VillainsGin

For tipping the ports do I tip right there and then as they take our bags or after the service is complete?

We both plan on bringing our passport book and printing out 2 sets of hard copies of all reservations and booking. We've also taken pictures of all pertinent information and booking on both our phones. Are we good on documentations and back ups or is there something else I've missed? Thank you!

Aside from private hours isn't there also a fast line for "the key" members throughout the entire cruise for these events? I thought that was worth it but I'm not sure if that's true or not anymore.

not related but im from cali going on my first cruise in several weeks, hi!

Hello Everyone, I've been on this blog for several months now so i'm still considered fairly new to this community. This has been an absolutely blessing with all the helpful & kind members to the plethora of information! My cruise has finally come to fruition after a decade of day dreaming! I am 19 days away! I will be sailing on Symphony of the Seas with Ocean View Balcony 7 days. (I have never left California, flown an airline, or cruised before) I've bought my S/O a osmo pocket because she was inspired to be a travel vlogger after being inspired by all the youtube videos. (smh) We have a connecting flight from CA -> TX -> FL the night before the cruise and have a hotel booked for the night. Return flight is also connecting from FL -> AZ - > FL Sailing on the 4th. My Question: Is there any tips/advice/suggestions/warnings for my journey from land to sea?

A friend of mine who is an experience cruiser gave me some tips on my cruise which is less than 30 days away! He told me to be careful with the porters who takes your bags for you as you arrive at the cruise port. This happened to him only once but he told me someone pretended to be a porter even with the proper looking attire/uniform helping guest with luggages. Only to find out he was never an employee and he loaded it onto a van his accomplice was driving and then unloads all the stolen lugagge and come back if it was safe. This will be my first time ever traveling and going on a cruise, I've never left california. I'm going on the Symphony of the Seas so I'll be flying to Florida. I guess the question is: Anyone have any tips or advice on how to properly identify porters and best way to get your lugagge from one place to another place safely/correctly? Also includes airports as well too while i'm at it.

I better start locking all my chocolates bars then.

Could you elaborate on #1? Do we drop our luggage and check in all at the same time or do you have to check in after you drop luggage? I heard about flight reservations being done online, no idea what that means as well. Is that the same as checking in? I have 1 connecting flight so it goes from CA--> AZ--> FL. Do I have to check in at every port and do they give me enough time to get onto the next plan when we connect flights? thanks in advance!

are any of these water proof if you also wanted to take it into the ocean during excursions or water play?

When i was 6 months away from sail date it felt "fake/unreal" BUT now i'm starting to receive my set sail pass, luggage tags, etc and i'm freaking out. My goal for this post is to ask the community for suggestions and tips especially with black friday coming around the corner. Does anyone have a shopping list of any and all items you have or suggest I buy for the cruise? So far I have water shoes, luggage tags, sunblock, thinking about some sort of portable lockbox for personal belongings, and cruise apparel. I'm in a bit of a stump and drawing blanks on what to do in general as well. I sail in about 30 days I believe so I want to start ordering everything ahead of time in case anything happens I have no buffer. Also if you guys know the process of flying from Los Angeles, CA to Florida. (never flown before) Any airports do's and don'ts Much appreciated! <3

Use Kelley Hardy! I booked my very first cruise with my very first TA. Both have not disappointed!

I'm on Jan 4th literally debarking the same day you're embarking!

I like how you dodged the question and request for your source of allure coming to Texas. Going to disregard as bait click until otherwise

when you win some you dim sum. *mic drop*

too bad casinos defies math, science, logic, and perhaps physics.

wait you guys are winning?! That was an option!?

I think carnival attracts a majority of a certain median household that is more price aggressive compared royal caribbean. Although you know what you're getting when you go with RCI every single time and consistent!

We have many carnival ships within 30 minutes of me but i rather fly all the way to Florida from California for royal caribbean. Loyal to Royal!

Those are definitely some very helpful advice i'm going to do some research on, thank you! We're on Jan 4th!!!! Which will come extremely quick since thanksgiving and christmas are right behind!

Similar to being able to take memories/experiences to the grave with you but not your materialistic items.

I avoid LAX with all my existence! We were lucky to get flights out of ONT or john wayne.

hail brood queen

This have to be a forbidden or banned card for sure. Way too OP