ZMANATL

Matt made a great point in one of his Blog posts on Alaska Cruising.. get the cheaper cabin and save money there to spend on the exceptional and high priced excursions. Booked an ocean view myself.. using money saved to help pay for the land tour at the end of the cruise. Another good point from Matt, how jet lag effected him and family when he went. Figure I'll go to Vancouver a couple days early. Acclimate a bit and be ready for the multiple nights in the Alaska wilderness after the cruise. Want to do the whale watch / mendenhall glacier out of Juneau and the drive up to Canada in rental car from Skagway. Both suggestions thanks to folks here.

I actually ordered 3 bud light and 1 truly for our room for an upcoming 4 night cruise. Got them all on sale for 43.99.. Didn't want the drink package at 80 a day.. this seemed a happy medium. Got a bunch of beer at base price before the added 18% tip and 4 souvenirs that could be used as gifts. A Win/Win .. if all show up.

I hoping the experience in this group can help. Currently waiting on the 2025 Alaska cruise release to book for our 30th anniversary. My question is for those who've done land tours combined with the 7 night one way Alaska cruise. How was your experience? I picking Radiance class cruising south so my land tour, ie. more physically tiring part will be first. Did you book your land trip with Royal or a private operator? If, private, were you happy with your operator. Trying to make this special for wife because quite frankly after 30 years with me she deserves it. Thanks

Quick question. Is there a relationship between Embarkation and Debarkation times on Royal? Recently sailed, had an 11 am embarkation time. My debarkation time was 7:30, which was the first group off after suites/key.. I asked.. It appears there may be a relationship. If so, it'd be something to mention in one of Matt's blogs for those looking for an early Debarkation time that don't want or can't do self assist. I'll always be the guy up at midnight or whenever to try and get that early embarkation but knowing the answer may help others. Thanks and y'all have fun cruising until next time

Quick question and Thanks: Where did you find the show reservation kiosk? Yours is not the first to mention app problems.. Going to be on Allure Oct 1 and figure I'll be trying app as I walk towards the reservation kiosk.

Don't know if you've been following the sales today but the Key has been priced lower that the Voom service for most of the day.. The Key includes Voom.. you may want to check it out.

Heck of a spreadsheet Matt.. Question: We see in the cruise planner, one login: multiple devices = cheaper .. Also Multiple single devices: more expensive. Here's the question: Does Royal Caribbean limit the throughput on your internet package via login or does everyone get the same speed? Have y'all tested? If it's the same, the single login is the hand down winner but for folks that video blog and do live streaming the single separate login seems the way to go.

Know you're looking for shorter cruise but was just looking at pricing on Adventure of the Seas Sept 2023.. end of September, Balcony 2D cabins total price out door just over 1200.. don't know if it's a mistake but worth a look.. it's out of Ft Lauderdale. Eastern Caribbean with stops at St Croix, Tortola and Perfect Cay

Currently my cruise has a 30% off Deluxe package.. priced at 67.99.. that's the lowest I've seen.. course I booked cruise after Black Friday and will sail before this coming Black Friday.. 30% seems to be max off outside the biggest sales. Am I correct?

Like mom I'll be staying up to midnight in less than 2 weeks to check in.. thanks, the difference between website and app is very informative. Wonder if more people know about that particular difference.

Got a check-in question: I understand in the past you could login and get your boarding time, come back and fill in all the other required info. Passport,CC,vaccination card, and emergency contact. Someone mentioned last time they checked-in they needed all the required info before getting to the boarding time selection. Trying to be prepared and with conflicting info I'm hoping someone can give me guidance. The change seems to have happened recently if it has. Thanks

Quick question: I've booked the all day pass for wife and I for the coaster. Thanks to suggestions here, we'll head there first thing. My question: Do folks drop there items on chairs on a spot near the coasters or is there some locker you can stuff things into as you ride like some amusement parks? Just trying to be prepared.. gonna test snorkel gear here with wife so she'll feel comfortable when we go places in Aruba and Curacao.. Thanks for your help. Great Cruising to All..

Just a quick question. I'm sailing out of San Juan in August. Just wondering if anyone has used the US Mobile Passport app in San Juan and did it help you move through the Custom lines? If it's helped you through any of the Florida ports let me know too.. may be cruising from there in the not too distance future too. thanks

I'm schedule to go on FoS in Aug 2020.. If Sabor really is going away as everyone assumes, you'd think they wouldn't still be selling Sabor on our Cruise Planners. If you know it's going away, why leave it in the planner and have folks disappointed when it gets cancelled? Just like they don't add the key into our planner until a specific time, they should be able to remove / add the correct specialty dining. at least I'd think they would.

You're amazing.. If I'm browsing through and see you've posted something it's a must view item.. Always positive.. Always beautiful pictures.. We're very fortunate you're a part of this group. Thanks for your amazing talents and reviews. My first Royal cruise was on the Monarch,Majesty's sister ship, for my honeymoon.. still love the old Viking Crown Lounge of the old style.. when everyone else would head for the Windjammer my wife and I headed there. We sailed on the Majesty a year after honeymoon.. maybe the wife and I will again.

Hey y'all... I'm booked on FoS with the ABC itinerary.. My question for you... Has anyone ever gotten the $10 daily bus pass in Aruba? I'm looking at taking the bus up to Arashi Beach.. maybe walk over to the lighthouse then take bus back down to Palm Beach.. Heck, maybe hit one of the southeast beach. Maybe finish watching sunset at Eagle Beach. How was your experience on the bus? Looking at the schedule for the island looks like I'll be able to go to many places. I usually rent cars but this lets me look about the island too. Thanks for any / all replies.

I've rented a jeep / car the few times I've been to St Martin... it's only 26 miles around the island. Gives you flexibility.. go see that airplane beach.. pop over to Marigot for pastries that Matt loves... continue on around you'll be at Orient Beach.. if you find something you like stay longer ... if you don't like continue on.. granted you won't learn the history of the island if you get a good taxi driver..

I picked up one of these.. recommended on some other cruise sites. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07MLXW6QS/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Here's what was posted on the Freedom FB page: (if not appropriate, I apologize and please delete): Cheryl Knipe Brinson 18 hrs This is a copy of Louise Calder’s post that was sent to the Today show. You can share from here. If you have an opinion to express send it along to the show. This is a very long post but wanted feedback suggestions of any changes in this email I plan to send to the TODAY Show. I will wait a couple of hours before I send it in case someone sees a change or addition I should consider. Thanks for your input.: Dear TODAY SHOW- I am very saddened by the news that Monday you will be interviewing the parents of the 18 month old child that tragically fell from the Freedom of the Seas. While my heart goes out to these poor parents for the loss of their child, I'm disappointed that you are doing this interview on the Today Show before we truly know how this accident happened. The police investigation has not been completed and all facts have not yet been released to the public. Trying to present an unbiased report would seem to be an impossible task at this time since others involved in this story are unable or unwilling to talk to you until all the facts are available. Since the entire show was taped on board her the day I Christened her in 2006, I know that the TODAY show has spent time on the Freedom of the Seas. You should already be aware that the "children's play area" is NOT "right next" to the wall of windows. And if you check some of that footage you will also notice that the only windows that open are above an adults waist, and tinted making it quite clear that some are closed and some are open in order to keep the pool humidity controlled on that deck. No child could have reached those upper windows, open or closed, without someone holding the child up to them or somehow allowing the child to climb up to them. It is ALWAYS the adult's responsibility to monitor their young child whether it be near an open window , a pool, a fire, or any other potential danger. Whether on vacation or at home the responsibility belongs to the adult that has accepted the duty of watching that child. As a grandparent myself I understand that this must be a heartbreaking experience that will haunt this grandfather for the rest of his life. It is hard to accept that one little mistake can result in such a catastrophic tragedy. However trying to place the blame elsewhere, while a very human self-protection, will never absolve him of the responsibility that was his and his alone. I believe when this investigation is finished we will find that this was a truly awful ACCIDENT but one that resulted from an error on his part. And who of us is not human enough to commit an error. If this were truly a fault in the design of cruise ships we would certainly be hearing of children falling from windows all the time. It is unfair to interpret this accident as an example of how "dangerous" cruising is. ANYTHING can be dangerous if normal precautions aren't taken. To my knowledge, I know of no other time in the Freedom of the Seas 13 years of sailing that ANYTHING like this has ever occurred aboard her and I'm sure you can imagine that I keep a close eye on what happens on her, Katherine Louise Calder Godmother for the Freedom of the Seas

For those looking for packing cubes.. Amazon has a few different ones on sale if you're a Prime member.. just an FYI

160 days before sailing is the farthest out I've heard.. What's the earliest someone has bought the Key? Thanks for all answers

The beauty of the Bonaire snorkel is that it's a DRIFT snorkel. You'll have a life vest .. they'll drop you off at point A , pick you up at point B farther along. Don't have to swim but float. Reading all the comments, they'll have guides with you and will point out fish and creatures you may have missed in the coral. The boat floats along not far from swimmers. Least that's what the various reviews have said. There is a ferry that can take you to the same island, Klein Bonaire, just drops ya and you get ride back. The one beauty of a non-RCL tour, much smaller group.

Just an FYI - in Bonaire alot of folks on these boards have recommended WoodwindBonaire for a snorkeling tour. Know you're concerned about getting back to ship.. They happen to have 2 tours a day.. a morning tour of 3 hours.. or afternoon tour of 4 hours. Do a search in these forums or on tripadvisor.. lot of positives.. Folks here have also suggested just taking a taxi in Aruba to a beach.. safe and simple and economical.. I'm taking your same cruise in August of 2020.. so I've been seriously researching the ABC's and St Marteen.. I've rented a car in Aruba and St Marteen previously.. both were easy and gave me flexibility on where and WHEN we could go. Just something to think about. So many options.. I'm still struggling but I did book the afternoon Woodwind tour.. they guarantee you getting back..

I picked up these.. have worked from beach to on deck.. I'm like you.. prefer to protect my feet. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07N1JTB7W/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

First cruise was on Carnival's Festivale in 1987.. Still remember being in port in Martinique with the original LOVE BOAT docked next to us.. Yep, the Pacific Princess.. couldn't help humming the song.. First Royal Caribbean cruise, on the Monarch of the Seas in 1995.. Smallest Cruise Ship: MS Caribe , 21,000 tons.. 1988.. Be interested in hearing folks smallest ship too.. especially with all the large ships today.. Interesting on Caribe.. it was setup as an old ocean liner with separation of classes.. Had to go down and back before going up to get to many places.