ileys

I am glad to see this thread, as I am having the exact same issues, and know that I am not alone or have self-created a problem.  I have two cruises booked and cannot get either to show up.  I have had the underage error pop up, as well as an error saying that the cruise does not leave within 20 days, which is true, but irrelevant. I have also had an error saying that the registration failed - call my travel agent, which happens to be MSC.

My first cruise does not leave until 11/12, so I will wait to see if it resolves.  I had completed registration.  We shall see what happens

6 hours ago, GPPhilly said:

I did read that even if the engine was not fixed this 4 day cruise would not be impacted as they can cruise at a lower speed as it is only Bahamas and Ocean Cay.  I do not know whether it was fixed but they did leave PC yesterday. 

I think that we will find out whether the problem persists and how big it might actually be when they take the western Caribbean itinerary next Sunday.  If there is still a problem, I would expect that they would need to modify the itinerary.  The 3/4 day itineraries in the Bahamas do not require as much from the propulsion system.

testing

@ileys

Really enjoying the review so far - thanks for bringing us along with you!

I have the same situation, and the problem seems to be that Alamo is closed on certain days for pickups.  I do not know why, but I am unable to book directly with Alamo or through the Big Box for my return to Port Canaveral.  Budget and Avis are both still responsive.  So, my guess is that your reservation is cancelled.  I would book with Avis.

3 hours ago, Sizzlechest said:

Question about the Aerosmith cover band in the Music Hall:

 

Do they play the same set every time or do they switch it up?

I would imagine that this may vary by band, but there was a Led Zeppelin cover band on the Oasis in March, and they varied the set list subtly evey night, but still tried to duplicate The Song Remains the Same.  It was a great show, except for the night where they ran out of time and couldn't play Stairway.  We came back the next night and they made sure that they got that one done.

I really enjoyed that venue.

Radio!  I love your reports!  Have a great time, and we will all be following along!

The page that I found says to call this number:

+5999 736 8800

I see the 139pp (USD) option using the organized tour folks, but I also see an option to book directly with the Marriott for 75pp (NAF).  The organizaed tour includes transportation, so it is not exactly apples to apples, but given that there are 0.59 NAF per dollar right now, it seems like a great deal to book directly with the hotel.  Is there something that I am missing?

From the Royal website:

Starting with September 5^th, for U.S. cruises that don’t visit Canada or Bermuda:
 

• Vaccinated guests won’t have to take a pre-cruise test on cruises that are shorter than 10 nights.
• Unvaccinated guests age 5 and up will need to test within 3 days before boarding, regardless of cruise length.
• We will begin accepting results from self-administered home tests. See full testing details

16 minutes ago, firefly333 said:

Are the ala carte lunch prices the same at lunch as for dinner? I love sushi too.

 

Yes - it was the same menu and the same credit for the UDP.

You should have reservations for lunch.  On the Oasis in February, we had the UDP and walked in to Izumi Sushi at lunch, thinking that it should not be a problem.  They thought about it for a bit, and decided to squeeze us in (just 2 of us).  I think that we may have gotten lucky, and we got there early during the lunch period.

1 hour ago, ShelaghL said:

Thanks Two Wheels Only.  This is our first time with NCL.  You have reassured me.  I think I will write in advance too.  I'm also diabetic so that adds to the complication.  We have a cruise line in the UK called Fred Olsen and they cater for anyone's dietary needs.  We all meet up with the Maitre d'  to go through everything and because it is fixed dining, the relevant waiters for the table will also be informed.

 I agree with Two Wheels - the Haven can be amazing for vegans/vegetarians.  We were on the Escape in the Haven several years ago with my vegan daughter and they made her a special meal every night - she loved it!  They asked for an approximate time for our arrival so that it could be ready on time and fresh.  Every night was different and incredible!  It was very impressive.

I have been on both, as well, and I would say that the ship within a ship experience is better in the YC by far, but the rest of the ship experience is much better on NCL, if that makes any sense.

I think that the word is out that the arrival times are not being enforced and people are showing up early.  I was on the 11/5 Freedom, which had 3700 aboard, and arrived at 11:30 for my 12:00 slot, which was the first slot available.  They were not worrying about the queues because there were none.  I had to wait about 30 seconds to get to an initial document screener, then I was on my way - straight to the check in person and then on the ship.  It was fast less than two weeks ago, so something is different about this situation now.

You do not need to install anything.  You can launch the testing process from the emed website, whcih you can get to via a browser.  You do need to have the Navica accounts, but those can also be created via the website.  Give it a try - you cannot go wrong.  I did a dry run on it last night just to make sure that everything worked for my cruise coming up in a few weeks.

So a different question relative to their example: if Susan Smith's cruise fare is more than 1500, can she use the credit from Jason Smith even if he is not on the sailing?  I have this situation.

On 5/13/2021 at 12:29 PM, sellwingri said:

there are double the amount of appetizers and entrees listed for every day.

They have to move product - food is about to go bad after all of this time!  😁

If you were on a cruise that was cancelled in the first few weeks of the cancellations, you were offered 150%.  That extra 50% applied to everything that you paid - taxes, tips, etc.  We were on the 3/14 Escape, and found out about the cancellations the night before we were to sail.  We had spent a few days in the Keys prior, so still got a mini vacation.,  We are rebooked for the Breakaway in May and upgraded to the Haven and a 2 bedroom.  That seemed like a slam-dunk at the time, but so did our November Navigator cruise...

1 hour ago, A&L_Ont said:

I didn’t go ashore this time but I heard that it has been bad in the past. 

Thanks - it is really immaterial, as I will be on the beach regardless, but I am hoping it will be in a down cycle.

Enjoy your cruise!

Having cruised both lines, I would definitely like to see something like the Waterfront on NCL in place on the Oasis class ships.  Royal has great ships, but they tend to separate you from the water, while the Waterfront allows that connection, and it is so nice to have a drink outside and in such proximity to the ocean.

Carnival has copied this on their newer ships, and I would not be surprised to see Royal follow suit.

Hi, Andrew - great review (as always)!  Did you happen to notice or hear from someone who did as to the seaweed situation in Costa Maya?  We are on Symphony 10/12 and will be there right behind you.  Thanks!

10 minutes ago, shellunderwater said:

I would agree to start neat, then you can add some water and/or ice.  Try some different ones.  Try a manhattan, try other mixed bourbon drinks.  Don't be afraid to dislike something, just order something different.  If you can get in a bar at a quite time, talk with the bartender, they may be able to take you through some suggestions.  You've already paid for it.  🙂

 

Now, for summer weather enjoyment of bourbon, try a Kentucky Arnold Palmer.  Don't use good stuff.  Don't use firewater either.  Pour an Arnold Palmer (1/2 iced tea, half lemonade... season to taste with a shot or two of bourbon.... enjoy on ice).  As you sit in the shade enjoying it, you can say a thank you.  Just pay it forward.😎

The mixed drink question was up next - manhattans, old fashioneds - all to be tried while the trying has no marginal cost.  This will be an opportunity for my inner alcoholic to try new things!

Thanks for the suggestions!

Since we have a very knowledgeable group of folks here, I need ask this question - where should someone who does not have much experience with whiskey begin on a RCCL cruise complete with drink package?  I am not afraid of paying a few bucks for an upcharge, but I have no idea where to start.  What is the best way to order - neat, rocks, with water, straight from bottle?

2 hours ago, dpostman said:

Well, in all fairness,  I just look at the ppd of the package as it already reflects the discount.   If it is lower than when I previously bought it, then when all is added in the checkout page, it should be lower than what I paid before.  If so, I cancel and repurchase.

 

dp

Agree with this ^^