SewerUrchin43

Another question for the blog, Some family has asked about if we could bring some sand back for their souvenir. Is this allowed? Has anyone done this before?

We have only cruised twice, but have purchased the Key both times. Because of some family and sometimes work we always purchase internet so I always wait until a sale where the Key is only a few dollars more per day than the internet. I don’t think it’s worth it for what we use of the perks any other way. We always have booked a balcony room so the preferred boarding and disembarkation is a very nice perk ( especially with the 14 hour drive back to Ohio).

Thank you for the link. I didn’t know about any perks at all

We embark on our second cruise at the end of the month and looking at our SetSail passes with a whopping 4 points (I’m sure they will accumulate quickly since this our vacation of choice now ) we are C&A Gold members. My question does this really matter until we are Diamond or beyond? I never see anyone when posting stating they are a Gold member, Lol.

We will be going on our second cruise next month on Indy and it will be the first with the new menus. Like all of us I’ve read the good and bad about this change and we have no dietary restrictions so I think we can make the MDR work every night. I really enjoyed the MDR “experience” last cruise since the fanciest place we usually eat is a steakhouse. Of course if the food isn’t to my taste that night I cal always enjoy dessert and get some Sorrentos lol.

Thank you to all that replied. Being our first ever cruise we were so overwhelmed by everything ( in a good way) I didn’t even think about using room service. Lol

I just read that you could fill out a form and have breakfast delivered to the room in the morning. We were never told about that before our first cruise last September and there wasn’t any forms in our room that I saw ( though I didn’t know about this until after our cruise so they may have been overlooked). I was just wondering if this is still complimentary or did it go away post COVID like some other items. We will be sailing on the Independence of the Seas in August. Thank you

I didn’t even think about rearranging the chairs and the noise that would make. Thank you

We bring a small USB powered fan to use at night and it wasn’t a problem.

I was contemplating a future cruise and thinking about upgrading our usual balcony room to a Jr. Suite, but all that is available is on the 10th deck below the pool deck on the Independence of the Seas. Just wondering if anyone in the blog has stayed in these rooms and how much sound filters down. They are rooms available in the Aft and Mid of the ship if that helps. as always, Thank you for reading/responding to my inquiry.

This is my Wife and I second cruise ( and we are on the Independence lol) and we are using our BC and license because the first time we cruised last year we weren’t sure what to expect or even if we would like cruising so we didn’t want to “waste” money on passports. This time we moved up our vacation plans and our passports won’t be processed in time because of all the lag in processing.

Happy Birthday to you both and Happy Sailing to us all

We took our first cruise last September and booked the Key and liked it so much we booked it again for our upcoming cruise in August. We were going to buy the Internet package anyway and bought it on a sale that made it only a few dollars more. My wife liked that we got to skip the lines boarding and debarkation and we got an exclusive lunch on boarding day and an exclusive breakfast on debarkation. The carry-on drop off was nice as well since it was our first time ever on a cruise ship we walked all over to "get a feel of it" and didn't have to drag a bag with us. We used the Key seats for a couple of shows, but there was plenty of seats in the theatre if we didn't have the Key. Those are the reasons we like it and I included a list from the website of the benefits The Key Guests will enjoy the following exclusive benefits during their cruise vacation: Priority access during The Key designated arrival time (to be communicated via email). Other benefits may apply at specific ports.* Carry-on bag drop off with delivery to your stateroom. ** Exclusive welcome lunch in the Main Dining Room featuring The Key signature menu.*** 20% off at all specialty restaurants, when you make the reservation on Day 1 of the sailing. Access to the fast lane at onboard activities (activities vary by ship)and private time at the Flowrider. Priority departure at tender ports of call from ship-to-shore. Dedicated seating at shows in the Main Theater, Aqua Theater, Studio B, and Two70.**** VOOM® Surf & Stream 1 of Device high speed internet per person who purchases the package. On debarkation day, enjoy an exclusive á la carte breakfast and choice departure. When you receive your SeaPass card, it will have an icon confirming your purchase of The Key. If you don’t see it, ask your Stateroom Attendant or go to Guest Services to apply the icon.

Sort of off topic. I was a Forman on the dock at a factory and had to sign every skid that was ready to be loaded with my clock-in number and yes, my number was #666. One of the forklift drivers would refuse to touch those skids lol

We like that it's an older, smaller ship then the new ones. It just feels a more personal and intimate compared to those ships. Lots of stuff still to do, or you can just chill on the balcony and enjoy the sunshine from the room

Thank you all that responded to my post! I wasn’t expecting that. I sent an email to you and looking forward using a TA for the first time….. agin. Lol

This will be our 2nd cruise on the Independence of the Seas. We really like this ship.

I tried using a popular TA company on the Blog for our next cruise, but after numerous times trying to reach the TA that responded to my initial email I never got a response back so I just booked it myself. After reading some of these posts I think I will give them another shot for our next cruise

Thank you everyone! I can always count on the Blog to help out with any topic and it is greatly appreciated

That is very good advice!

Mostly I’ve read about having “ obstructed views” from the balcony. My wife loves sitting on the balcony and I just want the best views for her.

My apologies, It would be for an Ocean view balcony on Independence

Hi again, I’m trying to book our second cruise and wondered about everyone’s experience that tried RC picking your room instead of paying extra and picking it yourselves like I did on our first cruise last year. As always, Thank You in advance

Thank you all! Looks like I will be checking with MEI to book our next cruise.

I’m back to the board with questions after a few months off lol. I’ve searched and read older posts about travel agents and after booking everything myself through RC for our next cruise I was thinking about using a TA. I’m just not sure where to start with it all and was looking for some TA recommendations so I don’t get burnt by them.