recogneyes

16 hours ago, Kal said:

FYI

We are going on the Enchantment of the Seas (venice to Barcelona) 18 Sep 2023.

Booked shuttle from Venice Marco Polo (VCE) airport to Ravenna Cruise port from Royalcaribbean customer service: 1800 327 6700. $45 per person

They gave me 2 options: from VCE or Tranchetta city center. we chose the VCE shuttle departs at 11.30-12.30 pm 

Told location and directions will be in e-docs but the cruise receipt I received after payment did not have the details.

 

 

We sailed on Explorer last month and booked Royal's shuttle from Marco Polo.  Super easy to find - at the arrivals area you will see reps holding RCCL signs.  Approach and give your name and you will be put in a line up and then walked to the buses.  We were there for 11AM and boarded our bus shortly after.  There were lots of buses so I imagine this goes on for a good hour.  We stopped to stretch our legs and use the washroom if needed (bring euros to pay to use - less 1 euro).  Then we carried on to Ravenna - your luggage is taken from the bus right to the ship so make sure you put your luggage tags on before boarding the bus.  Enjoy your cruise!

4 hours ago, Lovetocruise2002 said:

I know there's more out there than this, but this is what we have on the most up to date list 

August 2023

3 - Sweety (Vision)

13 - Rackham (Allure)

20 - Waaaytooo (Mariner)

24 - Lovetocruise2002 (Liberty)

26 - Kimmy Anne (Mariner)

We are doing a B2B on Explorer 6th and 13th

15 hours ago, Jaylee said:

Ah thank you I thought there might have been a set schedule, it's quite late so I'll give them a call tomorrow.

Thanks 

We are sailing from Ravenna earlier in August and were told that there would only be one shuttle from Marco Polo to Ravenna on the day of the cruise and that it would leave between 11:30am - 12:30pm ($45pp). The City Centre option was at 9 or 11am or 12:30pm ($58pp). 

22 hours ago, Mary B said:

We did not. All my information on how to get to the ship has come from this forum! I have also since learned the reason they won't offer ground transportation from anywhere other than the airport for our specific cruise is because there is a Marathon taking place the day we board the ship. Now I'm really worried how we are going to get from Venice to Ravenna!

It is still a bit early so that letter could be coming - but assuming it's not it sounds like your only option would be to head back to the airport from the city centre to catch Royal's shuttle (unless you prefer to arrange your own transportation).  We have the option of both but are choosing to go back to the airport vs taking shuttle from tronchetta area.  I would suggest looking at Hyatt Centric Murano - they offer a water taxi from the airport to their property and then you can check in / or at least drop your luggage and take the water taxi into the heart of venice.  The morning of your cruise you can take the water taxi back to the airport.  I'm hoping things go smooth for us with this plan but we are looking forward to staying at this property and the reviews for location are really good.

15 hours ago, Mary B said:

I really wish they did provide this shuttle for us but they will not provide this for our cruise. I have called, messaged, and emailed and I have gotten the same answer 3 times. The only transportation that will provide is to/from the airports. Very frustrating especially since I see that they do provide this for other cruises.

Did you receive an email from Royal regarding transportation options?  We received ours a few months before our upcoming cruise and in the email it specifically outlines the two options and to contact Royal if interested in booking either.

2 hours ago, MLH said:

They provide a paid shuttle service from Tronchetto/Venice city center.  You have to call air to sea to book or have your travel agent book for you.

I can confirm this - we were given options for our August cruise both the day of the cruise: 1) from Marco Polo airport $45 pp or 2) from Venice city centre $58pp.  I spoke with someone at the regular RCCL booking number and while they initially said transportation is only from the airport, when I pushed back they put me on hold and came and confirmed both options and we booked accordingly.  Call back until you get someone who can give you correct information.

We booked the same for our August cruise and while we haven't received any vouchers yet we were told the airport shuttle would start to board between 1130 and 1230.  

On 7/3/2023 at 12:04 PM, Jodi said:

I wanted some opinions on the beach beds at South Beach. I hear there are plenty of regular chairs and umbrellas all around the island. Do you think it’s worth getting a beach bed for the day? It’s my first time to CocoCay. Do you think a beach bed limits you because it’s just in one area or are people moving around a lot throughout the day. 

We've rented beach beds in different parts of the island.  At Chill and Breezy Bay I would probably book a beach bed again.  At South Beach I don't really feel the need.  There are lots of chairs and the food, drinks and bathrooms are so close.  There are umbrellas everywhere so no need to worry about shade.  The beach beds certainly provide more comfort than the regular chairs but if you get off the ship first thing and take the tram to south beach you should have no trouble getting chairs in the first few rows along the water.  We don't tend to move around once we have our spot but you certainly can do so and come back to your spot. Being that it's your first time to CocoCay a walk around the island is certainly worth doing.  Enjoy!

12 hours ago, smokeybandit said:

The port is longer than a 10 minute walk.  You'd have to take the water taxi (which many do).

Yes - I should have clarified it is a short walk from where the ferry docks in town.  Getting dropped off in town as suggested by @FionaMG would be the best option 

Holland House hotel is a great choice.  When exiting from the ferry it is to the right and definitely less than a 10 minute walk.  Beautiful covered patio facing the water.  We were 8 of us there in April and everyone enjoyed their lunch.

4 hours ago, RCIFanatic said:

 

Not even if there’s an upgrade paid or additional passenger paid on the reservation?

We always upgrade from the comped room and have not been able to apply the Shareholder credit.  We haven't added any additional passengers, but I'm assuming as soon as any casino discounts are shown on the reservation then the Shareholder credit is denied.

We used it on quite a few sailings last year.  It worked fine - only issue is sometimes you receive a notification that you have a message and sometimes you don't.  If everyone is signed in that you are communicating with then it works great and in real time.  If not, then you have to wait for whomever you are messaging, to log into the app in order for them to see your message.  It's better than nothing, but texting is more reliable if those in your party have internet.

2 hours ago, RCCL2 said:

I’m doing B2B on independence of the seas. Can I use the same card across both sailings?

Yes - you should have no issue at all.  I've bought on one ship and used on another months later and never had an issue.  You could mention when purchasing that you will be sailing on a B2B but either way you will be fine.

36 minutes ago, Someone101 said:

Sorry for the double post.. saw a similar situation here and thought I might get better input. Anyway, I went through this forum and so far I haven't seen anyone mention paying the difference in rate cost, just the $100 change fees and how sometimes even that is waived. So that confused me when I heard it from RC

You absolutely will have to pay any increase in fare from current sailing to the one you are looking to move to.  The change fee is separate and apart.  Maybe you will be fortunate and there won't be much of a difference especially if you are booking far out.  Good luck.

Congratulations Matt....and thank you for creating this blog and a format for us to share tips and chat about all things cruising.  Cheers to many new cruising adventures for you and your family.

On 6/18/2023 at 4:39 AM, daha699 said:

I am looking for help to decide for the best area for a Beach bed for just my wife and I ,  has anyone stayed at all 3 locations South Beach , Breezy and chill , what would you choose for calm waters and just a peaceful relaxing day next to food and Bar ?

i am leaning towards South Beach but i am second guessing my self

Thanks in advance

We have reserved beds in each of these areas and South Beach is definitely our preferred location.  It tends to be quieter, washrooms, bar and food all close by.  Nice walk but also easily accessible via the tram.  

58 minutes ago, Weezie57 said:

Thanks for saying that.  After tons of research for our cruise in June, we decided Paradise Beach is the place we are going to go to.  We are really looking forward to it.

You will love it - we've been a few times and can't say enough great things.  I would recommend making reservations in advance especially if you would like to reserve one of the day beds.   The food, drinks and service are all amazing.  Have a great time!

Yes, we visited a few times during our April 22nd sailing.  It was nice to spend a little time in there and not have anyone smoking but the room is quite small.  

On 3/30/2023 at 8:10 AM, Alistair said:

Anyone going on Harmony, have six of our seven cruise magnets but for some reason missed out on our Harmony. If anyone has a spare or could purchase one on my behalf I will of course fully reimburse you for your trouble.  Looking for the ones in the shape of the ship.

many thanks 

Alistair

I did try to find one for you last week when we were on Harmony but they only had the large ones with the picture of the ship.  I asked if they ever have ones in the shape of the ship and the young man working in the store said he has not seen them on Harmony.  I would have been happy to have picked one up for you had they had the one you wanted.

I would definitely be visiting guest services and asking how long this repair work/noise is going to be going on for.  If this is for the duration of your cruise then perhaps ask if there is another room you could be moved to (might be more difficult to accommodate due to the type of room you are in).   Once you know what you are dealing with then perhaps compensation would be worth asking about.  Good luck - I too would be annoyed.

10 hours ago, bronxwarrior said:

I am willing, read before you reply. One adult and one minor per room. 

You are only a few days away from sailing so my suggestion would be to contact Royal now and see if there are any cabins left in the category that you booked and see if you can be moved to new cabins at least on the same deck.   I'm assuming you booked GTY staterooms - with Royal sailing at or near capacity most dates, it's a gamble to hope to be able to get rooms reassigned but doesn't hurt to ask.

1 hour ago, WAAAYTOOO said:

Lol, I didn’t even know you COULD purchase an opening booking through the app !  

1 hour ago, DoomSlayer said:

Me either.

Yes....there is a section on the app where you can do so.  Super easy - good option when you are not tying in casino offers for sure.

52 minutes ago, WAAAYTOOO said:

Yes, you would retain the bonus IF you purchase the open booking and reference the instant [casino] reward certificate.  If you just purchase an open booking but do not incorporate the affected reward certificate, you will not retain the bonus associated with it.   …at least, this is m understanding…. @Pattycruise can you verify ?

Thank you @WAAAYTOOO - if we don't book while onboard we will make sure to go to Next Cruise to do so instead of just purchasing the open certificates from the app as there wouldn't be a way to make mention of the reward certificate that way. I couldn't agree with you more that standing in that line at the end of the cruise is not how we choose to spend the last hours of our cruise.  

With a new casino year starting, many of us are planning how to get the most out of casino status.  Can anyone verify if you purchase a next cruise voucher while onboard but don't commit to an actual sailing, does the "bonus" still get applied as long as you choose a sailing on your casino offers list within 7 days?

On 3/30/2023 at 8:10 AM, Alistair said:

Anyone going on Harmony, have six of our seven cruise magnets but for some reason missed out on our Harmony. If anyone has a spare or could purchase one on my behalf I will of course fully reimburse you for your trouble.  Looking for the ones in the shape of the ship.

many thanks 

Alistair

We will be on Harmony in April and I will certainly take a look and pick up a magnet for you should they be in stock.