kaiiak

9 minutes ago, The-Inside-Cabin said:

The entire process takes about 3 hours.  The last people should be off by 9:30 to 10 AM.  If you can carry you own bags, you can sign up to leave at 7 AM.    If you tell the front desk you have an early flight, you will probably get in one of the early groups - probably off around 8-8:30.   

 

I was on the NS in Jan and we were delayed by 30 minutes for a power outage in the terminal and then by massive lines with immigration.   

 

I would not schedule a flight before noon.  

 

If you have Global Entry - you can bypass the long immigration line, but unlike arriving at an airport, you need to have your Global Entry card to gain access to the special line at FLL

10 minutes ago, wdw1972 said:

I'm thinking it was around 9 or so....maybe 9:15. I always do expedited to hit the road (driving), so I don't pay close attention.

 

Sue/WDW1972

Thanks. Do you pay for expedited services or is it based on your star level? Have not cruised in 11 years so don't remember all the logistics!!

1 minute ago, wdw1972 said:

Disembarkation starts at 7:30 with the "Expedited" group first - subject to the government crap being completed by then.  It went right on time on Jan 30th, and I walked off the ship with all my luggage just after 7:30.  I was driving my car out of the off-site parking place I use (Park N Go) just before 8am.  People who do not opt for expedited select a time, with the earliest one being 7:45 if I"m not mistaken.

 

Sue/WDW1972

Great thank you. Sounds like it is pretty easy.  Wondering what the very dead last group time would be?

We will be traveling on the NS in April.  Our itinerary states disembarkation starts at 7am on a Sunday at Port Everglades.  How long does the process take? Booking return airfare and wondering what would be the earliest time of day for a return flight home.  I know there can be problems which may arise, which would inevitably mean a flight change, but what is the norm for getting off this ship?  Not interested in staying overnight as we all need to return to work and school on Monday barring any catastrophes.  

Thanks!

23 minutes ago, Krazy Kruizers said:

Don't be surprised if HAL charges you for the Signature drink package for your 23 year old son.

Ok thanks for the heads up. We normally wouldn’t purchase a package bc we don’t drink and our minor child doesn’t even like soda, but figured since it was free as part of our pkg it was nice to have for the sodas etc. I’m sure the 23 year old will have a few cocktails. 

2 hours ago, Cruise Suzy said:

I've been told that ALL passengers over 21 in the stateroom must have the same beverage package. Those under 21 need to have the Quench package if the others have a beverage package.

Interesting. We haven’t cruised in a long time & when we booked & this package was available we figured it was a perk. We typically would never buy a beverage package bc we don’t realky drink much. I guess I’ll find out when we board, but the booking says the bev pkg is for guest 1 & 2.

Not sure I should ask TA

Ok thank you. So $240/day. 

Hi! We are booked on the Nieuw Statemdam in April. When we booked in the fall we used the Explore 4 package and will be getting the free beverage package for 2 passengers. Can I give the package to my 23 year old son who is staying in our cabin as passenger #4? I mostly drink ice tea so wouldn’t get as much benefit, but he does like a few cocktails & sodas each day. Right now the booking says it’s passenger 1 & 2. Can I change it onboard?

Another question re holds. We are taking our 2 sons: 23 and 10 years old. Does each passenger have the $60/day hold or is it just the two primary guests? Just went to plan ahead. 

I’m 47, but the last time we cruised HAL I was 37 and we loved it! There’s enough to do so that you aren’t bored, but not so much that it feels like constant activity. We like to do pool days, go to the spa, read, play bingo, gamble & eat great food. We are not big drinkers. It is our preferred cruise line now. We are going on the NS in April and can not wait! Try it out and see what you think!

Thanks for the information. That is what I wanted to know. While my son likes some of the shows on NickJr, he gets a little afraid of characters. We live in So Ca and have annual passes to Disneyland, and he doesn't really like to go up to the characters yet.

I agree when looking at the price. I love HAL and Princess and HAL has much better prices, but the amenities on board don't seem that great for the 3 yr old.

Yes, I have seen pictures online of the little baby area. It will do for my son if he isn't potty trained. He will be 4 by sail date and we are working on it now, but I wanted a backup plan in case he isn't trained by March. Also, because of the autism the kids club will allow children with special needs in with diapers, but will page us when he needs a change. I don't foresee us using the club often, maybe an hour or two a few times. We generally like to stick together on vacation and my 17 yr old can babysit a few times for casino time. Thanks for your help.

One difference is that Independence has heated pools, where Freedom does not.

 

As others have said, if you are looking in 2014 Independence should have had her drydock by then (currently scheduled for May 2013). However, the list of improvements is much less extensive than what Freedom received.

 

 

According to the refurb list from RCCL, this is what Freedom added during her last drydock:

DreamWorks Experience

3D movie theater

Outdoor movie screen

Updated Vintages wine bar

Cupcake Cupboard

Digital Signage

Pervasive Wi-Fi

Interactive TVs

BRITTO™

Nursery

ImagineOcean! Puppet Shows

 

 

And this is what Independence is schedule to get during her drydock:

Outdoor movie screen

Cupcake Cupboard

Digital Signage

Pervasive Wi-Fi

Nursery

I am in the same dilemma debating between these two ships. I am a first time RCL customer and the family board recommended these ships to me because of the swim/play area for non-potty trained kids (in case my 3 yr old is not potty trained by next spring). They also seem to have nice accomodations for him in the kids club (he has autism). That said, there is a big price difference in the two ships. For the same week, Freedom sails to the E Caribbean and a balcony for 4 would be about $5196. A balcony on Indy to the W. Caribbean for 6 nights (one less) for 4 would be about $3336. That is a difference of $1860. Is the Freedom that much better with the new upgrades?

My cruising priority in the past has been the following: nice casino, good food, decent kids club (for older son who is now a teen), nice pool area to lay out (I like Princess' MUTS), nice mix of ages onboard. I am not a big partier or drinker. I now am also very concerned about a water/swim/play area for the 3 yr old which has led me to these two ships. Which would you choose? I'm willing to spend the money if it is truly worth it, but I am not made of money as I am a teacher and save up for these precious vacations!! Thoughts??