akcruz

You can flame me all you want but here's my take. I have EARNED my Diamond status. RC touts priority check-in for us. If we are traveling with friends why not let them stay with us? Don't give us a perc and then hang all these exceptions and disappoint us before we even get on. I get the lounge rules, there is only so much room in there and the free stuff.

 

Since I seem to be in the minority on this one, lets ELIMINATE priority check-in for all except special needs folks. That's the only way to be fair and keep everyone happy.

And if every diamond member brought the rest of their party who were not diamond along with them what do you think would happen to your priority check in? I have seen the lower level, or never sailed lines shorter than the higher levels, usually somewhere about the same.

You may have earned the perk but your traveling companions have not.

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Nassau actually has a pretty nice zoo that your young kids may enjoy. The name is escaping me at the moment but I am sure others will know, or check out the ports of call board. We did it on our own, however the cruise line usually has excursions there as well.

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Okay, ship's water 101 again.

 

Water on the ship comes from three sources:

 

One is water from ports, if the ship's itinerary is such that there is not sufficient time at sea to make enough water, they will load water from ports. As examples, Miami-Dade water quality tests show an average of 30-60ppm of sodium in their tap water. NYC water quality shows about 50-60ppm sodium.

 

A second source is the flash evaporators onboard, that literally boil the sea water and distill fresh water again. This is the definition of distilled water, and the evaporators will "reject" or send overboard any distillate found with more than 10ppm sodium, and typically the units produce water with less than 1ppm.

 

The third source is reverse osmosis filters. Here sea water is pressed through a membrane at very high pressures, and only water molecules can pass through the membrane pores. These units will reject "permeate" (the fresh water produced) when it exceeds 20ppm sodium.

 

So, the highest source of sodium in the water onboard a ship is the water from shore.

 

There are only two things added to potable water onboard: calcium carbonate (the main ingredient in Tums) to control Ph, and chlorine to sanitize the water.

 

While everyone's anecdotal evidence is different, and many folks' bodies react differently, the culprits of water retention are: chlorine (there is evidence that it acts to suppress the metabolism, hence water retention), distilled water (as noted above, lack of minerals in the water can cause retention), salty food, and actually more exercise than normal (walking the decks and climbing stairs).

As usual, thanks for posting the facts, not just personal opinions most feel everyone else should share.

I am one that does react to the ship water. Not sure why but have found I do, now wonder if it is the chlorine or lack of minerals. Either way I stick to mainly bottled water while sailing which alleviates MY issues. For those who it does not impact, count yourselves lucky.

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Not to go off topic too much, but if you have them on your balcony please do think of your neighbors. We had neighbors on one cruise who had white lights and kept them on all night long. Almost as bad as the balcony light. I enjoy the sea at night where you can see the stars, moon, reflections etc and the lights mess it up. Yes they look pretty but use cautiously please.

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Same guy has been there for years. Do a search and you can see many commenting on him being there. We saw him at least 5 years ago. Good to have the reminder.

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Another that never had an issue getting as many drinks as sea pass cards. Of course things change so hoping thus is not one of them.

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Reservations should be made for ifly and Northstar. Bumper cars, flow rider, etc do not take reservations at all.

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Be aware, so no one is thrown for a loop, from what I've read the drink package covers drinks up to $12. If the drink costs more than that, you'll be charged the full amount and your account is credited $12. All comes out the same in the wash, just wanted everyone to be aware so that when it happens, you'll know you only end up paying the amount over $12 when all is said and done.

 

 

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Unless something has changed recently this was not how it was handled in August. DH had a $14 glass of wine at Wonderland. We were charged $2, plus the 18% gratuity. This was the only drink we had, 3 of us with the package btw, that went over the package limit.

We will be making sure we stick under whatever the limit is on our next sailing. Not happy if they truly are upping the cost of most drinks so that they are not completely covered with the package.

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Just to add, we had one in our group that doesn't eat seafood. We were a little concerned at the beginning, but there was way more than enough food for them and us. I will also agree with the prior poster, wish I had saved more room for dessert.

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Jane is the one to ask about beach days -- she knows the best places for that on every island

 

Go back to post 57 (Jane's post), and look at the next 10 or so. Lots of great info of things to do in ports on both Jewel itineraries.

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Looking forward to your review, we sail in about 6 weeks!! Which itinerary were you on?

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Allure by far my favorite ship. Never felt crowded. Loved the comedy club, all the shows, etc. OP is missing out.

 

 

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Ssshh, don't tell them. If everyone knew the truth the prices would skyrocket [emoji1]

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Never ordered a drink package before. I am from Canada so our dollar is a bit lower. So it shows 59.84 CAD Adult per day, so on top of that there is the 18%.. for the tips .. So that would be 70.61$ per day

So it technically comes out to about 52.67 USD per day with tips

 

So I would have to have 6 drinks or so a day to break even

All depends on what you drink. If it mainly beers yes you will need at least 6 to "break even". However if you drink more frozen drinks, martini types, etc you can get there with about 4 as those are closer to $12. Also dont firget to add in bottled water, soda and coffees if you drink those.

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Yes, but there is no premium for connecting rooms. Connecting rooms are virtually never guaranteed in any landside resort. I think the presence or absence of them on a ship, while disappointing and worthy of some sort of modest remuneration from RCI, does not rise to the level of tragedy being expressed by the OP. This HAS to be in the realm of anticipated travel challenges. Seriously, otherwise, get a two room suite.

The difference I see is that in a landside resort you don't pick a specific room. On a cruise ship you use the information provided to you from the line to determine which cabin (s) fit your needs. If that information is incorrect it can lead to issues. What if the incorrect symbol was used regarding bedding, ie you thought you had a sofa ed but ended up with a pullman? End of the world, no, but for some could be an issue.

Everyone has different needs when they travel. The OP is disappointed in their situation, one that should not have happened. They came here to warn others, not declare their vacation a disaster.

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Just tell them who will be in each room, and get the correct keys. It's really not an issue. You don't nee "duplicates" if you get the right keys to start with! Tell them at checkin...if they won't do it...go to the customer service desk (purser's desk)..and get the right keys.

Yes it can be an issue. I always got extra keys when my kids where is a different cabin so I could get into their cabin when I wanted to, and they could get in ours. Just because YOU didn't find them valuable doesn't mean others don't.

To the OP, sorry I cannot help with Harmony, but have not an issue on any other ship. I do hope this is still an option.

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in the deluxe package which seems to include all beverage up to $12 or $14 do you have to go to a bar to get a bottle of water? Would like to have bottled water in our room refrigerator.

Just stock up a few bottles to put in your fridge. On the way back to the cabin, stop by a bar and pick up a bottle.

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I can tell this subject is touchy for you. I agree that if the rules say no smoking on balconies, it should be adhered too and enforced appropriately. The Casino Bar is a valid place to smoke at this time and I hope it remains. I understand that Disney has a strict No-Smoking rule. If it really bothers some, then possibly give them a try....does anyone know about Disney's smoking policy?

Biggest difference is that Disney doesn't have casinos so no smoking there!

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So, just to be clear, you and the OP can keep repeating your opinion, but those with a different perspective can't? Gotcha. :rolleyes:

No, don't put words in my mouth. It appears the same posters keep berating the OP, many different ones have come along to agree. Also, I did say until the ring is returned to the owner or Royal no more should be added to this thread. That means positive or negative.

The OP is trying to do something nice, but the negativity on this site is turning it into a crime, such a shame. This will be my last post on this thread but I will be watching to see the end result.

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The ring shouldn't have to be returned. They should have it in the first place so the owner can find it by calling lost and found. DA!

Your opinion which has been stated on her more than enough. The OP had the best in mind. Time to stop berating them.

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Again, I understand what you were doing, but in my opinion and in the eyes of many others here, you made the incorrect choice.

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What none of you seem to realize is that the OP has a number of others who agree with what they did and most likely would have done similar. Why do you feel,the need to keep reminding them of your opinion?

I think until the owner comes forward or the ring is returned to Royal this thread should be done. The OP has gotten more than enough grief from posters here.

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I do remember a poster a few weeks back commenting on their cruise, not Empress, having a smoke free casino. Nobody knew until they boarded. Obviously this led to a number of unhappy people. If people knew ahead of time I wonder if it would have made a difference? I am sure someone will speak up shorty.

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I just don't get this contract thing. Either you will do as I say and all is well or you don't and.........

If there needs to be a contract printed and signed then my child isn't mature enough.

 

 

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We never made it so official as to have kids sign it, but we did have them ready it and confirm they understood what was expected. My daughter is a rule follower so never had an issue. My son, on the other hand, had consequences imposed once and realized even though it was vacation he wasn't off the hook.

There are a lot of little things to think about and I would rather remind them ahead of time (don't drink out of a glass that has been out of sight, if you aren't at check you will loose x) instead of figuring it out while on the ship.

Some kids need that reminder while others don't. For those new to cruising reading the contract fills them in on things to think about. Of course all families and kids are different so what works for one may not for another. The contract worked for us.

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Sometime during the last few years, a parent posted the "contract" that he and his children signed regarding what was expected behavior-wise during the cruise. If somebody will be kind enough to repost it, you might find that seeing the rules in writing and signing the contract will make more of an impact than discussion with your kids.

Many versions of a kids contract on the family board.

As others have said only you know your kids. I would start out with smaller amounts of time and ease into longer time frames as you feel comfortable. Understand that the 12 and up groups have free reign to come and go as they want, the next group under that you choose whether they can sign themselves out or not.

Walkie talkies, especially on ships the size of Allure, are pretty useless. We always set check in times for our kids and would wander by where they said they would be to make sure they were there. Cruising can be a great family vacation but planning, setting rules and consequences ahead of time is needed.

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Miracles do happen!

Royal Caribbean came through! My reservation now lists the cabin I originally booked so we are back in the aft balcony cabin! :)

Many thanks to all of you who offered your insight and suggestions. I appreciate the support of each and everyone of you, and have to say that this is truly an awesome community!

Woo hoo!! Very happy for you. Enjoy your cruise!

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I think the poster has a better chance of reuniting the ring and owners that RCCL?

 

Left an item on BOS in February. Called RCCL while at the port since I couldn't return to the ship to retrieve the item. It was 7: am and I provided all the details of the location of the item in my stateroom. Item hasn't found it's way home yet.

I agree. We had an item we forgot onboard, called by 10 am on departure day, while sitting at the airport waiting to board our flight. Gave them all info including where it was. That was over a year ago, never saw it again.

In my opini9n, with social media being what it is there is a greater chance of the ring being returned to its owner than through Royal.

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