Kyle_cardinalsfan51

I'll be on with you on this cruise come Sunday! We also booked before we heard of the ship getting AMPed so very excited to see all the new stuff. 4 days....So close I can almost feel the warm sun and hear that ocean. Getting through the work days has been pure torture this week. Hope you guys have an awesome time! Seems like you got it all planned out very well. It will be awesome to read another person's experience of the ship and stops.

I would say calling @twangster an "apologist" of the RC brand is a little far fetched. Yes, he has sailed a bunch with them. He has sailed with other lines as well. Flies just about every airline it seems. He's probably one of the most informed people on this board-- no offense to Matt or anyone else that provides great feedback from their multiple sailings per year to those of us less experienced. The guy just travels a lot. In fact, I remember when RC screwed him over a few months ago and in return he canceled a bunch of sailings (I think the total amount lost was over $10k in rooms). Apologist? Nay, I'd say informed. I feel terrible for this person who had to figure all this out after what was supposed to be a relaxing vacation, but Twangbot was just pointing out the avenue to take should this be an issue in the future. Sure, now after the fact its not helpful to them, but maybe helps someone else out who is reading it. The OP was angry, rightfully so, but had they had their documents in order and been informed, maybe it could have played out different. I know personally I'm sailing next week for the first time as an adult and first time in over 12 years. I've gone over everything I can think of and have a folder with all my docs in it to bring with me. Be as prepared as you can be. Even then, sh*t happens. Also, I believe it's fair to mention that all too often we see people who have zero posts who just create a profile on here to bash the brand and never return for whatever reason. Not saying that this was one of those times, but well you know what they say about ducks. I hope they do come back and "enjoy this overwhelmingly positive forum" as you mention. Sadly, I doubt they will. Then again as a good amount of this info is brought to you by the apologist Twangster, I don't know how willing they would be to receive it anyway. Not trying to cause a stir so take this how you will. My opinion is just that, mine. I just find that unfair from someone who has been around the boards as you have to call out a valued and knowledgeable poster like Twangster.

I'll be getting off on the 12th as you are getting on! We'll try to keep her in one piece for y'all! Enjoy your trip!

Every time I hear of Delta, I always think of the John Mulaney bit: "I'll book a ticket on some garbage airline--I don't want to name an actual airline so let's just make one up. Let's call it "'Delta Airlines'" hahaha Never flown Delta, so nothing against them, it's just the first thing that pops in my head.

Thanks for the heads up on exiting perks. That was a huge reason why I decided to go with it as well, since my flight ended up being rescheduled about 2 hours earlier than I originally purchased. Getting off the boat in good time to get to the airport will ease my worry that day. I can't wait to see what she has in store!

Your set sail pass? Really? Huh just checked mine again and there is no key logo on it. Shows the DX for drink package but nothing about the key.

Sweet thanks! I plan on being in the Key line no matter what-need to start that vacation ASAP. Leaving from Miami on the newly amped Navigator!

30 days! Gonna be a long month

This is why its best not to assume lol To be fair, it was a guess. Seem counterproductive to sell it then not know who bought it until after they use part of the benefit. But what do I know haha I'm just excited to have it come April, cuz I'll be there bright and early front of the line!

I'd imagine it is in their system when they go to check you in at the terminal? Not certain, would just assume they would have it in the computer if you pre-purchased or not. Been a long time since I've been on a cruise, but I've seen a key symbol on seapass cards. Not sure at what point you get those though.

That's similar to all the rest of the stories I had heard, cool experience but not worth it for the time. For being a 5 hour excursion, 15 minutes of underwater time is a waste, especially at that price point. Appreciate the review @arebee If anyone has a more positive experience, please let me know. I'm just going to present the group with the info I have and let them decide from there.

Hey fellow RC cruisers! Question for anyone that has done or heard any reviews of the Snuba (not scuba) excursion in Nassua port-thoughts on the experience (worth it) and what can we expect? Little background: Heading to Nassau/Labadee on NOS in April. I already got a bungalow for my friends and I on Labadee, but we are still deciding what to do on the Nassau stop which is the first port of call. With what I've read from others about how Nassau is usually a "stay on the ship" type of port stop and the advisory for safety, I'd rather stick to an RC sponsored excursion or stick to the bars/shops close to pier. Not overly worried about anyone messing with 4 dudes, but better safe than sorry. One of my buddies (all of us are guys in mid 20s) already has his heart set on Snuba Excursion, but I have my reservations on it. I've read mixed reviews on the experience from other ports, so I'm not sure how much I can put into that. I just worry that it will be a let down and for the price of $135pp, it's quite an investment for an excursion when I've read that they lump snorkelers, scuba, and snuba all together and you only get like 20 mins in a 5 hour excursion. It's actually one of the most expensive options, I'd hate for it to suck when that money could be better spent on other excursion(s) and plenty left over. Please let me know if anyone has any experience with this excursion and thank you as always for your insight that has made planning our first group trip a lot easier.

@nrgMike I'm doing the same thing, flying in morning of landing at 9:30am local time. From the research I've done, the airport is about 8 miles (really close) from port and you can use a ride share or the taxis also have a flat rate of $27/ride (not per PERSON) to the Port of Miami. I'd assume they make that jaunt often. It also lists avg Uber/XL and Lyft prices. Here is the website I got my info from when I was looking: https://www.cruzely.com/getting-to-the-miami-cruise-port/ It's always a risk coming in day of, but if you do risk it coming in that early I don't think you'll have a problem. Fingers crossed no issues with my 5:45am flight to Miami come April. I hoped getting in early at 9:30am would give me a little leeway should we get delayed for a couple hours for some reason.

The lunch price looks like a steal for $22 in comparison to dinner. I believe the menu is a touch limited than dinner menu, but still has the basics (filet) that a lot of people go for. I'm excited to try it being a part of the Key I purchased! I had always wanted to check it out when I was younger but my parents were never game for it. Now I'm older going solo (well, with friends), should be a solid 1st experience for a whole lot cheaper.

After I posted that, I thought they probably wouldnt appreciate throwable pointy steel objects to be brought on board lol. All good, we can just have some fun with what they have. Appreciate the follow up @Matt !

This is a happy surprise! My buddies and I are going on a cruise in April and we play league darts so I have a hunch we will be there often. Do they have decent bar darts there or should we pack our own?

My mom could have used this growing up. We always joked that she had 2 suitcases, one for her clothes and such, and one we called the "Walgreens suitcase" . Never know when you might have to perform minor surgery on vacation

Well he started the blog a month early....dollar says he brought a tent down last night and camped out. First in line!

@KLA Kayla for some reason the gif wont show on any platform I use and I'm sure it was funny

Its vacation!

When I went with my mom (different last name than me) on a cruise a long time ago, I remember she had a notarized document signed by my dad stating that he knew I was leaving the country, where I was going, when, etc. I've seen a lot of posts about people having it just in case but normally they weren't asked for it. I don't think they checked on mine either but that was a long time ago. If it is a closed loop trip (begin and end in US), chances are slimmer that they ask since you are not leaving the country with a child. Might also depend on if you have sole legal custody or joint. But, if you can get it, its better to have it than not as you can be barred access if asked. Not saying for sure, but its possible. This is a precaution for the company so parents in a squabble for custody don't use the trip as an excuse to run off with the kid. If the father refuses to sign, you can always get a court order as this is not an unreasonable request. In addition, always be sure to bring documentation that links you to your child legally with different last names. From RC website: "Must present child's valid passport and visa (if required) and the child's birth certificate (original, a notarized copy or a certified copy). The name of the parent(s) and the child must be linked through legal documentation." Basically things that show your last name now is in fact the same person as listed as mother on the birth cert. Sorry you have to deal with this so close to vacation. My parents split before I was 2 and never got along so I feel your struggle trying to get things done with the other half. My experience is a decade old so hopefully someone else will come by to confirm or correct anything that may have changed.

@SpeedNoodles haha all good. I just remember when it first rolled out and quick % math check confirmed it started at $25. For $20/day on anything under 7 days, in my opinion if you are getting Voom anyway, it's a no brainer. At a higher price point of $32, I would definitely have to take a second look and compare prices of what is included vs a la carte purchasing and value of those perks that don't have an actual $ value. All about what you want and cost comparison. Hope it works out for you with another sale and that you enjoyed your Mariner trip!

@princevaliantus There are quite a few more perks than simply getting on 5 mins early for those of us that found it to be a good deal for our situation. But, you already know this. This will be my first cruise in over 12 years when I went as a young teen with my parents. So I don't have any lovely diamond plus perks. It will also be my first vacation out of state, let alone the country, in 10 years so I want to make the most of it. For example: 5 day cruse-$100 total for Key Voom that is included would have run me $90 at current price, Chops embarkation day lunch is $22. At that point, I've already saved $12. Plus all the other perks, yes including getting on 5 mins earlier. It's my vacation, I'm going to get every minute I can. I wouldn't say $100 for all that makes me a sucker or unaware. Seeing how I'm saving money for things I would have wanted anyway, I daresay it's a fiscally responsible decision to purchase and should really enhance my experience. It isn't that way for everyone but that's the great thing about it...you don't want it, don't buy it.

@SpeedNoodles I believe the original price they rolled out at was $24.99. Mine is showing the 20% off banner sale which has it dropped to the $19.99 price point. Looks like they have raised it on all sailings 3+ months out from other responses, although mine in 54 days is still showing the 19.99 price for now. I'll keep an eye on it.

Still showing for $19.99 in my cruise planner (Navigator-April 2019). Probably varies per ship (size and use of perks) and off of demand I'd imagine. Must be selling well on that sailing and I'd bet it was a ship that the perks of show seating, select times for Flowrider/rock wall/etc will be more in demand than on ships that don't require reservations. Either way, still completely happy with the perks for my 5 day sail! $100 for the Key was the cost of Voom and Chops lunch on its own and then some. Everything else was just icing on top.