rrmcdonald

I had the internet package for one device, so my wife didn't have it while I was on, but we both have i phones.  With the new app SOME of the time (but not all of the time) those with iMessage who were not on the internet were able to send and receive texts (i.e., I could text my wife).  The internet guy at the desk said they were phasing that ability out....

I don't know if my texts were because of the new app or the old Royal iQ app, which I still had. Sorry.

I did text off the ship text, though (pictures were a little dicey; I got a message they weren't delivered but apparently the recipient saw them)

With the new app, though you can view your reservations, the daily planner (electronic Cruise Compass), ship deck plans, dining venues, entertainment, etc...

The Harmony sails out of Terminal 18 from Port Everglades....

If you are driving in just take I-595 East, then follow signs. If flying it is very close to the airport and the cab will know where to go.  There is a parking lot next to it (you can drop your bags off first, then park).

Just got off the Harmony last week (great cruise, but any cruise is a great cruise, to me) and the new app was implemented (and, no, luckily unlike h20skibum, we did not have any reservation/check-in, etc. issues, although just in case I took a hard copy of the reservation confirmations!)

We arrived later than we wanted, arriving to port at 12:15, and the line to go through security at the port just to go into check-in was loooooong. So, my word of advise there is get there early (11-11:30) or later....

Please take the time to watch this video.

 

 

 

bosco

Great video!

On our recent Freedom cruise we also took an adapter to use the European plug as well as the American plug

Paul O'Shea. I don't think he sails on Freedom in December but will ask

 

 

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I asked Paul O'Shea. He will not be on Freedom in December. He is taking some time off then will be on the Symphony

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Is there a page set up where they have a listing of current Schooner entertainers? I know when we are on Carnival they have one on their boards and keep it updated. Thanks for your help and info :)

Paul O'Shea. I don't think he sails on Freedom in December but will ask

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James Brown, will be the guest guitarist in the Pub and Paul O'Shea will be at the piano in the Schooner Bar.

We are on Oct 5 cruise on the Freedom. Know if this is accurate for that cruise? If so, funny, we've been on a number of cruises with Paul O'Shea!

Thanks, Gingerbint

We've sailed Caribbean, Alaska, New England, and we tip $1-$2 per drink plus a tip at the end. My question now is what is the custom for Western Med? We will be doing that in October. Tip in Euros? How much/frequent?

Probably no kids in October or November, just infants not in school, yet. Generally, food is probably better on Celebrity BUT you said specialty dining every night plus RCI food is OK, just not 5 star. You could save the specialty restaurant $$ and use it for something else? Curious what Celebrity ship? You have 6 on RCI so RCI would add to your Crown and Anchor status; you get equal status of your RCI status on Celebrity but it would not count towards RCI points. I assume you will continue to cruise in the future (?)

Having said that , our best cruise (been on 15+) was on Celebrity Reflection in Western Med; great ship. But we have fully enjoyed all of our RCI cruises, as well (Diamond)

Just FYI, you should be able to board at 11 but access to your stateroom won't be until 1; so, you have to carry around your carry on bag.

As a first time cruiser you may or may not know this, but take a carry on bag, and put in it clothes you may need that afternoon and/or dinner that night (it is casual dining the first night), in case your luggage is not delivered to your room until after you go to dinner.

I remember my first; GREAT experience on the Grandeur. Walked in and was amazed by the centrum, etc.; Rhapsody is a good ship!

I'm glad it worked out! I had rotator cuff (shaved some bone spurs, as well) before and I know sleeping is difficult. But I'd rather have a hard time sleeping on a cruise than at home. At least on a cruise I am waited on hand and foot!

Too bad about debarkation issues, but people should be aware of injured, handicapped, etc. What, their life is more important and want to save all for 10 minutes by jostling you out of the way??

Anyhow, a cruise, even on the smaller Majesty, is better than not!

Room service for breakfast on the balcony overlooking the sea!

Also, inside balcony can be noisier with the pool noise/band playing by the pool (maybe not so much down by AquaTheatre)

One of my favorites,. Plenty of reviews of it on Cruise Critic, along with tips, etc. Having said that I never cared for the Schooner Bar pianist, but I enjoy the Schooner Bar itself.

We were on the March 14 Brilliance cruise and saw a lot of people with cases of water, some with 6 packs of sodas

Yes and well worth it. $20 extra for 5 night. Easy dropping car off and as promised had the car back within 5 minutes of going to the valet stand. Alternative was to park in the garage across the way and schlep your way to the car with your bags

No one has mentioned the pool (billiards) tables yet. They have leveling pool tables.

I second the advice to ride the elevator to the top; you will get a nice surprise.

(One of my favorite ships, but I miss the Seaview Cafe)

Isn't one of the 7 deadly sins is envy? Sigh.......

We had a great stop in Bar Harbor and 10 am was no issue at all

Great Choice!

Brilliance is a wonderful ship

Cozumel/Grand Caymen better than Key West/Nassau

5 definitely better than 4!

We just got back from Eastern Med on the Reflection (departed Rome May 23). Excellent cruise. I would suggest you get to know people on the roll call; we joined some wonderful people on private tours we met on the roll call.

Personally, I would suggest trying to find private tours; ship sponsored tours are not as flexible and are often much more crowded (and more expensive). Private tours can accommodate about 8 people and are run by those with local knowledge.

We flew in to Rome a day before and used Rome Cabs, as well. They were great. Visited Rome the day before and the day after the cruise (had to do it that way because of the flights). Had private tour for Athens, Ephesus, and Naples/Sorrento/Positano/Amalfi coast. Our private tour guides knew all of the local restaurants, etc., for lunch and to shop. We took a ship tour in Taormina (I agree with prior poster that it is a great little town).

A lot of sightseeing; not like a Caribbean cruise where you just go to a beach and relax! But well worth it!

Well I do turn another year older tomorrow.

Happy Birthday, Vickie!

Hi, all. I too thank the Vancouverites! We had a great time there, just not enough. Our ship sailed on Saturday July 19th; we flew into Vancouver arriving Thursday evening the 17th, stayed at the Marriott Renaissance (hooray for Marriott points). Our hotel room overlooked the water, and although the view was blocked some by the construction of new apartments across the street we still had a good view of Lions Gate and the seaplane base (with them taking off and landing). We found the Renaissance to be a pretty good location. We were able to have an easy walk to everywhere we wanted to go except Ballantyne, but that is OK as we had our luggage when we went there (and even that was a short cab ride).

We spent most of a leisure Friday walking along the water to Stanley Park, rented bikes just outside the park and rode around the park. We went to the Aquarium and took the tram around the park. We then went to Gastown to eat at the Old Spaghetti Factory and a leisure walk back to the hotel (past Canada Place - the addition to the Convention Center looks like it will be very nice).

When we returned from the cruise the following Saturday morning we made it to Grouse Mountain and had a good time there, as well. The weather was overcast but very comfortable and not raining. We participated in the luggage program where the cruise line sent our luggage to the airport for us; that was great so we didn't have to worry about it while vising Vancouver.

Thanks, Putterdude!