SouthernYankee

23 minutes ago, KLAconQueso said:

We booked tour #1 - I'll be live blogging here on the forums when I'm on board the week of the 24th, so I'll be sure to take pictures and share whatever feedback I can! 

We booked tour #1 also, but for February 28th while on the Oasis.  This will be our first time to use Bernard's Tours, but have heard many good things.  Hopefully will be a good way to see some of the recovery efforts and boost the local economy.

The addition of  Izumi with the Hibachi feature will be very nice.  Would have been nice to add a Park Café to the Solarium.

Upcoming cruises

Oasis of the Seas - February 18 , 2018

Oasis of the Seas - February 25, 2018

Freedom of the Seas - April 14, 2018

Navigator of the Seas - April 22, 2018

Presently sailing on Rhapsody and while onboard we booked Empress of the Seas to Cuba for January 2019. Two days after booking we began hearing rumors about Majesty sailing Empress scheduled cruises from mid 2018 til March 2019. Talked to Next Cruise representative and he alluded to the Empress being sold to TUI which I think is Thompson. 

Have not heard from TA or Royal but they are new bookings at the moment. I guess I got too far out in front of new itineraries coming out. Will wait and see what we hear. 

11 hours ago, ABFrenchie said:

I'm putting together my cruise "bucket list" - a list of everything I want to make sure I eat, drink, see and do while aboard the Harmony in a few weeks.  I have the usual suspects down like seeing shows and specialty dining.  I've been lurking on this site (and the dining Facebook page) for a few months now and have discovered a few blog favorites. I must try the kummelweck sandwich and the 150 CP cucumber martini! 

What else should I add to my list? What are your favorite things to eat, drink, see and do on a RC cruise?

You should definitely do the Puzzle Break Room located on the 14th deck forward.  You will need to reserve your space early as it has a tendency to book rapidly.  This is an hour of fun and will tap into your brain to try to find your way out of the room before time runs out.  

We have done the galley and bridge tours before but never the entire tour that goes into the bowels of the lower levels.  Have heard from numerous fellow cruisers that have taken the inclusive tour that is fantastic and very educational and enlightening.

We plan to do one of these in February when on the Oasis.

If you check with the loyalty ambassador they will give you a sticker for your card to recognize your diamond status.  You will also receive your diamond perks on your second leg.  Make sure you let the loyalty ambassador know on the first leg so they will be ready. 

Congratulations for your upcoming milestone!

Having used Global Entry successfully at numerous airports and in the Fort Lauderdale Cruise Port several times, it is certainly disheartening to hear they are not honoring it in Miami.  We will get to try it in Tampa for the first time next month.  Hopefully they may accept it there. 

January  2, 2018 - Enchantment of the Seas

January  5, 2018 - Navigator of the Seas

January 14, 2018 - Navigator of the Seas

January 19, 2018 - Navigator of the Seas

Agree with islandgrandma, Hop-On-Hop-Off is a great day to get an overall taste of Vancouver.  They also stop in Stanley Park.  City has a lot of fun restaurants and are handy to many stops.  You will absolutely love your Alaska cruise.  Have fun in Vancouver.

December  2, 2017 - Independence of the Seas

December  7, 2017 - Independence of the Seas

December 11, 2017 - Independence of the Seas

Most stations are on Deck 5 in the Promenade.  I think some are in some of the restaurants.  Don't think any are on the outside decks.

Rhapsody of the Seas - October 28, 2017

Venice to Barcelona

Rhapsody of the Seas - November 5, 2017

Barcelona to Tampa

When you are in Labadee, just go to Columbus Beach.  No rocks at all and completely calm water that you can walk into until the depth you prefer.  Very nice beach and close to bathroom facilities and a buffet station.  Tram service is provided.

We were on the Radiance in last month in Alaska and the shows were:

Don Gavin - Comedian    

Production Show - Piano Man (this is the Royal Caribbean singers and dancers)

Jonathan Clarke - Comedian and singing impressions

Production Show - City of Dreams (this is the Royal Caribbean singers and dancers)

Stephan Thomas - Late night comedy

Steve Davis is the Cruise Director and is fantastic.  Their shows in the Centrum - 50's & 60's Rock n' Roll Sock Hop, 70's Disco Inferno and Rock Out Dance Party were great.  Make sure on the three nights they do these shows to be there.  The Rock Out Dance Party is unique to this ship and Steve Davis and his staff do an amazing job.  This was the best non theatre show we have even seen on a ship.

Hope you enjoy!

We were on the Serenade in late May and luggage valet was not available then. 

10 minutes ago, craig403 said:

A few years ago we decided to try an electric clock in our cabin.  Seems it kept losing time.  As much as 30 minutes sometimes.  We ask the IT director why.  He told use that the ships electrical power did not have a constant frequency of 60 hz.  Not sure if that is still the case or not.  We purchased two battery clocks for our bedside instead.  

Rather than a power strip, we purchased a three pronged outlet plug.  That gives us enough plugs.

   

We also bring an electric clock for the cabin.  Our clock is always gaining time. Not a lot but we adjust it each night and it is still useful.  Thanks for the information on the non consistency of the 60 hz.  We were thinking it was a bad clock.

Best perk we ever received was on the next to last day of a 9 day cruise, while checking my account, I noticed a $500 credit added to my account.  Went to the Customer Service desk and explained that it was in error.  The representative said it had been added by "night auditors" and she would have to check with them later that evening.  She said she would call when it got straightened out.

No call, so I went down next morning and talked to another representative.  He assured me that it was my $500 and was result of a drawing.  He insisted that we keep it. 

It didn't sound like a total pull out of all RCCL ships from Falmouth.  Allure was mentioned along with another ship not named and "Celebrity".  

Navigator also has Sabor's and Izumi which I don't recall Indy having. Will be on Indy in December and Navigator in January.  Can't go wrong with either one. Maybe let the itinerary sway your decision.

We have been to Labadee when there were two ships docked.  Can't remember which ship we were on but do remember the other ships was the Grandeur of the Seas.

We were on the Serenade Baltic cruise on May 3rd this year and there were two formal nights on the 10 day cruise.  Dress was mixed from tuxedos to smart casual. 

It is my understanding that there are no "lobster nights" on the European sailings. 

We had Abe Hughes as Cruise Director last October on the Harmony of the Seas.  Was not real memorable but not a real negative either.  Have had many others that we liked much better.  As for Chris H. not familiar him/her. 

When leaving a port time to be on board is always 1/2 hour prior.  So for 5:00pm departure, all aboard would be 4:30pm. We don't usually cut it that close.

Our experience of the Coastal Kitchen on the Anthem was very favorable.  Little more upscale from the MDR with nice choices and excellent service.  Harmony of the Seas experience was a little nicer in the Coastal Kitchen.  Very attentive service with nicely prepared entrees and delicious desserts.  Just be sure to get your reservations in early for any dining in the Coastal Kitchen as they tend to fill up fast.

Thanks for the link.  Appears to have much pertinent information.