pandaball

I tried searching the thread but I couldn't find this- Does anyone know if Giovanni's is open on boarding day for lunch like it is on the Oasis-class ships? I like to avoid the Windjammer on day 1.

I prefer the gigantomegaships, personally. I figure the more I have to walk back and forth, the more snacking I can get away with! :D

"What 800 Nerds on a Cruise Ship Taught me About Life":

http://www.wired.com/2014/12/nerd-cruise/

Thank you for the link! It sounds like a lot of fun.

I have the same problem that you do for my upcoming sailing on Freedom of the Seas.

 

The Cruise Planner is offering me "Up to 40% Off" saying "Now Serving: Specialty Dining Packages", but there's no item anywhere on the page to click on to actually buy such a package. The only thing on the Dining page in the Cruise Planner are the individual dining options.

Same here. I figured I'd wait and see if I could get the deal onboard.

At least on the way out.

Ha! :D

I saw a similar thread over on the Carnival boards and I thought it was a sweet idea!

It's time to give a shout out to the staff members who help to make our cruises great!

For me, I have to say that everyone on board has always made me feel welcome as a solo cruiser. Extra recognition goes to Prince Charles on the Freedom who was spectacular- always cheerful and willing to go out of his way for the folks on the pool deck. His tray acrobatics are incredible too!

What's your favorite memory of how a crew member went above and beyond?

I sailed on Nov 21-28 and the cafe promenade used Illy coffee. It was delightful.

 

Anything was eligible for the package. They also have decaf, we would always get a large decaf latte/Capp/mocha etc after dinner.

Oh wow, what ship? I love Illy coffee!

I love the Allure. Do not miss the Aqua Theater show, I like to go the first night in case the second night is canceled for weather. I also enjoy Giovanni's Table for embarkation lunch. It is $15 and is not the full dinner menu, but it is a great way to relax and be pampered once onboard. Do not try to fit everything in, the ship is amazing and there is so much to do.

I'm seconding this! It's a perfect way to have a nice leisurely boarding day lunch. The Windjammer (buffet) and Park Cafe get way too crazy crowded on boarding day.

I recommend checking out the quiet seating area at the aft (back) end of the ship on deck 5. Follow the walking track all the way back and you'll find some wooden loungers there. It's a nice peaceful place to enjoy the sea, especially if all the hustle and bustle of the ship is getting overwhelming.

The Wipeout cafe on the sports deck also serves cooked to order omelets (not in the buffet), and Johnny Rockets serves a complimentary breakfast as well. I can't remember if it's only on sea days though- someone will be able to clarify.

Enjoy! The Oasis and Allure are my favorite ships and I hope they become yours too. :)

Hi, I'm new to Royal Caribbean and am hoping that many of you can share any tips that would help ensure an even better cruise experience. Things that you found out while cruising and thought "oh, I wish I would have known" or "I'll have to remember that for next time!" Things that we should pack that might help in the cabin or onboard (example: over the door hooks?). There are 8 in our family, all of adult age, sailing in June 2016!! I'm trying to learn the RCI website and it looks like I can book shows in advance?? Can you bring your own soda? Or maybe RCI has a decent (not outrageously priced) soda purchase plan we could use? Any of these or anything you may have learned during your time on RCI would be greatly appreciated. :):):)

Hi! What ship will you be on? That will help us give you more specific tips. :)

As an aside, is it just me or is the fresh squeezed OJ harder to find than before?

They will put a hold on a debit card, but I've never seen one on my credit card- just the charge that shows up on the last day.

Welcome to RCI! I hope you enjoy your cruise. :)

I have just been looking at drinks package costs today.

My last 2 cruises I had premium package but this time I think we are going for replenish. We are on a 2 week med cruise and price difference is over £300 ($450) each. I found I preferred frozen virgin cocktails during day as they were more refreshing that alcohol versions. I will just pay for any extra alcoholic drinks we decide to have - glass of wine at dinner probably once I have used 2 carry on bottles.

That's exactly what I do. I'm not a big drinker and I enjoy the fact that I can get an espresso or two in the morning and bottles of water throughout the day as well.

I think it's also good to look at each line's loyalty program. For instance, Royal Caribbean gives solo cruisers double points (triple for suites) on cruises in a non-studio cabin. You don't get that perk if you sail in one of the new studio broom closets.