MikeK

Thats funny!  I dont understand why they sail out of New Jersey in the winter time in the North Atlantic

The first thing I do in the mornings (ok...the second thing I do) is order a large pot of coffee.  As I'm an early riser the coffee usually arrives in a few minutes,  then i throw on a robe and stand out on the "oceanview" balcony, drink my coffee and enjoy the view.  That is one of the many things I enjoy about cruising.   Always an oceanview!

Thank you Doc,  I understand now where you are coming from and your correct,  the newbies need to know where the starting point is and if they catch the incurable cruise disease most of us have on here then they can decide what is most comfortable for them on future cruises.  As I have a soft heart for the workers in the service industry I have always been a heavy tipper so you can't go by what I do.  Since I don't plan on taking my money to the grave with me I don't mind sharing it with the hard workers that make cruising what it is......ok....I'll quit now....Good Luck....Mike

Thank you Doc,  I understand now where you are coming from and your correct,  the newbies need to know where the starting point is and if they catch the incurable cruise disease most of us have on here then they can decide what is most comfortable for them on future cruises.  As I have a soft heart for the workers in the service industry I have always been a heavy tipper so you can't go by what I do.  Since I don't plan on taking my money to the grave with me I don't mind sharing it with the hard workers that make cruising what it is......ok....I'll quit now....Good Luck....Mike

Yes I do this because their pay is low and I'm sure they will earn it!  I have never had bad service from a room steward or waiter so I don't mind tipping early and yes I do tell them this is a little something extra to start with.  So Doc my suggestion if you don"t like this or don't think its right.....then don't do it!

I'd point out this is a cruise industry policy and there is not much RC can do about this, just like if a hurricane comes and prevents a ship from stopping at a port.  
 
I think RC is doing the right thing by skipping the port stop, but obviously guests are going to be disappointed.
 
When it comes to refunds, if RC does something on their part that could have been prevented (your stateroom wasn't ready, they overbooked the ship, cancelled something you booked accidentally, etc), then they should make things better.  
 
But when external factors that RC has no control over affect a sailing, I do not expect a refund if it is out of their control.  I wont be happy about it, but these kinds of things do happen.
 
Granted, it is always good PR if RC reaches out and offers something free (obc, drinks, etc) as something to make guests happier, but it is not something I expect or demand of RC either.
 
Just my two cents.

I know I have said this before on here but it is important if your a first time cruiser to start with two things that could make or break a cruise before you even get started.  #1...make sure you have the correct IDs.  You can almost never go wrong with a passport.  Your IDs must match your name that's on the manifest.  The IDs must be government issued with a seal or stamp, Not copies made from your home computer printer.  If you have a name change (marriage etc) it has to be a certified copy.  #2....Do Not be late!  Plan on  checking in at least 1 1/2 to 2 hours before the sail time.  They will leave you if your not on time.  Same thing for coming back to the ship at your port stops....Be on time!  I am not trying to scare you but it is important.   I have been on about 12 cruises and this site is full of many nice people that have been on a lot more so ask questions if your not sure.  Most of all .....relax and have a great time ....Mike

I know I have said this before on here but it is important if your a first time cruiser to start with two things that could make or break a cruise before you even get started.  #1...make sure you have the correct IDs.  You can almost never go wrong with a passport.  Your IDs must match your name that's on the manifest.  The IDs must be government issued with a seal or stamp, Not copies made from your home computer printer.  If you have a name change (marriage etc) it has to be a certified copy.  #2....Do Not be late!  Plan on  checking in at least 1 1/2 to 2 hours before the sail time.  They will leave you if your not on time.  Same thing for coming back to the ship at your port stops....Be on time!  I am not trying to scare you but it is important.   I have been on about 12 cruises and this site is full of many nice people that have been on a lot more so ask questions if your not sure.  Most of all .....relax and have a great time ....Mike

Be sure to get there early as possible to explore,  there is a lot to see and do.   If you plan on eating lunch as soon as you get on board you might try the Park Cafe in Central Park on Deck 8 or the Solarium Bistro/Samba Grill on Deck 15 they are a good alternative to the Windjammer,  less crowded with excellent food.  The Solarium also serves a great breakfast.   Relax and have fun....Mike

Having been on Oasis class X 2, Freedom class X 2 and Voyager class X 5 I would have to agree with Scotts reasoning.  I believe you would have a wonderful time on the Navigator and would get hooked on RC like the rest of us.  If you do chose the Allure I would get there as soon as possible to explore the ship as there is so much to see and do on the Oasis class ships.  Relax and have to good time!  Mike

On our last cruise last May out of San Juan we went to the NextCruise desk on the first night.to book our next cruise.  As always we had a meeting with our TA just prior to the cruise to research our next cruise to compare pricing and on board credits etc.   We got a rough idea to take on board with us what we would be paying for the Baltic Sea cruise in June 2016.  
 
Well to our disappointment we found out the only cabins left were Jr Suites and below.  We were hoping to get into the Grand Suite again.  Our TA told us when we returned that on some cruises the higher end cabins and lower end cabins(Price wise) are the first to go.  I have checked back off and on for the last six months and none of the suites are available.  We did book a Jr. Suite but we are hoping in March when its pony up time there will be some cancellations.
 
Just a little food for thought that a cruise that you are planning to book on board might not be available even like us when its 13 months ahead.

We ate at Mojitos Restaurante which is about two blocks behind the Sheraton Old San Juan where we stayed pre-cruise. It is nothing fancy but the food was great and reasonable.  The address is Calle Recinton Sur.

We ate at Mojitos Restaurante which is about two blocks behind the Sheraton Old San Juan where we stayed pre-cruise. It is nothing fancy but the food was great and reasonable.  The address is Calle Recinton Sur.

The Sheraton Old San Juan where we stayed is nice.   It would be better to stay in Old San Juan for site seeing and catch a cab to the cruise port where the Adventure is.  Its about a $20 cab ride maybe a little more for the four of you.  Its about the same $ for the cab ride from the airport to the Old San Juan district  One of the luggage handlers at our hotel taught us about the trolley and good places to eat local food.   Its about a 30-40 min drive from Old San Juan to the cruise port so I would leave the hotel about 10am

We stayed at the Sheraton Old San Juan last May on our Liberty of the Seas cruise and enjoyed exploring San Juan.  The hotel was right in front of one of the cruise ports and had a beautiful view of the water.   There are free trams that take you around the city that you can get on and off at any of the stops.  One of the trams goes around the inter part of the city and the other goes around the perimeter of the city.   We stayed on the tram the whole route several times just for the free tour.  The inter city tram is kinda trolley car and the perimeter one looks like a small bus.  The outer one takes you to both forts.  Remember to get to the port early as it gets crowded.  We got there about 1230 and there were long lines.   It will look confusing but there are RC people in uniform the can help direct you to the correct line.  The cruise port you will be using is NOT in old San Juan.  I believe the cruise port you will be leaving is called the Pan American pier

There are two things I always tell first time cruisers that a very important! 1...make sure you are on time. The ship will not wait on you. You need to be on board at least an hour and half before sailing time. That also goes for stops at the different ports. I can't tell you how many times standing on my balcony I have seen people running down the pier to make it before the ship leaves. 2....make sure you have the correct ID paperwork to get on the ship. You can almost never go wrong with a passport. If you are using a drivers license and birth certificate make sure its certified copy. If you have a name change ..make sure you have certified copies backing this up ...marriage certificate etc etc. Not trying to scare you but it is important. I know you will have a great time and enjoy yourself...Mike

yes, I know what you mean,  I was born and raised in Fl so I'm familiar with most areas of Fl.  We enjoyed walking around that large shopping area near the hotel and even driving to Dania to do some antique shopping in their antique district.  That area is really nice but a little more crowded than I'm used to.

Thanks,  I will ck it out next time!

There are two things I always tell first time cruisers that a very important! 1...make sure you are on time. The ship will not wait on you. You need to be on board at least an hour and half before sailing time. That also goes for stops at the different ports. I can't tell you how many times standing on my balcony I have seen people running down the pier to make it before the ship leaves. 2....make sure you have the correct ID paperwork to get on the ship. You can almost never go wrong with a passport. If you are using a drivers license and birth certificate make sure its certified copy. If you have a name change ..make sure you have certified copies backing this up ...marriage certificate etc etc. Not trying to scare you but it is important. I know you will have a great time and enjoy yourself...Mike

yes, I know what you mean,  I was born and raised in Fl so I'm familiar with most areas of Fl.  We enjoyed walking around that large shopping area near the hotel and even driving to Dania to do some antique shopping in their antique district.  That area is really nice but a little more crowded than I'm used to.

We have stayed at the Hampton Inn in Plantation several times before cruises.  Although we drive to the hotel, we have been able to park at hotel for free(7 day cruise) and shuttle to and from the cruise port (10-15min drive).  I would ck and make sure but my guess they would do the same for an airport/cruise shuttle.

First time commenting here so if I'm out of line in anyway please let me know. One of the first things I learned about the sea pass card was out first cruise years ago in Cozumel.  We took a small magnet with us to check silver to make sure it was real. Getting back on the ship was delayed because the card was demagnetized.  There are many good uses for magnets on cruise ships but keep them away from your sea pass card!