WhiteSoxFan

The only problem with sticking it in your carry on is that a 24 pack of 500ml bottles weighs almost 26.5 pounds.  ugh.

That's why I just slap a luggage tag on it.  If it gets there, great, if not I'm only out a few bucks.  I souls say based on what I've read people are pretty successful with both methods.

I've been having the same problem on and off for the last week.

1 hour ago, CGTLH said:

Extending some thoughts...

One of the biggest things that could be done to help along the adoption of bands would be the roaming bar staff. Give them a handheld point of sales system (tablet or "phone" size). Have the ability to enter the order and read a band or card at the time of ordering. Other thought could be having the signature either captured on device or old school with paper receipts.

The challenge is the willingness to invest in the hardware and competence to setup the software.

Is this not how it works by the pool?  What is the point of it if they have to take your band in the back to charge it.

In the past I have just slapped a luggage tag on a case of water and given it to the porters.  It showed up at our cabin no problem.

The corporate security web page offers up a security guide contact list but it is the FBI & USCG that they refer to.

http://media.royalcaribbean.com/content/en_US/pdf/Security_Guide.pdf

I'm not sure what jurisdiction the police have but I bet DHS might be interested.

8 minutes ago, KLA said:

Umm... that seems like something that should maybe be brought to Royal's attention. 

I'd double down on this.  Even if it is nothing it is disturbing enough not to ignore.

I was under the impression that they were free on the newer ships.  Apparently not so.

I'll have to decide if I want to get them on the Symphony GC I guess.  I have used the Disney Overlord Trackers Magicbands and find them convenient and easy to use.  I can see them being convenient at the pool but otherwise no real difference if I use the card.

8 minutes ago, twangster said:

I've often wondered if the storied 3 day rule is an actual law or just cruise line speak. You can walk into an airport and buy a ticket the day of a flight so why does US law require cruise lines to provide 3 days and no accommodation for day of cruise purchases?

For example, you miss the ship in Mexico but have your passport with you.  You don't have to wait 3 days before flying home.  Along the same lines,  you can walk into an airport and fly to the UK or Canada or Jamaica that day with a passport and a credit card.  

If anything you would think they would be more worried about day of flight airline travel compared to day of cruise ship travel.  

I agree.  

The cruise line has to submit the passenger manifest to the Dept of Homeland Security 72 hours prior to the cruise.

I agree that the track on the Oasis class is great for running and walking compared to the other ships.  The other ships "tracks" are all on the top deck with loungers and a lot of traffic whereas the Oasis class are more dedicated to the task.  I personally don't run as there are no bears on the ship to chase me but I do a fair amount of walking.

I haven't honestly paid attention on my last several cruises but I do remember being charged sales tax in the past while in port in Florida on individual drinks.  These were before they offered drink packages.

You certainly can wing it, just be aware of the drawbacks.  

As far as entertainment, if you do not have reservations for the majority of the show, you will be seated on standby on a first come/first served basis pending availability.  This is OK if you are okay with less than prime seating and standing in line prior to the shows in return for that flexibility.

As far as excursions, it is possible that popular ones will sell out.  I honestly do not know the frequency of this happening.  I rarely pull off a last second excursion purchase.

The bar crawl needs to be accompanied by intermittent runs to El Loco Fresh for Guac and chips. 

On 8/15/2018 at 7:12 AM, monctonguy said:

As per usual......it takes a few to ruin it for the rest of us.

Unfortunately it seems like the "few" is the majority.   I know someone who played that card so they could bring there dog with them when they visited relatives without having to pay for it.

Is there any plan for a meet and greet Friday evening at the Doubletree?

I believe we need to move the decimal point and make it a point 5K pub crawl.  

We have a lockable vault that locks around the bar on a chair or lounger.  We use that when we go to the beach.  Put our valuables in it, lock it to the chair and throw a towel over it. 

14 hours ago, packercruising said:

How in the world does a ship that holds 6,000 pax get chartered?

I could see it happening if it was being re-sold as some type of theme cruise.

Does it do bag tracking on boarding day?

I can't say definitively that you will but we cruised during the NFL playoffs and there were venues that had the games on.

On the Allure they had them on the big screens in the aquatheater as well as the On-Air club.

On the Jewel they had them on in the bar by the casino.  IIRC they were listed in the Compass.

16 minutes ago, RestingBirds said:

I love the Schooner Bar, it's been my favorite on the 4 ships I've been on.  Day or night, piano player or none.  On Brilliance there was a 2000 piece (maybe 5000, can't remember) puzzle on a table off to the side, for anyone to help complete.  Maybe I'm just a sucker for the nautical theme.  We've enjoyed the various entertainers we've seen there.

The Schooner Bar on the Radiance class ships is a beautiful venue.

My experiences with the Schooner bar is that it can be hit and miss.  Several really good performers but we'vs also had a few duds.

Regardless it is not a "Howl at the Moon" experience.  

Just now, Lovetocruise2002 said:

But then when do they return?  Early August?

 

Mid-August.  The district I live in finished before Memorial Day and starts back on the 15th.  We don't have a unified state calendar here.  Each district has it's own.  With the exception of the actual City of Chicago they are pretty similar it seems.

On 7/30/2018 at 3:49 PM, Sweety said:

Chicago last day this year was June 21. 

Out where I am in the NW burbs they end the week before or after Memorial day depending on the district.