MikeK

Not sure what kinda room you have but usually in a standard balcony room there isn't much room to eat a meal. If one of the reasons you want to order a room service is you dont feel like dressing up,  dont worry about it.   Just throw something on half way decent and go to MDR.  You will find you're probably dressed better than most.  You can sit down, relax, order your food, take your time and have a wonderful choice of foods with plenty of room.   You can still escape from it all there better than in your room.   Well that's my two cents worth....enjoy, relax and have great vacation.

Another reason a TA is important!

There is a park and ride just off 528 on the way in to Port Canaveral.  I never used it because we like to stay in a hotel the night before but when I was weighing all my options it looked like it would work for you.

20 hours ago, SpeedNoodles said:

Interesting take, as when I hear people refer to this it's usually one of the things they actually like about the cruise.

Not a take from the passengers but a take from RC.  Both times I was on a cruise that was on the MIssissippi was nice but it is short in the day light.  In the Gulf was interesting seeing the oil platforms all lit up.

  We sailed out of NO on the Navigator in 2013.  It was in March and  the March winds were doing their thing in the Gulf so it was a little rough sailing.  New Orleans should be on everyones bucket list.  It is an interesting city with a lot of history.  Like any big city there are places and times not to go on a stroll.  Good Food!  One of the draw backs I have read about is the long transverse on the Mississippi.

21 hours ago, Tim B. said:

I work in a facility that you have to key punch to gain access to the work spaces. That is a virtual hot-zone of sickness so I have started wearing gloves when I have to punch in. Yes, everyone laughs at me but I feel like the picture above...don't mess with my cruise with your sickness. Germ-X is going fast at my desk  - is it good as a mouthwash  

Use your knuckles instead of the tips of your fingers. to key punch

I keep it with me if I am off the ship.  Doesn't do much good locked in the safe on the ship.

The operative words here are   "should be"

  Good luck with the fishing.  Make sure you get a fishing license,  you dont want have to pay a fine before you even get started on your cruise.

    I have been on both Carnival and RC and I would say RC has it over Carnival by a large margin.  Carnival is more the party get wild see how drunk I can get type of cruise.  Like mworkman says there is no comparison for the Oasis class ships.  If you have been on vacations that seem like they are over before they start good that is kinda what happens on cruises less than seven days so i would pick a seven day cruise to start off.  The Harmony of the Seas leaves out of Port Canaveral and would be a great ship to start.  Not sure what your budget is but you might look into a ocean view balcony room.  These rooms come in the small size right on up to large suites   Not sure how you will be getting to the port you choose but most of the experienced cruisers get to the port a day early and stay at a hotel the night before.  Not only is it more relaxing but you dont want to chance missing the ship,  they will not wait for you and you will not get any money back.  I sure you will have more questions so there are more than enough long time cruise help on this site.  Good luck

If I remember correctly they sell cigars in the package store.  Depends on where your going but he might wait and get some cuban cigars.  You will be able to bring them on board and take back to the U.S.  Be careful there are places that sell fake Cuban cigars.  Some on here know the places to get legit cigars.   There was a cigar lounge on the Freedom of the Seas years ago but I dont think they have them anymore.  Cigar smokers on here will be able to tell you where you can smoke them on the ships.

We did the Hampton Inn.  They have a park and ride deal and it worked out good for us.  I think it was around $200.  Not sure if the address is Port Canaveral or Cocoa Bch.

no...those times are suggestions....11am or earlier 

33 minutes ago, WhiteSoxFan said:

Just returned from a 5 day on Explorer and can report back that on our sailing the formal night was day 3 not day 2.  Also I never saw lobster on the menu.  Night 4 we ate at Giovanni's but I got a peek at the menu that night and didn't see it.

  They probably had it hidden on the kids menu next to the peanut butter and jelly sandwiches

I have never worn any of my pins.  I remember the diamond pin having something shiny on it but not sure if it was a diamond.  If it was a diamond it would probably take an electron microscope to find it.

  Being a first time cruiser you might consider a different approach.  If you are like the vast majority on here you will probably cruise again.  Choose one specialty dining restaurant and give the MDR a chance.  Your menu for the MDR covers a lot of different foods that are really good.  Formal night is lobster night.  And remember you can choose as many things as you want and as much as you want. (including lobster)  Your chance to try some different foods,  like escargot.  I eat at a specialty restaurant on occasions and enjoy it but you already paid for the meals in the MDR,  Windjammer etc.

Before I started cruising with RC i did some Carnival cruises.  On one of the ships I used the  laundry room.  Standing there watching my clothes I said to myself " what in the hell am i doing?"  Here i am saving a few bucks doing my own laundry.  Like most people,  I dont like doing laundry at home.  So that ended that.  Take the padlock off your wallet and let the cruise ship do it.  YOUR ON VACATION!!

Ok OK ....hands up!  Your right!  My wires got crossed again!  3 drinks are for Diamond only

After the Oasis refurb this rm 1756 set up could be different now.

On 1/27/2020 at 5:21 AM, Neesa said:

@MikeK, was the balcony in 1756 much smaller? Was there noise from being right there at the entrance to the 17th deck cabins? Thanks so much!

Rm 1756 on the Oasis was different from the other Oasis class ships.   You actually have to go through one door then on the right is the door to rm 1756 because the room is right next to a large loft suite.  Kinda weird set up.   I didnt notice any noise associated with the elevators in the room.  Short walk to Coastal Kitchen and Suite lounge that made it a big plus.  The main door to the loft suite area after you get off the elevator was open about the whole cruise

  As a suite guest you have 3 drinks loaded on your card to use during happy hour at bars outside the suite lounge.  The last I heard you car share those drinks someone other than suite guests.

I would still get a notarized statement from the parents stating the child can get off or on the ship with you.  It is always good to have a backup (plan B)

yes you are allowed to wear the wear the hoodies, jeans, sweatpants etc.  It depends where you are going if you need many warm weather clothes..  The Caribbean is warm even in the evening in January.  

Beach towels are provided free of charge but you have to check them out and they will charge your account if you dont bring them back

There are plenty of places to watch the stars on the pool deck at night.  Do some exploring when you get on board and I m sure you will find a good place.

Not sure about the theme nights

Symphony is a large ship and there will be a fair amount of young adults on board.  Not as many as a summer or spring break cruise but still a fair amount.  There wont be many young families with kids because of school.

First cruisers need to make sure they have the right paper work (IDs) or they will not let you on the ship.  And it is strongly advisable that you get to the cruise port the day before the cruise.  Spend the extra money of hotel and dont take a chance of being late.  The cruise ship will not wait on you.

  We stayed at the Hampton Inn near the cruise port but it was years ago so I m not sure what kinda deal they have now.  Parking was reasonable in their indoor parking garage for New Orleans .  They also had a shuttle that took you to the port from the hotel.  Its not too far from the French Quarter but I would google up the location and see if it fits your needs.  Good luck and happy cruising.

19 hours ago, Atlantix2000 said:

People in shorts and t shirts paid just as much for that MDR meal as you did.  Possibly much more if they are staying in a suite and you aren't.  If their attire ruins your dinner, that's your problem.

Well said!