Adriana

@Susie, we may be on the same ship; Anthem leaving this Saturday. I am staying on the ship for Port Canaveral, not much nearby worth the trip for me. For Miami, I lived in South Beach my adult life until a few years ago. You can easily get an Uber or Lyft and head to where calls you. Personally, I recommend South Beach as it offers so much. You have the beautiful free beaches, cafes, people watching, great food (including Cuban food), drinks, unique boutiques, funky shops, galleries, you name it. May I suggest you walk Ocean Dr as you will recognize images of it, but do not eat or drink there. Huge tourist trap prices. Walk over to Lincoln Rd (perpendicular to Ocean, right after Ocean ends and Collins becomes ocean front, between 16th and 17th) and do Lincoln. All I mentioned above can be found there.

@Psycho and Barb, they need an emoji with like fire coming out of its head!! Chair hogs, ugh!! I really can’t stand that entitlement!

@AshleyDillo, thank you! I am pretty used to traveling solo and paying for everything on my own. I am not too keen on paying so much more for the extra tour. I would need to become much more familiar with the areas, tours, etc before I try to book any outside tours. I may go for a 2024 cruise instead of 2023, thanks again!

@KimV, nope, the beach in South Beach is free. If you are by the oceanfront hotels, you cannot use their chairs, but the beach is beautiful and free.

This should be a nice change! I am guessing one of the rooms is dedicated to The Key and the others are open. Def should make WJ much less crowded.

I really want to do an Alaska cruise and pretty sure I will end up solo. I have seen that there are cruise options that already have the tours attached to them. It also appears that, just like I have to pay for the full cabin, I would need to pay for the double excursion. If I were to book a regular Alaska cruise without the included tours, does Royal offer the option of adding pre/post tours? Anything you would recommend? Thank you!

I know it may vary by port, but does anyone know if there is transportation to the Hop On Hop Off bus tour excursions sold by RC (or if they go to the port)? I am considering it for Miami instead of a Lyft/cab but only if RC gets us to/from the bus. Thank you!

I have seen it open on embarkation day, but not sure when it opened. That was on Anthem.

Pretty sure yes, it will be open.

@OCSC Mike, thank you again! I have The Key, so I can get off a little earlier. I do not recall at what time we arrive, but if too early, a little extra sleeps sounds lovely, too! That is great to know about the chairs and umbrellas!! You are right, I do not know which are I want to chill at, just a place with a chair, umbrella, within earshot of music and hopefully not too hectic. Thanks again! I hope to have a new fave food and spot at Coco Cay soon!

I sail on Saturday and will try to remember to take a picture for you. I remember they have quite the selection of Cokes like regular and diet Cherry, Orange, Vanilla, Mountain Dew (or similar, etc.

Yes to all of the above. I always head to the bar right away and request bottled water. Pretty much any time I am heading to my room, I stop and get water. I like to stock my fridge with them, about four to six at all times in there since I drink it all day. I usually do the UBP, but with the Diamond voucher, I am going to do the refreshment package. The water alone will pay for itself.

Do people follow the formal night schedules at the specialty restaurants? I hope so! If not, I will be in the MDR as well, even if just for a Caesar salad and creme brûlée … or the creme brûlée and wine. Can’t miss an opportunity to wear a gown!

@OCSC Mike, thank you! The last time I was at Coco Cay was during my baby days of cruising, when it was basically chairs (maybe umbrellas), buffet of burgers and hot dogs and a guy walking around singing and selling, “Coco Loco!” I am def looking forward to trying your suggestions, thank you! Maybe I will get lucky and even get a chair!

@Pooch, from where do you sail? I sail on Anthem from Bayonne on Saturday! … I hope you get your assignment. I do not think I have ever not had my request granted, but have gone to also request in person.

Maybe speak to someone at MDR once you embark? I typically sail solo and get seated at a two top although I say I will sit anywhere.

@Pattycruise, thank you again! Wow, cruising monthly? How wonderful, God bless!

I agree with the XL for Uber or Lyft. The rates are reasonable, from the port to South Beach are about $15-20, same to parts of Little Havana.

@Pattycruise, thank you! That is what I am hoping, that they just have not updated the app? … You had to wear a bracelet? I was wondering if it would have been indicated on our cards and needed to show it. Something less conspicuous. I really do hope the restrictions are gone, otherwise I will see about changing the cruise.

I was checking out the spa info in the app. I looove doing the thermal suite and was planning on doing it during my upcoming suite. I get the full pass for the duration of the cruise. As I was reading the spa info, it said, “Open to vaccinated guests.” I did not realize there were still these types of restrictions. Anyone who is unvaccinated been to the spa or have any info? Are there other restrictions (besides showing the negative test)?

@OCSC Mike, thank you! I def will make sure to try them! The tacos, sandwich and funnel cakes are all at Snack Shack?

Have an awesome-o time!!

Happy Anniversary! Have a wonderful time!! … Good golly, seriously?! I just don’t understand the entitlement! You want a seat, sit in it. I get it you need to get up for a moment, but to declare ownership of a chair is too much.

@BrianB, thank you! That sounds like a perfect plan, I think I will follow it!

Thanks again! I think I go for the Key lunch. I am hoping for a quieter experience and sounds like the Key one will be less hectic than UPD at a specialty.