Tylor
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Posts posted by Tylor
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The "waterfront" concept on NCL Breakaway/Getaway is like an outside Promenade with bars, restaurants, etc. Somewhat similar to Deck 4 on Radiance/Voyager/Freedom class ships now, but just with access to dining and bar venues. It seems like a good concept, however I've read reviews from people that say the waterfront is underused and nearly empty most of the time.
It is funny you bring this up bbandeegrl because I did notice awhile ago an area that is by the lifeboats that looks like it could hold a waterfront type space. This is left blank on all the rendering photos I've seen so far.
Has anyone else noticed that the Quantum class has many striking similarities to the Solstice class? Not that this is a bad thing, as I think the Celebrity Solstice class is absolutely gorgeous! I think Royal Caribbean is smart to design this new class in a more modern sleek way. The Solstice ships have been a big hit.
Also, in the photo above does it look like there are two zip lines going along either side of that pool? From the NorthStar area to either side of the pool screen?
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So you pre-pay the set price and you can eat in any specialty restaurant every night during the cruise? I would do this. Having sailed Oasis once and only eaten in the Main Dining Room, the next time I said on Oasis or Allure I will probably eat mostly in the specialty restaurants.
I will do this not because I found the food in the Main Dining Room not good, it actually is very good in my opinion. But I want to experience all the different dining options, as I'm now fairly familiar with Royal Caribbean's standard Main Dining Room menu's. I know for some eating in the specialty restaurants is out of the question due to cost. But I feel like the extra is worth it.
Do you think someday there will be an option when booking cruises to eat either 1: Main Dining or 2: Specialty Dining? With selecting specialty dining your price would increase but then you would have the freedom to dine at any of the onboard specialty restaurants.
I can only see this really working with ships that have more than one specialty restaurant. But as Royal Caribbean ramps up the specialty dining options on ships that have been upgraded, more specialty dining restaurants will be available.
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I don't know if this has been posted before. TV shows come and go on YouTube but I did find the Smithsonian Channel presentation of "Oasis of the Seas Maiden Voyage" video for anyone who is sailing on Oasis of the Seas or thinking about sailing on her. It is a neat look inside the ship.
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I don't know where you'll be staying in the Ft. Lauderdale area, but you probably only have a couple options. 1: Rent a vehicle and drive yourself there and back. This might be pricey as you'll have pay for the vehicle the week while you're on the ship. 2: Take a taxi back and forth, which will also be expensive.
I'm not familiar with West Palm Beach airport, so not sure about other options. Fort Lauderdale Airport is almost in walking distance to the port. If you fly into FLL you'll likely see Oasis of the Seas (among other ships if they are there) from your plane window.
Enjoy your trip on Oasis of the Seas! It's a magnificent ship and you'll be WOWed from the moment you step onboard!
Just to tease you, here is what you'll first see...
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It's unlikely that Adventure of the Seas will have them either. It seems that Royal Caribbean is only putting the Freestyle machines on ships that stay in the U.S.
This is correct. The reason is these machines need to be serviced by Coke personnel who are familiar and have the resources nearby to service the Freestyle machines. Ships sailing out of ports where there is no Coke Freestyle machines probably won't see the machines onboard until that region or country gets the machines/products. Also Coke products vary widely by region. A lot of the same products we enjoy here in the US are not available in many European countries. Likewise they have their own Coke branded products in Europe that aren't available here in the US.
Currently Freestyle machines are only available in the US, Canada and limited availability in the UK and Europe. As they become more popular, Coke will eventually install them in other countries.
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I go to the Port Everglades webcam and watch "my" ship sail away each week. This becomes an addiction very quickly. Then stake out where you'll be on sail away day. I did as much research as I could (without going overboard) on Oasis so I knew where everything on the ship was. That way I wasn't "wasting time" trying to find my way.
TIP: Deck 14 forward on the left side only is a door to access the area above the bridge. There are 2 doors actually, but only the left side is open for use. You'll have to go down the stateroom hallway to get to this area, but it is neat on sail away, and not many people venture up there so it isn't crowded. At least it wasn't when I went in 2012.
- Shawn and trainer.stan
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I can't wait to try out these machines. Seems like some great choicies and convienient for sure.
Do they all offer the 100 different or so types of soda/water/sports drinks?
Was wondering about powerade in particualr as on their website it shows it does, but wondering if thats just an "option" it could have, or if that would be standard.
Well technically all the flavors are optional on whether or not a particular brand is available in the market the machine is installed in. You pick a base flavor (like Coke or Fanta) and you can customize the drink with fruit flavors (Orange Coke or Orange Fanta, Lime Fanta, etc). These machines also dispense Dasani water which can be made carbonated and or mixed with any of the available fruit flavors. All of these combine to make up the 100+ different drink options.
The syrup system utilizes microdispensing technology to mix drinks the way you want them. You can also stop a drink mid-pour by just releasing the dispense button and select another drink to mix two together. So if you want to mix Orange Fanta with Mello Yello Grape you can. But who would want to do that, right?
The flavors are stored in cartridges similar to ink cartridges for a printer.
monctonguy: Coke Freestyle machines are available at certain Wendy's and Burger King locations in Canada. I don't know where in Canada you live, but try using the Facebook locator application to find a machine near you.
https://www.facebook.com/cocacolafreestyle/app_157819484263715
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Below is a photo of a Coke Freestyle Machine onboard Allure of the Seas. It looks as though Coke Freestyle machines on Royal Caribbean ships do not dispense Dr. Pepper products. Only Pibb Xtra, as Marc already pointed out.
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Unfortunately Dr Pepper isn't available because it's not owned by Coke (independent) but Mr. Pibb is better than nothing!
This is true. However, strangely enough, Dr. Pepper is distributed through Coke-Cola in some markets and Dr. Pepper is available on Freestyle Machines within those markets.
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I skim through the Cruise Compass the night before. I'm not one of those people who makes a graph of the activities and times they are happening. When I cruise I make a mental note of the things I want to do and relax the rest of the time. I'm on a schedule when I'm not on vacation, so I don't want to be when I'm on vacation.
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The Coke Freestyle machines are neat. The machines offer more than just soda, like flavored water. Coke Freestyle machines exist in many restaurants all across the country. Look up the closest machine near you to try it out.
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I'm excited about this new Mexican restaurant as I love Mexican food but wasn't overly thrilled with the menu options for Rita's Cantina.
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Probably in scope of size I would rate the biggest news stories this year as happening toward the end of the year.
1. Anthem of the Seas Southampton/Ft. Lauderdale Homeport Announcement
2. Quantum of the Seas Mamma Mia Broadway Show Announcement
3. Oasis 3 Steel Cutting
4. Sabor Modern Mexican Announcement (as I saw posted first here at RCLBlog)
5. Grandeur of the Seas Fire (This isn't a happy news story, however I think the way Royal Caribbean responded really made the story almost a non-newsworthy event. The media loves a scandal and there just wasn't anything like that here.)
Hopefully 2014 will bring lots of new news about the Quantum class. I cannot believe how slow things are being released. Anthem is set to debut a few months after Quantum and we know nothing about her Broadway show or itinerary. Also we "virtually" know nothing about anything inside the ship besides that 270 room and the virtual balcony rooms.
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My name is Ronald. Am new here. Am getting a lot of help from this forum.
Welcome! :D
Hi to all members on this community i am thanks to the administrator of this forum for approve my account i am sure here i got better knowledge thanks again. My name is Ronald.
There are many knowledgeable people on this forum to help answer any questions you may have! Welcome to the community.
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The ice shows are great. Frankly I always roll my eyes when my wife wants to see it but each time I do see it, I'm impressed by it.
Tylor is right about the Broadway shows. Some of the other production shows are also good, depending on what floats your boat in terms of the show.
I think other good shows are the Love & Marriage Show and the Farewell Show
Oh yes, I forgot about the ice shows. Don't miss the ice shows! It might sound lame, like "ice capades" but it is really spectacular what can be done on a moving ship with a tiny ice rink. The costumes, staging, lighting, and music is wonderful!
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My husband would like to go on a transit cruise, is there such a thing? If so, how do we go about finding one?
Typically re-positioning cruises happen in the spring and fall when ships re-position from the Caribbean to Europe (and back) or from one location to another. There are several available on Royal Caribbean's website. When using the search tool look for re-positioning or transatlantic sailings.
One cruise you might be interested in, if it isn't sold out already, is the transatlantic cruise on Oasis of the Seas when it comes back from Europe after drydock in fall 2014.
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A good stage show? Of course.
Hairspray on Oasis of the Seas (Broadway)
Chicago on Allure of the Seas (Broadway)
Now You See It on Freedom of the Seas (Magic)
Saturday Night Fever (Broadway)
In my opinion Royal Caribbean has the best production shows in the industry next to Disney Cruise Line.
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It is the airfare that kills me. Depending on when I cruise the airfare can be as much as the entire cruise! If cruise ships could fit through the great lakes region and sail out to the Caribbean I would have no problem cruising several times per year. $189 is a great deal especially on a larger ship like Liberty!
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Best Value
For staying in Fort Lauderdale before a cruise I would recommend the Hyatt House Fort Lauderdale Airport/Cruise Port for exceptional value. The hotel is 5.4 miles or 7 minutes away from Port Everglades cruise terminals. The hotel is located right off 95 south of Port Everglades.
The Hyatt House is an all suite hotel. Each room features a full kitchen and living area. Rooms are King Suite, 1 bedroom King Suite, 2 bedroom King Suite, 2 bedroom trio (a mix of king and two queen beds). Multiple bedroom suites each have their own bathrooms.
This is a great option if you're cruising with a group and don't want to get separate rooms for everyone. Or if you have kids, you and your kids can have their own bedroom and bathrooms which are all located within the same suite.
A full hot breakfast is included in the room price. The hotel has a gym and a nice pool. Next to the Hyatt House is a Hyatt Place which is slightly more upscale, and also more expensive. The hotel is located across the road from many restaurants and stores.
Hyatt House - 90 Southwest 18th Avenue Dania Beach, Florida, USA, 33004
http://www.fortlauderdaleairportsouth.house.hyatt.com/en/hotel/home.html
Best Resort
For staying in Fort Lauderdale and looking for a resort experience I would recommend the Hyatt Regency Pier 66. The hotel sits near the 17th Street bridge and offers magnificent views of Port Everglades.
The Hyatt Regency Pier 66 features many different room types including standard and suites. Rooms are available in the tower (more expensive - views of Port Everglades) and surrounding the pool. The Hyatt Regency Pier 66 has several restaurants and a resort style pool.
If you have the money to spend and want to watch the ships sail in early in the morning or be right by the action for sail away, this is the hotel for you.
Hyatt Regency Pier 66 - 2301 S.E. 17 Street, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA, 33316
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I just got back from a week at Disney. Nothing, and I mean nothing, will top the lines I saw… I think I'm now adequately prepared for any sort of lines on my April Oasis cruise. :)
I thought Disney was suppose to be dead the week of Labor Day and the week after Thanksgiving? Guess not?
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Any perks that you have like staying in a suite or Crown & Anchor status will help getting a reservation in a completely booked restaurant. If you must plan everything, you can pre-book things online. If it doesn't end up working with your schedule you can change the reservation or cancel. Like Matt said, you can always walk up and if there is availability they will seat you. They are more than willing to bend over backwards to make you happy. :D
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So here is my question....What do the new descriptions of MDR nightly fair translate to? My last cruise was in '09 and everything was still Formal Night / Carribean Night etc. I am headed on the Oasis in March and now I see the below listings:
Mojo, Saffron, Pimento, Shitake, Basil, Jasmine and Pomodoro (In that order)
I know Saffron and Jasmine are formal nights but what are the food types. I really want to skip the equivalent of Carribean night, but dang....I am confused and sure would love some advice. I want to eat at no fewer than two specialty resteraunts so what nights should they be on?
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This is a tough question to answer. I sailed Oasis last December and ate in the main dining room each night. But I only did this because I was part of a group and was the organizer for the cruise and I felt I needed to be with everyone. I want to go back on Oasis with my wife and I plan to eat in the specialty restaurants, most of them, not all.
The menu: If you've cruised Royal Caribbean before then you will see many favorite and usual offerings on the new menus. Alternative selections are still the same, a steak, chicken and fish dish. Also thrown in are a pasta and vegetarian selection. Certain "starters" or appetizers are also available every night such as Caesar salad, escargot (when available, if not substitute sea scallops) and shrimp cocktail. There will usually be a pork dish too. The filet of beef and prime rib is also still on the menu. Filet of beef is first formal night. Lobster is second. Probably the biggest change I noticed was the addition of Indian dishes and more casual dishes like beef sliders.
From what I found, the names for menus really have nothing to do with the dishes offered. The waiter will explain the significance of the name. For example, If some dishes featured saffron or shittake mushrooms during their respective nights, then I missed that dish (with the exception of the mushrooms in puffed pastry starter - never skip that!). I was still able to pick my usual favorites and try some new dishes. In addition to the "always available" selections each night is a trio of desserts that are also available each night. BBB Creme Brulee is one that I would recommend. Also if you're a fan of Baked Alaska, it is back on the dessert menu!
Ultimately it will have to you be up to you on which nights to skip the MDR for a specialty restaurant because only you know what you want. I would suggest that you check out the main dining room menu on your stateroom tv or on the actual menu placed out by the dining room after lunch to decide whether you want to eat there or not that night. You can always make specialty restaurant reservations same day. When I was on Oasis the ship sailed with 6,283 onboard and every night when I was strolling through Central Park or other areas I never saw jam packed restaurants. Also no one ever dined outside in Central Park either. So strange.
Enjoy your trip on Oasis of the Seas. It's an amazing ship and an experience in itself. Don't forget to submit a review and let us know what you thought!
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Congratulations on booking your first Royal Caribbean cruise! And welcome to the world of Royal Caribbean!
Family Dining from Royal Caribbean website:
Opt for My Family Time Dining® in our main dining room, and your kids will be served right away before Adventure Ocean® staff pick them up for a night of fun. Parents stay behind to relax and continue their meal.
My Family Time Dining is offered for the first seating time in our main dining room, for children ages three to 11. Kids enjoy their meal within 40 minutes of seating, before heading to the evening's Adventure Ocean activities. The program starts the second evening you're onboard. After that, you can use it each evening or whenever you wish.
Already booked your cruise? You can easily pre-register online for My Family Time Dining right now. Or, visit the Adventure Ocean Youth Program area while onboard to sign up.
Adventure Ocean site:
To fully answer your question: Yes it is okay to just send your children to the main dining room just as long as they know where your dining table is. If you have a 15 year old then they'll be able to go back to the location and explain to the waitstaff that mom and dad are dining by themselves tonight. I wouldn't recommend this option for younger children as they might get lost or not fully understand what they are to do.
The family dining option listed above has age restrictions. After age 11 children can really do as they please. Your 15 year old might be fine going to the arcade or hanging out in the teens club. There is always the Windjammer Marketplace buffet too for dinner and snacks.
If you plan to send your kids to the main dining room without you I would talk to the waitstaff first (like the night before) just to let them know. Or you could escort your family to the table and explain what is going on. I have seen kids dining alone at tables before as the adults are gone for an adult only dinner. The waitstaff will most likely spend extra time with them doing tricks and showing them neat things to keep them occupied (I have seen this also). ;)
Quantum of the Seas "Waterfront"
in Royal Caribbean News and Rumors
Posted
Here are some other photos I haven't seen of Quantum renderings. Have I been living under a rock?
Two decks below Flowrider does that look like shaded area for possibly outside Windjammer Market place?
I have never seen this photo either of the Quantum Solarium. What is way up at the top? Looks like elliptical machines?
So it looks like Quantum class has indoor (or at least covered) Solarium and indoor pool?