Nado44

Can someone please post the link (if it isn't too late to participate)? Didn't get the email either.

I enjoyed the carnitas / pork tacos at the buffet. Buffet quality was far better than Labadee, imo.

If you liked Castaway Cay, you'll love CocoCay. Consider purchasing a pass to the Coco Beach Club or to the new adults-only Hideaway Beach if you're looking for a more exclusive experience. But like others said, it's easy to have a good time in the public areas of CocoCay and not spend a dime.

If memory serves me correctly, it was the lunch buffet on the last sea day.

I was told that this special seafood buffet complete with shrimp, crab and lobster is actually a budgeted feature for only the newest Celebrity ship in the fleet. It was Beyond over the summer. And now the Ascent.

Earlier this year on a long Euro sailing, there was a regular blackjack player who wore stunning pieces of jewelry every night at the table. One night, the casino dealer asked, "So how much jewelry did you bring with you?" The player answered, "Oh, about half a million dollars' worth."

As Kwokpot stated, the heated loungers are all inside the thermal suite. The relaxation room with chaise loungers is in a separate space and not part of the thermal suite. I personally like the semi-private placement of the heated loungers in the E-class thermal suite. They're tucked away at the front and behind pillars. They also face outwards offering phenomenal forward ocean views. On S-Class, the heated loungers are all "exposed" and in the middle of Persian Gardens.

There is a dedicated spa relaxation room on E-Class ships. It can be found by going past spa reception, down the long hallway on the right. It's the last door on the left before entering the Thermal Suite. Loungers, fruited water and hot beverages are all there.

Great analogy. I think an actual bar and more comfortable seating will go a long way in making the Retreat Lounge a more intimate space. X got it right though with the Retreat Deck (E class). Was good meeting you and Iain (again) on Edge!

Summit was revolutionized in 2019. Constellation is due for refurbishments in spring of 2024.

What's the third thing?

Yes. There is usually plenty of availability after you embark. You can go to spa reception and request your preferred date/time.

Check the Cruise Travel Updates page on the Royal Caribbean website. As of 11 pm on December 13 2023 there are no updates fleetwide. We heard that RCL Independence's departure from Miami tomorrow afternoon (Dec 14) may be delayed by a few hours but no official notice has gone out.

Double Captain's Club points for you both. 🤫

Did you port in Catania? Do you happen to remember the name of the tour company? Thanks!

How did you get to Ortygia? Train? Tour? Other?

Heres another pic of the Solstice. Photo snapped from Circular Quay in Sydney this morning.

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I was on the same cruise. Overall, a good voyage. Ship sailed full. Other than a tropical downpour in Key West that lasted a few minutes, we had perfect weather and calm seas. RCL Oasis was with us at CocoCay. Smoke filled casino was busy every night. Several dealers wore masks because they couldn't handle the excessive smoke. Portable fans were brought out too. Room service trays and litter were frequently evident in the hallways. I remember wondering how wheelchair/scooter/walker users would navigate. We heard a unverified rumor that RCL may return to 2x/day housekeeping. Production shows were good. Excellent talent. Stage design and costumes somewhat dated. Bar service was consistently speedy. Ship unexpectedly returned to Terminal 2 and not Terminal 6 where we embarked. Shuttles were provided to guests who parked at Terminal 6.

Cruise ship terminal address is 23 Aloha Tower Drive, Honolulu, HI 96813. Plenty of restaurants within walking distance including a Starbucks.

You can board the ship with your carry-ons. And leave them in your rooms even if they're not ready.

Pish posh. Please take and post photos.

Following along. Be sure to listen for announcements about possible aurora borealis conditions.

On sailings outside of North America, be prepared to observe spa goers in the buff. Nudity is, after all, the norm in European and Asian spa facilities. With that said, most wear swimsuits or wrap themselves in a towel.

11:00 departure from BCN airport is doable. The area outside the cruise terminal is a bit chaotic on disembarkation day as taxis, buses and autos all converge in one area. Expect 10-15 minute taxi queues. Prebook a car. BCN is a city worth staying in for a day or two or more if you can swing it.