monorailmedic

Glad to help. Not sure why that first link isn't working for you, but if you click this google link it will show that link at RoyalCaribbean.com as the first result. https://goo.gl/P0gcGJ

The only items you're permitted that contain heating elements are in fact those for personal grooming. Source: http://www.royalcaribbean.com/customersupport/faq/details.do?pagename=frequently_asked_questions&faqId=2608&faqSubjectId=333 Because power strips and extension cords are not permitted, if you have a number of devices you want to charge, that all charge via USB (phones, tablets, headphones, some laptops, cameras, etc), I'd recommend getting a multi-port USB charger. There are many out there, but I've had great experiences from Anker and Aukley products such as this one: http://amzn.to/2a964Fp Alternatively, if you're bringing a laptop with a number of USB ports, you can use that, but then your laptop has to be out on the desk, and you'll find devices won't charge nearly as quickly.

You're correct in that one of the ways RCCL plays with beverage package pricing is with the tax. I too find it a bit annoying as it takes an extra step to spot the deal. As you see in the ultimate vs premium pricing change though, sometimes within this manufactured complexity, we find legitimate price changes. In terms of changing your package, yes, I'd say calling is probably your best bet, but the good news is that if you used a travel agent, you can have them do the work for you. Another option, which is admittedly a gamble, is to ask them to honor this once on board and make the change then. This is easy for a lot of things (on board adjustments with guest services), but in this case, I'd email your TA so they can do the heavy lifting for you, or give RCCL a ring if you booked directly.

Per the below page, you can call (888) 724-7447 to reach the ship from land. http://www.royalcaribbean.com/customersupport/faq/details.do?pagename=frequently_asked_questions&faqId=267&faqSubjectId=337 Further, if you're purchasing Voom, and will be cruising in an area with Voom coverage (Caribbean, Med, etc), you can be reached via Skype, WhatsApp, or other VoIP apps. If you have a major US carrier, and a newer iPhone or Android device, you may have WiFi calling, which, if connected to Voom, will allow you to make and receive calls and texts.

Whisky, in addition to being quite tasty, has the additional advantage over beer of being able to enjoy more rounds before looking for the nearest restroom. This makes me sound very lazy.

Starbucks branded coffees are included with the ultimate package on all vessles except for the Oasis class. On Oasis, this is handled seperately from the drink package. Preimum coffees are available at some other venues, including the dining rooms. The below links provide some additional information. Also note that while the difference your seeing is $2 (as is is for the Navigator Group Cruise in February), it is sometimes more like $5 or $6 more each day. http://media.royalcaribbean.com/content/shared_assets/pdf/menus/beverage_packages.pdf http://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/category/category/unlimited-alcohol-packages#.V5YZ71UrKM8 http://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/category/category/drink-packages#.V5YZ81UrKM8

I'm not apologizing for anyone. I'm simply trying to offer perspective on how these type of things usually go. I'm not sure when that site was put up, but I assure you RCCL nor any other cruise line wants to tell people their cruise has been cancelled because of a charter until the agreement has been finalized and everything is a done deal, which could, potentially be long after a company chartering the ship puts something online. Was there something specifically they have lied about?

Generally cruise lines will follow up in short order with some incentives for passengers that vary based on the level of inconveniences (sailings around school breaks, short notice to rebook/cancel air arrangements, etc). While I can appreciate that you had your mind set on a particular sailing, and this is a bit annoying, disappointing, etc, I'd give them some time to see what is worked out before claiming you've been wronged. This sailing is 9 months out, so it is quite likely the charter agreement was just finalized. Charters are not infrequent for most cruise lines, and sometimes happen with less notice. Your TA will get more information and should be your point of contact as they may have more negotiating power with RCCL. If you booked your air on your own (not through your TA), be sure your TA knows the cost of any changes so that he or she can properly relay this to RCCL.

I'd say the only time I really felt it on Allure was at the elevators. They have a ton of them, and they move quickly, but I think I know why. The ship has so many decks (tall ones, too), that I didn't find myself using the stairs nearly as frequently as I have on other ships. I'm not a crowd person, but it really wasn't something I'd be concerned with, personally.

Google Fi is the carrier. They're an MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator), which means they resell other carrier's services and repackage the otfferings in terms of pricing and features. Currently, Google Fi is unique in a few ways, primarily in that they don't rely on a single network (they switch between T-Mobile, Sprint, US Cellular, and WiFi), and their pricing is very simplified, $20/mo for text and voice, plus $10/gig of data, pay only for what you use. T-Mobile also includes international roaming, though the speeds are slow, except in the US, Mexico, and Canada.

Saw this announcement the other day. Huge for international travel, and makes me really hope that TMO follows suit. That in mind, I don't think the speed issue on board is related to the throttling, but to the capabilities of the onboard cellular networks. To DocLC's point though, it may be faster than non-Voom speeds.

This is very interesting. I'll admit I'm a bit skeptical for several reasons (including conflicting reports on various forums), but it could be. The one thing I'd remind you is that even if it does work out in this way, data service will be very slow, so if you're looking for anything more than email, Voom will still be the way to go. Please report back though. ps - I'm a 6P user, big fan of the device, I just wish I had longer thumbs.

Ohhh, but you'd have to actually go on a group cruise. Womp womp.

From what I can tell, this really depends on the current promotions, and how they apply to cost and deposits. What I can tell you is that, when I asked in Feb, you get credit for the deposit, even if it's a particularly high deposit based on promotion, stateroom cat, itinerary, etc. However, I'm also confident (based on several convos with people in the know) that booking a loft on a 14 night, taking a massive OBC on your current sailing, then changing to an inside on a 3 night will mean the ammount they gave you in OBC will be reflected in some way shape or form, on the booking you transfer to.

Well, Matt. I think you and I both know what this means. Research dining. I'll strap the Go-Pro to my fork, you umm, pay the bill?

Ohh, Kayla, you had to know this was coming... Have your travel agent contact Royal :-) That in mind, I do hope someone has personal experience with this. While I'm sure they make some accomodation, I too am interested in feedback on the experience.

I'd pair it based on the day's activities. A fancier experience may not be what you want after a long day ashore. Also, think about what you'll be doing for lunch while ashore, and consider that lunch/dinner match-up.

I'm not sure there is a restriction in their POS system. I'm only basing this on the fact that I needed a few drinks on X and forgot my wife's card. It was embarkation day (and I was just asking for juices and water or something) and they let it ride. Then again, maybe he just didn't enter it in the computer...

I always recommend going with a TA for a number of reasons. That in mind, it looks like the currently scheduled AU/US repositionings with RCCL are 10-6-16, 10-8-16, and 4-22-18

I don't know of anything exactly like this, but I'm willing to bet if you go to a bellhop at a hotel you can leave your bags there. A healthy tip would probably work fine, or just say you're checking in to that hotel later, but it's under your brother's name. Not found? Must be under his fiance's name - you haven't met her yet and man, this is so awkward that you can't remember her name... Just throwing that out there :-)

If you're looking to get on nice and early (and why not, your cruise starts when you board), I'd get to the port at around 0930 or 1000. This will ensure you get through before any crowds, and hopefully, boarding will start shortly after you've checked in. Now, with this, comes the risk that there is a customs, USCG, maintenance, or other delay that leaves you waiting at the port for a bit, though this isn't terribly common.

We loved Victoria. Amazingly beautiful place. When you get off the ship you'll find about a 5 min walk (maybe less) to get onto the road. You'll be at a giant sundial (Ogden Point). To your right is a neat rocky beach/cove which is very picturesque in the morning. If you walk left (north) and stay on the road, you'll be walking past some residences and after about 1km (2/3 mile) see Fisherman's Wharf. It's hard to miss, but if you have any doubt you'll find many locals walking docs and such - everyone is incredibly friendly. I'm sure you could get a car for this walk, but it's an easy and very pretty walk through a not at all touristy area, so we liked it. Once at Fisherman's Wharf, walk around, as it's full of houseboats turned B&Bs, restaurants, etc. Just a neat little area. From there, you can take a water taxi to the harbor for around $5/pp (the area with the Empress hotel, visitors bureau, many shops and restaurants, etc). This is likely where you'll want to spend much of your day. The visitor's center is awesome, and they'll help you get to the gardens, or anything else you're looking for. Plenty to do there, and I'd also recommend a place we check out, Vista-18 atop Chateau Victoria. Great views, drinks, and snacks. I could go on about Victoria for some time, it's really a great place. Let me know if you have any other questions.

Agreed. There is no reason that a TA needs to be local. I'm also several states away from mine. If you fill out the free quote section on the RoyalCaribbeanBlog.com homepage you'll get a follow up from an agent at MEI, which is the agency I use (Brock is my agent). I personally recommend MEI for their great service (and it supports the blog), but there are plenty of good agents out there. Just know that as mentioned, there are plenty of agencies that offer no personal touch, they're essentially just call centers.

Put me firmly in the TA column. A good TA gets to know your preferences, and based on that, can make suggestions, make booking a trip easier, etc. They can also watch for price drops, handle arrangements related to the cruise (a hotel and rental car before your cruise, transport back to the airport after, etc). Plus, you have an advocate in the event anything doesn't go as planned, someone with a more experience and weight to throw around in dealing with cruise lines and other operators. I book my cruises with a short email or text from my phone. My agent knows what I like, I'm not clicking around the site paranoid I've misclicked or misread something, and if I need to make a change, guess who doesn't have to sit on hold with a RCCL or others? Me.

While this could happen, it's yet to happen to me. I'd suspect this happened to your boss in a more rural area perhaps? Even at odd times it seems there are plenty of Ubers around here. In addition, I sometimes use Lyft, so in a situation where they might not be one (hasn't happened to me yet), there might be another.