eem0924

We loved our promenade cabin on Independence. We were on 7 and could see the parades very well!

We were across from Sorrentos and it was very nice to people watch.

Not noisy at all

We have only cruised during hurricane season once, last September/October, and we ran into Joaquin. The Captain did a great job of maneuvering around it. We had rough seas, but still made all of our ports.

It was super windy on the upper decks, but we all had a great time!!!

Wish it was already my turn.....

Still have 160+ days to go.

ENJOY!

Very easy to walk over and pick up a couple of bottles to take on board.

We have stayed at the Embassy Suites prior to sailing. Enjoyed the full breakfast and the happy hour!!

We have been very happy with a PR cabin on deck 7. Love to people watch and love the small window seat. Great for reading!!

So then even though I didn't have XXX number of points, Club Royale still recognized that I had played at some level and wanted to lure me back with offers of free drinks while playing and a discounted room?

Even though I didn't qualify for anything while I was on board?

HMMMMMM, interesting!

OK, now I am really confused.

I don't cruise very often -- every year or two.

I recently cruised in Sept/Oct 2015, 7 days and spent several hours daily in the casino. I played slots exclusively and only pennies/quarters.

My budget was maybe $1000 total and I gave them back every bit that I won.

No one approached me during the cruise.

After I got home, I started receiving offers from Club Royale for discounted rooms and entries into slot tournaments on selected sailings including free tourney entry fees and free drinks in the casino and free cocktail parties.

I made another cruise reservation -- not on one of these tournament cruises -- but on a February cruise that worked with my schedule.

A few weeks after booking that cruise I got an email from Club Royale with a credit of $125 on that cruise which could be deducted from my balance or used as an OBC once I arrived.

Of course I am pleased to receive the credit, but don't really know what I did to deserve it. I didn't spend that much to be considered a VIP.

Anyone else have any experience with something like this?

We enjoyed listening to Charlie Jourdan on the Independence last fall, September 2015.

Does anyone know if he is currently performing on any RCCL ships? Would love to hear him on our upcoming Freedom cruise.

No problem at all!

We were at the airport and waiting at the gate by 10:15am.

Now he has plenty of time to consider an appropriate gift for you!!

It's a vacation and there's nothing worse for me than coming back feeling so exhausted that I feel like I never HAD a vacation.

Some days we nap, some days we are ready to turn in by 11 pm.

Every day is different and that's what is so great about a cruise. Check out the compass the night before and then plan your day.

I was considering getting the surf 1 device package since it is discounted 30% on my upcoming sailing. Can I use the access code on a computer in the RC Online? I don't have a smart phone or fancy electronics.

We are taking the same itinerary in February.

We have never been on Freedom but sure are looking forward to it.

Hopefully we can find some Compasses as the time gets closer!

LOVE LOVE LOVE Promenade rooms.

Had one on our last cruise and booked another for 2017.

We could people watch, we could see the parade, we could check out the sidewalk sales. I loved reading on the window seat -- very comfortable!!

The only thing I even slightly sweated on a cruise was a hurricane on our last sailing. But I trust the Captain and the crew and knew they would adjust the course to avoid it and they did!

Just called for another "shot" and it was no big deal!!

WOW. We've always flown in the night before and boarded as early as possible.

Does this mean that if we're Platinum that we can still board early?

210 days til Freedom

I have recently booked a February 2017 cruise on RCCL and put down a deposit. It sounds like I should be able to purchase RCCL gift cards through my Scrip program and apply them toward my unpaid balance. Is that correct?

I just checked and they are NOT offering the 20% discount on my upcoming sailing, but they are offering 30% off on internet packages!!

Excited to bring on 2 bottles on our last cruise. It was nice to be able to bring on a brand I really liked and drink it in our cabin while I was getting ready for dinner or another event.

Didn't encounter any extra scrutiny of my bottles -- no one even checked them.

Does the Independence have a machine to cash out or do you have to see a cashier??

I have been on 6 or so cruises and have only been able to take advantage of a Price Drop once (for my upcoming cruise). RCCL offered free port charges and taxes at one point after I made the original reservation and we were able to take advantage of that for a savings of $184.00 plus scored a $50 OBC. The prices fell again right before final payment was due but we would have lost the OBC and free taxes and port charges if we made a new reservation at the lower rate so we wouldn't have come out ahead!!

We received robes in our cabin based on our Platinum C&A status.

We put them on to take some cute photos, but I found them too warm to wear for very long!!

What are the Muster Drills like now?

I last cruised in 2012 and we mustered out on the deck in lifejackets. I've heard that some ships conduct their Muster Drills inside, is that true?

Also what time will the Drill be for our IOS cruise which departs at 4:00pm

THANKS!!

A follow up question.......

We are taking a 7 nite cruise in September, but I don't want to purchase the beverage package until a few days into the cruise since I will be bringing on wine and the first few days are port intensive.

Is there any requirement concerning when or how long I can wait to purchase the beverage package?????