SPS

Talk about unacceptable. Pen: Hey, we have questions about our upcoming cruise. Travel Agent: Ok, I don't really feel like doing what is expected of me, so, if you could just go ahead and call this 800 number and do it for me, that'd be great.

I'll take "Things That Didn't Happen" for $200, Alex. Accurate description, IMO.

AFT! We had a couple rough sailing days in 2018 off the southeast coast and the motion was MUCH more noticeable in the Forward section.

A rare sight in these modern days of "Nothing could possibly be my own fault!"

I can't remember what they are called, but, every time I go into the Windjammer, I like to get these thin crispy chips that they have available. Fresh made and not potato or corn. I think they may even be apart of the "Gluten Free Corner". Anyone know/remember what these are?

By reading the article, they seem to be doing all they can to stop ANYONE from visiting that city. I had heard about trying to ban the use of wheeled luggage a couple years ago for "noise complaints", (not sure if that ever actually gained any traction) but, I guess that was just the tip of the iceberg.

Keep in mind that you don't have to be permanently locked into the price you paid for things in the cruise planner. If you buy something and find it on sale cheaper later, you can simply cancel the original purchase and re-buy it at the lower price. I've found original purchase will usually be refunded within 2 business days. The most often items that people seem to do that with is the beverage package. Last year I bought the beverage package to $47 PP/PD, It later went on sale for $45 PP/PD. I also did this with two excursions.

If you search this blog, you'll see a lot of people mention that check-in times are merely a "suggestion". We've been able to board as early as 11:00 after an approx. 10:30 arrival.

Saw a guy nearly miss Rhapsody's departure in Roatan, Honduras. Saw him running as fast as possible onto the pier with about 2-3 minutes left. I was just shaking my head thinking "You gotta plan these things better, dude." Here's a question: Do they have their passports or did they leave them on board?

Tito's Vodka has gluten free on the label! FYI: My wife has to be gluten-free fee and if you click my post below, you'll see a lot of good information about cruising gluten-free. Royal Caribbean has been very accommodating to food allergies/sensitivities!

This post reminded me of something I should have posted back in February. Before our 1/27 cruise on Freedom of the Seas, we were invited by email to have an in-person survey/Q&A on embarkation day regarding Royal Caribbean and the C&A Society. We were joined by another couple (coincidentally, also from Michigan) and a Royal representative who asked us questions regarding various topics about RC as experienced cruisers. WE were able to give them our opinions (and maybe frustrations) about the new website, C&A benefits, possible travel arrangements through RC, drinks, dining, entertainment, possible new incentives/perks, etc. The whole thing took about 20-30 minutes and, in return, we were given a $50 Amex gift card and refreshments during.

We did this exact same thing for out first cruise in '09. (Same ship, Same flight path DTW/FLL direct) and thankfully had no hiccups. As long as you don't have any fight departure issues, you shouldn't have any problems. Just make sure you have all your documentation in order, really. (passports, set sail pass, luggage tags.) Speaking of luggage tags, I would recommend getting the easily attachable luggage tag sleeves for Royal Caribbean luggage tags from amazon. It sounds like a simple thing, but, it makes preparing and attaching them after the flight (either at baggage claim or the port) much simpler than trying to tape/staple paper to your handles. Plus they are more secure and make on ship luggage delays less likely. And BTW, WELCOME TO THE RCBLOG BOARDS!!!

How has this post been active (as of now) 19 hours with @coneyraven , the "Grandeur Poo-Bah", not replying?

At the bottom of your cruise planner web page, there is a link for "Royal Gifts" where you can arrange for these types of items . Happy anniversary, Happy Cruising, & Welcome to the forums!

The boarding time on your cruise docs, in reality, is just a suggestion. He have boarded as early as 11:00 am. We got to the pier at about 10:30 and quickly breezed through luggage check, security, check-in/Sea Pass issuing, and ***BOOM!*** on board, ordering our first drinks!

Sure. Only on Sat or Sun and he only gets 1 bag that will fit on my bike. I guess your offer is being turned down, @Jolly Ogre .

Are you volunteering to drive @plasticmaster to the port?

Sorry, my drinks don't last long enough for me to stop and take a picture of them! And also, those morning, (ahem) "enhanced" coffees we like to have don't photograph very well in those paper cups. If they didn't want you to have alcohol in the morning, they wouldn't make alcoholic drinks with breakfast juices/beverages!

Ah, I see. You know, Royal must do awfully good business with the DBP, because, it actually seems like I see less and less people signing individual drink receipts instead of just getting their Sea Pass card returned to them by the bartender. But, I think the other posters are correct, just tell the bartender about the additional drinks and they'll charge your account.

I don't think there's any way that a 2-Hour shuttle service would be included with any hotel in that area of Florida. You would most likely need to hire some sort of car service, if available for that sort of distance. Orlando is a different situation entirely when it comes tourist transportation services that reach out well beyond the immediate area. It really is the exception rather than the norm.

You'll have to BUY the drink for another person with the credit card linked to your Sea Pass. YOUR deluxe beverage package that YOU purchased for YOURSELF is only for YOUR drinks. Royal very much frowns on the people attempting to "piggyback" drink packages. People trying to get drinks for others with one drink package is exactly why Royal Caribbean now requires that everyone of drinking age in a stateroom purchases a beverage package instead of just one guest. It's a now closed loophole that was undoubtedly being abused.

One word of advise, specify the brand of alcohol you want in your drinks rather than getting whatever is considered "well" For example: Getting something with vodka? Ask specifically for Tito's, Grey Goose, etc. Also, check out the PDF on this post for an AMAZING list of drinks.

Royal's laxity? All the actual glass on Freedom is tinted blue. There is always noticeable noise and breeze/wind coming through the open windows if the ship is moving or not. The windows are not set up to have every other one open. If you joined this site just to run down Royal Caribbean, you're not going to get a lot of support here. This is a fan site full of experienced RCCL cruisers that see how much of this story just doesn't add up to place blame on the cruise line. The grandfather made a horrible, unfortunate, fatal mistake, plain and simple.

In 2009, we took our first cruise that ended on Thanksgiving day. The Christmas decorations went up late in that sailing, Wednesday, I think. Most notably. a LARGE Christmas tree in the Royal Promenade. (Navigator of the Seas)

It often depends on how far out your sailing is. In my experience, I usually see things like the "Buy 1 Get one 50% off" start to happen around 6 to 6 1/2 months from the sail date. If you look at the fine print in the email notifications, it always gives a range of sail dates to which a promotion applies.