ChessE4

2 hours ago, Lovetocruise2002 said:

Wait so the D+ free days show up as a credit on app? We don't have to visit the wifi desk? 

And does the 48 hours start counting from when you activate the credit or does it go by the calendar date?

And the plan would be to stack all 8 days for one person. That way we just have to pre-purchase a 2 or 3 device plan.

When I used it the benefit started when I signed in, I used App, and when I selected internet I was asked if I wanted to use my benefit.  I gave my password to family member when I was done. So it is a 24 or 48 hour clock from when you start. We typically start at noon to overlap days when checking with catsitter.

5 hours ago, Macfoot said:

Hi we are going on our first ever cruise in September around the Greek islands and I am just wondering are we able to book entertainment for the evening via the cruise app or does this have to be booked on board only ? 

It depends on ship. Smaller ships don't pre book shows. When you do need to pre book you can use app but I prefer laptop with cruise planner.  On ship you can try for better times as they release reservations 15 min before shows. PS. Just saw you meant odyssey.

Forget average since sample is biased. Do what you want. Anything extra is appreciated. Cruisers come from many cultures and lifestyles.

Prepaying gratuities protects you from future increases. When booking far in advance, that can be a small savings. But travel insurance premium might go up if gratuities take you over a boundary. Hence, it may be a wash. My time dining has pros and cons. Main con is reservation time isn't guaranteed. We prefer traditional dining for that reason, having tried both.

We used a service like this on Royal 10 years ago, Southwest. Got B boarding passes...

We like Chacchoben but you need to go to Costa Maya for that.  From Cozumel you can try Chichen Itza, but that is a very long day.  We did Tolum instead.  But any mainland excursion requires a ferry ride, and some folks get a touch of sea sickness on that ride. There should be Mayan excursions at Belize -- we were booked for one before Royal canceled the cruise. Roatan is more for beach, snorkeling, or seeing animals in eco-parks.

If you are booking a la carte in Cruise Planner and dinner options are limited, you might try lunch, which is cheaper.  You still get a lot of food.....

Be sure to make your reservation on Day 1 after you board.  Take the voucher to a specialty restaurant if the line on the promenade is too long.  Some staff members aren't skilled in the voucher business -- we used to get them from our TA.

There are a couple of health questions you answer when you check in (e.g., sickness or pregnancy). No big deal.  If you answer the questions on the App then at the port you will be asked if anything has changed.  A recent traveler might be able to post a screen shot of the questions.

You might try clicking on the Cruise Compass link at the top of the browser and looking at Odyssey compasses that have been posted.

Our last cruise was Dec 22 and there were a few bingo sessions.  Again the compass, or on the day of your cruise the App on your phone will be populated with activities.

9 hours ago, Cassandra C said:

Hi Everyone!

We have an amazing stateroom attendant and want to tip him! What do you all typically tip your stateroom attendants? This is our first cruise and I do not want to under tip him. We are on a 8 day cruise!

Also, do you wait until the last day to tip? And do you leave it in the room or hand it to them directly? 

My previous post didn't take, so here goes.  When gratuities were $13.50 per day the stateroom attendant and behind-the-scenes housekeeping staff received $5.20 per person per day -- not sure how much the attendant got.  So housekeeping gets a little under 40%.  We add about $4 to $5 per day for the two of us at the end of the cruise in the provided envelope to "round up" our tip from the 18% Royal imputes to what we think is fair for excellent service.  We aren't as generous as others who have reported because we take into account the gratuities already assigned to the stateroom attendant.  The choice is always yours.  We give extra at the beginning of the cruise ($10) if we receive ice for the champagne our Travel Agent provides us.   For Main Dining Room staff (who were assigned $8.30 per person per day when gratuities were $13.50) we also round up at the end.  Only a couple of times have we had poor service that resulted in no envelopes for MDR.  Again, it's hard to know what individual employees receive, and many members have posted what they have learned from conversations with staff.  Whatever you choose, enjoy your cruise.

6 hours ago, Blueline said:

Stopping at Port Canaveral and would like some ideas on an excursion to beach and shopping 

There should be a bus that can be taken to Coco Beach from the Port.  It might be listed as a beach transfer.  The parking lot where you are dropped off is walkable to the beach, restaurants, and some shopping (I liked the dinosaur store, but there is also Ron Jon's, etc).  And there should be an excursion to Coco Village, I believe.  We enjoyed that -- typical boutique shops and restaurants.  Locals can add their own tips.

7 hours ago, nferr said:

I really don't fully understand the griping about the new menus. Seems like most of the items on the old menus are still there but grouped differently with the "themed" night scenario. Now preparation might have changed some and that's a different issue. But people saying they can't find anything to eat on the menu is.....

Some special entrees have been discontinued and quality of service has eroded for some. That's the complaint as reported. When we cruise again we'll try to make a fresh start as though we're new cruisers.

It is frustrating when cruise expectations aren't met, whatever they may be. However, adults seem to have more choices than kids. We who are older know "the times they are a changin". (Dylan)

We did Aruba Sights, Scenes, and Tastes, which met at 930. When we got to the beach, we were given the chance to stay there and take bus or cab to port. This was a year ago.

Nice pictures, and the water can be refreshing.  However, we found our raft trip to Lake Bacalar a little too tame for our liking.  I like the idea of a combination with Mayan ruins.

3 hours ago, smokeybandit said:

The best cards are the ones that get you the highest percentage of points that then translate to cash back.

Maybe, but for me there are security issues.  There is some advantage to have one card for internet purchases that is easily replaced or cancelled when compromised and another for day-to-day purchases that you physically control (you never give it to anyone).  I like Royal's card because I don't use it for anything else, just cruising.  it doesn't have a fee, like an airline card.  I can cancel it easily without upsetting the rest of my life.  If instead, I had high-return credit card I used for everything, I'd be taking on extra risk.  The credit cards I do have seem to change promotions all the time, adding to confusion.  One travel card gives me more cashback for groceries than for travel, which seems a bit strange....

Some people just drink or eat too much. Their choice, but I don't recommend it. I don't think cruising is about being drunk or hungover. One night might be fun, but....I like to travel, and cruising facilitates that. Whatever you choose, have a great cruise.

Timing is tough for B2B excursions, but you can snorkel off the beach with rented equipment or your own.

We enjoyed Maya Key. You can also take a cab to a nice beach. Check out YouTube videos.

Since ship is not the destination for me, I'd pick Voyager for the available itineraries while still having stuff to do on sea days.  But when ship is destination, I agree with everyone else on Oasis class, e.g., Harmony.  Haven't been on Quantum so I can't judge it.  I just think that Central Park will always be a winner, especially if you aren't traveling with kids who want water slides.

Not sure which pier, but when we sailed the Vision in Oct 22, my recollection is that there were 3 or 4 different cruise ships all in a row.  A shuttle bus when up and down the line, so you got off when you wanted.  Vision was berthed at the very end of the line.  Now you could tell the driver to simply continue until you see the ship.  If you are simply dropped off at the circle, then you'd grab the shuttle.  

I wouldn't worry about trivia or other activities. There are always scheduling choices--you can't do everything. Your decision to schedule shows now is a wise one. As noted, you'll have options later. No matter what I do, I always seem to miss the cheap blackjack hour...

Let's see, 2800 points is $28 when converted to OBC?  If that is so, I wouldn't get too excited.  I usually get a $50 credit when I book a new cruise.  But I did see two of these emails.

Yes, since you are only a few months out, prices can rise.   In particular, there are a limited number of connecting rooms (more adjacent rooms, which could work for balconies).  Right now there has been a surge in demand.  I would stick with the ocean view, myself, as there are plenty of places on the ship to look outside.  I like the space of balcony rooms but find I don't actually spend much time on the balcony.