacle badge.

"Don't you know who I am?"

2 hours ago, CDunninTX said:

I got this one. It's prefect. Thank you for the recommendation.

Just remember the outlet is 220v even though it looks like a North American outlet.  Double check everything you plug into that outlet to ensure it can take 220v.  Never plug hairdryers or curling irons into it.

1 hour ago, Lovetocruise2002 said:

I thought the music hall thing was going in that spot?

22 minutes ago, Traveler said:

Currently it depends who you ask , I will wait for the captain Q&A to ask the same.

I think it's too small for the music Hall  , maybe  Dazel will become the music hall

I heard Music Hall replacing Dazzles.  Cabins right above the Music Hall wouldn't be so good.  

They've left some room for surprise venues in the verbiage about the AMP so I figured that area would be something unannounced. 

Truth is pictures hardly do justice to Alaska.  

Enjoy your cruise.  Mine is a memory at this point and I'm super jealous that you are sailing to a part of the country that I enjoy so much.

Happy 25/50 or what ever else might be going on!  

From personal experience when the time is right leave this live blog be and live in the moment.  If so inclined come back later and update it.  Don't miss a moment of your cruise for this thread. It can and will wait for you.  

Woohoo!  Cruise day is near!

6 minutes ago, TheHobbys said:

WOW. Just WOW.  If you can go see We Will Rock You twice .... do it .... it was by far the best show we have ever seen on a RCL cruise.   #period

Agreed.  Even a 3rd time was enjoyable.

The issue with weekend getaways isn't filling the ship for the weekend it's what happens during the weekdays in between.  

In Florida there are lots of retired people, many of them top elite that will sail during the week on the 4 night cruises.  Spring break or summer and the 4 night cruises are full on their own.  That's a challenge with West Coast 4 night weekday cruises - who will fill the ship?  Few people will fly for a 4 night cruise so it has to be a local crowd.

When i did a 3/4 B2B on Carnival on the West Coast the 4 night weekday cruise seemed dead compared to the weekend 3 night leg.  The 4 night was cheaper too.  

The ship will start on Miami time but what happens from there depends.

Most of the time it seems Royal Captains (and Cruise Directors) will adjust ship time to match island time and you will find the times listed on your itinerary will match island time.  

Look over past cruise compasses from previous guests and you may see the notation of time changes for summer itineraries on Symphony:

https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/cruise-compass?ship=1167

Many excursion companies are well aware of the need to be back well in advance.  Talk it over with them to confirm.  

Ah, there's the rub.  Different categories, hence the charge to move one over.  

Unfortunately nothing can be done about that, the 4D can only be acquired at today's prevailing rate.  

Keep an eye on it though, prices within a specific category can change over time.

For example, when the current "Flash" sale is over, the 4D cabin *might* be a different price.

20 minutes ago, royalbob16 said:

We even asked the travel agent if we could move one of the other balcony rooms over and they said it would be another $600!

If all cabins are in the same specific category there shouldn't be a charge to move one cabin over.  If they are all 4D balconies for example. 

If you have an 8D balcony and the middle cabin is a 4D balcony then a charge may apply based on prevailing rates.  

What is your specific balcony category and what is the specific balcony category of the middle cabin?

The guest in the interior cabin will have to pay more to upgrade to a balcony and they will be charged based on today's current rate for the balcony.  What you may have paid for your balcony in the past is irrelevant.  

I booked refundable as a placeholder.  I know a few folks sailing on it so it would be a Symphony TA reunion of sorts.  

I have no idea really if my schedule will allow it in 2021 but rates are pretty good right now and I like the itinerary (Japan/Russia/Alaska).

6 minutes ago, Nick Ramsden said:

Thanks - also does the RCS have American plugs I presume ?

Two North American 110V outlets at the desk, one Euro power port 220v there as well.  

Take a look at this Youtube video from Navigator.  Different ship but it will the beds will most likely be like this, except the two lower beds can be pushed together to make one bed.

Some people separate the lower beds so they are easier to get in and out of and well lets face it, not much going on with kids sleeping right above you.

Most likely that two beds will lower from ceiling on each side over the main bed.  Each upper bed will have a ladder to climb up.  

Suggest you call Royal and ask.  They can also provide information on the refund status.

Amex refunds post with a date a few days after the cancellation.  I have a Visa card that back dates refunds sometimes months before which makes it harder to find them on a statement.  Regardless Royal can track down the refund information.

18 minutes ago, alamode123 said:

The great thing about vodka and coke is no one will steal your drink.

Confirmed.

5 hours ago, gingerO said:

(Not sure why Im noted as pre-gold, reached platinum with last cruise..)

4 hours ago, JLMoran said:

That's not tied to your Crown & Anchor status, it's actually a reflection of how many posts you've made on the forums.

You can also put your own text in there as some of us have done.  

Under your user profile, Account Settings, Overview, Edit Profile - Member Title

15 minutes ago, DDaley said:

Can you re-price without using a TA? I am assuming no. I have only ever paid in full, is that not an option if you're hoping to re-price later? It's an August Explorer sailing in 2020 to Greece so I've got some time! 

Cruises booked through the North American process, either by phone or the website can be repriced regardless of booking direct or having booked through a travel agent.

I once had a travel agent warn me to hold back a small amount such as $100 until final payment is due to aid in repricing but I haven't tested that theory.

Like just about any NYE activity premiums are charged and the vacation, travel and tourism industry is no exception as you have discovered.  

The bottom line comes down to the value you place on experiencing this with your sister and family.  

It is less expensive to travel during off-peak times but then you wouldn't be with your family.  

Only you can determine the value of vacationing with your extended family on this occasion.  

Pinging @Galveston Steve