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Thank you!  There's very little information about this tour, so I'm glad you responded:)

Hello all. I'm currently on the Apex.  One of the excursions we booked is Masada and the Dead Sea.  Looks amazing!  Anyway, the shore excursion team told us for the Dead Sea part we are at a resort, but they didn't know which.  They also couldn't say whether there would be an option to rent a beach umbrella or something for shade.  Also if there were steep stairs to access the beach. Does any one know?  Thanks so much!

Thanks for the answers!  I thought they probably didn't issue until closer.  I'll just decline that part with my TA and book myself.  I was just hoping to save a few $$$!

If we book under the free air for 2nd promotion, can we book business class?  I realize it won't be free.  Just wondering if the 2nd person would be discounted?

I was also disappointed when we couldn't get on the small boat excursion in Tracy Arm a couple years ago.  It ended up being fine as you spend the day cruising in and the ship does a spin to turn and cruise out.  It was an amazing day.  I can't imagine it being any better on the smaller boat.  Maybe they get a little closer, but you will have a great experience!  Juneau and Ketchikan are easy to do on your own.  We've done the tram in Juneau. The view from the top is gorgeous.  Ketchikan is very easy to walk around and enjoy the local sights.  I've never been thrilled with planning our Alaska trips, but this year will be our 3rd time going!  After our first trip it just keeps calling you back.  There really is so much to explore.

We were on Allure. Awesome ship.  We normally cruise Princess, but really enjoyed this trip.  Actually thinking of booking Symphony, but deciding between a couple of cruises

Yes we booked last minute, so didn't email with the concierge.  It sounds like this is just due to social distancing the tables.  

We were told CK was our dining room from the guy doing reservations in CK. He offered us a discount for a specialty restaurant.  We were not told we could go to the main dining room as we talked about that.  In the end we just moved our already booked specialty restaurant vs paying for another night.  The problem sounded like they had taken a lot of junior suite reservations from back to back cruisers.  I'm just wondering if that's a common first night thing.  

We booked week of, so I did not email with the concierge prior.  I guess I just thought CK would have room for us because it's our assigned dining room.  I also wasn't worried because our on board time was noon. I figured we'd be early enough to make our reservations.  We just rearranged our plans, so it's really not a big deal.  It's just something we will keep in mind when booking.

On our recent cruise we were in a Grand Suite.  We boarded and headed to Coastal Kitchen for lunch around noon. We were seated and as we ordered our server asked us about dinner reservations.  We had already booked Giovannis and Chops, so we told him the nights and times we would like for CK.  He came back and said we were set for all the nights except the first night.  They were already full for reservations.  They offered us a discounted rate at any of the specialty restaurants, but we already had that planned.  In the end we just shuffled plans.  I'm just wondering if that is normal?  When we booked through Royal they talked us up to the suite because CK would be our restaurant

Yes.  I just double checked because my husband booked it, but we did have a non refundable deposit.

I was offered it again right before I made final payment a few weeks ago, so I think they will be fine adding it now.  The only thing you should ask is if it will cover for corona virus.  A lot, if not all, policies are excluding it now.

We stayed at the Marriott Grand Flora for 8 nights on our land trip 2 years ago.  It's at the top of Via Venetto near the park.  We picked it because we could stay free on points.  The hotel was nice and we enjoyed breakfast on the rooftop each morning. The views were fantastic!  We walked down hill to the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, Colliseum, etc, but always called Uber or a taxi for a ride back to the hotel.  We also used a taxi or Uber to the Vatican.  Since we were staying free it wasn't a big deal to pay for taxi etc.  I wanted to stay there again after our cruise in May, but they didn't have our night available on points.  We are staying at the Westin just a couple of buildings down.   

We are waiting to see what will happen as we are scheduled to cruise from Venice May 10.  

Thank you all for your replies.  My friends were on HAL, but I agree that the plastic seems way too flimsy.  I think I'll just bring a couple of bottles and buy more in port if needed.

That's good to know about the soda cards. I think I'll add another now and if it doesn't look like we need it, I'll ask about a refund.  

Hello all.  We haven't cruised with HAL in 12 years.  It is my understanding that we can bring soda and water onboard for our trip.  I read that we need to carry it on, but my friend travelled to the Caribbean last year and swears she put a luggage tag taped to a case of water and it was delivered.  Is that okay? 

Can I just buy a case of water to be delivered to our cabin?  I've looked and didn't see that option.

Also, I have purchased a $50 soda card for $25.  If we use it all, can i buy another onboard or is that a special buy before you sail price?

Thank you for any help you can provide:)

Highly recommend Rome In Limo.  We used them on our land tour 2 years ago and are using them for another tour this year and from port to hotel.  They will help you plan what you want to see and make recommendations throughout the day.  

As for hotel-  We stayed at the Marriott Rome Hotel Flora and loved that it was so quiet and near the Borghese Gardens.  Plus their breakfast was served on top of the hotel.  We had city views and could see the Vatican.  Easy 10 min walk to Spanish Steps.  A bit farther to Trevi Fountain and Pantheon, but definitely walkable. It is at the top of a very steep hill.  We walked down to sites, but taxi/uber back up hill to the hotel!!!!  

I tend to stick with 10% of the tour cost.  At least that is what I tipped Rome in Limo last year.  He seemed very excited by that, so maybe that is more than usual.  

We leave from Venice and are staying at M Gallery Hotel Papadopoli pre cruise.  It is  right near Piazza Roma.  We have not stayed there yet, but if you decide to stay in that area you have another hotel to check out!  Good luck:)

20 minutes ago, philpcruiser said:

This will be our second time on RCCL (both on Anthem).  Can't pass up the convenience of the quick drive to the port (read: we don't have to fly!).  We almost weren't on this trip, but a nice room opened up two weeks ago.  Have you had a genie before?

We have not had a Genie before. We did have a butler on Norwegian, and if I'm reading correctly this is going to be even better!  We also booked not too long ago after rates dropped. We are from near Syracuse, so we will drive also.  I just sent my first e-mail, so we will see how this goes:)  Did you have a Genie on your last Anthem cruise?

No we haven't.  This is only our second cruise on Royal. Our other waa Enchantment probably 10 years ago.  We were disappointed with that cruise, so avoided Royal until friends and family kept talking about their great experiences.  I'm really looking forward to get onboard. I think this will be a great trip.  

I just opened our e-mail from Yen too!  I was coming to ask the same question:)

1 hour ago, philpcruiser said:

12/29 cruise?  Us too.  I'd expect the next contact in early December.

Yes. Looking forward to it

Following. We are on Anthem for New Years. Our first Star Class experience.  Can't wait!  We've done the questionnaire, but haven't been contacted by our Genie yet. I think it's  couple of weeks too early still.  

We booked late and it is showing all of the Cabanas sold out to ask onboard.  Do they generally hold a couple back for onboard purchasing?  We are in Star Class is that something we can request from the Genie when we get the e-mail?