Thanks for the suggestions!

I am cruising with a group of at least 16 people out of Miami Cruiseport. I am in the Philly area and am flying down the day before. Flights into Miami are pricier than Fort Lauderdale. I wasn't sure if anyone had flown into Fort Lauderdale and was able to find a transport to a Miami hotel for a large group easily. I also need a hotel that has food options for all 3 meals either in the hotel or next door, (mobility issues) and one with a transport to the cruise terminal. I know there are other ways to go about this but just trying to make things simpler with less moving parts. I am also OK with a hotel in Ft. Lauderdale area that has transport to the Miami cruise port. Any help or advise is welcome. Thank you in advance. 

I am adding a question to this thread. Can anyone tell me if the ship is close to parking or is there a shuttle to get to the ship? Thank you.

I have been enjoying your review as I take this same cruise in October.  I noticed on the compass that Vitality cafe shows as a free food option.  I think the light snacks are free but the smoothies cost extra.  Is that correct?  And do you know the average price for them? Thank you. 

3 hours ago, molly361 said:

Just went to check availability for covid tests for this weekend and this banner comes up on the Walgreens website.  When I check that the test is for travel the cost will be $128.99

 

Costs may now apply

Due to recent changes with federal testing (or federal eligibility criteria), if you don't meet medical necessity guidelines, payment may be due at the time of your appointment. You may save your receipt to submit to your insurance for potential reimbursement.

I think this has always been the case.  It was a question when I sailed in May.  I said it was not for travel and did not get charged. 

19 hours ago, MaryCS62 said:

While you're on there, can you tell me if MDR is no longer showing the gluten free options on the menu? It's very important for my daughter NOT to have to ask the waiter what she will be able to eat anytime we go in there. Last time we cruises, it still had the symbol for gluten free on anything that was naturally gluten free, as well as the headwaiter being able to tell her if something could be prepared gluten free for her.

Thanks!

My mother in law is gluten free and she told our MDR waiter the first night of the cruise back in 2019.  At the end of our meal the Matre D would come over with the next nights menu and she would pick what she wanted and they would make it gluten free.  She had no issues with that at all. I would recommend it. That way your daughter gets what she wants. 

1 hour ago, BennyBrun said:

Day 4

 

Wifi package purchase … discount courtesy of PRIME must be purchased onboard.  The per day price was cheaper yesterday but not much and I had cell service… 

Wow. Considering you didn't purchase til day 4, without the Prime discount not a huge savings over pre sale price. I purchased for my last cruise during a sale for $97 for the surf and stream for 1. 

On 6/22/2022 at 4:19 PM, BennyBrun said:

The time has come for yet another virtual cruise.  This week I will be on the Oasis of the Seas with Value Dinning in a balcony room with a Central Park balcony !!!   My home away from home!  Come along for lots of pictures, lots of food and lots of my random thoughts 💭 

I am enjoying the virtual cruise so far. Thanks for sharing. 

I sail this Saturday the 7th.  I put in a bid for upgrade from interior to balcony about 2 months ago.  Just slightly higher than min bid.  Still haven't heard as of today, the 5th.  I have seen one person in my sailing get their bid accepted from interior to ocean view.  As of a few weeks ago, those were the only rooms showing available for my sailing.  My assumption is that they are waiting to see if anyone cancels their booking within the next 2 days.  My bid still shows pending. 

I am waiting for 2021 itineraries out of Cape Liberty to be released to the Caribbean and Bahamas.  I assumed that would be this week.  I see someone said not until week of December 2nd because cruises out of that port are considered Northeast.  That doesn't sound right to me. I always thought it was based on where the ship was going?  Any insight? Cause if I can wait 2 weeks instead of checking 3 times a day that would be great. lol 

Have a great trip and thanks for sharing. I will be on Adventure the beginning of December and it will also be my first sailing as a Diamond member.  Interested in your experiences with that and the ship. 

Thank you so much Fshift!. 

13 hours ago, Tree_skier said:

 

Post it when you get it... I'll be on that cruise with you 🙂 I'd like to see what's coming.

 

I was hoping that a certain blog would have cruise compass' posted for the 6 day Caribbean cruise that they just started doing but nothing yet

There is a certain popular site (which I hear I am not allowed to name here)  that has a group called Adventure of the Seas past present and future.  Someone is doing that itinerary now and has posted all the cruise compasses daily.  

4 hours ago, WIChick27 said:

Anyone on Adventures next few sailings heard anything? Several of the dates have sold out suite classes and we are anxiously awaiting our upgrade fate! 
 

 

I am leaving on Adventure Dec 7th and no word on my RoyalUp offer. 

Many years ago I visited the QM.  This was before I had actually gone on a cruise ship.  I don't think I took any pictures.  At least I don't have them now. Your pictures are beautiful of her. Enjoy the rest of your cruise and thanks for sharing. 

Enjoying your review. Have an awesome time!

12 hours ago, robntawn said:

Leaving 11/2 on Symphony and booked in regular balcony currently.  Submitted 3 bids for upgrades to JS, GS, and OS 2 weeks ago.  Checked today and bids for OS and JS say "Expired", but bid for GS says "Pending".  I checked my CC and no activity.  Thoughts???

Based on others in this thread, your guess is as good as anyone elses.  They say pending til they make a decision on if you want that bid. I think someone else reported this similar thing happening, but they one of the expired bids were accepted.  I could be wrong. I would assume you are still in the running for the GS and will find out by the night before your cruise. 

Thank you all so much for the information. I feel so much better that I have some options.  I appreciate it.  Happy sailing everyone. 

6 minutes ago, philpcruiser said:

Our DD has numerous food allergies.  I would recommend NOT eating in a buffet.  Although the food may be safe, cross contamination can be an issue.  Eat in the MDR.  Plan to eat at the same time every day.  Prepare a menu for the next meal or two and discuss it with the head waiter.  The head waiter should also be able to send the meal to a specialty restaurant, should you decide to eat elsewhere.

That was also my fear with the cross contamination just from tongs.  I hope he will be past the food allergy soon. It could be something he grows out of.  I am most worried about breakfast and lunch I guess. Thank you for your experience. 

20 hours ago, DaniDanielle said:

Never had a problem.  Have been on 23 cruises and they all have gone out of their way for me.  As was mentioned, be careful at the buffets and speak to someone in charge.

Thank you.  Did you find you had to wait a long time for food in the buffet? I was wondering if we could plan meals a day ahead since kids don't really understand having to wait to eat.  Or maybe we can bring meal bars with us to help. 

1 minute ago, John&LaLa said:

 

I prefer cottage cheese in place of ricotta. Probably because that's how my mom made it in the 70's

I've heard of it being made that way also.  Growing up my grandmother used ricotta.  But we put ricotta on everything.  Crackers and ricotta was a daily snack. lol 

11 minutes ago, Tree_skier said:

 

 

My oldest GD has many food allergies.  As recommended by folks here on CC I contacted the special needs dept. about it. This is the email that I received from the special needs dept.

 

Good Afternoon,

Thank you for contacting the Access Department.

Allergies are handled daily on all sailings. 

Our galley has a separate preparation area away from the main production area to prepare meals for guests with allergies and to avoid cross-contamination of the meals.  Our Food and Beverage Staff attend recurring training programs regarding allergy protocols. 

During the booking process, we ask that the guest choose a set dining time versus My Time Dining. This will provide the guests with a dedicated serving staff for the cruise. 

Once the guest is onboard, we ask them to visit the dining room, introduce themselves and speak with the dining staff to advise of the allergies.  The dining staff for their table will be advised.

We are pleased to advise you Royal Caribbean offers Gluten Free meals as a standard offering on our menus in the main dining room.

We carry lactose free, soy, and almond milk onboard.  

When guests eat in the Windjammer/ Oceanview Cafe, please ask for a manager so they can arrange to get a meal from the galley. This will avoid any cross contamination that may occur at the buffet.  

When eating in specialty restaurants or other food venues, it is important to advise our staff of the allergies. 

If we can be of further assistance, please contact us. 

Please be advised your reservation has been noted accordingly.

We look forward to welcoming you on board.


Warmest regards,

LaQuanda Kaisley
 

They sound super accommodating.  We'll see 

Thank you for the information.  I hope it all goes well.  I had heard about contacting special needs also.  I wonder how long it would take you to get the food?  May need to plan meals a day in advance.  But what other choice do you have right? 

At the top of my list would be the Risotto, I think normally a mushroom risotto they serve; creme brule and their caesar salad.  Last year I had the lasagna al forno and it explains it has a bechamel sauce. I thought it was delicious. 2 of my table mates didn't read the description, which I always encourage, and sent theirs back.  One refused to even try it. lol. The prime rib and ravioli are always good too.  

As stated previously, if you are from the MD area or even a coastal town used to great seafood, stay away from the crabcakes or lobster bisque type food.  You will be greatly disappointed.  Stick to straight lobster or shrimp cocktail. lol. 

I would love to take my daughter and family cruising when my grandkids are old enough for Adventure ocean.  Unfortunately, my younger grandson has developed a lot of food allergies.  Not just the normal ones like nuts and eggs.  But another whole list that includes bananas, celery, soy, citrus, melons, avocado, etc.  He honestly has been developing a new food allergy every week.  He is 1 1/2 now and my plan was to wait til after he is 3.   By then hopefully we will have a better handle on the allergy situation. I know about telling the chef in the main dining room about food allergies for dinner service, but what about other times of the day?  Breakfast, lunch snacks?  Do people with extreme and many food allergies just not cruise?  I would love to hear anyone's advice who has dealt with this in the past.  Thank you, Randie

Not sure if it has been said, but Royal does not allow you to combine discounts on most promotions.  So you can use your balcony credit if there is no current promotion.  Most times the promotion price beats the diamond discount.  A good TA will at least call and price out and work on your behalf to get it.  When you book through a large chain like that, I am not sure how much they go to bat for  you.