JMoff

Interesting, I'm a new D+ but didn't think I had access to the CL, so I stayed away on the most recent cruise. Is there a difference in the drink policy? In the DL, they deducted from my card. In the past, in the CL they didn't worry about the cards and just served you. Did that change in the CL lounge too? We were in Alaska last week and the DL was empty most nights. A lot of stairs to sit in the Viking Lounge alone. On the cruise we were on, only 3 PINN's and 40 some odd D+'s and then another 50 or so Diamonds so not a lot of high ranking loyalty folks.

Recent experience, the Royal part of the check in process was flawless. The problem is that Vancouver merged three ships boarding experience at the same time. We had an 11:00 - 11:30 check in time. We were there on time despite a ton of traffic, right at 11. You board an elevator to go upstairs, line for that. You get upstairs and go to the Royal check in, which took < 10 minutes. You come out of that and are herded to US customs. You're merged with the passengers from the three other ships. You enter a Disney World line of snaking lines to get to a security check. Pass through that and you get to another series of snaking lines to get to US customs. We were on board by 12pm, so only an hour. We heard horror stories from people who arrived at 2pm and were worried they wouldn't make it on board by 5pm (got on at about 4:30). Highly recommend arriving early. If flying in the day of the cruise, consider flying in the day before. Second Arrive Canada thing never got used. You only pass through US customs on the way in. On departure day, Canadian customs collected our pre-filled out form and did nothing else. Basically walk right past. Thanks for folks who helped me. Hope this helps others. Jeff

Great... I guess if I'm on the ship I don't really care about tug boats. I'm diamond plus so it's more about the cruise and less about the destination. Thank you all for your replies, most helpful! Love the Royal community. I tend to just read more than I respond (obviously). Jeff

I'm flying to Canada for the Vancouver departure on Sunday. Can I fill out two ArriveCan things before I leave? The email from Royal implies you have to do the second one after you pass through customs. I'd rather just have all this done ahead of time if possible.

I was on Explorer for Nov 28 sailing from San Juan. Rumor was 1,896 signed up and around 1,800 went. Windjammer was open for dinner.