DublinFC

26 minutes ago, JennyB said:

Actually those are the things you CAN pay for...there are plenty of things to do without spending money.  I am only spending $33 for two beach loungers with a clamshell folding shade cover.  The pool is free to use also. 

I know there is plenty to do that is covered, but I and my daughter will want to hit up the waterpark portion, the slides in the initial pictures look crazy awesome.  Not saying its out of the picture to spend some cash there, but was hoping for it to be a little more reasonable. 

Hmm the perfect day seems a bit pricey

2 hours ago, 2Beeze said:

My understanding is that port Everglades (Ft. Lauderdale) has Global Entry, but that no cruise ports have TSA pre-check at this point. We have CLEAR and pre-check; the latter expires next year and I dread going through that process again (we need a half day off for it due to our location). This time we’re going to get global entry, it’s not even $20 more so it makes sense.

Ok that's what I thought, maybe I heard it wrong.  I will check out these other options to speed up the process.  Thank you!

1 hour ago, NS8VN said:

No.  The port is controlled by CBP, not TSA.  Pre-Check applies to TSA security screenings at airports before travel, customs is a separate screening done after international travel.

Thanks for the clarification.  I knew something wasn't right so wanted to ask.

I wanted to clarify something that I heard on a podcast.  Will having TSA Precheck clearance speed up the disembarkation process through customs for us?  I thought it only applied to air travel.  

On 3/23/2019 at 1:36 PM, Andrew72681 said:

Other times when we’ve used the laundry services items come back damaged. They seem to wash everything on the “as hot as the surface of the sun” setting. I’m not looking to do laundry on vacation, but getting the wrinkles out of a suit before heading to get the countless number of pictures taken each night would be nice. 

Awesome chart, just passes it on to my wife.  We were discussing the cost of this two days ago.  We both thought it was more.  I think the prices are steep, but we are on a cruise ship.  Its not the local dry cleaners back home

On 3/22/2019 at 8:38 PM, twangster said:

No.  Forbidden item due to fire hazards.  

Most people use wrinkle release spray or send items to the ship laundry services and pay for pressing.  

Personally I use Downy wrinkle release.

How well does it work?  I have read/watched cruise tips here and there telling me they steam their clothes in the shower to get the wrinkles out.  I don't feel that is a solid way to do it either.  Id rather not pay the ship fees, but will if I have to so my shirts are not all jacked up.

On 3/22/2019 at 4:14 PM, RTripp said:

Hi, under the Royal Gifts, Onboard Ameneties, the alcohol bottle pictured is  NOT the bottle you get delivered to your room. It’s the tiny 375 ml flat bottle. 

Really?!? That is definitely not worth it then. 

4 minutes ago, AshleyDillo said:

They usually have Indian food in the Windjammer, so if they don't have anything in the MDR that night they may just go and get you some of the WJ stuff.  But for the following nights they can have the MDR prepare it for you.  I haven't really had bad Indian food on board, even in the Windjammer.  Mariner had Indian selections at breakfast even..had some amazing Masala Grits on my last cruise.

I don't get it very often as my wife cant stand curry.  So I figure if its there for the taking or making I will ask for it.  I will take a peek at the WJ and see if I can locate it.  I have way to long before the cruse, but figured I would ask anyway.  Thanks again!

7 minutes ago, AshleyDillo said:

Ask your waiter the first night.

Ok great! thanks.  I wasn't sure if there was a form or something to make that request.  Much appreciated!

Can anyone recommend something like Mr Sanchos in St. Kitts or St. Thomas? 

@Matt I have heard you on the podcast mention you request Indian curry when you cruise to have in the MDR.  Who do you place that request with and where do you make it?  I had to rewind when I heard you mention it the 1st time so I could make sure I heard you right.

32 minutes ago, cmdrfrag said:

*Scotch Whisky :)

14 minutes ago, twangster said:

Scotch.  Period.

No need to drag it down into the broader classification of swill that some countries call whisky.   

whoa whoa easy tiger hahaha, quoting the label.  besides Irish Whiskey is Champ.  Jameson, Tullamore Dew (my Graddad worked there as a cooper), Teeling, and Redbreast are all wonderful.

5 hours ago, cmdrfrag said:

You can purchase Alcohol packages from the Royal Gifts that would be delivered to your room.
I believe these are allowed to be consumed at your leisure in the stateroom

Though with these there is a good bit of a mark up.

I was taking a peek at those before and agree the markup is a bit much, but it is tempting.  I am debating the DBP or not and this would be nice to have then hope for a drink card sale later in the sailing.  Save some money that way compared to a 7 day DBP.

9 hours ago, CGTLH said:

Yes, Royal does hold purchases until the last night. If purchased late on the last day you'll be able to take it then.

If the bottle included the "ship tax"/priced much higher than it can be bought for. Then that would be a NCL policy allowing purchases for onboard consumption. Unfortunately Royal, outside of the few 375ml bottle options purchased in advance, doesn't allow bottles to be purchased for onboard consumption.

I thought the price was pretty good when I bought it.  Also, when I am in vacation mode I don't really look at price all that carefully if it is below $50.  I know the bottle wasn't that much though.  We were nearing the end of the cruise 2nd to last day so maybe that was why they let me take it with me???  I don't know.  All I can say is my friends and I had a few drinks back in our cabins with some nice whiskey (scotch whiskey if we are being particular).

2 hours ago, Vlgg said:

Don't they hold any bottles of liquor that you buy on the ship until you get off at the end of the cruise?

Not sure, but I bought a bottle of Johnny Walker Black Label on NCL Escape and they gave it to me then and there 

20 minutes ago, Wilmsta said:

They had Guinness on tap in the pub on Indy last summer.

However it wasn't poured correctly for either of the 2 pints I tried. Maybe I should of had a word with the barman and advised him how it's meant to be poured (rather than just straight up) but the bar was far too busy.     

I am a very picky Guinness drinker as well.  I think I would have had a word with them when it was less crowded.  I don't mind waiting for it to be done right.  I do get they are busy people and trying to get everyone's orders though.

6 minutes ago, twangster said:

I've had great success getting Guinness in a can on many ships but never on tap.   

Not the worst news ive ever heard.  thanks for the info.

@twangster Great post with the menus.  One glaring omission though.  Guinness.  Can ya get a pint on board?  Was happy to see the Jameson though!

2 hours ago, Atlantix2000 said:

Is there actually a difference in cost between ordering a shot of Captain and ordering a Captain and Coke?

But the bottle I buy on the ship provides a stronger pour since I am the bartender   :)

Glad it worked out.  I would be really annoyed with myself if I were in your shoes.  But, its vacation if the worst of it is trading one good time for another happy days!

6 hours ago, JennyB said:

soda package and up...Soda, Refreshment, Deluxe...

Awesome! Constant supply of  Coke for my Captain Morgan!

does the coke refill cup come with the DDP?  Or only the Soda package?

Just now, mook1525 said:

I am having this issue too..

I was able to get logged in on the main site, then clicked at the top already booked, cruise planner, clicked reserve,  took me to a page where I needed to put in my last name reservation# sail date and ship, then it took me to the cruise planner and displayed my sailing.  Long way in, but at least it worked.

P.S. there might be one more step, but think that was it.

I just logged in so I could check out the sale.  My reservation isn't showing on the RC website.  I tried to add my cruise with the reservation number and the button isn't working.  Just wondering if anyone else is having any issues like this?  I am at work and out computers are less than fair imo.  But when logging in and not seeing my cruise listed is a little alarming.

On 3/16/2019 at 3:21 PM, Zambia-Zaire said:

https://www.cruisecritic.com/news/3859/?&source=99362/

thanks for the read.  Im looking forward to the conformation of what exactly is going to be added.  I really hope playmakers makes the cut.  Also hooked would be nice to see.