RoperDK

Shhhh....don't let the cat out of the bag.  We stayed in that cabin in October and have it booked again for next January.  Location was great.  One flight up to lido and right near the elevators.  No noise that we noticed.  Perfect location! 

Most long dock areas have a way for the mobility challenged, or those just tired from their adventures to move back and forth easily.  I have been to Labadee a few times before covid  and don't remember seeing anything offered. Disappointing for those who need help.

I know there is a tram that runs around the island area, but is there some transport along the pier?  I am due for hip replacement after the cruise and that walk would do me in!

Our next 3 cruises, one Mariner and two Harmony, are in Grand Suites.  We've been in a GS before but never used the free MDR room service option.  We were on Odyssey in March (only in JS) and room service was very slow and frustrating.  Any info on current suite MDR room service? Timely? If you order a full meal, any suggestions for having hot food throughout all courses?  I was told to order appetizers first, then wait a bit and order entrees.  That was before covid and I know everything has changed.  I have some mobility issues and sometimes it's just more comfortable to be in the room. TIA.

3 hours ago, CatLadyFemme said:

I should also note that one thing that really is problematic is the internet. Yes, I purchased surf instead of surf and stream. Trying to text with my cat sitter (also on iPhone) takes 10 minutes to go through sometimes. I compared this to the past, when I have never had these issues. Heck, last time we were on Allure, we had Surf and were able to be on FaceTime with our vet live as she had to put our cat Jasper down. I can’t even use Marco Polo on this, none the less FaceTime! 
 

Oh, I remember about Jasper.  Such a hard time to lose a companion and not be there!  We lost our Taz kitty while on a cruise years ago.  I had given our vet permission to do what she felt was right.  Our cat sitter was one of her vet techs.  He started to fail and it was his time to go.  So thankful that we had said our goodbyes to him before we left.  It was before internet was available on ships.     

56 minutes ago, PTC DAWG said:

I think the $10 a day that AT&T offers is a better deal…but if I’m at sea, what can I really do?  If it makes people more comfortable, so be it..who am I to question? 
 

You must have some very cool pets.  Our dog hates the internet. 🙂

 

Like I said, people will pay.  

Lol, my cat managed to send a random email of gibberish to a friend while lounging on my keyboard while I took a break for lunch.  We had a good laugh about it and thank goodness it wasn't to my boss or a business associate.  Still don't know how he did it.  What are the odds!  I make sure to close my laptop now when I am away. 😉     

2 hours ago, Camden72 said:

As an experienced Carnival cruiser, we are finally going to try RC for the first time in July.  The drinks package gave me a little sticker shock compared to Carnival but I do understand that it is comparing apples to oranges based on the advantages that RC offers.  Can anyone help with some questions so I can convince my hubby to go for it?

 

 

We are also experienced Carnival cruisers and have been switching over to Royal.  Everyone is giving you good advice.  My advice is....unless you are infrequent alcohol drinkers, the drink package will be worthwhile and save you money in the end.  The drinks on Royal are more expensive. Heck, everything on Royal is a bit more expensive.  To us, the quality on Carnival has finally sunk to a level that we were not willing to accept.  We want a more livelier experience than Princess, so Royal is a nice fit for us. If you "buy in" to the Royal experience, you will be able to see if the extra cost is worth it to you.  Enjoy your cruise!      

On 4/5/2022 at 12:30 PM, SWACruising said:

No, the machine wouldn't pay out the jackpot without a manager coming over. He needed a drivers license and SS# before he could pay out. I'm not a slot guy so this was a first for me. He said I would get a "W2" so I'm hoping it also includes what I donated to the casino this week. 😀

Never been lucky enough to win a handpay. I can understand needing an ID, but how do you prove your SSAN?  Other than my old SSAN card from the 70s, I don't have any proof.  Maybe my passport?  What did you use to prove your SS#?  

Was on Odyssey last month.  There were plenty of crew serving at Windjammer.  I realize that was a new ship and perhaps staffed better than older ships.  I preferred being served, but understand that things are constantly changing.  If possible, we like to choose a table near the washy washy area and freshly wash our hands before eating.  I usually pick foods that you can eat with silverware and have been known to use gloves during times when stomach issues have been rumored.  We always carry hand sanitizer.  I do realize how excessive this sounds and in reality, I can touch a contaminated handrail or other surface and all my prep is useless.  I guess this is turning into an insight into my OCD behavior, lol.  Once you have suffered through noro on a vacation you may worry a bit more, too.         

Dumb question...is champagne considered wine?  I like champagne with cranberry better than wine. 

Check the disabled cruising forum.  I had heard of someone renting a lay flat recliner for their cabin.  One of the beds would then be removed.  It was from the company that rents out scooters.  I'm not sure that Royal supports this program.  I believe this was for a Princess cruise.  Good luck! 

19 hours ago, JessyCruises said:

 

Welcome to Prime!!  There is a thread in the "Cruise Casinos" part of the forum that focuses on Club Royale.  There is lots of great info in there.

 

Well, heck.  I totally forgot about the casino forum!  I will check over there.  Thanks so much.    

15 hours ago, Cigar King said:

It's odd that you didn't find where I recently answered some of your questions for another poster. But hey, you do you.

Thanks for your input.

We love deck 8 cabins near the back elevators on Oasis class.  So convenient to everything and we've never had any noise issues.  

7 hours ago, mo&fran said:

Call casino reservation center  888 859 0015

All of your questions will be answered

I hate to pile on to Casino Royale before I even get my certificate.  They are busy and hold times can be long.  I am still learning my way around Royal as we are switching from another cruise line.  They have been very helpful for the 4 casino cruises I've recently booked.  

20 hours ago, Cigar King said:

Think of how you could maximize your benefits if you knew how to search...

Well, if you are talking about searching this forum, I ALWAYS do that before I ask a question. I try not to waste people's time.  The current Prime information I found was as clear as mud.  As usual, I have found people that are quite helpful. Thanks for your effort. 

This will be our first experience as Prime.  It says a free interior on a 7 day cruise for select ships.  Does that mean that new ships like Wonder will be excluded?  Are there many blocked off dates that limits availability?  If you want to go on an 8 day cruise what discount do you get?  Also, the reduced cost for surf and stream is 30%?  How do you book onboard? We want to maximize our booking discounts, so any suggestions are welcome.  

I absolutely take and wear my jewelry.  There is no problem at all on the ship and there is a safe to store your valuables when you aren't wearing something.  I use caution in certain ports and wear costume jewelry there.  I wouldn't take expensive jewelry in the ocean.  Why chance it getting lost.  Use common sense.  We also don't wonder outside of the port areas in certain places unless on a reputable tour.    

Can you order the pasta entree as an appetizer portion?  I like to do that on other cruise lines.

Kudos to you for being able to think about gratuities after a root canal!  I admire your  dedication to cruise planning.    

3 minutes ago, flamingos said:

You can text people on board via the Royal App, for $1.99 a day.  

Just off Odyssey.  Don't count on the Royal App text capability.  Each person is charged $1.99 a day and it wasn't reliable.  We missed a lot of messages and it was more frustating than useful for us.  

Just off Odyssey in a JS.  Went to CK as soon as we boarded and was surprised to get a standing reservation at 7:30 for all 8 nights.  We didn't plan on eating there all 8 nights, but so enjoyed the staff and atmosphere that we ate there all week.  Day 1 and also day 8 filet was great.  Lobster and rack of lamb night was good, also.  I thought the veal chop and a couple of other items had decreased a bit in quality.  Still a great venue for us.  

Just off the Odyssey.  Loads of mostly well behaved teens roaming around.  Younger kids seemed to be escorted and monitored by parents or grandparents.  Granted, we spent most of our time in the casino or other adult venues.  The ship was packed.  Service was fine.  Would prefer to sail with less action, but it was fine for us.  Didn't have kids along, so not sure about congestion in activities that catered to them.   

FWIW...We just got off of Odyssey.  It was a packed spring break cruise.  I loved being served at the Windjammer.  I didn't have to wait and got the amount I requested.  Since our drinks were served to us, we never had to touch anything after we washed our hands at the entrance.  I don't think a few extra buffet servers will bankrupt Royal.  They will add a few bucks to the cost of the cruise. I felt that being served elevated my impression of the service onboard.   

We just got off the Odyssey and to our surprise both my husband (tables) and myself (slots) received over 1500 points and will be prime on April 1.  I read on the clubroyale site that certificates for our free inside cabin will be available on April 22nd.  What will the date on the certificate be?  Free cruise from April 1 2022 thru Mar 31 2023 or will it be dated from April 22nd for one year?  Will it be for an interior on ANY 7 day cruise or only their selected ships and dates?  It always seems that their selected ships and dates don't align with what I can use, lol.