Chris Fish

Top 5 things I can't live without on a cruise

1. My wife and best friend

2. My hat and sunglasses, so I don't get burnt

3. Food, lots of it!

4. Flowrider, surfs up baby

5. Phone / camera to get great pics of my wife and me on the Flowrider

We had one of these Showtime at a glance papers on our 6 night Odyssey last fall but didn't see one for our spring cruise on Mariner. I did like it as it does give a great overview for the trip and does make it easier to make plans for the week.

We did Mariner April 14th thru 19th. Unfortunately you could tell the ship was short staffed. As many have said before, we still got a great cruise vacation. Getting on the ship was very fast. This was the first cruise that we only did the main dinning room one night. We did the Windjammer the other nights and the last night we had cruise credits to burn so we decided to try Playmakers, which was a huge disappointment. Took forever just to get the worst chicken wings I ever had and my wife's burger wasn't good either. The ice show was the best out of all of our cruises. The shows in the theater we enjoyed very much as well. The performers in the Pubs and Schooner were very entertaining and really got the crowds going. Overall a great cruise, just a few things that I'm sure over time Royal will be able get back up to speed once this covid issue is finally over.

Cruising is all about the Flowrider.

No flow, no go!

Matt, I know you don't do the flowrider but you should do a video / topic on it. I'm even a member of the Facebook, Royal Caribbean Flowrider Society 

Love this app idea. I think you have an audience!!

We did our Alaska cruise on the Radiance ots in late August. I remember swimming in the pool. It was a warmish day but don't think the water was heated. Full discloser, from cold New Hampshire so cold water to me is waaayyy different than for someone from Florida. Flowriders will be running if outside temp is above 50 degrees.

Last about a week for me. I'm amazed that the only time I ever feel anything on the ship has been under extreme conditions.

Quick lunch at the WIndjammer then to the Flowrider

We always ask for a hard copy of the cruise compass and menus. I would love to use the app more2, and it has come a long way, but they really need to improve the app in a major way if they want everyone to use it more. 

I enjoyed Grand Cayman. We did a snorkel and Stingray combo

and the casino

The Red Dog Saloon, That just brought back some memories. The "floor" 

We can easily get away without purchasing a drink package. Keep in mind that you are allowed to bring on 12 sodas (I think they can't be more than 16 oz. each) or what ever kind of none alcoholic drink you want. We have purchased the drink package before. The soda dispensers do have a wide variety. Sodas, gatorade type drinks, waters etc. We enjoy the flavored water (vitality water?) Regular coffee, tea, and juices are included.

I think it is what works for each individual person but if alcohol is not a concern, and with the sodas I bring with us, we are ok for the week with just paying for an occasional mocktail or drink.

so you can just go online on the website without setting anything up ahead of time and just take the test?

So I have watched a bunch of youtube videos on the covid test using the Navica app. What I can't seem to find is can I use the app on my phone and take the test for me and then go back on the same phone and app and then my wife can do her test?

We use to go to the local clear choice MD to get our test done but it sounds like it's no longer covered by insurance and it is quite expensive to pay out of pocket.

Seems like once you start the process on the app / computer it's pretty straight forward but don't want to get to two days before and have a problem.

I want to hear the reason for bring an air mattress?

my experience in the past is no hdmi ports or they are set not to work. I'm sure they want everyone to pay for the ships movies.

You can probably find that on the latest past cruise compass. Matt has an area for them two spots to the right of the message board tab

34 minutes ago, GatorCruiser said:

Not to be a matt suck up but when looking at cruise ship content on YouTube , his is heads and tails superior to anything else out there. Matt’s are polished and efficient and not annoying like some of these vlogers. Also kudos to some of the staff writers like Jenna who add helpful articles as well. 

Totally agree. And also not trying to be a suck up, but it's still true!

Flowrider

No flow, no go!

I sometimes wonder if the MDR food is really going down hill or are we just getting use to it the more we cruise. Overall I have been happy with the food and service in the MDR on all the ships that I have been on. We will be on Mariner in a couple of weeks so we will see how it all plays out. It's still a cruise and a vacation so very excited.

Thank you for sharing your unfortunate experience. This is what this platform is all about and I have learned a lot over the years listening to all the advice and sometimes the mistakes or missteps of others.

So someone had recommended Cruise control transportation to get from Orlando Airport to Port Canaveral. They leave at two specific times from the Airport. 9:25 am is the first run. It takes 45 to 60 minutes to get to the port I believe and our check in time is 11:30. Do you think they will let us in early.

Don't want to be hanging around especially in the hot sun. As much as my wife loves the beach and sun she needs to be careful about getting to much sun. Anybody have any experience in this situation? I know I do also have an option for a private shuttle for an added cost.

5 hours ago, Pooch said:

There aren’t enough chemicals in the world to get me in a cruise ship hot tub

My wife has stated the same thing more than once. She will not go in the hot tubs

Ft. Laudy airport is not big so not to difficult to find where to go.