arebee

RCCL uses the same method.  You can also carry off early (Carnival uses this also).  If you have a flight, I would check with guest services.  I've never flown to a cruise so I'm not sure but I know there are several here who have.  But I can not stress this enough, ALWAYS double check.  Mistakes are made, its only human.

I guess that depends on how much being a diamond means to you.   Some of the perks aren't really that big of a deal, at least to me.  We'll be diamond after our next cruse but to us its just a thing.  I've seen the nightly diamond party, heard the complaining about how crowded it gets.  Diamond lounge? I like the schooner. We carry off every time so the priority departure isn't anything to us, wife like the high end coffee so she buys it (I drink the swamp water).  So, it depends on what it means to you.

It used to show when you went to the ships page... But not sure if it still does.

6 minutes ago, monctonguy said:

Those don't fit the long & skinny Royal and Celebrity tags do they?!

This is what I use and they work fine: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00S7L3C40/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

2 hours ago, Tampaite said:

I was thinking the same as the Royal Caribbean ones were narrow. Wasn't sure  if we purchased the larger one, how good/bad the Royal Carribean tag would look like in them?

They look fine... Just don't have to fold them all the way.

We actually went with the larger Carnival tag holders.  That way we can use them on any cruise line we choose (and easier to put them in).  Also, never happened to me but I've read that you need to take the tag out of the plastic as soon as  you can because it could leave ink on the inside of the holder.  Just a thought...

Must be the new 50% gratuity policy and the wind jammer will have a cover charge....

When I buy liquor in a port, I look for things I can't get on the boat or at home.  I've found some good and some bad.  But the most I've ever bought back was 6 bottles of Bones rum, went straight through customs no problem.  

Unfortunately, with RCCL you won't get anything until you have completed your cruise and it can take up to two weeks to see the change.  Since you are doing a back to back to back you MIGHT be able to go to the loyalty desk and get some kind of gold perks but I wouldn't count on it.  I've never done a back to back but I think you will have to get off the boat, they will direct you to a lounge and then let you back on once it clears customs.  Now, I assume it is similar in Sydney but I really don't know.

5 hours ago, Kimberly7293 said:

I have a question about C&A and boarding... hubby and I are Platinum, but the rest of our group of 5 cabins are Gold or lower...do we all board separately? It's been a very long time since we've cruised, so all of these procedures have changed!

Not sure where you are boarding but in Orlando, they will board from top to bottom.  They flash it on a big screen.  Last time I went out of Tampa, they announced the tiers.  So you will board first, but nothing says you can't wait for them.

Well first off, good luck getting a response from RCCL.  I'm still waiting on a response from my cruise in 2015.   I think even in the specialty restaurants you will be able to find something.  Of course since no red meat Chops would be hard to deal with but I think they have other stuff.  I'm sure they deal with this from time to time and can accommodate you with little to no problem.  But be vigilant, they have been known to make a mistake.

2 hours ago, rjac said:

Wow, she lasted that long? I didn't even make it across the street before I bailed!

We got up the street and around the corner. She couldn't get back fast enough. 

18 hours ago, KLAconQueso said:

 

The cruise port itself at Costa Maya is massive - think like Falmouth and Cozumel cruise terminals put together. Lots of shopping, lots of bars, and even a huge free pool with a swim up bar that you can use! 

Directly outside of the port, there's really nothing. You have to either take the shuttle or a cab to get to the beachfront or downtown areas. My huge issues is how pushy EVERYONE was outside the port (or, even inside the port if they realize you want to shop). On the shuttle, at the first drop there was a worker from a nearby beach bar that started yelling 'OKAY THIS WAY TO THE FREE BEACH!', and I think people had assumed that that was someone who worked for the cruise terminal to take them to the free beach. We were trying to go to Krazy Lobster, and they told us to go to the second stop. However, since everyone thought that that was *THE* free beach at the first stop, we were two of four people left on the shuttle. Since there were so few of us, we got yelled at (or catcalled) a lot from the shuttle, and I personally don't do well with that kind of thing and that's where I start to feel uncomfortable regardless of the situation. We got off at the second stop (and a bystander yelled at us to make sure we tipped the driver) and there was another person trying to take us to 'their' free beach. We tried asking where Krazy Lobster was, and they were like 'eh, that way' in a general direction. At that point, I realized we weren't going to get a good answer from anyone, and given that I was already uncomfortable I wasn't about to go wander around. I immediately requested a taxi, and back to port we went... where we proceeded to unsuccessfully wait 20 minutes for a margarita before giving up.

SO - if you're going to go out in to town, either 1) take a taxi directly to where you want to be (Krazy Lobster, Maya Chan, etc) or 2) be aware that a lot of people are kind of pushy and will try and hassle you to go to their beach club. 

You want to feel uncomfortable, walk outside the gate in Falmouth.  We went out once because my wife wanted to see, in 5 min she wanted back in.

16 hours ago, KLAconQueso said:

But you CAN get to the Windjammer before it becomes a madhouse, and get the best pick of seats at the pool before everyone else hops on board! 

Not to mention being first at the bars....  But I agree, getting to the WJ early is best.  We actually got on so early once it wasn't open.

33 minutes ago, Matt said:

After checking in at the Cruise Terminal, you will be directed to sit with other guests in the same C&A level as you.  When boarding begins, they board from highest C&A level down to lowest.  

So being in C&A (even at Gold) means you get to board before the unwashed masses non-C&A members.

I think they call them steerage. 

12 hours ago, jurrjurr said:

It would be awesome if the new Miami Port will have airline type lounges (lazy boy chairs, buffet, beverages, etc) for their higher tiers/suite guests.  

That would be nice but I've only had to wait one time in the terminal, the boat came in late due to fog in Tampa.  Any other time it was check in and straight on the boat. 

We cruised with a couple who's husband had Alzheimer's.  Of all the people we cruised with we had the most fun with them.  Of course someone was with him 24/7 but they are a fun couple.

Whats strange about this is I have a friend who rides carnival and if you change mid cruise they will give you the perks up front. Guess they figure they have your money so why not.

Only reason we get off the ship is to go to the poop deck.  Its a restaurant (about a $4 cab ride) on the water.  A guy I work with family owns the place.  Good fresh seafood, a little pricey but we enjoy it and it gets us out for a while. 

You can call  prior to the cruise and see if they can help, sometimes they can, sometimes not.  On boarding day we go to the dining room and find our table, mainly so we don't have to hunt at dinner time but also see how big it is.  If you do this and its not to your liking, the maître d' will be around for you to ask if something can be done.  I would do this as early as possible since there is usually a line wanting to change tables. 

1 hour ago, BrianAlt said:

{sarasm:ON} Great first post. {/sarcasm:OFF}   

I can understand their frustration,   they didn't say if it was their first or if they are Pinnacle level.  If its their first or even first with RC I can see where it would leave a bad taste.  People react harsh to less in todays world.  I chat with a friend at work often and we talk about when boat are stuck somewhere how with our jobs we have enough flexibility that it wouldn't matter to us but some people have a strict vacation schedule.  My father had two weeks vacation every year, week of July 4 and Christmas.  This was dictated by the factory he worked in, it closed those two week for maintenance.  If he planned a cruise during that time and it got messed up I'm sure he would be upset too so got to give them some slack on this even though RC is doing its part to help with the hurricane.  Wish they would come to my house and help me finish my problems... 

Two bottles of wine is good, I've seen people carry on a case of water.  Remember your room won't open up until 1 or 2 so you have to carry it around.  I don't see an issue with the 5 hour, as long as they are sealed you should be fine.  I just don't have any experience with it.  You can always call RC and see what they say.

1 hour ago, jce2 said:

O.K. so I guess I have a new pet peeve.....people who posts pictures of delicious looking drinks in their blogs without identifying what it is!!  Just kidding of course, loved reading the blogs and appreciate the effort put into them, but Matt....What the heck is it?  I am referring to the drink shot shortly after you describe your daughters swim lesson.  It looks wonderful though I actually suspect it is going to win up being a drink I dont like (not a big fan of the "tropical" flavors (ie. pineapple, coconut etc.)

 

 

The best thing you can do is try any drink until you hit upon the one in the pic...

Its really not tickets, they will scan your sea pass card at the door.

10 hours ago, Tess said:

Hi all.  Going on our first cruise with kids December 9, 2017, Freedom of the Seas. First time splurging on a balcony. We're pretty excited.

Welcome, you'll love Freedom, its our favorite ship.  Not too big and not too small.