Bbjunkie

I’m not sure that you can buy a specific experience, but you can buy Royal Gift Certificates that get emailed, then the receiver “redeems” them and they turn into onboard credit, which could then be used for the Escape Room.

Just for your future reference, if you have the deluxe beverage package, you can order a double or even a triple and that will solve your weak drink problem. On our cruise in June, there was someone in our party that ordered Bahama Mama, triple rum, every time with no issues. Also, although I was on Navigator, I did not notice drinks to be weak. In fact, for us it was the opposite. ??

I’m guessing the prices are set based on a supply/demand algorithm. I don’t think there is anything more to it than that..

Hello and welcome! This spot is a wealth of great information! in regard to your tipping question, I’d suggest you bring with you several singles, fives, and maybe a couple of tens. I’m not going to argue the philosophy or etiquette of gratuity as it can get contentious and that isn’t my intent here. But, if you are like many, you’ll want to have a few dollars available to quickly pass to the porters that handle your luggage. While you have prepaid the standard 18%, that is money divided up amongst the service staff, some of whom you don’t see. Right now, you may not be thinking of a scenario where your cabin steward goes above and beyond, but I’d guess you’d rather be prepared if you discover they have. (For example, if someone unfortunately gets sick and they are heavily cleaning up, or they bring a much-needed fan and have it set up for you on the second day because you didn’t realize it would be something you need.). Anything can happen, and if you want to give him an extra $20, you want to be sure you have it. Same is true if you plan to eat in the MDR. On our June cruise on Navigator, our assistant waiter made our vacation. He had such a great personality and made such a connection with our pre-teen dancers at our table, that dinner was a significant highlight to our vacation. He deserved more than whatever fraction of our daily gratuity provided him.

It isn’t necessary at all to pay anything for a full day of activities and options on Coco Cay. Also, since you’ve already paid for food and beverages as part of your cruise fare and/or drink packages, it will save money as opposed to other ports where you’d need to pay excursion fees and for any meals or drinks.

We had an Oasis Lagoon Cabana June 26th. (We were in #23). It DID have a lockable safe. I wish I would have taken more detailed photos of it, but I just wasn’t thinking at the time. Our attendant came frequently, as a matter of fact every time someone was actually in the cabana they got a visit. Lol! Anyway, there is a long couch, two chairs, a coffee table with open storage on one and and the lockable safe on the other end, the round cooler with ice and bottles of water, towels, the ceiling fan, outlets, and lounge chairs in front. The menu they bring to order from is the Snack Shack menu, so it includes the hamburger, crispy chicken sandwich, I think fries, onion rings, cheese sticks, I believe a couple of salads, and the famous funnel cakes. Also, our attendant brought drinks whenever asked. There were also servers constantly walking around the pool and serving. We did just make the short walk to the buffet for lunch. It was extensive and yummy. There were many gulls around the buffet eating areas, but there was also Royal staff whose job it seemed to be to keep the, at bay. We noticed them, but were not bothered by them. We booked our Cabana early for $379. It was a great deal, and as supply and demand increase, it seems clear the prices will go way up. I loved the experience, but also don’t think it’s necessary. There are so many chairs and umbrellas as well as numerous complimentary lockers and servers roaming around the Lagoon pool, that we’d be perfectly content not spending a dime!

We were on this sailing as well. (Part of the group of 189 with dancers from Michigan that performed on Thursday in the theatre.). We also had a blast and LOVED the amped Navigator and the renovated Coco Cay. It was a fabulous cruise! I just wanted to come and add because you mentioned the storm while at Coco Cay that it isn’t necessary to leave. As is typically the case in Florida and the Bahamas, the storm lasted a total of 10 minutes. We started walking back toward the ships (Majesty was there also as a reroute because of the sudden Cuba cancellations) and seeing the throng of passengers headed back, we decided to turn around and wait it out in the bar. We sat at a table, played checkers, listened/participated in the live acoustic karaoke, and it cleared up and was great. We were able to hang out for another hour at Oasis Lagoon before heading back to the ship before all-aboard time and dinner.

He has a Facebook page you can join. Cory Rogers Cruise Director. He has been posting daily from Navigator.

We paid this for our Oasis Lagoon Cabana at the end of June. I’m only coming here to give a little update from the Oasis cabana photos earlier in the thread. There is a heavy wooden coffee table-like table with a storage cabinet and a lockable safe. We liked this for our phones and things while we were off in the pool. It was also a good place to set food while eating. (The attendant will bring you menus and serve.). Also, someone mentioned above the loud pool party with a DJ. While it is true that there is a DJ and it’s a party atmosphere, that is really only around the bar area. The pool is gigantic, and you can be in several other parts of the pool and not even really notice the party happening on the other side.

Yep, was on Navigator in June, too.

The inflatables were not there June 24-28.

This is exactly why I get frustrated when people talk of removing the daily gratuity and just tipping cash, “to the people that deserve it”.

I could go on and on about what I loved and why I loved it, and post all kinds of pics, but I don’t want to drive people crazy. But I will say this, there is a relaxation option for every style. There are activities for every level. I love that I don’t have to spend any additional money for food or drink. It is immaculate. There is no one begging for you to buy their goods, use their taxi, take their tour, etc. And frankly, it’s just beautiful. If you like more details or photos, let me know.

Yes, you can! (Purchase same day on the island). We had a cabana at Oasis Lagoon, too.

It was a CocoLoco. It’s the drink of the day on the island, and is “Royal’s Drink”. Word is it’s the same as a Labadoozy, but I haven’t been to Labadee soo can’t confirm. (Next summer!)

It was on Facebook, too!! I had a little crazy-fan moment when I saw it, as if I know you personally. ???

I LOVE it and can not wait to go back. I travelled with several others in a very large group, and we are discussing going together again with a main requirement being visiting Coco Cay. It truly was our perfect day.

Interesting. I completely understand what you are saying, but aren’t all the activities you’re looking for available in the evenings on Port days? I know that you’re saying Port-Intensive cruises leave fewer days for ship-centered “main” shows/activities. I just don’t see that as being the case. Commenters seem to be focusing on the Mediterranean, but we use one of the 7-day Eastern or Western Caribbean Caribbean as an example. On Coco Cay day, if you’re back on the ship by 5:00, the main shows are still going that evening at 7:30 and 9:30, aren’t they? I mean, your premise makes Port days and main shows mutually exclusive, and they aren’t. I think what limits main shows really isn’t dependent on Port days, rather, I suspect it’s based on performer contracts and multi-use venues. For example, I’d guess the skaters in 1887 are contracted to perform x number of times every seven days. Also, Studio B is use for other events. They seem to cover the ice and have non-skating things on the same days, then uncover the ice and have their skating shows and open skating on the same days. I KNOW the dancer contracts work this way. They are contracted to do a certain number of shows per week, they have rehearsal times, they meet with guest dancers and give workshops for them, etc. But if it were a cruise that only visited 3 ports, with 4 sea days, they would not be required to do more.

Others have commented about what the official policy is, but if you are boarding at Terminal A in Miami, I’d say they could go with you and no one would notice or care. Seriously, the boarding process is so smooth and fast there now, that you get from the porters taking your luggage to a drink on the pool deck in 20 minutes.

We just returned from a cruise with a stop at CoCo Cay where we had an Oasis Lagoon cabana. We absolutely loved it, and would do it again, however, it was $349 for 8 people. The price of cabanas seem to be driven simply by supply and demand. We were on Navigator, and although Majesty also ended up being there at the same time, that was a last-minute itinerary change because of the sudden Cuba restrictions. The point being, our price was driven by the fact that there were only 3,200 passengers to vie for the purchase. Since Symphony holds almost twice as many passengers, I’d expect the prices to be about twice as high. All of that being said, if you get off the ship early, you will EASILY find plenty of open lounge chairs with umbrellas wherever you would choose to hang out. It’s not necessary to book a cabana.

I wholeheartedly agree with this! Just off Navigator last week. We parked in the Terminal A structure. $22/day is a little more expensive than some lots off site, but IMO well worth it! Getting there is so easy, the route is literally painted in the lane you are driving in. Take a ticket once you pull up into the structure, park near an elevator. The porters will take your luggage essentially directly from your vehicle. My van was in a covered and protected structure; I was reassured it would be safe there. We went from parking the van to on the ship ordering a drink in less than 30 minutes.

Prepay your gratuities. If you do that, there won’t we anything extra you “have” to buy. If you eat in the included restaurants (Main Dining, Windjammer, Cafe Promenade, and El Loco Fresh), drink lemonade, iced tea, water or coffee, you don’t need to spend a dime. Instead of giving them a credit card for your onboard account, go to Guest services as soon as you board with cash. Then, your Sea Oass card acts like a debit account from your bank. Only spend the cash you left. On the last night of your cruise before 11:00 pm, just go back to guest services and cash out. They will give you anything you haven’t spent back. It’s a very quick and easy process. Also, (I’m assuming you’re on a 4- night Nassau, Coco Cay?) There is no need to spend any money on Coco Cay. There is a buffet, there are a couple of snack shack restaurants that are included. They have lemonade/fruit drink-type machines also included. As always, chilled water. The pool, the beaches, one of the big splashpads, chairs and umbrellas are free to use. Have a great day!!

Are you sailing out of Port Canaveral or PortMiami? In my opinion, if you are sailing out of Miami, I would pick above the pool deck along a port-side rail. You’ll get the party/music/drinks atmosphere, but also be on the correct side of the ship to see the gorgeous view of Miami Beach as you sail by.

They did on Navigator last week!

If you’ve never used Uber or Lyft, download their app. Typically the first ride is free when you schedule it.