I got off of the Explorer the first week of June and the Captain (can't remember his name) announced that this was the best weather for any Alaskan cruise he has sailed. Tracy Arm was around 40 degrees and Juneau, Skagway and Victoria were about 68-70 degrees. I have taken 5 Alaskan cruises and this was the best weather yet. I most have gotten the one good week  of weather.

I never found the Explorer to be crowded but I agree that the internet was very spotty. When in Skagway I made a call to the U.S.A. with no problem but had to wait about 5 minutes for my emails to download while there.

Victoria was better for internet.

All in all, it was a great cruise for us.

I am in Las Vegas right now and was told by the casino host at the Palazzo that the amount of time gambling and the amount of money you put in the slot machine is what gets you the rewards, i.e., playing for 6 hours at any slot machines but only betting the minimum won't get you much.

Two RCCL cruises ago, on the Liberty I was told by the casino manager that time played per day and amount played per day was what that rewards were based on. I asked how much time and was quoted around 4 hours a day.

Candie

Marc,

I was told the same exact thing on my Explorer cruise at the end of May. I took an Indy cruise in March and was quarantined for three of the five days of the cruise, so, of course, I couldn't gamble. I still got a small casino certificate but the casino manager told me I would not be prequalified for my next cruise, I would have to start all over again and get 1,500 points. So what you are saying might just be correct because I was told the same exact thing.

The casino manager felt terrible because I wasn't allowed out of my room and couldn't make my points but there was nothing he could do.

Candie

I just booked a Harmony cruise for October of 2018 through the CR rates. It is more than 12 months out and all I got was a 5% discount. It save approximately $110. They did take my certificate though.

I asked the rep if you wait until 12 months, the rates will be higher and the response I got was Oh well you take a chance booking 12 months or less out with the rates going up and the discount being equal to if you booked 18 months out and took the 5% discount.

It sounds to me like they are trying very hard to stop people from booking a year and a half to two years out, reserving the best cabins and then cancelling as the cruise gets closer. Just my thoughts.

Candie

The passengers I give the wine to just love me.

Candie

DocLC,

I got it. At SeaTac after you go to baggage claim and get your bags you are instructed to bring your bags to a counter where you leave them and they bring them to the ship. You can't do this from the ship to the airport, it is only one way.

As Homer says DUH.

Candie

It wasn't from my TA and there were no perks. The card said "Your Royal Staff". I gave it away, wouldn't let me trade it.

DocKC,

I just got off the Explorer and the Seattle Luggage Valet was not available. Royal offers the same thing but only in Miami and Fort Lauderdale. I find it hard to believe a program they charge $25 a bag will be offered for free, that is what I meant. I could be wrong but I just can't see it.

As of right now it still isn't implemented,

Candie

dheinle,

I found this on Royal's website. I was just in Seattle and they didn't offer it on the ship. According to Guest Services they are trying to implement it but haven't succeeded yet. I have used it four times in Fort Lauderdale and love it.

Candie

Luggage Valet is a service offered onboard which enables guests to bypass traditional airport check-ins. Guest who participate will be processed onboard the ship and receive their airline boarding passes, luggage tags as well as baggage claim checks for their checked-in luggage.  This service is available in these selected ports: Fort Lauderdale Port Canaveral and on these selected airlines: American Delta United US Airways Jet Blue Southwest Airlines Participating airlines vary by port. Consult the Guest Relations Desk onboard for specific port qualifications and additional information. An additional fee will apply.

DocLC,

When I arrived on the Explorer there was a bottle of wine in my room and a plate of appetizers. I have gotten the appetizers before but never the wine. I thought it was because of making Diamond, but I could be wrong.

Candie

I found this on Royal's website, the perks of a Diamond member. You can a free day of Voom, a free bottle of wine and appetizers in your cabin, and several other nice things.

http://www.royalcaribbean.com/cas/viewAllBenefitsLoggedout.do?memberTier=Diamond

Candie

I know in the cruise planner their are excursions Royal offers when you get off of the ship. You can book them when you get on board the first day. They take care of your luggage. If you booked through a travel agent or through Royal I would call and find out what they have to offer.

Candie

On the Explorer cruise to Alaska I just got off of, some people decorated their doors but there weren't a lot. I think most groups did this so other group members could recognize someone's cabin in their group.

Candie

Hi dheinle,

This might not be what you are asking but you can order, through Royal, flowers, champagne, gift baskets, etc., to be delivered to anyone on their ships. Here is the website I found that explains what they offer and how you can do it.

https://secure.royalcaribbean.com/royalgifts/onboard-delivery/

Candie

Amber,

You will love the Indy.

I had such s good time and loved it so much I have booked another cruise on her.

Candie

I just got off the Explorer and on a port day decided to go to Johnny Rocket's about 3 pm. I ordered a cheese burger and fries, had a Coke with me. I noticed that burger patties were sitting on the left side of the grill, half cooked and just left sitting out. My fries were brought out first, they were cold and soggy. When the burger arrived it was barely warm and I watched the cook take the patty off of the six burgers laying on the grill. I told the waiter I didn't want the burger and the fries were cold. I still had to sign for the ticket but went to Guest Services and got the charge removed. I talked to the Restaurant Manager and he explained there was not suppose to be hamburger patties sitting on the grill to be warmed up to serve passengers. Johnny Rocket's is suppose to be fresh food and he apologized. I won't try them again.

Candie

I use the Royal transport on every cruise. Yes, you have to wait until it is almost full but I have never waited more than 15 minutes after boarding the bus. The other plus is they guarantee to get you to your flight so they are responsible.

The last time from Fort Lauderdale to Miami it was $39 each way.

Candie

WAAAYTOOO,

If I remember correctly when I sailed in March out of Fort Lauderdale the paperwork said the flight had to leave by 3 pm. I could be wrong because I am old and forgetful, so take it for what it is worth. I do know that calling Royal doesn't help, the ship schedules it.

Candie

WAAATOOO,

Question for you, I just moved to Diamond while I was on the Explorer last week. Could there be discounts for the 4 cruises I have booked right now because of my bump up in status? 

I think I am going to be one of those people that walks around on the ship with my status on my shirt and when I meet someone on board I will start the conversation with "hello my name is Candie and I am a Diamond member."

Candie ?

On the Explorer, I just got off, Kivi Rogers, comedian, was telling me that they sometimes don't have confirmation until 1 or 2 weeks before the cruise. He has entertained on Royal for over 17 years. He was absolutely hilarious, I saw him twice.

Candie

Royal doesn't have a guarantee per sei, the watch or jewelry manufacturer will sometimes have guarantees and price match when you get home.

I never buy on board because I find the prices are cheaper at home. I do agree that perfume and makeup can be less expensive on board.

The ship usually has a tee shirt sale, 2 for $20 towards the end of the cruise, the cheap port tee shirts.

As someone posted get the Voom package and check prices on big item purchases, also the art, don't buy any until you can price check.

Candie

FManke,

Just got off of Explorer in Seattle. While disembarking the ship there was a huge table set up just before you enter the terminal that had at least 100 irons on it waiting to be retrieved. (All sizes and shapes)

Dont people read Royal Caribbean Blog? What is the matter with them?

Candie

MoBtien,

On Royal"s website it states to not book a flight before 11:30 am. Even with Self Assist the line is very long to get off the ship.

I just got off of the Explorer in Seattle, passengers were lined up at 6:15 am to get off and said it took them about 20 to 30 minutes to get off. Another 15 to 20 minutes to get through Customs. 

The airport is close to the port which will help. The 10:40 might be possible. You just have to hope nothing occurs that will slow you down, Customs slow down, long line for self assist, accident from port to airport, long Customs line. So much can happen.

I try to book my flights right at 11:30 and have had to sit for 2 hours waiting to take my 1130 flight but also got to the airport 1 hour before my flight and got to the gate as they were boarding the plane. It is a crap shoot.

On the dining packages your tip to the waiter is separate. You can choose as many appetizers, salads, soups, desserts as you want but only one entree. Chops is my favorite.

Many passengers put their swim suits in their carry on, while waiting for your cabin you can take a swim.

Candie

Smaller ships won't be interesting to your 24 and 18 year old son. The Oasis and Quantum class have so many, many things for all ages to do. When you go on Royal's website, you can look under ships and review each ship in the Oasis and Quantum class. You can see the cabins, the dining options, the entertainment options, pretty much everything. In fact it is almost overwhelming but it helps you make your decision on the ship and the itinerary.

I find a 7 day cruise is a good start, it gives you enough time to see if you and your family really like cruising and to try all the different things on these huge ships.

As Matt said make your cruise reservation first and worry about beverages, dining and entertainment reservations when you book the cruise.

Candie

Tdiaz,

I hope you have the weather we had. Juneau was 70 degrees, sunny and the locals were just amazed as to how wonderful it was. Skagway was about 65 degrees, sunny and again the locals were amazed. Victoria was about 60 degrees and clear and partly sunny and absolutely beautiful. Captain Gjerstad was all over the ship and was absolutely customer oriented. I really liked him. I loved Graham, his adult only comedy show was hysterical.

The only thing that bother me about the entertainment was all parties, 70s Disco Infusion, British Invasion, Crew Parade, and another one were held in the Royal Promenade, which means you can't walk through the Promenade, you can't go into the stores or cafes and bars because they are completely blocked. It is only about 30 to 1 hours long but still if I wanted coffee I would go to the Cafe Promenade and couldn't when all this was going on. I put a picture of the Promenade just before the show started.

If the ballroom dance team of Sebastian and Amanda are still on board you have to see them. They are fantastic. The production shows were great and the ice skating shows were fantastic.

Candie