Gayle V

Thanks for the answer Clarea. I still can't get it to work, but it's likely not the web page. One of the other cruisers on our sailing, was able to download it also, and sent it to me, by e-mail. And that worked. So it's likely gremlins in my computer..

Hi All,

I'm wondering if any of you have been able to get the "Download Excursions Brochure" link to work, recently, on the RCI web page. I feel like I'm doing it right but nothing happens. ..Is is me and my computer, or Royal's site issues ?

We have never felt seven days was too much. On the contrary, often wish it was longer. And if you do go on the Oasis, or Allure, it's barely enough, as there is just too much too do. Actually, any of the larger ships will have plenty to keep you busy.

And I agree, that to keep the price manageable, you should look at the something other than the Oasis or Allure, which are costing a lot more, just because of how huge and new they are. I promise you, that any of the Voyager class, or bigger Freedom class ships will feel amazing by comparison to your last cruise on the Monarch (which incidentally was also our first cruise too.) The Monarch no longer is part of the fleet, and it's twin sister, the Majesty is currently the tiniest and oldest of the entire fleet. The difference will amaze you.

One plus of choosing one of the other ships, is the itineraries. While the Oasis and Allure are the most amazing ships, they sail the most common and for me, the least interesting itineraries. You can find something more exotic on one of the other ships.

Hello rlstamps, I totally understand wanting to board early, and not wanting to wait. But that being your case, no matter what you choose to do, you are taking a little gamble. No matter what everyone else has experienced arriving early, there's just no guarantee you'll have the same result. You could get right on, or sit around, (or stand) for hours. Why not just do what comes easy, which for someone spending the night at a hotel would be to sleep late, enjoy your breakfast, pack up leisurely, and check out of the hotel just before the designated check out time. Then taxi on over to the pier. No fuss, no rush, and probably little waiting. If that gets you to the pier early, great. If not, so what? I really think we make this all harder than it has to be. Enjoy whatever the moment brings. Besides, anytime I try to arrange things that are not strictly in my control, it's a frustration that is just not worth it.

I've been compiling a list, for awhile, but so far haven't read these. They've been suggested by other cruisers, I can't say if they're any good or not. So FWIW:

Cruise related book suggestions:

High Seas Murder by Shelley Freydont

Cruise Control by Pam Kane

Birds of Prey by JA Janice

Decked by Carol Higgins Clark

The Gift by Julie Garwood

Going Overboard by Christine Skye

Separate Cabins by Janet Daily

Princess Charming by Jane Hellar

Cruising for Murder by Susan Sussman

Skipping Christmas by John Grisham

The Only Way to Cross: John Maxtone Graham

Transatlantic : Samuel Cunard, Isambard Brunel,

the Great Atlantic Steamships by Stephen Fox

Liners to the Sun: John Maxtone-Graham

Queen Mary 2 : The Greatest Ocean Liner of Our Time by Maxtone-Graham

The Fabulous Interiors of the Great Ocean Liners in Historic Photographs by William H., Jr. Miller Picture

History of the Queen Mary and the Queen Elizabeth by William H., Jr. Miller

Crossing & Cruising: From the Golden Era of Ocean Liners to the Luxury Cruise Ships of Today by John Maxtone-Graham

I would be curious to understand this better too. What do they seem to be offering as "help"? And what are they doing, to indicate they want a tip, if they did not do it? (Just trying to get a visual ).

Agree - dress questions can often cause a ruckus on these boards!

 

I think everything you said sounds fine ......Just have a suggestion ...... You mentioned wearing a halter top during the day and then cardigan over it for evening, which is fine. However, after a full day in the Caribbean I usually find that I need a shower and fresh, clean clothes for dinner. You might want to consider a T-shirt, swimsuite w/coverup, or something similar for during the day, and have a change of clothes for dinner.

I totally agree with MPcC1998. But you might still get double duty out of some of those nice tops. We often cruise for a full week, with that much time, you can easily plan to wear that nice casual top to dinner one evening, then use it for daytime LATER in the week.

Since we've usually been swimming or on a hot excursion all afternoon, I do shower right before dinner, and put on fresh clothes then. You've got to figure, the blouse you use then will likely only be on your back, for about six hours. You can easily get another daytime wearing out of it two days later. Heck, half the time, the blouse I put on for a daytime excursion, is only on, for the few hours it takes to eat breakfast and head to the beach. Then off it comes. (But then, putting it back on, over my swim suit, for the trip back to the ship, pretty much makes it unwearable after that, until laundered again.

It can't hurt to ask, but really unlikely. These ships seem to sell out, these days. They make an effort to fill every cabin. Often by making upsell offers to the people who are booked, and pre cruise sales. In fact, at the desk on almost every cruise we've sailed in the last ten years, I've seen a small sign that says something like "This sailing is fully booked".

Why not just go to your local BMV and get the child an identification card? It's government issued and has the photo. And here in OHIO costs only $8.50.

We did the Allure in November last, and will be on the Oasis November this year. The Allure was fabulous, and I anticipate the Oasis will be the same. I do highly recommend these ships. That being said, if what you really liked about your Norwegian cruise was the "Freestyle" aspect, I feel a small warning here is in order. Yes, on these ships, you can do the My Time Dinning, which is much like NCL's Freestyle, but I really think you will find yourself do an awful lot of pre-planning, ie: pre-scheduling of both meals and especially of your entertainment.

That was a new experience for us, as we worked out way through our Allure countdown. I was totally prepared to have to research and pre-book our excursions, (like on all ships these days.). But pre-booking shows was an entirely new ballgame. You'll want to be ready to get online, and book your shows as soon as they become available, if you want to get a reservation when you want it. On these ships, you really shouldn't wait till you're onboard, and just go with the flow. That could leave you missing out on some great shows.

On most ships, you never have to worry about reservations. Merely head to the theater after dinner, and go on in. Do that on these ships, and you may not get in the door, or at the very least you will only be allowed in last minute, if there's room, leaving you sitting in the far back, and separately from your companions. So if you've booked a late evening show, you've pretty much relegated yourself to an earlier dinner, whether you're in early seating or not. Or perhaps you want to try one of the specialty venues, you're going to want to plan, and book that to match the shows you've scheduled.

All in all, there's not much "free" about your schedule on these ships. It's not at all a problem for me, as I am a "planner", and feel most comfortable when all my ducks are in a row. I'm 'just saying'..........for your sake, so you know what you're getting into.

Key West has another pier, not just the one at Mallory Square. When we stopped there years ago, we docked at the Navy pier and took the shuttle/tram into the touristy area. If I remember correctly, the ship was not in the way of anyone's view, at that pier. It was not a pretty area, but still only a few minutes shuttle to town.

(FWIW, that was probably 15 years ago, might not still be there.)

Royal must not have want our opinion either. Never got one after our Allure cruise last November. I specifically watched for it, saving my notes with stuff I wanted to say, names I wanted to compliment. Found those notes in my desk a few weeks back, and finally tossed them out.

People will show up at the times that work best for them. It's not all a matter of preference. You have to check out of your pre-cruise hotel by check out time. You arrive at the airport when your plane gets there. You can't just hang around the airport for hours, waiting till afternoon to go to the pier. Think of the crowding that would happen at the airport if a few extra thousand people were milling about the exit. TSA would likely object. The ship terminal was designed for a huge crowd of people waiting to board. Hotel lobbies and the airport exit area should not be expected to accommodate that crowd.

If arrival at the pier can easily match that time schedule, great. But if not, as long as people arrive with a positive attitude, knowing they will possibly have to wait, so be it.

You might look a this from another angle. Seems to me that they are right on top of things, finding that your card was compromised, and taking the necessary actions, even before you had any idea. Might be considered an indication of a good company. Would be worse if they weren't finding these breaches till later.

BTW, had it happen to my Royal Caribbean BOA card once also.

If you want to swim in Fort Lauderdale, those spring months are still a bit cool. If choosing between Feb, March or April, I'd take April. But check out the date of Easter that year, or you'll pay a lot more for the airfare that week. And spring break time is always busier with college age and kids. ...........(I meant cool in the water. Even in Jan. and Feb, the air there has been beautifully warm for us, most times.)

Well I'll play salmon here, and go against the stream:

I would really encourage you to do the Allure, seven days. Especially if the shows are important to you. I am still blown away by the shows we saw on the Allure. Sure it would be hard to pass up the longer cruise, and the southern route is my favorite, being more exotic over all. But since you've only been on one previous cruise, I doubt if you are already bored with that eastern route (as we are after so many runs).

The Allure is an experience in itself, and the other ships we've sailed just cannot compare. If you like the solarium, the one on the Allure is very beautiful (but note: it only has large hot tubs, not a full pool).

One thought: If I had those extra days to take, along with the seven day cruise, I'd be more inclined to take both as a pre-cruise stay and get a very nice hotel, right on the beach. That would really let you experience those two days as vacation time, instead of just coming and going, packing and repacking an extra time, more schlepping those suitcases to and fro. Better to just be heading out to the airport when the cruise is over, instead of heading to a hotel that won't even allow check in till much of that day is over. Two days at the front of the trip, allows you to better experience your embarkation port, relax on the beach or in the pool, take the water taxi, shop Olas Blvd., or stroll the walk along the ocean. Maybe watch the ships sailing out of the harbor. (We rarely fit that in, with only a one day pre-stay). Lots of great restaurants in the area too.

I can't see that being worth the effort involved. If you are going to a private island you can rent floats, and it's really not all that expensive. Maybe less than paying for extra luggage, (if you fly). BTW You can't take floats in the pool on the ship.

Without a passport I would have her get an official copy of her marriage license as a "bridge" document between the birth certificate & the driver's license...they very well may NOT ask for it, but sometimes they do...and for peace of mind I would have it....

I totally agree with KC320 here. I looked through Royal's info on documents, and it does not specifically address your situation. You really should call them and double check, and if you are told that the marriage license is not needed, get it in writing. Otherwise I would note what is said on that page, I'm quoting it here:

"It is the sole responsibility of the guest to identify and obtain all required travel documents and have them available when necessary. These appropriate valid travel documents such as passports, visas, inoculation certificate and family legal documents are required for boarding and re-entry into the United States and other countries.

Guests who do not possess the proper documentation may be prevented from boarding their flight or ship or from entering a country and may be subject to fines. No refunds will be given to individuals who fail to bring proper documentation."

I would think the marriage license is what they might be referring to when they say: "family legal documents". Trying to go without it would be too much of a gamble for me.

Oh, I guess I just assumed the Western Caribbean stops were the same as Freedom. I really want to see Grand Cayman so I might have to book a Freedom Cruise again. This WoW sale has me in a tissy because the deals are so good but I can't decide which one to book!

Hi Jax, I can see how it would be disappointing, if that is the one port you really want. But in general, it's actually a good thing to have one less port on this run. These two ships are so big, and have so much to do one them, the extra sea day is a real plus.

That's where we stayed in November, the night before our cruise on the Allure. Fabulous hotel. I made a point to wake up early, (around five am). Went to sit out on our balcony and watch the ships arrive. Yes the ships were a little far, but I could identify the Allure when she came in.

We've stayed at the Westin Diplomat in Hollywood, and yes it is fabulous, but just not worth the money for someone staying only one night, and arriving after six pm. For the OP, go with the Embassy or the Hyatt Place. I prefer the Embassy, but that is just personal preference for having an actual suite, with two separate rooms. If that's not a plus you want, the Hyatt should be just fine (Sorry, no experience with the Renn.)

Hello Cruisin_horn, We've cruised a few other lines, and in my experience, that is pretty standard procedure for all the lines. Prices always drop after final payment. Nice time to get a deal, if you don't mind taking whatever is left of the cabins locations, and which ever ship isn't sold out. There's just no predicting that ahead of time.

Yes Carnival does have certain types of bookings that come with non-refundable deposits and other restrictions, but give you OBC for price drops. (That's a hassle and gamble we won't make, we book the regular rates)

Well I saw a list of what is included in these drink packages. If I purchase the $55/day package, are the items in the cheaper packages included also? Or do you still have to pay extra for a glass of OJ? Or for a premium coffee?

DRINK PACKAGES

The Royal Replenish Package

$20 per guest each day, includes:

• Premium coffee

• Premium tea

• Bottled water

• Sparkling water (375ml)

• Still water (500ml)

• Fresh squeezed orange juice

• Non-alcoholic cocktails

• Fountain soda with souvenir Coca-Cola cup

The Select Package

$40 per guest each day, includes:

• Beer

• Wine by the glass (up to $8 value)

• Non-alcoholic cocktails

• Fountain soda with souvenir Coca-Cola cup

• 20% discount on purchases of bottles of wine

The Premium Package

$55 per guest each day, includes:

• Call and premium cocktails (up to $10 value)

• Frozen cocktails

• Beers

• Premium wine by the glass (up to $12 value)

• Non-alcoholic cocktails

• Still bottled water (500ml)

• Fountain soda with souvenir Coca-Cola cup

• 20% discount on purchases of bottles of wine

I felt totally safe in Central Park at night. As a matter of fact I made an extra effort to walk through the park at night, several times. Usually on my way back to the cabin, after leaving hubby to play in the casino late in the evening. CP at night was really beautiful and peaceful. You can even hear the crickets. (Recorded sounds, I'm sure, but very real sounding.) It would be a shame to miss that experience when you're on the ship. (By the way, the park really isn't so large that you could ever be more that steps away from an exit. )

Definitely. Saves you from waking with a terrible crick in your neck.