Cactus527

My MEI TA mentioned that RC was now allowing some OBC to happen through the cruise planner versus just allowing it once you were on board. That gave me $50 extra pre-cruise last month to use/plan for next month.

To piggyback - on my last cruise, there was nothing letting me know about any C&A events. Where can I find that information on board?

If you're looking for a fun beach that's a touch closer, I've always loved both Manhattan Beach and Redondo Beach. They are still in the near vicinity of LAX but south of Venice Beach.

Venice Beach is actually just a bit north and west of LAX, so it's even further from San Pedro than the airport.

I am (sadly) still waiting for California sailings to post, and I don't think they're coming out until spring.

Thank you so much, @FireFishII! I figured I was searching the wrong term, I appreciate the links.

I remember seeing a link on here somewhere for a page of last-minute deals offered by Royal Caribbean. I think it was updated every week. Can't find the thread, and can't find the page - can anyone help?

I'm glad @ScottD said no - I actually have mine printed up at Office Depot because my home printer is just black and white. Now I can save $1!

Bad news, re: cruise schedule for LA. I just saw this on @Matt's latest video on YouTube. I CAN'T WAIT THAT LONG but I guess I'll have to...

May I ask which travel insurance you use and which plan?

I just had a student request a delay on their final because their cat died. Just...sorry it happened, but no. Gimme those 3-4 day cruises too!

Also this: https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2021/01/22/bernie-sanders-inauguration-meme-reaches-cruise-ships-too

This is karma's way of clearing out the chair hogs for you.

@smokeybandit

I hear you 1000000% - waiting/checking the deployment schedule is getting me through my students' ludicrous requests during finals week....well, that and alcohol...

I forgot to mention - the Regency is just on the opposite side of The Pike shopping area, so definitely not far walking to food.

There are a number of hotels in Long Beach, just across the bridge from the port. We've done both the Hyatt Centric and Hyatt Regency and liked both. The Centric is connected to The Pike shopping area with stores, restaurants, food trucks, and an awesome ferris wheel. The Regency is connected to the convention center and closer to the actual beach itself. Lyft from either hotel to the port is about 10-12 minutes.

Omg I have been DYING all week for California cruises! JUST RELEASE THEM ALREADY!!!!!

I find this very interesting to compare to my experience in port (October). We had an easy drop off with Lyft, easy to find the lane we needed to be in for boarding, and everything was quick and easy and clear. Upon departure, the lines to exit the ship (since we were near the end) were long but moving. We used a porter to skip the long line waiting for customs, and then ended up waiting for Lyft for about 30 minutes to depart. No problem with 5 bags with our Lyft XL. Again, this is all probably because we waited until near the end to get off the ship. I thought that the way everything was arranged was clear and easy to follow. Using advice learned online (like here on RC Blog) helped me know what to expect. I really thought San Pedro was set up well and easy to do everything needed before, during, and after.

I wonder if a port shake up is needed. For example, Princess does a great California coast cruise (6 and 7 nights) that hits Ensenada for the out-of-the-US requirement. A trip like that on RC would be a fantastic change, but I know I'm preaching to the choir here. The repositioning cruises with Brilliance and Radiance are great options too, but those only happen 1-2 times annually. For whatever reason, RC isn't doing anything out of San Diego anymore - BLARGH.

CARB! I'm going to read up on that now. It seems like such an appropriate acronym for California...

I sure hope so. Navigator had no cruises in March 2024, then resumes in mid April, so I'm hoping it stays put or we get a better ship. It's my closest port! If they leave LA entirely, I will be most disappointed.

This made me cackle aloud because I *just* got a 10:30 boarding time today for my next cruise. This is TERRIFIC!

It is my understanding that Adventure Ocean is available all during the time that you are in port. Hopefully someone else chimes in on this too. One thing I thought was interesting was that 11-year-olds are able to sign themselves in and out of Adventure Ocean if you sign a waiver - the only time that doesn't apply is when you are in port.

What an extremely thoughtful TA!