DancerMama25

In regard to your Coco Cay question: if there is more than one Freedom Class or larger ship in port, yes it could get very crowded at the Thrill Waterpark.   However, I don’t think it’s necessary to pay the extra money for it.  First of all, there are slides on the ship your son can enjoy.  Secondly, there is a large splash pad area with two dumping buckets, lots of spray/splash/fountain features, as well as three smaller slides that are included.  There is a pirate ship splash scape as well.   In addition to the giant freshwater pool, the activities (both formal and informal) on the beach like volleyball, races and contests organized by the recreation crew, and much more, it truly isn’t necessary to spend an extra dime. There are free lockers, and a ton of lounge chairs, tables, and umbrellas all over.  The drinks are included in your package, and the food at the extensive beach buffet and the snack shack are also included.   Have a great time!

17 hours ago, Karemark said:

Just off the Vision. There are no more plastic water bottles onboard. They have been replaced by cans of Dasani with a few extra ingredients...magnesium sulfate, potassium chloride, and salt. We were told this was going to be a fleet-wide change. I found the cans to taste like tin and didn't think they were refreshing. I much prefer just plain water, don't need the extra ingredients, especially salt!

Just to be clear, Dasani bottled water has the same ingredients.   It is a minuscule amount.  Not anywhere near the amount to make it an electrolyte drink as someone else mentioned.

Those racing sailboats must be fantastic to be in.  I don’t know much about those vessels specifically, but they must have full keels to heel like that with control and speed.   It would be so exciting to tack.

As always, your photos are amazing, and you are really making me want to book on Anthem.

On 9/30/2019 at 2:30 PM, A&L_Ont said:

Is it wrong to say it’s too hot?

 

Just as an update, I live not too far from you in real life, and it was 91° when I drove by DTW this afternoon.   We’re dying around here.  Come on fall.  The only place it should be that hot is when you’re cruising.

Ok...this MIGHT help you make a little of an informed thought, but Royal just about 30 minutes ago notified their 3-night guests on Navigator (Miami) and Mariner (Canavral) that their ship will be leaving Friday at 4:30, but will remain out until Wednesday morning . 

Royal Caribbean
 
ABOUT YOUR UPCOMING TRAVELS

Dear Guest,

After careful review of Hurricane Dorian’s path, we will depart as planned, but our arrival into the Port of Miami will be on Wednesday, September 4th, 2019, instead of Monday, September 2nd, 2019. We made this decision to maintain a comfortable cruise and avoid adverse weather on our way back home. Please know, your safety is our top priority and being onboard a ship is one of the safest places to be during a storm. Luckily, we can sail out to sea and navigate around inclement weather. Plus, our ships have the latest technology, satellites, communication equipment, along with a team of experts who closely monitor the weather. Consider these extra days on us! Below, please find our new itinerary.

Image did not load.

While these circumstances are beyond our control, we understand that this change impacts your vacation. If you have any pre-purchased packages like, beverage, internet, or unlimited dining, they will be extended at no additional cost. We’re also working with our airline partners regarding air change fees due to this special circumstance. Please contact your airline service provider for additional details. And, as previously shared, you’ll receive a Future Cruise Credit in the value of one day of the total cruise fare paid, for missing CocoCay, as we feel that we owe you a Perfect Day. This amount will be based on the cruise fare portion, non-inclusive of taxes and fees.

While we hope you choose to stay, if you decide not to sail, we’ll provide you with a 100% Future Cruise Credit of your cruise fare paid, in hopes you’ll join us on another cruise vacation in the near future. You can expect to receive your Future Cruise Credit by Tuesday, September 3rd, 2019. Any pre-purchased items, like shore excursions or beverage packages, will be automatically refunded. And lastly, if you booked a non-refundable fare, fees will be waived.

We are truly sorry for the storm’s impact on your vacation. We appreciate your patience, understanding, and cooperation during this unexpected circumstance. We remain confident that your extended time with us will be nothing short of amazing.

Sincerely,

Royal Caribbean International

 
Royal Caribbean
 
Royal Caribbean
 
©2018 Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. Ships' registry: The Bahamas.
Royal Caribbean International
1050 Caribbean Way
Miami, FL 33132 USA

Also, I will attach the Coast Guard letter from this afternoon that could provide some insight.

Oh, I’m excited to follow along!

Just here to say you don’t need one.   Twangster can confirm having recently been there, but there are so many loungers and umbrellas all over, as well as free-to-use lockers, that their use is unnecessary.   Around Oasis Lagoon, there are several servers to bring you drinks.   If your main purpose in booking one is for the snack shack menu service, yes it’s true you’d have to go get your own funnel cakes and crispy chicken sandwiches because you won’t have an attendant while on your chair with umbrella.   But seriously, unless you’re really looking for privacy, there are plenty of chairs and available shade at no extra cost.

Hmmm...  very interesting information about the iSkate performances.   In June, there were 2 shows on embarkation day and 1 on the Thursday sea day.   We went to the 9:00 pm show on Monday, and it was crowded, but there were some seats available along the very top at the edges by the “stage end.”  We also returned on Thursday at 2:00, and it was beyond capacity.  There were people standing.  We gave up our seats in the back as we were headed to watch our daughter dance at 2:30 in the Main Theatre, but it was packed before we left.

I’m guessing it’s very crowd-dependent.    Personally, I don’t think I e ever laughed so hard in my life.   Admittedly, I haven’t done it a dozen times, but I’d think if you didn’t enjoy it after the 10th time, you’d just find something else to do.   In June on Navigator, Studio B was full for Crazy Quest (and the X vs. Y game show immediately before).   Part of the fun is the willingness of the participants to be over-the-top, and we definitely had that on this cruise.   It was fantastic!

1 hour ago, time4u2go said:

Sure there is.  It's called rain, which is typically the source of water mosquitoes use to breed in.

🤦🏻‍♀️  Well, I think you’re not kidding, so I’m going to respond like you are being serious.    While it’s true that most mosquitos breed in standing rain water, and it’s also true it rains in the Bahamas, mosquitos are very rare especially on smaller keys in the Bahamas.   There is not enough fresh standing water sustained long enough to support the mosquito life cycle.   On mainland US soil, mosquitos persist because they easily breed in plentiful freshwater ponds, etc, and have since spread to areas where a bucket of water or birdbath, etc, in someone’s yard can encourage their proliferation.   But on a small island surrounded by saltwater in a place that gets rain showers followed by hot, drying sun, there is no source for the mosquitos in the first place, let alone a friendly habitat for their population to continue.    Mosquitos will not be a problem on Coco Cay.

8 minutes ago, time4u2go said:

I bet the mosquitoes will think so too!

No mosquitoes...there is no fresh water there for them to breed.

On 8/14/2019 at 7:21 PM, Mikew0805 said:

Just got a letter about our cruise on the Navigator October 4th. Our stay has been extended until 10pm, with night time activities and a BBQ. Just curious if anyone else on any other sailing have received this notice?

 

I am officially jealous!!   I’d love the night party on the island!

I loved this review!  Thanks for sharing your photos and your stories!

If you want the Coco Cay view, book an aft balcony.  Otherwise, I don’t think you can predict which side of the pier the ship will dock on. However, every photo I’ve seen and the experience I’ve had, the stern always faces the island.

view from Navigator Windjammer at 7:00 am

view from Navigator Flowrider bleachers

View from Navigator Flowrider bleachers looking off starboard at Majesty

view walking back toward pier from island

What ship?   I can give you our Navigator experience from early this summer.  We were part of a very large group, and would often play cards into the wee hours of the morning (4:00am-ish) at the “spillover” tables on the Promenade.  (In front of the Copper & Kettle, Playmakers, and Cafe Promenade.   Also, on the pool deck, there are large tables with chairs around them under the deck above.   I don’t know what kind of games you are planning to play, but there are small tables and lots of seating above the Lime and Coconut, too.   There is a conference room, and the doors are not locked.  Also, I had asked (for a different use) about being allowed in the MDR when it wasn’t a meal time, and was told I was more than welcome to be in there.   There is a lot of space around and I don’t think you’ll have any trouble.  There may be parties and entertainment in the Promenade, but the pool deck shouldn’t be loud unless there is a party on a particular night.   

Loving your pics!!

Another vote for the Hampton Inn Brickell.   Fantastic included breakfast.

Head to the pool deck and grab a tropical frozen drink; lounge and relax until rooms are ready.

2 minutes ago, MermaidPrincessSusi said:

Our receipt/confirmation that printed the day we booked shows the original itinerary! So that is not  our TA's fault for not seeing a change, when THERE WAS NO CHANGE LISTED AT THE TIME SHE BOOKED OUR CRUISE! RCI messed up! Period!!!!

But is the receipt generated by your TA, or by Royal?

Well, ok.   Have a good time at home having spent a couple of thousand dollars and not using your purchase. (I mean, you spent the $2000.  You can stay home and not be in St. Thomas, or you could go on the cruise and be not in St. Thomas.  I’d personally choose being on a cruise after spending the money rather than not being on the cruise. To each their own.) That’ll show RCI.  I know on Royal’s website, the Allure itineraries have been modified for at least a few weeks as I’ve been searching for cruises quite a bit.   I’m guessing this is really the fault of your TA, but I don’t suppose you’re going to ever calm down enough to look into it that way.   Good luck for the rest of your crushing life on other lines. 

Cafe Promenade, deck 5 on the Royal Promenade.   Pizza, sandwiches, desserts, some salads.

22 hours ago, twangster said:

 

I received a different new style on the 1st leg.  No handle, but soft like the new style.  Big bendy straw.  Can't see where this one has an RFID chip embedded.  

 

 

 

They also had the hard plastic ones on the 1st leg but not in the 50th theme.  So it's like there are 3 different versions on the ship right now.  

This is what we had on Navigator in late June.

Assuming you have passports, it is very quick.  (The line at customs for those with birth certificates is longer, and the customs agents will take the passport-carrying passengers first.)

You do not need to sign kids in any kids 12 and up . (We learned this after a humorous track from the Star Lounge to the Living Room, and I think that will be a funny memory from our cruise forever.).  Anyway, they are able to hang out in the living room where they have video games, game tables, etc, and they have their own deck area with seating and TVs. (The entrance to the living room is port side past the sports courts and slides, right before the steps down to the Flowrider.   It is a semi-spiral staircase down.).  There will be teen karaoke in the cosmo lounge one night, there will be a teen dance party on the pool deck on night, as another mentioned there is dodge ball, etc.  As far as meeting your child/keeping track of her is concerned, we just made sure we ate dinner together, we went to Main Shows together, and we set check in times and locations after going over the Cruise Compass every day.  It worked great. 

I think just chill. It’s all good.  I know you’re angry about the change and are blaming Royal for not just “fixing the ship,” but that is a lot easier said than done.  They MUST have the ship in dry dock for this particular fix.  There are only so many dry dock spaces worldwide in which this repair can be made, and therefore there is literally no place for them to do this repair ahead of when it’s already scheduled.  The only other option, which most certainly wouldn’t help you nor thousands and thousands of other passengers, would be to take the ship out of service until it has been repaired.   Just let it go, have a great time.