monorailmedic

While it is a bit unusual, there are some reasons this can happen. It ranges from group rates, to how an agent distributes commission back to guests, and other logistics I'm sure I can't think of. So it never hurts to check w/ RCL, but I wouldn't panic either.

The Pub would seem the logical place, but oddly wasn't where they were found on Allure. I appreciate the detective work.

I should have asked Marissa. Also, loving the name change for the Champagne bar. This gives me some ideas, but we need to come up with something that sounds less like Jerel didn't make it back from the trip.

I didn't know this was a thing but now I'm going to see what it would cost to order locally. I'll let you know, thanks.

Not a bad idea, actually. It seems so silly to have to go to such lengths to see what they'll sell me, but the normal routes haven't yielded success. I think I'll see if PRC, WAAAYTOOO, and Spiegeje come up with anything and then go the route of the hotel director. Good call!

You too, are a mensch, thanks. If you like Jameson I highly recommend checking out Jameson Caskmates. It's maybe $5 more for a bottle but is a nice change. It's regular Jameson but aged in beer barrels. The thing to know about Scotch is that Scotches from different regions taste quite different, not just to discerning pallets. Most every Scotch you've seen or tasted was a Highland. The Highlands, Islay, Speyside, and other islands on the West side all produce distinct flavors.

Thank you both for your efforts! I really appreciate it. As an aside, I'm reaching out to Royal *again*. It's the principal at this point. In the past I even offered to pay for the bottle (as some lined will do this for special requests) but was denied. We were on Connie in Dec and will be on Reflection this Dec. Both times we opted for the $300 OBC and the Classic bev, then used the OBC to upgrade the bev package. We drank a lot of Laphroaig on that trip. The Laphroaig they have is the 10 year and the Lagavulin is the 12. Cao lla or Bunnahabhain are also from Islay, that's our thing. Thanks BH PS - We have friends that say they smell like band-aids. Not to me.

This is still the way it is. Several people at the port have told me (for what it's worth) that they have no intention of putting kiosks. That's fine with me, I don't mind talking to a customs agent for 45 seconds, it's the massive line I'd like to avoid. You're right in that you have to know it's there, very odd, and because of the lack of kiosks, you seem to need your GE ID, which many don't carry. I just swore that I had mine (which I did) but I don't *think* we actually produced them. Would be great if they add GE lines to other ports. It makes a bad day just a little easier.

So as some of you know, I'm a big fan of Scotch. RCCL's site and customer service has a very limited list of single malts that they say they carry, and nothing I'm interested in. That in mind, despite my inquiring many times, on the Allure I found that the champagne bar had several great single malts I enjoy (Laphroaig and Ardbeg, to name two). Again, they were only in the champagne bar, and I only found them by luck. I'm trying to decide on beverages packages for the Freedom and Navigator group cruises, and whether or not these single malts are available is key to that decision. If you happen to be sailing on Freedom or Navigator soon, and can ask every bartender you come across if they have any of the Scotches below, I'd be very grateful, and would be glad to buy you a drink or two for your trouble as well as make you a star on an upcoming Periscope ;-) -Laphroaig -Ardbeg -Caol Ila -Lagavulin -Bunnahabhain I put them order based on how likely I think it is that they'd have them. I really wish RCCL customer service didn't disappoint me (and my agent) on this front, so if you can be my hero, let me know. Thanks! 'First World Problems' Bill

I'm not speaking to the rules, but strictly my experiences... Between my wife and I we have a number of meds (OTC stuff 'just in case' for headaches, allergies, etc as well as scripts) and rarely have the original containers. I've even brought multi-dose vials and a package of needles and syringes through customs in several countries. No one cared even a little. I've transported pre-workout mix (a white powder) in unmarked containers, and while they've swabbed it for explosives residue, they did nothing more. TSA in particular has said their not in the business of drug enforcement. Overall, while customs might light to care, I can't imagine they want to get into an argument with someone about them not having their bottles with them, trying to take meds away, and then having someone run into a medical issue that can be pinned on customs or other entities. Anyone could put anything in a pill bottle anyway. Now, if you're carrying 500 pills/tablets, probably a bit different.

Another benefit to GE is that now, at Port Everglades, there is a separate (albeit somewhat hidden) station for GE travelers. No line at all while we watching 6k others getting off Allure. Was handy.

Objective: This is especially challenging given the metal of the hull, water-tight doors, electronics, etc. (Source btw: many cruises, am an amateur radio operator, and used to repair commercial radio-communications equipment) Less likely but also a consideration is that FCC allocated FRS frequencies in the US may be used for other more essential communication in other countries, which you may inadvertently interfere with. So this approach, on newer, larger, more complex ships will be minimally effective, and could cause problems for others. Subjective: There is no good way to use radios like this in a quiet manner and many guests find them disruptive. I completely understand why you'd wanna keep in touch, though. The low-tech solution that isn't great, but served cruisers well for decades is a notepad in the stateroom, or a white-board on the door. More high tech? Use phones or iPods (even old ones with broken screens bought on eBay for under $50) to connect to WiFi, get the appropriate WiFi package and use Hangouts, Facebook messenger, WhatsApp, Kick, Telegram, etc.

Have your travel agent make the arrangements with Royal. As long as he's cleared to travel everything will be fine, but you will need to coordinate so they can be sure to have extension cords for oxygen generators, storage for extra tanks, etc. If you booked directly you can contact [email protected]. More information: http://www.royalcaribbean.com/allaboutcruising/accessibleseas/otherNeeds.do

We failed at it. By that, I mean we looked forward to it quite a bit, but made very little time to check it out. The time we did go in they seemed to stay in Central Park forever and we had to move on. Next Oasis class sailing we're definitely be asking more about the schedule.

Drones are indeed on the list of prohibited items. http://www.royalcaribbean.com/customersupport/faq/details.do?pagename=frequently_asked_questions&faqId=2608&faqSubjectId=333

While the mechanics of it are that of an elevator, it isn't really enclosed in the top. When on the lower decks what is above you is a sky light of sorts in Central Park. When you get to the top level (at Central Park) that skylight becomes the ceiling of the bar. It stops for some quite a while at each floor, it's not as if you have to rush when the doors open. In fact, my complaint on the Allure is that I wished it moved more often/frequently The signage seems to allow for some sort of schedule to be displayed, but I never really caught on to what their routine was. I hope that clarifies things.

Absolutely deposit now. Might the price go down? Sure, it might. It's more likely the go up. If you lock in a price now and the price drops before final payment, you'll have no problem getting the difference. If it goes down after final payment your mileage may vary, though if you're lucky, and working with a good agent, you might get something. Again though, deposit now, lock in the price, and you and your agent can watch for drops.

Hey Candie, I used to be a firefighter and paramedic. Worked races at Homestead Miami Speedway, was a logistics supervisor for a large ambulance company, taught EMS protocol classes, and more. Now I do web localization/am a nerd. A logical transition. In my opinion, the international packages from most carriers are a waste. They cover very small amounts of data use, and the second your turn your phone on it's updating applications, pulling news, etc, so that data allotment probably gets used up before you even intentionally use any data/apps. Phone calls and text are also limited and very quickly go into the very high dollar amounts. The exception here is that most T-Mobile plans include international roaming to most countries for free, but I'm guessing you're using Verizon or ATT. On the trip you say you only used your phone on WiFi at the bar, there was clearly a time (the whole time, part of the time?) that you were not in airplane mode. You're simply not going to accrue carrier charges in airplane mode. Before your next trip you may want to go over with a friend or tech support person how to keep your phone in airplane mode while leaving WiFi on. You can, by the way, turn data roaming off on your device, the problem with doing that (instead of just using airplane mode) is that if you go to make a call but for some reason, lose WiFi/WiFi calling, the call will still go through at that awesomely high rate. By putting your phone in airplane mode, then connecting to the ship's WiFi, you're not using any of the data services from your carrier. In fact, if not for the existence of WiFi calling, you'd be completely disassociated from them. What WiFi calling does is simply allow you to make and receive calls and texts/SMS over WiFi with your regular phone number, and without the crazy costs. There are numerous ways to make calls and SMS over WiFi, but again, with WiFi calling, it's using the number (and interfaces) you're used to. If for some reason you can't use WiFi calling (incompatible phone for example), then Skype is a great alternative. It's easy to download and create an account, then you just buy a few dollars worth of credits and you can call the US while on WiFi (again, make sure you're in airplane mode so you don't use your carrier's data!) for pennies, you'll just be calling from a different number and cannot, without additional setup, get any incoming phone calls. I hope I clarified some things. I'll be glad to explain more, let me know. BH

Agreed with FloatMe. Here are some ways you can do this for very little: Assuming you purchase VOOM, set your phone to airplane mode, then turn on WiFi: -Using WiFi calling (newer iPhones, many Android devices, all major carriers at this point. Just a regular phone call w/ this feature enabled and while connected to ship's WiFi. -Download and install the Skype app on your phone, purchase a small amount of credits and call their phone via your Skype app on the ship's WiFi. Only $.02/min if they're in the US. While the above options aren't too complex to me, if you're not comfortable with them, ask for help before your trip. I'm sure a friend or carrier associate will help you, just don't be confused if they talk about shipboard calling rates - you'll want to use WiFi calling. Other possibility: -Find a friendly cruiser. A good portion of your fellow cruisers will have one of the 4 major carriers, and a good chunk of those will have a compatible phone. You'll inevitably chat up someone on board, so when you do, ask if they'd mind if you made a call. I frequently lend out my phone in Walt Disney World when I see someone from outside the US trying to use a calling card to call home. I can make those calls for pennies, seems easier. On the ship, it wouldn't even be costing them anything.

Welcome, Jeff. Be sure to follow @theRCLBlog on Twitter and Periscope as Matt Periscopes daily. It's a great time for everyone to chat about cruising. The blog hosts group cruises that are a ton of fun, the most recent of which was February on the Allure. More are coming in September and February, checkout royalcaribbeanblog.com/events for more info. Every week I Periscope ships leaving Port Everglades, you can find me at @monorailmedic on Periscope and Twitter. Be sure to post if you have any sailings coming up. You might find others onboard, get some tips, or be able to share tips with other cruisers. Bill H

When did you order yours? Waiting on mine for a bit. Stoked to show it off on Periscope :-)

Without knowing you it's a bit hard to make suggestions, but I can offer my personal thoughts and experiences. Also, be sure to check out the posts on this site related to Nassau at http://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/category/category/nassau Walking around Bay St (where the markets are) is certainly something to at least do for a couple minutes. Sales tactics are reasonably low pressure by non-US standards. Unless you're taking a cab or bus from the pier, you'll almost inevitably walk through part of this area anyway. There is a pirate museum that seems a bit corny (and to an extent, it is), but it's surprisingly well done and certainly worth seeing once. Bring your glasses, it's very dark inside (works with the theme). There is a brewery, and rum distillery, and a chocolatier that all offer tours, samples, etc The Governors Mansion and the Queens Staircase are nothing to spend much time at, but interesting to see (Queens Staircase more so, the mansion is just looking, nodding, and moving on IMO) Paradise Island is very popular, and the beaches, waterpark facilities, restaurants, etc are all very nice. That in mind, I find the price to be a bit ridiculous, and for some of those amenities, I just assume stay onboard and pay little or nothing. I may also be bias because I live in South Florida, so there is little novelty in this for me. Again, nice place, but to me personally, it's too expensive to make it worth it. Junkanoo beach is a short walk from the pier, along with several other free beaches. A few beaches along the way may belong to hotels that charge, but they can be good options as they may be a tad quieter, offer bar service, have pools, chairs, etc. It's been too long to name any in particular.

Ensure your passports are valid for at least 6 months after your departure date Travel insurance (if you so choose) Set a reminder to keep checking the site in the event of a target promotion (such as the 20% off bev packages some have seen) Notify CC companies and/or banks that you'll be traveling when/where Stop your mail, newspaper, etc (may have to wait until 90 days out)

Yeah, curious to see what they offer. It looks like Pullmantur had almost nothing as well...really screwing up my plans. We'll stay tuned as new itineraries are released though. You can always let your travel agent know what you're looking for and he/she will contact you when and if they're released.

This was posted on Reddit. I'm an web/IT professional and can say with confidence my computer nor phone were infected with internet-lice or other malady as a result of the survey (which I completed a couple days ago). Qualtrics is a known and established company/site. That in mind, everyone's caution and prudence is appreciated by your respected IT departments, children, etc.