Cactus527

That is so strange! I just did a quick search based on the last two comments and immediately got results for January 2025, as an example.

Navigator's LA schedule is now available until April 2025!!!!! https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/sites/default/files/2023-02/NV_ShortCarib_2024_2025_PreOPEN.pdf

https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/sites/default/files/2023-02/NV_ShortCarib_2024_2025_PreOPEN.pdf

You arrive at the port with all your stuff. As you go towards the check-in area, men with large rolling carts (think Costco flat carts for huge purchases) will approach and ask to take your luggage. These are the porters. Totally fine to give your luggage to them. Tip them $1-2 per bag. Of all the times I've done this, there was only once when my bag didn't show up at my stateroom door by 4pm - it was two doors down! Very easy to find, gave us a good laugh ("oh, maybe we're supposed to be in a better room?"). It's definitely nerve wracking the first time you do it, but it's easy-peasy and safe. Enjoy your cruise! PRO TIP - at the end of your cruise, use the porters after you've collected your luggage. 9 times out of 10 they will have a shorter line to get you through scanners faster and on your way faster. Again, tip $1-2 per bag, but so worth it.

The latest Royal Caribbean Blog post made me check (for the billionth time) west coast USA cruises after April 2024. THEY ARE FINALLY AVAILABLE!!!!!!! West Coasters, go forth!

Yup, our 4 nighter had formal night on the second night. We were the only ones really dressed up! Felt a bit awkward...

Non-alcoholic is the way I go. I LOVE blueberry nojitos and Shirley gingers, and the piña colada is fabulous too.

I fly Southwest, so I'll always come in the day before just in case!

You each get one device access. I flip between using my access on my phone and then my laptop. Enjoy your VIP package! My favorite parts are early embarkation, lunch on embarkation day, and the super fast disembarkation at the end.

I would check a recent Cruise Compass for the 4-night sailing and see if it shows up there. I don't think it was available on our 4-night Navigator cruise in October, but I honestly can't remember (my kids would have been all over it, but since they didn't say anything, that's where my assumption is coming from).

I would suggest going over to https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/ and filling in the "Get A Quote" block on the right side. That will get sent over to MEI Travel, and they may be able to point you in the right direction. Good luck!

Somewhere around 2010? 2011? I can't remember anymore, Royal Caribbean changed how they do the C & A points. I know that my cruise from 2005 got double points but would nowadays not. I wonder if that might be the case with your Grandeur sailing?

Are you working with a travel agent? This is the kind of thing a TA could help you with and spend the time doing, plus they'd have a lot of experience with changes. That's my thought, sorry I can't be more helpful.

Sun Bum 70 SPF all the way. 10000000% agree on this one! It helps SO much.

I've always worked off the (past) recommended advice that flights are cheapest at approximately 54 days out. This makes sense with the article you linked. It was also recommended in the past to purchase mid week (Tuesday-Thursday), with Wednesday midday being the optimal time. I think the reasoning there was that airlines change their prices multiple times a day during the week, but Wednesday seemed to be a drop. Airlines also only change prices once a day on the weekends, so that's something to keep in mind. Personally, with the way everything has changed, I try to purchase airfare about 3-4 months out for availability. If the cost drops, I'll cancel the previous (refundable) ticket and book at the lower cost. I primarily use Southwest and American, if that helps.

If it helps anyone, if you have an 11 year old, you can actually register them in Adventure Ocean AND at the Teen area. You'll have to sign a waiver at the teen place to say it's okay for them to be there, but they can! My 11 year old was thrilled that she could hang with her 13 year old sister there, but then she also loved all the activities in Adventure Ocean. She kept telling me "11 is the perfect age to cruise!" (this was on Navigator)

It turns out it wasn't on the schedule until last minute because they had a new cast of skaters and the show was premiering. At least, that's what the cruise director said. It was phenomenal! They did it twice Friday night and once Sunday afternoon.

Yes. They are roped off completely in the fitness room where the classes are held and only brought out for classes.

It appears that there is parking between the terminals, and they are a 7-minute walk apart.

I just checked Cruise Deck Plans and it lists at the bottom how everything is laid out. I wonder if this will help you? (Deck 8 for example - https://www.cruisedeckplans.com/DP/deckplans/deckbydeck.php?ship=Explorer-of-the-Seas&deck=8)

My September 2023 cruise just started showing things in the cruise planner January 1, so you've probably got a few months before something shows for you. I've got nothing available except shore excursions for my January 2024 one.

If it helps at all, I just got off Navigator this week and spent every morning of my 3 night cruise up on the jogging track at 5am. At 5am, the chalkboard signs for the reserved casitas already had names on them for the day ("Welcome, Smith Family!"). So, it really is aaaaaall day. I also agree with @14Terry- it was flipping COLD up there on the pool deck! I felt sorry for all the people competing in the belly flop competition - there I was wearing a coat and wrapped in my blanket while they were in swim trunks only... Pool deck and Solarium were NOT crowded, but the hot tubs were!!!

OH NO WHERE IS MY LIFE JACKET

My TA has actually recommended this hotel as well.

I just got off a cruise yesterday with The Key benefits. LOVED the early boarding - 10:25am for the win, RC! (Navigator of the Seas) Having designated private times at places like the rock climbing wall and Flow Rider were nice too. Special seating in the theaters = take it or leave it, but I did think it was super useful for the ice skating show. Free Internet made this worth it to me (when I purchased, The Key and getting internet were only $5 apart). However, my FAVORITE thing about The Key is dedicated time to disembark. There was a massive line off the ship at 8:45am. I just mosied over to our meeting location (R Bar, in this case), showed The Key employee my SeaPass, and she escorted me straight to the scan-to-get-off employee. I literally skipped 20 minutes of waiting in line with that. Time from showing her my SeaPass card at the R Bar to stepping out onto the street to get a ride = 14 minutes. LOVE. EDIT: No free room service, but continental breakfast is free for everyone - take advantage of it!