FireFishII

If I remember correctly, on RC, you will be given a room key in the shape of a card - just like most hotel room keys. While most will keep their room card in their wallet or purse, I used a lanyard. This card is also used to get on/off of the ship (with the exception of the first day) and will allow you to make purchases (including drinks). You will get your room key when you go to your room (around 1 or 2 pm on embarkation day). The keys/cards will be on your room door.

That other royal cruise line just increased her gratuities starting Dec 14. (Suite/mini-suites/others) From $16.50/$15.50/$14.50 to $18/$17/$16. These rates will start on Feb 20, 2023.

Alas, on my 6 day cruise, I only got 1 animal. So sad.

I totally agree that emotional support animals (peacock any one?) and a service animal are 2 totally different animals. But I want to speak out for another group of people - ones who are allergic to animal dandruff. Now, don't get me wrong - I will bend over backwards for anyone who has a need for a SERVICE animal. I will even reach for my inhaler, eye drops, nasal sprays, and allergy medication to make sure they can have their service animal with them. But all those so-call emotional support animal - those I won't stand for. Because now their emotional support animal is affecting my emotions and health negatively.

WARNING: Most airlines will limit the # of hours prior to your flight for checking in your bags to 4 hours. Both my brother and I ran into this sane issue last month in New Orleans and in Las Vegas.

I am going to go out on a limb here and say that 2 days won't matter. Yes, you can have it expeditated but I would be worried about receiving it on time, just like you mentioned above. I would call your passport office to verify both the expeditated times and about the 6 month rules. Something else to consider is time will slow down over the holidays - more reason NOT to get a new passport. Good luck.

I traveled by air over Thanksgiving week (Sat before, Wed before, and Sun after). I was shocked how few people were using TSA precheck. I never had to wait for more than a minute to get thru the check point. LOVE IT!

I am wondering if the cruise line will do what airlines do when a baby is born on board - free cruising for life. LOL!

I had used a personal trainer on a different cruise line. I had 1 hour appointments on my sea days. The cruise was 14 days. It was my first time I have ever lost weight on my cruise. Yes, only 1 pound but it was much better than gaining 5 pounds. FYI: I am an overweight 62 year old woman. I would not use a nutritional consultant on a cruise ship unless that is the only down time for you to spend with someone. The problem will be trying to follow their advise will all that free food. But go with your gut on what is best for you. Any education on our health will benefit you in the long run. Finally, an advise I was given before the cruise if you want to control your weight: At dinner - either have 1 drink or 1 dessert. Watch what you eat at the other meals. Enjoy yourself but don't go overboard with eating.

I love the beach club. Think of it as 'suite' life on Perfect Day. LOL!

This is from the RCL website: Final payment of the balance must be received at Royal Caribbean's offices at least 75 days prior to the sailing date for 1 - 4 night cruise vacations and 90 days prior to the sailing date for 5-night or longer cruise vacations. The payment schedule for groups is different from that of individuals. You will usually have access to your cruise documents 30 days prior to your sailing as long as your reservation is finalized.

You are going to have to give us a class on how to pick out the best slot machine and how to play them. I am usually out of money after the first 5 minutes. I don't really care about winning the big bucks but I would like to stretch out my fun.

I feel sorry for the people who had morning or early afternoon flights. What a hot mess. Enjoy your remaining time in FL.

Gee, I guess I have missing out on all the fun because I go to bed around 11 pm. Next time I cruise, I will definitely go people watching in the bars around 1 am. LOL!

Excuse me for asking a dumb question but what is KSF?

You will be purchasing a single package (recommend surf and stream for youtube). Then you will be able to select 1, 2, 3, or 4 devices. It is cheaper that way instead of purchasing 3 packages for 1 device each.

What about Icon?

I did too!

Don't forget that you can lower that 6+ mixed drinks/day amount by considering all the other beverages the DBP includes. Have a glass or two of freshly squeeze OJ along with a specialty coffee or two in the morning. Then have a few sodas at lunch and a milkshake in the afternoon. Finally, make sure you grab a few water bottles during the day and keep them in your room's refrigerator. The following is old but you can get an idea of how much you would need to drink to break even. OR just consider the convenience of getting a drink whenever you want as part of the price. Beer – $8.25 Glass of wine – $9 to $16+ Cocktail – $14 Spirit and mixer – $9 to $11+ Soda – $3.50 Coffee – $4 Bottle of water – $3

But at least they cracked the claws for you. That would have been the hardest part. And those are HUGE Claws!!

I would recommend having a list of restaurants and times in your hand (or phone) as you board. But also have a plan B and a plan C just in case you can't get your first choices.

I LOVE the Beach Club. Have fun.

Just be careful. For example, Radiance has a 2 bedroom Owners Suite. It says it can sleep 8 but it only has 2 bedrooms with either 2 t win beds or a single King bed and a double sleep sofa. The Royal Loft Suite has the same. So the question you will need to answer is who is willing to sleep on the sleep sofa in the living room area? It may be just me but I would want a bedroom with a door, even if I am cruising with my family. But the lure of a suite may outweigh my discomfort of sleeping on a sleep sofa in the living room. YMMV.

I googled this question: How far in advance can you renew your passport. Here is the answer: You can renew your passport whenever you want if you have good reason to do so. You should include a letter explaining the motive for the request along with the renewal application if it is submitted more than 9 months prior to the expiration date. How long does it take? Routine is 6 to 9 weeks. Expedited takes 3 to 5 weeks (with an extra cost).

Hi @joannabanana. Welcome to Royal Caribbean Blog. You may want to repost your questions on the Royal Caribbean Discussion site or the Shore Excursion site instead of this live blog site. Your posting will get more visibility. To try to answer your question, getting on board as soon as possible is a benefit for several reasons: 1) You can have lunch. 2) You can book any specialty dining. 3) You can book your entertainment. 4) You can take a swim before the pools get too crowded (carry your swimsuit in your carryon luggage since the rooms may not be available until 2). If you don't care for specialty dining or you don't want to deal with potential long lines to get on board early, then go with a later time. This way your rooms may be available and you can go directly there.