MarioSteve

We are so excited to sail on Icon but difficult to plan without a Cruise Compass. It doesn’t seem possible to do everything new on one cruise. Is there any chance Matt Hochberg (or anyone on the blog) can get and post an advanced copy of the Icon east and/or west Caribbean itinerary Cruise Compasses? That would help a lot with our research. Thank you, MarioSteve

This is my wife and my fourth trip on Harmony and we cannot wait. What makes this special for us is that we get to take our oldest granddaughter (12) on her first cruise. Her anticipation for the ship, the food, the slides, swimming with the dolphins and visiting the Mayan ruins defines youthful exuberance. We will see Grease, the Aqua Shows and all other age appropriate shows. It promises to be a wonderful vacation! We haven't been on Harmony since February 2019. Is there anything new on board that is a "must see or must do"? 13 days to go; passports ready, all checked in, luggage tags printed and in their plastic luggage tag holders. We are ready to go. MarioSteve

Congrats on hitting Diamond! Enjoy the free drinks and food! After our Icon cruise next February (our 11th on RCC) we will be 16 points short of Diamond Plus.

Thank you Xaa! I did miss the Broadway musical and neighborhoods.

Going on Icon In February. No idea about the missing specialty restaurants. No idea about the Broadway musical. No idea about the new neighborhoods. I saw a Matt Hochberg YouTube video on Icon only being 80% finished as of his video taping released 4 days ago. I hope a completed Icon still makes its debut on time in January 2024.

Does Crown and Anchor give credit for past cruises on Celebrity? If so, how do you get the credits into your account? MarioSteve

Thank you all for your comments. We were on Oasis in cabin 1701. Mario Steve

Dear Matt, My wife and I decided to celebrate our 50th anniversary as a Star Class passengers on Oasis of the Seas based upon what we learned from you and your Royal Caribbean blog on YouTube. We thank you and your blog for a wonderful cruise. Based upon your advice: We scoured recent Cruise Compasses for Oasis of the Seas. When our Royal Genie, Derrick Martis (who made our cruise magical), contacted us prior to the cruise, we texted him a list of what we wanted to do. Upon boarding, Derrick presented us with a full schedule (date, time and location) of everything we asked for. Unfortunately the Aqua Show was cancelled because of a hydraulic leak. We checked in (including the health questionnaire) online and got to the ship at our scheduled boarding time so boarding was a snap. We went directly to our muster station. This entire process, curb to cabin, took less than 30 minutes. Also, we bought yellow highlighter, the plastic luggage tags and metal hooks. The luggage tags and highlighter were really helpful, however you should know that suite 1701 on Oasis of the Seas has wallpaper on drywall so the metal hooks don’t stick. It was pretty funny going from surface to surface trying to find non existent metal for the hooks and repeatedly watching them fall to the floor. Starting night 1 we went to the Trellis bar in Central Park to enjoy the beautiful view, the Blue Hawaiians (Trellis bar special) and a musician playing Spanish music on an acoustic guitar. Having the Ultimate Drink package allowed us to find quiet spots around the ship for a drink rather than the hubbub of most of the bars. Likewise, the Ultimate Dining package allowed us to eat all our meals in specialty restaurants. Believe it or not, we never made it into the Windjammer (first time in 8 cruises). There was no need. The Royal Genie made sure we had all our desired food, drinks and snacks in our cabin. We saw Cats, the broadway musical, on board. The performers were excellent with wonderful voices and energy. The best show was the Ice show where the colors and pageantry were show stopping but the physicality of the performers stole the show. This one comic skater kept smashing into the fence to stop his momentum. Then he would jump into the stands and sit in a woman’s lap or kiss her hands; all unexpected and very funny. There was even a mind blowing demonstration of sand art that left the crowd in awe. Oasis of the Seas was our 8th Royal Caribbean cruise and our best. We were able to take advantage of everything on board the ship because we knew what to ask for. Thank you!! Harmony in June (40 days to go). MarioSteve

We’re not that lucky, WAAAYTOO. We just booked less than 30 days before the sailing date. To continue with Derrick’s legacy he told us to walk around the pier at dusk tonight in Old San Juan (we sail at 10:00 pm) because they illuminate the streets and it is quite a beautiful sight. Who knew?

My wife and I are on Oasis of the Seas-Star Class right now. Our Royal Genie, Derrick Martis, is truly magical. On good advice (Mark Hockberg on YouTube), we thoroughly researched the Oasis to select our preferences, by reviewing recent Oasis’ Cruise Compasses. When the Genie emailed us about a week before the cruise, we told him what we wanted. On boarding, Derrick had created a schedule for us, date, time and location, including everything. He meets us at every location to make sure all our requests are fulfilled. There is no problem or request too big for him to handle. We are celebrating our 50th anniversary and Derrick is adding to the celebration. If this is a reduction in service, who cares?

What are the best destination resorts (for a day at the beach/pool) close to the ship in Old San Juan and Charlotte Amalie?