RVSeaLover

12 minutes ago, Biker19 said:

Move to the cabin you want and while at it ask for some OBC for the mix up move. 

Thanks, Biker 19. I’m considering it. 

Need some advice from experienced cruisers. My husband and I are planning our second cruise (first cruise we stayed on Deck 8, Oceanview Balcony on Freedom and we LOVED it)! My TA has informed me that there was a mix up of some sort and our group has been moved (we have adjacent cabins). We had Oceanview Balconies on Deck 11 and now have Oceanview Balconies on Deck 14. My newly assigned stateroom is 14156,  just to the side of and partially under the port side cantilevered hot tub. Going on what I’ve read on CC, I’m not thrilled about having a public area directly above us instead of staterooms. Since it’s the Solarium (typically quieter area?), however, maybe there won’t be too much noise from above (moving chairs, walking, etc.). I do wonder if I’ll be hearing hot tub noise while sitting on my balcony, though (from water pumps, water jets, people in the hot tub, etc.). Have any of you stayed in this or similar stateroom locations on Harmony or other ships with the cantilevered hot tubs? If so, would you mind sharing your experience, good or bad? I’ve been told that I can request to be moved to a different Oceanview Balcony stateroom, but I wouldn’t know the stateroom # until after it’s assigned (something having to do with my group rate, I think), so in my mind that’s a gamble. Plus, I’d have to think the move worth it to be separated from my group. Any experiences shared or advice appreciated! Thanks!

I hope you did the dives and enjoyed them! They are a great way to get into diving!

 

The other advantage of doing the discover scuba dives is that if you decide to get your dive certification, you can count the discover scuba dives toward your open water dive requirement (at least for PADI).

 

If I recall you need your discover scuba dive instructor or the dive shop to register your dives and you need to do the certification within a certain period of time after.

Thanks! My husband ended up thinking that we should try SNUBA first, and so that’s what we did. We LOVED it so much, however, that we paid extra to do it a second time. After that second time, both our dive guide and my husband agreed that we really should pursue SCUBA certification. Of course, I agree with both of them! I think that diving will be up our alley! I think we’ll find a reputable dive shop and go through the steps for open water cert. The next time we cruise, I hope to be able to take some great SCUBA excursions! 🙂

We sailed on Freedom of the Seas on March 11-17. I had forgotten to inform Special Needs ahead of time that my husband uses a CPAP, but it was not an issue. When we first met our cabin attendant, we asked for an extension cord and some distilled water. Our cabin attendant didn’t even blink an eye; it was obviously a common request. Within a couple of hours, he had brought us a gallon of distilled water (no charge) and a long, orange, utility-type extension cord. My husband chose to sleep on the balcony side of the bed. He plugged the extension cord in at the vanity outlet and ran it across under the bed. He kept the CPAP plugged into extension cord, but unplugged the extension cord at the vanity each morning. He kept the cord coiled under that nearest corner of the bed to the vanity, within easy reach for the next night.

I just got off of Freedom this past Saturday, March 11. This was my first cruise and I have no other ship to compare it to, but I was very pleased with the overall condition of Freedom. Two things that I noticed, but they weren’t terrible, were that some of the MDR chairs and Arcadia Theater seats had some worn places (I’d say that most were fine). The carpeted areas are a little worn (obviously not new carpet), but not showing the amount of wear I typically see in many hotels. I was expecting to see a lot more wear in my stateroom, but both my husband and I thought that it looked pretty updated. It was a great cruise and we loved the ship! She was beautiful!

I just got off Freedom this past Saturday (3/11-17 sailing). I didn’t have any idea that magnet hooks were supposed to be an issue, and so I took some. I used them on the wall (deck 8 cabin) to air dry my clean but damp sports bra. I also used them to hang some hats. They were on the wall throughout the 6 day cruise and our cabin attendendant never mentioned nor messed with them. Pack your magnet hooks. Your cabin attendant isn’t going to care one way or the other.

We just got off of Freedom on Saturday. We were on the March 11-17, 2018 sailing. We had assigned second seating dining on deck 3 - Leonardo’s. My Time dining was on deck 5, I believe. MDR breakfast and lunch was deck 3 for everyone.

Thanks for your replies, everyone. I didn’t realize that there were multiple head waiters. Maybe there is one for each deck/dining room, because ours seemed to be in charge of all of Deck 3 Leonardo’s. ...but I could be mistaken. I’ll just list “Head Waiter, MDR second seating, Leonardo’s - Deck 3, Table 336. That should do it. :)

SunshineBaker, the food was very good in both the MDR and the Windjammer! IMO, you cannot go wrong. I have no complaints! Btw, we usually ate lunch in the Windjammer, but we discovered on our second sea day that Lunch in the MDR was awesome. Apparently, the casually-dressed, but fanciful-presentation, menu/buffet combo lunch in the MDR is only done on sea days. You’ll love your Freedom cruise!

We were on the Freedom of the Seas, March 11-17, 2018 sailing. We had an AWESOME first cruise, and I am filling out the post cruise online survey. Does anyone know the MDR Head Waiter’s name? We thought that he was fantastic, along with all of our wait staff. I’m able to list everyone’s names for recognition but his and would like to include him.

Perfect timing! My first ever cruise is March 11 on Freedom, Western Carribbean! We are so excited. Thanks for posting your blog! Love it so far!:)

The limit for cash accounts on a 6 day cruise is $300 and not $500. Once you reach $300 you will be asked to make a payment on your account.

Thanks! That won’t be a problem.

Honestly, it sounds like you might not even use up your OBC!

lol Believe me, if we see it going that way, we will definitely find things to spend it on! 😉 We’re not against doing/having/having more of any of the things I listed (and didn’t list), it’s just that we don’t want to spend without a budget in mind. I was thinking spending $500 + the $150 OBC and only add more if necessary. Maybe I’m thinking that it’ll all add up more quickly than it actually will. That would be a good problem to have! 👍

Beverages included with your basic cruise fare: tap water, coffee, hot tea, iced tea, lemonade, milk, juices at breakfast.

Wow! That is more than I thought! I’m happy to have a few more options. Thanks! 🙂

My husband is liking the idea of using cash. We’re starting out with $150 OBC (we do anticipate spending more than that), and he likes the idea of settling with guest services as needed. Our gratuities will be prepaid, so only a few instances of gratuity will be needed (i.e. room service, possible extra for cabin attendant, etc.). We *might* have one alcoholic drink a day. We typically only drink tap water & tea (and hear those are free?), may have an occasional cupcake or ice cream, don’t plan on specialty dining, gambling, nor onboard shopping. I’m thinking cash sounds doable for us and will try our best to visit guest services during off peak hours. 😉

Thank you, everyone! I did not even think about the debit card consequences, but you are all right and so we won’t go that route. I really appreciate the advice!

Hello everyone,

We are excited to be taking our first cruise March 11-17! We’ll be on Freedom of the Seas. I emailed RC several days ago but have not yet received an answer, so I’m asking you fine folks the same questions. The answers will help me to decide whether to use our CC to set up our account, or to use cash or debit to set it up at the desk once we get there. Thanks!

Onboard Expense Account Questions:

1. If I use my credit card, will I be able to set a spending limit as well as add to that limit, if I choose, during the cruise?

2. If I do not spend the full amount in my account (whether it be from cash, debit, or a credit card), will I be given my unspent balance back, and when?

Same for me, but it was 2011, the same year I did my first marathon.

Thanks for the replies, everyone! I apologize for the delay on responding. We are traveling and I haven’t been on the internet as much over the past week. I appreciate everyone’s advice and your sharing of your experiences. You’ve all been very helpful!

I recommend that you try it at a local dive shop before you do one on a trip. If your local shop does not have their own pool, they normally rent time at a local high school pool. The cost is $25 - $35 And many shops have pool time reserved every month. Those excursions will not be able to give you one on one experience and if you have issues with your mask fogging or leaking, you may just say "screw it". Another issue is clearing your ears. That can end a dive very fast. I have worked with people for more than 30 minutes before they were able to clear their ears. I also recommend purchasing your own mask. If you are thinking about tying a scuba dive, then you probably enjoy snorkeling and a good mask is important in that activity also. Everyone's face is a little different and there is a wide variety of shapes and sizes of masks. A dive shop will have a large selection for you to choose from and they are experienced in fitting them to your face. They are well worth the money. Please don't buy a mask at Walmart or other discount stores. Chances are pretty high that it will not fit perfectly.

I did a try scuba class at a resort 35 years ago and had a difficult time breathing. I had to really suck hard to get air and thought "this is not fun". Not all tour companes maintain their equipment. Same for snorkeling equipment. I remember wiping out the mouthpiece of a snorkel and the wipe was black. No way I would breath through one.

 

RVSeaLover, I really think you will feel more comfortable and enjoy it more if you do a class at home before you go. I highly recommend it.

Enjoy.

Thank you, compozer, for the great advice! We are very interested and will definitely consider looking up a local dive shop. Your reasoning certainly does make sense. Thanks!

The primary risk in a Discover Scuba dive is that you'll soon sign up for a certification class and all of the (eventual) expenses associated with that.

 

But its a good sport for a couple - you usually have a dive buddy.

Yes, we are well aware and willing to accept that risk! :)

Yes, certainly you shall try it. This unforgettable experience may start your career in diving. I did DSD in 2004 and I fell in love with scuba diving.

Thanks! We are thinking that it could, too!

Great! I know you'll have a great time if you do. Heck, if you're there the last full week in May, we can say "hi".

 

 

Harris

Denver, CO

Well, that would be very nice! :) Our cruise is mid-March, however.

Thank you so much, omeinv, for your informational reply! :) We are good to go with the health questionaire. I really appreciate your suggestion of gypseadivers. I’m going to run your suggestion by my husband and we’ll likely take your advice! (y)

Costa Maya- Discover Scuba & Beach Experience

3 hrs 30 min. $143/adult

A little background: My husband and I are going on our first cruise soon. We have never been scuba diving but are adventurous and would love to see if we like it enough to pursue cerification. We are both fit (we’re runners & do strength training). Not only have we not dove, we have not, yet, been snorkeling either. We do both love swimming and love the ocean, however. We are not claustrophobic.

I came across this beginner/uncertified ship excursion while looking for snorkeling or snuba possibilities, and it caught my interest.

Description: “First-time or non-certified divers can experience the wonders of scuba diving. You'll get fitted with scuba gear and be given an introductory lesson to scuba diving at an eco-friendly dive center. A short boat ride takes you to the magnificent Meso-American Barrier Reef system, the largest barrier reef system in the Northern Hemisphere. Its dive sites feature an abundance of beautiful corals, reef formations and marine life. Afterward, stay in Mahahual or return to the ship.”

Would you experienced folks recommend this excursion for beginners? Has anyone done this excursion before? Thanks!