kmorg1234

Thanks for the nice review! We are sailing 7/24, and cannot wait. Good tip about the Euros.

Correct, but they did twice yesterday. Both related to booze. ;)

Also saw them post about the pool problems on the Jewel the other day. Thought it was interesting.

We are sailing on July 24, and were wondering what the official call was on stopping at the ports in Turkey. We are scheduled to arrive in Kusadasi to see Ephesus- would be a real disappointment if it did not happen. Obviously, safety is our first concern, and respect any decision RCI makes, but would prefer to know beforehand. If the port was skipped, was there any substitution? Would really appreciate any information anyone may have. TIA!!

I loved the Anthem as well- can't wait to sail on this class again. Wonderland was fabulous, as was Michael's. Loved 270 and the shows, loved seeing all of the technology. Vintages was beautiful, the robotic bar was fun and entertaining, as were Northstar and iFly. Go and have a blast! I am jealous.

Thank you very much for this entertaining and informative review. The Q & A session was very good, and the combination of descriptions with well framed and imaginative photos was perfect. Wish I could master the art of a great review like you have!

Oh, and also Disney (at least used to, this was years ago) give pagers to all parents to contact them very easily. I thought this was great, until they would page me because my kids were bored or didn't like the activities offered. Ummmmmm..... Isn't that something the counsellors are supposed to fix?

Thanks, all. Appreciate the answers, and am still wondering if anyone has used the ATM machine on board. I need to pay the private tour guides in Euros, and so I need to figure out the best way to get them. So far sounds like ATMs in the ports are the best option, but I do have a daily limit.

They don't know. And even if somehow they did know, they would have no idea if the child belongs to both spouses, it could be from a previous marriage. They look at the last name of the child and the parent checking them in, if it's different, they assume the kid isn't yours. It has less to do with whether or not you're married, than whether or not that kid belongs to you. They could give 2 sh!ts if you're married, divorced, never married, remarried, part of a couple, etc.

That's my point- if my kids are traveling with my ex (same name) and his new wife (she took his name, so again same name), they would assume THEIR kids, and allow travel without a letter. He could presumably take off with them without my permission. Now if I were to travel with them and a new spouse (now different names than the kids) I need the letter, or would at least be more likely to be flagged or stopped. Seems unfair to me, but you are right, it doesn't really matter to them, and they don't stop to ask about who has legal custody. I see it happening sometime in the future where everyone will be asked for proof, every time, but it is certainly not happening now. Unfortunately it will most likely take some bad situations with poor outcomes before this happens.

I don't understand how you don't think being divorced is different. I may of read to much into the OP's post about where they are going, but I'll bet it's a closed loop cruise in the US. A divorced parent can't leave the country with the child unless the other parent approves, not so if not divorced.

How does the cruise line or a customs official know whether you are divorced or not? I take the letter either way if I am not traveling as a couple.

We are sailing on the Jewel out of Rome in July. Does anyone know currency what the MAC machine on the ship dispenses? What currency the casino accepts and dispenses? Also, if anyone has been to Europe lately, do the ATM machines there all require a card with a chip to dispense cash? Thank you for any information.

You can also take European outlet adapters to use in the European outlets- get more outlets that way! All you need is the adapter portion, not the voltage converter. Small, easy to pack.

My kids greatly preferred AO above the Disney kids' clubs for the reasons posted above- more structured, more activities, great counsellors. They would beg to go. Loved the late night activities as well, and the pirate night where they marched through the MDR. It's probably important for the teens to go on the first night when they have a scheduled meeting time so that they can meet the other kids right off the bat. Have fun!

I had a problem on the Oasis a year ago- the Seapass card I was given at check-in did not scan when I tried to board 2 minutes later. Had to go back downstairs to get another one. That one allowed me on the ship, but had no charging capabilities. Third card had the same problem. Fourth card worked for a day or 2, then it stopped scanning as well. Fifth card was the charm..... But what a hassle.

Great review and photos. We were upgraded to that cabin on the Oasis a bit ago- it was fabulous without the Genie, can only imagine it with the extra perks! Glad you had a blast.

We bought sets from Costco years ago at a decent price and take them with us all the time. Better quality, convenient, and has saved us money over the years. Plus, there are ports where you can just get off the boat and jump in the water at a public beach to have a look around. Best part: I know whose mouth my snorkel has been in!

You have been living a blessed life style way too long. If you ever knew, you have forgotten what working hard for your vacation is like.

 

If you think that the quality of life for those who don't pay for the privileges of a suite life when cruising has NOT changed,, you are mistaken and possible have been afflicted with elitism.

It's not the fact that you have paid for this extra service, it's the attitude of high brow better than thou.

Then again, it's not your fault. Royal has given you special lounges to stay away from the masses. They have roped off special sunning areas near the pool. They have given you concierge's to take care of all your special needs, private entrances when embarking on the ship.

 

let's see, an inside cabin passenger can no longer sit anywhere they want near the pool, has to wait longer for service because staff has been reallocated to take care of the suite guest, can't go into the theatre early and get the good seat (must wait until the suite life folks decide where they want to sit first), can't have access to that special dining venue,,,,,,,,, but according to you

"Your car is still the same, just as the cruising experience is the same for non-suite guests". yep, the inside passenger experience is the same AFTER royal ensures the suite life people are tucked away.

 

BTW, after 12 cruises, I can't remember the last time I was not in a suite. I just remember where I came from. I don't utilize all the benefits afforded me. I think it's wrong to rope off and block off areas for special people. I look just as stupid sitting on the toilet as do guests in an inside cabin.

klfrodo, I COMPLETELY get where you are coming from, and I respect you and love that we travel on the same cruiseline. That being said, i think that we are on totally different wavelengths. I treat patients, day in and day out, and am expected to cow-tow to them every day, every hour. I am paying off medical school loans, but still have to deliver warm blankets and juices to them when they demand it of me. Yes, health care has turned to that... I am expected to be a doctor and a servant... so when I am on a cruise, and I pay for that suite???? YES, I want people to bring me the juice, warm blanket, AND I want to get off the ship before you, AND get the better seats in the theatre, because I PAID FOR THEM. More than you did. I remember where I came from as well, and how gosh darn hard I worked to get where I am now. I LOVE taking care of people, but when it is my turn, well, I paid for it, and it's my turn.

I am jealous! And I am in Philly, with no cruise in sight for 2 months. Great photos, thanks for posting.

I think Lerin did a very fair and well written, fair review of RC. It is what it is- a mid-level cruise line that does a ton of things beautifully, but cannot, nor does not, want to compete with the Seabourns and SeaDreams of the industry- unless, of course, you sail in the new Star Class. But that is not what she was reviewing. So, I applaud her candid review, noting the good and the bad, and would be interested in her reviews whenever she does sail again.

I like that "no towel check-out" policy for JS. Hope that becomes fleet policy.

Bob, That whole towel check out thing just totally irks me. First, these towels are the ugliest, most worn towels I've ever experienced on any cruise ship or resort in the world- Really, why would you charge someone $25 for a $5 towel? Second, if you trust people with better looking towels, you will gain their respect to return them. People are inherently honest.

That is interesting that everyone can get the great rates. I have gotten some fantastic, impossible to beat deals via the Casino, but now I will go back to cruise...........om to make sure I am getting the best price. Thanks to everyone for the great advice!

Worthy of an entry in the book "Idiotic Cruise Passengers the Crew Deals With."

Yes, and this indeed qualifies, as well as we get to deal with as "Health Care Providers" and our Press-Graney questionnaires. Anyway, as that GS saint that had to deal with her, I would have assured her that of course, there are hidden but gorgeous small sailboats awaiting suite guests in the event of an emergency. Of course you will not be inconvenienced if something dire is happening, and if someone's life is in danger!

People are nuts.

If you are traveling in the Western Hemisphere (Canada, Mexico, Caribbean, Central and South America):

Air Travel: All U.S. citizens departing from or entering the United States from within the Western Hemisphere by air are required to present a valid passport or NEXUS card (if utilizing a NEXUS kiosk when departing from a designated Canadian airport). Merchant Mariner Document (for U.S. citizens on official maritime business.) U.S. Military identification card when traveling on official orders; Note that children are also required to present their own passport when traveling by air.

Land or Sea Travel: U.S. citizens entering the United States by land or sea are required to present a valid WHTI-compliant document, which include:

U.S. Passports

U.S. Passport Cards

Enhanced Driver's Licenses

Trusted Traveler Cards (Global Entry*, NEXUS, SENTRI, or FAST)

Military Identification Cards (for members of the U.S. armed forces on official orders)

U.S. Merchant Mariner Document (for U.S. citizens on official maritime business)

*The Global Entry (GE) card is only an ENTRY document and may not be used to enter Canada, Mexico or Adjacent Island.

Military personnel traveling under orders may present photo ID and orders. Family members must present a passport (with the exception of children 15 and younger arriving by land or sea.)

Children: U.S. citizen children ages 15 and under arriving by land or sea from a contiguous territory may present an original or copy of his or her birth certificate (issued by the Vital Records Department in the state where he or she was born), a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or a Naturalization Certificate. If the child is a newborn and the actual birth certificate has not arrived from the Vital Records Department, we will accept a Hospital issued birth certificate.

Groups of Children: U.S. citizen children between the ages of 16-18 arriving by land or sea from contiguous territory and traveling with an adult supervised school group, religious group, social or cultural organization, or sports team, may also present an original or copy of his or her birth certificate, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or a Naturalization Certificate.

For documentation requirements regarding cruises see our Frequently Asked Question "What Documents do I need for Cruises"

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Updated 03/08/2016 03:35 PM

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But I am still not sure a license will get him into Mexico. You might want to check what the requirements are while you still have a little time. Have fun!

You need an expedited passport. Hopefully you have remained in control of his original birth certificate. You can definitely get it if you appear in person, with all of the documentation, asap. Best of luck, and have a great trip!

Now if only they would put Fresca in the freestyle machine!

 

 

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YES!!!! I am so with you. Do you remember the delicious peach Fresca?