instaGator

Here are some links to prior posts on this topic:

https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/boards/index.php?/topic/48853-port-of-tampa/#comment-519346
https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/boards/index.php?/topic/48286-tampa/#comment-514335
https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/boards/index.php?/topic/43866-best-hotel-options-at-tampa-before-a-cruise/#comment-462638
https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/boards/index.php?/topic/43058-tampa-stay-park-cruise/#comment-452262

I have stayed at that Hampton Inn several times, and unfortunately there is not much in the way of restaurants in easy walking distance.  If you like Thai food, I highly recommend Atchana's (https://www.atchanas.com).  You can walk there (about 20 minutes each way), but I don't recommend it.  It is a short Uber from the hotel and the fare is money well spent.

Since we know that Royal has an agreement with Meyer Turku to develop a Net Zero ship (https://presscenter.rclcorporate.com/press-release/173/royal-caribbean-group-announces-strategic-agreement-with-meyer-turku-oy-finnish-government/), yesterday’s announcement of Meyer Turku’s Sustainable Stateroom project (https://www.facebook.com/p/Meyer-Turku-100088067473066/ & https://cruiseshipinteriors-awards.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/CSIE-Sustainable-Stateroom.pdf) seems to have some relevance for Royal’s next class of cruise ship (Discovery?).  While the focus of this latest announcement is on staterooms, Meyer Turku continues to show off their Avatar cruise ship concept(https://necoleap.fi/project-presentation-sustainable-stateroom/?fbclid=IwY2xjawH16EBleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHXSxS_wfDtC9WSPtNrbSjTYgDyz-siY3_6SBLXx2y6EVU23TCT9vLfNYJQ_aem_PQQJtIePESzEIMbshUN1Vg).  Because of the development agreement with Royal, could these actually be the early concepts for Discovery?

Interesting Disney cruse news related to similar sized ships... https://www.seatrade-cruise.com/shipbuilding-equipment/disney-cruise-plans-new-smaller-design-for-3-ships-after-4th-wish

What if Celebrity’s Project Nirvana and Royal’s Project Discovery vessels share the same basic design elements of hull, power plant, propulsion and stateroom layout?  It seems like there could be significant economies of scale that could allow for the building of approximately 10 ships with the same basic design and then adding on brand specific gingerbread like Buick and Chevy…

1 hour ago, Generalchadwick said:

Bummed to see no themed nights beyond formal and caribbean. 

I have been on six transatlantic cruises, and like many other people on transatlantic sailings, I extend my stay on land in Europe.  That means that efficient packing is critical, and when you are on a three or four week (total) trip, there just isn't room in my luggage to include outfits that may only be worn once.

4 minutes ago, Pattycruise said:

Wish this was also on Celebrity!!

They will work on Celebrity.  https://www.royalcaribbean.com/faq/questions/what-is-a-royal-caribbean-gift-card-and-how-to-use?&country=USA

6 minutes ago, AshleyDillo said:

Those who have purchased, how is the purchase being coded on your credit card statement?  Does it show as a travel purchase or an online merchandise/retailer purchase?

Double dip away!!  From my purchase receipt email: "The charge will appear on your credit card as: CS *RCG-AEN Gift Card."

1 hour ago, Ryan79 said:

@Cactus527 The link is legit. You can get there quite easily directly through the Royal website and that also has the “cashstar” in the url. Cash Star is the vendor who does their electronic gift cards. The photo is the url I got to using only RC’s website for navigation for gift cards. Thanks @nate91! You just got me a free $400!

Update: Bought a $2000 card for $1600. And just applied the $2000 card to my outstanding balance. Worked flawlessly. 

My experience was identical to @Ryan79

Yes indeed it is legit!  I just saved $400!  Thanks to @nate91 and @Matt!

Here is a little more detail for clarification purposes: https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2024/09/17/loyalty-perks-families-how-crown-anchor-society-works-kids-and-teens#:~:text=Once the kid turns 18,yours and now are individual.

I cannot tell you how to fix this issue, but it has happened to me twice before, and both times I booked, and was paying for, all linked staterooms.  In those cases, I had the same thing that you report happen to me each time.  Contrast that with one prior and one upcoming cruise with friends that I linked, but I did not book and I am not paying for.  In those cases, my stateroom always remained “My Cruise”.  I am sorry that I don’t know how to fix it, but perhaps my experiences will help you to find the solution.

@ScottD The Brightline is not convenient for you.  The Tri-Rail might work for you, but you will likely still need to Uber to the hotel and then back to the station.  Depending on your travel date, one of these three less expensive hotels that are all very close to Miami Metrorail stations might make the decision to flush the cheep FLL hotel a little easier: Springhill Suites Miami Downtown/Medical Center, Courtyard Miami Downtown/Brickell Area, Comfort Inn & Suites Downtown Brickell-Port of Miami.  https://www.miamidade.gov/transit/library/metrorail-map.pdf  https://www.tri-rail.com/pages/view/system-map 

On 10/11/2024 at 12:22 PM, JamieT14 said:

Is the video included in the price or a separate purchase?  If so, how much?

Included!

Try: FW52+9V6, C. Muelle, San Juan, 00901, Puerto Rico

The new CAS fine print is out (attached).  I never noticed this "substitute a similar loyalty program" verbiage before.  

crown-and-anchor-society-benefit-grid.pdf

Here is mine, circa 2002.

Absolutely use a placeholder name because lifeboat capacity could bite you if you dont.  Also be aware of the 6 month and 12 month age requirements.

4 minutes ago, Mrs. Thomas said:

Thanks!

As @Fastfaller said, you can get a medical refrigerator.  It is the size of a large lunch box.  Here is the easy way contact RC special needs: https://www.royalcaribbean.com/resources/guest-special-needs

Here is a link with some more information: https://www.grandturkcc.com

There is some interesting insight in this CNBC story.  Watch the video for more detail than the text.  https://cnb.cx/3TXKkyj

@All4family  I uploaded the video to YouTube so that you can see the whole thing.  https://youtu.be/s-ci8or__pE

The video is one minute and 14 seconds long (same length for everyone in our group).  It contains about 75% stock video of the experience with about 25% being actual footage of you on the edge.  The video of you is taken from a camera that is mounted on the trolly above your head.  The video camera is right behind my helmet in the attached photo. 

Your stateroom attendant can make it up either way.  The sofa is very close to the closet so there is very little room to maneuver and the storage baskets make it seem even tighter.  One of the nice parts of the infinite balcony is that it can be used as part of the room.  Have you given any thought to splitting up the kids and having one sleep on the floor of the infinite balcony?  The balcony chairs can be moved, and you could use some cushions, pillows or even a blow up mattress that you bring from home.  

Yes, the train is the way to go.  We have made the trip three times and it is very easy as long as each person only has one suitcase.  Here is a website will all the details on using the train to get to the port: https://civitavecchia.portmobility.it/en/port-civitavecchia-guide-cruise-passengers