41m33

We're hoping the mystical drink card shows up on our next cruise but I have a couple questions if anyone can help. First, I believe the common cost is $85 for 10 drinks. Does this include an 18% gratuity or will that be added on? Also, is there a limit to how many cards a person can purchase?

On 3/27/2019 at 9:25 AM, Matt said:

Be wary of booking a cruise on large sites like Expedia for the lack of customer service they provide when it comes to altering/managing/changing your booking.

I freely admit I'm biased with having a travel agent sponsor on this site, but I've heard quite a few stories about Expedia (and other large site booking engines).

While people can book directly on the Expedia website, I suggest reaching out to an agent at a local storefront. This way you have both the advantage of a personal consultant/agent as well as the often lower prices a large company with buying power can offer.

Thank you everyone for your helpful advice!

We're sailing into Cape Liberty on May 17th and plan to spend 2 nights in Manhattan. There are 6 of us plus our luggage. Can anyone suggest the best way to get from port to our hotel? I've looked at a car service and its a bit pricey. Is Uber or Lyft an option? Are there taxi vans willing to cross into Manhattan? Any advice appreciated!

Our family has always paid the daily auto gratuity but I've often wondered if the crew would appreciate cash instead. I wonder if the gratuity I'm paying really sees it's way to each deserving individual. In theory, could I actually give a monetary tip to each individual I encounter? ie leaving money on the table in the windjammer/dining room after meals, tipping at the bar, leaving money for my room steward. This way I'd know that these hard working folks are being rewarded. Does anyone have insight as to how RC actually distributes the gratuity?

If you haven't already, I suggest visiting cruisecritic.com and signing up for your sailing's Roll Call. You'll be connected to other people on your actual sailing. This is how my husband and I arranged all of our semi-private tours for Europe

We visited Carlisle Bay, which I believe is where Boatyard is. It was a 15 minute walk or taxi for $6pp. My husband and son rented a jetski for $45 for 30 minutes and we took a short snorkel trip to see some turtles for $15pp. the beach was beautiful and there were plenty of restaurants and bars to choose from. The people of Barbados were lovely. Enjoy your day there!

While cruising in and out of Barcelona in September we used several modes of transportation. From airport to hotel we used the very inexpensive Aerobus. At home I'm an Uber rider but I found taxis were easy to come by and not terribly expensive. We also used the shuttle bus from the base of Las Ramblas to the cruise port, also quite simple. For our port to airport trip we did have a pre-booked transfer through Zip transfers  because of a time crunch, they were reliable. I have heard the subway service is good in Barcelona so this may be an option too. 

Just now, CGTLH said:

Think a while back all Royal ships started to dock at Crown Bay.

@41m33 Might want to keep an eye on the listing on this site as the sail date gets closer: https://www.vinow.com/cruise/ship-schedule/

Thank you. Looks like we're stopping at Crown Bay but I'll have to keep checking I suppose

I suppose that things can change last minute and we should have a plan either way. I'd love to visit water island!

Thanks! This is a helpful sight.

Does anyone know which terminal Adventure of the Seas is likely to use when stopping in St. Thomas?

In St. Kitts our family booked an off road excursion in an open air truck that toured the island and spent some time at the beach. We booked through Royal but the company is called Safari Greg I believe and you can book with them directly.

2 hours ago, Mrs. RoyalMoyal said:

We chose a ship tour, with a maximum of 20 on a boat (for snorkeling)..  I will let you all know how it goes!  Looking forward to snorkeling in a small group.

Can I ask the name of the tour or the excursion code I haven't seen a description that states a maximum of 20 people.

For those who have done the kukoo kanuku bus in Aruba, can you tell me anything about the "beach bucks"? The description in the cruise planner mentioned this inclusion which can be spent during the stop at Palm Beach.

Have you thought about renting a car? You can rent car seats with it and may find this cheaper than several Uber rides. 

We'll be stopping in Bonaire as well and are considering pre-booking the ferry to Klein directly with the operator. Cost is around $20pp I believe. From what I gather, the fairy brings passengers to the same spot as the tour operators. First a stop at the beach to drop off your belongings, then a drop off in the water to drift-snorkel back to shore, followed by a pick up. The ferry is about a 10 minute walk from port. Has anyone tried this or heard any feedback? There will be 6 of us travelling and the ferry could be a huge money saver for us.

On our 12nt Vision sailing in Europe the drink card was available from day 4 or 5 for several days. It worked out to $8.50 a drink which is good if you're a cocktail drinker but not as a beer drinker. The beverage package was available until the last 4 days of the cruise I believe. We were also able to purchase a wine package in the MDR. I believe it was $99 for 4 bottles.

Hi Merry! you are able to bring 2-750ml bottles onboard per stateroom. If you purchase bottles on board it is kept in the dining room and brought out at meals. I'm not sure if you can ask to take the bottle with you to your stateroom. As for wine bought in port, it will be taken from you and returned the last night. The exception to this was when we left from Barcelona. There is a duty free in the terminal after you clear the bag check. We were able to bring on several bottles of wine and a 12-pack or beer with no issue.

We're sailing on Adventure of the Seas and booked for MyTime dining. I've pre-booked most nights for 6:45. Can anyone tell me if we'll be finished in time for the evening entertainment? We could switch to the late seating but its at 8. With 3 kids, we feel this is too late.

My husband and I sailed the 12nt on Vision last month. AMAZING! The itinerary knocked quite a few destinations off our bucket list for sure. We enjoyed the ship. Having sailed on Allure and Anthem previously, we knew there wouldn't be the usual "bells and whistles" we were used to. The vision made up for it in exceptional service and probably the best food we've had. Passengers were mostly 55+ or honeymooners so my husband and I (40) were a minority unlike previous sailing where there were lots of families. Feel free to ask me any questions!

I've been following this thread and it's raised a question for me. If one doesn't purchase these loungers or a cabana, are there free loungers with umbrellas located somewhere? My Mother has a history of skin cancer and will only sit on the beach if under an umbrella.

13 hours ago, Matt said:

Any bar or restaurant that stocks it can offer it.  Main dining room, specialty restaurants, Vintages.

Am I able to walk away with my purchased bottle to drink in my stateroom if I like?

I've read the fine print about our 3 night dining plan and I've noted that we can purchase bottles of wine under $100 at 40% off. Does anyone know the average price of a bottle of wine? Where on the ship can I make a purchase? Can I drink from my bottle anywhere on the ship or just in the MDR? Thanks!

6 hours ago, MoneyMan702 said:

All,

My wife and I will be doing an 11 night Southern Caribbean itinerary on Serenade of the Seas in the beginning of next year.  This will be our third cruise overall, and our first time visiting any of the six ports of call on this itinerary.  I have certainly done some research on my own, but I wanted to see if any of you all had any tips for excursions or exploring on our own in our ports of call.  

 

The ports are:

Ponce, PR

St. Kitts & Nevis

St. Lucia

Grenada

Barbados

Antigua

 

Any and all input is welcome!

 

Thank you,

 

 

Sam  

We did Southern Caribbean about 2 years ago...

St Kitts we booked Greg's Safari tour directly. His company is the one RC uses for their tour.

Barbados we walked to Carlisle Bay, rented jet ski's, did a little $5pp snorkeling excursion right from the beach and ate conch fritters (so good)

Antigua we booked the RC swim with stingray excursion then asked our driver to take us to a beach for a couple hours