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22 hours ago, CaptainPanda said:

Not specific to Royal Caribbean, but we *did* just get back from a RC cruise on Explorer to the Eastern Caribbean. Loved the cruise, and already planning our next one.

We got back into port on Friday morning, and disembarked. I expected to feel as though I was still on the boat for a few hours afterwards, maybe a day or two. But here it is Monday evening, and I still feel as though I'm swaying and bobbing.

Is this a normal feeling, or something I should be concerned about?

Yes, it can happen and falls into the "normal" category.  It will go away with time but there are also exercises one can do if you feel vertigo and can't really function (lying in bed and moving hour head--check the internet).  It has to do with your inner ear.

On 2/9/2020 at 3:05 PM, Nathan1260 said:

Anyone familiar with Gijon, Bilbao and A Coruna Spain and Le Havre, France. 

8 night from Southampton booked on Anthem and these are our ports of call. 

We have no plans to book excursions and would rather take it easy looking round the towns in each port. 

Does anyone know if the cruise ship Dock is within walking distance of each town or would public transport be required? 

Also does anyone have any nice cheap suggestions for transport into the towns of each port should it be required if so is this through Royal or local companies? 

We saw A Coruna on a trip to the Canary Islands.  We took a general  tour that hit the major highlights, including a famous tower.  However, my tip would be to avoid the porta-potties!  Bilbao is famous for the Guggenheim Museum, but I haven't been there.  In Spain there is some type of transportation available, and we did a fair amount of walking after our tours.  I recall looking  up maps on the Internet so I'd be familiar with the ports.

22 hours ago, Kingk92 said:

Hey folks,

The wife and I did the Harmony in August and are set to do it again in May. This time we are going to Western ports of Roatan, Honduras Cozumel, Mexico, and Puerto Costa Maya, Mexico. I am looking for anyone that has done an excursion to any of these. If there are any to do or any to avoid? or if theres a port that is good just to go to the beach. Thanks!

I would avoid the raft trip at Lake Bacalar (Costa Maya) as it is very "tame".  I enjoyed Chacchoben much more.   At Roatan, we liked Maya Key (for snorkeling, lunch, and general relaxation).  At Cozumel, if you can tolerate the ferry ride to the mainland, I recommend the Amazing Secret River near Playa del Carmen.  You walk/swim through a cave system.  Not for someone with a bad back.  It is memorable, however.

32 minutes ago, deep1 said:

Been a long time since doing Jamaica.. Been sober 20 years and last time there I was on a mission for Wray and Sons Overproof rum... Well I recall they had some really good coffee called Blue Mountain...  Remember it from Ocho Rios...  Do they have it at Falmouth? Or might I get lucky and find some  still around dunns river falls? 

We  saw  it advertised on excursions.  I don't remember Dunn's River Falls, but a lot of excursions let you do some shopping somewhere, and the coffee is often sold.  You should also be able to get it back at the port.

1 hour ago, nova_gal said:

This is our first Royal Caribbean cruise. It's on Anthem in April. Very excited. Hubbie, teen son and me. Need your help deciding on which non-alcoholic beverage package. Hubbie likes soda & specialty coffees. Teen son doesn't like carbonated soda but likes Coke's Minute Maid Lemonade (does Freestyle machine have Minute Maid options?). I don't drink soda but drink lots of water, so bottled water is convenient but can go without any beverage package. Knowing that I can cancel before the cruise, I currently have Refreshment package for all 3 of us (at $19 per person) AND Classic Soda (for hubbie) AND Coffee Card. I know it's overkill right now, so I would appreciate your experienced feedback to help right size it.Thanks! 

Concur with @1978bucketlist since you got a great price on the Refreshment package.  good job!

8 hours ago, Wilmsta said:

Friend just advised me that he thought minimum gambling age  on RC was 18 - I assumed it was 21 like alcohol min age etc

Can anyone confirm? 
 

 

18 for the casino.  I did see a young man asked for his ID once, but that was a few years ago.

3 hours ago, Mikeb1892 said:

What about OBC from the RCL Bank of America card? Is that able to be used in Cruise Planner? 

I have specific experience with this.  Normally, if you convert points to OBC a couple of weeks before your cruise, it will be available on the ship.  I normally convert before then, but I must call the toll free number to make the OBC accessible to Cruise Planner.   Alternatively, call the awards center initially (instead of converting points online), and tell them you want the OBC for immediate purchases.  They have told me the conversion would go through in a few days.   I find I like using my Royal CC for Cruise Planner purchases so I get double points, and then I can use the OBC on the ship.  But I have also used some for Cruise Planner.  Have a great trip!

15 hours ago, Mikeb1892 said:

Wondering what would be best. 

You've heard just about everything from other members, but I have to say it depends upon the excursion.  If you are going swimming, etc., it's hard to safeguard your real passport.  A driver's license can get wet, but not your passport.  If you are just shopping for jewelry, that's another story.  So think about what you will be doing and the sort of purse/bag you'll have.  Some excursion sites have lockers, but some lockers aren't trustworthy.  Have a great cruise....

18 hours ago, Mljstr said:

We made a late booking for our cruise and there are very few excursions listed on the cruise planner as available. Is it possible to book an excursion and then get on a waitlist onboard with the idea of canceling the first booking if our preferred excursion becomes available?

To follow up on what @melski94 said, we just received an e-mail from AAA marketing their excursions (in our ports of call) up to 40% off.  So you do have options....

7 minutes ago, dAnleighw said:

Hi all, I've just booked to go on my first cruise with Royal Caribbean and I'm just looking for any general tips/advice and recommendations for all of the ports we are visiting.

 

I also want to know if it is worth booking on to the excursions Royal Caribbean offer or are we able to make our own way to places and make it a lot cheaper?

 

We are sailing from Barcelona and our itinerary is as follows plus sailing days in between :

Cannes, France

La Spezia (Florence/Pisa), Italy

Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy

Piraeus (Athens), Greece

Mykonos, Greece

Kusadasi (Ephesus), Turkey

Istanbul, Turkey

Santorini, Greece

 

Thank you very much in advance.

 

Generally, you can get cheaper excursions from 3rd parties, but you need to consider what might happen if you are late getting back to the ship.  There are benefits to using Royal's excursions, but Matt states you should consider all options -- maybe a mix of providers is just fine.

We visited Pisa, which is a tad commercial and over-rated, so next trip we'll do Florence.  Still, I can claim I saw the Leaning Tower....

In Rome, there is lots you can walk to once you arrange transportation downtown.  Royal has an "at your leisure" tour in most cities, which does just that.

We found the Acropolis very crowded, so if you take that tour (from anyone), you need to get there early during tourist season.  (Piraeus)

We loved the Ephesus excursion Royal provided us at Kusadasi, but you can also walk to some local sites and shops at the port.

In Santorini, remember to plan your return to allow for the line to take the tram back to the port (from the mountain top) as well as tenders to the ship.

We found vendors in Turkey very aggressive, and you must bargain for best price.  You also need to bargain in most gift shops in Italy (the small stands), many don't tag their gifts or quote a high price.

Last tip is not to overdo it.  Especially in summer, which is hot, you will want to pace yourself and drink lots of water.

Have a great trip!

4 minutes ago, dAnleighw said:

Hi all,

I've booked to go on my first ever cruise in August on the Vision of the Seas departing from Barcelona and I have so many questions - apologies if any of these seems obvious!

I'm booked into a hotel about a 15 minute walk from the World Trade centre , so we were thinking we are close enough to walk to the port. Are we actually able to walk to the ship or do we have to be driven in?

Also, we are taking one big suitcase and one 'carry on' case - do we have to give these to porters or can we take it on ourselves?

The ship departs at 5pm, what time are we able to board from?

And when we arrive back from our cruise, how long roughly does it take to check out and get off the ship? I'm trying to plan our transfers back to the airport.

Thank you in advance, I really appreciate any advice!

On the issue of carry on, you will want to take on one item with things you will need Day 1/Night 1.  Don't give that item to porters.  You might not get your checked bag until after dinner, so your carry on should have your valuables, medicines, and dinner attire (if you are in shorts when you board), or perhaps a bathing suit, sunscreen, sun glasses, etc.  You always keep valuables on your person or in a bag you keep close.  Barcelona is notorious for pickpockets, and although we sailed problem-free our dinner companions weren't so lucky.

I can't comment on all of your other questions, but you will want to arrive as soon as you are able (to get the most out of your trip) given the guidance you received from Royal.  We boarded at 1 PM, which was fine for us because we arrived at the airport the same day.  On departure, we always do the "drag your own luggage off the ship" which means leaving early in the AM, not sure your arrival time.  We leave at 6:30 or so when the ship docks at 6 AM, for example.  Your itinerary will show the planned arrival time, although that may change during your cruise.

Someone who has just sailed from Barcelona can tell you when they boarded, etc.

Have a great trip!

4 hours ago, Kathleen Dean said:

Hello all.  My girl group of 4 (myself, my sister, and 2 girlfriends) will be sailing the Adventure on a 12 day cruise leaving Ft. ILauderdale on May 2 and returning to Cape Liberty, NJ on May 15.  We currently have a 10 passenger van booked to take us from the port in NJ to Philly (actually Delaware County - right past Philly airport).  Wondering if anyone else needs the same.  Cost is $392 which includes gratuity.  Can probably fit 2 or 3 more with luggage if anyone interested in sharing and splitting cost.  Have a great cruise!!

Welcome to the blog!  Generally, it is helpful if you pick a descriptive title to your post, such as Share Van from NJ to Philly? or whatever.  Then folks know at a glance what your post is about.  Have a great cruise!

10 hours ago, McCartney5 said:

Hey everyone! We will be celebrating my husband being home from a 12 month combat deployment in June with a 4 night cruise out of Miami to Nassau & Cococay. Naturally, I’d love for things to move smoothly & it be a wonderful vacation for us. We have 3 kids (10,8 & 6). Currently booked in room 8500 on the Navigator but now worry about ship movement. We’re a roller coaster, thrill seeking family but motion sickness may get to us if it’s bad at the front of the ship. Thoughts?? Also, a bit confused about My Dining. Are we still in the main dining room? Can we make reservations for My Dining at 5:30 on our cruise planner? On a 4 night cruise, will there be a formal night? Lastly, are cruises in mid June insanely crowded & should we expect long lines at slides? Any & all info, tips/advice is greatly appreciated! Thanks so much in advance!

You might want to check out the Cruise Planner for a similar itinerary of your ship.  That will give you an idea of the recommended dinner attire or activities that your family would enjoy.  The link to Cruise Compass is at the very top of this web page.  Have a great cruise!  And I also applaud your husband's service as a retired Army civilian employee.

18 hours ago, JoyJoy said:

Hi;

What are your opinions about October sailings to the Bahamas considering it's peak hurricane season?

Thanks

Concur with the other posts.   Additionally, when we cruised just after Dorian, we notice how calm the seas were and how nice the weather was.   So assume you miss the hurricane, you could be in for a real treat!!  I would only add to protect your cruise investment with appropriate travel insurance.

2 hours ago, MindiLou said:

 Does it really save you any money booking on board for future cruises ?

I concur with @Ogilthorpe that there are some benefits to booking on board, as explained.  However, whether you really get a good price depends upon the cruise you select.  In many cases the price is the same as you would book off the ship, but you have the benefit of a smaller deposit and/or OBC.   We once booked a cruise on the ship which wasn't discounted, but it was larger than normal. 

For me, the takeaway is that I won't book a cruise on the ship unless I know in advance it's one I've wanted to book, AND the price is fair. 

Whatever you choose, have a great cruise.

1 hour ago, RCIfan1912 said:

You know that crazy feeling of booking a cruise and then the build up each day of that excitement as you get closer each day. We hit 99 days today and now its getting real! I love that excitement. Our 6 year old son reads the new number almost every day. We will make our final payment in about 8 days and then we can register everyone. Print out cruise tickets and luggage tags. God this is just the best! Now to book another one for 2021 so that feeling never goes away. 

We are two years out for our next cruise, and I am already so excited I've downloaded excursion brochures for similar itineraries to start my "study".  My emotions are fueled by Royal's computer, which insists on sending me to the Cruise Planner even though nothing can be booked this far out.  Have a great trip!

5 hours ago, jonathonb said:

My girlfriend and I are looking to go on our first cruise and she has left it all up to me to plan so I've been watching videos and reading articles for the last few weeks and stumbled across this site and youtube channel and wanted to ask for help. I haven't been on a cruise but I always saw advertisements for Carnival, like all the time and the occasional Royal Caribbean add. I was just wondering why you guys think royal Caribbean is superior to carnival? also if you have any suggestions as to where I should go for a first cruise (has to depart from Florida) please leave them, my girlfriend and I haven't traveled much so are willing to go anywhere just not sure where to go because there's so many options and so many ships to choose from so any help with that would be great too. Thanks in advance for the help. 

For us, our initial experiences with Royal were very positive, and we haven't seen a need to change.  Overall, we have found the service outstanding, and the standard of care/amenities seems luxurious to us.  Our frame of reference is "middle class", so we are thrilled when someone waits on us so diligently.  Regarding some other lines, there is simply too much bad press--cutting corners to save $$$ which hurts guests in the end.  But we are not big drinkers or big party-hounds. 

As for itineraries, we do a lot in the Caribbean, but I prefer Europe when my wife is willing to fly.

If your plans are flexible, go in the off season when you can get a great rate -- we avoid paying premium prices in the summer.

13 minutes ago, raahc said:

1/ We'll be sailing next week. I took at look at the "next cruise," and all I see is an OBC for $100 (6-9 nights).  We won't know which cruise we'll be taking, and if we decide not to go at all, we lose our deposit.  Is that correct?

2/ Also for refundable deposits (I never knew how they worked) ... when I book on RCI's website, I choose the refundable deposit and pay the extra amount (example: $275).  The $275 is extra on top of my cruise fare.  Is that correct? 

3/ Is the only purpose of the refundable deposit so I can get get money back if the price drops.  

Thanks!

Regarding (1), when you book on the ship through Next Cruise you can still elect to book with a refundable deposit, but you need to be clear that is what you want. Otherwise, you will probably be quoted the lowest price, which involves nonrefundable deposits. Other members can share their latest experiences.

(2) I haven't actually booked a cruise on Royal's website, so I'm not sure how the prices are displayed at the end of the booking process.  I book with a travel agent, and I specify refundable deposit unless we are close to the payment deadline.  We have never needed to cancel a cruise, but absent travel insurance (with different carriers providing different cancellation reasons), if you cancel early you get everything back (refundable deposit is all you've spent so far).  With nonrefundable deposit, you lose it when you cancel (absent any insurance benefits).  For us, the fare difference between refundable or nonrefundable deposits hasn't been very much, and certainly not $275.  But we are booking ocean view or balcony rooms, not suites.

Many cancellations occur after final payment date, which is why travel insurance is important.  Royal tries to sell their policy (through AON) by including a "cancel for any reason benefit", albeit with future cruise credit up to 75% of your fare, if my recollection is correct.  Without travel insurance, the cancellation penalty varies based on when you cancel and the length of the cruise (it's in the cruise contract or other literature).

Regarding (3), repricing a booked cruise with the same room because of a drop in the fare isn't a cancellation.  It is handled differently, as explained in other threads.  Some members are real pros on repricing.   The purpose of a refundable deposit is, well, to get your deposit back.  It's more important when you are booking well in advance and realize life may change your plans.  When you are locked and loaded to go on a specific vacation within a year, it may not be necessary (apply the $$ you save with a lower fare to travel insurance).

Other members have different thoughts, but that is my approach.

I hope you enjoy your upcoming cruise, and the ones after that.....

3 hours ago, RichardW said:

Hello,

Just joined the group and I really love it. So much useful information

I'm planning my cruise for next year on Allure. I'm a solo traveler but do want to meet new people. If I choose My Time dinning, can I be seated with a group of people or do I have to eat at the early/late sittings to be with a group.

I appreciate the help.

On our cruise in September we had traditional early seating, requested a table with others, and ended up with just one guest.  We had delightful conversations all week long, and we were actually given a table by a window, first time for me in about 13 years.    We have also had an MTD experience in which we were placed at a table with others, but that seemed to be because of a shortage of wait staff.  It only occured on one or two nights.  So our experience has been consistent with the advice of @Atlantix2000 .

2 hours ago, Pal24 said:

I am booked for 4 cruises on the Rhapsody during 2020. Was recently on the Vision. Is the dining room setup on the Rhapsody similar to that on the Vision. Interested in a table for 2 in the elevated section in front of the staircase. The table # on the Vision was 144 on Deck 4

I've never been able to request a specific table for the Main Dining Room, but you can request a table for 2 vs a larger table to share with other guests.  I do that through my travel agent when I book the cruise.  Sounds like you'll need to contact Royal.  I am sure other members will share their tips.  Not sure if you are traditional seating (early or late) or My Time Dining.

PS.  There is a separate forum for dining questions.

5 hours ago, Quilter620 said:

Could someone please explain how Royal Caribbean is figuring its math. I am looking at booking the Harmony of the Seas sailing January 23, 2022 from Port Everglades. When I choose a pick your own stateroom it shows the price as $1372 per person for a oceanview balcony. When I select any fore or aft cabin the total price shown for the two of us is $4340. Where did the extra $1596 come from? That is more than the quoted price for one person. Without discounts I expected the room to cost $3045.82. Thank you so much for your help.  

 

My approach is to look at the bottom line price and decide if it is fair.  We had an ocean view balcony on the Harmony in September which was about $876 (purchased 16 months in advance) per person plus taxes/port fees, or about the $2147 you thought your were going to pay.  So if I were you, I would try to do better than  the $3K and change quote because you are in the "off season".  Maybe other members can share their pricing experience.

34 minutes ago, John82 said:

Thank you very much!!!

ive heard it’s a hike until you get the cave tubing do you think this is doable in pair of water socks?  Or do you recommend an old pair of tennis shoes

thank you again

I would wear tennis shoes as you'll be carrying the tube.

5 minutes ago, chrisiggy said:

What are the options for shore excursions and activities in not booking anything ahead of time?

What is there to do on Labadee? Going middle of Feb,

Without an excursion, you can, eat, swim, snorkel off the beach (admittedly not the greatest), lounge around, barter with locals or go to the fixed price gift shop, etc.

2 hours ago, ShutterBex said:

A group of us are going to be on the Rhapsody for the Feb 8th sailing to the Western Caribbean and I'm wondering if doing an excursion is recommended in Roatan rather than exploring or finding a beach to snorkel on our own? A couple in our group have booked an all inclusive beach day, but that doesn't really appeal to me - it doesn't look like there is good snorkeling there.

It looks like we will be tendered, which I'm assuming is a factor since based on others' posts having an excursion booked with RC may get us on shore faster?

I'd really love to do some snorkeling, or if that isn't easy to do shopping or sight seeing, as laying around tanning isn't that much fun for me - I burn really easy. 

Any recommendations from those who have been to Roatan before?

We have excursions planned for our other stops except for Cozumel, as I have been there many times and know how easy it is to get around, so Roatan is the only port I'm worried about finding something to do easily.

 

Thanks very much!

I have also read good reviews of Tabyana, but we chose Maya Key.  The snorkeling requires a guide (who you tip at the end) to take you through the narrow opening in the coral to get to the best snorkeling spot.  The Key has a buffet lunch, beaches, swimming pool, bar, Mayan exhibit, and several wild animals to see.  I also like the locker room and gift shop.  Lockers were $3 on our trip in September, but we didn't need them for our suits/clothes.   Shuttles take you back to the ship (we were docked) on a regular schedule, so you can stay all of your port day or return early.

If you don't want the constraints/pleasures of having a small group guide, then don't pick Maya Key.  It was affordable in Cruise Planner.

Have a great cruise!

On 1/26/2020 at 11:00 AM, JSECKR6 said:

Going on my first cruise, other than 4 day Disney. Looking for recommendations about packages (pros/cons). Also, if there are any other suggestions/recommendations I should think about.

We've used the soda package before, as my wife doesn't drink much but ordering a soda helps keep our table when we are dancing!