tonyfsu21

14 minutes ago, Mike.s said:

Any thoughts on transfer options, we'll be looking at the same requirements in 2023?

From MIA to Fort Lauderdale or hotel to port?

I would say UBER OR Lyft is best from MIA to Fort Lauderdale (25 min drive). From embassy suites to port Everglades you can either pay to use the hotel shuttle service or once again use ride share as it’s located only 5 minutes from the port. 

5 hours ago, Gaynor Hollings said:

Will be arriving into MIA at 1630hrs the evening before our cruise.  A hotel with bar/restaurant within walking distance would be preferred.

Embassy Suites 17th street Fort Lauderdale. 

I can help but would need to know more information. Hotel prices are elevated in February around Fort Lauderdale as we are in high season. 

Clearly I’m mixing things up. I guess close contact you quarantine in your assigned stateroom? My kids tested positive so we were moved to the Covid floor which is a whole different ballgame. 

4 hours ago, mathbees said:

We sailed in March and my niece got quarantined. It wasn't Covid, but she was running a fever so they ran her through the protocols.

We had a great head waiter in the MDR and when he found out she was quarantined he ordered up a Sorrento's pizza while we were eating to take back to the room. I would imagine that you could order a "to-go" plate from the MDR while you're eating and just bring it back to her. I know people have ordered desserts to go, in the past.

I don’t think this is possible if you are on the Covid isolation floor. You can’t leave the room and nobody else can visit the floor. Dropping off a pizza wouldn’t be something you could do. 

40 minutes ago, smokeybandit said:

You'll get full room service, internet and ship to shore calls if quarantined.

What we got was not the full room service menu by any means on Oasis New Years cruise. Hopefully things have changed. 

6 hours ago, Woodmnky said:

My MIL had some questions about what happens is you test positive for covid once on-board. She was wondering if you only have access to the standard room service menu or if you are able to order items from the dining room as well? She has some dietary restrictions and for some reason this is really bothering her. 

We are cruising on Harmony in 3 weeks.

Your mother won’t like this answer but I have been quarantined with my family and the food is less then decent….. Unless things have significantly changed over the last 3 1/2 months then it’s not a great situation to be in. I’m confident that in the unlikely event she is quarantined then RC will accommodate her diet restrictions especially if they are a health matter. There is absolutely nothing standard about the quarantine room service menu, it’s very basic and dropped off outside your door (usually cold) in styrofoam containers much like a prison. 

17 minutes ago, Pooch said:

Have done Tampa & PC and check in and boarding was so easy (esp. because we used the terminal garage this time!).  October is out of Miami.  How much different/harder/easier will it be?

Other then actually getting to the port, the check in process is refined to perfection at the terminal in Miami. The only bottleneck will be on the way out the parking garage the elevator is normally a mess and takes some time to get to your floor. If you are not parking a car then I’m sure it’s not very difficult to get a ride share or taxi right out of the door.

18 minutes ago, Leroyr55 said:

We sail May7th hopefully things keep getting better. Been waiting for this since 2020.

Keep your expectation consistent with what is reality and you will have a great time. I’ve been on quite a few cruises (all oasis class ships) post Covid with zero complaints. You will certainly notice a crew that is not trained to pre Covid levels and there will be disappointments with show cancellations exc but the overall value for the vacation is still top notch. Enjoy 

I think we need to get used to it. This issue is not exclusive to Symphony of the seas or Royal Caribbean it’s just the way the world operates at this point. Can you tell me a place on planet earth that has a fully functioning and trained staff, no impact from COVID-19 and the equipment and material available to meet anyones needs? Personally I have not been to a single place yet from the local Starbucks to the Home Depot that can actually accommodate pre Covid capacity. Once you accept the new reality it’s much easier to enjoy that tasteless steak or wait an extra few minutes for that cold beer on your cruise. It’s not an ideal scenario but I would have to say that anyone on a cruise enjoying life in any way should consider themselves lucky & fortunate. 

6 hours ago, Scott_gunerman said:

I was on the official website for royal and looking in my cruise information [july 22-29] and did not see any information regarding the casino. Anyone know where I can find information about the casino on Oasis?  Specifically I am wondering if they have “bubble craps” - this is an automated version of the table game.  If not, do they have craps tables?  Any information or details on where else I can look would be great. Thanks in advance for the help

I can confirm craps tables. If nobody on this forum can confirm the automated version I suggest checking Oasis casino walk throughs on YouTube that’s how I get most of my slot machine and table answers spotting them on the detailed walk throughs. 

Sunset Bar is basically right on the sand:

After watching @Matt video at the mason Jar on Wonder, the PB&J old fashioned is next up for me. 

25 minutes ago, wordell1 said:

Buckets of beer are awesome!  A lot of people actually don't know they can order them.  My favorite thing to order at the pool deck is a bucket of Red Stripe.

Same here. A bucket of red stripe is perfection! So I used to be able to order buckets through room service but now I end up going to Boleros and bringing it back upstairs for sail away. 

Buckets of beer on the balcony(Deck 17 is preferred) is my ideal sail away tradition. Can’t wait for Odyssey!

Bayfront by the port entrance. Grab a coffee or a bite to eat and it’s an easy Uber into the port. 

7 minutes ago, CruisingNewb said:

That's dangerous territory you are treading.  I too have used the iPhone's water resistant feature for depths up to 5 meters and time up to about 15 minutes.  But I would not ever recommend this.  The seal between the glass and the sides can have microfractures that you cannot see and water can definitely penetrate.

I’ve certainly put it to the test and so far, no issues other then the sand scratches on the screen. Now underwater photography may be something that I will have to test next and report back. 

FYI- My kids have tossed my iPhone in the pool and it sat at the bottom for about 15 minutes and I am currently posting this response on said iPhone 13. I also keep it in my pocket when we are at the beach. No issues….. I believe alien technology has moved us beyond waterproof cases. 

I always prefer Oasis class unless your talking about a Southern Caribbean itinerary. In this case, I would sail Odyssey. We are taking the Southern Caribbean Thanksgiving holiday sailing this year on Odyssey which should be amazing. 

Indy has the blue spring water cans. 

3 hours ago, 2ball said:

as a follow up to this if anyone searches, 

Fort lauderdale cruise port to Fort lauderdale airport, 9:10am flight.

I was in line with my luggage to leave the ship at 6:10am.

I actually got to leave at 6:40am.  I was one of the first 20 people off the ship.

I made it outside in about 10 minutes (maybe less).

There were at least 30 -50 taxis waiting.

I got in the taxi and got to the airport in about 10 minutes.

The outside skycap luggage service was empty and I used that.

security was empty and I breezed through that.

I was past security at 7:15am and waiting for my 9:10 flight.

 

everything worked perfectly for me but if it didn't there was still some room for small errors or lines.

your milage may vary.  

 

It’s certainly achievable but not advised because there are far too many variables. I’ve been held up for hours multiple times due to customs or a homeland security drill taking place. The majority of the time I make it home with a Starbucks coffee in hand by 7:15am.

Are you referring to this area? I don’t believe it’s accessible to passengers.

On 12/12/2020 at 9:39 PM, tonyfsu21 said:

Chefs table royal rumble. An entire family had too many wines & decided to start fighting each other. Punches were thrown & security broke it up & sent them packing. The Chef felt so bad for the remaining few people that he sent servers to give us 3 free rounds of drinks. This was an epic chefs table experience. 

We still talk about this night at the chefs table whenever I see my BIL. I remember this like it was yesterday. Literally a fist fight between an entire big family to the point where the security could barely pull them apart. There was clearly tension since the second we sat down between the mother & son due to his new GF that was at the table. Words started to fly after the booze was flowing and Dad punched the son (I can’t recall what either son or GF said to mom which infuriated dad). I wonder if that entire family was put in the brig & kicked off the ship? You see the craziest things at the chefs table and it’s certainly worth the cover charge! 

There are Covid test sites on every corner in Fort Lauderdale. It’s around 10 min from the marina to FLL so if that’s the only venue you choose to use then it’s not going to be a big deal. You will pass 3 going down 17th street on the way to federal highway and another 3 before you make it to the airport (appx 3 miles South). 

Here is a photo I add anytime someone asks the question. As you can see, parking is prime at the terminal.