On 2/1/2024 at 6:09 PM, sockmonkeygirl said:

Probably more regularly than you know 😆

Oh, I know all right.

If you don't mind waiting a couple of weeks to receive them TEMU.COM has a pack of 12 for $3.98.

Usually takes about 10 - 14 days to get the package.

I know some people don't trust TEMU. However, I have never had a problem with them. I order from them regularly.

WE SAILED ON THE INDEPENDANCE OF THE SEAS IN SEPTEMBER AND THEY GAVE OUT NO PRIZES FOR THE TRIVIAS, ONLY THE GAMES.

We just came of the "Mariner" 9 day to Bermuda. (September 15 - 23, 2023).

We didn't get the UDP this time as we were only on the ship on days at sea (4) we were off the ship

eating, etc.. (4 days in Bermuda, Nassau & CoCo Caye). Never saw the advantage of paying such HIGH prices for such few dining options. That being said we did got to Jamie's Italian on embarkation day for lunch (so as to avoid the crowd in the windjammer) and thoroughly enjoyed it (had some of the best Calamari I have ever eaten there). We also went to Playmakers a couple of times, but unlike other times (same ship, different ships) I was very disappointed in the food. 

In the end only you can decide whether it is worth the extra almost $300.00 p.p. Either way enjoy your cruise.

I HAVE BEEN ON SEVERAL CRUISES THAT HAVE THE "SKY PAD" AND I CAN'T ACTUALLY REMEMBER ANYONE EVER REALLY BEING ON IT.

If you are a person who likes to see things outside of a cruise ship excursion I would highly recommend

"BUSY BUS". We used them in the British Isles a few years back and they are awesome.

They can be contacted at:

https://www.busybus.co.uk/

They are not an actual voucher. They are electronically put on your sea pass card account. You can use them for any drink under $14.00 (except "Bionic Bar" as was stated above and No Starbucks or Johnny Rockets either I think).

We have done the 8 day (2 night stop over in Bermuda) on the Mariner in May 2022. We enjoyed it so much we are doing it again this September (2023). Mariner is a great ship..

Have a great cruise either way!!!!

On 6/4/2023 at 10:36 AM, orville99 said:

Thanks. Can you get a screen grab of the itinerary from your booking invoice? It should match the one we took last August that I posted. Hopefully they have our October Mariner cruise wrong and we will get there on day three as well. I would love to be able to ask RCL shoreside why they apparently changed ours

Yes. September 15th. sailing is 2 nights (3 days). We will be on it along with about 30 of our friends. We did this same exact itinerary last May (2022) and thoroughly enjoyed it. Going back again. Can't wait. If you have any other questions feel free to reach out.

On 4/15/2023 at 10:21 AM, SilkySal said:

Yes, we did rent that "private sports fans" place at Playmakers for the NFL playoffs, and had a blast! The bar got so crowded, so we were ecstatic to have our own private viewing area with a huge TV screen! There were 10 of us and we all had Dx beverage packages, so, instead of the pitchers of beer, they swapped it out for more appetizers!! OMG! Lots of food and no one went away hungry! Since no one had that space rented out for the following game, they even let us all stay in there for that one at no extra charge! This was on the Wonder of the Seas! Fabulous crew and friendly Playmakers' staff! If this is for you, be sure to rent it as soon as you board the ship! Happy cruising and cheers!

I love that idea. Is it only on the "Wonder"?

On 4/14/2023 at 3:27 PM, nyguyrw said:

Considering they are playing Tampa and odds are you are leaving from Florida it shouldn’t be an issue

As long as it is not "Blacked Out". I'm a Leaf's fan that lives in Orlando (moved from Toronto in 1997) and I have ESPN+ for the NHL games and the "Tampa Bay games are always blacked out.

GO LEAFS GO!!!!!!

new rules just went into affect.. I believe.

Not exactly sure what all is considered "gluten free". You can expect typical picnic/BBQ food. Such as Hamburgers, hot dogs, french fries, some type of chicken dish, various salads, fruits, deserts, etc..) You may be able to get with the head chef or your Matre D in the dining room ahead of time and ask them to provide some "gluten free" items if possible. 

You mentioned that you booked the cruise on a previous sailing. If so, there were most likely perks that were offered to entice you to book. Thus since you are after final payment (typically 45 days) you get nothing as a credit, upgrade of freebee. Please read your cruise contract and the paperwork that you were given when you made the original booking on the other cruise.

They charge a corkage fee if you have them open it in the dining room. I think its's like $25.00 or so. 

If you really like coffee I would suggest that you purchase the "Coffee Card" for $31.00 and it gets you 15 coffees at "Cafe Promenade". That way you can save your "Drink Vouchers" for the more expensive drinks (alcohol, etc..) For RCCL a drink is a drink. You just need to let the waiter/bar tender know that you want to pay for the drink (ex. water, soda, etc.) and not to use a "Voucher" for it. Much better deal if you do it that way.

Yes, the cost of the drink packages is per day... 

Typically there is no corkage fee if you open the bottle yourself in your cabin. Just bring you own corkscrew and ask for a couple of wine glasses from either your cabin steward or at any bar.

On 4/5/2023 at 7:58 PM, Ourusualbeach said:

One bottle of wine per adult is allowed to be brought on board.

I believe the new rules now allow 1 bottle per cabin, not one per adult.

We have always used Italy Limo. They are very professional and offer an amazing product..

If you are referring to "Cafe' Promenade" and just purchasing a drink and paying for it the 18% gratuity  automatically added to your bill. If you are like us and purchase the "Coffee Card" we usually leave a small tip (like a dollar) since no gratuity will be added as they only punch your card.

On 12/10/2022 at 7:08 AM, PhillyFan33579 said:

Sort of surprised that a lot of experienced cruisers would do a B2B without having the same cabin booked for both (or more) cruises. Having the same cabin is my first rule when booking a B2B. 

DITTO FOR US.

I had to change cabins once on a B2B and I will never do it again. Too much work for a few feet of travel.

On the Mariner earlier this year they had it showing in several venues including Studio B (Ice Rink). There was no food offered unless you wanted to purchase it. 

They were however offering a "Special deal" to get a seat/table in "Playmakers". I think it around $50.00 p.p. and included food, not drinks. However if you had a drink package it could be used there as well.

3 hours ago, DirtyDawg said:

If you want to avoid paying for a table cruise in November when they might be showing the CFL's Grey Cup. 🏈 🏆 The place will be practically empty. 😁

 

AAAARRRRRR-GGOOOOOSS! 

 

Yes, quite the game.

35 minutes ago, Ourusualbeach said:

Seems like only a 1 hour Q&A is on the agenda plus a couple of other special events.  I'll be on board with John and a couple of other clients on Friday.

My wife who is a travel agent and I will be on her Friday as well.

On 7/7/2022 at 10:13 PM, Mum2Mercury said:

I'm really thinking that'll solve my problem.  I have a couple trays that would work fine.  

 

Unless someone has some brilliant idea that hasn't occurred to me, I think that's going to be the solution. 

 

THANKS. 

I used to just keep/hide the tray from my room service order and use that. I then went and purchased a larger restaurant tray on Amazon and now bring that with me. It looks so different from the ones that RCCL uses for room service that it will never get confused and taken away.

On 11/10/2022 at 1:18 PM, Cigar King said:

Puerto Rico and Spain are the only places I have seen a Spanish language Cruise Compass.

 

That being said, plenty of guests and crew speak Spanish.  I also wonder, does the RCI app support Spanish as a language?  If so, that's another option.

Also had it in the DR a few years ago.