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ChessE4

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Everything posted by ChessE4

  1. When we did ABCs from Florida the Dress Your Best night, aka formal 2, was Bonaire, so it can be port night. The last night isn't formal due to bags being packed.
  2. Agree. Personally, we won't pay $1k a day for the two of us unless it includes airfare, e.g Europe or South Pacific. The Caribbean isn't worth any sort of premium; been there, done that, have the t-shirt, key chain, and holiday ornament!
  3. On an 8N cruise the 2nd formal could be night 6 or 7, but not night 8. Night 7 might actually be a port day, depending on itinerary. Last year that happened on one of our cruises.
  4. Our son cruised before specialty dining and enjoyed the included dining options.
  5. For us, the cost of a catsitter is part of our cruise planning. We skip internet, and it's a wash. We usually have a couple of free days to stay in touch with the sitter.
  6. At a small plaza near the fort we ate mofunga at a local bar and restaurant. We walked from port, and going back it's down hill.
  7. At Santorini 12 years ago we did a black sand beach excursion with Royal. Umbrella and loungers were provided, we had a lunch at a restaurant across the street, and a convenience store with gifts was nearby. You had to fend off a few massage requests.
  8. On our first trip from Barcelona the interior room helped me sleep, but room was cramped with teenage son. We like a little more space, but I like being able to sleep after a long port day.
  9. Last year they actually emailed us to arrive an hour later. If they've fixed the turn around snafu, then you're back to the scheduled checkin time, as stated.
  10. We booked Hawaii for 2024 only to have Royal cancel it. So that is another issue...
  11. We snorkeled elsewhere in Roatan, but fins do protect your feet and give you leverage if currents are strong. My one "danger Will Robinson" was being caught in the current at Coco Cay. I am glad to see you are taking a vest.
  12. Reminds me of Passengers movie minus the suspended animation (sleep).
  13. I have seen tea bags but not instant coffee. Maybe someone else has seen them? PS. They have hot chocolate packets.
  14. Agree with everyone. I will say we are more likely to spend on excursions than ship stuff. We will always remember having pizza and gelato in Italy, climbing a Mayan pyramid, or the excitement of being pushed downhill in Funchal. But I can't remember many meals on the ship, just a handful of great free performances.
  15. I meant restaurant take out, not drive thru. Thanks for pointing this out. During covid our local family restaurants just did takeout. So we call ahead now.
  16. For good service, not average, I tip 18% of pretax total. However, I impute beverage cost even if we just drink water. Takeout gets 10 to 15% depending on service I receive at pickup. I round up to next dollar as I don't carry change.
  17. Usually, the only time age restrictions matter involve booze or an excursion, when you must indicate the name of each guest. Then Royal's computer checks date of birth and calculates age. This is how I was denied snorkeling reservation for being too old. If you are booking the bungalow and don't need to indicate guest names, you would be OK as far as Cruise Planner is concerned. Never booked a bungalow but I'd imagine that an extra tip enables Royal staff to look the other way...
  18. We had vouchers from our TA a few times and found it necessary to take them to a restaurant on Day 1 and explain in detail before we could get reservations. Even at restaurant I sometimes needed to explain the voucher. As stated, the 3rd party should reserve in advance for best price. The vouchers will be in your final paperwork along with luggage tags, itinerary, etc. So you would print those before you travel.
  19. On Vision, Radiance, and Voyager class ships I've always had lower decks and found them convenient for dining and the promenade. If you want to cruise, I wouldn't rule it out. I find checking the rooms on the next deck above is important in considering potential noise.
  20. Boredom can occur in AM on sea days, but it is short-lived. Larger ships have more to do. I have never felt the need to disembark early, just stay on longer,,,
  21. We did Royal's tour last December and enjoyed it. I believe the more expensive tour is smaller group. You walk on paths once the bus gets to the ruins. Lots of photo ops, monkeys, gift shop, snack bar, etc. I recommend Chacchoben.
  22. Also, be sure to get an invoice that shows credit for deposit paid and remaining balance. The invoice will show if you've prepaid gratuities in case they go up. As long as they are listed on the invoice you don't really pay them until final payment date. Recommend using a travel agent who will get all invoices for you and answer questions.
  23. Check out Central Park on your trip. Often afternoon or evening performances of great music.
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