tonyfsu21

2 hours ago, Cactus527 said:

I feel like I need a dictionary to understand what you posted here. I'm definitely not a casino person, LOL!!! It'd be interesting to learn though.

What are these "clandestine washrooms" as well?

I think this references the very difficult to find bathrooms located (sometimes in) around the casino. Not really sure but I do gamble quite a bit so I really should know. 

2 hours ago, bobroo said:

Watch recent YouTube vids to see if a specific game or slot is onboard? Does it have those clandestine washrooms? Yep, these are definitely pro tips, just like researching your cabin or a whole ship tour.

Will you find table limits? What bonus BJ may have? Single zero roulette? The length of the craps table(s)? Table minimum for baccarat? Oooooo....not so much.

I wanted to get a general idea of the layout and also see what machines were onboard. Mission accomplished. 

36 minutes ago, bobroo said:

What would you like to know about the casino @tonyfsu21? Just ask.

I watched a lady on YouTube walk through the casino last night and it answered all my questions. Thanks 

36 minutes ago, twangster said:

Plus on day one most of the smokers haven't found the smoking lounge (casino) yet.  By day two they have. 

This is so true! 

1 hour ago, CGTLH said:

I've seen one video posted, seach YouTube for "Icon Casino Royale".

Isn't the greatest, but gives an idea of layout.

I just watched one that was uploaded 4 days ago and it was exactly what I was looking for. Thanks! 

6 minutes ago, FionaMG said:

Why would it be a massive hit? Genuinely curious as the only thing I know about the casino is that I get a free $6 to lose.

There are so many people interested in learning about gambling in Casino Royale and the various perks available to those who play. This would be a great centralized source for information pertaining to the casino. If @Matt isn’t interested then there may be a tonyfsu hosted casino royale blog in my very near future.  

That @Matt approves a Casino Royale subsection of the blog?????? I would bet the ranch that this would be a massive hit. 

4 minutes ago, Cactus527 said:

I think I've been brain Icon-ed as I think I know the answer to this (too much Icon binging!). 

I think @Matt said he's on again on 1/19. He mentioned in the YouTube live broadcast this week that there were two preview sailings and he was going on the first. 

I also seem to remember him saying something about photos and videos down in the casino were restricted in some way. Don't ask me how, I just seem to recall that bit of info, but I don't know if that just applies pre-revenue sailings or always.

 

That would make sense re: restricting full casino access until the inaugural. 

3 hours ago, JeffJaje said:

Has anyone done a cruise from Florida, and on debarkation day, fly to San Juan and embark on a San Juan cruise? 

Specifically we are considering a 2 night cruise on Oasis in Oct 2025 from Ft Lauderdale, then fly to San Juan and do a 7 night cruise on Rhapsody.

This would be our first time trying to cruise back-to-back, and obviously back-to-back departing from two different cities. I called Royal and they said the Rhapsody leaves the port at 8:00pm, so in theory we should have plenty of time to fly there, especially if we disembark early. 

Are we crazy to try this? What pitfalls can you think of that we have not?

Thanks everyone,

JJ

Anything is possible but staking a vacation on an airline schedule these days is a gamble I wouldn’t take. If everything went right and you ideally boarded a plane from FLL before noon then you just might make it. 

33 minutes ago, Stephaniequezada22 said:

Ive made a courtesy hold reservation for the icon of the seas. I purchased airplane tickets and me and my husband took off from work. When i called to pay for my cruise they say i can no longer book it because that room doesn’t take 5 people . Is me my husband 2 kids and a 3 year old. They admitted they made a mistake. The costumer service is not giving me any resolution, they are saying they are going to try to help. Is there any one i could contact directly to get more help? I will be a diamond member this February and it is unbelievable how they been treating us. 

It would have been best to pay deposit before booking a plane flight because I personally don’t have much faith in IT at Royal Caribbean.  A courtesy hold is not binding in any way so I think you may not have much luck with resolution. Good luck 

Is there a travel agent/blogger sailing(s) scheduled for tomorrow or next week before the revenue sailing next weekend? I would really like a glimpse of the casino and a walkthrough video! 

We walk it to DT and it’s totally safe. I would add that if you are able body and enjoy walking then this will work well for you. 

2 hours ago, canditei said:

Hello everyone, i'm new in this forum.

We are sailing on icon the 3rd of february (flying from barcelona to miami the day before!) . So we will be expecting your comments about the trip, thank you.

I think Icon is so beautiful and full of activities to do but i have one concern... does anybody think that there isn't enough pool space on the ship? I have sailed in Harmony, allure and some smaller rc ships and i have the impression that there are very small pools on this one, not enough for 8000 people on cruise. I just hope i am wrong, what do you think?

Also do you know if we will beable to book the shows before sailing or just onboard?

Thanks everyone! Have a nivlce vacation! Greatings from Catalonia.

 

 

I seem to remember the icon has the “biggest pool on a cruise ship”? Even if this is true, they could not possibly build a big enough pool to satisfy the many thousands of passengers who will be eager to swim on a sea day. It’s a problem that can’t be solved.

If I’m not mistaken, the 4 day would include Nassau. In any case, nobody is sailing Utopia for the ports of call. We opted for a B2B this Summer and I have heard it’s a popular option for these new short duration Oasis class sailings. 

16 hours ago, VillainsGin said:

I tried calling the casino royale department and customer service and they weren't able to give a definitive answer as well. All that was said they're working with a new software for the casino. Then it just triggered a bunch of follow up questions regarding how the new software will affect players.

I guess we'll sit tight until the first official cruise and hope someone covers it!

I would like to add that anything the casino department or customer service says is more than likely just speculation as well. Both departments have a habit of steering you in the wrong direction and can’t be trusted. Could you imagine the uprising if the “new software” did not incorporate your hard earned player status? That can’t happen. 

2 hours ago, CrznTxn said:

Since we do not pay any gratuity on our vouchers we always tip the waiter/bartender for our drinks. This has become second nature to us and would not even think now of not tipping. Our nightly trip includes a stop by guest services or the casino cashier for $1 bills for the next day. Makes the waiters look for you for future drinks.

I tip 2.00 per drink in cash but the nightly stops at guest services would interfere with my vacation so I come prepared with $100 in singles. 

6 hours ago, TXcruzer said:

The receipts I receive, state at the bottom, that gratuity has been paid.  No, I do not have a picture of the receipt handy

I have seen the same thing listed on the bottom of the receipt indicating the gratuity was added.

14 minutes ago, YoungFamilyExplorers said:

Anyone have any great recommendations for excursions here? We did the train the last time and it was fun but we’d like to see more of the island and or some great beaches if possible. 
 

thanks!

Spice mill beach break was a good option. The beach is beautiful and the beers are iced cold & cheap. The only issue we had (family of 4) is the lack of organization at the pier and then again once we arrived at the beach. Nobody seemed to have a clue and it was complete chaos. The good news is once the dust settled it was a very relaxing day at the beach. The van ride to the beach showcased the island with a stop at a mountaintop view point for photos. Very cool. 

1 hour ago, Lovetocruise2002 said:

Really? Next time we are in Fort Lauderdale for more than one night we might have to check that out. But I don't know if we can give up La Bamba lol

I just checked and I stand corrected. The Serafina in Fort Lauderdale is a different company. Looks like La Bamba is a safe bet for the next time you make it to FLL! 

22 hours ago, BMO said:

We are from KY and like to travel with our dogs along as much as possible, but obviously they don’t go on cruises with us. When we fly to our port they stay in KY, but we like to drive to ports now and then and would like to have them along for the trip up to embarkation day. I could use some suggestions on good kennels near Port Canaveral, Port Everglades, and The Port of Miami. Thank you in advance!

Barkers Pet Resort on 17th Street in Fort Lauderdale would be really easy for you in/out of Port Everglades. 

5 hours ago, asquared17 said:

STOP ARE YOU FOR REAL. 

ughhhhhhhh this almost has me reconsidering staying in miami vs FLL.  

aventura mall is a JOURNEY. you’ll have a lot of fun there; tons to see and shop

keep me posted!!!!

There’s one in East Fort Lauderdale (926 NE 20th Ave).

On 3/10/2019 at 11:37 AM, Sasha said:

I got scammed by Regalia Fine Jewelry on the Harmony of the Seas.. We took a Western Caribbean Cruise for New Years 2018/2019. I purchased over $50,000.00 worth of jewelry. I was concerned prior to purchasing the jewelry that we were paying to much. The staff lied and promised that the jewelry would appraise for more than what i paid for it, especially since it was GIA certified. They tried to make it seem like i was getting the best deal and a 50% discount. They said that the jewelry would appraise way over the price I paid for it. I have since seen a couple jewelers and he told me that the jewelry is garbage, the earring set are not even the same color. The most he said he would value it at would be $3500.00 for everything and that's pushing it. DO NOT BUY ANY JEWELRY ON THIS BOAT , because they are scamming you..... I also have a Certificate of Authenticity from KALLATI stating they are certifying that this amount is at current market value but could vary 25%.... THAT IS HIGH WAY ROBBERY.... They are PHONY and are just trying to scam people and give you paperwork that doesn't mean anything.  

I would not advise EVER spending 5 figures at a mid to low tier jewelry shop on a cruise ship. How did you actually get to this point? I’m not judging the amount as I have spent significantly more at the Rolex authorized dealer (AH Riise) in St Thomas and also Cartier Boutique in St Maartin (no longer open) because of the massive duty free savings. If you had an AMEX linked to sail and sign account then I would have  immediately contacted AMEX and disputed the entire amount (insert any reason: fake, not as advertised, broken) just to get the ball rolling. Ultimately you made a very costly mistake by jumping into something w/o performing a level of due diligence for a $50k purchase. If you are Jeff Bezos or Mrs Jeff Bezos then please disregard anything I said in the text above…

5 hours ago, tjcruisers said:

Myself I wouldn't buy anything over a couple of hundred on the ship or in ports.

Some ports like St Thomas have Rolex boutiques which are totally legit so there really is a benefit considering a duty free purchase. 

15 hours ago, tjcruisers said:

My wife likes playing the slots. I found it more cost effective to just buy a bunch of slot machines and put them in my games room  

In 2024 you can play every one of these games on an iPhone which is even more cost effective! 

20 hours ago, TexanTwoStep said:

I hate to be "that guy", but there is no strategy with any slots or electronic games.

Your fate is sealed once you hit the button or pull the arm.  A chip called a random number generator decides if you won, how much you won and all the literal bells and whistles are to keep your attention.

But I agree with what Matt said, if you want to learn how to make a specific amount, just ask the casino host, they will GLADLY help you part with your money.

 

Signed,

 

A sore casino loser

This is true. I only “fast spin” which basically amounts to dumping a heap into a machine and pressing the button as fast as a slot tournament. It absolutely does not matter as the reels don’t have time to physically give the illusion of a spin. IMHO it’s more exciting this way as I have zero patience. Attached are some highlights from Symphony last week (+$13k):