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We plan to use lanyards also. I am not planning on giving the kids one, as I imagine them losing it or hitting each other with them.

34 minutes ago, purpldoll6x said:

I just wanted to ask the community about immunizations that may be needed for a Carribean Cruise.  We are sailing on Royal Carribean Liberty of the Seas this spring and I’m looking for help.  Does the CruiseLine require documentation as to immunizations and where do we find out which ones are required/ recommended?  Thanks in advance for any help.

Also recommend the CDC website. My doc recommended one of the Hepatitis shots, updated flu shot, and updated tetanus shot. I already had Typhoid from my honeymoon, not sure if that’s on the list. 
 

It really depends on where you’re visiting and what you’re doing while there.  A trip to the beach won’t be as risky as an overnight stay. 

28 minutes ago, bearette said:

Check the family boards, lots of info there. 

 

The biggie is your 2.5 year old cannot use the kids club as they have to be three.  I think the Indy has babysitting, but not sure and if you want it book it in advance. The five year old can be dropped off to play, your mileage may vary depending on the kids and your child, mine love it and get to go.  They have closing hours during lunch and dinner to make sure you feed your kids so you may want to plan around these hours (usually they are open from 9-12, 2-5, 7-10pm).

 

My biggest advice is nap/bed them when they are tired and feed them when they are hungry.  Nothing is worse than a tired or hungry child.  I have been known to take a cereal box with me from the buffet or room service to make sure my son always had food available, he is always "starving! "

 

Have realistic expectations, you will do half of what you think you can and it will take you find as long to get out of the room in the morning then it did without the kids.

 

Never pass up an opportunity to pee, for the little one in port.

 

You will have a great time, but it will be different. For every tantrum, you will have an equally sweet moment that will make it worth it.  

 

I have 7 year old twins who have sailed 8 times since 9 months so I have experienced all the baby ages.  At 2.5 my kids loved the stairs and we spent a lot of time just walking up and down the main atrium.  You never know what they will love...

Thanks!  Indy does have babysitting, which was a selling point for me. While I imagine most of my time will be spent with them, it will be nice to see a show as a date night. Great tip on taking a box of cereal with you, I swear they can never have too many snacks lol. 

First time cruising this February and we’re bringing the 5yr old and 2.5yr old. Anyone have any experience and best tips to share?  We’re cruising on Indy and have a panoramic ocean view cabin, if that helps. 

I actually thought the Disney one was more negative than Royals. Royal’s article seemed to stick to the truth, things people could find on the FAQ page. 

Did you get the Royal Travel Protection?  If so, you’re entitled to 75% back as a future cruise credit if canceling for any reason.  Sorry to hear about the health scares, and hope everyone is ok soon. 

4 hours ago, Host Clarea said:

 

Would having the Key make disembarkation faster than being in the self-assist line?

I can’t say from personal experience, but I’ve read it’s typically a 15min disembarkation whereas the self-assist line may be longer depending on how many people use it. Maybe someone here or under the key review page will have some experience?

I know the Key is a debated purchase, but the one consistent I’ve read is that disembarking is quick. Might be a worth it purchase in this case. 

7 minutes ago, Ourusualbeach said:

There is no way to enforce the age limit as the parents can just say that they will sleep there.  

Good point!

3 hours ago, PinkSand26 said:

Hello,

Wondering if anyone has an inside cabin picture from Brilliance or similar showing what it looks like when it sleeps 4(2 adults 2 small children).

We did the guaranteed inside stateroom sleeping 4 and they said there would be a queen and then 2 pull out beds but i can’t picture how it all fits. 

Also, what are the chances we would actually get an ocean view or higher doing the guaranteed inside? The rcl rep says it happens more than you think but I am skeptical on that! 
 

thanks!

How old are your kids?  I believe it’s 6+ required for the bunk beds. We had to upgrade to the panoramic ocean view to fit our 4 because of their ages.  I also bought blow up bed rails for the kiddos that should help. 

Hello!  My first cruise is just 50 days away, wahoo!  When getting off the ship at port, what do you typically bring with you?  Passport needed?  If you’re swimming with your family, is there a safe place to put a bag?
 

We’re doing a beach day in Labadee and swimming with the dolphins in Jamaica, if that helps. 
 

Thanks!

This ship was chartered twice when we were scheduled for Feb 2020. We finally switched ships and luckily third try was the charm.  

Do you have a travel agent?  I booked my family’s 6 cabins as the travel agent and have been able to link everyone together by calling.  They were also able to mark us down sitting together. 
 

If you booked yourself, ask to have your rooms linked together first. Just be prepared to give all the reservation numbers at that time. 

7 hours ago, hapster85 said:

You can cancel things purchased in the Cruise Planner up to 72 hours before sailing. No need to wait for post-cruise refunds on those.

Sent from my Pixel 3 using Tapatalk
 

Unless it's the alcohol package.  Since both people have to have the same package, you'll have to leave it and wait for the refund.  If it's a regular drink package, dining, etc you can cancel any time up to 72 hours before sailing.

Anyone know is they limit the number of people who can purchase “The Key”?  I’ve read the reviews on it, but can’t seem to find out if a ton of people purchase it or if it’s a small group. 
 

if it helps, I’m traveling on Indy in Feb. 

Hi!  We're sailing Independence of the Seas in February 2020 and I'm trying to understand the dress code.  Everything I read is different.  So if I'm understanding this correctly:

• Around the ship during the day is casual
• Main Dining is "smart casual", which sounds like a fancy way of saying "business casual" to professional dress.
• Formal night is black tie, cocktail dresses
• Windjammer is casual, but no flip flops (can you wear dress sandals and tennis shoes though?)

Do I have that all correct?

Also:

• Do kids have to follow the no shorts rule too?  Can toddlers wear tennis shoes with their pants, or do I really have to get them fancy shoes for this cruise?
• What do you wear to the shows in the evening?
• I feel like this suitcase is going to be over the weight limit for the plane, these are a lot of different outfits/shoes!

Thanks in advance!

4 minutes ago, Ren1216 said:

We make fairly fancy ones (as a hobby now) but you can get decent basic ones on Amazon or eBay for not much $.  Maybe Etsy but those will probably cost more.  I should go take a look.

Do you add a detachable piece so you don't have to hand over your whole lanyard?

6 minutes ago, Ren1216 said:

Lanyard fan here!  The guys in our group don't wear them, they prefer to keep the card in their wallets.  But us ladies don't always have pockets and we sure don't want to carry a purse around on board.  So I took to making beaded lanyards for the ladies, have them in all kinds of colors to match whatever we're wearing.  We love them and get tons of positive comments (including purchase offers).  Prior to making them, we used basic black ones or whatever we found at the store.

 

I ditto what others have already said.... do what works for you and don't worry for a second what someone else might think!

Love the idea of beaded lanyards to look nice!

I need advice please!  First time cruiser here.  We're going on RCI's Independence of the Seas in February.  When it comes to Seapasses, do a lot of people wear lanyards?  As a female, I know not many of my outfits have pockets and I have 2 small kids to wrangle.  However, I don't want to set up my family to look like nerds if no one else is wearing them.  We have 6 cabins, so I'm going to buy them as Christmas gifts if its a good idea. 

Also, for Independence (Indy) do the Seapasses have RFID, or can they have a hole punched?  Or do people wear the plastic sleeve kind?

Thanks in advance!