twangster

It never hurts to ask about the drink card. Sometimes you might even get one a day early.

Royal did go through a period where they banned hair dryers, curling irons and hair straighteners (flat irons). There was such a revolt that they caved and allowed them. Clothing irons are still banned. Not sure about trying to bring one on mid-cruise.

Welcome to the message boards! A cruise from Singapore is one thing but a cruise from Shanghai is another matter. Cruises in China are distinctly targeted at the Chinese consumer. They won't deny a Westerner from booking such a cruise but it won't be the same experience you have on a Royal ship outside of Asia and that's on purpose. Royal is growing their Asia cruise market by embracing the local culture on these cruises. While other lines are struggling in that region Royal is actually growing and starting to see signs that their Asian guests are now starting to book cruises in other regions. I would expect a cruise from Shanghai to be fully immersive in all respects. Food, menus, signage, entertainment, announcements, etc...

When I was in my youth (before kids) we would line up early and wait for the park to open. Upon opening the gates we ran to Space Mountain. We could ride Space Mountain three times with virtually no lines. After the 3rd ride lines we starting to form so we went elsewhere. By mid-day the Space Mountain line was over a 2 hour wait. The next day we would pick a different ride and do the same. This was before Fastpass. Arriving from a cruise ship will put you there in the peak times when lines are becoming longest. After a long bus ride you get to stand in line for hours for one ride.

I've managed to capture the Aurora Borealis in Banff, Alberta in June. It wasn't as stunning as seeing it in the Arctic in the winter. This topic came up during a talk with a naturalist on a Celebrity Alaska cruise. It's possible to see them but more likely closer to Vancouver since the days aren't as long. Later in the season increases the chances because the nights are longer. In all cases though it all depends on the right factors falling into place to see them at all. I have used apps that monitors the KP index. The right solar activity has to occur. The phase of the moon will dictate how much light is in the sky. If it's heavy cloud cover, no Aurora Borealis will be seen. Everything has to fall into place to see them.

The challenge for someone who hasn't been to WDW lies in what they don't know. It can take your first day just to get the lay of the land and figure out each park within WDW. For WDW regulars they know the parks and know what to skip and what not to. They can go directly to the place within each park that they like. When you stay in the area you can arrive when the park opens and stay for the fireworks. You have a full day to maximize the cost of admission. When you visit from a cruise ship your available time is reduced significantly and if you don't already know the park you may be left with "We have to leave already? I paid all this money for what?".

I'd argue against that 'wisdom' for Alaska cruises. Having done three doesn't make me an expert by any stretch, but I fail to see the logic for a specific side in Alaska and I am curious why people come to the conclusion that facing the land mass in the inside passage is better. On one cruise there was far more marine live on the other side including pods of Orcas. Ironically the only time there is land just on one side you are so far offshore you can barely see land never mind make out details or look for a bear. Regardless what side you are on if you just experience Alaska from one side of the ship you are missing out on something. Plus you won't use your balcony as much as your think in Alaska. It's cold out there. If it makes you feel better and the price is the same, do it since you will feel better. Of course the cruise lines have this figured out and often there is a premium for it. Supply and demand, higher demand equates to higher price, not a better experience.

Just when I thought it was safe to go back on the water... Perfect Day France! Viva la Perfect Day!

Concur with @Matt. Navigator docked on the port side at a couple of ABC islands on two different cruises but that is hardly scientific and is a very small sample size. Even if it is accurate, the view off my balcony in port is somewhat meaningless because I spend little time on it in port and sometimes prefer more privacy on the side away from the dock. You can always see all sides from deck 12.

I'm on Ovation May 13 for her first trip to Alaska. Keep an eye in the live blog section on these message boards as we get closer.

Ovation is home ported in the Asia- Pacific region. She is "on loan" to us for a few months in Alaska. Ships like Quantum or Ovation don't have "Broadway" shows. Anthem is the only ship in this class that has a "West-End" broadway like show. Rumors are Spectrum will have a 'Showgirl' main theater show much like Navigator, not a true "Broadway" show.

A good bot is way ahead... pre-cleared before the ship hits the dock.

On Ovation Pixels is the only bookable show. It does not have a broadway show like Oasis or Freedom class. All main theater entertainment will be first come, first seated.

When I get a free specialty dinner from my travel agent, or even on board credit from my travel agent, it is only available on board. When you first board I would suggest you visit the kiosk or table they have setup for specialty dining or visit any specialty restaurant. You should be able to make reservations there. If you do this soon after boarding versus waiting until the night you wish to dine you will have better choices of venues and times. Make sure to tell them you have a complimentary dinner for booking. Be aware that travel agent specialty dinners do have some restrictions and might not be redeemed at all specialty restaurants on board. This can vary ship to ship and cruise to cruise depending on how well bookings are selling out for a particular restaurant. Rarely is this a hassle and no different than if you purchase a dining package. Dining packages also require on-board reservation and sometimes have restaurant restrictions. If you have any issues make sure you contact your travel agent or whomever granted you the complimentary meals, the crew on board won't know how to solve any issues you have. If you do this soon after boarding your cell phone should still work in port.

I've been fortunate to stay in nice suites a handful of times. What I remember most about those cruises isn't the cabin but memories made outside the cabin. Don't get me wrong, a full suite is nice but there are lots of ways to spend money on a vacation that will create lasting memories. If I won the lottery, full suites! Absent of the lottery in my life, no.

Simply visit guest services and request an extra key. They will have to carry two keys, one to present at a bar to order a drink or when leaving the ship and one to open the door to the 'other' cabin but Royal doesn't care where you sleep. If two single people meet and spend the rest of the cruise in what ever cabin, Royal doesn't know or care.

On Rhapsody the difference in benefits is simply not worth $1,100 per person in my opinion. Put that money into awesome excursions and really enjoy your cruise.

Conversely if one adult doesn't drink and the other does, splitting the adults between cabins means that one adult can buy the deluxe drink package without forcing the other adult to buy a package since they are in different cabins. You can't share drinks from one drink package but in many cases one adult simply doesn't drink so this strategy works out better for them.

For anyone's first cruise it's hard NOT to overpack. Fifty cruises later and I still pack things I never wear, just fewer of them. In some ways packing for a European land vacation where you'll ride trains and use taxis can be harder to pack for. Several big suitcases for a family and it will take two elevator rides at many hotels. As long as your luggage is within weight limits for your airline don't put too much energy into thinking about. Enjoy your cruise!

Double check your arrival and departure time in at Port Canaveral. Many times there isn't a lot of time to experience Disney World properly when stopping at Port Canaveral during a cruise. Given the cost of Disney World a few hours once you do all the transfers and such makes for a hurried day. Some rides or activities can have long lines at Disney World. Many people come to the conclusion it's not a great way to experience Disney World.

Boleros *might* have a spicy Tequila, if any bar has one.

"Hi, were checking into Hotel Cadiz, we have a reservation. I know we are early but wanted to see if it's possible our room might be ready?"

Still is. They've slowed to 14 knots and will continue to position herself getting ready for a 4-18 arrival into Cadiz. Better to be early rather than late.

Welcome Andrea!

That's what they said in 1968. And 1969. And 1970. Any 1971...