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monorailmedic

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  1. Like
    monorailmedic got a reaction from bcarney in Lobster Dinner   
    On this always controversial topic, first, I'd like to thank everyone for their friendly discourse.  ::clapping::
     
    The dress code seems to steer people away from shorts and other casual-wear.  While I am not a very formal person, I understand what they're going for.  I also understand others might be not thrilled if they see someone interpreting or acting on the rules as they'd like.  RCCL (or any other cruise line) ends up in an awkward position of wanting all persons to feel comfortable and enjoy their cruise, and that sometimes means they're the bad guy for doing something about it - or not.
     
    Now, how do I handle this?  As a very casual person, I'll chime in on my personal take.  Not an angle that I am posing as right or wrong, just my feelings.  
    I don't find it takes me much effort at all to put on a pair of pants instead of shorts, or a plain shirt instead of one that says, ,,Ë™looʇs ɹÉq ʎɯ uo ʞɔÉq Çɯ ʇnd 'sᴉɥʇ pÉÇɹ uÉÉ” noÊŽ ÉŸI,,
    So, because it takes me so little effort to comply, and because I want to keep the peace and make everyone as happy as possible, I don't wear shorts in the MDR.  Does it matter to me personally?  Nope, as long as no one is sitting in my chair at the dinner before me wearing a wet bathing suit, I'm good.  But again, compliance w/ the dress code and keeping everyone happy is simple for me, as such, my choice is a simple one.
  2. Like
    monorailmedic reacted to KLA in ultimate vs premium packages   
    Yes, those. 
     
    That's generally why I don't go for the Ultimate package.
  3. Like
    monorailmedic got a reaction from KLA in ultimate vs premium packages   
    While I can't speak to the coffee-flavored sugar-shakes that Matt lives off of (I know, I'm the odd one out here), On RCCL and X I order espresso in the MDR and that is included in packages, but would otherwise cost somewhere around $2.5/3.
  4. Like
    monorailmedic got a reaction from Familyof4 in Electronics on AOS   
    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
  5. Like
    monorailmedic got a reaction from Familyof4 in Electronics on AOS   
    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.
  6. Like
    monorailmedic got a reaction from Shelly in Emergency Numbers   
    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.
  7. Like
    monorailmedic got a reaction from coneyraven in Royal being unfair to booked passengers!   
    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.
     
  8. Like
    monorailmedic got a reaction from DocLC in Google Fi   
    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.
  9. Like
    monorailmedic got a reaction from DocLC in Chef's Table... accommodating for pescetarians/vegetarians?   
    Ohhh, but you'd have to actually go on a group cruise.  Womp womp.
  10. Like
    monorailmedic got a reaction from DocLC in Chef's Table... accommodating for pescetarians/vegetarians?   
    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?  
  11. Like
    monorailmedic reacted to KLA in Chef's Table... accommodating for pescetarians/vegetarians?   
    We've been over this. This is Matt's fault. 
  12. Like
    monorailmedic got a reaction from MotleyCruiser in NEXT CRUISE OFFICE QUESTION   
    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.
  13. Like
    monorailmedic got a reaction from DunkelBierJay in Luggage storage   
    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 :-)
  14. Like
    monorailmedic got a reaction from SFaz in Anyone familiar with the port in Victoria, BC?   
    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.
  15. Like
    monorailmedic got a reaction from coneyraven in Luggage storage   
    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 :-)
  16. Like
    monorailmedic got a reaction from andydlucas in Luggage storage   
    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 :-)
  17. Like
    monorailmedic got a reaction from Matt in Luggage storage   
    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 :-)
  18. Like
    monorailmedic got a reaction from KLA in Luggage storage   
    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 :-)
  19. Like
    monorailmedic got a reaction from pdurney in embarcation times port canerveral   
    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. 
  20. Like
    monorailmedic got a reaction from DocLC in embarcation times port canerveral   
    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. 
  21. Like
    monorailmedic got a reaction from DocLC in Booking a cruise   
    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.
  22. Like
    monorailmedic got a reaction from dejagatkins in Booking a cruise   
    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.
  23. Like
    monorailmedic got a reaction from Matt in Booking a cruise   
    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.
  24. Like
    monorailmedic got a reaction from dejagatkins in Booking a cruise   
    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.
  25. Like
    monorailmedic got a reaction from hayley_bopp in Sabor on Navigator - What's included?   
    To DocLC's point, Sabor Modern Mexican is the restaurant found on the Navigator and other ships.  You pay the cover and pick whatever you'd like off the menu.  Sabor Taqueria is found on Oasis class ships, and is a la carte.  
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