goldmom

Is there a door leading out to the hallway near the Haven Observation Lounge (forget what it's called)? We had 17100 last time and it was super easy to pop out of the room and into the Lounge for morning coffee. It's hard to tell on the deck plans if there's a door right out to the hallway from 17700 or if you need to go back down the hallway to the pool area door and then go down the hallway to the Lounge. Thanks for any help!

A shame you could't stay in international waters, but better safe than sorry. So, shops and casino are closed. NY tax on drinks (at least you have OBC!). One other question. Do you have regular TV channels? Recently on the Joy, any time we were in a US port we had no regular TV service. Also, interesting that the Royal Caribbean ship got a parking space in Manhattan as they sail from NJ. Glad you're making the best of it!

Could also be they had tables finishing their meal and they were factoring in dessert time for the table. If they don't have dessert then the table is emptied faster. I'm also one who'd rather be told a longer time and then get a pleasant surprise if it's ready faster.

Just off Joy a week or so ago. No problem at all ordering an over $15 glass of wine and just paying the difference (plus tip). Hopefully, she was just misinformed. I really hope this isn't a new policy going forward. Try another bar and let us know. Thanks!

It can be a bit of a hike. The ramp isn't that steep, but it zig zags maybe 3 or 4 times and there is no real place to stop and rest. I would suggest asking for a wheelchair assist which may or may not be available. Normally we make the request in advance through the access desk and it's on our boarding pass. I'm not sure if it would be available if you just ask at the terminal, but you can give it a try. Good luck!

I hear what you're saying and understand your thoughts on this as they do make sense. However, I'm the exact opposite. LOL! I'm an obsessive planner so I like to have everything done before I get on the ship. Cabin requests made, reservations done. When I step on the ship I completely relax and don't have to think about or plan anything. Once I'm on the ship I just chill and go with the flow, no stress. Everyone has their way of relaxing and we all do whatever works the best for us. Enjoy!

We were also on this cruise and had a great time despite a few hiccups. We really had very calm seas and only one day where it rained a bit. With all the storms we were really expecting a rocky ride, but the ocean was like a lake. First time trying Food Republic. We loved it, but it's way to much food. We could barely just taste everything. We also enjoyed Q. The food was pleasant and it was nice to try something different on a cruise. We were in the Haven and the Haven restaurant was wonderful. After maybe the second day, there were lunch and dinner specials everyday. Now, my personal rant. I expected the Courtyard to be overrun with kids and it was. We started calling the hot tub kid soup. LOL! But, we saw several families with babies ( we're talking 6-8 months old) with diapers and one in the shallow pool with the loungers with nothing on. I get it, I've had kids and all they wanted to do was swim. But, this is a health risk and effects the other families with kids too. I did mention it to the Concierge, but was on my way to dinner so don't know if anything was done. But still saw little ones in the hot tub the next day. No one seemed to want to say anything. We ended up not going near the pool and hot tub in the CY , but did enjoy some time in the adult pools on deck 19, which I wish all ships had. Overall a very nice and relaxing cruise.

The only time I remember them checking your arrival time was right after the Pandemic when cruising re-started and they were trying to minimize crowding at the terminal. Now there are no issues with arrival times. Get there when you like. Enjoy!

Weird. We've stayed in the DOS on the Gem and the hot tub was always heated. In fact we had to ask the steward to turn the heater down it was so hot! The heater must have been broken on your cruise.

My guess is that you can ask for it but it would only be available when the Haven restaurant is actually open for dinner. I forget the exact hours, but doubt 3pm would work. Enjoy!

Very much enjoying your report. Happy Birthday! Sounds like it was a great day!

OMG, that fruit plate is gorgeous. Did you request it? Loving your lazy day. That's my plan too in a few weeks. Be lazy and enjoy!

Thank you for your review. We'll be on the Joy in a few weeks, so really appreciate all info. Glad you had a good cruise!

Apparently small plug in fans are allowed. The prohibited items list is as follows: 31. All types of fans with the exception of small electrical and battery-operated fans. *Please note, these fans are subject to confiscation by the ship’s security team for inspection and approval.

You are also allowed to bring on battery or USB operated fans as long as they are small. They changed their policy to no fans a few months ago but have now changed it back to allowing fans.

Looking forward to more. I have always enjoyed your posts!

I would suggest taking any and everything you have in writing regarding the cruise, any invoices, etc. I'm sure you'll be fine, but it's definitely anxiety laden. I'm like you, I like a paper copy in my hand. Good luck and wishing you an easy check-in and great cruise!

Thank you!

That's funny! Glad it wasn't just me!

Ha Ha, funny story. When I first saw Gary's screen name I looked at it quickly and thought it said "stingray Gary" I have no idea how I came up with it, but thought it was a cool name. It took me months to realize I was wrong and it's "Southern Gary! LOL!

Thank you! I appreciate the information.

Thank you for the great review. Was the Haven check-in room right after the security check or was it all the way down at the end of the terminal? I've seen it in both places. DH has some mobility issues so trying to decide if he'll need a wheelchair in the terminal. I've already requested one to transport him onto the ship. Thanks!

On the Jewel class ships (at least for sure on the Gem) the Deluxe Owners Suite up the stairs on Deck 15 have a private hot tub. Loved that suite!

I feel your excitement and totally get it. Just did our 21 day check-in so I'm also doing my happy dance!

Also, when we have checked in at the Haven check-in our key cards are right there. Anyone who is not a Haven guest would need to go to the regular check-in line to check in and get their key cards. You would then need to ask the Concierge if they can join you in the Haven Lounge, then find them in the regular line and bring them in to the Haven Lounge. I would think that this could become pretty convoluted. As far as getting off in ports, I would guess that if they wait with you in your room they could be escorted off early with you as long as you had prior agreement from the Concierge. I think this is done quite a bit as I have to say that I seem to see a lot of new faces when we get escorted off early in ports. Enjoy!