bburf42

We were on the Mariner over Christmas last year. There was a photo op and gift from Santa on the ice rink around 10am. Gift was a Royal branded pop it toy. The line was long but Santa was friendly & happy. I think there was a 2nd gift for younger kids but not sure what it was (our kids were 7 at the time). There were photographers posted by the big Christmas tree in the promenade all day for pics and a scheduled time for Santa with the tree pics later. In the day. Lots of family's wore matching pajamas all day. We’re on our 2nd Christmas cruise in just a few weeks.

Our cruise ends in Miami on Christmas eve and our flight is scheduled from 611pm that evening. I think we plan to rent a car to go from POM to FLL plus find something to do for 5-6 hours. First, any suggestions for things to do in that time considering some things may be closed for the holiday already? (2 adults and 2 9yo's). Second, in a worst-case scenario if flight gets cancelled (happens to us a lot...) suggestions for hotels near FLL for Christmas eve plus restaurants that are likely to be open Christmas day? I know places like Denny's but maybe there other local places? Thank you!

Today the Lido closed at 2 and didn’t re-open. Lots of surprised people getting back aboard with only room service as an option. We’re in port 1-830.

Thanks for the info. I am currently on the charter cruise, which we were assured several times that everything would be exactly the same as the typical cruise with exception for the additional entertainment which is the purpose of the charter cruise. So far the ‘typical’ isn’t the same so I’m just trying to see where the differences are. Thank you!

I’m on a 100% charter cruise and trying to compare what is typical on a cruise vs what is different on the charter. Is the Lido buffet open for dinner on the Westerdam while docked in Juneau?

Seems like a good and reasonable plan! Be aware that traffic between Downtown Seattle & Seatac airport can be stupid between 330-6pm so allow yourself more than adequate time to get to the airport. Also TSA at Seatac can be slow. I don’t want to scare you but there have been many recent new articles on the TSA issue. The Space Needle has great views, the museum of Pop Culture and Chihuly are unique to Seattle!

To start, I’m a HUGE video gamer, going on a cruise just after an amazing game is released. Do TVs in cabins on the Westerdam have HDMI connections? If no, are there public areas that might have HDMI connections? Teen areas? bars? I don’t care where! For reference I’m going on a 100% charter cruise - there are no kids or teens on this cruise (end of May/start of June in which I have zero interest in the charter topic but going just to support someone who does). So looking for my own personal entertainment, not related to the cruise stuff. If at a bar, I’m super willing to tip a bar tender very very well to let me connect & play.