micruz

Just booked a December cruise on Rotterdam leaving out of Fort Lauderdale. Reading my cruise documents, I discovered they’ve changed their policy regarding bringing wine onboard. Used to be able to bring two bottles on embarkation day to be consumed in cabin. Now says $20 corkage fee applies no matter where you drink it. Has anyone seen this enforced?

Just booked a December cruise on Rotterdam leaving out of Fort Lauderdale. Reading my cruise documents, I discovered they’ve changed their policy regarding bringing wine onboard. Used to be able to bring two bottles on embarkation day to be consumed in cabin. Now says $20 corkage fee applies no matter where you drink it. Has anyone seen this enforced?

Thanks for the suggestion! The website did not recognize any of our emails. On the ship everything was so digital with no printed receipt or code. We know better now to get something in writing. Still nothing back from Royal Caribbean or Royal Focus photo vendor. So frustrating to not get any help from the cruise line, but they have no problem charging for the prints. 
 

We sailed on Oasis of the Seas October 3rd for 7 nights. All 4 of us purchased photos with the digital option that was supposed to email us a link right after the cruise. After a week, we called looking for it. Royal Caribbean said they’d put in a special request and may take up to 12 days. No link arrived to any in our group’s photos. Emailed Royal Caribbean to be told we need to contact their vendor. Emailed vendor with no reply. Royal Caribbean takes our money, but we have to chase vendor for photos. So disappointing. Anyone else experience this or have a solution?  Getting ready to dispute charge on credit card. 

Just sailed on Oasis Oct 3rd for 7 nights. We had two “Wear Your Best” nights. Many people dressed up, but not as formal as in the past. During this cruise, they were allowing shorts and t-shirts at dinner. Was told they were happy to have people onboard again and weren’t enforcing their own dress code. Brought down the dining room experience for us as we like to dress nicer for dinner. 

Cruised on celebrity eclipse in November. Carried on two 12 packs of soda and a 24 pack of water bottles. Did the same on other cruises. We also carried on our two allowed bottles of wine. We did this to save money and it was permitted.

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We just returned from visiting Grand Turk on the Veendam. We sat on chairs right in front of Margaritaville. The ones with the green umbrellas that say cruise port are free. Can pay for chairs in front two rows closer to water, but plenty of free chairs. Music is playing and clean bathrooms are nearby. The water was clear and we did some snorkeling. Very enjoyable and we felt safe.

We took a walk almost to Jacks Shack where it does get less crowded, but turned back around just before reaching it. We stopped at a small yellow hut between jacks and reef barrier to buy $3 local beers. The nice lady opened them all and put them in a 6 pack for us to carry back to our chairs at cruise port where beers are double the price.

We had plans to walk to the conch graveyard and governors beach, but were so comfortable in front of Margaritaville, did not want to leave.

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Just returned from St Thomas. We had an enjoyable day touring the island at our own pace with a rental car and using google maps on our phone. Our US iphone worked without any additional plan since St Thomas is US island.

We rented a car from Budget for $91 including gas and full insurance. We normally just rely on insurance included with credit card, but after seeing all the scrapes/dents/damage on cars and having never driven on left side, we added full coverage. Budget staff Serena and Byron B were friendly and accommodating with vehicle request and directions. We had no issues, but there were close calls on narrow roads due to other drivers driving fast and not looking. Had to call Budget 800 number to make reservation as port location would not come up automatically at Budget website. Allowed us to rent a Jeep, but they had no jeeps. We actually liked having a car with a trunk for our things. To rent online, type in CT3 for location and Havensight Port will come up. Walked off ship and right into Budget. Their local website makes you reserve with credit card and has fee if you do not cancel by set date. We were worried about change in itinerary and no phone at sea to cancel if things changed. For us, St Thomas was a last minute change from Tortola.

Anyway, it was enjoyable seeing the island, going to various lookout points and stopping at two beaches. We even returned midday and parked next to our ship to run in for lunch. As far as beaches, Sapphire was quite a distance with traffic and did not look any different than Emerald Beach. Did not stay long because we wanted to see more and were worried about driving time back to ship. We wish we had just gone to Emerald first to have more time there. The airport is right next door and it was enjoyable watching planes come and go just off the beach. Emerald Beach was clean and water clear. My husband did some snorkeling. The hotel there rents chairs for $7 pp and then has bathrooms, a bar and a restaurant. And it was a quick drive back to ship when it was time to leave.

The island is still recovering, but we were able to get around fine. Altered route a couple times due to major pot holes. Numerous power lines were clipped at road edge and sad signs of the hurricane destruction were still evident.

Tip: Watch prices at nearby Pueblo supermarket. Amstel light 6 pack rang up higher than posted price. Older clerk at register didn’t want to check price and was quite rude. We asked to remove and get what was supposed to be cheaper cans. They did not scan at all, so she sent bagger to get price. I followed hoping to show him Amstel bottle price and he wouldn’t even look at it. We kept smiling and apologizing trying to lighten situation, but it really was an unpleasant, unwelcoming experience.

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Just returned from St Thomas. We had an enjoyable day touring the island at our own pace with a rental car and using google maps on our phone. Our US iphone worked without any additional plan since St Thomas is US island.

We rented a car from Budget for $91 including gas and full insurance. We normally just rely on insurance included with credit card, but after seeing all the scrapes/dents/damage on cars and having never driven on left side, we added full coverage. Budget staff Serena and Byron B were friendly and accommodating with vehicle request and directions. We had no issues, but there were close calls on narrow roads due to other drivers driving fast and not looking. Had to call Budget 800 number to make reservation as port location would not come up automatically at Budget website. Allowed us to rent a Jeep, but they had no jeeps. We actually liked having a car with a trunk for our things. To rent online, type in CT3 for location and Havensight Port will come up. Walked off ship and right into Budget. Their local website makes you reserve with credit card and has fee if you do not cancel by set date. We were worried about change in itinerary and no phone at sea to cancel if things changed. For us, St Thomas was a last minute change from Tortola.

Anyway, it was enjoyable seeing the island, going to various lookout points and stopping at two beaches. We even returned midday and parked next to our ship to run in for lunch. As far as beaches, Sapphire was quite a distance with traffic and did not look any different than Emerald Beach. We wish we had just gone to Emerald first to have more time there. The airport is right next door and it was enjoyable watching planes come and go. Beach was clean and water clear. My husband did some snorkeling. The hotel there rents chairs for $7 pp and then has bathrooms, a bar and a restaurant. And it was a quick drive back to ship when it was time to leave.

The island is still recovering, but we were able to get around fine. Altered route a couple times due to major pot holes. Numerous power lines were clipped at road edge and sad signs of the hurricane destruction were still evident.

Tip: Watch prices at nearby Pueblo supermarket. Amstel light 6 pack rang up higher than posted price. Older clerk at register didn’t want to check price and was quite rude. We asked to remove and get what was supposed to be cheaper cans. They did not scan at all, so she sent bagger to get price. I followed hoping to show him Amstel bottle price and he wouldn’t even look at it. We kept smiling and apologizing trying to lighten situation, but it really was an unpleasant, unwelcoming experience.

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Just remember cards are only good for land and sea crossings - not air!

We took an Alaskan cruise last summer in/out of Vancouver flying into Seattle for a week, driving to Vancouver to board and then flying home from Vancouver. Thought why bother to bring whole passport if we just need for Canada crossing - so just brought our passport card. No issue until we checked in for cruise and the agent reminded us that we wouldn’t be able to use the passport card to fly home from Canada. We spent part of our cruise making costly calls/shipping expenses to get someone into our home to retrieve passports and then sent next day to have when we departed ship.

Also made us think that ports sometimes change and you never know where travel alterations might take you. I will never spend money on a passport card again. Safer to just have the passport that works in all modes of travel.

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D+ on RCL, I know I will be ELITE on Celebrity. My question is do you also get 3 drinks loaded on your SEA PASS card?

 

 

 

george35

On the Eclipse in Nov 2017, no drinks were loaded on card. We had the nightly social hour from 5 to 7 in one of lounges. Sadly, It became a tipping war to get the best service. Wish Celebrity would not allow tipping and really just thank us for repeat business.

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Hello,

We suddenly find ourselves with port changed to St Thomas for next week and are thinking of renting a car to see the island at our own pace. We are wondering if anyone has rented recently or has heard about driving conditions? Wondering about roads and availability of parking at beaches, lookouts, and around town? Rental car company suggestions?

Thank you!

We just returned from southern Caribbean and enjoyed Pirates Cove. We walked Barbados town and then asked a friendly police officer where closest beach was. He warned us that you may pay for services on the beach, but do not pay to use beach. Ahead of us just walking through a parking lot was Pirates Cove. We paid US $15 for two loungers under a nice size thatched umbrella - they give you wristbands to show you paid. The bar playing music was behind us. Local beers were $3. Behind the bar were basic bathrooms and changing rooms. The water was beautiful - easy in and out. Wish we had left our valuables on the ship so we could go in water together. A few people were selling beach coverups and coconut drinks, but they were not pushy and were scarce. When we visited early December, we were surrounded by a calm group of adults, many from our Celebrity Eclipse. Further down was a more crowded area that was $20 for two chairs, smaller umbrella and drink included that seemed a bit more lively and varied in age. We enjoyed Pirates Cove and would return. The walk to and from the ship was mostly on a walkway along the water. Nice walk. When shopping in town, remember the Barbados $ uses same dollar symbol, but its two of their dollars to one US. On the way back, we noticed signs advertising 3 local beers for $5.

We are also considering Scenic Tours Antigua as well as Unique Island Tours.

How has your communication been with Sean Beazer (Scenic Tours Antigua)? He replied that room was still available, but then did not reply to any further questions sent in 2 separate emails. No reply at all makes me worry about using him.

Does anyone know if Nellie Beazer (Unique Island Tours) is affiliated with Sean Beazer? Has anyone taken tours with either? Sean's tour says 6 hours including the 2 to 2 1/2 hour beach stop. Nellie's tour is 2 1/2 - 3 hours plus the beach stop. Trying to figure out differences in tours. Nellie has been very kind and responsive. Prices about the same.

It's so confusing trying to read past reviews with categories that have changed.

If I understand it correctly looking at cabin numbers, the front 5003 - 5049 and back 5137 - 5183 'SIDE' balcony cabins on deck 5 are standard 6X9 verandas. The inset deck 5 category V balconies are the narrow balconies.

Looked at the suggested pictures - thank you - a picture is definitely worth millions!

Still debating whether to consider the larger 7.5 ft deep deck 4 E verandas with the steel wall for that little bit more room or go with the deck 5 VB. Has anyone experienced the steel wall? I just love to sit and look down at the sea, but there is 4 of us. :)

Thanks again!!!

For the date I am looking at, only VE on 4 with steel walls are available. So, I am looking closely at Deck 5 quad cabins and want to avoid the smallest balconies since we have 4 of us in cabin. I have been reading varied posts about deck 5 having only 4 1/2 feet deep balconies instead of standard 6 feet. Does anyone know if this is all deck 5. Looking at the picture someone posted above, they don't look that much narrower than the 7 1/2 feet deep on deck 4. Still thinking I should want a category VB over V because of the midship insetas well as looking down at lifeboats. So, does anybody know where these really narrow balconies are located on the ship so I can avoid them?

THANK YOU!!!

Several cabin reviews on CC mention the 7 1/2 besides the couple that are double wide. If only the deck plans and room descriptions would give true sizes and not a range! Looking at category V on deck 5, they look wider too. I am trying to figure out why you'd pay more for a V when you are looking down at a life boat and those cabins are set in with no clear view completely right or left???

Nieuw Amsterdam - Deck 4 Upper Promenade

I know that there are really large balconies on the corners, but I have been reading that deck 4 balconies are supposed to be 7 1/2 feet - 1 1/2 foot larger? Is it all of deck 4 besides those extremely large corners? Several people mentioned category VD, but this category does not seem to exist on the current deck plan. VC?

I tried calling Holland America, but was given the run-around. Told all decks are the same size except corners.

Thank you!

Looks like earlier post about Marriott was 302.

I am as good with numbers as I am with directions.

Thank you very much for the wonderful directions to and from the Marriott!!! I feel confident that we can do this now.

Safe travels to all!

Noticed a post earlier (#301) about getting to Marriott on harbor from airport and then from Marriott to port and could not find an answer. It's confusing to follow the other answers not knowing the name of the area you are staying in. It's all Copenhagen to me.

Understand I can take the metro from the airport to near the Marriott and then walk the last bit. Which train # and do I need to leave from a certain airport terminal?

I also understand I eventually get to bus 25 or 27 to the port, but do I start out with a train from the Marriott?

Lastly, if I am arriving and departing from Marriott within 24 hours, is there a 24 hour ticket that I can obtain for both bus and train.

Have reread thread several times and remain confused because despite looking at the map, I still do not understand where the Marriott falls within all these helpful directions.

Thank you for helping me to understand and any help getting me to the Marriott harbor from the airport and to the port the next morning.

Thank you for your replies!

We ordered the card. Because we are leaving in 2 weeks, we had to pay $35. It's $25 plus $3 shipping plus $7 rush shipping. Seems so gimmicky - hope we can use it to save us some money ... at least $35 worth. :-)

Does anyone know if the International Student Identity Card (ISIC) is required at most museums or tourist attractions to get a student discount

OR can students get discount with their high school ID card & college ID card (both have their picture)?

We are from Indiana and it looks like the card can only be obtained for $25 through the website combining it with a MasterCard.

Our itinerary takes us to London, Copenhagen, Stockholm, Helsinki, St Petersburg, Berlin, and Paris.

Thanks for any info on this ISIC card. We just don't know whether to spend the $25.

I continue to be hesitant about the family cabins at the front on the Brilliance...worried about noise from crew stairway (light sleepers), the movement upfront (hubby & motion-sickness), and how much you can really see from the windows.

Thanks!!!

Trying to decide on a family cabin on the Brilliance of the Sea - do not know if they are similar to other Radiance class ships. The cabins vary in shape and ocean views - each with 2 windows: some with only forward facing windows, only side facing windows and then one on corner with a partial side and a forward window. Anybody sail in this type of cabin who can comment on layout and/or view???

Also, where do the superior balconies D1 add the room over the regular balcony E1/2/3?

Thank you!