Mum2Mercury

Thanks for the info, Folks. I knew what the rule used to be, but I wasn't sure if it'd changed. I'm subbing for a teacher who just had a baby, and I kinda wish I hadn't promised to work five days a week -- but I have some "extra" money coming in, and I was considering paying things off early. Thoughts: - I saw a couple price drops last year, but not as many as in the past. - I agree that it's smart NOT to check prices after your final payment date. - I'm not really interested in upgrading my room. I'd rather have the savings. - We don't sail in the summer for three reasons: high prices, too-hot weather, too-crowded ships. Being retired /having more control of your schedule is pretty sweet! - I see signs that last year's high number of cruisers is dropping off. Within the last week I've received some really advertisements with really low prices (not from Royal, but what happens in one part of the industry will happen in other parts). Thanks again for your help.

How's Royal handling this lately? You pay off your cruise, then a price drop comes along?

No.

1. How many people say, "It's only $25"? 2. How many people don't even notice? 3. How many people aren't sure how to problem-solve and deal with the problem? I don't believe everything they say, but I really do believe this: They're trying to prevent people from taking towels ashore and abandoning them.

We sailed Grandeur recently and had a great time. I response to your querries: - I enjoyed the Solarium. It has a covered glass ceiling, and the Park Cafe is over in the corner -- we really enjoyed its proximity. Loungers were readily available. - Entertainment was not as good as other ships. They often have music in the Centrum. It can be loud on that first level, but we enjoyed finding a seat on a higher level. - No ice show. I did miss that. - All the entertainment seems to "wrap up" a little early, but it was okay with us. They do have MUTS and music in the bars late night. - The theater, though smaller, is nicer than that on larger ships. I enjoyed sitting on the loveseats for afternoon movies. - We really enjoyed the Windjammer. Their grilled chicken thighs (different recipe each day) were excellent at lunch ... I always eat a big salad with either a bit of chicken or fish at lunch. Salad materials were fresh. One small detail we enjoyed in the Windjammer: They have barstools /countertop seating on the edges looking out over the water. Nice if you're eating alone. One afternoon my husband and I sat on the barstools for lunch and watched a storm rolling in from the sea ... that was rather special. - The MDR was okay; food was good but not super memorable. - The staff was great. - Yes, the ship is showing its age, but since we only paid $364 each to sail, I wasn't fussing. If you walk around looking for problems, you will find them ... but I didn't do that. The one thing that I did note: We had a real storm our last day out ... so bad that they closed the top deck and picked up /stacked and lashed the lounge chairs to metal posts ... and the roof in the Windjammer was leaking. They put out buckets. - We had an Inside Guarantee and were assigned to a handicapped room ... loved that extra space. I didn't like the handicapped shower, but I understand why it was designed as it was. - One thing we really enjoyed -- and this is such a small thing -- was sailing out under the bridge. It's a solid 4 hours out of port, but a lot of people were out to see it. My husband accidentally woke up early and went out for an early morning walk ... and he saw us come under the bridge for the return trip. Said it was lit up and was really something to see. - The gym is small but wasn't full. - Boarding and disembarkation is super easy on a small ship. Would I like to sail Grandeur again? Yes! I'd love it! Would I pay the same price I'd pay for a larger ship with more amenities? No.

Rambling thoughts My system for avoiding towel charges: - Pick up the towels you need on Day 1. - Throughout the week, never return them; rather, exchange them for fresh towels. The fewer times your cabin number goes in/out of the computer, the fewer opportunities for human error. - On last day, return them and -- as the OP said -- stand there and BE SURE they're clicked in /returned. Ask the crew member if your party's towels are ALL returned. I haven't heard of this being a scam, but it's possible. Some people work 24/7 at taking other people's money. I'd say call Royal yourself and verify that you've been charged. As to the quality of Customer Service, I always get through by calling either early or late -- never mid-day.

Well, some people control their phones, while others don't. My high school students rally against the idea of not being able to keep their phones out on their desks /use their at their leisure. MANY of them genuinely DON'T KNOW how to act without that electronic pacifier. They genuinely don't know what to do with themselves for 5-10 minutes of downtime, if they can't fill that time with their electronics. Literally, some of my students go through a 7 1/2 hour school day without having a conversation with other human beings; I've seen social skills decline steadily over the years. I'm smaller than most people, so my clothes are smaller too -- and I don't own a pair of shorts or pants without pockets large enough to carry my phone. And, having weak eyes, I always opt for a large phone. You're monitored even if you don't have a phone on your person. Outside your home, you're on camera much of the day. Inside your home, Alexa and even your TV are passively recording you. That's a good comparison because driving /car ownership has changed significantly over the last 10-15 years. We're a one-car family (so much money saved!), something that would've been difficult in past years ... but today more people work from home, and it's easy to call an Uber or Lyft if you need just the occasional ride. Even as recently as the 60s or 70s, how many of us would've guessed cars would've become less and less necessary? Eh, I'd argue smart phones can be had for no money UP FRONT. The companies are going to get your money -- they're just adding it into your monthly bill, even if it's not obvious. No company gives you something without expecting to make money in some way. Back to the original question. OP, you've already received lots of information about cruising phone-less. A couple thoughts: - Definitely print your set-sail pass, as you won't be able to show it on a screen. - On the first day, go to Guest Services and ask for a print copy of the Daily Compass. Tell Guest Services and/or your cabin steward that you want a print copy of this every day. They won't give you this list of daily activities in print form unless you ask. - You can watch the muster drill information on your in-room TV, though -- obviously -- not until you arrive. Be sure you know your muster station location before you board. - Midway through the week the ship sends out a survey (through the app, which you won't have) asking whether you want traditional Disembarkation or Self-Disembarkation. Since you won't get the survey, be sure your cabin steward knows what you plan to do. If you fail to catch him, go to Guest Services.

It doesn't look very big, and its location means that only people who've looked at the map and made a conscious choice will be out that far. I'd love to hear a report after you've visited. What's the water like? How big is the area really? That kind of thing.

I have no experience with that part of the world, but I'll throw out two thoughts: - Don't neglect a hat. I personally can keep going -- even if I'm soaking wet -- but rain in my face is a game-changer. I just can't take it. This is partially because I am dependent upon my glasses, so I also need a cloth in my pocket with which to wipe my glasses dry every so often. - Someone mentioned that these good-quality brands are expensive to buy -- and that's so true! Consider buying used, especially if these are things you aren't likely to use much after the cruise. I buy most of my clothes used, and it's really not hard to find nice, gently-used items.

We sailed a holiday once. Once. We said, 'Never again." It was an expensive cruise, and it was the most crowded cruise we've ever experience. We really like September and October for the lower prices and mild weather (we sailed once on our July anniversary and decided we're not summer cruisers ... just so stinkin' hot) ... November too, and although the weather'll be a little cooler good prices can almost always be found the first week of December. Disagree, but every sailing is a little different. When we sailed at over-capacity, we were assigned to a side-room (not the MDR, and this was back when fewer eating options were available), and the pools were always crowded. We now choose to sail in fall, when it's less crowded. In your experience, was Johnny Rockets busy for breakfast? Ship's shore excursions are rarely the right choice. You can do so much better on your own. I've found WJ to be busy-but-not-crowded on Embarkation Day. We don't always get a prime seat by the window, but we've never failed to find a seat. Yet I've read so many people whining about not being able to find a seat that I've questioned myself! Coco Cay definitely has loud areas (I'm not interested in the Coco Cay pool at all), but quiet areas do exist. To have a good day at Coco Cay, I think it's important to choose your beach ahead of time ... not just grab the first seats or wander around until you're exhausted.

Yes, I like Chill Island for its proximity to restrooms and food ... and I'll add this: it's close to a shady area full of double hammocks. It's a little more crowded than some of the farther-away beaches though. I didn't know about this, but I looked it up. I think it's new! Looks like the perfect spot for someone who wants to "get away from it all", though "the cost" is being far from restrooms and food. I'm going to kick this around in my mind. Here's the link where I found it -- look at the upper right of second picture. https://www.royalcaribbean.com/content/dam/royal/resources/pdf/perfect-day-at-cococay-wayfinding-map.pdf

If I were a crew member, I'd save any ducks I found and leave them in rooms with children. 1) It'd make the children happy. 2) Happier cruisers leave more tips. Ducks don't really cause extra work for crew members, as guests will pick them up. This is a gross exaggeration of "the problem". Since I've never found even one duck, I have trouble believing that people are bringing them in such quantities.

I was going to suggest the same two areas. Your friend at Hideaway Beach was probably in the loudest part of the island ... and the pool is also too loud for my taste.

No matter the length of cruise, I bring shoes in these categories -- I don't bring multiple shoes in the same category. - A pair of tennis shoes. I like to wear white Vans or Keds, which go with shorts outfits or tee-shirt dresses. - A pair of comfortable walking sandals in a medium brown (maybe Chacos or Sketchers). Again, these work with shorts outfits or casual dresses. - A pair of dressy shoes that'll match all my dinner dresses. I like wedges, but I don't always wear the same dressy shoes on cruises. - AND depending upon our shores excursion plans, I might bring a pair of water shoes. I have trouble with Plantar Fasciitis, but the shoes above work fine for me, as they have the support I need. I switch between the tennis shoes and walking sandals during the day ... and I only wear the dinner shoes for a fairly short time.

Adding one more thing: With the "work" you've had done, you really should check out RC's special needs services. You might be pleasantly surprised at the things they can offer you that might make your mobility onboard easier.

An alternate choice: Email special_needs@rccl.com or call 866-592-7225 and let them know you have special needs /need help with embarkation. They will be able to do more than offer you an earlier time (though it won't help you with lunch). Do you know what time regular embarkation will begin for your cruise? I think "early" embarkation help with the Key will only be "early" if you arrive at that earliest time.

You can reserve connecting cabins directly through RC. I've done it. Yes, it's smart to verify whether your ship's balconies "open" or not. I think we were on Liberty when we had those three balconies in a row. Yes, while these aforementioned suites may be nice, they're fewer in number and will cost more than two connecting rooms. I'd never put children /teens across the hall. While it's unlikely, too much can happen. Too much risk for me.

Exaggerating. We do the same with cheese, crackers and a bit of fruit. Or we order an Artisan Cheese Platter "to go" from the MDR. We never take out much -- just enough for a bite or two. Agree. I never believe anyone who says EVERYTHING was awful. I do tend to believe people who give details. One of the things I like best about myself and my family is that we can enjoy ourselves at any price point. We can enjoy going to a 5-star restaurant (or oceanfront resort), and we can enjoy stopping at McDonalds on the way to a camping trip. I'm convinced that some people on this board complain about everything because they think it makes them seem more cultured, superior. Doesn't work that way.

I hear what you're saying, but I know what I'm doing (regardless of what the customer service personnel know) -- and it's not that difficult to manage things over the phone yourself. For example, recently I signed up for a ship's excursion, and they cancelled it /refunded my money. Instead of losing the excursion, I wanted them to give me a similar excursion ... and I wanted it for the Black Friday price (because that's what I'd paid for my original excursion). I had to go to a supervisor, but I got what I wanted in about 10 minutes. I've tried to get lower prices through TAs, but I haven't been able to do so. I think it's because I only cruise in the fall, which is low-season. And because I watch my prices /call in when price drops occur. I prefer to control things myself, and no one cares about my vacation /my money as much as I do. Yeah, that's subjective. I'm a Southerner, so I'm used to warm weather. -4 is unknown to me, but here are my thoughts: - In September, October, November I find it comfortable to wear a swimsuit, and the water (pool or ocean) feels wonderful. You might need a light jacket if you're walking on the windy deck after dark, but you would be comfortable wearing shorts /tee or sleeveless shirt all day -- you might even be sweaty mid-day. - By early December it's definitely a notch cooler. I was in Coco Cay the first week of December, and the (ocean) water was cold upon entering, but within a few minutes if felt good -- but the lower end of good, if that makes any sense. I thought to myself, "I wish I had a long sleeved rash guard. I'll have one before I return." I think covering my arms would've made all the difference. I stayed on Coco Cay all day (in comfort) but I didn't spend as much time in the water as I would have in an earlier month. - On the ship, I enjoy getting up early, claiming a shady spot by the pool (preferably on the edge, looking out at the ocean), and sitting until 12:00 or 2:00 reading. In September, October, November I wear a swimsuit and a sleeveless cover-up, and I occasionally take a break for a dip in the water. In December I wasn't quite comfortable, and I went back to the room to get my thin chambray shirt (the addition of sleeves made it perfect). I saw quite a few people sitting by the pool in thin track suits -- wise choice. - January and February are going to be another notch cooler. If you're not cruising for the water, you might be perfectly happy with that, but I'm not. - Of course, this can all vary from year to year. Once we sailed Thanksgiving, and it was markedly cooler than other years. My youngest daughter wanted so badly to swim. She was literally the only person in the pool: her teeth were chattering, and her skin took on a slight blue tint. I was cold sitting by the pool in shorts, so I made her get out. That wasn't typical weather, but it could absolutely roll around again for you.

I'd pack half a dozen shorts, pants, skirts -- all in dark colors -- and then 10-12 lightweight shirts that could be washed out in the sink. Then 6-8 dresses. Two pairs of PJs and gym outfits -- so you could keep one, send the other to the laundry. Three pairs of shoes: Little white Keds, which can go with tee-shirt dresses, one pair of walking sandals, one pair of dressy shoes.

1. I'd keep watching to see if an earlier time pops up. 2. If that doesn't happen, I'd arrive at 1:30 for a 2:30 check-in time ... that's our comfort level for parking the car, getting our suitcases to the porters, getting in line. In my experience, they do check the boarding times (on the other hand, we've always had the earliest check-in, and that's the one that's most likely to be checked). Consider what'll happen if they deny you: You'll be standing around literally for hours. Focus on the positive: You won't have to wait for your cabin to open.

Would you really want them to "get it"? If your parents were in the next room would you want to know what they were doing? Maybe just emphasize to the kids you expect them to knock and wait for permission ... just like they would at home. Factor into the equation: - You can bring 1 bottle of wine per adult + 12 non-alcoholic beverages onboard. - If you've sailed Royal before /are a member of Crown & Anchor, you're going to get a couple discount drinks. - The (alcoholic) drink of the day is a couple dollars cheaper than other cocktails. Changing the topic: When my girls were teens (I have all girls) I always bought them the soda package. Before every cruise I lectured them on watching their drinks /accepting drinks only from family or staff members. I didn't want them to be in a position where they would feel they "should" finish a drink because they'd paid for it. Disagree. It's just a phone call. I know, people say "Their phone is always busy!" Nah, just call early or late (they're open super late), and you'll get right through. I never have any problem, and I like being in control of my own stuff. Of course, since we are close enough to drive, I don't have a lot of moving pieces to my cruises. We've done that, and we loved it! Once we had three balconies in a row, so we wouldn't have been able to connect to our girls on each side of us ... but the balconies gave us that connection. Do check though ... not every ship's balconies can be opened this way. And you can't ask for it before you board. You'll have to ask your cabin steward, and he will have to get a key from a supervisor. It's a bit of extra trouble for your cabin steward, so I'd tip him separately for this service. I don't dislike January and February, but the weather's a little cooler. We really like the weather in September, October and November. We like the first week of December because bargains are almost always available, but it's starting to get chilly. For the record, we are Southern and don't deal well with the cold.

I'd go with two CONNECTING rooms ... could be insides, ocean fronts or balconies: - This configuration would give you two rooms and two bathrooms ... more space than most suites. - The older teen's friend, I assume, would be female? My husband would not be comfortable sharing a room (changing clothes, showering) in close quarters with a female teen who isn't his daughter. - I wouldn't be willing to put the kids across the hall or anywhere not directly connected to my room ... too much can happen. I would be willing to go with two balconies ... and have the cabin steward remove the divider between the two, which would give you one long balcony /allow you to come and go between the two rooms without going "out in public". Yes, if you're going to get connecting rooms, you'd better hurry. They don't have that many of them, and you need to claim one soon since you're specific about your dates. If you don't have a travel agent in mind, you can call Royal on the phone and make your reservations; it'd be smart to have a couple options in mind before you call.

When your cruise documents come out (30 days ahead of your cruise), your cruise terminal number be at the very end of that lengthy email. Follow the signs into that terminal, and you'll automatically end up in the right garage. Tips: Take a photograph of where you leave your car. Leave your car fully gassed up and ready to go. I don't think Miami allows you to reserve. Anyway, it isn't necessary. We always try to expedite our exit from the ship, and we are usually in the car headed North about 7:30: - Don't put your luggage out the night before. Carry it off yourself. - Wake up early, eat breakfast, and get into the exit line shortly before 7:00. The line'll start moving about 7:10, and -- once it starts -- it'll move fast. - Miami has facial recognition software, so (assuming you have a passport) you'll zip through really fast. - You'll be slowed slightly because you'll have to pay for parking on the way out of the terminal.

That's an interesting way to look at it. I'd add to that thought: If they'd sell them for maybe $500, people'd be standing in line to buy them ... and more people would come away with positive thoughts about their experience. That matters just as much as the profit.