Tips and Best Advice

[teacherdl]

Hello all! I would really like to start getting tips and best advice for our 7 night cruise on Symphony next May!  It's a group of 7 that consists of my in-laws, my husband, 14 year old daughter, and myself.  We have only been on one Alaska cruise, and that was 10 years ago on Holland America.  I am super excited, but I'm also a planner.  I like to know what to expect and plan as much as possible.  Since I teach, I'm on summer break right now, so I can do more planning than any other time.

I know so many of you have a wealth of information and advice...So, any advice and tips to make our first Royal cruise go smoothly?  What do you wish someone had told you before your first cruise?

[twangster]

Start with a look at this blog post:

https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2018/12/31/symphony-of-the-seas-family-cruising-guide

You've picked a great ship, love Symphony!

[FManke]

1 hour ago, teacherdl said:

Hello all! I would really like to start getting tips and best advice for our 7 night cruise on Symphony next May!  It's a group of 7 that consists of my in-laws, my husband, 14 year old daughter, and myself.  We have only been on one Alaska cruise, and that was 10 years ago on Holland America.  I am super excited, but I'm also a planner.  I like to know what to expect and plan as much as possible.  Since I teach, I'm on summer break right now, so I can do more planning than any other time.

I know so many of you have a wealth of information and advice...So, any advice and tips to make our first Royal cruise go smoothly?  What do you wish someone had told you before your first cruise?

I'd start with  the video that @twangster suggested and then just search the word "tips." You will find a ton of information. 

Have a great cruise!

[Lovetocruise2002]

I would also suggest going through the “live blog” section here on the message boards. There have been some great ones from Symphony and there is so much information hidden in live blogs. They are great for learning.

[teacherdl]

Okay, I’ll check those things out. Thanks

[WannaCruise]

Amazing ship!  Any specific questions?  Booking specialty or sticking to MDR?  

Pre-book shows (and don't miss them!), take time to explore the ship and art work.  Matt on here posted a wonderful blog about "secrets" which lists some fun things to find or go.

 

[ChessE4]

My recent discovery on Oasis-class ships is Central Park.  Not only will you find specialty dining and complimentary dining (Park Cafe), but in the late afternoon and evening, there are small concerts, such as a classical guitarist or a vocalist and musician.  We found many music venues simply to loud for us, so we made it a point to check the Cruise Compass everyday and show up about 10 minutes before a scheduled performance.  We got ring-side seats, and it felt like we had our own private concert.  On the whole, in good weather Central Park is simply delightful.  Being in crowds on the Promenade can be thrilling, too, but when you want something more peaceful, don't overlook Central Park.

Also remember that Windjammer isn't the only place to eat breakfast or lunch.  If it becomes too crowed for you, try the other venues spread throughout the ship. 

As a teenager, my son joined the teen group on several cruises, but he enjoyed them more at 16-18 then at 12-14.   What I have learned is that you don't have to try everything -- go at your own speed, but don't be afraid to try something new.  At 66, I tried the zipline and lived to talk about it.  Spread your show reservations over the entire cruise so you don't feel rushed.

 

[Skid]

@teacherdl -great post by @ChessE4 above.

We just got off Symphony 2 weeks ago, You can see my live blog here

Here are some things for you to think about..hope this helps.

For a GREAT view, go to deck 14 port side, all the way forward past the cabins. Go through the door on your left and you'll be on a bridge wing overlooking the helipad. It's a great uncrowded spot with chairs and loungers. Can get pretty windy, but great anyway.

Speaking of uncrowded, this was our first time on an Oasis class ship and we were absolutely amazed that it never once felt crowded. What a pleasure. Take your time to walk around the ship and explore. Every deck, every staircase, every nook and cranny has amazing and sometimes interactive art work. Check out the musical stairs on deck 15 leading up to the Windjammer. Also check out the picture on deck 5 in the entrance lobby to the MDR...it actually puts you into the picture when you stand in front of it.

The entertainment on this ship is the best. Make sure to make all your reservations as soon as they come out. Every show on this ship is great. Most importantly, make your reservation for the Aqua Theater show for as early in the cruise as possible. Reason for that is because that show can easily be cancelled and rescheduled due to ocean caused movement. If your reservation is scheduled towards the end of the cruise, you may well miss it altogether. (In our case the day 2 show was cancelled, but we got to see the rescheduled show on day 6.)

Suggestion: make your reservations on cruise planner as soon as they become available. Standby lines for the shows were all very long. Same thing if you want bungalows, beach beds or clamshell loungers on CocoCay. They don't have a lot of them and they sell out quickly. aaaah, Cococay...what a magnificent job they did (are are still doing) there. Phenomenal. 

For events on the Promenade (such as the 80's show, which despite what I said before, obviously does get crowded))...instead if standing there, we arrived early  at the Schooner Bar on Deck 6 (Promenade is on Deck 5) and got a small table and chairs that overlooked the stage. It was perfect.

If your itinerary includes St. Kitts, I highly recommend the Thenford Gray Grand tour.  Others on this blog have also recommended it and everyone we have sent has had a great time. He is the best tour guide we ever had. Even if you are not lucky enough to get him personally, it will most likely be one of his family members and you won't be disappointed. It's a 6 hour tour, includes beach time and costs only $55 per person. He WILL get you back to thip on time. We have done it and this past rip my sister in law and her friend went and loved it.

If your itinerary includes St. Thomas, we chose the Royal's Trunk Bay (in St. John) outing just to have the piece of mind of the ship waiting for us. We paid $66 for it and felt it was worth it. It included a narrated 40 minute or so boat transport from St. Thomas to St. John, a narrated 20 minute or so ride from dock in St John to Trunk Bay Beach, guided snorkeling with free rental gear. The driver to the beach (on very winding roads) was the safest, nicest driver we've ever had. If you get the chance, ask for Smittie. The beach was actually not crowded at all (because most on the tour did the snorkeling further down). It came in 3rd on my beach list, tied with Megan's Bay in St. Thomas.  1 is Barbados and 2 is Bermuda (we have not been to Europe).

Cabin: We stayed in 10264 (ocean view balcony). We loved the location, no noise at all, close to elevators and midway between dining on 5, pool on 15, Windjammer on 16, Boardwalk on 6 and Central Park on 8.

If you happen to be doing any specialty dining, 150 Central Park was the best ship restaurant we have been on. Loved it--food and service were top notch.

We did buy the KEY at $19.99 per person and thought it was worth every penny. The debarkation day breakfast and escort off the ship to awaiting luggage was fantastic. Alo, an unpublished perk we had was that we never had to get our card scanned for pool towels. What made that so great, besides avoidng any erroneousd charges for unreturned towels, is that we have had to wait on line to get our card scanned when returning them. Just drop them in the bin and walk away.

Feel free to ask about anything else and happy sailing!

[teacherdl]

5 hours ago, ChessE4 said:

My recent discovery on Oasis-class ships is Central Park.  Not only will you find specialty dining and complimentary dining (Park Cafe), but in the late afternoon and evening, there are small concerts, such as a classical guitarist or a vocalist and musician.  We found many music venues simply to loud for us, so we made it a point to check the Cruise Compass everyday and show up about 10 minutes before a scheduled performance.  We got ring-side seats, and it felt like we had our own private concert.  On the whole, in good weather Central Park is simply delightful.  Being in crowds on the Promenade can be thrilling, too, but when you want something more peaceful, don't overlook Central Park.

Also remember that Windjammer isn't the only place to eat breakfast or lunch.  If it becomes too crowed for you, try the other venues spread throughout the ship. 

As a teenager, my son joined the teen group on several cruises, but he enjoyed them more at 16-18 then at 12-14.   What I have learned is that you don't have to try everything -- go at your own speed, but don't be afraid to try something new.  At 66, I tried the zipline and lived to talk about it.  Spread your show reservations over the entire cruise so you don't feel rushed.

 

This is great! Thank you!  We have a central park balcony room, so that's wonderful information.  Glad to know about the teen group, and I want to try to zipline myself!

[teacherdl]

3 hours ago, Skid said:

@teacherdl -great post by @ChessE4 above.

We just got off Symphony 2 weeks ago, You can see my live blog here

Here are some things for you to think about..hope this helps.

For a GREAT view, go to deck 14 port side, all the way forward past the cabins. Go through the door on your left and you'll be on a bridge wing overlooking the helipad. It's a great uncrowded spot with chairs and loungers. Can get pretty windy, but great anyway.

Speaking of uncrowded, this was our first time on an Oasis class ship and we were absolutely amazed that it never once felt crowded. What a pleasure. Take your time to walk around the ship and explore. Every deck, every staircase, every nook and cranny has amazing and sometimes interactive art work. Check out the musical stairs on deck 15 leading up to the Windjammer. Also check out the picture on deck 5 in the entrance lobby to the MDR...it actually puts you into the picture when you stand in front of it.

The entertainment on this ship is the best. Make sure to make all your reservations as soon as they come out. Every show on this ship is great. Most importantly, make your reservation for the Aqua Theater show for as early in the cruise as possible. Reason for that is because that show can easily be cancelled and rescheduled due to ocean caused movement. If your reservation is scheduled towards the end of the cruise, you may well miss it altogether. (In our case the day 2 show was cancelled, but we got to see the rescheduled show on day 6.)

Suggestion: make your reservations on cruise planner as soon as they become available. Standby lines for the shows were all very long. Same thing if you want bungalows, beach beds or clamshell loungers on CocoCay. They don't have a lot of them and they sell out quickly. aaaah, Cococay...what a magnificent job they did (are are still doing) there. Phenomenal. 

For events on the Promenade (such as the 80's show, which despite what I said before, obviously does get crowded))...instead if standing there, we arrived early  at the Schooner Bar on Deck 6 (Promenade is on Deck 5) and got a small table and chairs that overlooked the stage. It was perfect.

If your itinerary includes St. Kitts, I highly recommend the Thenford Gray Grand tour.  Others on this blog have also recommended it and everyone we have sent has had a great time. He is the best tour guide we ever had. Even if you are not lucky enough to get him personally, it will most likely be one of his family members and you won't be disappointed. It's a 6 hour tour, includes beach time and costs only $55 per person. He WILL get you back to thip on time. We have done it and this past rip my sister in law and her friend went and loved it.

If your itinerary includes St. Thomas, we chose the Royal's Trunk Bay (in St. John) outing just to have the piece of mind of the ship waiting for us. We paid $66 for it and felt it was worth it. It included a narrated 40 minute or so boat transport from St. Thomas to St. John, a narrated 20 minute or so ride from dock in St John to Trunk Bay Beach, guided snorkeling with free rental gear. The driver to the beach (on very winding roads) was the safest, nicest driver we've ever had. If you get the chance, ask for Smittie. The beach was actually not crowded at all (because most on the tour did the snorkeling further down). It came in 3rd on my beach list, tied with Megan's Bay in St. Thomas.  1 is Barbados and 2 is Bermuda (we have not been to Europe).

Cabin: We stayed in 10264 (ocean view balcony). We loved the location, no noise at all, close to elevators and midway between dining on 5, pool on 15, Windjammer on 16, Boardwalk on 6 and Central Park on 8.

If you happen to be doing any specialty dining, 150 Central Park was the best ship restaurant we have been on. Loved it--food and service were top notch.

We did buy the KEY at $19.99 per person and thought it was worth every penny. The debarkation day breakfast and escort off the ship to awaiting luggage was fantastic. Alo, an unpublished perk we had was that we never had to get our card scanned for pool towels. What made that so great, besides avoidng any erroneousd charges for unreturned towels, is that we have had to wait on line to get our card scanned when returning them. Just drop them in the bin and walk away.

Feel free to ask about anything else and happy sailing!

I read your live blog post earlier, and I loved it!! It was so helpful. I appreciated the information.  We have a central park balcony room.  My daughter is staying with her grandmother in a Jr. Suite (way more money than me..lol).  When did your shows become available? Will I get an email or do I just need to check the planner often?  Also, when I click on "internet and more", it says "key", but when I click on it, it just takes me to the voom/arcade/etc. page.  There's no key to purchase.  When can I expect that to be available?  It's something I'm interested in for sure.  One more question...since my daughter is in a separate room, how can I purchase the key for her?  Thanks so much!

[Skid]

1 hour ago, teacherdl said:

I read your live blog post earlier, and I loved it!! It was so helpful. I appreciated the information. Thanks! We have a central park balcony room.  My daughter is staying with her grandmother in a Jr. Suite (way more money than me..lol). Nice!

When did your shows become available? Don't remember exactly, but it was prior to 90 days before sailing. Do keep checking. Also, and I don't know if it's fact or not, but someone said that everything on the cruise planner becomes available when you pay off the cruise in full. So if you happen to be one of the people that pays it off early (I am not) maybe you'll see everything then.

Will I get an email or do I just need to check the planner often? Check often. IRRC I did get an email about a cruise planner sale and the entertainment happened to be listed at that time. 

Also, when I click on "internet and more", it says "key", but when I click on it, it just takes me to the voom/arcade/etc. page.There's no key to purchase.  When can I expect that to be available?  It's something I'm interested in for sure.  One more question...since my daughter is in a separate room, how can I purchase the key for her? It is possible that it's sold out already but they leave it listed for when people cancel.  Or it may be one of their infamous IT glitches. It does say that everyone in the cabin has to get it. If Grandmother doesn't want it, maybe they'll add your daughter to your purchase. I'd definitely call them to see why you can't purchase it on line and at the same time see what they say about your daughter.

  Thanks so much! You are very welcome.

OH, one more thing. If you have 2 separate reservation numbers for the 2 rooms, when you make your show reservations, click on the "add another reservation" link so you can all have the same days and times. When we did that it worked only for some of the shows but not all..don't know why. When that happened, my sister in law called them immediately to complete her reservations.

 

Edited June 9, 2019 by Skid
Add last paragrah about show "add a reservation" link