FoxboroCruiser

If the “activities” you’re interested include trivia, game shows, etc, any class can offer you multiple choices every day. I  like smaller for vacations where I really need to relax. We LOVE trivia and similar activities, watching Karaoke, event Bingo.  Look through the Cruise Planners for the smaller ships and I dare you to show me a day where you’d be bored, I double dog dare you! (Kidding, but seriously there’s always stuff to do. 

We used AAA Travel to book Cuba cruise on Empress back in 2019. We had two cabins with 2 adults in each.  The agent neglected to explain that there were drop down bunks on either side that would be in our way for 5 nights, when she could have just made sure we were in cabins that didn’t have those features. That was one of 2-3 “hiccups” that ensured we’d never use AAA again.
The real point in my reply in is now is that even though we now use MEI, I still look through every bit of info I can before agreeing to the cabin they offer.
I lastly, while I am the opposite of a conspiracy theorist, something about the number of these random cruising issues that get raised by one-and-done posters makes me think there are motives beyond the face value of at least some of these posts. Just my opinion.
 

We used AAA Travel to book Cuba cruise on Empress back in 2019. We had two cabins with 2 adults in each.  The agent neglected to explain that there were drop down bunks on either side that would be in our way for 5 nights, when she could have just made sure we were in cabins that didn’t have those features. That was one of 2-3 “hiccups” that ensured we’d never use AAA again.
The real point in my reply in is now is that even though we now use MEI, I still look through every bit of info I can before agreeing to the cabin they offer.
I lastly, while I am the opposite of a conspiracy theorist, something about the number of these random cruising issues that get raised by one-and-done posters makes me think there are motives beyond the face value of at least some of these posts. Just my opinion.
 

I appreciate all of the support I receive from this community!
Thank you!
 

A sneak peek at some of the crew-areas onboard Symphony Of The Seas.
 
 

I hope that everyone here gets to sail with Captain Marek Slaby. He has been tenured on Radiance for a number of years; there is a running rumor he may tapped for Icon— and for good reason. He is the most personable and likable captain I have sailed with. His announcements are honest, frank, and each day he rattles off every birthday aboard, including crew. Passengers stop and listen to his words when he is on the PA.   Honest.
 
Let me describe how Captian Merek deals with those who are late to come back aboard. “This is Captian Merek coming to you from the bridge. It’s now 5:40 and all aboard was at 5:30. We are still waiting for Tom and Mary in cabin 9632, Rueben from cabin 3126, and Estelle from cabin 1174…..” There a grins from ear to ear on everyone onboard when they hear the captain very publicly call out those who are late.
 
Those grins turn out to widespread laughter the next port stop when you here the following “the local authorities have cleared the ship and the gangway on deck 2 is now open. I would like to remind Estelle in cabin 1174, Tom and Mary from cabin 9632, and Reuben from cabin 3126 that all aboard is at 6:30 pm tonight….”
 
Allow me to say one more nice thing about Captian Marek. Capt Marek loves to sing. He has single handedly created a show that happens once a week in the Centrum; Rock’in With the Captain. It’s the band and six or seven crew members (all amateurs) who also like to sing and are shockingly quite good! They are wearing their work uniforms of cabin attendant, server, laundry person, etc. They sing whatever songs they want across any genre. The Captain…..his jam is 80’s Judas Priest!

So I'm on a ship and have to admit to getting a fiendish pleasure heckling the pier runners. Of course the crew can't participate,  but I get the impression they enjoy it too.
However, it also feels rude. Any thoughts?

Not at all. It's a rite of passage for those running late.

I agree with 100% of this.

We used AAA Travel to book Cuba cruise on Empress back in 2019. We had two cabins with 2 adults in each.  The agent neglected to explain that there were drop down bunks on either side that would be in our way for 5 nights, when she could have just made sure we were in cabins that didn’t have those features. That was one of 2-3 “hiccups” that ensured we’d never use AAA again.
The real point in my reply in is now is that even though we now use MEI, I still look through every bit of info I can before agreeing to the cabin they offer.
I lastly, while I am the opposite of a conspiracy theorist, something about the number of these random cruising issues that get raised by one-and-done posters makes me think there are motives beyond the face value of at least some of these posts. Just my opinion.
 

I was just thinking about this kind of subject last night.  I am starting to get used to paying double for everything.  The inflation in the last two years has caused almost everything to jump up.  I don't purchase meat at the store anymore.  Eggs are something I have not had in the last year.  When I stop and get a burger and drink, I am not suppressed to pay over $10 for something I got for $6 two years ago.  The only thing that has not gone up is my paycheck.  

Parking is $25 a day, credit/debit only.
there is an indoor garage and 2 overflow outdoor lots fenced in/barb wired. Garage use will depend on which ships are using the port-it is always available for handicapped with sticker/card. .  In the late spring/summer I was in the outdoor lots.  When it became one Royal ship sailing I was in the indoor lot. 
 
use is easy.  Pull up drop bags/and if you want, passengers, pull past terminal, park.  Only one outdoor lot is considered “far”, it’s 2long blocks away, and they offered a shuttle to bring you back around.  It’s easily walkable if you have no impediments.  That one was only open once for me, in May, little 4 night cruise.
I see you’ll be there in May, I’ll be there!

A safe and secure parking facility is conveniently located adjacent to the cruise terminal. Parking fees are $25 per day including all taxes. Cash and major credit cards are accepted.
No reservations are necessary and parking is guaranteed.
 

After months of reading blogs and FB posts leading up to my cruise,it's finally come and gone and I thought I'd share a few things. Just got off Oasis this past Sunday...3 of us, 2 adults and an 11 yr old. 
1. Don't overpack. I read it a million times, I swore we wouldn't, yet..here we were with a large suitcase,a large duffel bag and three back packs. Packing up on our last night, cursing as I packed tons of unworn clothes,  unnecessary footwear and clothes for "cold nights". Next time it WILL be one suitcase and maybe a backpack. 
2. Magnetic hooks. Maybe they are helpful on older ships but our basic (boardwalk balcony) room had hooks on the bathroom wall, bathroom door, inside the shower, next to the front door and next to the vanity/ mirror on the desk. Plenty of hooks. We put a few on the balcony walls just because we brought them..but definitely not needed.  
3. Plug extender. This one came in handy..not needed,though. again would have had enough plugs between the ones behind the bed and the ones on the desk. We never needed to have more than one or two chargers in at any time. And all of our Android devices,including lap top and tablet all use the same charger. 
4. Take some adult time. I love my kid...I do. But after day 3 I needed some daddy time,once the wife and kid were down for the night..I strolled around on my own. Hit the casino, walked the pool deck, just sat on the balcony. I did this early in the morning sometimes also, since I am a very early riser and they are not. 
5.Maybe we missed something,but after all the reviews,we thought for sure we would have loved coco cay more. But we did chill beach, ate at a few stands, checked out the straw market, hung out in the pool for a bit...then were all ready to get back to the ship by maybe 1:30.  I don't know..maybe we will explore the other beaches next time,but we took advantage of the empty ship and enjoyed that more. 
6. Planned for the worst and got yhe opposite. Read so much about crowds,lines and food issues. We experienced none of this. The ship never felt over crowded, food was fine,service was amazing, shows were fantastic (no amount of reading or watching videos can compare with how amazing aqua 80 was in person). The only time we ever felt a little crowded was Windjammer. 
 
Edited to Add one more. 
Tipping/dining (I'll combine them):
We are over tippers. We are both former service workers,so we tip more than necessary.  I saw so many people posting how,besides the pre-paid tips, they tip additionally on every drink. I think I saw maybe 2 other people put cash on the bar the whole trip. I'm not shaming anyone..it's totally your choice since the drink price includes tip, just surprised how many people say they do it compared to the amount we actually saw. Also...dining at MDR,we did it 3 nights, and it never took longer than maybe 75-80 minutes. 
Overall it was an amazing trip on a beatiful ship.  I played way more mini golf than I could imagine, ate way more pizza and drank way too many mocktails. We can't wait to book our next one..already dropped the deposit at next cruise..just gotta pick the date!

And we’re on Anthem right now.  We’re really enjoying her.  It’s a new class of ship for us,  so it’s neat to explore like we’re new again. 

Just wanted to say thanks to Matt for starting the blog and podcast and continuing with it all these years.  
I'm a dedicated listener for over 6 years now and look forward to the podcast each week and check the blog each day.  
Our Royal Caribbean (and cruising) experience has been Matt 'Upped  countless times thanks to the wealth of knowledge from Matt and this forum.
YOLO bookings and Wind-"jamaire" have become part of our cruising life.
 
Not sure we take time to appreciate Matt and all that he does.  Please join me in saying thanks and share ways that Matt has helped you with cruising!

I tell you I’m shocked the OP hasn’t come back to this thread, not 

I think the FRIEND owes her money....certainly NOT Royal....WOW

This is beginning to be repetitious. It seems that every day for the last few days someone with 1 RCB post on their profile makes a huge rant and then ghosts everyone. 

Will this be a hit and run ? Inquiring minds want to know 

I had to read this a few times to understand.
OP feels like Royal owes them for personal problems. First heated argument they had at check-in meant OP was accepting of the former friend's behavior and agreed to share space. 
I'm also wondering if OP was the instigator, if friend is suicidal and whatnot. I don't know, these posters who gripe here seem to be just looking to stir things up. 

After reading this, if true, I have a whole new level of respect for Royal customer service having to deal with this. Only thing I could fault Royal with is letting you and your friend on the ship in the first place

Wow. Just wow.
The only thing I see RCCL did that is questionable was to let you board in the first place.  
They gave you a second cabin.  You only paid for one.
RCCL is not responsible for your relationship.
Of all the ridiculous complaints I've seen from first time posters, this one takes the cake.
Suck it up buttercup.  You and your friend ruined your vacation... not RCCL.

I fail to see where any of this is the fault of Royal Caribbean. 

Fun Fact: Soot on the Boardwalk was the working title to what became Smoke on the Water
 
OK that's a lie