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Big Dawg Ron

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Posts posted by Big Dawg Ron

  1. Earliest Boarding and Initial Activities

    in Royal Caribbean Discussion

    Posted

    I'm going to disagree (a little) with monctonguy. When I cruise, I use two suitcases, one carry-on (which has wheels) and one mid-size suitcase.  When I get to the pier, I check the mid-size suitcase and take the carry-on and a backpack with me.  Prior to getting to the cruise terminal, I load up my carry-on with my suit, and any clothes I'm going to wear the first couple of days.  I've had suitcases delayed in the past, one time it took 3 days to catch up to me....so this way I have things to wear.  I've also had my suitcase arrive after I've gone to dinner the first night, and I need to look dapper the first night in the dining room, LOL!!!

  3. Guarantee Cabins

    in Royal Caribbean Discussion

    Posted

    I did a balcony guarantee on Anthem and the cabin was assigned 5 months out...so there is no set time for when they are assigned.  Second, and from what I've heard from a good source (Michael Poole), when your cabin is assigned, you can call Royal and ask to be switched to another location in the same category.  I haven't tried it yet but I've been told it can be done.  I for one don't mind Royal picking the cabin for me as long as it's a good savings, and I'm not looking at a lifeboat. 

  7. Group Cruises

    in Royal Caribbean Discussion

    Posted

    12 hours ago, hallyluhopper said:

    Just wondering if the same people book the group cruises every time. We will be on Symphony of the Seas group cruise in Nov. 2018. It was be our first group cruise. I am ready to make new friends, but a little nervous too lol. Will we be the only newbies?

    Let me tell you something about this group.  I've never met anyone in this group that made me feel like an outsider looking in.  You will be welcomed with open arms...this is the most positive group I've EVER been associated with and I credit that to Matt and his positive outlook on life and cruising.  No need to worry if you are a newbie or not, or left out, or anything like that.  The only way you'll be left out is if you stay in your cabin or avoid the group...which BTW is hard to do!!!

  11. 1st Cruise and solo to go with it!

    in Royal Caribbean Discussion

    Posted

    On 6/3/2017 at 9:23 AM, MPSGSY said:

    1) Is it worth making the staff know that I am on my own and would they generally be willing to assist in identifying other solo's to perhaps create an aggregated group for dining and doing land excursions, on board activities etc?

    2) If nothing like question 1 is available,  what is the protocol at dinner to arranging a place at a table? do the waiters/maitre d' drag you along to a table and then request the other guests if "they mind if a stray sits with them" - that could be a bit embarrassing if they do! or do they have selected areas to place solos among other guests?

    3) On shore excursions, how can I avoid becoming a "tail end charlie" as everyone else goes off and "does their thing"?

    Most experiences are better if shared, on other group holidays I have been on, the sharing and associated chatter etc has always been a great part of it during and afterwards, but I am a little concerned that this may not be quite the same.

    Thanks in anticipation

    Martin

    Hey Martin, I’ve cruised solo 6 times since November, and can understand what you're going through trying to figure out what Royal has to offer.  In a nutshell, they don't offer much for solo cruisers like other cruise lines do...but don't fret, you will still have a great time if you make the effort! 

    1) While I always try to get to know as many of the crew members during a cruise, they generally have so many other things going on, they unlikely can assist you in identifying other solo travelers.  As mentioned before, they do have solo meetups listed in the Cruise Compass which occur a couple of times during the day. However, from my experience, and I've tried them on almost every ship since November, it's a waste of time. Hardly anyone shows up. You will have more luck hanging out at the bars or pubs onboard and talking with people.  As well as attending the trivia sessions. I can't tell you how many couples I've met onboard this way, and when they find out you're traveling solo, they invite you to join them at different events. 

    2) As for dining, there are no solo areas for dining. You will be placed at a 2-topper or you can request to be seated at a larger table.  I always ask to be seated with someone, and I've never had a bad experience with people saying they didn't want me to sit with them.  Maybe after I left they said that but not before, lol

    3) If you sign up for a Royal Caribbean tour, you will be placed in a group so you don't need to worry about that. 

    Traveling solo does have it challenges, but to be honest, I love it.  Obviously, I'm a pretty social guy, so generally by the time my cruise comes to an end, I've made countless new friends.  That's what I love about cruising.  If you make the effort, you will have a great time.  Most everyone on a cruise is in a good mood, and they want you to have as much fun as they are having. 

  12. Switching to a travel agent

    in Royal Caribbean Discussion

    Posted

    Go ahead and book onboard.  If you booked your existing cruise with a TA, it will automatically move to them.  If not, you can contact your TA when you return and have it transferred to them within 60 days.  If you get home and your TA has a "better" deal, it can always be re-priced and moved to the lower price. The benefit of booking onboard is the additional OBC for 5-night cruises or longer, combined with your C&A status discounts, should you have any.  Of course please read the rules, as things are changing in the future with the refundable and non-refundable deposit options starting this summer, and the non-refundable suite deposits.

  15. Refunds

    in Royal Caribbean Discussion

    Posted

    I've done this several times, generally 3 to 5 business days.

     

    If you are being refunded a deposit for a cancelled cruise, they split it up between taxes and cruise fare for some odd reason.  Last year, I had a $250 deposit refunded with payments of $199.50 and $50.50.  I totally missed this on my credit card statement since I was looking for a $250 refund. 

  16. Crown and Anchor Discounts Question

    in Royal Caribbean Discussion

    Posted

     

    "We love the main dining room and we like to eat early so we always do MTD at 5:30.  That leaves the entire evening open for whatever we want to do.  Some don't like eating that early but not only do you get eating "out of the way" but because you are the first to sit down, everything is ready and waiting for you.  The staff hasn't had time to get backed up or delayed for whatever reason.  NEVER any waiting.  Obviously, we have to make modifications around port days but we rarely stay off the ship very long anyway."

     

    I used to love eating late, but the older I get, the more the early dining times make sense! #aSleepAtTen!

     

  21. Cape Liberty (Bayonne) - Hotel options and transportation

    in Royal Caribbean Discussion

    Posted

    Hello fellow cruisers:

     

    I've booked the Anthem in March and need some help figuring out Hotel and transportation to the port options.

    I'll be arriving at EWR around 6:30pm, and plan to stay put that night. 

     

    I heard that Country Inn and Suites has a shuttle that takes you to the port and I'm curious how that all works.  Or, are there other options like Uber, Car/Taxi or other shuttles. 

     

    I found a good rate at Hilton Penn Station for $118 a night but then would need transportation to the port.

     

    I'll be traveling solo so don't have anyone to split the cab fares, etc.

     

    Thanks and happy cruising!

     

     

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