cruiser1956

Still hoping for a miracle. The fog is still thick and soupy! Waiting for another hour before changing flights. I feel bad for those waiting to get on the ship.

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I did try to purchase the drink + voom package, so I would at least get something for the expense, but sadly it didn’t qualify...[emoji22]

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Clarky 213,

Does that mean we each have 3 free drinks on our cards? Is that a day? See... I have not done my research lately on the new policy, just figured I buy a card for him and all would be perfect.

I'm sure this has been asked and answered, but after a lengthy search, I cannot find it.

We are sailing on the Liberty of the Seas. I don't drink, really. I don't drink soda, iced tea, anything. I drink water, usually from the tap. I am not even a bottled water person. Anyway, I tried to buy hubby an unlimited drink package. RC says I have to buy a drink package for the both of us. My question is, is once on board will I be able to purchase just one drink package, or does this new policy apply to both onboard, and pre-cruise?

I called RC, and the representative was less than helpful, so I am asking here.

We are diamond plus members sailing in a grand suite, so we are not new to Royal Caribbean. We are, however new to the less than stellar service I have just received on the phone.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

We are just off the Ruby. We asked the cabin steward for a 3rd chair for the balcony. There was initially a negative response, so we thanked him for doing everything he could, slipped him a $20, and went to dinner. When we returned the chair was there.[emoji1]

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We were on the Ruby just after your sailing. OP, I agree with your comments. We had a few different challenges while we were sailing.

The crew did seem like they could use a vacation of their own.

I usually enjoy a good piano bar with a sing along attitude, but this time it was classical music being played. Beautifully played, but hard to sing to..

Embarkation was so easy!

Our cabin steward was magic. So that is a plus.

I will continue to sail Princess because their itinerary and departure port works best for my schedule, but Royal Caribbean’s service and ships has them beat.

Princess, however has superior pizza and cheesecake!

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Wow! Loving your review. Your photos are awesome. This makes me homesick for the Jewel. She is such a beautiful ship!

Diego and Ravi in the CL are fantastic! I'm sure they wouldn't remember us from February. Unless they recalled the person who fell down that small step by the door from the back of the bar! I swear I hadn't even had a full drink yet. I was wondering, if you had a spare moment to ask Ravi what he would serve to a person when they ordered a Mojito, but he did not have the proper mix? He made me a week of "specials" that I would give anything to have again. But of course I failed to ask him what was in it. Just a thought.

Have a great cruise....

I always appreciate local's information! Please keep doing what you are doing. We are sailing out of Galveston in February. I have not sailed from this port in over 12 years. I just remembered why. The cruise fare on Royal Caribbean was reasonable enough, so I booked it. Then I started looking at airfare, and transfers. What a wake-up call! I just found a reasonable flight, but still need transfers and a hotel. I have tried many hotel websites, but not being familiar with the area, I don't really know what hotel I should book. Any suggestions for a 1 night hotel are greatly appreciated. It would be nice to be on the beach. I'm not sure about the distance between the beach and the pier. I also just need something clean. I read some hotel reviews and they scare me silly. Local's suggestions are welcome! Oh, and we still need a transfer. We are flying into George Bush International. Not Hobby. Another challenge with sailing from Galveston. The only flights we can find from Phoenix into Hobby are Southwest, and we don't fly Southwest.... So we need transfers and a hotel. Anyone?

Thank you for your help! The later flight it will be!

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We will be using private transportation, so does that change things?

Hi! We are sailing out of Galveston on Royal Caribbean. We can take advantage of priority departure from the ship. What would be the earliest flight you would book out of George Bush Intl. Airport? I see an 11:35 flight, and a 2:30 flight. My SO hates the stress of trying to cut the time short to make a flight, however, I don't want to sit in an airport for 4 or 5 hours either. Any thoughts?

Thanks!!!

We are right behind you! We sail next Sunday. Have a wonderful cruise.

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Yes, the internet package is cheaper if you buy one package for each device. Each person gets their own package, instead of the 2 device package.

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Just found the answer. The 18% gratuity is added to the price of the package. Bought it for my husband anyway.. he is so worth it![emoji16]

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No additional gratuity is charged when you order a drink, as long as the drink is within the package limit.

Ok, thanks. Do the bartenders feel slighted? Should I carry some cash? Or is there a place on the tab to add a gratuity?

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So, if I buy the drink package, am I still charged the gratuity every time I order a drink, or is the drink at no additional charge. ?

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Sorry, thanks for the pictures!

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Thank you for all the information. I was wondering about bringing food into Chops from the windjammer. Now I know! This board has been invaluable to me. Cuizer2 thanks for taking the time to scan the Suite Perks info! Only 22 days left. We booked this cruise 2 years ago. It has been a long time coming.

Hi All,

I have never sailed in a Grande Suite before. Later this month will be my first time! I am so excited for this cruise.

I keep reading posts about things the Concierge does. I would like to know what everyone's favorite service is. Or your favorite Suite perk? I just found out that they offer to print your boarding passes for you.

I'm still very capable of printing my own boarding passes, but I had no idea...

Thanks!!

Yes! Please bring Royal Caribbean back to the West Coast! Mexico, would be fine, California Coastal would also work. Anything leaving from LA or San Diego!

You can always get an escort off ship by concierge. It's a perk for GS and above. Diego will ask you when he offers to print your boarding passes. If he doesn't, just ask him. We were off ship in just about 15 minutes, caught a cab right away and at airport in about 20 minutes.

 

 

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Thank you for the information!

Colorado Babe,

You said you had an early air departure, and the concierge escorted you off the ship. This sounds wonderful. We are in a Grande Suite, I know, I know, not an owners suite, but for us it is a step up. We have what I consider an early flight also. How did you approach the subject with the concierge? I am still a bit nervous about getting to the airport in time for our flight. How long did it take you to get from the ship, though customs and to your plane? I do have a private car reserved to take us to the airport.

Thanks for any information you can provide!

Thank you for such a detailed review! Freedom is my favorite ship. But, I haven't sailed them all yet. Love your pictures too. You have a lovely family. Maybe when you are done getting this all down on paper, (not real paper of course) you would consider doing a review of San Francisco? I am sailing there with my Sisters in October, and am trying to figure out the trolley car system.

About me - anal level - 10. Number of spreadsheets for upcoming Jewel of the Seas sailing in 55 days, 1 - of course it contains 8 tabs, and cataloged backups. Leaving nothing to chance (if I can help it) Priceless.

I absolutely loved Old San Juan. Take a private tour and take your time, might be worth it if all that walking will be tiring with some in your group.

 

I too used Puerto Rico Cruise excursions by Island Marketing, did 3 tours with them and was not disappointed. Their beach break package was great and well worth it. The Fortresses tour was more than informative and we saw everything there was to see. Our guide really took his time with us, asked us what was most important to us and off we went!

We have booked a Fortress tour with Island Marketing. Eve has been so helpful, and responds to all my e-mails quickly. I do have a question about the forts. We will be in San Juan in February. I would like to see El Morro, but the Fortress tour is for San Cristóbal. Should we try to see both forts?

Thanks for any info you can provide.

Wow! Wonderful review! Awesome pictures! You are a terrific writer! Thank you for sharing your vacation, I enjoyed every post.