ang73

We’ve done this many times with no problems ??

Exactly what @arebee said ..... Happens all the time --- shouldn't be an issue at all.

Yes, shouldn't be a problem... Go to guest services when you board and explain what you want.

Paradise Beach has a small cover $3 and that includes a chair.  You pay on your own if you want to do anything extra or for food and drink.

Thanks Ang, you're awesome! I look forward to meeting you in the new year!

Wow, that really puts to test Proverbs 3:5-6, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart..." ?

Why do I feel like I'm watching a Game Show ....
SHOULD I REALLY PACK IT?
With LIVE Studio Audience,
Brought to you by Dove Moisturizing Hand Cream

Thanks, I will try them , going to pack them.

I've never had good luck with the shout wipes either.  But I swear by the Wet Ones antibacterial wipes.  They will take out most anything you spill on you.  And then we obviously use them too to wipe our hands, tables etc to disinfect!

Even with a private table reserved ahead of time, it is a good idea to go to the dining room and verify after boarding and before dinner the first night.

Last September, our Uber driver had to show not only is identification, but ours, our set sail passes AND something on his phone from Uber showing where he was taking us. 

I've also had to show my boarding pass a couple times.  So have a passport and the boarding pass ready just in case.

Yes, the name of the port in Ft Lauderdale is Port Everglades.
The port is mixed use for cargo, tankers and cruise ships.  Port Everglades is a major fuel port where fuel is offloaded from tanker ships and stored in tanks from where it is distributed throughout South Florida.  Because of this security is stepped up from other cruise ports where you can just drive to the terminal.  You'll need to stop at a a security check point, show ID and they'll likely ask to look in your trunk so be prepared to pop it open.  It's not a big deal but catches some people off guard.
The port area is pretty big with a number of terminals spread out.  They have overhead signs indicating which ship is using which terminal but there is also a Port Everglades app that can be used to learn which terminal you will be using.  There are a couple of different entrances and one has to cross train tracks that can be slow when a slow moving train is using the tracks.  
For clarification, the port in Miami is called the "Port of Miami" or POM and is located on Dodge Island.  Distinctly different than PEV or Port Everglades ~28 miles or so up the coast in between Hollywood, FL and Fort Lauderdale.

I actually found that a cruise is my very best way to vacation without kids.  I've always been the kind of parent who even when we did leave the kids for a getaway always felt the need to check in and make sure everythings ok.  So I thought that not having as much connection with them over a cruise it would be really hard.
Total opposite happened!!  As soon as we were out of cell range I was like...Well, now the grandparents are in control.  Anything that happens they'll have to deal with.  They did just fine and it was the most relaxed I've ever been without kids!!  Enjoy!!

I actually found that a cruise is my very best way to vacation without kids.  I've always been the kind of parent who even when we did leave the kids for a getaway always felt the need to check in and make sure everythings ok.  So I thought that not having as much connection with them over a cruise it would be really hard.
Total opposite happened!!  As soon as we were out of cell range I was like...Well, now the grandparents are in control.  Anything that happens they'll have to deal with.  They did just fine and it was the most relaxed I've ever been without kids!!  Enjoy!!

Been watching closely, as we're supposed to be leaving on Freedom of the Seas Sunday morning out of Port Canaveral.  No changes to our cruise yet.  My guess is at this point they just need to let Matthew pass through and then assess afterwards.  Hopefully not too much damage and the port can still open Saturday as they are planning.  We're going to start the drive down to FL from Indy tomorrow morning and just plan on staying inland, instead of staying Friday night on the coast as we had planned.
 
As much as I REALLY hope this cruise still happens, I'm sure Royal will make the best decision for everyone!  Fingers crossed!!

Been watching closely, as we're supposed to be leaving on Freedom of the Seas Sunday morning out of Port Canaveral.  No changes to our cruise yet.  My guess is at this point they just need to let Matthew pass through and then assess afterwards.  Hopefully not too much damage and the port can still open Saturday as they are planning.  We're going to start the drive down to FL from Indy tomorrow morning and just plan on staying inland, instead of staying Friday night on the coast as we had planned.
 
As much as I REALLY hope this cruise still happens, I'm sure Royal will make the best decision for everyone!  Fingers crossed!!

Been watching closely, as we're supposed to be leaving on Freedom of the Seas Sunday morning out of Port Canaveral.  No changes to our cruise yet.  My guess is at this point they just need to let Matthew pass through and then assess afterwards.  Hopefully not too much damage and the port can still open Saturday as they are planning.  We're going to start the drive down to FL from Indy tomorrow morning and just plan on staying inland, instead of staying Friday night on the coast as we had planned.
 
As much as I REALLY hope this cruise still happens, I'm sure Royal will make the best decision for everyone!  Fingers crossed!!

We just pay when we get there.  Wasn't aware you can prepay.  May look into that next time.  As far as saving time, I guess it would depend if you are behind someone who is paying  with cash. There are people there to help you pay.   I was surprised last month to find out it was over $20 a day but the car was in the garage and we were one of the first out.  For anything 5 days and up we would park offsite.  Never had an issue and the bus has always been waiting for us on departure.

Pay when you get there.  When you leave, you just drive out with no lines.  I definitely like this approach.

Welcome!!  I will be ending my vacation on Freedom the same day you will be beginning yours!!  We took our first Royal Caribbean cruise 2 years ago on Freedom and loved it!!   Can't wait to go again!
 
Matt's podcasts, this site and Royal Caribbean's site will all have lots of great information for you. If you have any questions that come up just ask here.  Everyone here is really helpful! 
 
Have fun!!  I'll be wishing I was you as I step off the ship early on the morning of the 18th!!
 
Angi

I know it's pretty common knowledge among cruisers.  But to anyone new to cruising or just to confirm for those who've heard it before...book early to get the best price!! 
 
We booked within days of Royal Caribbean releasing our October 2016 cruise. So well over a year out from our cruise.   Our travel agent has checked EVERY sale that has come out since and not one has been able to give us a better deal than our original booking.  Even with higher percentages off, and even with OBC added, we still have a better deal.
 
So while of course I'm still hoping there's that one magical sale that will save us some money before final payment....I'm really glad we booked as early as we did since prices seem to only go up from there!
 
Happy Cruising :)

Have pre-dinner before dinner :)

A wise man once said..."Book early, book often."

I know it's pretty common knowledge among cruisers.  But to anyone new to cruising or just to confirm for those who've heard it before...book early to get the best price!! 
 
We booked within days of Royal Caribbean releasing our October 2016 cruise. So well over a year out from our cruise.   Our travel agent has checked EVERY sale that has come out since and not one has been able to give us a better deal than our original booking.  Even with higher percentages off, and even with OBC added, we still have a better deal.
 
So while of course I'm still hoping there's that one magical sale that will save us some money before final payment....I'm really glad we booked as early as we did since prices seem to only go up from there!
 
Happy Cruising :)