gcelkk

Hey Jeff,

You do not need reservations for many of the entertainment venues on this class of ship.  They will come in place on the larger Oasis class and larger.  

See ya Friday

What about the history of the lounge access.  That seems to be the current hot topic.

Due to all the recent discussion about Crown & Anchor changes (or predicted changes), perhaps someone could share the history of this program for those of us who have not been sailing since the beginning. 

What year the program started, changes to lounge access by C&A tier, amenity gifts, onboard perks, complimentary tours (bridge, galley, entertainment), discounts, differences by ship class, etc. What changes have you seen over the years?

Attaboy attagirl

Nothing like getting off the ship in a long line for the rental shuttle and having 8 people with luggage in front of you getting on the Budget shuttle.

Attaboy Ashland,

The Budget office is only two miles from the port.  As you did, have the rental car driver drop all passengers and luggage off at the port.  Drive to the Budget office to drop off the car and hop on the shuttle back to the port.  Your passengers and will probably still be in line to enter the terminal.  On the return have the rental car driver hop on the shuttle to the Budget office and return to the port for the luggage and passengers.

Unfortunately, what usually happens is that all the passengers and all their luggage want to ride the shuttle to and from the Budget office.  This not only makes it miserable for the shuttle driver, but also causes long lines for the shuttle.

Love Captains corner.  Last week on Independence a 10 year old stumped the captain by asking why the elevators don't hit the sides when the ship rocks.

Ok,

Looks like the Canadian dollars are out.  I suppose that also rules out Canadian quarters.  I'm sure not going to carry US quarters around.  Looks like we're back to an over or under average tip.  Who would have thought how hard cruising would be.

Looks like the answer is one to two dollars.  If you want to split the difference, two Canadian dollars can be acquired for a dollar fifty six.  That will put you above the average.

15 people including children and guests with mobility issues coming to the dining room right before they close?  I'm sure Royal will say no problem.  Not sure the wait staff would be too happy to see your group arrive.  Please consider others.

5 minutes ago, Ocean Boy said:

When they learn the American version of personal space my level of annoyance might improve. I was quite sure if I was going to catch covid on the cruise it would happen there.

God have mercy on your soul.

FYI,

Haiti is the poorest country in the world.  They have no natural recourses.  No hope.  They have to decide which child to feed on a given day.  Please don't be annoyed with them but be generous with them.  My heart hurts for these people.

I would choose Allure because of the itinerary and the options of things to do.  The Oasis class ship is awesome.

Where would you suggest I stay in Vegas? 

Sweet, I'd much rather go to San Juan than St. Thomas.

Harmony

Hello fellow Hoosier,

I can see why you are confused.  You went over the state line into Illonois.

Just go to the Royal website as if you were booking a new cruise for the dates of your cruise.

It will show you the available cabins.  

If you find an open cabin of the same category that you would like better, just call Royal or your travel agent and they will switch you at no charge.

Go Hoosiers

4 hours ago, AndySFC said:

We are disembarking from Port Canaveral Sunday 21 August and need to get to an Orlando hotel, 4 passengers and 3 Cases.

 

Any ideas what the  Uber/Lyft XL service is like from the port, would we struggle?

 

I would price a rental car.  (unless you plan on drinking those 3 cases)

Budget, Avis, National are all close to the port.  

We were fortunate enough to get coco key beach club for an unheard of $39.  That black Friday price was in 2020 for our December 2021 Symphony cruise.  Unfortunately, we were unable to port that day because of the weather.  However, we did get a refund and the Windjammer was free!

Oasis is a beautiful ship. Looks like by your signature you may be diamond. If so, the diamond lounge is a good place to "get away" from the crowd.  If you want to "play it safe" book a suite.

Oasis class ships are never too crowded for me.

U-Tube an Oasis of the seas ship tour.

Enjoy your cruise.

We enjoy both Royal and Celebrity.  Each has its own appeal.  I like to think of Celebrity as being in my living room and Royal as being in my family room.  Both are great rooms but each different.  Celebrity is more intimate, with smaller venues.  Royal has more entertainment that appeals to the masses.

On 5/14/2022 at 12:27 AM, Stockjock said:

I do understand that the usual limit is 2 750ml bottles of wine which can be brought aboard.

I like a particular Italian wine that, to my knowledge, only comes in 1 liter bottles.  It's not the double-sized 1.5 liter bottles, but rather, just a bit larger than the normal bottle.

If I tried to bring this aboard would they likely:

1. Waive it through.

2. Confiscate it.

3. Allow it only if an additional fee is paid at the time of boarding.

OK, I'll bite.  Most of us are drinking your native California wine.  I hope you are able to bend the rules and get your two 1 liter bottles on board.  Tell us more about this particular wine from Italy?

Mario was on Harmony 4/10 - 4/17.

Thank you for sharing, loved your blog post.

When we first started back to cruising, testing requirements were 3 days before sailing.  Then last fall the testing was changed to 2 days.  The 3 days testing offered more flexibility.  This is a much easier requirement to meet, especially for Sunday & Monday departures as well as for those who are flying in.  It would be nice to go back to 3 days testing as weekend testing is hard to come by in my neighborhood.

That cabin is huge.  Our friends scored it on Serenade.  We had our own private lounge.  The views are amazing.  The location is ideal.  And...my favorite, separate bathrooms!  I'd trade a jr suite for it anytime.

Have you tried to sell them on e-bay?