goncruzn

I can see why some would want to give their genie gifts, after all, they do so much to ensure we have the best vacation possible. I always prefer to give a very nice cash gift.  I think we all have received gifts over the years that we have smiled and told the giver how much we liked and appreciated it, even when we did not.  Cash is universal, can be used anywhere to buy the things you want or like most.

If they have specifically asked for something, that is different.  At least you know you're giving what they actually prefer to have.

I, too, love my dogs immensely and I absolutely hate leaving them behind when I cruise, but there is no way I would ever bring one of them on a cruise ship unless I had a serious emotional need to do so.  And, if I did, they would definitely not be allowed to sit on a chair in a public place.  I do hate that it will no longer be allowed, as there are people who sincerely have a need, but because of abuse of policy, now no one can do so. 🙁

Actually, B1 is right near the water's edge. I was there last Friday on Allure and had the B1 cabana. B2 is also at the water's edge on the opposite side of the beach. The "S" cabanas are toward the "back" of the beach near the entrance and buffet. Last year I had an "S" cabana that was the second one to the left as you entered the beach through the gate.

B1 was a great location. The cabana has a ceiling fan, although you don't feel much of a breeze from it. The furniture was nice and looks like it's been upgraded since I was there a year ago. There is a slightly longer walk to the buffet, but not far as everything is still right there on the beach.

The over the water cabanas weren't very high over the water, but you're right, I do not think they would be good for small children. At least with the B1 (and B2) children can play in the sand right next to the cabana.

Have a great time!

Just avoid the creme brulee. That was delivered to our room but by the time we were able to eat it, the carmelized top wasn't so carmelized any longer. Unless, they just didn't do a good job in the first place. It was "liquidy" and not very good. It was good the night we had it in the dining room, though.

Totally doable. I was standing on my balcony watching people disembark at 6:30am. I thought I was early by choosing 7am to disembark. We were at the airport by 8 to pickup a rental car.

Of course, things can happen with individual sailings that can make disembarking more of an ordeal, but usually I find that I can still be off and at the airport at a reasonable time.

Out of all of the hints and suggestions on these boards, I'm not sure I've ever seen this one. Great one though! I'll have to keep that in mind.

I actually had a steamer with me last October in my suitcase and never had a problem but probably will not take one on my upcoming cruise just in case. I knew irons were prohibited, so it would only make sense.

Thank you so much for all that info. Not meaning to hijack this (and maybe I'll start a new thread at some point), but while on the subject ... other than the dinner(s) and possibly a separate room for the bday celebration, do you have suggestions for other onboard group activities or planned gatherings for such a large family reunion?

Yes, they sent me a ton of information for things such as: group photo packages; group shore excursions; cocktail parties (private and non-private); private group flowrider sessions; private skating sessions; team building events that include rock wall, crafts, professional dance lessons, private zip line, scavenger hunt and much more. All available for a price, which gets pretty pricey! ;)

The only things I'm planning besides dinner on a few nights with everyone is hosting a "party" in our room, with light snacks. On a different day we'll probably also take advantage of whatever room they offer up as a place for us to have a private "get-together".

Glad to help with whatever information I have!

Just made dinner reservations for 23. Had everyone's booking numbers, called RCCL, told them the time & was done.

Yep, real easy to do. We did the group only because they will give us a room on the ship for a celebration get together. We are celebrating my mother's 80th birthday and my aunt's 85th birthday (mom's sister). It also allows us to do different activities and shore excursions together as a group.

Thank you. We have many staterooms booked (12+), via at least two different TAs. Will have one of them get on this as it gets closer.

Didn't notice this before that you actually have 12+ rooms. You definitely should have no problem switching everyone over. Try to do this at least 2 months in advance as the dining request form states they need it back 34 or 37 days (can't remember which) prior to sailing. Although I didn't get mine back in the specified amount of time, they were still able to assist but not sure if it would be that way for all sailings. I guess it will be a matter of how many people have signed up for My Time on your sailing.

@goncruzn -- When you say you put your rooms under a group booking, is that something only a TA can do? And same questions regarding making dinner reservations though the groups department ... can anyone contact that department or only a TA? Thanks for any info.

A TA could definitely do it, but in my case all cabins were booked individually directly with Royal. The information I received from Royal was that we needed 8 rooms to qualify as a group so I waited until everyone made final payment and then switched all individual bookings to a group reservation. At that point I started dealing directly with the groups department. I received a dining request form so I called them and made a reservation for all of us for the first night. The rep asked if we wanted every night, said it was no problem to do so. I left it at just the one night, but I will probably add 1 additional night for everyone to be together.

They (group dept) were very accommodating. He said they had availability each night to seat us together.

If you do not have a TA, you can definitely handle it yourself by speaking directly with the group department. You will need to have everyone's individual reservation number to give the group rep and they will put all individual res numbers under one group res number. They will also make your dining reservations for you. Actually, the reason I called to make the dining reservation was because I didn't send the form in by the due date. At first, I thought I was going to be too late to do so, but not the case.

Not sure if they will set up a group res for less than 8 cabins, but worth a call if you have less than that amount of rooms.

Hope this info helps!

I ordered those same luggage tags and really like them. Better than trying to fold packing tape around the tags to make them sturdy!

As far as I know it varies by ship. I think the actual suites onboard are the same per ship.

On our upcoming cruise we are a group of 25. Because we had enough rooms, I put us all under a group booking and made dinner reservations through the groups dept. When I asked if they could accommodate the entire group for dinner (across several tables), I was told no problem. In fact, when making the reservation for the first night, I was asked if I wanted to extend it to every night. We have ultimately decided on three total nights.

In addition, I'm booked in star class and our genie also offered to set the reservations up for the group, which I thought definitely goes above and beyond as no one else in my group is in a suite.

I would definitely try calling and setting up reservations for specific nights. Also, as others have mentioned, whoever is in a GS should talk to the concierge once onboard and they may be able to confirm the reservations for you.

I was wondering the same thing - is it random? Based on C&A status? Only offered to good-looking people? (If the latter, I'll never see Expedited Arrival on my Seapass:rolleyes:)

:'):'):')

So, we have 5 people in our room. Four have expedited arrival on their setsail pass and one does not. I called RCI to ask why the difference and the rep asked if the one without expedited arrival had sailed with Royal before. I told her no, and she claimed that was why.

As usual, I'm not sure if they truly know as it sounds from what I'm reading here, that some who have cruised with Royal before still do not have expedited arrival on their passes. We're in a suite so I'm guessing it will probably not matter anyway, but it will be interesting to see how everything goes upon arrival at the terminal.

I definitely check the prices of my cruises just about every day after I book. We originally had a 2 BR grand suite booked for my upcoming cruise. After checking several times for price reductions, we lucked out on a 2 BR Aquatheater suite over $800 less than what we were paying for the 2 BR grand suite. We jumped on that right away. Got elevated from Sky class to Star class for less money.

Not looking for problems and I do plan to enjoy my cruise.

Perfect outlook! So often we go into things with preconceived notions that it detracts from the actual experience. You will enjoy your cruise, and if for some reason some things do go awry, hopefully you can isolate those instances from the overall experience.

Have fun!

Just received notification late yesterday that my edocs/luggage tags are available for my Sept. 16 Allure sailing. You should receive notification soon if you haven't already.

I've used a couple hotels in the area by the airport, but the hotel I like the most is the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina. It's by the port and if you get a room facing the port you can see all the ships there in the morning. Since I don't sleep well, I sometimes see them as they're coming into the channel.

It will be interesting to see if you do have an issue booking the cabin for 4 as I routinely book 2 people in balcony cabins that will accommodate 3-4 persons and have never had an issue. Hopefully it will all work out for your group!

It was a medical emergency. I was actually watching it unfold live on the Port St. Maarten webcam. Caribbean Princess sailed out, then turned around, slowed and lowered a life boat. They opened a fairly large door on the side of the ship almost at water level and the lifeboat pulled up to that door. It blocked the view, but after waiting a bit, eventually there was a quick glimpse of someone on a stretcher and after a few more minutes, the pilot boat (which had been there the whole time) sped away with the life boat behind it. They pulled to the dock in St. Maarten where there was at least one person who looked to be in hospital scrubs and about three or four ladies in green shirts and khaki pants. When they took the person off the life boat, it looked like it may have been a gray-haired man. They had him in an incline position on the stretcher. He was wheeled up the dock to an emergency vehicle. There was also a lady who got off with luggage, so I will assume they were together. After that the life boat went back to the ship and in time they were on their way.

The camera was zoomed in the entire time so I just watched the entire situation as it was happening. I tune in to the webcams periodically during the week, but this is the first time I've ever caught something happening live like this.

I do hope the person taken off the ship is receiving treatment and doing well.

My guess also is that the gifts are funded through a budget provided them from the cruise line. They are probably allowed "x" amount of dollars for their guests.

There are way to many ships, including mega ones, in the Caribbean right now.

There are definitely bargains out there IF YOU KEEP SEARCHING ! Do not depend on those so called 'sales' they offer evreyone.

We are always scanning internet sites. About 2 months ago we booked our cruise for this September on the Allure of the Seas. Got an Owners Suite for $1800.pp WITH $200. OBC & prepaid gratuities.

That would have been unheard of a year or 2 ago.

JS were going for $1200 & GS for $1600.

Needless to say...even though this cruise is still a few months out....the suites are gone....

Our first time in an Owner's Suite....wahooooo

I also got a great deal for September on Allure. Booked a spacious 2BR Aquatheater suite for 4 for an average of $1833/pp! And also received $200 OBC. I cannot wait!

Wow, that’s a pain. I made my final payment on my upcoming cruise last Tuesday and received an emailed receipt. I wasn’t sure I would receive one.

I know you’re disappointed having to miss a port you were wanting to visit, but I would hardly call San Juan a throwaway port. I love St. Thomas, but San Juan has so much more to offer. Either way,I do hope you were able to enjoy the rest of your vacation.