Mrs. RoyalMoyal

It's time and I am jazzed! I start this blog on the front sun deck area up front deck 12. It's my second blog and hope to share enough info to help others and just maybe entertain. 
We embark from San Juan in about 5 hours which has lent itself to be a very relaxed time. We arrived at the port at noon and from handing the bags to the porters to walking on board was ten minutes max. I assume we slid in right after the call of all those that were waiting for the ship to be cleared to board. The windjammer seemed  quieter possibly again because there is so much time before the muster drill. No sense of a rush to get food before they close. 
We are coming back to Freedom from our first trip on an Oasis size ship. Honestly I was surprised that my first impression was that this ship seemed small. I remember how I thought Freedom was gigantic just last year. Well,  not to fear, after walking around during the past few hours, it is feeling large again.  Plus it helps being next to the Disney Wonder which is a good deal smaller. 
I will recap the full day later but will leave you with some pre departure thoughts.
- San Juan airport was very busy with the taxi line being about a 30 minute wait. No Uber from the airport. 
- We stayed at a nice boutique hotel, the San Geronimo, but it's more european style than American. It is less than a mile to the port and about a mile and a half to the center of old San Juan. 
- fortunate enough to have been here for the San Sebastian festival in old San Juan. Good music and fun but very crowded. 
Hope you enjoy following and feel free to ask questions. I will try to track the answers down!

 

The Wife and I where on board Independence back in October for a week away and had a great time.
Towards the end of the week it dawned on me that this was my first cruise as Platinum and I vaguely remembered reading about a Pin you get. So I enquired at GS to see how that worked, was I ment to get it on board or does it get sent out to me later. Girl on the desk mentioned that I should have gotten it in the Stateroom when I arrived but that they didn't have any Pins on board.
Bit of a shame but I was having a great cruise and it didn't really bother me so I went off and enjoyed the last couple of days.
Last week I got a strange text message saying they where FedEx and that my delivery would be made on the 15th, "if you would like to see the status of the order click this link". I hadn't ordered anything and wasn't expecting anything so I ignored it as a phishing attempt. I don't like clicking links I don't know from emails or messages. Yesterday I got another text to say that the delivery would be today (yesterday). At this point I'm thinking the messages are legit and start getting "The Fear". What the hell did I order and why cant I remember it?
 
Got home yesterday and opened up the envelope and inside was my Pin. Was really surprised. Girl at the desk must have noted something on my account and sent it off. That was pretty cool of her and I'm sorry that I don't remember her name now, it was a throwaway conversation and I didn't really expect anything to be done after I wasn't overly fussed about chasing it.

I've been to St. Maarten five times since the hurricane.  My first return was on one of the 1st ships to call on St. Maarten post-hurricane.  
I've done excursions including a bus tour, catamaran and self explored such as taking a taxi to Maho Beach.  I thoroughly enjoyed every stop there.
In all cases they were very happy to see tourists return and welcoming.  It's bad enough a storm devastates your community but the loss of employment is like salt in the wound.  Tourists mean jobs, a sense of purpose and reason to get up in the morning.  Anyone who has lived through storm damage will know there is a funk that hangs over everything day after day.  Having a job to do breaks that monotony, provides a distraction and a sense of normalcy, that everything will work out.  
On my visits I went out of my to buy things and didn't haggle on the price, sometimes giving more than they asked.  
This isn't their first brush with devastation.  In the 90's they had a similar experience and lots of resorts, homes and businesses were lost.  Some never rebuilt.  Most did.  It will be the same this time as it will in some future decade when it happens again.  Very resilient people.  
Be kind and understanding when you visit, but do visit and do something there.  

Hi there, @A_perfect_Storm, welcome to the message boards!
I'm not aware of any specific planning timelines like you mention, but here are some general guidelines I think work for any cruise. I'm sure I've missed some things, others here will fill in the gaps
Starting right now Think about making monthly payments towards your cruise balance; this is a great way to spread out the cost over as much time as possible Put a reminder in your calendar for 3 days ahead of your final payment date, and make sure the cruise is paid off then -- if you miss final payment, you lose your cruise! No backsies, no mulligans, no second chances! About 12 months before sailing -- start checking your Cruise Planner for any items you may be interested in purchasing, like shore excursions, internet packages, beverage packages (alcoholic or non), specialty dining, etc. @Matt, who runs the site, is very good about posting in the main blog when new sales start in the Cruise Planner; you can re-check for things each time a new sale / promotion is announced Try to space out your purchases, to spread out the payments and avoid having a painful credit card bill in any one month Know that you can always cancel something you bought, and then re-purchase it, if you find later on that the price has dropped 8-9 months before sailing -- check your passports and make sure they will still be valid for at least 6 months after your cruise ends; if not, get them renewed now so they're in effect for about 6 months prior to sailing Also apply for passports for any family members who don't yet have them; while you can sail with just a drivers license and birth certificate, having a passport is generally better 90 days before sail date You had that reminder fire off and you took care of final payment, right? If not, do it on this day or lose your cruise! Do your online checkin and complete all forms, print your set sail pass 45 days before sail date -- start checking for your eDocuments on the web site (available under the View More Details link for your sailing after you log in) When you have your documents, you can also print your luggage tags 1 week before sail date Get all documents and papers together; passports, set sail passes, luggage tags, etc. If you haven't yet, put a travel alert on all credit cards you expect to use abroad 2+ days before sail date -- get cash for tips and other small expenses, souvenirs if you don't want to use your credit card, etc. 1+ day before sail date -- fly down to the port; never do this the day you sail away!! Hope this helps! The next year and two months is going to be a blast as you prepare and plan and eagerly await your vacation!

Last Night I Was Thinking About Radiance Class May Be Next  For A Royal Amped And I Think The Pub Near The Casino Can Be Changed To  Playmakers. And Cafe Latitudes Can Be Changed To Starbucks. And They Defiantly Can Do  A Flowrider Single At The Place Of The Kids Water Park. Because The Water Park Is Never Open And  They Can And Some Bucket That Splash Kids At The Pool Deck.And Maybe A Upgrade Mini Golf.And Also An Upgraded Windjammer

It Cold Happen 

By FlowBro Ty 
Today I Was Looking At Royal Rumors And Found That Radiance Of The Seas Could Get A Flowrider Single.
If So It Would Replace The Kids Water Park.
Do You Think It Can Happen Let Me Know   

Like the Martin Brodeur commercial (Statefarm or Enterprise, can't remember). They're just peppering him with pucks. AH!!!! Rccl could actually have a hockey goalie as a celebrity cruiser and passengers could take shots on him in exchange for a donation to one of his charities. 

Just wanted to follow up my question with my actual experience with disembarking Freedom of the Seas this past Sunday in San Juan.   We chose early departure and went to the deck 4 dining room around 6:15am-6:30am.   At 7:00am we were allowed to begin leaving the ship.  We carried our own luggage to an empty line at customs, then out to a cab by 7:15am.  From there, we were driven to the airport, went through an empty line at agriculture in terminal 4, checked 2 bags on jetblue (empty line), went through TSA security (empty) and were at our gate by 7:45am (for an 11:06am departure).  Spent the morning relaxing eating breakfast and drinking coffee at an airport cafe near our gate.   Yay for self-disembarking!!!!

Day 3
After a nice sea day to start the journey, and get used to where everything is on Oasis, we docked in Labadee for the day.  We woke up a little later, and headed to Johnny Rockets for breakfast.  There was no wait, and we started eating after we were docked, so by the time we were done, it was easy to head down the stairs to the gangway, and go immediately off of the ship.  Breakfast was very good, and I wish I could bring a cook home with me to show people how to properly cook over-easy eggs.  As we were disembarking, Virginia saw her favorite teacher from AO, and had to give her a hug.  It makes it very comforting to know that she's having such a great time in AO.  
We had a beach bungalow booked for Labadee, so we headed for the water taxi to Columbus Cove.  We had just missed it leaving, so it was a short wait for the next boat.  A short ride and walk later, we were at our bungalow.  We spent half as much on the bungalow as we would have a cabana, and I think it was perfect.  If we were in a real suite, and had access to barefoot beach, I would probably do that, but the bungalow was perfect.  The beach was not very busy, it was near the food and bathrooms, and there was great service.  Plus, we had 6 bottles of water waiting for us when we got there.  We had bungalow 3 out of 8 or 10 total.  Very nice and relaxing.  





 

 
After plenty of relaxing and swimming, we had lunch.  It was typical BBQ food, and did the trick.  They had Coconut Ranger Cookies, so Abby and I were happy.  Back into the ocean for more fun, then it was time to head back.  We took the tram back to the ship.  We thought about walking, but we were glad we didn't.  Nothing in the artisan market looked of interest to us, and we could tell they were a little aggressive in their sales.  It would have been tough to keep Virginia from wanting something.  Through security and back on the ship in no time, so we headed upstairs for a nap and shower.  

 

After a nap and shower, I had to print some documents for work, and I wasn't sure where the printers were, so I went and asked Guest Services.  While I was there, I asked about CK, and they gave me a weird look as to why I even asked if JS could eat there.  They gave me the number for the manager, since it was after 4 pm.  I printed my documents, then went back to the room.  We were a little tired from the day, so we thought we'd just pop onto the Boardwalk and eat at Sabor.  The food was excellent, and the service was great also.  We had a little wait between apps and entree, but that helps my stomach digest, so I was ok with it.  There was no wait to sit down, we just walked right up with no reservation.  It is amazing to me that with this many people on board, it does not seem any more congested than we were on Majesty.  We have had very little waiting in lines, or claustrophobia moments.  
No pictures of food from Sabor, but we had the beef empanadas, calamari, and chicken stuffed jalapenos as "small plates".  They should change that moniker, as they are by no means small.  The calamari was some of the best I've ever had.  Abby even ate it, and she hates calamari.  We also had some guacamole.  Neither of us are guac fans, but this was pretty good.  Abby got the sweet and spicy marg, and it was quite good.  For our mains, I had the spicy chicken and pulled pork tacos.  The chicken was good, but not very spicy.  The pork was too fatty for me.  We asked if they could do just a plain beef for Virginia, and they were able to.  Abby had a quesadilla.  The tortillas, made on-site, are very good.  After dinner, we were stuffed, but the waiter had promised Virginia a special treat if she was good, so he brought her some churros.  Of course, mom and dad had to try one also, and they were very good.  
There was a small wait between apps and entrees, as I mentioned, but nothing I would complain about.  When the waiter brought the check, he apologized for the wait, and had taken 20% off of the bill.  He also had not charged us for Abby's margarita, even though she doesn't have a drink package.  I tipped heavy, since he was very good with Virginia.  
Then it was off to do some shopping on the boardwalk, and another trip around the merry-go-round before we took V up to AO for the night.  While she was there, Abby and I made another donation to the casino.  Someone hit a jackpot on slots while we were in there for $19,000.  She was very excited.  What struck me as odd was that they came and paid it to her in cash.  In land casinos, it would be in a check.  I'm not sure I'd want to have $19k in cash, but I guess I'd just be too happy to care.  It was amazing watching the stacks be handed to her on the casino floor.  
We wandered up to the Focus gallery and checked out some shots from the week so far, and ended up purchasing the all-inclusive package.  On Enchantment, we will stick with just a couple of photos.  
Then it was back up to AO to get Ginny, where it had been Superhero night, and we ended up picking up Wonder Woman!  

Then it was off to sleep for our big day in Falmouth.
 
-Again, it is amazing how much room there is on the ship, and how little we feel crowded. 
-All of the staff has been great with Virginia, and she is having an absolute blast.  She's definitely hooked on cruising, and hopefully the post-cruise depression isn't too bad.
-After breakfast today (Day 4), I went by CK and got in.  I spoke with a manager to get reservations for dinner.  Everything they have available conflicts with shows we have booked, but she went ahead and put us in, and said she would call us if they got an earlier time on Day 5.  I asked her about the cruise compass not saying anything about Sea Class, and she said that must be a typo, and she would have it corrected immediately.  If I would have pushed harder earlier in the trip, I'm sure we would have been able to get reservations.  It was never the main reason we booked the JS, so I didn't push too hard, and it definitely has not impacted our experience.  Hopefully we get to try it.  If not, we can go on the Anthem GC, or next time we're on Oasis.  
 

No Pressure.  Lol.  

Thank you.  I feel like a new person.  This is from our family pictures, separated by one year.  Should have about another 50 lbs to go...
Also, you know it's time for vacation when you get a text from school saying "Your daughter has been tormenting one of the boys at school today, and decided to pull her pants down and shake her butt and him."  SMH.....

I hear that every ship going into dry dock is going to have the Flow Rider removed! ?

This thread is intended to be a Thank You to Michelle C. from MEI for her extraordinary work in making a dream come true for us !
If I haven't made it clear before, let me reassert now, that a good Travel Agent can make things happen that you just never thought you would be able to do !
These 2 cruises on Anthem, Feb 15-23 and Feb 23-3 March 2019 began as lowly inside stateroom casino comped rooms. All we would have had to pay was the taxes and gratuities and we could have been on our way for 16 days for nearly -0- cost.  But Michelle immediately upgraded these inside rooms to balcony rooms for us for a very nominal amount (less than $100 each).  She was able to find us a nice location on deck 12 where we could have the same room on both cruises, which is a nice touch...no need to change rooms.  They remained that way for some weeks...until I asked Michelle to check and find out how much an upgrade to a JS would be for the first half of the B2B.  She came back with a very reasonable upgrade charge, so we upgraded the first cruise to a JS on deck 13 and remained in the original balcony room for the second half of the B2B.  Then one day I noticed that a Grand Loft Suite (GLS) had popped up on the first half of the cruise (there had been no Star Class suites available on either of these cruises when we first booked).  Thinking that there was no WAY we could afford to upgrade AGAIN, AGAIN I asked Michelle to just call and ask.  At this time I was on a biz trip (I think I was in Reno at the time !) so even with the time difference, she was so helpful.  Sure enough, the price was very attractive, so I pulled the trigger and had her upgrade the first cruise from the JS to the GLS.  YIPPEE !!!  I was now going to be Star Class for the first half of the B2B.  I was in heaven !  ...and wouldn't you know it...shortly after that, another GLS became available on the second half of the B2B and she once again worked her magic and we snagged that one, too !!  ...both of these B2B Star Class cruises together were about half the cost of 1 SC cruise by itself !  They are different suites, so we will have to move from deck 8 to deck 10 on the turnaround but I'm hoping that we can keep the same Genie.  I have no idea how something like that works.  It will be our first B2B and now both of them will be in Star Class.  Can it get any better than this ?
While Michelle was certainly instrumental in getting all of this accomplished for us, I have to also give credit to the Club Royale people with whom she worked.  ...but Michelle was dogged in her pursuit of this dream on our behalf.  If she didn't like the price that one agent gave her, she would call back again and again until she got the price she thought we should get...until it was all done.  I know I wore her out with all of the calling and rebooking that she was doing.  But once again, she has come through for us and I am so very grateful.
Great job, Michelle.  Thank you !

Yes!

I'm with Twangbot on this one.  Even if I was inclined to buy a drinks package (which I am not) I don't think I could sustain it for 12 straight days.  I would be a zombie by day 6.

On the other side of that, I'm actually quite happy to be going in a couple weeks. A big part of San Juan's economy is tourism, and I'm happy to go there and spend money. Old San Juan and major tourist areas have largely bounced back, it's the areas outside the cities and in the suburbs and towns that still appear to be lacking the power and need the most assistance in rebuilding.