KellsBells71

Does Royal ever do better than $650 + 30% off every guest?  I see that discount all the time but never see anything more?  

On 3/23/2023 at 11:21 PM, Pattycruise said:

Any additional input on places to stay for a cruise beginning in San Juan?

The day before the cruise we stayed at Courtyard by Marriott San Juan Miramar. We took an Uber to the Pam American Pier. It was maybe 10 mins away. After the cruise we stayed for 2 more days and stayed at CasaBlanca. They held our luggage until the room was ready. It’s an older hotel but a great location to shopping and the next street over has a tons of restaurants. 

51 minutes ago, Matt said:

[email protected]

Thanks. I did it through my iPhone instead of computer and it worked. 

Just came from our first cruise ever and now wanting to book for next year!  . Just curious to know which is your favourite ship and your least favourite ship and why?  

12 hours ago, travellingtannis said:

I also have a noon boarding time, but was hoping to show up a bit early. How long did you have to wait in lines or at the terminal before boarding? It also sounds as though you did My Time Dining, we have 6:45pm times booked each night - did you experience long wait times or lines? @KellsBells71

Thanks again, getting so excited!

We started to stand in line as soon as our other party arrived. I really didn’t check the time but we stood in line for a bit but the line kept moving quickly. Yes we had MTD and didn’t experience any long waits. On Voyager there was a line for “reservations” and then the other line for non reservations. Never experienced long waits. They move you pretty quickly into your table. 

On 1/16/2023 at 8:11 AM, Matt said:

All set. There will be an icon in top right corner to download

@Matt, can you provide an email address as I’d like to submit one for Voyager but the link is not working for me. Thanks!

I just came off Voyager on Sunday. There is no priority for Royal Excursions. Just be at the gangway when the ship docks and wait there till clearance and you’ll get off the ship quickly. 

38 minutes ago, RCIfan1912 said:

The app with all your cruise info, or I should say upcoming cruises is all messed up. It has my booked stuff, it has my cruise but every I click says "schedule is loading, so tap refresh" it's been like that for a while now. It won't bring up restaurants, or drinks or entertainment or excursions. Is this a known issue or just me? Any known fix? This used to have everything loaded, the cruise is October of this year. I could see if it were way down the road. Thanks for any help. 

You can try deleting and reloading the app to see if that works. 

20 hours ago, tonyfsu21 said:

The banana daiquiris on that mountain in St Thomas are excellent! I can’t wait to go back.  

They were so good,I'm craving one as we speak!  lol. Love how they also give you a little "topper" of rum on top of it.  And the shopping experience at Mountain Top.  WOW.....definitely found some stuff there. 

11 hours ago, travellingtannis said:

Thank you @KellsBells71!  We leave on a similar itinerary March 26th on Voyager from San Juan, so I really appreciate this summary. Also, we are in a room practically next to where you were, and I am also worried about the noise from the promenade, elevator and stairs, but less so now!

Glad you had a wonderful vacation, thanks again!

I too was worried after booking it and then finding out where our room was and going "oh great" it's going to be noisy.  But there was never an issue.  During the night it was very quiet.  Next time we book I would book in the same area.  Having the stairs and elevator close by was so convenient.  Now this being our first cruise, I have nothing to compare it to, so I would hope that if we booked on a different ship it would be the same.

35 minutes ago, Wheeler825 said:

Thanks, I'm sailing on this ship in September.  I've only been on Oasis ships as of yet (until May), but I'm excited to be on a smaller/older boat for a change of experience.  How was the rocking of the ship? For context, I'm the guy who would do the drake passage just to get tossed around..

The boat was very smooth except on the second last day when we were heading back.  It was very rocky as it was very windy.  But to me it was fine.  Yes you could feel it, but I don't get sea sick so I was ok.  

45 minutes ago, AandD said:

Where did you stay in Old San Juan ?

 

We stayed at the CasaBlanca Hotel.  It's a boutique hotel with maybe 50 rooms.  It's older and it was ok; rooms are very small.  They did have a roof top terrace which was great just to sit up there and longe and have a few drinks.   It was right on Calle Fortaleza St which is a major shopping road and walking distance to the San Cristobal Fort.  Which was a great location.  One street over and there was "restaurant row" as I called it.  We ate at Raices and I had the steak and shrimp mofongo and it was awesome!

Thought I would give my thoughts on our first cruise experience.  

As we have never cruised before, the ship really didn't matter to me, but the ports did.  We choose this itinerary out of San Juan due to the ports.  We flew in a day before the cruise.  

Day 1 - Embarkation Day.  We arrived around 10:30 to meet up with family.  Our time was scheduled for 12noon.  Everything went smoothly.  We decided to use the porters for our luggage.  We quickly headed to Windjammer to grab something to eat.  It wasn't very crowded when we were there.  After lunch we toured the ship to get our bearings and to figure out where everything is.  We were able to get into our rooms around 3pm and our luggage came shortly after.  At first we didn't purchase the drink package because we thought that since we were going to be at ports everyday, we would drink more off the ship, but while on the ship, we were having a few beavies and then decided to buy the drink package.  lol. It was buy 1 at $72.00 per day and the second one half price.  In my opinion based on how much we drink, we appreciated the drink package.  This sale price was only for 1 day.  Looking back at my account, we drank a lot!  LOL and no, buying the drink package did not prompt us to drink more! . We also got 2 suvenlour cups to use as well.  As it was casual night, we ate in the Main Dining Room.  Our dinner time was set for 7:15 each night.

Muster Drill - easy peasy.  Watched the video on the app and went down to our station and had the attendant scan our phone.  That was GREAT...I hope they don't do away with it.  

We decided on a balcony room, which I'm sure glad we did.  For myself, I need to see some daylight!  We were on the 6th floor, right above the Promenade, in the middle close by the elevator and stairs.  This was an AWESOME location being so close to the stairs and elevator.  I thought noise would be a factor, but it wasn't.  The only complaint that I had was that the bed was very hard; too hard for me so sleeping was an issue.  Couple of days we slept with the balcony door open and some days I actually slept on the balcony on the chairs.  I don't sleep at the best of times, so having a balcony was great.

Day 2 - St. Thomas.  It was cloudy and raining.  I was planning on doing Skyride to Paradise Point and then do the walking trail at Magens Bay and walk down to the beach,  but best laid plans didn't work out.  The ship docked at Crown Bay so we were not walking distance to Skyride.  Because of the rain, we quickly decided to jump on a tour bus.  This bus took us around the island and then we stopped at Mountain Top and had their famous banana daiquiris and did some shopping there.    The view is awesome from Mountain Top where you can see Magens Bay.

Day 3 - St. Croix.  We took a taxi over to Rainbow Beach.  The taxi was $15.00 per person!  When we got to Rainbow Beach the cost of 1 umbrella and 2 beach chairs were $70.00 and then $15.00 each for extra chairs.  After laying on the beach and drinking, we decided to walk back to the pier and do a little more shopping.

Day 4 - St. Maarten.  Since we have been there before, we didn't do any tours.  We walked the board walk, and did some shopping.  Ate lunch at the Blue Bitch Bar, listened to some live music and just enjoyed the day.  We came back to the ship and took advantage of the empty ship and had a nice nap on the deck!

Day 4 - St. Lucia.  We decided to do a private tour with Real St. Lucia Tours.  It was called an Island Expo Tour.  Not really what I was expecting based on the itinerary.  The driver we had was good, but was really promoting his own tours....he was called in as the original driver had to have laser eye surgery.  We drove through Castries, Anes La Raye, saw the Government House, stopped in Soufriere, went to a waterfall and then did the Volcano, Sulphur Springs, and Black Water Pool....that was awesome!  On our way back we had a great lunch at a beautiful spot overlooking the Piton Mountains. 

Day 5 - Barbados.  We headed over to Carlisle Beach and stayed there for the day.  Ordered buckets of beer and rum punch and had the Flying Fish Sandwich which was awesome!

Day 6 - St. Kitts.  This was my favourite island.  We took a cab to South Friars Bay and hung out at a place called Shipwreck Beach Bar and Grill.  It was awesome!  You didn't have pay for any chairs!  A bucket of 6 beers, plus 1 extra beer and rum punch was only $20.00 and the food was amazing.  There are monkey's on the property which you can feed.  It was quite, lots of room on the reach.  This was mentioned to us by a few people on the ship, and we were glad that we went there.

Day 7 - on our last day, we decided not to do luggage assist as we grabbed a taxi and headed to our hotel in Old San Juan as we stayed for 2 more nights.  Everything went smoothly.  However, waiting for the elevator did take forever!  LOL

Each morning at 6:30 we would head down to the Promenade and get coffee.  My favourite was the white chocolate latte.  We would grab our coffees and head up to the walking track and just walked around enjoying the sites and watching the sun rise.  

Overall, we had a GREAT time being our first cruise.

Now let's talk about the Ship.  The ship is older.  I understand that it was refurbished, but I don't recall when.  I liked the smaller, intimate feeling of the ship and it never seemed crowded.   We ate at the MDR for breakfast and dinner and only had lunch at the windjammer on our first day and then on another day.  We preferred the MDR.  Loved how at the Windjammer they make you wash your hands.  At least for the most part I saw people complying!

Royal Carribean App - was good.  However when texting, I would prefer that it buzzes or something as you always need to go into the app to see if someone texted you.  

Cruise Compass -I hear they are moving away from paper copies and you just have to scan the bar code, but we did get paper copies, which I will be scanning and submitting on the Cruise Compass Board.  

I did buy the internet package while on the ship. Not that I was on social media, I just prefer to always have contact with family back home in case of emergencies.  I never had an issue with the internet package on the ship.

Day 1 was Welcome Aboard.  Day 2 was French Night and it was the first formal night.  Day 3 was Italian Night.  Day 4 was Caribbean Night.  Day 5 was Mexican Night.  Day 6 was Royal Night and this was the second formal night and the complimentary lobster if you wanted.  Day 7 was Welcome to Bon Voyage.  

Breakfast in the MDR was good.  They always had a good selection.  My favourite was the fresh squeezed OJ and Power Wrap.  Dinner in the MDR was good too.  I always found that there was something to choose from.  Favourites were shrimp cocktail, escargot, Carne Asada, French onion soup, and of course, lobster!  Desserts - always something good!

Location of our room.  We were in 6320; balcony and it was great.  Basically steps away from the elevator and stairs.  Noise was never a factor which I was concerned with being just above the Promenade.  I'm a light sleeper so anything can wake me up.  

After dinner we always did a show; ice skating show, comedians, singing, etc.  All were good.  

After our excursions, we always hung out at the Sky Beach Bar.  Our Bartenders Ashish and Ashquan were amazing!  Try the chocolate martini!  Had one everyday!  This is why we returned; because of Ashish and Ashquan.  Best bartenders ever!

Couple of things I was happy I brought:  Chair clips for our towels on beach days.  Metal hooks for the room.  We used these a lot to hang stuff off of.  I felt that we had lots of space in our room.  I also took a sponge and soaked it in soap; let it dry and cut it up.  I used that a few times to clean clothes and such.  I know that there are lots of videos wth recommendations on what to bring and what you need....however, these were my 2 essentials and I didn't feel like I needed anything else.  No shoe racks, no clothing baskets, etc.  

Did I pack too much....of course.  Here are my thoughts.  Formal night.  Since there are 2 and they are not back to back....I would have been ok wearing the same outfit.  Bathing suit, I only needed 2.  I brought 2 pairs of jean shorts, but ended up wearing skorts.  Of course t-shirts and tank tops. 1 pair of beach sandals, 1 pair of sandals for dinner and Sketchers for walking around.   My husband could have gotten away with 2 pairs of pants, 2 pairs of shorts, 2 swin trunks and just a couple of resort shirts.  He brought golf shirts for the MDR but ended up wearing resort shirts and pants.  We did use laundry service 1/2 way thorough the cruise just for underwear and t-shirts.  Service was awesome.  Kevin our stewardship made sure we had everything we needed.  

MDR - our hosts Rogelio and Krismart were great.  I wish they would enforce the dress code a little more; some came in wearing beach shorts (men), flip flops, etc.  My hubby wore a nice pair of golf pants and resort shirts each night.  The only time he wore a nice pair of shorts was on the first day and the last day.  And men, please remove your baseball cap/hat or cowboy hat when eating in the MDR.  Just be a little more formal than usual!  

The only specialty restaurant we did was Izumi and it was awesome!  I had the Poke Bowl and my hubby had Sashimi.  It was awesome and I would highly recommend it!

We did not feel the need to try out any other specialty restaurants we we were quite content in the MDR.  As for other bars, we only hung out at the Sky Pool Bar.  After dinner did a show and then went to bed!  Never experienced the night life after the shows.  We were exhausted from being in the sun all day; plus I was always up around 3am, so for me it was long days!

All in all it was a great vacation and we will definitely be cruising again!

I just got off Voyager on Sunday, I agree with Matt....do not book a flight before 11 or 11:30.  We got off the ship at 8am and my sister in law had a flight out around 12:30 and was able to make it no problem.  However, both of us carried our own luggage off the boat and did not use luggage assistance. 

21 hours ago, Ahaque said:

@KellsBells71 Is the Izumi sushi only or is there the hibachi there too? Purchasing it prior to boarding makes it seem like its just sushi and a few japanese items but not hibachi

No Hibachi at Izumi. Had dinner there yesterday and it was amazing!!

On 3/8/2023 at 8:30 AM, TexanTwoStep said:

How is the food/ambiance on the ship?   We're sailing her in June and the only other ship I've been on is Grandeur.

We are finding the menu in the MDR to be very good. Tonight was Mexican. Had the Carne Asada which was awesome. We eat in the MDR at breakfast and dinner and enjoy it more!!

15 hours ago, Ahaque said:

When do you know what night is what theme in MDR? I want to book a couple of specialty restaurants and I want to do it when its certain themes in the MDR. Does the schedule of what theme is on what night come out before the cruise? 

I am on Voyager of the Seas right now. Here are the theme nights;

Day 1

Day 2-French - Formal

Day 3-Italian

Day 4-Caribbean

Day 5-Mexican

Day 6-Royal Night - Formal

Day 7-Welcome to Bon Voyage

Going on Voyager for our first cruise ever with family; we’re from Canada; sister in law from Kentucky!  

Finally after 3 long years of cancelling due to COVID, we are finally taking our very first cruise!!  Sailing out of PR and visiting, St. Thomas, St. Croix, St. Maarteen, St. Kitts, St. Lucia & Barbados!  Since it's our first cruise I don't have anything to compare it to, so for me the ship (Voyager) will be amazing!  One thing I knew that I wanted was a balcony room, as for me I need to see the light outside.  I picked middle of the ship and 6th floor.  However I just realized that we are one floor above the Promenade......hope that's not an issue; LOL.if it is, lesson learned. Decided not to purchase the drink package since we have no at sea days; we are at a port every day.  Again, I'm sure there will be lots of "lessons learned" along the way.  I've already started to pack and I'm pretty sure I'm overpacking; knowing that I can do laundry on the ship.....I'm sure from today until we leave I'll be rethinking my clothing options many many times over!  Feel free to give us any advice; everything and anything is welcomed!

On 2/18/2023 at 5:14 PM, Justme 2 said:

 

It’s not always an option. It was yesterday when I clicked my initials, but today it doesn’t show up. I booked and canceled drink packages a couple different times and now I need to know what I actually ordered and have. But…I can’t find it! 

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I actually went to Plan My Cruise and then clicked on my initials on the top right hand side and Order History showed up. 

2 hours ago, BennyandBo said:

St Thomas taxi service website is up and clear about rates etc. A taxi from port (depending on which port/ship) will run $15 to $18 per person each way from port to Megan's Bay. Rates recently went up. That's each way in $USD. What ship and port were you looking at? 

I think Crown Bay. 

2 hours ago, Mazeylab said:

i replied last night, was on last week, my response is "still waiting to be approved ?" 

long story short, was a great week  

would do it again

Great to hear you had a good time. I too picked this cruise due the ports. Love al the islands!  Can’t wait!

Does anyone know the current price of a taxi from the pier or from Skyride to Megan’s Bay?  Trying to figure out what’s more cost effective; doing our own things or taking the RC excursion?  Being Canadian our prices are a lot more. 

I too would like to know from anybody that’s just sailed. We sail out on March 5 and it’ll be our first ever cruise. 

How many drinks would you need to drink for the ultimate drink package to be worth it?  My husband is a beer drinker and I'm hard liquor (vodka).  If you plan to drink 6 or more drinks is it worth it?