Rusty_lock

6 hours ago, smokeybandit said:

Which is good, but captains aren't on twitter leading up to a cruise keeping passengers updated on potential weather impacts.

With hurricane Hilary bearing down on my Navigator of the seas sailing Monday morning i have had good communication from Royal over the last couple of days, surprisingly good. I have had multiple emails letting me know what is going on with a last one delaying my checkin time but telling us sail away will be at the same time.  

I don't need a weatherman on twitter if corporate can keep their act together like this.

10 hours ago, harryfat1 said:

I wonder if that's to spread out the people as they know their tent city can't handle a lot of people and don't want people to be out in the rain.

 

Are you guys still sailing away at 4 PM or they have delayed the time to later in the night to accommodate a more gradual boarding process? 

 

The San Pedro cruise terminal isn't equipped to seat that many people. This is the only seating area.  It's not like FLL where they can have thousands of people sit inside the terminal.

 

I also wondered if the Navigator docked at Ensenada today (Saturday) instead of Sunday as originally scheduled. By tomorrow night they could be soaked and the tours may not be able to come back to the ship on time if a big storm hits.

 

Not sure of the reason only that sail away is supposed to be the same time but my 10:30 checkin has been moved to 12:30

1 hour ago, harryfat1 said:

Hi,

 

Yeah, we were all talking that we missed the hurricane by exactly 2 weeks as we would be boarding this coming Monday like you.

 

So what time is your boarding time?  I haven't cruised with RCI since 2017 and now they have implemented the check-in time when we were at San Pedro.  I was going to post these pictures later on but think they will benefit you now.

 

San Pedro uses the "tent city" concept where you are only allowed inside the tent if your check-in time is one of the 2-time slots listed or else they make you wait outside.  Not sure what they will do if there's a pouring rain outside.

 

After luggage drop off, you arrive at "tent city"

 

 

If your check-in time slot is at 10:30 and 11, they allowed you to be inside the tent city.  We had the 11 AM check-in and this was taken at 10:30 after I parked the car

 

 

This is the tricky part.  If your check-in time isn't 10:30 or 11, they make you wait outside at the other line (see red arrow).  On a good weather day, not a big deal to be outside for awhile but if it's raining buckets, not sure if they will just let you in regardless of the time.

 

 

This is what inside of the tent city looks like as you have to go through security and general check-in screening

 

 

Here is what the "other side of the tent city looks like after all the security is done

 

 

Now you are inside the regular terminal and you do your normal photo/passport check and they re-took all our on-board pictures as the ones I uploaded wasn't good enough for them

 

 

Hope this helps in the boarding process.  Let me know if any questions prior to Monday.

 

Have a great cruise...

I have a 10:30 check in time... but I received a text message and an email from Royal telling me not to arrive until 12:30

I'll be hoping for the best and trying to be patient.

I'll be enjoying.  I'm doing this exact itinerary this Monday.  As long as Hilary doesn't mess things up.

Just now, Ret MP said:

I've looked for it.  Can't find the actual words as stated.  This is what I found and I can't say for sure that this is the statement by Liberty that has been bastardized or not:

 

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/q2-2023-royal-caribbean-cruises-052428575.html

 

<Second to the last paragraph>

We will continue to excel in the core and drive business excellence in order to increase yields and capture efficiencies across our platform. Our proven formula for success remains unchanged, moderate capacity growth, moderate yield growth and strong cost control will lead to enhanced margins, profitability and superior financial performance.

If that is being interpreted as we’re giving too much for too little than that really isn’t fair. That’s a bit of a stretch I would say.

10 hours ago, Jjohnb said:

Jason Liberty said it in the last (record breaking) earnings call, they are providing too good of a product for what people are paying and intend to change that (I paraphrased a little but that was the message loud and clear). 

1 hour ago, ReneeFLL said:

He must have been on drugs or something to seriously believe that. Guess he wants to go the Carnival route. It’s really sad that Fain retired.

 

I'd like to read the actual quote and not the paraphrased version.  That is a horrific statement that would have sent shockwaves through any investor call. 

We're driving from Phoenix Sunday night and are going to stop overnight just outside Palm Springs (Cathedral City). Monday morning my Grandkids are being driven by DD from just north of Fresno to Santa Clarita.  I'll switch passengers with her there.  DW will join DD and head north and I'll take the kids and head to San Pedro.  Hopefully it all goes according to plan.  🙂 Thanks to @Coralc for the updates.

31 minutes ago, Coralc said:

Source: NWS

Friday

• Hilary is gaining strength off the Baja California coast.

• The storm is expected to make landfall on the southern tip of Baja at 8 p.m.

Saturday

• Baja California will continue to be pounded by Hilary as the storm moves north over the peninsula.

• In Southern California, there is a chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after noon. Showers are likely and a thunderstorm is possible after midnight.

Sunday

• Hilary is expected to reach Tijuana before crossing into San Diego by evening.

• In Southern California, showers are likely and thunderstorms are possible. The storm could produce heavy rainfall in some areas. High temperatures will top out near 79 degrees. Northeast winds from 5 to 10 mph will increase to 15 to 20 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 30 mph. The chance of precipitation is 80%.

Monday

• Showers are likely and a thunderstorm is possible before noon, diminishing after noon. Skies will be cloudy, with a high near 73 .

• Flash flooding, high surf and damaging winds are possible.

 

That's pretty good sounding forecast I think.

9 hours ago, dizzlepop said:

Wondering the same for us on Carnival; we leave tomorrow. Haven’t heard a word from Carnival! 

I got an email from Royal basically saying we are watching things but don't expect a change.

I'm curious about the "Chief Meteorologist" comment.  I hadn't heard that they hired a new one yet.  

17 minutes ago, Coralc said:

I don't know if you are on the Catalina Island itinerary or not, but it is specifically mentioned:

 

Coastal areas

• High surf (5-9 feet)

• Strong winds

• Dangerous rip currents

• Coastal flooding/beach erosion

• Dangerous conditions for south- and southeast-facing harbors

• Catalina Island could be affected

Yeah we are going to Catalina but I think we'll be clear of the storm by then.  We arrive at Catalina on Wednesday.  

19 hours ago, Ocean Boy said:

They could reintroduce the Seaview Cafe that used exist on the Radiance class ships. It was much better than JR's.

That would be great! I remember Seaview cafe from my first cruise on Serenade in 20007.

Does anyone have any thoughts on the likelihood of us having problems boarding Navigator of the Seas Monday morning.  Flights won't be an issue.  Our group is driving in from two directions Monday morning, Palm Springs and Fresno.

11 hours ago, BBQ Bacon said:

Are the massage therapist registered?  My benefits plan through work pays for massages as long as the therapist is registered.

 

No they are not... 

The "do you need... at home" argument is getting really really old.  

I don't go on vacation to experience what I have at home.  I go on vacation to live larger than I live at home.

One of my biggest regrets in life is not taking my daughter on more vacations and making memories with her that way.  It wasn't that we left her behind... We just didn't go on vacations.  I worked long hours 6 days a week, 52 weeks a year.  A vacation might have been, at most, a couple days away out of town and often incorporated a meeting that I needed to attend.  Not so much fun for her.  In adulthood I have tried to take her, her husband and grand kids away at least once a year.  Some of the fondest memories I have are with my GK's on vacation.

To the OP...  

Have fun.

21 minutes ago, LobsterStalker said:

When is your cruise ? 

I'd love to hear back how this goes as from everything I've been hearing this request falls into the "not likely to happen " category. I feel the $40 trading hands at the time you make the request will likely help the cause , but otherwise... Not so sure

 

Cheers

I was going to do a live but that probably won't happen.  I'll definitely do an extensive review and that will include my experience with the cuts.

1. Yes the dividers can be opened.  Just ask your cabin attendant.

2. Yes but you can't do it online you call in to make the purchase.  When calling you may be asked why.  My standard response is DW doesn't drink.  No other explanation is required. You will be required to get her the refreshment package, not just the soda package.

3. I'd go with Uber.  There are lots of them roaming around LA.  The wait is never long.

If they charge me a dollar a slice I'm quiting Royal and will only sail with Carnival.  And i'll probably move to Canada too.   🙂 

With the once a day service we'll see how things go.  I don't really need a lot but on the next cruise I'm going without my DW but taking 3 teenage grandkids.  I'm suspecting our cabin steward is going to have to work harder than he normally would with DW and I.  Typically on a seven day cruise, I will tip the attendant $40 on Day 1 when he introduces him or herself. On this upcoming cruise besides a once a day cleaning all I really want is for them to stow the bed in the morning then set it up again at night in the evening. I don't want the bed out all day long.  As long as I'm sufficiently stocked with towels for the week my end of cruise tip will be as normal which would typically be another $40, slighlty more if for some reason I thought service was exceptional.   If I find I'm feeling shortchanged in the experience it may differ but that is not what I expect.  

2 hours ago, OCSC Mike said:

 

Never once heard any such story from any crew member on any cruise I've ever been on. We enjoy chatting with various crew members about "back home" and not one of them has ever told us a sob story or made us feel guilt tripped in any way.

Generally I have had staff speak glowingly of their home countries and pleased to talk about what is great about their homeland.  I don't think I have ever had a staff member talk about how poor they are back home or how they are supporting so many people or anything like that.  I've had them mention, if I asked a question about home, their family but I dont recall an unsolicited mention of supporting others on their salary.

I only read about that on cruise critic. 

3 hours ago, Joseph2018Baltic said:

You will have a long time, and many years of explaining why you can't do something yet to a child.

Important parenting advise right here...  Teach them the meaning of no.

1 hour ago, lovesthebeach2 said:

The last cruise we were on I went to put a cookie on my plate and a young boy no older than 7 walked up and took a chunk of watermelon off the fruit tray WITH HIS HANDS. I nicely said we’re not supposed to touch the food, but he can use the tongs….and at the same time a crew member had seen what he did and came and took the whole tray of fruit away…to probably be thrown out. 
 

At the same time the boy’s dad appeared from nowhere, and started to yell at me, and said not to talk to his son….I have no right to tell him what to do….. poor kid.

A future member of the criminal justice system 🙂 

7 hours ago, toxicfairy said:

I've noticed most people on these boards tend to reply without any idea of WHAT they are replying to. As reading the original post is too difficult for most. Or perhaps it's just comprehending WHAT they read🤦‍♀️. I hope you are able to track down the owner of the ring. I'd be so sick if I lost mine.

I think people comprehend fine, they just find it incredulous that a 7 year old was left responsible for packing the expensive jewelry and valuables in the safe. Most 7 year olds wouldn't be able to even see inside the safe without the assistance of stool or small ladder.

37 minutes ago, George C said:

We loved Navigator, that was our first grand suite, love ice show and rest of entertainment, sailed her 3 times always in grand suite . 

I haven't sample them all but so far I think Navigator's ice show is the best!

On 7/4/2023 at 5:57 PM, Ourusualbeach said:

As long as you have the reservation numbers you don't need to link the bookings. 

I had an unusual one I had never seen before.  We have a NE/Canada cruise Sept. 2024 and we have friends that are on the same cruise.  We booked TA group space and our friends, against our recommendation, booked either through their own TA or direct.  I got their reservation number and linked them so I could set up our MTD together but I got a message that said because we have a different group ID they must make their own reservations.  Is there a way around this.  My plan is just to make the reservations once onboard but my fear is that only the really late times will be available at that point.