schmenge

We will be on Regal this Spring. Celebrity on the last few cruises, and first time back to Princess after a long-time away. We are trying an Owner's PH suite, and have a few quick questions please:

1.) I understand that opening night offers complimentary specialty dining. How do I make a reservation for that first night?

2.) Which dining room is Club Dining in? Is it possible to request the same table and waiter?

3.) Is it true that we can order an upgraded breakfast in our room? How is that done?

Thank you.

I know that one can ask for reservations at a certain time in Luminae for dinner, but wanted to know the best way to do that (before the cruise, through Michael's Club, right at Luminae when boarding, etc.), and if it is possible to request the same table/waiter each night (the one thing that I always liked about the main dining room).

Thanks in advance for you advice.

I was curious if there are reserved seats for the main show theater in the evening-or if it is even necessary. RCL provided this perk on some ships. Sometimes it would have been helpful, and sometimes not needed. This is our first time with a suite. Thanks.

I am curious if there is any bottled water available with the Premium package, such that I could take a bottle with us on an excursion. Thanks for your help.

I was curious if the dinner durations at Luminae tended to be the same as in the MDR. MDR can often be very extended due to number of tables, coordination of everyone's appetizers/entrée/desserts, etc.. I was thinking that Luminae service may be a bit quicker (or at least a bit more flexible to whatever your preference is).

I appreciate your feedback in advance.

Perhaps one of the more enjoyable trip summaries I have ever read on CC. 9.5 out of 10 Oscars. (If I was there, it would have been a 10.). Thank you.

I was also on the same cruise last week. Overall, it was a near identical experience to when I was on the freedom five years ago.

Some agreements and disagreements with earlier comments:

I agree that the water in the state rooms was always either warm or scalding. I also agree that the air conditioning was extremely cold, but then I like to leave the balcony door open often so that's OK.

The service for the main dining room as well as the cabin steward were excellent as usual. I also thought the food in the main dining room was very good. There were a couple of so-so dishes, but that's the way it always has been.

As far as the itinerary, I thought that all of the stops were fine, but had a bit of an issue with the time allotted for Grand Cayman and Roatan. Tendering is too chaotic and time-consuming when you arrive near noon because everyone wants to get off at the same time. Also, in my opinion one half-day on any island is not sufficient to do any excursions comfortably.

Overall a very enjoyable trip, and for the guest earlier that won the love and marriage show, I hope nobody was waiting outside of that Porta John. :eek:

You mentioned that they gave out tender tickets. Could you confirm if this was the day before (Monday) or on the day of Grand Cayman (Tuesday)?

Also doing that same itinerary in 1 week.

Thanks.

On the Freedom, how much impact are you seeing to the cruisers? Noise, closed facilities, etc?

Hello. Could you tell me please if we as Platinum members are allowed priority boarding? If also traveling with another family that are not C&A members, can they board with us?

Thank you so much.

I would like to buy a case of bottled water and will be staying at the Marriott pre-cruise. Is there any place within walking distance? Thank you.

Could you please advise what internet options exist on JOS? Rates for Ship computers? Same options exist for personal I-Pad? Any coupons for Platinum Members?

Thanks in advance for your assistance.

I have been at both beaches. Coki is by far more convenient, busier, and had decent snorkeling. It also can be combined with Coral World next door (which is a nice side excursion to do before taking a dip). Cinnamon was lower key, a bit wavier, less busy, a bit more 'exotic' I suppose and my preferred location (because that is my style).

We will be going in June. Any hints on embarkation or must-see/do things on the ship that you can share? We have done multiple RCI cruises on larger ships, but first time on Jewel. Thanks.

This is not a specific answer, but just sharing my thoughts....

I have been on RCI 5 times, Princess once, and Disney once, and will be going on Jewel (for the first time) this June. I had a great time on all, and every ship has its own unique character/activities.

My impression of Jewel is that it will be more of the 'classic' cruise, unlike most of the other RCI that I have been on which were Voyager class and Freedom Class (which were loaded with activities). I expect to enjoy Jewel, but perhaps less active and more laid-back.

Regarding reviews of Summit (never having been on it), my experience is that reviews often over-emphasize the little negative things and that the overall experience is consistently good.

There will be plenty of options for cabs to and from Old San Jan Juan to the Pan Am pier. You will need a cab for sure. My personal preference is to not tour San Juan if you are arriving the same day as you leave - too busy to cram it all in. If it is just a stop mid trip, then of course.

I saw that RCI has a tour that basically takes you by boat from the ship to St. John, and comes back 4.5 hours later. We would like to do St. John on our own, and thought that this may be a more efficient way to get there.

Can anyone tell me:

1.) Where this boards in relation to the St. Thomas cruise ship dock?

2.) What time it leaves? (I am hoping earlier.)

Thank you in advance.

Is it indeed the case that the Main Seating is now at 5:30 for both Eastern and Western Itineraries? I preferred 6:00, but can see some advantage too. Any rants/raves about the change?

I agree with most of the posters about the options. We went to St. Johns, a few years ago (Navigator), Coki last year (Mariner), and just went to Magens (Adventure) last week.

If you also want to go to another diversion, Coral World was OK for kids and Coki is right next to it. I did not get the sense of poverty any worse than many other islands, but I agree that it is nice - but the third best option.

Magen's is great and described perfectly earlier. Full services available, calm, not great snorkeling though.

Best is clearly St. John's. Trunk is great, but also look at Cinnamon Bay.

I would always do it on your own - not through the ship.