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Ralph

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  1. Confused
    Ralph got a reaction from Ryan79 in Kids really don't cruise free....in June!   
    So I just booked a cruise for next June with my family, 3 cabins on the Symphony out of NJ.  One of the cabins has my 2 year old grandchild who will have a crib.  I was a little surprised that we had to pay for him since "kids cruise free". Well, they don't cruise free in June!  And secondly, I have to pay gratuities for him.  I called Royal to double check and they said I do.  
    Has anyone cruised with their two year old?  Is there any way around this?  I mean it is not a lot, but still.  
    Thanks! 
  2. Like
    Ralph got a reaction from StephanieH in Just came off the Navigator 4 night cruise ( 6/24 -6/28 ) HOOKED!   
    We had an amazing time! I am hooked on cruising for sure and I am going to start planning my next one soon!
     
    Here are some observations about the week.
     
    We got our passports before the trip and pre-registered through the app.  That was a huge timesaver getting on and off the ship.  We got to the dock by 10:30 and we were on the ship by 11.  When we left, we left the ship by 8:45, got our luggage and were outside by 9:00am.  *We had two bags and I tipped the porter $5. 
     
    I was so obsessed with the actual cruise days; I didn’t plan our departure day at all.  We had late flights so we got to know the Miami airport really well!!  Our flight didn’t leave unit 8:30pm.  Live and learn!
     
    We did bring magnets, a power strip and I got luggage tags thanks to this blog.  It was great advice, we used them all.
     
    We ate all our meals in the Windjammer and the main dining room.   All meals were just fine.  The food is actually really good.  We also bought the deluxe drink package, and it paid for itself! :) 
     
    We got to know our assistant waiter, Komang, very well, by the end of the first night; he knew our names and what we drink.  The waiter was very nice also, but we connected more with Komang.  *We tipped them both $5 a night.
     
    We did NOT see either of the two shows on the ship because the other things we wanted to do were at the same time.  We did a lot of game shows and other fun stuff.  Anything Silvia from Slovakia ran, we loved! Also, Piano Entertainment with David was THE BEST! He is so talented, and we happened to have a great crowd.  He played for 5 hours straight one night! Loved him!
     
    We did have a BIG storm while we were on Coco Cay.  Trying to get on the ship with 1,000 other people in a downpour with lightening around us was an experience.  But, you can’t control the weather, right? 
     
    Hooked on cruising for sure!!
     
    Washy Washy!!
     
     
     
     
  3. Like
    Ralph got a reaction from Guy Gadwa in Just came off the Navigator 4 night cruise ( 6/24 -6/28 ) HOOKED!   
    We had an amazing time! I am hooked on cruising for sure and I am going to start planning my next one soon!
     
    Here are some observations about the week.
     
    We got our passports before the trip and pre-registered through the app.  That was a huge timesaver getting on and off the ship.  We got to the dock by 10:30 and we were on the ship by 11.  When we left, we left the ship by 8:45, got our luggage and were outside by 9:00am.  *We had two bags and I tipped the porter $5. 
     
    I was so obsessed with the actual cruise days; I didn’t plan our departure day at all.  We had late flights so we got to know the Miami airport really well!!  Our flight didn’t leave unit 8:30pm.  Live and learn!
     
    We did bring magnets, a power strip and I got luggage tags thanks to this blog.  It was great advice, we used them all.
     
    We ate all our meals in the Windjammer and the main dining room.   All meals were just fine.  The food is actually really good.  We also bought the deluxe drink package, and it paid for itself! :) 
     
    We got to know our assistant waiter, Komang, very well, by the end of the first night; he knew our names and what we drink.  The waiter was very nice also, but we connected more with Komang.  *We tipped them both $5 a night.
     
    We did NOT see either of the two shows on the ship because the other things we wanted to do were at the same time.  We did a lot of game shows and other fun stuff.  Anything Silvia from Slovakia ran, we loved! Also, Piano Entertainment with David was THE BEST! He is so talented, and we happened to have a great crowd.  He played for 5 hours straight one night! Loved him!
     
    We did have a BIG storm while we were on Coco Cay.  Trying to get on the ship with 1,000 other people in a downpour with lightening around us was an experience.  But, you can’t control the weather, right? 
     
    Hooked on cruising for sure!!
     
    Washy Washy!!
     
     
     
     
  4. Like
    Ralph got a reaction from The Cruise Junkie in Just came off the Navigator 4 night cruise ( 6/24 -6/28 ) HOOKED!   
    We had an amazing time! I am hooked on cruising for sure and I am going to start planning my next one soon!
     
    Here are some observations about the week.
     
    We got our passports before the trip and pre-registered through the app.  That was a huge timesaver getting on and off the ship.  We got to the dock by 10:30 and we were on the ship by 11.  When we left, we left the ship by 8:45, got our luggage and were outside by 9:00am.  *We had two bags and I tipped the porter $5. 
     
    I was so obsessed with the actual cruise days; I didn’t plan our departure day at all.  We had late flights so we got to know the Miami airport really well!!  Our flight didn’t leave unit 8:30pm.  Live and learn!
     
    We did bring magnets, a power strip and I got luggage tags thanks to this blog.  It was great advice, we used them all.
     
    We ate all our meals in the Windjammer and the main dining room.   All meals were just fine.  The food is actually really good.  We also bought the deluxe drink package, and it paid for itself! :) 
     
    We got to know our assistant waiter, Komang, very well, by the end of the first night; he knew our names and what we drink.  The waiter was very nice also, but we connected more with Komang.  *We tipped them both $5 a night.
     
    We did NOT see either of the two shows on the ship because the other things we wanted to do were at the same time.  We did a lot of game shows and other fun stuff.  Anything Silvia from Slovakia ran, we loved! Also, Piano Entertainment with David was THE BEST! He is so talented, and we happened to have a great crowd.  He played for 5 hours straight one night! Loved him!
     
    We did have a BIG storm while we were on Coco Cay.  Trying to get on the ship with 1,000 other people in a downpour with lightening around us was an experience.  But, you can’t control the weather, right? 
     
    Hooked on cruising for sure!!
     
    Washy Washy!!
     
     
     
     
  5. Like
    Ralph got a reaction from YOLO in Just came off the Navigator 4 night cruise ( 6/24 -6/28 ) HOOKED!   
    We had an amazing time! I am hooked on cruising for sure and I am going to start planning my next one soon!
     
    Here are some observations about the week.
     
    We got our passports before the trip and pre-registered through the app.  That was a huge timesaver getting on and off the ship.  We got to the dock by 10:30 and we were on the ship by 11.  When we left, we left the ship by 8:45, got our luggage and were outside by 9:00am.  *We had two bags and I tipped the porter $5. 
     
    I was so obsessed with the actual cruise days; I didn’t plan our departure day at all.  We had late flights so we got to know the Miami airport really well!!  Our flight didn’t leave unit 8:30pm.  Live and learn!
     
    We did bring magnets, a power strip and I got luggage tags thanks to this blog.  It was great advice, we used them all.
     
    We ate all our meals in the Windjammer and the main dining room.   All meals were just fine.  The food is actually really good.  We also bought the deluxe drink package, and it paid for itself! :) 
     
    We got to know our assistant waiter, Komang, very well, by the end of the first night; he knew our names and what we drink.  The waiter was very nice also, but we connected more with Komang.  *We tipped them both $5 a night.
     
    We did NOT see either of the two shows on the ship because the other things we wanted to do were at the same time.  We did a lot of game shows and other fun stuff.  Anything Silvia from Slovakia ran, we loved! Also, Piano Entertainment with David was THE BEST! He is so talented, and we happened to have a great crowd.  He played for 5 hours straight one night! Loved him!
     
    We did have a BIG storm while we were on Coco Cay.  Trying to get on the ship with 1,000 other people in a downpour with lightening around us was an experience.  But, you can’t control the weather, right? 
     
    Hooked on cruising for sure!!
     
    Washy Washy!!
     
     
     
     
  6. Like
    Ralph got a reaction from PRebecca in Just came off the Navigator 4 night cruise ( 6/24 -6/28 ) HOOKED!   
    We had an amazing time! I am hooked on cruising for sure and I am going to start planning my next one soon!
     
    Here are some observations about the week.
     
    We got our passports before the trip and pre-registered through the app.  That was a huge timesaver getting on and off the ship.  We got to the dock by 10:30 and we were on the ship by 11.  When we left, we left the ship by 8:45, got our luggage and were outside by 9:00am.  *We had two bags and I tipped the porter $5. 
     
    I was so obsessed with the actual cruise days; I didn’t plan our departure day at all.  We had late flights so we got to know the Miami airport really well!!  Our flight didn’t leave unit 8:30pm.  Live and learn!
     
    We did bring magnets, a power strip and I got luggage tags thanks to this blog.  It was great advice, we used them all.
     
    We ate all our meals in the Windjammer and the main dining room.   All meals were just fine.  The food is actually really good.  We also bought the deluxe drink package, and it paid for itself! :) 
     
    We got to know our assistant waiter, Komang, very well, by the end of the first night; he knew our names and what we drink.  The waiter was very nice also, but we connected more with Komang.  *We tipped them both $5 a night.
     
    We did NOT see either of the two shows on the ship because the other things we wanted to do were at the same time.  We did a lot of game shows and other fun stuff.  Anything Silvia from Slovakia ran, we loved! Also, Piano Entertainment with David was THE BEST! He is so talented, and we happened to have a great crowd.  He played for 5 hours straight one night! Loved him!
     
    We did have a BIG storm while we were on Coco Cay.  Trying to get on the ship with 1,000 other people in a downpour with lightening around us was an experience.  But, you can’t control the weather, right? 
     
    Hooked on cruising for sure!!
     
    Washy Washy!!
     
     
     
     
  7. Like
    Ralph reacted to jticarruthers in Travel agent vs RC direct   
    If you have a decent travel agent you will always get a better deal since the travel agent gets the same prices and perks from royal and then should layer on additional perks. Downside is you lose the control over the booking since all changes now have to go back and forth through the agent.
    Personally i would prefer to keep control but my math says i have saved about 6-7% on every cruise by using a travel agent ... multiplied by close to 30 cruises at this point and thats basically buy 28 get 2 more free ...
  8. Like
    Ralph reacted to ChessE4 in Travel agent vs RC direct   
    Agree 100% with@AshleyDillo .  Also, an agent can help with other arrangements, like recommending hotels near your port of departure or sharing reviews from other travelers.  When you think about travel insurance, an agent can explain the pros and cons between using the cruise carrier or an independent firm.  For example, RCI's default option is good for luggage but weak on medical coverage, which makes another insurance company a bit better for us older folks.
  9. Like
    Ralph reacted to AshleyDillo in Travel agent vs RC direct   
    Travel agents get the same prices as you will find going through Royal directly and you get all the same perks as booking directly.  However, a travel agent can also provide their own perks in addition, so it can be an better deal than booking direct.  Usually it will be some onboard credit or a free specialty meal, but sometimes the travel agency will throw in prepaid gratuities which is a good savings right there.
    If your current booking is for more than 90 days out you can transfer the booking to a travel agent now and possibly still get some extra travel agent perks.
  10. Love
    Ralph got a reaction from WAAAYTOOO in Just came off the Navigator 4 night cruise ( 6/24 -6/28 ) HOOKED!   
    We had an amazing time! I am hooked on cruising for sure and I am going to start planning my next one soon!
     
    Here are some observations about the week.
     
    We got our passports before the trip and pre-registered through the app.  That was a huge timesaver getting on and off the ship.  We got to the dock by 10:30 and we were on the ship by 11.  When we left, we left the ship by 8:45, got our luggage and were outside by 9:00am.  *We had two bags and I tipped the porter $5. 
     
    I was so obsessed with the actual cruise days; I didn’t plan our departure day at all.  We had late flights so we got to know the Miami airport really well!!  Our flight didn’t leave unit 8:30pm.  Live and learn!
     
    We did bring magnets, a power strip and I got luggage tags thanks to this blog.  It was great advice, we used them all.
     
    We ate all our meals in the Windjammer and the main dining room.   All meals were just fine.  The food is actually really good.  We also bought the deluxe drink package, and it paid for itself! :) 
     
    We got to know our assistant waiter, Komang, very well, by the end of the first night; he knew our names and what we drink.  The waiter was very nice also, but we connected more with Komang.  *We tipped them both $5 a night.
     
    We did NOT see either of the two shows on the ship because the other things we wanted to do were at the same time.  We did a lot of game shows and other fun stuff.  Anything Silvia from Slovakia ran, we loved! Also, Piano Entertainment with David was THE BEST! He is so talented, and we happened to have a great crowd.  He played for 5 hours straight one night! Loved him!
     
    We did have a BIG storm while we were on Coco Cay.  Trying to get on the ship with 1,000 other people in a downpour with lightening around us was an experience.  But, you can’t control the weather, right? 
     
    Hooked on cruising for sure!!
     
    Washy Washy!!
     
     
     
     
  11. Like
    Ralph got a reaction from AshleyDillo in Just came off the Navigator 4 night cruise ( 6/24 -6/28 ) HOOKED!   
    We had an amazing time! I am hooked on cruising for sure and I am going to start planning my next one soon!
     
    Here are some observations about the week.
     
    We got our passports before the trip and pre-registered through the app.  That was a huge timesaver getting on and off the ship.  We got to the dock by 10:30 and we were on the ship by 11.  When we left, we left the ship by 8:45, got our luggage and were outside by 9:00am.  *We had two bags and I tipped the porter $5. 
     
    I was so obsessed with the actual cruise days; I didn’t plan our departure day at all.  We had late flights so we got to know the Miami airport really well!!  Our flight didn’t leave unit 8:30pm.  Live and learn!
     
    We did bring magnets, a power strip and I got luggage tags thanks to this blog.  It was great advice, we used them all.
     
    We ate all our meals in the Windjammer and the main dining room.   All meals were just fine.  The food is actually really good.  We also bought the deluxe drink package, and it paid for itself! :) 
     
    We got to know our assistant waiter, Komang, very well, by the end of the first night; he knew our names and what we drink.  The waiter was very nice also, but we connected more with Komang.  *We tipped them both $5 a night.
     
    We did NOT see either of the two shows on the ship because the other things we wanted to do were at the same time.  We did a lot of game shows and other fun stuff.  Anything Silvia from Slovakia ran, we loved! Also, Piano Entertainment with David was THE BEST! He is so talented, and we happened to have a great crowd.  He played for 5 hours straight one night! Loved him!
     
    We did have a BIG storm while we were on Coco Cay.  Trying to get on the ship with 1,000 other people in a downpour with lightening around us was an experience.  But, you can’t control the weather, right? 
     
    Hooked on cruising for sure!!
     
    Washy Washy!!
     
     
     
     
  12. Like
    Ralph reacted to mom2mybugs in Just came off the Navigator 4 night cruise ( 6/24 -6/28 ) HOOKED!   
    So glad you had a great trip.  I took my first cruise in March 2015.... Getting ready in 3 weeks to take my 7th!  The hook is real lol!   Jane
  13. Like
    Ralph reacted to JennyB in Just came off the Navigator 4 night cruise ( 6/24 -6/28 ) HOOKED!   
    We're on the Navigator in 5 days!  So excited!  Thanks for sharing your experience!
  14. Like
    Ralph got a reaction from JennyB in Just came off the Navigator 4 night cruise ( 6/24 -6/28 ) HOOKED!   
    We had an amazing time! I am hooked on cruising for sure and I am going to start planning my next one soon!
     
    Here are some observations about the week.
     
    We got our passports before the trip and pre-registered through the app.  That was a huge timesaver getting on and off the ship.  We got to the dock by 10:30 and we were on the ship by 11.  When we left, we left the ship by 8:45, got our luggage and were outside by 9:00am.  *We had two bags and I tipped the porter $5. 
     
    I was so obsessed with the actual cruise days; I didn’t plan our departure day at all.  We had late flights so we got to know the Miami airport really well!!  Our flight didn’t leave unit 8:30pm.  Live and learn!
     
    We did bring magnets, a power strip and I got luggage tags thanks to this blog.  It was great advice, we used them all.
     
    We ate all our meals in the Windjammer and the main dining room.   All meals were just fine.  The food is actually really good.  We also bought the deluxe drink package, and it paid for itself! :) 
     
    We got to know our assistant waiter, Komang, very well, by the end of the first night; he knew our names and what we drink.  The waiter was very nice also, but we connected more with Komang.  *We tipped them both $5 a night.
     
    We did NOT see either of the two shows on the ship because the other things we wanted to do were at the same time.  We did a lot of game shows and other fun stuff.  Anything Silvia from Slovakia ran, we loved! Also, Piano Entertainment with David was THE BEST! He is so talented, and we happened to have a great crowd.  He played for 5 hours straight one night! Loved him!
     
    We did have a BIG storm while we were on Coco Cay.  Trying to get on the ship with 1,000 other people in a downpour with lightening around us was an experience.  But, you can’t control the weather, right? 
     
    Hooked on cruising for sure!!
     
    Washy Washy!!
     
     
     
     
  15. Love
    Ralph got a reaction from mom2mybugs in Just came off the Navigator 4 night cruise ( 6/24 -6/28 ) HOOKED!   
    We had an amazing time! I am hooked on cruising for sure and I am going to start planning my next one soon!
     
    Here are some observations about the week.
     
    We got our passports before the trip and pre-registered through the app.  That was a huge timesaver getting on and off the ship.  We got to the dock by 10:30 and we were on the ship by 11.  When we left, we left the ship by 8:45, got our luggage and were outside by 9:00am.  *We had two bags and I tipped the porter $5. 
     
    I was so obsessed with the actual cruise days; I didn’t plan our departure day at all.  We had late flights so we got to know the Miami airport really well!!  Our flight didn’t leave unit 8:30pm.  Live and learn!
     
    We did bring magnets, a power strip and I got luggage tags thanks to this blog.  It was great advice, we used them all.
     
    We ate all our meals in the Windjammer and the main dining room.   All meals were just fine.  The food is actually really good.  We also bought the deluxe drink package, and it paid for itself! :) 
     
    We got to know our assistant waiter, Komang, very well, by the end of the first night; he knew our names and what we drink.  The waiter was very nice also, but we connected more with Komang.  *We tipped them both $5 a night.
     
    We did NOT see either of the two shows on the ship because the other things we wanted to do were at the same time.  We did a lot of game shows and other fun stuff.  Anything Silvia from Slovakia ran, we loved! Also, Piano Entertainment with David was THE BEST! He is so talented, and we happened to have a great crowd.  He played for 5 hours straight one night! Loved him!
     
    We did have a BIG storm while we were on Coco Cay.  Trying to get on the ship with 1,000 other people in a downpour with lightening around us was an experience.  But, you can’t control the weather, right? 
     
    Hooked on cruising for sure!!
     
    Washy Washy!!
     
     
     
     
  16. Like
    Ralph reacted to Andrew72681 in Just came off the Navigator 4 night cruise ( 6/24 -6/28 ) HOOKED!   
    Navigator is a great ship to start on. It’s manageable but still very full featured.  
  17. Like
  18. Like
    Ralph got a reaction from ChessE4 in Just came off the Navigator 4 night cruise ( 6/24 -6/28 ) HOOKED!   
    We had an amazing time! I am hooked on cruising for sure and I am going to start planning my next one soon!
     
    Here are some observations about the week.
     
    We got our passports before the trip and pre-registered through the app.  That was a huge timesaver getting on and off the ship.  We got to the dock by 10:30 and we were on the ship by 11.  When we left, we left the ship by 8:45, got our luggage and were outside by 9:00am.  *We had two bags and I tipped the porter $5. 
     
    I was so obsessed with the actual cruise days; I didn’t plan our departure day at all.  We had late flights so we got to know the Miami airport really well!!  Our flight didn’t leave unit 8:30pm.  Live and learn!
     
    We did bring magnets, a power strip and I got luggage tags thanks to this blog.  It was great advice, we used them all.
     
    We ate all our meals in the Windjammer and the main dining room.   All meals were just fine.  The food is actually really good.  We also bought the deluxe drink package, and it paid for itself! :) 
     
    We got to know our assistant waiter, Komang, very well, by the end of the first night; he knew our names and what we drink.  The waiter was very nice also, but we connected more with Komang.  *We tipped them both $5 a night.
     
    We did NOT see either of the two shows on the ship because the other things we wanted to do were at the same time.  We did a lot of game shows and other fun stuff.  Anything Silvia from Slovakia ran, we loved! Also, Piano Entertainment with David was THE BEST! He is so talented, and we happened to have a great crowd.  He played for 5 hours straight one night! Loved him!
     
    We did have a BIG storm while we were on Coco Cay.  Trying to get on the ship with 1,000 other people in a downpour with lightening around us was an experience.  But, you can’t control the weather, right? 
     
    Hooked on cruising for sure!!
     
    Washy Washy!!
     
     
     
     
  19. Like
    Ralph got a reaction from MDIAZ72 in Less than 24 hours and we will be on our first cruise!   
    We are beyond excited! I think I read this blog every day for the last two months! Thanks @Matt !! The information here is priceless and the people are amazing! 
    Tomorrow we board the Navigator of the Seas!! 
    As Bart Scott said years ago... “Can’t Wait!!”
     
  20. Like
    Ralph got a reaction from Fuzzywuzzy in Less than 24 hours and we will be on our first cruise!   
    Heading in tomorrow morning, and YES, I am hooked!! 
  21. Like
    Ralph got a reaction from KristiZ in Less than 24 hours and we will be on our first cruise!   
    Heading in tomorrow morning, and YES, I am hooked!! 
  22. Like
    Ralph got a reaction from mom2mybugs in Less than 24 hours and we will be on our first cruise!   
    We have had an amazing time!! We are so hooked on cruising, I’m ready to plan our next cruise!! 
    Washy Washy!! 
     
  23. Like
    Ralph got a reaction from Skid in Less than 24 hours and we will be on our first cruise!   
    Heading in tomorrow morning, and YES, I am hooked!! 
  24. Like
    Ralph reacted to Skid in Less than 24 hours and we will be on our first cruise!   
    So happy you loved it. Funny, on Symphony last month they had the Washy Washy on the TV, but never said it once on the ship. Staff were making sure people we washing when entering Windjammer, but apparently told not to sing.
  25. Love
    Ralph got a reaction from Skid in Less than 24 hours and we will be on our first cruise!   
    We have had an amazing time!! We are so hooked on cruising, I’m ready to plan our next cruise!! 
    Washy Washy!! 
     
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