jgiardulli

Hey Folks.  Hope everyone is well.  First cruise is about 6 weeks away and I was wondering if there was a quick and easy way to pre-pay the daily gratuities?  Any other things I should be doing before I board the ship?  As always - Thank you all!

Hi Everyone,

Taking our first ever cruise in March and we are travelling with our 7 year old son.  Don't know how adventurous I want to be in Mexico with the little man, but are there any close, safe beaches at or near these ports that don't require a long cab ride?  Looking for a relaxing beach with not too much activity with calm swimmable water to spend a nice relaxing day at.  Safety is my number one concern.  Any tips and suggestions would be appreciated.  I know a big part of cruising is getting off the ship and exploring but the Mrs. is hesitant to do too much with our son.  Is there anything to do (aside from shops and restaurants) at those particular ports?

Thanks again!

Hey Everyone,

Hope you are all well.  Was just on the Cruise Planner and noticed a BOGO 2 night Dining Package for $39.30CAD for my sailing on Indy - March 4-9, 2019...I had originally purchased a First Night Done Right package for $26.20CAD, but this looks like a way better deal - FYI

Same here...Re-booked my Refreshment Package last night fine, but have had zero luck logging into the Cruise Planner since 8am this morning...Will keep trying!

We got a really great deal on a three night stay at Embassy Suites on 17th for post cruise, so I'm glad to see that location is good and walking distance to restaurants.  Any malls close by there?  And we booked a one night stay (pre-cruise) at the Hotel Morrison in Dania Beach...Fingers crossed, but I'm sure they'll be great.  Thanks everyone.

Thanks as always @Twangster Fan 

Hi Everyone.  Travelling on our first cruise on Indy - March 2019.  My wife and I are bringing our only child -boy who will be 7 as we cruise.  Hearing great things about the Adventure Ocean Kids club.  My questions are:

1) Is this something we would book on the cruise planner ahead of time (I would imagine space is limited)

2) Can we book him in there for a hour a day or are we married too having to leave him in there for full or half days?  Any help or shared experiences would be appreciated.

Thanks Everyone

Thank you so much @Farminger

Hi Everyone...Hope you are all well.  Taking my wife and 7 year old son on our first Cruise next March (after lots of convincing) and was wondering what people have used for motion sickness (especially for kids)...What's better, sea-band, patch or OTC drugs?  Curious to hear what has worked for you and your families and any other tips you might have.  Travelling on Independence of the Seas - March 4-9, 2019

Thanks,

JG

@averbeck awesome, thanks....

Can you only pre-book Entertainment onboard when you're 30 days out?  Or how soon can you book this type of stuff.

Thanks @Matt....Is there typically a sail away party or something we shouldn't miss in the first hour or so?  We are travelling with our 7 year old son, so the earlier dining time works in that regard - especially for specialty dining, but just wanted to make sure we weren't missing out on any cool experiences.

So I just booked the "First Night Done Right" dining option for our (first ever) cruise in March on Indy.  It worked out great as sail away day is actually my wife's birthday.  I originally had 6pm seating in my cart, but it sold out before I could execute the purchase (who knew)...Anyway we've booked a 5:30pm seating now and I'm just curious if I should move it to 6:30pm...Would I be missing something special during the first hour or so as we sail off (welcome party or something like that)...Since this is our first cruise I'd hate to miss something cool while getting ready for an early dinner in our room.

1 hour ago, turtleclanscott said:

I was able to get the Refreshment Package for $20/day for our Enchantment of the Seas cruise in March this morning.

I too just booked a refreshment package last night for $26.20 CAD ($20 USD/day) last night for my March cruise on Indy....C'mon Black Friday!! :)

@Matt @JLMoranIf you're travelling with young children (4 & 7) and mom and dad buy a refreshment package, and kids want some of your fresh squeezed OJ in the morning (as an example) or some bottled water...Is that frowned upon??  I don't really want to buy a drink package for the kids...

Sailing on Indy (our first ever cruise) March 4-9, 2019 and can't wait.  The ship looks amazing and we are all very excited.  Thanks to everyone on here for their thoughtful information and experiences. @Lovetocruise2002 @Matt @twangster

On ‎10‎/‎1‎/‎2018 at 5:50 PM, Lovetocruise2002 said:

There hasn't been too much info out on Indy since the refurb.  I think because she has been sailing in Europe.  There are 2 really good live blogs by @hayley_bopp and @twangster.  Hayley's was done after the refurb and Twangster's before.  Have a read.  I am going in December (likely blogging) and @melski94 is sailing in November so be sure to stick around because feedback is coming.

https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/boards/index.php?/topic/5195-independence-122117-9-night-christmas/

https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/boards/index.php?/topic/6830-independence-14th-28th-july-med-liveish-blog/

 

THANK YOU SO MUCH!!  Have an amazing time!

First Time Cruisers and trying to decide if buying a drink package is worth it?  Wife and I aren't big drinkers at all, but love our coffee and drink lots of water.  Am I better off just drinking what's offered for free onboard?  Is water readily available throughout the ship (Independence of the Seas)?

Thanks

JG

1 hour ago, Rebecca Ann said:

I'm staying at the Rodeway Inn and Suites for my cruise in 3 weeks. They provide free shuttle service from the airport too. I read decent reviews and just booked it. Got a good deal on booking.com

Thanks so much...I will have a look

47 minutes ago, curcurt said:

We are staying at the Ramada by Wyndham Fort Lauderdale Airport/Cruise Port. Looks like a nice place for 1-night pre-cruise in March 2019.

Thanks so much...I will have a look

First time cruiser, and sailing onboard independence of the Seas in March 2019.  Any helpful tips specific to this ship?  Booked an ocean view balcony room (8610).

Thanks,

JG

Any hotel suggestions for a one night stay in Ft. Lauderdale close to port?

Taking my first cruise in March of 2019 onboard Independence of the Seas, and travelling with my 7 year old son.  Any suggestions on fun/safe things to do in these ports.  Something that won't break the bank?  Thanks.