firegal2539

I have only done the week between Christmas and New Years and wasn't impressed, too expensive. You can get the same cruise two weeks later for a lot less. Have never flown JetBlue, will have to see if they fly out of DFW. I just booked my first two flights on Southwest, from DFW to Vegas and DFW to Houston. I knew you could change flights without penalty but for some reason never thought about price drops. My favorite air line is Virgin America. Love them! Candie

Cab is the way to go. I always use the Royal shuttle service but you sit and wait until the bus is full before they leave the port. According to the bus driver they try to leave every 30 minutes with 9 am being the first time to leave. I used the Luggage Valet on the Indy and it was wonderful, my third time using it, but your flight had to be after 1130 am. Candie

I just got off of the Indy and during the sail away on the pool deck, there was one waiter serving about 50 to 75 passengers. He had a tray with the ingredients to make a Margarita and wouldn't even take drink orders from any of the passengers. I understand that this is a busy time but when you sit at a table, if you get up to fetch a drink, you lose your table. This happened to a couple of people, the wife was dancing in a group and the hubby got up to get a drink, came back and the table was taken by someone else. The Pool Bar had 4 passengers deep trying to get drinks. It would be smarter to grab your drink at another bar and bring it with you. Candie

I can't talk about the ports but the cabin if you book an accessible cabin, your father-in-law will be fine. I found when I book accessible they run about $100 to $200 more. The reason I say this is I just booked a Canada New England and the price originally was $2198, but when I put in I wanted an accessible room the price jumped to $2346, about $150 more. The cabins are larger, a normal Ocean View, that I book, is around 150 to 170 square feet, but an accessible Ocean View is around 200 to 225 square feet or larger. All door entries are flat so a chair can wheel in to the cabin, bathroom, balcony, etc. The shower is sized for a wheelchair to roll in. You can get around the bed without a problem. The tight fit is the hallways getting to and from your room. I rented a scooter after my hip replacement and when all of the room attendants carts are in the hallway or passengers put trays of dishes in the hallway it makes it almost impassable for a wheelchair or scooter. Another hint is you need to notify Royal at [email protected]. I send mine at least 6 months before my cruise. They will send you a form to fill out and will note on your file you will need wheelchair access. This reserves a wheelchair at the ports, even though you have to wait for wheelchair service, and if you want to use a Royal wheelchair. I wouldn't advise using Royal chairs, you can't take them off of the ship and some are in pretty sad shape. If you are flying in and out of the port cities, you also need to advise the airline that you will need wheelchair assistance at the airports in both cities. You might want to rent a scooter for your father-in-law. There are several companies that do this and the scooter is waiting in the cabin when you arrive at the ship and you just leave it in your room when you get off the ship. It can cost a couple of hundred dollars but they are more maneuverable then a wheelchair. Candie

Doc, Jerel, Restingbirds and Arebee, I would have loved to have seen you dancing, skipping, and wearing high heels and lipstick. How embarrassing!!! Candie

Pam, Thanks for your concern. I am better now. The young crew member that brought me to the clinic said I was the fifth person that night with the same symptoms. (I don't think he was suppose to tell me that.) I was scared it was Norovirus, but I waited about 6 hours before going to the clinic so they couldn't test for Noro. I did manage to severely dehydrate myself and it took me several days to replenish the needed fluids. Candie

On the Indy I got a small bottle of shampoo, conditioner and several bars of soap, a box of Kleenex, nothing else. I refuse to use the shampoo and conditioner because it strips the color and my hair, in general, it is very harsh. Candie

I just got off of the Indy and they were enforcing the dress code. Formal night, several passengers tried to get in with shorts on and were turned away at the door of the dining room. On casual night a young lady in a beach cover up tried to get in the dining room and they turned her away at the door. Candie

Hello Everyone, I did a review of my cruise on the Enchantment and upset some people. I wanted to do a review of my last cruise, Independence of the Seas, March 25-30, 2017. This was a wonderful cruise experience with the exception of being quarantined for part of it. I will explain further on in my review. I arrived at Fort Lauderdale airport on time, went to baggage claim, got my one suitcase and found the Royal representative. They would not confirm how long a wait I had but within 15 minutes was on a transfer bus to the port. (This was the most positive transfer experience I have had, normally at least an hour wait time.) Arrived at the port and I had reserved wheelchair assistance through Royal (can't walk up the gangway). Was placed in a chair immediately and brought up to the counter, signed in and was brought upstairs where a Royal crew member took my chair and brought me on the ship. I was on by 12:30 p.m. This was wonderful service, my experience with wheelchairs has been less than positive and this was so fast. My cabin, 7623, was not ready but would be at 1 pm. Unfortunately there must have been a problem, all cabins opened at 1 pm but Deck 7, port side, it was 2 pm before we could go to our cabins. Arrived at my cabin and unpacked my carry on. Was very impressed with the cabin, I had booked a Promenade view cabin, which I loved. Sitting at the window seat and reading was very relaxing. It was a large cabin with more than enough room. Tiny bathroom but that is normal. I love the Independence. This is my first time on a Freedom class ship and I thought it was the perfect size. The Royal Promenade is fun to just wander up and down and look in the windows. I love that on Decks 6, 7 and 8 there are window seats where you can sit and watch the Royal Promenade and what is going on there. Those same decks have a small patio viewing area by the elevators. What I don’t understand is why people book a Promenade view but don’t leave their curtains open. Yes you can see into the windows of the cabins but if all you are doing is watching television or eating breakfast or even taking a nap the view is wonderful and the light is perfect. There were many passengers that didn't even open their curtain, might as well have stayed in an interior and saved money. I left my curtain open until I went to bed at night. The King Lear dining room (MDR) was great. The food was always good and plentiful. It arrived hot and tasty. The wait staff was always attentive, never an empty glass. I ate at Jade, continental breakfast, Sorrento's, great pizza, and Cafe Promenade. All dining venues had great food. The shows, Grease and the Ice Skating show, were amazing. These shouldn’t be missed if you book this ship. I wasn’t impressed with one of the comedians, the other was ok. The production shows were okay. The cruise director’s staff was good. I have figured out that the cruise director is now a position of Public Relations. The CD use to be the face of the ship, always greeting every passenger, all over the ship, but not anymore. The Activities Director and Assistant CD pretty much run everything with the CD making television programs and only at the Newly Wed game and the parade in the Royal Promenade. When did this shift in the CD's job duties happen? The Casino staff was some of the best I have every worked with. Julio, the casino manager, came and checked on me while I was quarantined. I was sorry to hear he was leaving on vacation and moving to another ship, Adventure, I believe but that is okay because I have two cruises booked on her now. I couldn’t get off in Costa Maya because of being quarantined. For the first two days I ate at Jade, King Lear, twice, and Café Promenade and later became very ill with stomach pain that had me doubled over and other problems. The clinic on the ship was wonderful, said they thought it was food poisoning and quarantined me for about 30 hours. I couldn’t leave my cabin. I didn’t know that the whole ship is notified when you are quarantined and if you go anywhere on the ship while under quarantine and present your card, like for a soda, they will get a crew member to escort you back to your room. The Director of Housekeeping checked on me at least 4 times and the Room Attendant checked on me several times. While quarantined all food has to be room service and Royal doesn't charge you for the Room Service. I got to watch the premium movies for no charge, but still not the way you want to spend a cruise, watching Moana, Bourne, Jack Reacher, Storks, etc. There is no escaping the quarantine police. I loved Cozumel but the doctor wouldn’t let me do my Cozumel Bar Hop that I booked because of the quarantine. I did get off the ship and walk around for about two hours. Cabin 7623, Promenade View. I loved this cabin, it was right by the elevator. It was large and comfortable. I had a king size bed and the mattress and pillows were comfortable, not hard. There was one large closet and my clothes, shoes and luggage fit perfectly. There was plenty of storage space with the exception of the bathroom, very tiny. I had a wonderful view of the Royal Promenade. There is a seat right below the window where I could sit and watch everyone walking and the parade on the last night. This was a wonderful cruise and great ship if I hadn’t gotten food poisoning. I will definitely sail on the Indy again. Candie

I wouldn't pay off a July 2018 cruise. My TA recommends leaving a $200 balance on the books until about a week before final payment. It is much easier if the price drops to get the new price then if you have paid in full. Royal's website offers giftcards you can buy in increments of $25, $50 and $100. I bought two for myself and when I got onboard I had Guest Services add them to my onboard account. Remember you can buy your drink packages, pay gratuities, pay for specialty restaurants, etc., online before you cruise, so you don't need so much money in your onboard account. Candie

While on the Independence last week, I went to Next Cruise, (really wasn't thinking of booking anything since I have 8 cruises booked), and I asked if Canada/New England had been released. The answer was no but rumor had it that Wednesday was the day, this was Sunday when I asked. The representative took my name and cabin number and said if they opened he would call me but beware it might be at 9 am. Wednesday at 9 am, true to his word, I received a call and hurried down to see what they had to offer. I booked a ten day Canada/New England leaving from NJ to Quebec. Great price with additional OBC. Today my TA called to make sure the reservation was transferred to her and was told because of the 1-2-free promotion the cruise had dropped about $60, so my TA rebooked. While on the line with Royal my TA asked for Casino Royale reservations and they dropped the total cruise/taxes/fees price by $262. Gosh I love a great TA and Royal. Candie

I use a shoe organizer for every cruise. The one I purchased is a skinny two pocket, four rows of pockets, so eight total. I bought large magnetic hooks because I didn't want it over the door. The hooks never slip because they are heavy weight and I put all cosmetics, personal care items, medication in the pockets so I actually have a counter in the tiny bathroom of an ocean view. I didn't believe they would be a good thing to carry but mine is so small, folds up for easy packing, doesn't take up much room in the suitcase, that i won't cruise without it. Shoes, on a seven day cruise I bring at least 5 or 6 pairs of shoes. I receive the Sunday Dallas Morning News paper and it comes in a plastic bag that fits a pair of shoes perfectly, keeps them neat and if the soles have anything on them it stays in the newspaper bag. Candie

I have cruised solo for the last five years and I love it. I do what I want, when I want. Most of my meals are in the MDR. I ask for a table if 10 so I can meet new friends. When passengers find out I am a solo cruiser I usually get one of two replies "Good for you, doing your retirement your way" or "Aren't you afraid to cruise by yourself?" I am on a ship with 4000 other passengers, what happens to me will happen to them. My advice is always be aware of your surroundings when doing shore excursions or getting off the ship. Try to stay in a group. Relax and enjoy, you will make new friends and have a ball. Candie

I have used Air2Sea twice and one was the same price as airline, the other was $98 cheaper. The other good thing is if you buy insurance through Royal and buy air from them it is covered under Royal insurance. Candie

The pastries, sandwiches, salads and desserts are free st the Cafe along side Ben & Jerty"s. The food is very good. Coffee is not free and Ben & Jerty"s is not free. I believe you can buy a coffee card. My Time Dining it is still best to make reservations for all 4 nights if not you wait in line to be seated. Deck 4 dining is for Reservations dining. You will eat on Deck 5. There is a casino on Deck 5 and you use your SeaPass card in the machine. The shows in the theater are free. The paper you get in your room every day will tell what is taking place every minute. If there is a charge that will be noted. You can buy a photo package before the cruise it is offered online for $99 for all pictures taken as opposed to $199 when on the ship. I just got off of the Enchantment and a single photo was $19.99. If you are going to use the Internet Cafe they only have 10 computers so try to use early in morning or late at night. Go about 15 minutes early for a good seat in the theater. Candie

I miss the midnight buffet too. I wish they would bring it back.

I book through a TA and have for years. I have her add on the insurance, gratuities, and transfer to my cruise price. I book my own specialty restaurants, shore excursions, etc., on the Cruise Planner. Candie

dejagatkins, I fly from Dallas/Fort Worth for all of my cruises, not as far as you but close. About 95% of the time I fly to FLL because Miami always seems to be about $100 or more. The problem is the transfers. When you fly directly to Miami, the transfer from airport to port is $15 each way, from Fort Lauderdale the transfer is $35 each way. You have to weigh that in to your decision of what airport to fly in to. Candie

PRC, I just came back from a Panama Canal full transit. It was a free cruise for me because the cruise line, not Royal, cancelled two cruises I had, one in September and one in November of 2016. They gave me the 14 day full transit to make me happy. It was a great cruise, hot and humid, but I knew that I would never have seen this part of the world, if my two cruises hadn't been cancelled. I forgot to mention that I got my booking confirmation for the November Symphony cruise, still not listed in My Cruise Planner but at least I have a reservation number and paperwork to prove I paid my deposit. Candie

jlwrinkle, Sorry about your cruise, I have never had a Royal cancelled but I had two NCL cruises cancelled, one in January of 2016 and one in February of 2016. I was furious but I tried to remain calm, and realize, as WAAAY TOOO said this is NCL's fault. I ended up, after many telephone and email conversations, with a totally free cruise for 14 days to the Panama Canal and $300 OBC. I originally had a 7 day California Coastal. The other cruise was a 7 day Mexican cruise and I ended up just getting my money back from them. Before I book any cruise I always look at the theme cruise finder website to see if my ship is booked with a large group and about 50% of the time, it is. Just keep calling and emailing until Royal comes up with a solution. I really tried to remember that the people I was talking to on the phone didn't cancel my cruise, they were trying to help me. Candie

toodle, You are doing better than I am, mine reservation isn't showing up any where, so I will wait for my TA to get the confirmation from Royal. I know they took my deposit already. Candie

https://www.amazon.com/360-Electrical-36053-Protector-Rotating/dp/B00C0QEUCG/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1489102101&sr=8-2&keywords=360+electrical This is the one I have, came recommended by monorailmedic. It has two swiveling outlets and two USB ports and it small so it doesn't take up a lot of room. Candie

This is the device I have that monorailmedic recommended. I love it, has 2 plugs and 2 USB ports. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00C0QEUCG?ref_=ams_ad_dp_asin_3 Candie

Is anyone's Symphony reservations showing up in MyCruises? Mine is not but they already took the deposit out of my account. I have a reservation number but can't use it because the Symphony is not listed in the drop down menu. Any idea when this will be fixed so I can look at my reservation? Candie

I book 6 to 8 cruises a year when they first come out. I will cancel 2 maybe and take the rest. I just finished booking two just now for 2018. If your cruise hasnt gone to final payment you can drop the second room. Candie