DMLM

First, enjoy your first cruise!  I expect you will love it and become addicted like the rest of us.

I agree with Bakerette.  I have been on around 14 cruises and always attach a credit card to the seapass account and have not been charged a pre authorization.  We are not really big spenders on the account, and with the OBC we have had,  we typically only have a charge in full at the end of the cruise.

We also have the Royal Caribbean Visa and use that to get double the points for more OBC.  We only use the card for Royal Cruises.  No annual fee so it works for us.

D 

Our first cruise was on the Monarch of the Seas.  Everything was wonderful as it was our first international trip together and also our first time in the Caribbean.  One of the funniest things I remember back on that ship was Sumu wrestling in the lounge with the inflatable suits.  It was a very funny event and I have never seen it since (13 cruises since).

D

My family to include two teenage kids (b/g) did the Dunns river + tubing last time we were there.  The family enjoyed all of it but were mixed on which part they liked best.  Either way all of us indicated we would do it again and it was awesome to experience the falls again with the kids since we did it pre kids.  The walk on the falls was not too bad and there were different routes so you can go with the route that is best suited for you.

A piece of advice.  You will be hounded to buy the CD, souvenirs, and beverages.  From the time you arrive at Dunns river until the bus departs.  We bought the CD and while it was nice it was really poor quality and not cheap.  Bring a go pro instead.  I wish I had done that.

D

We stayed at the Embassy Suites in Elizabeth.  The commute in the morning to the pier was not bad (around 20 minutes).  Hotel was clean, friendly, and also had breakfast.  On the same street they have two other hotels (Country Inn and the residence Inn).  I know there is also a Ruby Tuesday across the street.  Perhaps not the best choice but local.  Not sure about any parking as we took the free airport shuttle from EWR and then a car service (Dial 7) to the port.

Good luck!  

D 

It is always so exciting to be leaving for a cruise.  I'm a bit jealous :-)

We have not been on Symphony but we wish you a fantastic trip.  Please make sure you share some of your tips and exciting experiences.

D

I used a car service to Cape Liberty and to Newark Airport that I believe handles the majority of Metro NY.  I'm guessing they would be able to get you to LaGuardia and be reasonable considering the amount of adults and luggage.  The name of the company is Dial 7.  I learned about them on another site and used them in July of this year.  They were very good at communication, showed up on time, and most importantly safe during the trip.

D

I have never been to Mr. Sanchos but was also researching it.  I have read on various boards that credit card security is potentially an issue.  They suggested to watch the activity on the card and also to use either a rechargeable Visa or cash.  There were also comments regarding crowds.

i have not made my decision but wanted to share in the event you have not seen those comments yet.  Good luck and enjoy whatever you choose!

Happy sailing!

D

Happy sailing!  

16 hours ago, MicDay said:

LEAVING FROM:Barcelona, Spain onboard Allure of the Seas

VISITING:| Palma de Mallorca | Provence (Marseilles) | Florence/Pisa (La Spezia) | Rome (Civitavecchia) | Naples (Capri) |

We sailed to Rome and Florence last year and specifically used the cruise excursions in those ports since the sights were far.   We were happy we did as the trip in Rome barely got back to the ship in time.  Experience was awesome and worth the extra in both cases.

D

I have only traveled on RCCL and have been to Europe twice with them.  The ships were on the smaller size (Vision Class) but the experiences were fantastic.  The crew really were amazing, the Diamond Lounge was cozy with the staff getting to know us and our preferred drinks.  We will absolutely sail with RCCL in Europe again!

D

We had already paid in full and wanted to try MEI.  Our agent informed me it would be denied but she would be able to get it transferred.  A few days later I was informed it was transferred to MEI despite the email I received three days earlier.

Keep the faith and good luck!

D

There are certain aromatic experiences that make me happy on a cruise.  Visit the Schooner Bar and smell the rope oil.  That bar is my favorite as a result.  The Smell of a coconut/pineapple shampoo was another one.  Although, the shampoo was from many years ago.  

There are several visual experiences also.  We enjoy sitting in the Viking Crown Lounge when it is quiet to have a great view.  Our balcony at sunset or sunrise.  

Happy sailing!

D

We have always eaten dinner in the MDR and have enjoyed it so far (14 cruises).  I'm sure the specialty dining is very good but we have not been disappointed in the MDR so have not felt the need to partake.  I'm sure you will enjoy whatever you choose to do.

D

The other nice thing about a JS for families with small kids is the bathtub.  that is what got us started on the JS.  My little kids at the time really enjoyed the bath and we enjoyed the room size/double points.  It worked out well. 

D

I'm traveling on Adventure in July 2020 and the Cabana's are listed and still available.  We have never booked a cabana and have not decided to do it on this cruise yet either.  We have found that there are shaded areas on the beach as well (if you get there early enough) so it comes down to the investment/benefit for us.  However, we are still debating if we get one on this upcoming cruise.

I would keep an eye on availability but sorry to say I suspect they are gone for your cruise.  Hopefully it is just a timing thing.

D

I have never done a cruise on a ship for the holidays but have traveled with small kids over the holidays in the past.  What we chose to do was bring a gift (or two) from Santa and a note from Santa indicating that he dropped the rest at home so that they could enjoy them upon their return.  My kids loved it as they felt it was like having Christmas twice.

D

My family and I have been to Cozumel so many times and are looking for something new.  We saw a place called Paradise Beach and thought it might be a good spot to try.  Kids are teenagers and e typically do not drink too heavily.  We could go for a yard though :-).    Anyone ever been and how is it in December?  Any tips/suggestions?

D

I used to not buy cruise insurance when my wife and I were younger and the kids little.  Now my kids are teenagers and we are not getting any younger.  My fear is not so much about trip interruption or lost bags (although hat would not be good) but rather the medical side of things (like transportation).  I thankfully have not had to deal with it but you just never know and I hear that it can become very expensive on a cruise.  As a result we have bought insurance the last few cruises and just bought it again for the next one (even though we will be driving to the port).  We have been purchasing from llianz Global Assist.

I know this will be a mixed bag of views but curious if there are others who do the same and if they are using Allianz Prime?

Thanks.

D

I would say the shopping is far more commercialized/organized from 20 years ago.  Back then you really could find the bargain but now the prices seem consistent among the islands.  I also agree with ChessE4 as I have found the prices are getting to be the same as home or sometimes more. 

D

22 hours ago, MO & LO on the go! said:

Just wanted to say hello to everyone!  We are new here....but not to cruising Royal.  We have our 10th Royal cruise coming up in February '20 on a 9 night to the ABC islands.  We are Diamond C&A members!  We hope to be able to help others out from our experiences and get help from others from theirs!  We love talking cruising since it's the best type of vacation there is!!!  We have taken videos and photos of lots of our adventures while cruising and will try to share those as appropriate.  Again hello and hope to get to know some fellow Royal travelers!  Royal is the BEST!      

Welcome.  we are new to this group as well and just obtained diamond +.  I have enjoyed the site so far and have found the people friendly/helpful.  Welcome from one site newbie to another!

D

Damian 

Our first was on Monarch and the DW and I went back on her just before they moved her to Pullmantur.  We loved that ship and we saw her when we were in Europe.  We have also been on Legend and that was good as well.    I guess the ships help make it sentimental but the experience makes the memory. 

19 hours ago, Nikkoo said:

6 days into our first ever cruise and we have booked our next with plans for 2 more before we go on that one. 

 

Addicted!!

 

Thanks to everybody for helping us make this leap!

 

Nikkoo

Wait until you get off.  My last cruise was in July and I have been looking at different cruise videos, blogs, and the Royal website every day since.

Welcome to the addiction, you are in good company!

You will need photo identification to first board the ship.  We have always used a passport to do that so not sure if a drivers license will be acceptable (perhaps it is). 

I was in Labadee (another private island for Royal) and they did not require any photo id to get back on the ship other than the seapass card.  I would imagine Coco Cay is the same but not sure.  Hopefully someone has been on a similar cruise and can confirm.  You could also check and see what is acceptable forms of id for getting on the cruise itself as I would imagine there is no need.

D 

A bit of a funny story regarding irons (at least it was funny for my wife).  Not suggesting anything here but wanted to share as you might get a kick out of it.

We have been cruising now for over 20 years and back when we started we use to pack a travel iron.  It was nice and compact while doing a pretty good job in getting most of the travel wrinkles out.  As the years passed (and several cruises as well), Royal became more vocal on the prohibition of those type of devices.  At the time we did not really have an appreciation for the risk associated with them on a ship but rather figured they just wanted to sell more services. 

We are not the type to really break any rules but are not perfect by any stretch of the imagination.  We were going on our cruise and packed our garment bag at the time as we always did.  We arrived at the ship and dropped off the bags with the luggage valet (as everyone always does), and proceeded to the ship.  We spent the day as we usually do and went to the room to get ready for dinner.  Everything was going as it always did and we were in the relax mode already.  All was good until we looked for the bags in the hall and noticed that the garment bag was not there.

Since we were sailing and it was well past the time to get bags to the rooms i elected to call guest services to inquire.  Guest services then transferred me to security.  Security got on the phone and said they had my bag and I needed to go down to deck 2 and see them.  No real explanation so I now start to grow concerned.  I tell my wife and off I go.

When I get to security and tell them who I am they bring my bag over.  I immediately indicate it is my bag and was relieved it was there.  The security guard then asks me if I have any contraband.  What?  My mind is racing and I'm thinking someone stuck drugs in my bag or something and this is it for me.  I responded with a very firm no, and thinking the worst, I then looked around to see if there were any gloves nearby.  I was happy to see there were none.  They asked me again if I had contraband and I said no, you can look if you want. They quickly open the bag (as if they already knew what was there and where it was), and pulled out the travel iron.  I immediately tell them what it is and feel relieved that it was not what I feared.  They proceed to educate me politely, retain the iron for the remainder of the cruise, and give me my bag.  What a story to tell my wife.

The following year we cruise again and low and behold it happened again.  What is this woman doing to me?  She just was in the habit of storing the travel iron in the bag and forgot to remove it.  At that point I told the cruise to throw it out!  Happy to report we are now about a decade free of contraband searches and I'm still married to my lovely bride :-)

It has been a long time since I booked a #GTY but I recall they will email you in advance.  That email will likely be close to the cruise as they will continue to try and maximize their bookings.  I recall I was actually upgraded once a few cruises back and I was notified a few days before and had to reprint my luggage tags.  That was a hard thing to do :-)

Good luck and enjoy!

D