fonemanbob

The key most important words: Signed, Notarized, and ORIGINAL Documents. You have plenty of time to get passport cards and we highly recommend them.   With that said enjoy the cruise.

There is truly nothing more relaxing than sitting on the balcony for hours listening to the waves lap up against the ship.  And we agree with JL Moran that going to the helipad to star gaze  is so amazing and calming to ones mind and soul.

My wife gets all gussied up. I will wear khaki`s, a polo shirt, sport coat, and sandals.  I used to do the shirt, jacket, and tie. But after being all dressed up a few years back on formal night and this couple came to the table in their work out clothes and nothing was said. That did it for me and now its relaxed casual on formal night.  Our next cruise is on Anthem in Sept.  I might get a tuxedo t shirt for formal night.  No sandals just penny loafers sans socks.  Its a cruise.  Got`s to relax.   

The plastic covers is the way to go.  Let the porters have all the bags.  The less you have to carry around is the only way to go.  Watching people walk around with their hands full can actually be quite entertaining. It is NOT worth the hassle.  WELCOME to the message boards and enjoy your cruise.  

I've been dying to wear the dress I wore to my daughter's wedding...LOL.  but seriously, I bought that specific dress in hopes of one day wearing in to formal night on a cruise...I felt like the 2nd prettiest woman at the wedding!  LOL

Those dresses can easily be $500, no sense wearing them only once!

No, no casino while in port. ?

Thank you everyone.  We are taking a 3 p.m. flight.  Too many intangibles.  Fog, customs, traffic, luggage, etc. 

The plastic covers is the way to go.  Let the porters have all the bags.  The less you have to carry around is the only way to go.  Watching people walk around with their hands full can actually be quite entertaining. It is NOT worth the hassle.  WELCOME to the message boards and enjoy your cruise.  

As the saying goes, they don't make things like they use to!

In terms of distance it's similar to Miami.  
Even on weekends, like Miami, traffic can be an issue at times. 
There are many things that can slow you down and wreck a tight flight time.  Once in Bayonne I got pulled into secondary in US Customs because someone with my name, somewhere in the country, had a warrant out for them.  45 minutes later I was cleared after they carefully poured over details to make sure I wasn't that person.  
A medical diversion the day before could delay your return by a few hours.  Fog which I've encountered twice returning to Bayonne, can delay your arrival.  
While a 10am flight is in the realm of doable when everything goes perfectly, you alone will bear all costs to deal with a missed flight if things don't go perfectly.  When that happens, don't blame Royal, blame yourself and take ownership of your mistake.

In theory, Cape Liberty to EWR is about a 30-45 minute drive. But this is New Jersey, the land of the pothole-ridden road and home of some of the worst traffic snarls. I live in NJ, about the same distance to both the port and EWR, and I'm with @twangster and @WAAAYTOOO on this. If you can get an 11:00 AM (preferably 11:30) flight you'll be a lot safer; even then, you'll still want to do self-debarkation and be at the very front of the line.
Also be aware that if you plan to use Lyft or Uber, I've heard multiple stories of the drivers deliberately sitting around and waiting for peak hours to kick in so they get the extra charge that carries. Better to use an airport shuttle or other regular service, even though it'll likely cost extra.

The early morning and late evening flights out on Saturdays and Sundays (in particular) are usually priced lower than the ones that leave between 11:00 - 2:00.  That's not a coincidence.  The airlines know that a cruiser is unlikely to be able to make a very early morning flight and not inclined to wait around all day for a late afternoon or evening flight. That is why those "sweet spot" flights are so pricey.
Could you do it ?  Probably.  Should you do it ?  I wouldn't.  I try and get my flights out - even at the really easy access airports (FLL, MIA) - between noon and 2:00 even if they cost more money.  I am not great under pressure. I tend to turn into a real biatch (NO responses are necessary !).
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There is plenty of signage to direct you to what pier your ship is on. Yes you can drop off luggage. We like to arrive at the pier by 10:30 a.m.  Drop off the luggage. Park the car. And the rest is history.  Getting there early allows you to get a good parking place in the garage.  I drop off the wife and go and park the car.  You will be just fine.  Don`t panic. Welcome to the blog.  

We are fortunate that we don`t gain weight on long cruises. Lucky or whatever.  Do what all the previous posts have recommended.  First and foremost is to hydrate all day long.  Eat smart. Hit the gym if you can.  Ride the bike, walk on the treadmill.  Walk outside on the upper deck.  A strong wind offers great resistance. Hot weather makes you sweat.  We have yet to be on a cruise and see the gym crowded.

We have found that an extra gratuity at the beginning to the bartender and room attendant has served us well on many a cruise.  True you are not obligated to produce an extra tip. Let you conscience  be your guide.

We have found that an extra gratuity at the beginning to the bartender and room attendant has served us well on many a cruise.  True you are not obligated to produce an extra tip. Let you conscience  be your guide.

Talk to your cabin attendant.  Also an extra gratuity goes a long way.    As far as T.S.A. goes.   T.S.A. pre  check is  great to have. 

Talk to your cabin attendant.  Also an extra gratuity goes a long way.    As far as T.S.A. goes.   T.S.A. pre  check is  great to have. 

We have found that an extra gratuity at the beginning to the bartender and room attendant has served us well on many a cruise.  True you are not obligated to produce an extra tip. Let you conscience  be your guide.

Talk to your cabin attendant.  Also an extra gratuity goes a long way.    As far as T.S.A. goes.   T.S.A. pre  check is  great to have. 

We got ours at the dock.

I am still going to bring my therapy wife on future cruises if they like it or not. I will make sure her vaccinations and papers are in order.  She does not bark a lot but her moans can be bothersome .  

I am still going to bring my therapy wife on future cruises if they like it or not. I will make sure her vaccinations and papers are in order.  She does not bark a lot but her moans can be bothersome .  

I am still going to bring my therapy wife on future cruises if they like it or not. I will make sure her vaccinations and papers are in order.  She does not bark a lot but her moans can be bothersome .