tonyfsu21

30 minutes ago, DublinFC said:

I am pretty sure this has been stated somewhere, but I am not going hunting through the message boards for the thread(s).  

Any solid suggestions for hotels near Port Everglades?  Depending on arrival time a place with a great pool and pool bar would be nice.  Also, if staying so close what is the average cost of an Uber/Lyft to the port?  Just wondering.   I have only sailed from Miami and Port Canaveral.  PC we had a shuttle from Disney World.

thanks

Any of the hotels on the beach would be perfect for you. 
No Budget: Ritz Carlton, Conrad, Hilton, W Fort Lauderdale beach, Marriott Harbor Beach. Locals staycation at Conrad and Marriott harbor beach for the most part. 

budget: Hilton Marina

$15-$20ish for an Uber to the terminal. 

5 min or less I can make it from deck 5 to the Boardwalk Doghouse for 2 hotdogs and a beer. I am otherwise very aware and on top of my health walking 25k+ steps per day (cruise or no cruise) and consistent Peloton rides keep things in check. I don’t bother dieting because it’s overrated. IMHO it’s ok to eat what you want and get control of yourself by not overeating. It’s all mental. 

24 minutes ago, dwhelchel said:

So, cruising out of Ft. Lauderdale and will be parking at the pier.  (Yes, I know there are cheaper and maybe better options.)  My question is that we are doing a BTB and wondering how paying for the parking actually works.  My memory tells me that there is no attendant at the pay gate to enter the parking garage and you simply put in a credit card but I do not recall if it the machine asks you how long you will be parking there so it can calculate how much you pay.  (I have only done 7-night cruises where I parked at the pier.)

So I'm curious as to how to pay for the 14-night.  Any insight would be appreciated.

Ticket has time stamp and will charge you the 14 days when you exit and pay at the gate. I do not recall an attendant it’s CC only. 

Official Statement: you should follow the rules and stick to assigned boarding times. RC will follow up with a stringent message 24hr prior to embarkation telling you NOT to arrive early. 
 

Unofficial statement: arrive when you want and jump in line. I have never been turned away. I don’t like how embarkation is considered day one of a vacation yet 1/2 a day is blown by the time you arrive to the ship for a late assigned boarding time. 

1 hour ago, LGCruises said:

Would you by any chance happen to know that percentage? I’m curious as to at what point they decide that they can’t hide/not disclose this info.

I thought we were past this as a society? Why would the cruise line have to report this information? The cruise contract has specific language detailing the risks associated with exposure to pathogens in the health acknowledgment. I think you either choose to cruise or not cruise and that’s the end of the story. 

1 hour ago, LGCruises said:

Yeah, everyone makes a good point. My symptoms have been somewhat minor and I hope they stay that way. 
 

Hopefully this was just a one-off thing and cruising remains unaffected…

It’s certainly not a one off thing. I would imagine people can get Covid on cruise ships, airplanes, concerts and just about everywhere. Notifying the cruise ship that you tested positive for Covid these days is probably a waste of your valuable time. 

27 minutes ago, Ampurp85 said:

I can always find the washrooms in a casino. They are usually in a corner.  Currently on mariner right now and the women's is by the crazy money 2 machines. While the men's is tucked away by a barely used table, both are opposite of each other

I have no idea what a “clandestine washroom” is. I do however know what a clandestine slot attendant is when it comes time for a hand pay. 

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.