batt01

Hello,

I received notice from PG that, due to supply chain issues, the boat that would take us from the ship to PG's private beach on Bora Bora isn't in service, so they are going to tender us to Matira beach instead.   I am unfamiliar with both beaches.  What are the pros and cons of this switch?  Thank you.  

I have friends on the AmaViola this week and everything seems to be going as scheduled. Looks like AMA ships made it to Budapest but many others didn't, so had to bus there.

I also called Norwegian regarding same cruise earlier in the season and was told no flights and very expensive transfers. You can see if NCL will allow you to change and take the round trip Copenhagen option (departs day earlier). Or arrange private transfers; a van and driver for 4 of you will likely be half as much as what NCL will charge and will pick you up at the airport or your hotel in Berlin. Be sure when you book flights that you know how much time to allow for getting to the ship and then back to the airport on time if you are flying in/out on the same day. A TA might be able to help get you flights, pre or post hotel and transfers as a package.

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I was on two Ama cruises this year that began or ended in Amsterdam. Both times they used Sofitel Legend...fantastic! Their Bistro was perfect for post-cruise dinners.

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Very hard to determine, docks vary as does the direction the ship pulls in.

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I completely agree with Hlitner above. Get a private tour if you can, making sure you can get out and walk in Positano.

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Does the Deluxe Beverage Package come with the soda machine cup? (Oasis) Thanks

On Oasis, is the Voom 1 Device plan for simply one device, or one device at a time? I was on Freedom a few years ago, prior to VOOM. We purchased the internet plan for 1 device. We could use any of our devices, only one at a time which was fine for us. Thanks

I was on two river cruises last month with an injured foot. I used a combination of knee scooter, crutches and wheelchairs. I have to say that the itinerary made the most difference. Tulip Time was very doable. Castles on the Rhine was very difficult.

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What are our lunch options when we board on Embarkation Day?

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So glad to hear that your daughter had a wonderful experience and that RCCL staff went out of their way to make it happen.

 

Had a similar experience on the Allure a few years ago where the Sports Deck Manager went out of her way to fulfill one of the items on my friends bucket list that he never thought would happen . Don't mean to highjack your thread but this story also supports how RCCL staff, especially the sports deck staff, go out of their to make a passengers with disabilities enjoy the features of the ship.

 

I cruise every year with a group that call ourselves the MSCruisers being that most of us have Multiple Sclerosis. One evening during dinner my friend who is confined to a wheelchair due to MS mentioned how it was a dream of his to ride a zip line but that that dream was over due to his condition. The next day I had scootered ( also have MS) up to watch the people going off on the zip-line, the Sports Deck Manager asked if I'd like to try it ? I politely declined as prefered to watch. In the process I told her the story about my friend and how sadden he was that that was something that was not going to be crossed off his bucket list. The Sports Deck Manager inquired about the group I was traveling with and asked that my friend get in touch with her as she'd like to assess the situation.

 

Gave all information to my friend at dinner that evening. He and his wife than contacted the Sports Manager. RCCL determined a way to make my friend's dream come true. It took quite a bit of planning and about 10 RCCL staff to pull it off but my friend went on the zip-line !!!

 

RCCL shut the line down for about an hour to get everything in place . Passengers in line were upset at first but when everyone realized what was happening all the passengers were rooting my friend on. RCCL had 5 people at that start that literally had to lift my friend up to the platform and keep him steady before sending him off. In the meantime his wife positioned his chair and service dog at the end so that it'd be ready upon the landing. RCCL had to have staff on safety lines at the end of the zip so that they could reach out to grab my friend's legs as he did not have the ability to raise his legs to land on his own. You should of seen these RCCL guys suspending out beyond the landing !!!

 

Passengers were all filming it. Those dining in the Windjammer all watched through the window. When the run was over everyone on the Boardwalk, Balconies , Sports Deck and anywhere insight of the zip-line all clapped and cheered. RCCL really went over and above to make this happen. He was treated by all RCCL staff and passengers the rest of the cruise like a celebrity.

I love this story! I also love how other people didn't mind - I think (for the most part) traveling people are kind people.

Can anyone offer a suggestion for a private tour guide/car?

Looking at Shore Trips and Sorrento Silver Star.

Thanks.

I wrote this story about our cruise on Freedom of the Seas on 1/17. It got quite a lot of shares, and later that day two executives from Royal Caribbean International called me directly to thank me for the story. Enjoy, it was a very special moment.

The Royal Caribbean FlowRider Girl

LEE ANNE BATTISTON·MONDAY, JANUARY 25, 2016583 Reads

While on Royal Caribbean’s Freedom of the Seas last week my daughter, Camille, observed people having fun on a surf simulator attraction called, “FlowRider”. She didn’t seem interested so we moved along to another activity. The next day, however, Camille declared that she wanted to surf! Once we determined that she meant that she wanted to try the FlowRider my husband, John, and I took her back up to the sports deck. We were a little hesitant, though - only because we were afraid that she would not be able to be successful in the time that they allowed each participant. But, we also did not want to say no. When we arrived we found two long lines of people waiting for their turn, along with an arena full of parents and spectators. As I signed her in, I mentioned to the attendant, whose name was Rojda, that our daughter had never done this before and that she has autism, and might need a little extra help and time. Rojda said to have her stand in line and that they would do what they could to help her. Knowing that simply standing in line is a huge challenge for Camille, I figured we were going to be turning around very quickly. However, as she stood in line, she became more and more excited, to the point that she was laughing uncontrollably and could hardly contain herself. Her joy/anxiety was very apparent to everyone in line and in the arena. During this time John ran to get Camille’s grandparents, so that they could watch in the case she actually was able to try.

Finally, when it was her turn, Rojda, appeared (as did her father and grandparents). Rojda gave Camille some verbal instructions, and John was nearby to help, but Camille simply could not get on the board. Camille was asked to step to the side and I figured her turn was over. However, Rojda talked to the other attendant and they began to reconfigure the FlowRider, removing the center divider and adjusting the flow of the water. This meant that both lines of people waiting were stopped while the adjustments were made - which took some time. Absolutely no one in line seemed to mind. Several ladies siting next to me commented on how they couldn’t believe, but were very thrilled by how hard the staff was working to help my daughter.

Everyone waiting with anticipation while adjustments are made...

Once set, they gave Camille her board back. As she attemted to lay her belly on the board over the flowing water the second attendant held her legs. Rojda got on another board and just as he let go of Camille’s legs, Rojda swooped along side Camille, firmly put her left arm around her - and they were off! Camille was “SURFING” with the biggest smile on her face. The crowd watching all began to cheer and the ladies sitting nearby were crying along with me. Camille and Rojda remained on the boards together for what seemed like a very long time until they moved to the edge and Camille gently stood up. Again - the crowd cheered even louder and with such enthusiasm, Camille ran to me and gave me the biggest hug and declared, “I’m the Winner!” Yes, Camille - you are!

During the remainder of the cruise we were stopped numerous times by passengers who told us that that moment was the highlight of their entire cruise and how thrilled they were that the Freedom of the Seas staff had taken the extra time to make one very special passenger so happy. One night after dinner we entered the elevator and the people in it declared, “Look, it’s the Flowrider Girl!”

Royal Caribbean was the first cruise line claiming to be “Autism Friendly” and the fact that staff members have the freedom to bend the rules is a testament to the crew, management and, I believe, the corporate culture of Freedom of the Seas and Royal Caribbean International.

At the end of the cruise we were sure to find Rojda - where we told her how much her actions had meant to us and we were able to properly thank her for a memory that we will always cherish.

I'm not sure how many of you that posted above come back to this thread. But if you do ...THANK YOU for all your incredible kind posts! I've never felt so happy about being the mother of an autistic child in my life! You all are very special and I appreciate YOUR posts. I tried to respond to specific comments, but couldn't possibly say thank you to everyone. I hope you all find this post someday and know that my heart sings.

Travel safely, my friends.

Lee Anne - Hickory, North Carolina.

It is always heart warming when people show their humanity by showing kindness to others. Makes you smile doesn't it.:)

 

God bless your family and your daughter. And hats off to Rojda and the Freedom staff.

 

Thanks for sharing.....sniff:o

Agreed about humanity... and the nice thing about the entire cruise was that finally, people seem to understand autism. Especially school aged kids. Once they understand that something is a little different they are generally the ones that totally get it. But on this cruise, not only the kids on board, but EVERYONE seemed to understand and not mind that Camille can be a bit loud, or not wait in line easily. It was the easiest family vacation we have ever taken - RCCL played a huge part in that, but the passengers as well. I think traveling people are generally really kind people.

If you have a picture to share of this, please do so.

I did try as I have pictures that go along with the story. But they didn't paste into the post.

This story should have come with a tissue warning. ;) Definitely made me cry.

 

My husband & I are going on a cruise alone in September for our 25th Anniversary, but we have also been contemplating taking a family cruise next year. The only problem is that my youngest child has Kabuki Syndrome, along with the many autistic-like behaviors that go along with it. We just weren't sure how she would be received on board. Your story gives me hope that it might be a very good experience for all of our children. Thanks so much for sharing!

If you do take a family cruise, remember to fill out the special needs survey AND call the special needs desk about one week prior to your cruise. I would just say your child has autism - people are really starting to understand that, and you wouldn't have to explain Kabuki as much. Honestly, all I had to do was say "My child has autism" and EVERYONE knew what we were talking about. RCI has done a wonderful job of informing their crew - and awareness is really all that is needed.'

No need to cruise now; after reading this I am sitting in a pool of tears. We will be on Allure next week. I am 62 and thought i might give the '"FlowRider" a try but fear breaking something. If I get the courage I will do it in honour of Camille. Thanks for sharing. Kudos to Rojda and the RC staff.

Oh my goodness, now I am crying. If you do - please let us know and post pictures!!!! Fantastic!

Great story! So nice to see a positive post.

Thank you! I was starting to get down by negative posts that seem to be more prevalent these days. The positive response has been overwhelming which makes my heart sing. The fact that Rojda wound up getting recognition from RCI is the best outcome - she is the true hero of the story. And, the fact that it promotes autism awareness is also a nice result - neither of which were my original intention. I appreciate you mentioning the positive aspects.

You post made me smile and cry. I love when they help autism to succeed in their wish.

If you recorded this anyway we can see this?

Thank you so much for your kind comments. Can you believe that I got the entire thing on video. Then I dropped my phone in the ocean in Grand Cayman. Fortunately, most of my photos backed up, but I lost the video. I was so sad (for days) about that. That's when I decided to write the story - which touched so many lives, so I think that loosing the video was actually a good thing as I don't think the story really could have been told by the video alone.

If I see Rojda next month I will say something.

Please do! I got a call from a Vice President at RCI in Miami who tapped Rojda in on the conversation (from sea) so that she could say hi to Camille and thank me for writing the article. It was a sweet moment and Camille did really well on the phone. Give Rojda a hug from Camille, John and Lee Anne for us!

I wrote this story about our cruise on Freedom of the Seas on 1/17. It got quite a lot of shares, and later that day two executives from Royal Caribbean International called me directly to thank me for the story. Enjoy, it was a very special moment.

The Royal Caribbean FlowRider Girl

LEE ANNE BATTISTON·MONDAY, JANUARY 25, 2016583 Reads

While on Royal Caribbean’s Freedom of the Seas last week my daughter, Camille, observed people having fun on a surf simulator attraction called, “FlowRider”. She didn’t seem interested so we moved along to another activity. The next day, however, Camille declared that she wanted to surf! Once we determined that she meant that she wanted to try the FlowRider my husband, John, and I took her back up to the sports deck. We were a little hesitant, though - only because we were afraid that she would not be able to be successful in the time that they allowed each participant. But, we also did not want to say no. When we arrived we found two long lines of people waiting for their turn, along with an arena full of parents and spectators. As I signed her in, I mentioned to the attendant, whose name was Rojda, that our daughter had never done this before and that she has autism, and might need a little extra help and time. Rojda said to have her stand in line and that they would do what they could to help her. Knowing that simply standing in line is a huge challenge for Camille, I figured we were going to be turning around very quickly. However, as she stood in line, she became more and more excited, to the point that she was laughing uncontrollably and could hardly contain herself. Her joy/anxiety was very apparent to everyone in line and in the arena. During this time John ran to get Camille’s grandparents, so that they could watch in the case she actually was able to try.

Finally, when it was her turn, Rojda, appeared (as did her father and grandparents). Rojda gave Camille some verbal instructions, and John was nearby to help, but Camille simply could not get on the board. Camille was asked to step to the side and I figured her turn was over. However, Rojda talked to the other attendant and they began to reconfigure the FlowRider, removing the center divider and adjusting the flow of the water. This meant that both lines of people waiting were stopped while the adjustments were made - which took some time. Absolutely no one in line seemed to mind. Several ladies siting next to me commented on how they couldn’t believe, but were very thrilled by how hard the staff was working to help my daughter.

Everyone waiting with anticipation while adjustments are made...

Once set, they gave Camille her board back. As she attemted to lay her belly on the board over the flowing water the second attendant held her legs. Rojda got on another board and just as he let go of Camille’s legs, Rojda swooped along side Camille, firmly put her left arm around her - and they were off! Camille was “SURFING” with the biggest smile on her face. The crowd watching all began to cheer and the ladies sitting nearby were crying along with me. Camille and Rojda remained on the boards together for what seemed like a very long time until they moved to the edge and Camille gently stood up. Again - the crowd cheered even louder and with such enthusiasm, Camille ran to me and gave me the biggest hug and declared, “I’m the Winner!” Yes, Camille - you are!

During the remainder of the cruise we were stopped numerous times by passengers who told us that that moment was the highlight of their entire cruise and how thrilled they were that the Freedom of the Seas staff had taken the extra time to make one very special passenger so happy. One night after dinner we entered the elevator and the people in it declared, “Look, it’s the Flowrider Girl!”

Royal Caribbean was the first cruise line claiming to be “Autism Friendly” and the fact that staff members have the freedom to bend the rules is a testament to the crew, management and, I believe, the corporate culture of Freedom of the Seas and Royal Caribbean International.

At the end of the cruise we were sure to find Rojda - where we told her how much her actions had meant to us and we were able to properly thank her for a memory that we will always cherish.

OK - I'm not a big beef eater and will probably order it once during my 7 night cruise. What is your favorite of the following? I know it depends on preference, but what is yours? Any to stay away from, in your opinion?

Slow-Roasted Prime Rib

Carved Filet of Beef Tenderloin

Veal Scaloppine Oscar

Surf and Turf: Petit filet mignon, baked jumbo shrimp

Braised Beef Duo: short rib, beef shoulder

Aged Hand-Cut Manhattan Strip Steak (available every night)

I like USAA (but you have to be eligible) or Travel Guard. Check AAA as well. Your TA should be able to help you, and yes - might get a percentage, but will likely be able to get you the best price and help you decide what is most important - for example, pre-existing conditions - if you have them you need to purchase within a certain amount of time or else any reasons for cancelling might not be covered. I wouldn't travel without it, just for the peace of mind.

Don't hesitate to use the beach wheelchair if needed. We use one for my daughter, even though she is capable of walking, it offers her a little place to call home when not in a familiar surroundings. Plus, it gives me a sense of security knowing that she isn't going to run off while I'm looking the other way.

Also - I remember you have teens that are coming. Don't hesitate to ask us or the staff to do whatever would make their trip absolutely amazing as well!