MikeSD

Deck 8 all the way for Central Park. Also try to get on the hump for more balcony space. Not a fan of connecting rooms.

Check out the RC smoking policy under the RC FAQs: RC Smoking Policy (FAQ)

18 days until sailing (7-day) and the prices for Beverage and Voom have all increased above pre-Black Friday pricing Deluxe Bev = $60 Refresher Bev = $27.99 Voom Surf & Stream = $17.99 Voom Surf = $13.99 Not seeing any changes on excursions.

Renting a Jeep for a self excursion in Cozumel. Finding a nice secludes spot for some snorkeling only to come back to find all our stuff including jeep stolen. Boy was that stupid, but we were young, in love, and CLUELESS, LOLing at myself.

Also, keep in mind RC is trying to maximize their profits. So once the ship is near capacity they still want to get some extra $$ via Royal Up to free up lower cost rooms for last minute buyers. The only way I've heard of people knowing their room # well ahead of sailing date is if they purchase or upgrade to specific rooms (such as $$ suites).

Nothing (my sail date is less then 30 days). All the changes I saw happened just before Thanksgiving week and most were changes back from recent price hikes. Really a bummer and just goes to show you should purchase as soon as you can and then adjust when you see lower prices.

Think of it as a typical mid-range Hotel --> bar hand soap, shower dispenser for soap, shampoo & conditioner, box of facial tissue, couple rolls of TP, etc . If you want more of anything, ask your room attendant as soon as you see them. I usually ask for a couple of additional towels.

Yea, not a fan of the bar code approach. Keep in mind, RC and Travel Agents are going to be pushing to fill the cruise, and obviously the lesser expensive rooms are usually easier to sell especially as the sailing date gets closer. This means they might bump people up (i.e. deck, location, and even room type) who purchased rooms earlier to make room for the new reservations. RC is trying to maximize profits, so by not giving you a room # give them the freedom to shift things around. Plus if you get bumped it feels like a bonus even though you did not know where you were originally. The only way I've seen getting room # earlier is when you actually purchase a specific room (i.e. suites) or upgrade. I upgrade my GTY stateroom ~75 days out to a JR Suit directly thru RC and the agent gave me a choice of 2 rooms, so I knew the exact room# and it was listed on my receipt.

I've been using the 6-port Anker. I use this for my at home charging and have a 2nd one for travel (and eventual replacement). Had both of these for +2 years with no problems. Even taken internationally with adapter. I like that it has a 5ft cable to allow you to move it away from the clutter on tables or move it closer to a table depending on where outlets are. The 6-ports is great as I have to accommodate charging for my wife & kids. Always suggest switching everything to airplane mode for fast charging. https://smile.amazon.com/Anker-Charger-PowerPort-iPhone-Galaxy/dp/B00P936188/ref=sr_1_6?crid=WJ3PTKUGQ943&keywords=anker+usb+hub&qid=1575260121&sprefix=anker%2Caps%2C203&sr=8-6

I believe people have recommended the Surf & Stream ($$ Voom version) for apps like FaceTime.

This is a known problem. Check other discussion threads for resolution as this has nothing to do with Black Friday sales. Its either your cache (clear it or use a different browser/device) or call RC to get them to re-activate your login account. Now back to Black Friday . . . . .

Bummer and I do agree that it would be nice if RC made it more clear that the perks are tied to the particular stateroom and not the booking. I believe they are giving perks to both Boardwalk and Central Park balconies to alleviate the potential "noise" and lack of privacy.

@Eddieb33we hear your pain, but there is not much we can offer you other then what you've already done. If you're looking for someone who might have experienced something similar so you can connect, then I wish you luck. If you are here to vent, then this may not be the best forum. We are a happy bunch getting excited for our upcoming cruises. Hppy sailing everyone.

On Xmas sailing for HOTS: Delux Package = $56 Refreshment Package = $17 Soda Package = $6.99 Voom Inet = $11.99 Room Inet & Stream = $15.99

I suggest looking on Youtube for people of have posted video tours of staterooms. There are plenty of them so just try to find the most current. From my observation the folks ongoing tase tours are pretty good about showing you the outlets, safe, refig, bathroom amenities, et. You can find various stateroom by deck on the RCI website. Just be sure to pay attention to when your ship had its last Reno as things do change, but usually for the better.

Wow, that just horrible and on your honeymoon to boot. There is not much we can do on this message board to help other then suggest you communicate your experience directly to RCI. Try to be patient with the Customer Service team and work your way up the management structure to where you get someone who can honestly give you some stratification (i.e. most likely in the form of RC credits). I had to do something similar with an airline. It took me several transfers to "a manager" until I got to the right person who was able to actually help. Good luck.

Congrats on your coming cruise. You can finds all sorts of tips on this discussion and Matt's Blog & PodCasts, so take some time to search around this site as the info is plentiful. I'd also suggest searching YouTube as well as there are a ton of video tours of your ship, possible even your stateroom, and some on tips for flying and cruising. Here's some links for things to pack: https://www.smartertravel.com/cruise-packing-list-what-to-pack-for-a-cruise/ https://www.amazon.com/shop/cruisetipstv?listId=35JH7HPNVL3F0

We got our rooms assignments on HOTS 45 days from sailing.

I think you are doing/did the right thing following up. Another suggest for those who run into this in the future is to do as you did and keep after them, second print the confirmations you received via email, twitter, etc. and finally check in with the concierge first thing on embarkation day. The more time and "proof" you provide them the more "power" you give them to accommodate you. Happy sailing ?️

I assume you are talking about emailing RC's C&A and not this message board. Sorry to hear, but I urge you to call the C&A # directly (800-526-9723). I've done this a few dozen time and rarely have to wait more then a minute or two. They are extremely helpful.

I'm going on HOTS (Oasis class) in Dec and the Deluxe price was at $56 for along time and with ~35 days from sail date it increased to $60. My advise is to book the Drink packages as soon as you can and then adjust until you get what you want or cancel all together. The only risk is that RC does take payment immediately so you might have quite a bit of cash tied up until you make your final decision.

We have a group of kids, ages 11-18. My understanding is that the kids under 14 need to be accompanied by older kids. For the parents without waterpark passes, is the waterpark area accessible to periodically walk through to checkin on the kids? I'm guessing the park is fenced off, so you need passes to enter, but want to check in case the slides, wave pool, etc. are where they check for pass. Thanks for your help.

I do not believe you can bring on your "normal" luggage (i.e. security scanning). Be sure to check the list of prohibited items on the cruise as this will delay and even require you to go collect your luggage towards the end of the day. If you are good cruise citizen your baggage should be in you room when it become available. Here's a link to the Guest Code of Conduct which include list of prohibited items: https://www.royalcaribbean.com/content/dam/royal/resources/pdf/guest-conduct-policy.pdf

Not sure, but I looked at some of the Cruise Compass from ships that port at Grand Cayman. Its seems that tendering starts at 7:30am or shortly after. There are some special consideration should you depart after 8am (need to get a ticket). I suggest looking at the Cruise Compass section on this board to find your ship and a recent cruise compass for a better idea. Below is one example from Adventure of the Seas: https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/cruise-compasses/adventure-of-the-seas/sun-2019-01-27-0000

I'd plan on sometime around 1pm. Most people recommend bring a carry-on bag with things to get you through the day. Try to relax and enjoy the day without the anxiety of having to get to your room.