ChessE4

We were told by our travel agent that a Nonrefundable Deposit Cruise had a change fee, which for us was $100 per person. Another reservation had a refundable deposit, so no fee. In the end, we didn't change. Someone with recent direct booking experience can add more precise information. I have read that whether you are inside or outside the 90 day window can make a difference,

On some ships not Oasis class the first show and the last show are compressed -- a single show for everyone, but this is where a recent Cruise Compass would come in handy. The Compass (for a cruise of same length) would also help identify formal night (s). The Explorer has a nice Promenade a nice lounge/dance floor for bands and such.

So, just to check. Sometime in the future, you walk into the MDR wearing pants and you realize that 75% of people are in shorts. Do you immediately turn around, return to your cabin, and change into shorts in order to be sensitive to the social convention? If not, you can't expect that of those that want to wear shorts now. 1 FManke reacted to this You sound a little defensive, which not the point. My point is that some people don't seem to understand the basis for social guidelines, which I believe involves sensitivity to others. That was the point. Being dressed to the 9's on formal night while being rude isn't following the established guidelines, as most members here agree. Being rude isn't socially acceptable, and it ruins the evening for some. I stand by my belief that there are a diversity of opportunities on RCI ships for a diversity of lifestyles, and we can embrace that by using a little common sense and following clearly communicated RCI guidelines at particular venues, where that is feasible. To your point, In a parallel universe on another planet where the MDR guidelines were to wear shorts, I'd wear shorts. There would be an underlying reason for that guideline apparent to most everyone. Reminds me of some Star Trek episodes.... I will stand down but wish to point out that this all started because someone asked a question for which there is a "book" RCI answer, which has been communicated. Ciao W

Good question. Is it possible to take a car seat as checked baggage? You could take it with you on the ship, etc.

Looks like auction material to me!

Buenas tardes, Sarah. We will also be going to Mexico in September (Harmony). Hope you enjoy your trip!

The fort and shopping district are within walking distance, as is a flea market with local artisans. If you are into window shopping, jewelry, or knick-knacks, you can enjoy wandering around. We tried a drive through El Yunque, which was OK, but nothing to write home about.

The stateroom attendant can push together or separate beds -- just explain your needs on Day 1.

Great attitude - have fun! As other postings have shown, there are plenty of free lounge chairs with umbrellas at Coco Cay.

As previously stated, if you pay the standard gratuities, you are tipping roughly 18%. We try to get to know our stateroom attendant and our dining room wait staff, and we generally feel that the level of service we receive is worth 20%. So we tend to give a little extra at the end of the cruise in the provided envelopes. But that is just us -- our 20% rule is based on our assessment of our economy, how little service workers are paid (in general), our good fortune, and the excellent service we receive. We sometimes don't give anything extra at the end because we didn't really receive the full experience we were expecting. The Guest Services staff should be able to give you a little business card that breaks out how your $14.50/day (or whatever it will be on your cruise) is broken out. When you total the $$ for waiter and assistant waiter while factor in 18%, you get an idea of how much Royal Caribbean feels your meals are worth. If you feel you eat more than that $$ amount (what we late night snacks, extra beverages, etc.) you can recompute what you would be tipping if you were buying everything on land. That is another way to get at an appropriate level of tipping. if you believe the standard rate should be a different amount, again, you can crunch the numbers and figure out what is right for you. As other people have stated, Guest Services can change the default amount billed to your stateroom. I haven't done that in over 10 years. PS. When the gratuity was $13.50 per day, the break out was $8.30 for Dining and Culinary Services and $5.20 for the stateroom attendant, per person. So the food service assumed a value of $46 per day for breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, and complimentary beverages per person.

Some folks are going to be sensitive to others, some aren't. It is your choice. Perhaps think about what your parents or teachers might say -- are you acting like the person you want to become? When I was a teen and a young man, I accidentally offended people I cared about because I didn't fully understand social conventions. I choose not to do that now, when I am aware of my surroundings. That is all I am saying. On any cruise, some guests will err towards being self-centered and others to being more sensitive of others, knowing they are from diverse backgrounds. No one is denying anyone rights to dress as they please - that is not the point. Everyone who has posted has a valid feeling or perception. I just ask that you think about others, since we don't always see a lot of that in the social media or certain TV networks.

Check out the VOOM, which would cost you $$ if you bought it a la carte. We haven't used the Key because we don't see the ROI and we have other perks from the loyalty program. Nor are we electronic buffs who need constant wi fi. That said, there are those who love the Key and it is all tied into to splurging on vacation to feel special or eliminate worries. Dropping off carry on baggage on Day 1 is a case in point. Here is what RCI says: "The Key Guests will enjoy the following exclusive and special amenities during their cruise vacation: Priority check-in and boarding* Exclusive carry-on luggage service with stateroom delivery** Private lunch at Chops Grille®, Jamie’s Italian, or Giovanni’s Table on embarkation day (Venues vary by ship) Private hours on marquee activities*** like FlowRider, Rock Climbing wall, Ripcord by iFly. The private hours schedule will be provided at check-in. Priority port of call debarkation VIP seating area at Main theater, Aqua Theater, Studio B, and Two70 shows VOOM ® Surf & Stream (1 Device per each paying guest) Choice debarkation with an exclusive a la carte breakfast *Priority check-in and boarding will not be offered in Vancouver, Canada or at any ports in Australia. **Carry-on luggage drop-off service is limited to two pieces per guest and can weigh no more than 25 pounds per carry-on. ***Onboard activities included in private hours vary by ship and sailing." I find the service on RC so good that I don't see the need to pay for "premium" service, but that is just one opinion.

Again, it's not about rules. It is about being sensitive to the other guests. RCI does a good job of preparing multiple venues for multiple interests, needs, and wants. It's a shame when you want to take your significant other or family or friend to a nice restaurant and other guests think they're at the pool deck. It is just self-centered to ignore the expectations of others when they are so well publicized, with the exception of extenuating circumstances. I am all for casual because I'm retired, but I also try to think about the other guests. This is why social norms come into play, not structured rules. Having lost my luggage, I can understand some situations, but I'd have to agree that we could all (myself included) practice more sensitivity on the next cruise. I am probably preaching to the choir, but social norms are more than rules (which can be arbitrary and discriminatory)--- there is some underlying basis for suggested attire and social customs. And the caribbean is a lot more laid back than Europe...

Update: The Compass indicates some hours -- when the areas are staffed if the activities require RCI staff.. For example, sports court is 8 AM - 11 PM on my Compass from Harmony last month. But I don't see pools, spas, or mini-golf listed, and they are largely unattended, although lately I've noticed lifeguards on the pool deck. Waterslides on Day 7 were open 9 AM - 7 PM. If mini-golf is handled by the sports court staff, figure 8 - 11 PM, or thereabouts.

Good question. I've seen them closed for maintenance late at night, but I don't know what times. There are hours for the slides. The other stuff is generally open until they lock stuff up because kids have curfew. You are probably safe until midnight-1 AM, but you should probably check a Cruise Planner in case it shows something. A guest on the ship now could check for you. You might query someone doing a live blog.

When we were at Labadee, there were two types of gift shops. One had "fixed prices" on each item (an enclosed store), although you weren't prohibited from striking a deal, such as when buying multiple items. Some of the places don't have anything marked, and you need to be prepared to bargain. The first price quoted is never the best, e.g. $25 for something worth $10-15.

Je suis d'accord. The arrows are the key if the plans are up-to-date.

Right, I was thinking a change in discount from Emerald. I think one item is 15% instead of 10%, or whatever. Thanks for verifying.

The beach umbrellas worked fine for us last month, and someone pointed out there are hammocks somewhere under some trees. The $$ you save can be spent on something else that is fun - a better excursion, jewelry, specialty dining, etc.

On Oasis-class ships we had to pay, so we don't eat it anymore. In 2017 it was $2.50, not sure what it is now.

Here it is. I think the % discount may have changed. Scan0002.pdf

I have one from a previous trip.Give me a minute to scan and send.

But on the Harmony they have cut down the variety, not all of the "basics" are always available. The night I wanted escargot, it wasn't listed and our waiter couldn't arrange it. Soooo, stay flexible even after you've perused the recent menus.

PS. The "drink vouchers" during happy hour allow you to get a drink for a traveling companion who isn't diamond-eligible (3 drinks per diamond member, usually 4:30 to 8 PM). If you go to the Diamond Lounge for drinks, you need to think about how you will approach tipping. Will you use the same waiter for the entire cruise and settle up with an envelope at the end, or will you share cash tips along the way since you may not see the waiter again? This isn't discussed publicly, but since the drinks are "free", the waiter/waitress doesn't have a way of earning the 18% gratuity (unless you buy a premium drink not on the free list). So I watch what others do and try to follow suit. The Diamond Lounge is a great benefit, but its location and atmosphere vary from ship to ship. If you get to know the Concierge, you will learn more about benefits or services.

You can find them at Crown and Anchor Society website. Here is the link. http://www.royalcaribbean.com/cas/benefits/diamond-members/ ONBOARD REWARDS From priority check-ins to exclusive invitations and events: These are just some of the onboard perks you'll receive as part of your Crown & Anchor® Society membership. Matching Celebrity Cruises® Captain's Club & Azamara Club Cruises® Le Club Voyage member benefits 18 Onboard Offers are preloaded to your SeaPass card. Refer to your onboard Welcome Letter for details. Private departure lounge with Continental Breakfast Exclusive Top Tier Event Signature Lapel Pin Welcome Amenity upon arrival Milestone Recognition 4 Chef’s Choice GIft/Amenity Priority wait list for Shore Excursions/VitalitySM Day Spa Services/Main Dining Room Diamond Lounge (on select ships) 7 Exclusive Nightly Diamond Event with complimentary drink vouchers 6