going2alaska

Thank you for your review.. especially from a RCI first timer in comparison to X. Yes, Radiance Class ships have in my opinion the worst pool decks of all RCI ships for sea days for the number of passengers. If you liked everything else about RCI, I hope you'll consider a future cruise on one of the larger ships (ie. Navigator/Freedom/Liberty/Oasis/Allure) also sailing out of Florida... your jaw will drop when you first enter these ships :D

I would cruise RCI again...like I said above, I'd do BOS again too. But, because of the size of the ship...5 nights is a good amount. Not enough going on for a longer cruise. Yes, maybe one day I can try one of RCI larger ships! :)

I still like Celebrity a lot too--never have been disappointed in any of my X cruises.

I was on the same cruise and really enjoyed it! I definitely noticed that this cruise was more casual and wonder if it just the way it is on Caribbean cruises now - or the fact that it was a 5 day sailing and most passengers consider it more casual?

 

I went to Nachi in Cozumel and was a little disappointed. It wasn't as relaxing as I hoped and some of the staff had invited family members with small children in for several hours. They stayed in the pool and made it difficult for the rest of us to get in and out. The food was okay but not great and the service was very slow - probably because we were two ladies and the waiter thought we wouldn't tip as well? Overall it was a nice day but I think I will try Paradise Beach if I sail to Cozumel again so thanks for posting about it.

 

Glad you enjoyed your cruise too :D

We were at Nacho too that same day. And I agree...some what disappointed. They put us far away from the main area. Made it hard for my 80 year old mom to get back and forth. Wish I would of requested closer seats. Service was super slow. Our main waiter wasn't too friendly at first, but, warmed up as day went by. That said, I'd probably go back because I would know what to ask for. We did enjoy the pool when it emptied out & I had a FABULOUS message. :)

 

MTD, despite a few problems with trying to get reservations when we wanted them, it ended very smoothly. My suggestion is to forego even trying to do reservations ahead of time and just standing in line every night. I normally don't like this but it worked the best for us.

 

Dress code: While what others are wearing don't impact my cruise vacation. Royal may as well just throw away the dress code. There is no enforcing of anything, not even on formal night. We ended up having a table near the entrance all but two nights. WOW is all I can say. Again, it doesn't effect my cruise experience at all. But how can people be so care free on how they look. Seriously we saw everything (even on formal night) Shorts were about at 50% on non formal night. Tshirts and ball caps were not rare. Men in flip flops all the time. Jeans have now become "dressy" in comparison to everything else we saw. However, the lady with the jeans on with more holes than jeans was quite the site. We also actually saw a lady that had what looked like house slippers on one night. Just sad that people no longer take any pride in how they look.

I was on the same cruise too. Wrote a brief review...but, can't find it now...thought I put it under RCI forum.

Anyways, I also thought the dress was VERY casual...especially on formal night or just in the MDR in general. Maybe it was because it was a shorter cruise??...I've only have done 7 or 10 nights in past. On past cruises it seemed there was a sea of long, glittery dresses on formal night (Celebrity line of ships) Not so, on this cruise. Did I even see a long dress?

We were on that cruise too, and I have just a few comments to add. (I posted a full review in the ship review section.) We had a group of 7 sharing 2 connecting junior suites.

FirstTeacher...I'll have to check out your review! I didn't know they had a review section!

Yes, the junior suite was huge! A walk in closet...wow! And the balcony was huge too! I stopped in there a few times and enjoyed the balcony :)

Thanks for the review! I'll be boarding BOS for the TA next Monday. It will be my first time on that class of ship, and I'm really looking forward to it. We've cruised enough that we know that breakfast at the hotel and then a mid to late afternoon snack at the Windjammer is a better idea than trying to eat there as soon as we board :eek:!

 

Beth

I should of known better, since we have cruised before. I think the problem was that we where trying to find a table for eight. If it was just the two of us, it probably would not have been a problem. On previous cruises we usually eat at a smaller venue. However, the idea of eating something later is a good idea...you can explore the ship while everyone else is eating! :)

Hi all,

Just wanted to say thank you to those who helped answer some of my questions about my cruise on BOS from Tampa. Thought I'd share some of my impressions of BOS.

We where a group of 8 cruising together to celebrate my moms 80th Birthday. Our ages ranged from late 40's to 82. It was my 4th cruise, but, first time on Royal Caribbean (the previous cruises happen to be all on Celebrity).

Tampa Port:

Arrived at about 11am along with parents...and parked at a parking lot across the street (so close, could easily walk if had to). Half the price of cruise terminal. No issues, the lot guy was friendly and punctual (for arrival too).

Didn't find the port employees overly friendly...just 'rushing' and barking orders to us--kind of hard to get my parents to move quickly---but, we all managed to get thru the first part. Basically, thru within 15 minutes or so.

Walking onto BOS:

So many people...it felt crowded and rushed....basically just walk into a 'hall' area and not too sure where to go. We had planned to meet at WindJammers with the rest of group. Bad idea...so crowded...couldn't find table. Windjammer was crowed and hot. The food stations where messy with food on counters and the crew seemed 'tired'...not many 'smiles'. Went to use woman's rest room by windjammers and it was messy and not serviced--no TP in stall. Our group was hungry and cranky! Not a good start of the cruise. After a bit we managed to find a large enough table and got our food (by then the crowds where thinning). I guess my first impressions of BOS where not great.

Rooms:

We had ocean view....our room attendant was efficient. Others had Jr. Suite, and balcony. All rooms where fine. Everyone seemed happy with their rooms.

MDR:

Our first night we went to MDR & had a fabulous meal! I think the food on RCI was better then Celebrity. The rolls are to die for! We had a wonderful waiter & assistant. After the first night, we did breakfast, lunch and dinner in MDR (most days). Totally impressed on the quality of food on this ship. Went to a special brunch later in the week and everyone raved about how good it was.

Windjammer:

The WindJammer redeemed its self after first day. It was never "messy" after that first lunch and the employees where always friendly and helpful--probably just overwhelmed on embarkation. We would sometimes meet as a group late afternoon on the side that had couches/tables--it was pretty quiet by late afternoon.

Coffee: I love my coffee!! I am somewhat of a coffee snob. Thought I'd have to buy the speciality coffee all week (which I have to do on Celebrity Ships). Was pleasantly surprised at how good the regular coffee was (on the strong side--which i like). Ended up just drinking ships coffee all week.

Chefs Table:

HUGE hit for our group...decided to do this on Mom's birthday. So glad we did...very memorable!! Again, loved the chef and wine stewart running it...did an excellent job.

Pool area on Sea Day:

Ugh...my only real complaint. Never any chairs and super crowded pools (both). There are a few "hideaway" spots on ship to get away from the crowds, but, not near drinks/food. :)

Park Cafe:

My dads favorite breakfast place. Quiet early in morning. We sometimes could get snacks through out day.

Centrum:

Lots of nights listening to live music....loved the Temperature Band....so good! Having our room on the 4th Deck...enjoyed being able to see what was happening in Centrum & stop and listen for a bit. Great fun with the 70's party.

Ship Size:

On board with a group...I thought the ship size was perfect...not too big. It is a beautiful ship--well kept and so pretty at night (esp. in Centrum). My parents room was pretty close to the elevators, so, it didn't require them to do a ton of walking (which I was worried about with my moms limited mobility).

Shows:

Sadly, we didn't get to a show until the last night...and it was excellent!! Was disappointed we didn't get to any earlier in the week.

Debarkation:

From boat to side walk waiting for parking attendant...maybe 10 minutes?

Port of Calls:

Grand Cayman and Cozumel. Had activities booked on both islands and enjoyed everything we did. 2 very packed days...but, really enjoyable. Would return on same itinerary.

Overall Impressions:

We had a fabulous cruise, even though the start was a bit rocky. We all agreed that we would do it again. 5 nights was just perfect with a group.

BOS is due to go to Europe on May 4th.

Please feel free to ask any questions.

We typically just wait in the cab line which usually moves fast. Some more adventurous types walk toward town and hail a cab along the street. With 6-8 and possibly needing 2 cabs or a larger van cab I would wait in line and let the expediter figure it out. Your call.

I agree, with the amount in our group, waiting sounds like a better option. Thanks again

Thank you both for your very helpful replys. I will research further, but, the tour co. many be what will work best.

Thanks Again!

WE WILL splurge on:

 

1. EXCURSIONS: Either through the ship or independently. We will be in ALASKA!! Going out in a float plane, seeing bears and taking a narrow gauge train is the ENTIRE point of our trip!!

When we cruised Alaska...I remember our excursions being at least as much or more then the cruise its self!! We did some major excursions...well worth every penny! But, you are right...alaska isn't where you want to to pull back on excursions. :)

Get:

1. a la carte speciality coffee (usually 1-2 per day per person)

2. hubs likes a wine at dinner

3. Usually do one night speciality restaurant

4. some internet

5. private excursions (we have found most private excursion companies cater to the cruise ships and never have had a bit of trouble getting back to port on time)

Skip:

1. photos

2. casino

3. spa (although, may try the Thermal (spa) Beds on our upcoming cruise)

4. drink packages (just don't drink enough to justify it)

5. usually never do any onboard shopping (or port shopping either for that matter)

hi,

Need some good ideas on what a few older travelers with us can do while in Cozumel 9-6pm. A group of us are going to Nachi for the day, but, a few older ones (80's) are not interested in Nachi.

There is a bit of limited mobility. But, are fine with short distances. A tour where they could travel in an air condition van and maybe get out at different stops to see different things in Cozumel would probably be ideal. They like art and history. They where interested in the Ruins, but, the ship excursion to the ruins is 8 hours long and requires too much walking.

If anyone has any ides on a tour company, I would love to hear about it.

The research I have done seems like a lot of tours focus more on the water activities.

thanks!

Thanks John for your quick reply! Was is Cozumel that I read somewhere that you could walk up into the town and get a taxi quicker then waiting in line? It may have been for another island.

We will be at Nachi in a few weeks! There will be between 6-8 of us. What is the best way to get there from a RCCI ship? And what will the approx cost be pp? Thanks!!

Not a huge shopper to begin with...but, I have discovered that I do have "cruise" only clothes. Only have been on a few cruises and ready to go on another soon. I basically am using most my clothes from a cruise two years ago & haven't worn them since the last cruise!

Not a whole closet full...not even close, but, could probably fill a bin anyways. I did go thru and get rid of the out dated things.

Bought only a few items for this cruise (since I already had most from last cruise), and some updated jewelry.

Now, I still have a bit of time before I leave, so, hopefully I'll stay strong and not buy anymore. :)

We have only cruised a few times on Celebrity. We love the Spa Cafe (I think that is the name). Does Royal Carribean have anything comparable? We will be sailing Brilliance of the Seas soon.

Thank you

Thank you for all your suggestions NolaBebe! I will look into that Sting Ray Tour Company. I do think she will be okay to get in and out of boats with some help. Since we will have some men with us, they should help with that.

Spa day sounds wonderful, but, will probably do that at another port.

Thank you for the other suggestions!

Thank you CB. I'll see what bus tours there are or if anyone has been on one and can recommend. Yes, we plan to do some shopping...she will be fine with that.

It will be her birthday the day we are in GC...so, no way will she be left alone on ship...she has made that already clear, but, not sure what she wants to do while on GC.

We will be in GC at end of April. Docking in Georgetown from 7am-3pm.

Could use some suggestions on what to do. Will be celebrating moms 80th. I know that the stingrays are widely popular, but, do not think mom can handle that as she is having some mobility issues & never was a fan of water activities.

Any suggestions on another activity that would make GC an enjoyable visit! Thank You!

Thank you jmf for info going under the bridge!

Perfect Match appreciate the info on the boats. I think if we do that excursion, the cayman explorer sounds like the way to go. But, I do like your other suggestions and going to look into them too. Thank you!

Make sure you are say in the Viking Crown lounge when you go under the sky bridge the day you leave. The captain will make an announcement. Unfortunately most people are eating dinner or getting ready, but don't miss it. Looks like you are going to hit it, but of course you don't.

By any chance would you know how long it takes after sail away to pass under the bridge? Currently our departure is at 4pm. Sounds like something fun not to miss.

Thanks!

Thank you all for your thoughts and suggestions.

I'm looking into sting ray excursion. Not sure she can handle that, but, still going to check it out.

Was thinking about doing messages ocean side (at Cozumel), in lieu of ship spa.

Also, still going to consider chefs table....dosen't sound like your typical 'chefs table'. Went on RCI web site and read a bit on it.

The more people comment about this ship, the more I think I picked the right one! Many thanks for taking the time to respond!

I love my packing folder. Bought an off brand one a few years ago at a discount store, just in case I wouldn't like it--but, I use it all the time when I travel...helps keep my clothes wrinkle-free. I like how it opens up for easy access & has the folding board too.

As far as the packing cubes go, I use those too. Not sure if they save tons of space, but, I like that all my things are separate. When I get to my destination I basically keep everying in cubes in drawers.

I don't always use my cubes (especially on short trips), but, I always use my packing folder.

Ladies,

Even though I am taking a cruise in a few months...I'm actually looking for a formal/unique mother of the groom dress.

I've seen some really beautiful dresses on here and was wondering if you could recommend some on line stores that might carry more unique choices.

Norstroms had a few I liked....but, most places seemed to have typical gown w/jacket or too much money. The wedding is in July and it will be hot where they are having it.

I would like to try and keep the dress cost under $300.

Thanks Ladies!

Thanks for the tip Joe.

Claire I think she would be fine with late dinner...she is such a night owl. Her hearing is pretty good...the most important thing is for her to be with her family--no matter, and will love to be the center of attention...haha. Although, you do bring up a good point about the commotion factor.

At this point I'm leaning toward speciality...because there may be less commotion then the chefs table. Although, maybe someone can comment. The chefs tables I've seen have always been in kitchen, although fun--lots of commotion.

Thank you Barb for your ideas! Mom would love a gift everyday! Cute idea about the pin--I was thinking of doing a birthday tiara.

We are just doing a balcony since it is in our budget...but, the suite sounds fabulous.

Anyone else have opinions on speciality restuarant vs. chefs table for birthday dinner?