sk8erguy1978

This is something specific to Air2Sea (and sister Celebrity's "Flights by Celebrity" service), and I think will vary by airline. If you did not immediately pay for the airfare and the payment doesn't have to be made until final payment date of your cruise, some (most?) airlines will not count the flight as "ticketed" until the payment is made and received. Until you're officially ticketed, you cannot reserve seats or do any other pre-flight things like pre-pay for luggage (where needed).
It does vary -- I had booked a flight on Iceland Air for my aborted Iceland & Greenland sailing on Celebrity back in 2020, and even though I hadn't paid at the time of booking I was still counted by the airline as fully ticketed. I could reserve seats, purchase meals if I wanted, pre-pay for extra bags, etc.
But when I booked a flight on United for my Vision sailing out of Bermuda this year (also canceled), I couldn't reserve seats or anything until I had passed final payment date and they received the payment from Air2Sea.

Esp when it's Cape Liberty and I have to drive home in that lovely NJ traffic ? 

Nassau. Never been a favorite.
 

Nassau. Just never really have liked that one.

Nassau.  The first visit was okay.  Then I stayed on the ship for the succeeding visits, except when I was with newbie cruisers who needed a “guide” to Atlantis.
EDIT:  If ever I got off the ship, it was only to get some Conch Fritters by the port.

Whatever port on disembarkation day. Hate it.?

We second Nassau.  We have stayed on the ship on a few cruises and enjoyed a less crowded ship.  However, we did enjoy the Blue Lagoon Island Dolphin Swim one cruise.

Nassau. I have not gotten off the ship in Nassau in more than 10 years. 

Thanks for the write-up! 

While I've only sailed the larger Voyager, Freedom, Quantum, Oasis class of ships, I'd like to experience them all. My preference is the larger ships of course, even though I don't have a comparison never sailing a smaller ship. Reviewing the floor plan and YouTube videos I see enough to deduce while it would be an awesome and intimate experience (with the sea - and those I'm sailing with - friends, family, etc) I'd be in it more for the itinerary than ship. To me, the larger ships are part of the destination.

This is my fear, and unless the itinerary has some interesting ports, not 100% sure my wife will be wanting to go - so I could end up solo to experience it. I suppose as long as there is a pool and drink package she'd be in heaven LOL.

Our last passport renewal (few years ago now) my wife HATED that I wouldn't let her smile, hey it says "neutral expression" LOL. If I may expand on this one, I used the photo tool available on the travel.state.gov website. That gave me the exact dimensions without having to fiddle with Photoshop (well I use GIMP) and get it wrong. It also gave me lined corners so with my paper cutter I was able to get nice "perfect" cuts. (I think they actually make a 2x2 punch out you can buy, but already had the paper cutter). I just looked now and the tool appears to have undergone a lot of improvements; definitely check it out if you're a DIY photo person. As far as white background, I bought white foam presentation board which worked perfectly to set the white balance on the camera and use as a backdrop. (As an added bonus, whenever I need a white background photo, I pull them out of the closet, so it wasn't a one time purchase and toss away).
... or just go to CVS and pay the few bucks LOL.
Great write-up! 
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/photos.html (all details about photo, link to tool there as well).

Our last passport renewal (few years ago now) my wife HATED that I wouldn't let her smile, hey it says "neutral expression" LOL. If I may expand on this one, I used the photo tool available on the travel.state.gov website. That gave me the exact dimensions without having to fiddle with Photoshop (well I use GIMP) and get it wrong. It also gave me lined corners so with my paper cutter I was able to get nice "perfect" cuts. (I think they actually make a 2x2 punch out you can buy, but already had the paper cutter). I just looked now and the tool appears to have undergone a lot of improvements; definitely check it out if you're a DIY photo person. As far as white background, I bought white foam presentation board which worked perfectly to set the white balance on the camera and use as a backdrop. (As an added bonus, whenever I need a white background photo, I pull them out of the closet, so it wasn't a one time purchase and toss away).
... or just go to CVS and pay the few bucks LOL.
Great write-up! 
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/photos.html (all details about photo, link to tool there as well).

Our last passport renewal (few years ago now) my wife HATED that I wouldn't let her smile, hey it says "neutral expression" LOL. If I may expand on this one, I used the photo tool available on the travel.state.gov website. That gave me the exact dimensions without having to fiddle with Photoshop (well I use GIMP) and get it wrong. It also gave me lined corners so with my paper cutter I was able to get nice "perfect" cuts. (I think they actually make a 2x2 punch out you can buy, but already had the paper cutter). I just looked now and the tool appears to have undergone a lot of improvements; definitely check it out if you're a DIY photo person. As far as white background, I bought white foam presentation board which worked perfectly to set the white balance on the camera and use as a backdrop. (As an added bonus, whenever I need a white background photo, I pull them out of the closet, so it wasn't a one time purchase and toss away).
... or just go to CVS and pay the few bucks LOL.
Great write-up! 
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/photos.html (all details about photo, link to tool there as well).

@Matt said he was on Freedom with a Casita reserved in his name.
Another user reported that during an interview on the ship RCTV channel it was reported he is going to Odyssey when it starts up with guests for the first time.

Best place to get your U.S. Passport information is at Travel.State.Gov. The processing time of 12 weeks (18 weeks with mailing times) is no joke. Everyone is applying.
Some basic tips and thoughts when it comes to passports and applications.
1)  DON'T WAIT !!!  - If you think you or your children will need a passport anytime in the near future, apply now.   
2)  Several countries require up-to 6 months validity remaining on your passport from the projected departure date from that country, not from the entry date.  To be safe, except for closed-loop cruises from the U.S., or crossing the Canadian or Mexico border, replace a current passport before you only have 6 months until expiration on it.  Some countries also require an ‘entry visa’ so you may need your passport ahead of time so you can submit for that as well.
3)  PHOTO, Photo, photo.  The number one reason passport applications get suspended is probably for the photo.  The requirements are very specific and very strict.  Must have been taken less than 6 months ago, no eye glasses, solid white background, clearly see your eyes, no shadows, etc. etc. etc.
4)  Use the correct form and be complete.  Don't leave something off because "the government should have it already".  Submit all the documentation required and if it requires originals, then submit originals.  Also, make a copy of the application to keep until you receive your passport so you know exactly what was on the application you submitted.   And for heaven sake, don't forget to sign the passport application.  DS-11s must be signed at the Acceptance Facility in the presence of the Acceptance Agent.  DS-82s and DS-5504s (if eligible to use them) can be signed and then mailed in by you. Acceptance Agents “accept” applications, but they do not process them; the Department of State does.
5)  The 877 number for the National Passport Information Center overwhelmed.  Wait times are way up, so if you wait on hold until you get through, be prepared with a reference number (if you have one) or personal data about the applicant (you or your minor children) and ask for a "Call-Back".  The 877 number is to the call center.  Ask for the Passport office that has your application(s) to give you a call-back.  They are the ones that can help you.
6)  Here is the really important one.   If your travel is about 10 days out (best to have a valid passport in-hand before booking international travel if at all possible) and you still don't have your passport and there is no update on the travel.state.gov website and you can't get through on the 877 number, go through your congressional office (Representative or Senator).  They can get in touch with the Passport Office fairly quickly.  If you live near a walk-in Passport Agency, you can also try to schedule an appointment there, but depending upon which one you live near, they are overwhelmed too and appointments are hard to come by.
Bottom line is, don't wait.

About 3 months ago, when we renewed ours …… we paid the extra $60 each for expedited processing, plus the extra $17 each for express shipping ……. We all had our new passports (books & cards) back in just over 3 weeks.
 

Cape Liberty is our home port as well. We did the 5 day to Bermuda 6 times, so glad they are finally offering a 7-night itinerary. For a while, I felt like my vacation life was on rinse and repeat. We did do the 9-day once, but syncing vacation days each (for a 9 day trip) was tricky a few years ago - easier now I suppose - different work schedules, easier for me to get off "whenever", etc. That said, ironically, because of her work schedule (new job) we cancelled September on Oasis and will fly down to Miami in January to meet her. 

Hi guys. I’m here to share my recent experience with RoyalUp, a program that allows people with existing reservations to bid for an upgrade to a higher room category.

The reason why I’m sharing my experience is because prior to and after the upgrade, I had a ton of questions that I’ve been trying to look for answers all over the internet but couldn’t find any.

Hence, I’d like to share my experience with everyone and hopefully it can give some answers to my fellow cruisers!


  A brief introduction: (or skip to the end for the answers to the “FAQs”)


  I’ve booked a last minute 4-night sailing onboard Quantum of the Seas in Singapore, also known as Cruise to Nowhere. It is basically a hospitality restarting program by the Singapore government with no ports of call. Strict restrictions are also put in place for the safety of the guests.


  I’ve booked a Junior Suite (J4) for me and my wife. The price displayed on the RC’s booking website was SGD 1399pp for 4-nights before pre-paid gratuities and port taxes. There wasn’t any other suite options left for booking, which I presumed was fully booked.


  Almost immediately after completing the reservation transaction, I received the RoyalUP email, and invited me to place a bid to a higher room category. Even though I could clearly see that none of the higher suite categories were available for booking, I still decided to give it a try at bidding for RoyalUp.


  Long story short, I placed bids on all categories, ranging from Grand Suite to Royal Loft Suite and kind of forgot about the whole RoyalUp thing. 


  Until around 24 hours before the sailing, I received an email saying that my bid for a Grand Loft Suite was successful. My bid amount was SGD 1210 per person hence SGD 2420 was charged to my credit card on file immediately.

 





  In general, I paid about $2710 per person ($1399 (JS) +$1210 (RoyalUp) +$100 taxes and pre-paid gratuities)


  I’ve checked the price of a Grand Loft Suite on a different sailing date, and it cost around SGD 5400 per person and before taxes. Which means, I’ve gotten nearly a 50% off the original price.

 
From Junior Suite to Grand Loft Suite is a big jump. In terms of Royal Suite class, it was upgraded from Sea Class to Star Class.


 
At this point, I was very excited! But at the same time, I have a lot questions that needs answers to.


 
To be honest, even with a “huge discount”, SGD 2710 (SGD 5k+ for 2 people) is almost double the original budget hence to me, it is still a lot of money to fork out for a 4-day vacation.


 
As we know, Grand Loft Suite is a Star Class suite and it is practically All-Inclusive such as free specialty dining, deluxe beverage package, internet package etc and it comes with a Royal Genie.


 
So naturally, some questions flashes through my mind, and since it was an upgrade through RoyalUP:


 
“Am I going to get a Royal Genie as well?”

“Will I be treated differently in terms of services than those guests who paid the original price?”

“How about the things I’ve pre-paid on Cruise Planner such as beverage package and internet package since my suite already includes all those packages?”


I’ve tried searching for answers on the internet but I couldn’t find any.


However, after I’ve completed my sailing, I kind of gotten all the answers I needed.


So now, I’m going share them with you guys.


My very own set of FAQs:

Q: Am I going to get Royal Genie as well?

A: Yes! Even though I gotten the upgrade 1 day before the sailing, the Royal Genie got in touch with me via WhatsApp on the morning of the sailing and she already took the liberty to arrange all the activities for us! She already pre-booked all the shows, specialty dinning and some activities such as iFly and Flow Rider. And she was extremely flexible and accommodating on all our requests to change meal timings, shows timings. All you need to do is just let her know your preference and leave everything to her.


 

 
Q: Will I be treated differently in terms of services compared to those guests who paid the original price?

A: Not at all. From my observations, only 2 groups of service crews knew you are an “upgrader”. They are the Royal Genie, and the cruise terminal staff. Usually, Genie will contact you 1 month before your sailing to get to know you better. However, she does know that you are an upgrader since she contacted you just 1 day before the sailing, not the usual 1 month. As for the cruise terminal staff, our information was given to them by the cruise line at the very last minute hence our information was “hand-written” on their paper. They did “congratulate” us on the successful upgrade by the Cruise Line which is why I knew they knew we were an upgrader. Nevertheless, they escorted from the moment we reached the terminal until being handed over to the Royal Genie. Very good service rendered.


 
 Q: How about the things I’ve pre-paid on Cruise Planner such as beverage package and internet package since my suite already includes all those packages 

A: They will be refunded to you and the Royal Genie made sure of that. It will be under “refundable” onboard credit and you can requested to get them in cash on the last night of the cruise. Otherwise, it will be refunded to your credit card.


 
Q: How about my SeaPass card? Will I be recognized as a Star-Class guest?

A: You will be identified as a Star Class guest on your SeaPass card, not the original room category that you were booked on.


 
Q: Do I get the same perks and benefit listed under Star-Class suite even though I’m an upgrader?

A: Yes! Complementary Dining Package, Beverage package, internet package, complementary mini-bar for the whole cruise with replenishment daily, complementary room-service, complementary laundry (I don’t think they set a limit on the quantity of clothes). For Izumi, there is no limit in terms of the amount you can order. If you have a Ultimate Dining Package, I believe per meal you will get USD35 credit per person for Izumi as it is based on A-la-carte pricing. But for Star-Class, there is no limit on that. The wait staff made it known to you before you order.



Q: How about those chargeable activities?

A: For our sailing, the chargeable activities are iFly (~$40) and Northstar (~$20) and strictly by reservation only. However, with the help of our Genie, reservation was done before hand. There is no charges for Star-Class guest for these activities. However, you are only entitled to 1 free session for each of these 2 activities. If you would like to go for a second-time, you will have to pay the charges.


 
All other FAQs regarding Star-Class:

Q: Can Royal Genie fulfill all your requests?

A: Yes and No. I’d emphasize that your request must be reasonable. If you would like to change your dinner venue to another restaurant at the very last minute, you can kindly check with her. Most of the times it can be fulfilled. However, if the restaurant is full, she might suggest to change to an earlier or a later time for you. I’m not sure what kind of magic they have, but I’m definitely against them pulling out other guests from their original dining timing just to slot you in. Firstly, you are putting Genie in a difficult position, secondly, you are causing unhappiness to the affected guests. So I’d suggest to give the Genie some leeway. Do not force you request onto them. If it can be done in a gentle way, go ahead. If not, please do not force or blame them.

 
Q: Do I need to tip the Royal Genie?

A: Absolutely. They are not a receiver of the automatically gratuity system on board. Hence, the tips relies solely on you. Royal Genie is not just a regular butler, they are there to learn about you and make arrangements for you which you didn’t even think of.

My wife somehow mentioned to the Genie that this is our 2nd anniversary trip when we were casually chatting. (but did not mention in details). The Genie caught it and arranged for a surprise decoration and cake in the room for us. My wife and I were surprised as initially, we really can’t figure out how she knew about our anniversary. It is only when we tried to recall every single thing we said to the Genie, and realized that it must have slipped out of our mouth at certain point. Their attention to details are just simply unbelievable.

Hope this post is useful for whoever is looking for the same answers as I did.


Happy cruising!

While I've only sailed the larger Voyager, Freedom, Quantum, Oasis class of ships, I'd like to experience them all. My preference is the larger ships of course, even though I don't have a comparison never sailing a smaller ship. Reviewing the floor plan and YouTube videos I see enough to deduce while it would be an awesome and intimate experience (with the sea - and those I'm sailing with - friends, family, etc) I'd be in it more for the itinerary than ship. To me, the larger ships are part of the destination.

I like the larger ships…more to see and do…lots going on. Also, I’m not much for excursions anymore. Lots of time spent getting organized and then coming and going. Been there, done that. But I really like itineraries with multiple ports because I like the feel of having the ship to myself while most passengers are gone for the day.
But a big part for me is the convenience. All of my cruises are sailing from Port Liberty in Bayonne NJ, an easy drive from my home. Luckily, we have the Oasis in Sept and Oct and then the Anthem for the rest of the year into next spring. 

I have no issue with any Royal ship.  Even those that recently left the fleet were good enough for me.  However it really depends what you are seeking.
I don't need zip lines and bumper cars to have a great cruise.  I can have a great cruise with just the basic or core essentials - pool, buffet, hot tub, casino, theater, salt air, wind on my nearly hairless head.   Some people are looking for the latest whiz bang and there is nothing wrong with that, that's what they seek.  
Just this week I booked the now oldest ships in the fleet because there are some stellar itineraries that the newer ships just don't do.   If you seek more diverse itineraries then those older ships are perfect.  
Put me on a ship, any ship, and I'll have a great cruise.
So it all depends on what you are seeking and what your expectations are.

My ongoing joke that people fall for every time. "I'm wearing my speedo bathing suit for boarding." I get all the DO IT, NO YOU WILL NOT, etc, etc... I have a pair of speedo BRAND bathing suit, but it's of regular size leaving EVERYTHING to the imagination, as it should be :). LOL.

My ongoing joke that people fall for every time. "I'm wearing my speedo bathing suit for boarding." I get all the DO IT, NO YOU WILL NOT, etc, etc... I have a pair of speedo BRAND bathing suit, but it's of regular size leaving EVERYTHING to the imagination, as it should be :). LOL.

You and my wife must be talking. I am not allows to wear my speedo out either, although at our last quest the speedos and socks was all I was left with at the end, LOL