mom2mybugs

I hate getting up that early to get a spot for the day and then watch the sea of towel filled/people empty chairs around me.  So frustrating.  My husband and I usually have one person at our 2 chairs all the time so we never get to eat together, etc.  I’m even hearing you have to get off the ship immediately to get a seat at the cococay beach club pool. And don’t get me started on why people feel they need to save chairs for their kids who sit maybe 2 mins a day!!  we are cruising New Year’s Eve and there will be a ton of kids.  We never did that!  I’m actually kind of excited for harmony.  We have been to all the ports a gazillion times so we are going to do our pool deck/solarium sitting on the port days and wander trivia and other spots on sea days.  Hoping that makes it doable.  Jane

2 hours ago, tonyfsu21 said:

My family & I just returned from sailing Odyssey for the Holiday. We had an excellent cruise, everything was perfection. The Music Hall is an amazing venue (especially on Odyssey). We were there every single night enjoying the karaoke, bands exc. The upstairs area is prime time with plenty of seats, pool tables and a full bar. I’ve been before on other ships but for some reason (maybe the layout), I enjoyed this venue on Odyssey more than the others. For anyone getting ready to sail her, you are in for a treat! 

I really think I’m ready to try a quantum class ship.  We were really torn btw odyssey and harmony and ended up doing harmony since it came back Saturday.  But this sounds amazing!  Jane

I have always done Uber or lift from my hotel to the port and port to airport.  I have never had a problem or had a big delay.  Jane

6 hours ago, Ampurp85 said:

Have a safe, on-time flight and a wonderful cruise

Ohare is great for people watching. I normally do the first flight out, I live in Chicago, and I am always amazed. My favorite thing is the people who have to repack their bags. Like clearly the fact that you could barely lift the bag means it might be close to the weight limit. They always hold up the bag check-in line. This is especially hilarious because there are tons of scales to weigh your bag beforehand. 

I actually keep a little scale in my suitcase so I can weigh it on the cruise ship,  it’s just crazy people do that.  I don’t love the bag check at ohare…usually a mess..so if I’m flying united or American, I just do the curbside check.  So much easier!  Jane

4 hours ago, Funeegal said:

  I have the first flight of the day out of O'Hare.  Sometimes, you gotta do what you gotta do and flying the Sunday after Thanksgiving is far from pleasant.  O'Hare tends to be better (less delays) in the early morning than later in the day.  Let's hope the airport is not a mess at 4AM.  I have TSA pre-check and have status with the airline so I hope everything goes smoothly.  The only small bump is rain is expected, but that is better than snow!  The prize (cruise) is worth taking a 5AM flight out of O'Hare.

 

 

 

 

I'm flying out of o hare on Dec 29 for my new years Eve cruise.  O hare can be awful, but you should be fine that early, even on the bad travel weekend.  The last couple times I've gone through security it's been less than 30 mins.  I almost always pick early flights leaving so no delays and I start my vacation early!  

   I also have a son who had some developmental delays/spectrum issues, though he was able to get amazing services and is truly a different kid at 23.  But I know how much the break can be needed and I hope you have an amazing trip! I look forward to reading your blog.  And yeah no snow!!!   Jane

5 hours ago, TravisMA81 said:

Kids would love a substitute teacher!

Lol... Probably!!  Jane

2 hours ago, WAAAYTOOO said:

Jane, have you considered just spending the night and taking the 6AM flight out the next day ?

My husband is a teacher and is just so stressed about getting back for Monday that we don't want to push into the next day.  We actually wanted to take the 8 day Odyssey cruise but did Harmony because it's a Saturday to Saturday instead of Saturday to Sunday.  And I'm so not a morning person, I think I want to be up late instead of up to get to the airport at 4am!!!  Jane

4 hours ago, twangster said:

There is the "On-Air Club" venue located in the promenade that will sometimes have sports events on the TVs.  Otherwise it's often the smallish TV in the pub if the Aqua Theater doesn't have it.  

It can be on cabin TV's if ESPN international is carrying the event but that isn't always the case.

I forgot the on air club too.  I'm thinking we will be busy relaxing but it would be nice to see some games!  Jane

3 hours ago, amanalo217 said:

I was on Harmony for New Years cruise and watched the games in pub, Sabor, and in cabin. There were 2 channels for special programming that were showing the games on cabin tv.

Thanks!  So good to know!!!!   Jane

Ok, the thread about the world cup made me think about this, and I didn't want to hijack that thread.  IF (I get the uncertainty on which games they get) college football games are shown on New Year's Eve and Day, where on Harmony would they be shown?  I was thinking Aqua theater during the day, possibly Sabor or the pub?  Anything I'm forgetting?  Do they show on the room tv?  (Gotta root for my wolverines if they manage to beat Ohio State today)  Jane

So our perfectly timed 1 pm flight home on Spirit was changed to 6 am...yeah, that isn't gonna happen.  So we have a new flight..AT 9:15  pm!!!!  Since we do not want to spend 11 hours at the airport, we need to figure out something.  We are flying in a couple days early, so other than the everglades (which still gets us to the airport with about 7 hours left), we are not seeing any Royal things we want to do.  Thinking about doing a resort for a day.  Does anyone have any suggestions for good spots?  We have waited way too long on this for our Dec 31 trip, and may not get anything good, but would love suggestions!  I'd love a hot tub and a beach, but don't need if the pool is nice.   Jane

On 11/22/2022 at 8:53 AM, PPPJJ-GCVAB said:

In my humble, subjective opinion…no price is worth it.  I prefer having the freedom of leisurely walking around checking out the different areas which…when I did purchase the Beach Club pass I did not do because I felt since I paid for it I had to stay there.  Sure the lunch is nice but that is really what you are paying for because any other beach area or the main pool is just as relaxing or exciting. I didn’t even get to check out the snack shack foods when I paid for the beach club!  I felt stuck there because I paid to be there…and again that is only my opinion.  So you get lobster and steak…you can get that on the ship for less $$.  

I like South Beach which is right next to the Beach club.  The Oasis Lagoon pool is fun and loud and also free.  All the other beaches are free.   I paid $75 for that experience which I thought was a good price before I actually got there.  I wouldn’t pay even that price again.  I know there are many on this board that love the beach club and that is great for them.  To each his own absolutely!  You might want to try it once to get your own opinion.  Keep checking to get a lower price though…if you can.

And no matter what…ENJOY!!!

 

Thanks!  I'm thinking as I read more and more, that I really should scope the island and do that first, and save beach club for a return trip.  That way I know if I enjoy the free without the extra cost.  Thanks for your opinion on South beach.  Jane

On 11/21/2022 at 2:18 PM, ChessE4 said:

An alternative is to do the free stuff at Chill Island beach or the pools and then buy a nice specialty dinner or lunch.  If you just book a single meal or two in cruise planner (not a dining  package), you can select your reservation times pre-cruise.  You are limited to the days and times they serve, but we've had good lunches and dinners using this a la carte approach in the past.  I am not a fan of the idea of a restricted area or "club" at Coco Cay, but I know there are others who like the atmosphere of a "special place".  Whatever you choose, have a great cruise.

We have 3 dinners and a lunch pre-booked   We don't usually do a lunch, but are going to try Jamie's on one of the sea days for lunch.  We are skipping chops this time, though, so thinking about a good steak !  Jane

11 minutes ago, AshleyDillo said:

Harmony has the tap to use cards, so you'll want a sleeve.

Bummer!  I thought that might be the case.  I've had a few rip off...I remember an awful Disney trip pre magic bands.   Do bartenders have to swipe (will I have to take it out of the sleeve all the time?). Jane

Just to piggyback on... I've always punched my sea pass and put it on a lanyard, but can you still do this? Or do you need a sleeve?  (Going on Harmony and I was able to punch on allure but I'm thinking you can't on Harmony).  Jane

11 minutes ago, twangster said:

Jewel didn't offer Maine lobster but it is the second cruise where lobster was on a port day and not a dress up night.  Mariner did the same thing on an 8 night cruise with lobster on the day we were in San Juan until 8pm. 

I think they are trying to catch people off guard so they miss lobster night. 

Cheaper that way.  I just edited to ask another question but missed you... Is the mdr  menu showing up under dining or in the daily planner in the app?  I think I'm too far out to see but I'm very curious about new year's Eve.  Jane

On 11/20/2022 at 8:55 AM, twangster said:

Just got off a 6 night that only had one "Dress Your Best" night on day two.  Lobster was on the MDR menu for a casual night on a port day, day 5.  The day 6 sea day dinner menu was just another MDR menu with normal MDR entrees.   

That's so goofy.  Do you think it has any connection to being able to supply?  Though that doesn't make sense if they are going to Maine lobster.  I will have to spend more time with the app.  Does the menu show up under dining or daily planner?  With the potential of the classics going away, I want to make sure we like the featured menu items or will just windjammer that evening.  Jane

2 hours ago, OCSC Mike said:

If you want to switch cabins, you have to wait to be OFFICIALLY assigned (i.e. not the bar code trick, when it shows up on your documents) and then your TA can move you to any available cabin in the same exact category.

I recently moved myself (didn't use a TA) twice for the same cruise within a week of it sailing, lol. 1st move was to get out of a spot we didn't like. 2nd was when a spot we really like opened up late.

P.S. You can find available cabins yourself by going to the RC site and just pretend you're looking to book one. Then you can tell your TA exactly where you'd like to be moved.

Thanks for all the info and advice!  You've been a huge help :). Jane

Just read somewhere that the quest has popped on a couple ships.  Has anyone seen it since covid cancelled it?  Hoping it comes back to Harmony before Dec 31!  Jane

Ok...I know super subjective question, but what are people's opinions on the Coco cay beach club?  I just booked it for $103/per person.  We've never been to Coco cay and we are the only ship in that day (Harmony, January 2).  However, I have heard the lunches are amazing and the infinity pool looks beautiful.  Any trouble getting chairs (by the pool or beach) at the club?  And is it easy to get a table at lunch?  Also, is it still fun if the weather is cloudy/rainy?  Are there covered tables to eat at and wait out weather?  I'd really hate to spend $200 and then wish we'd stayed on the boat due to bad weather.

   If we don't do that, we plan to go to the main pool and then hit a beach.  Any trouble getting chairs on the beach after 11 or 12?  And which beach do you all like?   

   Thanks for any input!  Jane

On 11/16/2022 at 5:42 PM, OCSC Mike said:

You're very welcome. I have that answer saved so I can just cut & paste it when someone asks about a GTY. I got tired of typing it since the topic comes up so often and I pretty much book GTY's exclusively since the cabin isn't important to us and I almost always switch anyway. Wound up 4 cabins apart on our last 2 cruises after switching to a location we like. We even saw our cabin attendant from the 1st cruise as he had moved a little ways down the hall but was still in the same general area.

I need to do that...I forget all the time where to find my answers that I know I've just seen!  So I'm happy where I am, but if for example, I hated my spot, would my travel agent be able to see what's available and switch my location?  Would she have to wait until the room number technically replaced the "gty" on the boarding pass, or does the info show up for TAs without using the "bar code trick".  You may not know, but I'm just curious for future.  I've done 2 gty rooms now and both were great.  I've never stayed this high before (deck 11) so that will be new anyway!  Jane

On 11/17/2022 at 5:47 PM, Coda_Sarah said:

I had a problem with the app the last time I tried checking in.  It just wasn't available.  I was able to jump on the website from my laptop and check in a couple of minutes after midnight.  We got the first boarding time.  I just wonder how reliable the app is for online check in? 

I got in about 4 minutes after 12 Eastern, but I'm not sure if it was because I changed my phone time from Central or if it just opened up then.  Once I was in, I had absolutely no issues at all.  Jane

42 minutes ago, OCSC Mike said:

Rarely. Have you used the bar code trick to see your cabin before it is officially assigned?

Bar Code Trick

Method 1. If you have an Apple device, add your set sail pass to your Apple wallet. Numbers will now appear under your bar code. The numbers after the dash represent your cabin.

Method 2. Scan the bar code with a QR scanner from another device and that should also show you the numbers.

NOTE: If you see "GTY" instead of numbers, you truly haven't been assigned yet. One tip off is that if you don't see a muster station on your set sail pass then you almost definitely don't have an assignment yet.

 

I forgot all about the bar code trick!  I have a room number!  I will see if my royal up gets accepted but I’m right by the elevator in a good spot!  Thanks for the very clear instructions! You made my day!  Jane

So we have our set sail pass for check-in on dec 31 Harmony.  It still says gty stateroom but now we have a deck (11) and a muster location (B03).  Has anyone ever had the deck change on them after seeing it other than for a royal up?  Just wondering!  Jane

Ok…had trouble with connecting on the app for 4 mins until I changed my phone to the next day.  That was probably a fluke but got an 11 am boarding time.  Should I show up 15 mins early to check luggage?  And is this the earliest time or did I miss a 1030?  Jane