Lovestotravel

Thanks! Good to know!

Not to hijack this post, but can this card be shared? So, if I purchase one card, can both my husband and I use it until the 15 punches are gone?

Is there any way to get alerts as to when prices may go down on packages in Cruise Planner? Or, is it just a check-in-daily kind of thing? We probably aren't buying too much, but have heard that "deals" can happen on dining and beverage packages. Do I just have to check in every morning? TIA.

Thanks FManke! Curious, what is the attraction for boarding early (first cruise)?

Great! I think we will plan to do Chops for lunch, rather than the more expensive dinner option, during one of our at sea days. Other than that, we will probably stick to the MDR and the WJ. Of course, this is our first cruise, so who knows once we get on board?!?!?!

Thanks Twangster. OK, LAST question! Is Chops similar to MDR, in that you can order as much as you want for that pre-purchased price? So, if we want 2 apps, 3 desserts etc? (Not that we will, but just wondering if it is the same, or if it is more like a traditional restaurant).

Thank-you! Follow-up questions: We will be on Freedom of the Seas May 2020. Do you suppose the menu might change after dry-dock Jan 2020? Also, if I were to purchase this for both my husband and I, will that be the total charge for lunch (approx. $45)? Or, will there still be up-charges for certain menu items, such as lobster etc., the day we actually have lunch?

Anyone explain what I would be purchasing if I did this option (see below)? It say $21, but doesn't tell me if it is for one day, multiple days, for everything on the menu etc. What does this option get me? Thanks!

I think I know the answer to this, but figure I will ask anyway! Has anyone ever done an excursion on Embarkation day? We sail out of San Jose, but don't leave port until 8:30pm on our first day. Is it crazy to do something in San Juan that morning? What time do you HAVE to board on Day 1?

OK, so good to know. We do plan to pre-pay. Thanks for clearing that up!

What do you mean "above paying the daily service charge"? Will we be charged for daily cleaning? That isn't included in our cruise fare (with added gratuities)?

I thought you could only use those Freestyle machines if you had the Refreshment package?

We have almost decided NOT to purchase any of the drink packages, after lots of calculations and considerations. However, my one and only concern is water. If we don't have the Refreshment package, is all water only available for purchase? Is any water available such as in water fountains etc? In other words, if I bring a water bottle is there no where to fill it up, other than to purchase water? (I am thinking for times other than meals).

Thanks for such great advice! We actually went ahead and booked the ABC islands itinerary! We are so excited! Now, we are trying to figure out what excursions to do.

This is all great information! Yeah, we like to kayak, but more importantly we want to see cool sights, spend time in the water and on a beach. It sounds like the option you recommend checks all of those boxes!!

Gotcha. You meant the dates were off. I read it as the dry-dock was called off! Thanks for clarifying!

So no dry-dock for Freedom?? We are booked May 2020 and specifically choose Freedom knowing it would have just been refurbished. ? This is disappointing.

Following, as we are planning our excursions for May 2020! There seems to be so many great options! One of them included kayaking across to Pinel island. We were really interested in that, but now I am starting to think one of the boats may be better as they to to Pinel plus several other locations! So many choices!

Got it! Thanks! Funny how they bury this!

Found it! Did take some digging for sure, but have it downloaded now!

Thanks! I will look!

REALLY Rookie question: where do I find the brochure? When I log in to my online cruise on RC, I can see all of the excursions if I search by island. I don't see a brochure however, just the online description? TIA!

I have been following the thread re: Southern Caribbean excursions as we will be doing the ABC islands and St. Marteen May 2020. Here are a few follow-up questions! 1- It seems all islands have opportunities for inland tours, beach days and snorkeling. If you could only pick one activity for each island, what would it be? In other words, which island is best to snorkel, which is best for a great beach day (perhaps the nicest beach with umbrellas, food/drinks etc), which island is best to do an excursion on land etc? 2- Based on your answers in #1, what tour companies or beaches do you recommend? 3- How far in advance should we book excursion? We don't sail for almost 11 months. Thanks!!!

This sounds PERFECT. Any suggestions on the best company to rent through for snorkeling on Bonaire?

Ah, yes, wouldn't have thought of that. We will likely eat in the MDR each night, but will be sure to let them know if not. Follow-up to the follow-up: can we request a private table for 2? It will just be my husband and I cruising together.