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RCIDreamer96

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  1. Like
    RCIDreamer96 reacted to Ampurp85 in Feeling Discouraged....   
    There is what you're supposed to do and what you are comfortable doing when it comes to tipping. RCC alleviates some of the stress by allowing you to prepay gratuity and adding it into all services. I always tip a bit extra, not because I feel guilt or obligation but because I feel the service warranted it. I am low maintenance but I appreciate not having to make my bed and tidy up for however long I am on the cruise. I have work associates who like to over tip for the 'gram/culture/narcissism. Those same people often go home upset at how much debt they are in. No one knows your situation, so do exactly what you feel comfortable doing, they appreciate it either way.
  2. Like
    RCIDreamer96 got a reaction from shaydav19 in Bringing beverages on board   
    I brought two Coke Zeroes and two bottles of wine on my last cruise, but Matt is right you can bring 10!
  3. Like
    RCIDreamer96 reacted to Matt in Bringing beverages on board   
    You are allowed 10 bottles of non-alcoholic beverages per stateroom, in addition to the two bottles of wine per stateroom.
    So you could bring water or soda, but not 24 total.
  4. Like
    RCIDreamer96 got a reaction from Cruisin' Queen in Feeling Discouraged....   
    The only time I did not tip was because, honestly, I completely forgot. But, don't feel bad- tipping was a choice I made but not everyone does. Many people do not even tip because they prepay gratuities. $50-$100 total is extremely generous, but $50-$100 PER NIGHT reaches into outlandish territory (I'm not even sure if crew members could accept a tip this large, so I have a hard time believing that this person was being truthful)
  5. Like
    RCIDreamer96 reacted to SPS in Oasis of the seas balcony cabin on Deck 7 or 8?   
    I can't speak of the decks themselves, but, personally, I like to pick cabins AWAY from elevators and stairways just for the sake of noise intrusions that may occur.
    I need the extra bit of exercise anyway!
  6. Like
    RCIDreamer96 got a reaction from sk8erguy1978 in Feeling Discouraged....   
    The only time I did not tip was because, honestly, I completely forgot. But, don't feel bad- tipping was a choice I made but not everyone does. Many people do not even tip because they prepay gratuities. $50-$100 total is extremely generous, but $50-$100 PER NIGHT reaches into outlandish territory (I'm not even sure if crew members could accept a tip this large, so I have a hard time believing that this person was being truthful)
  7. Love
    RCIDreamer96 got a reaction from kittysoul in Feeling Discouraged....   
    The only time I did not tip was because, honestly, I completely forgot. But, don't feel bad- tipping was a choice I made but not everyone does. Many people do not even tip because they prepay gratuities. $50-$100 total is extremely generous, but $50-$100 PER NIGHT reaches into outlandish territory (I'm not even sure if crew members could accept a tip this large, so I have a hard time believing that this person was being truthful)
  8. Like
    RCIDreamer96 got a reaction from Ogilthorpe in Feeling Discouraged....   
    The only time I did not tip was because, honestly, I completely forgot. But, don't feel bad- tipping was a choice I made but not everyone does. Many people do not even tip because they prepay gratuities. $50-$100 total is extremely generous, but $50-$100 PER NIGHT reaches into outlandish territory (I'm not even sure if crew members could accept a tip this large, so I have a hard time believing that this person was being truthful)
  9. Like
    RCIDreamer96 got a reaction from Neesa in Clearing customs in Port Canaveral   
    I agree with @Neesa. My sister in law lives in Orlando and traffic is the number one reason we can't see her if we're down there for cruising. Definitely would not make that drive, and with the expenses of gas and a rental, it may be more worthwhile to meet them in the middle or they come to you if they wish. 
     
    Safe cruising!
  10. Like
    RCIDreamer96 reacted to PRebecca in Drink Package and Refreshment Package pricing   
    Not at all, May 11th, 2020 (87 days!!) on Independence.
  11. Like
    RCIDreamer96 reacted to Neesa in Clearing customs in Port Canaveral   
    @dodgestang, Unless your family would be so kind as to drive to the Orlando area I would not consider doing that drive. We have so much traffic here, just one construction site, one fender bender you chance missing the ship. I literally was stressed just thinking about it. Our roads are even more congested as the snow birds are here, please don't even consider driving north and back, the stress would be palatable. Maybe they would consider meeting you. Just my very humble opinion. Safe travels whatever you decide.
  12. Like
    RCIDreamer96 reacted to Ron Rico in Honeymoon- any tips for first time on Harmony?   
    Congratulations!
    You will really enjoy the Harmony (and Captain Johnny if he's there - depending on his schedule).
    We did this itinerary last May. In Roatan, we did an excursion through Royal Caribbean - snorkeling with Jolly Rogers! It was by far the BEST excursion we have ever done. Roatan has the second largest barrier reef (next to Australia), so the sights under the water are magnificent! We swam over a cliff and honest to God it felt like you were going to fall off (lol), but the beautiful sights were nothing like I have ever seen before (coral, fish, etc.). After snorkeling, they fed us grilled chicken, rice, pasta salad and watermelon along with an open bar (Nice!). One of the crew members mom made all the food and it was delicious! Overall, that experience was fantastic. We have snorkeled other places since, but nothing compares to Roatan (IMO). 
    Whatever you do, just remember to have fun!  :)
     
  13. Love
    RCIDreamer96 reacted to arebee in Honeymoon- any tips for first time on Harmony?   
    Make sure you reserve any shows that need reservations.  The escape room is fun.  I recommend the Dog House on the boardwalk.
  14. Love
    RCIDreamer96 reacted to Matt in Honeymoon- any tips for first time on Harmony?   
    Depends how much more a balcony is, but money saved on a room = more money for other fun.
    Cozumel: 
     
     
  15. Like
    RCIDreamer96 reacted to Vancity Cruiser in Honeymoon- any tips for first time on Harmony?   
    My wife and I honeymooned on Oasis back in 2017 and it was awesome!!!! Central park is amazing. We book now book cabins toward the rear on deck 8 when we cruise Oasis class just to make it easier to stroll through central park every night on the way to dinner. It sounds like you have great excursions booked so I my only advice would be to book your onboard shows as early as possible. Try to see them all including the aqua and ice shows as Oasis class entertainment is second to none. Enjoy and CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!
  16. Like
    RCIDreamer96 reacted to Peachykeen in Honeymoon- any tips for first time on Harmony?   
    I think a great couples retreat in Cozumel is the Nachi Cocom Cozumel beach club. It's a quiet, all-inclusive but affordable, beach break. It's also an easy taxi ride from the ship so totally doable on your own.
  17. Like
    RCIDreamer96 reacted to WanderPam in Honeymoon- any tips for first time on Harmony?   
    We just cruised on Harmony last week. We originally had an interior but upgraded to a balcony because it came down in price but I don't think it was necessary since we were rarely in the room. I agree with the Central Park recommendation, we spent a lovely hour with a glass of wine watching the amazing guitar player one evening he was fantastic. If you don't want to pay for specialty dining (we didn't) make a reservation one night at Solarium Bistro. Its such a beautiful setting to watch the sunset while you dine. Let them know it is your honeymoon. We went on Explorer of the seas for ours and they arranged a lunch for the honeymooners in the main dining room that was so delicious. The carousel in the evening is also a sweet way to spend a few minutes. If you are at all interested book the Escape Room. It was challenging and SO MUCH FUN!
    We did the same itinerary as you but had to skip Costa Maya due to high seas. We had booked the Chacchoben ruins and Lagoon tour with Native Choice it seemed like it would be a really great day. If you like ziplining we had a really fun excursion in Roatan ziplining and playing with the monkeys in Gumbalimba Park
  18. Love
    RCIDreamer96 reacted to Fairlynew in Honeymoon- any tips for first time on Harmony?   
    Central Park is a beautiful and romantic place.  Make sure you take a nighttime stroll through there.
  19. Love
    RCIDreamer96 reacted to Mrs. Thomas in Honeymoon- any tips for first time on Harmony?   
    Went on the Allure for my honeymoon. It is Oasis class as well. They are wonderful ships with lots to do. The shows are wonderful! My #1 thing I would say to do is find some time to just sit on the beach and relax and do nothing for a few hours. Take it all in. Don't get preoccupied with trying to do too much. The best day we had was when we just sat on the beach under an umbrella holding hands. I wish you the best and smooth sailing!
  20. Like
    RCIDreamer96 reacted to Matt in Any Recommendations for first time Labadee?   
    I recommend Columbus Cove for the best beach option. Least crowded and also not too rocky.
    If you want to splurge, I love their cabanas.
  21. Like
    RCIDreamer96 reacted to ChessE4 in Any Recommendations for first time Labadee?   
    We like the cove with the swimming area -- you can even snorkel off the beach, but there's not much.  We enjoy shopping in the fixed price store.  The road between beaches is full of vendors who love to barter, if you like that.  Mostly, we just look at their hand-made items.
  22. Like
    RCIDreamer96 reacted to PRebecca in Any Recommendations for first time Labadee?   
    Hey I'm that cruise with you!! First time at Labadee for us too! We are going to Amiga Island for this sailing and getting a cabana for November. That could change- but it's what we have scheduled for now.
     
    We booked this as a total R&R trip.
     
    This doesn't at all answer your question (sorry) but surely someone will ? Happy sailing!
  23. Like
    RCIDreamer96 got a reaction from Baked Alaska in Honeymoon- any tips for first time on Harmony?   
    Thank you! I definitely made sure it will be a king ?
  24. Like
    RCIDreamer96 got a reaction from Mrs. Thomas in Royal Caribbean App   
    Yes! I use it every time I cruise even though I never purchase the WiFi package- great way to stay informed about the ship and unplug at the same time !
    Safe cruising,
  25. Like
    RCIDreamer96 reacted to Traveler in Tips to avoid norovirus on a cruise ship   
    We all know Norovirus incidents can happen from time to time on a cruise ship.
    Although such outbreak can happen (and happen) many time on land in offices, schools , summer camps, army bases and many other crowded places ,  when it happens on a cruise ship it seems to get much more attention.
    As I was disembark lately from Independence Of The Seas which suffered from such Norovirus outbreak (330 people were reported suffered from it) I can tell you the reality is much different from what is reported in the media, in fact if we would not been told the outbreak happened we might even not notice it (beside mostly the buffet that went to hand serving).
    I think RC were doing very good job handing it without impacting dramatically the cruise experience.
    Nevertheless I thought it will be a good idea to give some easy to use rules/tips to avoid such cases
    I am sure people have more advises so feel free to add them here.
     
    Before an outbreak:
    1.       Use the sanitize gel whenever you can, not just the one near the food outlets , if you can wash your hands its better.
    2.       Use the gel not just for your hands but also from time to time to on your sea pass card (think how many people are touching it …) and even on your shoe laces.
    3.       If it is available, use the Wow band, it will reduce the risk which is describe in number 2.
    4.       When order drink from the bar , avoid eating the fruit  decorations which, too many times they are prepared very early in the morning  and are not being refrigerated , some time they are handled by the bartender with the same hands he is handling the sea pass cards …
    5.       At the WJ , even if you use the gel and washed your hand before avoid touching the food from your plate using your hands. Although your hands might be cleaned it might be that a  other person  standing before you did not clean his hands and you are using the same tong he touched a minute before.
    6.       In the buffet try avoid children food station, such has the French fries, I saw many times child  taking food with his hands and even worse, put it back to the tray.
    If you want to take such food , try to take it from the far side of the tray …
    7.       Elevator buttons are problematic … use your knuckle to push the buttons (you will not touch your face with you knuckle so its better).
    8.       Bring your own gel and use it on the remote control/light switch/door handle and the phone at the first day. Yes most of the chance it was disinfected before but it takes 5 minutes and can help in the rare cases someone forgot to do it.
    9.       Be very careful around the ice cream machine , if it is not handled by a crew member make sure you are using napkin to take the waffle and do not touch it with the same hand you use for the ice cream handle.
    10.   When you are at shore (in a non US/W Europe) avoid drinks with ice from vendors you do not know, many times the ice can be made out of regular not treated water.
    11.   If you fill your water bottle use a cup to fill it , never fill it directly from the water dispenser/tank/fountain.
     
    After the outbreak:
     
    1.       Avoid the WJ/any buffet style restaurant – go to the MDR or special restaurant were only who should touch the food touch it.
    2.       Avoid water fountain, although it might cost more use bottle waters.
    3.       In the elevator do not press the infirmary button  floor (usually 1) , if you need , use a napkin or something else.
    4.       Try to avoid elevator for short rides, use the stairs.
    5.       Avoid touching your face with your hands.
    6.       Try to avoid public bathrooms.
     
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