MikeK

I live in Florida so I drive to the ports but I always go a day early.  Too many things can happen so getting there a day early is a must!

The diamond plus pin and a couple of dollars might get you a cup of coffee in the real world!

We did overnights in St. Petersburg and Istanbul but have never done one in the Caribbean.

We were on the Mariner in July and used terminal #5.  On all the other cruises out of Port Canaveral we had used terminal #1.  Since we always get to the port a day early I decided to do a scouting trip to #5 the day before the cruise.  It was a little different than #1 but it still has a large parking garage and unlike #1 you pay for parking after the cruise.  We left on the earliest time and there were no waiting.

When the Icon moves to Port Canveral

13 hours ago, mills10 said:

I don't know who told my daughter this but she just told my son this. "Did you know on a cruise if you don't use good manners your food isn't free?" Hahaha definitely going to run with that when we go on our first cruise next summer! 

All depends on how old they are,  most young kids have no real concept of money so that wouldn't mean much.

49 minutes ago, IrishCruiser said:

The panic is over and you're legends for the quick responses! 

Thanks everyone for the advice. Was worried I'd stick out like a sore thumb but glad now I'll more than likely blend in haha 

You will see everything from shorts, Tshirt, and flip flops to tuxedos.  Your on vacation!  enjoy your self and don't worry about what you are wearing or anyone else is wearing!

14 minutes ago, Ampurp85 said:

No they still have to be proctored it seems.

I hope so!

33 minutes ago, smokeybandit said:

Finding testing sites is really a moot point now.

They will be allowing self administered home test for the unvaccinated.   Way too easy to cheat on that one!

One of the main reasons you get a passport for cruising is to have it in case of an emergency.   Leaving it in your room is defeating that purpose.  Take it with you and protect it well.  The hoops you will have to jump through without your passport is not worth it.  If all the cruising you do is a closed loop cruise you would be better off saving the $200 for the passport if you don't take it with you.

If one of your kids were to misplace their card and someone else tried to use it the cameras will pick it up (there are cameras everywhere)  If some were to try and purchase a big ticket item, jewelry store,  the clerk will swipe the card and the card holders picture will come up.  It is not like the bad guys can get in their car and escape.  You can put spending limits on cards.

7 minutes ago, MikeK said:

You might try the Viking Crown lounge on deck 14.  Great view but not sure any place is quieter.  The suite lounge and the diamond club are both up there but there should

be room for anyone who isn't suite or diamond.

14 minutes ago, Laray said:

Hello!  Our first cruise was an Alaskan cruise, late in the season, sailing at 60% capacity, so pretty empty.  We are taking our first RC cruise on Mariner of the Seas leaving from Port Canaveral right after Thanksgiving. ( I know ships are sailing at full capacity now and that we should expect a lot more crowds than on our 1st cruise. ) My question is about what bars are open on embarkation day.   Are there any aside from the pool area that will be open that might be a bit quieter, but that also have a view?  On our 1st cruise we totally missed the views leaving port because we were at an "interior seating" restaurant having lunch.  I would appreciate suggestions on where there might be a relaxing place to enjoy drinks and views on embarkation day.  Thanks!

You might try the Viking Crown lounge on deck 14.  Great view but not sure any place is quieter.  The suite lounge and the diamond club are both up there but there should

On 6/15/2022 at 7:40 PM, leesam82 said:

I also have this card. I only use it to book RCL cruises etc. I recently used the accumulated points to get an OBC. I have only used the BoA website to ensure I get the OBC. 

Since I pay my RC card completely off every month I use mine to buy any large purchase.  I don't get the double points but even with single points it adds up.

4 hours ago, OCSC Mike said:

You can also do this pre-cruise via e-mail after you get your welcome e-mail from the concierges (ours came the Monday before our sailing). We had a short list of 4-5 things taken care of before ever boarding. Junior & Elaine were great at responding to my e-mails.

you are correct.  I also emailed them for my reservations but I always like to confirm and don't assume anything.

We stayed in Loft Suite on the Harmony April.  This wasn't our first Loft Suite stay or suite cabin so we pretty much knew what to expect.  Go to the suite lounge/Ck when you first get on board and eat lunch at the Ck.  Lunch started about 1130 so we sat in the suite lounge until then.  Visit the suite concierges while your waiting for lunch to set up any reservations you might need like the comedy club.  Then walk over to the Ck concierge and get your times you want to eat there.  I didn't care for the lobster recipe so next time i will eat lobster at MDR.  Our cabin was right next to the elevators so I would take a quick trip in the suite lounge in the mornings for a sweet roll and coffee.  If you have a large travel coffee cup and have room bring it with you it will come in handy for the quick trips to the suite lounge.

19 hours ago, Srp431 said:

Jacki York @ MEI very helpful and fast response time

 

We also use Jacki.  She is a nice lady and is always there for us.

On our last cruise a Large family in line (right in front of us) waited till it was their turn to start searching for paperwork.  Needless to say it took them forever to get it all together.  There are only 4 things you will need to check in.  1.  Passport or certified birth certificate with picture ID.  2.  SetSail pass  (it is better and faster to have a printed copy instead of off your phone) 3.  Original Vaxx card.  4  Proof of negative covid test.  (again it is better and faster to have a printed copy.  Use the one on your phone as the back up)  Paperclip or attach these together in some way for each individual

We will be leaving in July on the Mariner at pier 5.  I have never been to pier 5 so wondering if anyone else has left out of that area?   Is the luggage drop off in the parking garage or out by the ship.  Is the parking about the same as the RC pier?  Are there clear signs directing to parking etc.?

Swinger of the Seas.  They could decorate it with pineapples.

On 10/27/2021 at 4:32 PM, infosec123 said:

Question on this topic, we are doing our first RCL Cruise in January, and are going in a Grand Suite which IIRC gives us priority boarding. Should we still worry about checking in as early as possible concerning which boarding group we get or because of the perks we are all set? Any other reasons to check in early?

Most cruise terminals have a suite waiting area and an area for other cruisers.  If you are there early when they call for suite boarding you will be able to board with the suite cruisers.  To be in the terminal when they call for suite guest you will need to set your check in time as early as possible.  As a suite guest you do not get priority time for check in.  You will have to fight for that time like everyone else.  Check in and boarding are two separate things.

20 hours ago, AHollyS said:

My major malfunction that requires more space is tripping over the sofa bed in the night on the way to the bathroom. It was the WORST last trip. All adults really had a problem with it. Especially when the kids slid down to the edge and flopped out an arm or leg in to the ultra narrow isle way.

That would depend on what side of the room your bed is on.  If I'm not mistaken some rooms the bed is closest to the bathroom and others the couch is closest to the bathroom.  Don't know if your familiar with the website Cruise Deck Plans and Database but it has videos or pictures of most all the rooms in the RC fleet.

On my last 10-15 RC cruises I have been using suites.  Although we have't had to share a room with kids (couldn't afford it when kids were little) we can tell you once you get used to the suite life it is hard to go back. The perks might seem subtle but put together over a 7 day or longer cruise it adds up to a better time.  In your case if you can afford to get connecting rooms it will make a difference not having to share a bathroom with 4 people.  Good luck and don't try and do it all.  Your on vacation!

We were on the Harmony April 3rd and stayed in a loft suite.  There was an outlet on the right side of the bed and I used it to plug in my Cpap.  I did not need an extension cord.

Another option for lunch when you get on board is the Solarium Bistro on deck 15 at the very front of the ship.  It would be wise to go directly there when you get on the ship because the tables fill quickly.