TXCruzing

In case anyone asks, we are doing traditional dynamic dining, late seating; we will dress up for formal night (and require the same of the girls); and will tip our stewards, bartenders and servers. Sorry, could not resist. :)

But will you be sharing a drink package? ;-)

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I've heard they're cancelling all future cruises because they're sick and tired of people complaining about stupid insignificant stuff that in the grand scheme of things are completely unimportant.

Ha! Good one!

A Lot of folks are interested in the new rooms on deck 12. Me me me!!

 

Also would like to see the hallway and interested in knowing if there is access to the fitness center from the 12th deck.

 

:)

Looks like there are lots of us anxious to hear about Deck 12. :)

Which one did you get? I got the one closest to the exit doors, 1890. There might be a late night trip to St Tropez ti liberate a lounger

We have 1884. I will be curious to hear whether or not a lounger will fit on the balcony. It is hard to tell from photos. That would be nice though!

Oh my! Praying you are out of the storm soon and that damage is minimal.

Following this thread with great interest. Can't wait to hear all about it!

I doubt I'll notice the look when I'm sitting on my Deck 12 balcony on Freedom in August

Ha! That is exactly what I was thinking. Well, almost. My Deck 12 balcony will be on the Liberty in Sept.

We are traveling NOLA to Jamaica, Cayman, and Cozumel this summer. It would be so much cheaper to get passport cards for our kids. Has anyone ever successfully used these on a cruise? Research says they are OK but I'd like to hear from someone who has used them.

I have a passport card that I have used on a cruise with no problem. However, as others have said, it won't get you on a plane home if you need it for emergency travel.

9 DAYS!!! CANNOT WAIT. Will try to do live updates if the wifi is good.

Looking forward to hearing your updates!

I have to admit that I am excited about the slides. At first they weren't a big draw for me because we are traveling without the kids. But then I realized - WE ARE TRAVELING WITHOUT THE KIDS! I usually end up staying with our youngest while the rest of our family rides the rides and slides the slides. This time, I can enjoy the slides too. :D

She's moving!

Good news!

Just purchased our insurance today. Weather wasn't our only concern. We will be leaving 3 children behind with family, and my husband has no siblings, so if something happened with his parents, we would need to cancel. It is worth it for peace of mind.

Thanks for sharing! It is fun watching it all come together.

This story should have come with a tissue warning. ;) Definitely made me cry.

My husband & I are going on a cruise alone in September for our 25th Anniversary, but we have also been contemplating taking a family cruise next year. The only problem is that my youngest child has Kabuki Syndrome, along with the many autistic-like behaviors that go along with it. We just weren't sure how she would be received on board. Your story gives me hope that it might be a very good experience for all of our children. Thanks so much for sharing!

All of your replies have been so helpful in easing our minds. We will just keep in mind that weather is unpredictable, buy the insurance, and go with the flow. We rarely go on a vacation without the kids, so we are looking forward to rest and relaxation, no matter what.

Be sure you have insurance to cover you.

That's the plan. :)

I cruised in September several years ago. No hurricanes, but there was a tropical storm which affected us. We didn't re-route, but our excursion in Jamaica (blue hole! [emoji24]) was cancelled due to flooding, and we skipped Grand Cayman due to high seas.

 

Hurricane Season is really long so there's always a risk, but the cruise line and the captain do a great job keeping everyone safe. I live in Miami and I would certainly rather be on a cruise ship avoiding a hurricane than at home being hit by one! [emoji16]

Were you able to get a refund on the missed excursions?

And I agree that I would rather be on a ship avoiding a hurricane that at home being hit by one. :)

We don't really care what the ports of call are. We enjoy the cruising aspect. They will avoid any potential storms for safety. We feel safe cruising at any time of the year.

That's pretty much what I was thinking. The only port being changed that would concern me would be the departure port.

Get travel insurance!

That's the plan. :)

I was looking up hurricane predictions for 2016 since we are booked for September. It seems that this hurricane season is either going to be more active than usual or less active than usual. Very helpful, right? ;) My understanding is that cruises are unlikely to be cancelled due to a hurricane but that the ports may change. If you have had a trip changed or cancelled because of a hurricane, I would love to hear about your experiences.

I was looking up hurricane predictions for 2016 since we are booked for September. It seems that this hurricane season is either going to be more active than usual or less active than usual. Very helpful, right? ;) My understanding is that cruises are unlikely to be cancelled due to a hurricane but that the ports may change. If you have had a trip changed or cancelled because of a hurricane, I would love to hear about your experiences.

Can you direct me to that text on their website? All I can find is the updated brochure-and it does not mention n/a frozen beverages. There is another thread that makes me think that they discontinued these as being a part of this package. I want to print it so I can call and confirm for my cruise on 2/19.

This is what is says in the description on the website: http://www.royalcaribbean.com/findacruise/experiencetypes/category.do?pagename=onboard_cat_dining_options

"Royal Replenish Pay one set price and enjoy our entire selection of premium coffee, premium tea, bottled water: sparkling or still, fresh squeezed orange juice, non-alcoholic cocktails, plus fountain soda with Coca Cola® souvenir cup."

However, when you click the link that says Learn More and it takes you to the brochure, it does not mention non-alcoholic cocktails. Confusing! http://media.royalcaribbean.com/content/shared_assets/pdf/menus/beverage_packages.pdf

Awesome responses! Muchas gracias to everyone!

 

Sparky74: special thanks to you for that huge list of mocktails! I suppose even if I only have one of each of those I'll need to sign up for NAA (non-alcoholics anonymous) at the end of the week!

Agreed! Love the list and all of the ideas! Too bad September is so far away.

We have 1890 on Freedom in August. Booked it specifically because of new location. :D

We booked 1884 in September, also anticipating the new cabins. I can't wait to hear the reviews from those who are going before us!

Here's a link for the count-down clock: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=545140

 

Happy Cruising! :)

Thank you!