KristiZ

Just now, bretts173 said:

Australian bacon all day over that crunchy American stuff.

All the bacons are completely different items and they should ALL be served at ALL the breakfasts! #nosuchthingastoomuchbacon

6 hours ago, SpeedNoodles said:

We really like having the same wait staff every night. We were able to do this on Ovation using MTD by making our reservations every night at the same time, and could certainly do this again.  The thing I didn't like was having to stand in the line for "Reservations" - we knew where our table was and it's really nice to be able to just walk in and sit down, which we could do for Traditional Dining.  I just know that if I want to switch I need to do it well ahead of time, before it's not an option anymore.

We like having the same wait staff too, which is why we always do traditional dining when we travel alone. A call or email to Royal 21-14 days prior has gotten us a table for 2 every time. 

Just now, princevaliantus said:

Actually, no. Just not so much of it that boots are needed. 

Speculative boots! Ha!

11 minutes ago, twangster said:

Be careful with that claim, it's not actually Royal policy.

They will typically reunite you with the ship at the next port of call by policy.  If a returning Royal excursion is late by a short amount they will hold the ship, but that has it's limits.  If you are on the other side of an island and it will take 4 hours to get a new bus and get you back to the port you'll likely be met by a very nice local port agent who will provide airfare and hotel reservations.

True, but we have actually had them wait 2 hours for us before. It does depend on the needs of the port you're in, the port you're going, etc, but on my list of things to worry about, being left behind when on a Royal excursion is waaaaaaaaaay down there  

51 minutes ago, deniserosas said:

We are planning to book the Tulum Ruin and Beach Break excursion through RCI but the duration says it's 8 hours.. My fear is that the ship will leave us, can that happen even though we purchase through them?

If you buy through Royal they will absolutely wait for you!

TBH, I usually choose a cabin far from everything just so I *have* to walk further -- cuts down on the weight gain during the cruise!!

52 minutes ago, KathyC said:

I'm not convinced as to the fleet-wideness of that menu.  Someone currently on Allure posted this:

Looks like Allure had enough vegans on at least that sailing to warrant a totally separate menu. The other one is just veg, with some vegan on it.

My husband puts our Seapass cards in the little zipper pocket in his swim trunks. They're just plastic cards so it doesn't matter if they get wet!

You cannot take food off the ship, per most local government agricultural rules. Sometimes you can take packaged items like granola bars, but usually that is prohibited as well. Sorry!

What ship will you be on?

Honestly, I'd stick with your current plan. You can still take him for sushi one or two nights! Or at lunch on an at-sea day. My mom enjoys the MDR simply because the waitstaff get to know her and treat her so well.

Shore excursions in Alaska run on the expensive side, but are worth it. I'd spend my money there.

And I say this as a definite foodie myself!

Oh, I forgot my new favorite GS perk! FREE room service and actual MDR room service food at MDR times!!

6 hours ago, Matt said:

The phones/pagers are usually given out to high(er) risk scenarios where kids are clearly exhibiting an issue that gives the staff pause. 

In my experience, the pagers/phones aren't as necessary as you might think. If there's an issue, the first step is for the staff to call the stateroom and leave a message. If it escalated to a major problem, they have access to your dining/entertainment plans so they could theoretically track you down.

And as a final option, they can do a ship-wide page for you. I've heard those once or twice over the years.

We take 2 23" rollers that we check, and my husband takes a backpack for his laptop and camera. This is for a 7+ day cruise -- anything over 7 and we just do some laundry.

Also, every trip I lay out what I think we might want to bring, and then put 1/3 of it back. We never need as much as we think we do!

5 hours ago, Zacharius said:

We do usually split our clothes between each others suitcases, so if one goes lost, we each have some clothes (instead of one person having all of theirs, and the other having none).

I cannot stress enough how important this is!! As someone who has worn her husband's flannel pajama pants as daytime wear for 7 DAYS STRAIGHT on a trip to Peru, I can attest to the wisdom here!!

2 minutes ago, JohnK6404 said:

Wow, that’s like a $450 savings (for 2) if it sticks!

I know, right? You can't afford to stay home!! Hahaha!

Wheee! I was just able to grab this deal for my Jun 2020 Jewel trip! Took a looooooooong time -- the website was very busy  

You guys are THE BEST!

30 minutes ago, KathyC said:

Looking at the choices though...Sweet & Sour Chicken Chunks?  Ummm...not vegetarian.  LOL 

Those are made from "chicken", not chicken  My friend had them one night on Explorer. They were ok-ish, she said.

Oh, and ohmygoodnessYES get an adaptor so you can use the Euro outlets! It will be the best $2 of your whole trip!

Welcome to the boards! I can start off with a couple of answers...

The suite lounge/concierge lounge is a private space you use you room key to enter. You can go in 24-7, but it is only staffed at certain hours. Even when it’s not staffed you can get a latte from the nice machine.  Drinks are free in the evenings, approximately 5p to 8p — check on board for exact times. 

Free tours for suite guests vary by sailing and staff availability. I think they are sometime not offered at all on the short cruises but hopefully I’m wrong. You will receive an invitation in your room at some point. 

Don’t worry at all about bugging the concierge — they’ve heard it all!!

2 hours ago, Fairlynew said:

My question is more, if you can do UDP and the Key, why do the GS?

Double points, nicer cabin, concierge lounge with drinks, usually some sort of free ship tour. Granted, if you’re D+ those things matter less, but otherwise they are great perks!

2 hours ago, Traveler said:

Every cruise we do which is not the regulator Caribbean itinerary I try to take pictures of the CC and send it to this site so it can be shared. The issue is comparing to other CC I can see my CC are well let's say not so high qoulity (not aligned ) at least I try it will be readable. Any advise how to take better copies of the CC ?

I actually brought mine home, cut them up, and run them through the scanner; I prefer the cleaner look. But that does mean you have to pack them with you....

As long as you book the excursion through Royal, you’ll be fine! Sounds fun!

6 hours ago, ScooterScott22 said:

 If I had to select one itinerary it would be Galapagos.

I've been twice. And I would go again in a heartbeat. You should make it happen -- you won't regret it!!

15 minutes ago, Joe01 said:

At the airport - flight leaving at 0940. Time to go! Long day ahead, wish me luck.

 

Safe travels!