Mum2Mercury

We were on Explorer last winter and had a great time. We like the mid-sized ships.

I'm all about following the rules. The rules are in place to help a large number of people live together in a small area -- safely and without conflict. BUT bringing cookies for your own consumption doesn't affect anyone else. Doesn't hurt the cruise line. It's a stupid rule. An unenforceable rule. Ignore it. We all know that some people are just bad. BAD, in fact. I probably wouldn't take homemade food from a stranger onboard, but this query was about cookies to share amongst friends and family, so I'll echo your point: Who's hurt by a few cookies?

We almost always book guarantees -- we haven't been disappointed yet, and the price difference is usually fairly significant. Thoughts: - We've usually learned our cabin number from the "barcode trick", which Mike described in Post #2. Note: He says use an iPhone ... it works with Androids too. Once my boarding pass is available on the computer, I scan the computer screen barcode with my phone, and -- voila! -- our cabin number. - Boarding passes become available 45 days out. We've typically been able to see our cabin number 3-4 days after that. I admit I go a little number-crazy and check multiple times per day. - We have never been dissatisfied with our cabin. It seems that we usually get something on the 6th floor (not that that's a promise in any way). 6th is a floor that's not particularly popular among cruisers, but it's become our favorite, as it's just one quick flight of stairs from the Promenade. We find that handy. With one exception, we have always been mid-ship; we think that's because mid-ship often costs a bit more, and people don't want to pay it. - Once we saw our room number, and then it disappeared -- but the next day, the very same number reappeared. I'm inclined to think that -- once a room is assigned -- they don't change it.

Thanks, All, for the answers.

We're sailing in a couple weeks, and I just received /read the Cruise Documents. Yes, I do that. I noticed two small changes, and I wonder what you who've sailed recently can say about them: - They say that printed copies of the Compass are available for pick up near Guest Services. Does this mean the stewards will no longer provide one in your cabin, if requested? (I'm still salty about the increase in gratuities coupled with the decrease in service.) - As expected, each guest of drinking age is allowed to bring on one bottle of wine or champagne -- no change in that rule. But no mention is made of being allowed to bring any non-alcoholic beverages (bottled water, soda, whatever), which has long been an accepted practice. However, just to muddy things, the rules say that the staff is allowed to inspect bottles that appear to have been "tampered with" -- and they specify water bottles, soda bottles, mouthwash, etc. This implies that it's still okay to bring soda, etc. onboard. So my question, directed to those who've sailed in the last couple weeks, What've you seen in regards to these two items?

This isn't really what you asked, but you can take your dessert "to go" after dining in the MDR.

Random thoughts about excursions: - It's unusual to have an island stop every single day. Yes, a planned excursion for each and every one of these could get expensive. - Are you looking only at excursions offered by your cruise line, or are you also considering private excursions as well? Private excursions give you more options and place you in smaller groups; that they're cheaper is just a bonus. However, private excursions require that you must "do your homework" yourself -- find your tour, make your own reservations, check reviews to be sure it's a good choice. - I like to make an envelope for each excursion. On the outside I write the name, contact information, confirmation, whatever else of the tour guide we're using. I write the tour's meeting spot and any necessary information (for example, bring a towel or mosquito spray). Inside I place any money we'll owe for the tour + money for taxis, meals, or whatever else. I put in small bills for tips. Having these envelopes ready all the planning is done and whatever's in my wallet is "spendable". - People will tell you the ship's excursions are "safer" because they guarantee you'll get back to the ship in time for sailaway. If you choose (vastly superior) private excursions, you're responsible for this yourself. So look at maps ahead of time and have money for a taxi (in case of a twisted ankle). Do not allow your group to separate, and plan to be back at the ship 2 hours ahead of sailaway. Don't let people convince you this is a dangerous choice. You do own a watch, right? Your phone may switch times automatically -- understand the difference between ship's time and island time. - Book the first excursion of the day so you can be up and out early ... then you can return to the ship mid-day for lunch and a shower, then relax on the ship in the afternoon. With an island stop literally every day, don't push yourself to stay out all day every day. 1) Puerto Rico -- consider visiting the old forts. Inexpensive and interesting. You can walk from the cruise dock. If you happen to have an America the Beautiful Pass (national parks pass), it'll get you in for free. 2) Tortola -- I haven't been to The Baths, but it sounds like a unique location -- and what's the point of going if not to see unusual things and have unique experiences? Go with a small group tour, and you'll be out early and fast -- before the large ship's excursions finally meander in. 3) Antigua -- this is a great place for a beach day; check out You Tube options and look at maps to choose something near the port. Just take a taxi. In Aruba we even took the city bus to Eagle Beach -- cost about $5 for the two of us. Bring your own towels from the ship. 4) St. Lucia -- that volcano sounds amazing and unique! 5) Barbados 6) St. Maarten -- take a taxi to Maho Beach, where airplanes take off /land right over your head. Take cash for food /drink trucks. 7) St. Thomas -- your instinct is right; this is a great place for a snorkeling trip; definitely choose a private tour here -- they'll get you out the door faster, and you'll be finishing your snorkeling by the time the bloated ship's excursions arrive -- but, even if you have no problem with seasickness, consider taking a Bonine before the small boat ride; they're rougher than the cruise ship

Thanks for a good review. I've said this before, but I always appreciate a thoughtful review with plenty of details. Specific thoughts: - You've convinced me I must eat the Pad Thai. - I've never tried the Vidalia Onion Tart, but I think I will. - Royal has never excelled in desserts. Real cooks recognize that this overly-whipped stuff is a way to stretch ingredients. Having said that, the brownie with ice cream looks really good.

I checked in two weeks ago using the computer. I tend to reach for the computer instead of the phone, but -- if only the phone app were available moving forward -- I really wouldn't care.

I'm not all that into soft-serve, but my husband is. Lately we've seen a staff member serving cones. Yes, it's a little slower, but we prefer it: - It reduces the people (not only children) who try to make the world's tallest ice cream cone, then spill it on the floor. - It's just cleaner. The crew member wears gloves, and it's only his hands touching the machine.

One more reason why I'll keep bringing my own sodas onboard. But, seriously, I agree that it's time to stop blaming everything on the pandemic.

Interesting. I've always wondered what percentage of cruisers buy the package. You say you're still four months from sailing; I wonder how many people wait until the last minute to buy the page -- or how many buy onboard. I guarantee Royal knows these numbers exactly. Eh, maybe. Royal has access to every passenger's age and his or her onboard account. They can't account for alcohol that's snuck onboard or consumed during island stops, but they "know" what each age group's spending on alcohol.

I agree it'd be disappointing to pay the rather high prices for specialty dining, then not be able to eat "enough" to feel you've had your money's worth. Thoughts: - Have you considered having lunch instead of dinner in the specialty restaurants? This option isn't available every day, but it comes with smaller prices. - Is it possible to have a single specialty restaurant meal delivered to your room? You could split it on the balcony. - Consider skipping the bread basket so you can save your smaller appetite for "the good stuff". - Ask for your dessert "to go". - I don't see ordering the smaller steak as a reasonable compromise. I know, less waste, but you'd still be paying the same price as the larger meal.

I checked our upcoming cruises -- no senior discounts available for us. I have a couple thoughts on the topic: - We're over 55 but not over 65. They know our ages because we're already booked. Perhaps they're only offering the sale to people who qualify? - Royal doesn't offer a discount just to be nice. Perhaps senior citizens don't buy the drink package as often, and this is an attempt to encourage them to buy?

I think the pool bar is the only place to buy "the bucket". Price depends upon the brand you choose.

I don't think so. I didn't remember the Solarium's name being Adult Solarium, so I checked: - Royal's webpage calls it just the Solarium (of course, it also says ages 16+). - I googled several ship's deck plans -- most said Solarium Pool. - I googled Royal Caribbean Solarium Pool signs -- I didn't get much, but I did see a decal I remember from the glass doors leading to the Solarium, which says "You Are Entering An Adults Only Area" -- it does not say Adult Solarium. In short, I find no evidence that it's called The Adult Solarium.

Good plan. A single person (especially with no luggage) gets on the shuttle faster than a group. I think the answer is, Depends upon the terminal from which you sail. I don't remember which terminal we sailed from last in Port Canaveral, but I saw no seating - except a dozen or so folding chairs fairly close to the lines. Does your family member use any mobility devices? Could he or she pick up one of those canes that folds and gives you a stool upon which to sit? Does Royal Caribbean offer any type of priority boarding for people with health problems? Does the person with health problems drive? If so, have him or her return the rental car. It'd mean less time at the port for this person /more time sitting in the car.

The Key is a VIP type program that gives you a handful of benefits: Priority boarding, fancier lunch on embarkation day, priority seating at shows, and internet service. I don't really remember it all because I'd never pay the $20-30 per person per day. If you're going to buy internet service anyway, you might be willing to pay. Google exactly what benefits you get. Two weeks after Christmas should be a quiet time on the ship. Good choice. Royal Up means no more complimentary upgrades. 30 days out, you'll be able to "bid" for a nicer room. Yes, you're on the right track: Book the room with which you'd be happy, then bid for a more expensive room -- if that's your thing. It's a guessing game though: the more expensive rooms may /may not be available, and you may /may not win the bid. You have to be careful though: some people have actually managed to downgrade from their carefully-chosen room to a technically nicer room in a worse location. I've heard it said and said and said that you can get better prices through a travel agent, but I have not found it to be true. I think it's because we only cruise in the fall, which comes with low prices, and because we cruise in less expensive rooms anyway. Diamonds now have 4 free drinks (per day) loaded on their sea passes, and they can be used any time of the day. I don't think I'm alone in seeing this as an upgrade. Things you didn't ask about this -- probably don't know yet: You must now sign up for a boarding time 45 days ahead of your cruise. Those "in the know" often like to stay up until midnight and claim the earliest boarding time as soon as possible, while others prefer to arrive after 1:00 so their rooms will be ready upon arrival. While this is a bit of a pain, it has reduced the lines at boarding, as it staggers the passengers' arrival. Cabin service has been reduced to once a day -- this board is relatively split on whether this is a negative or a so-what? item.

Drink of the Day is always a cocktail. It's $10-11 instead of $14-15. It varies by day, and you can find it in the Compass. Bars have little signs announcing Drink of the Day.

Things we always do because, in our opinions, it makes the trip easier: - Our #1 absolute must-do is to arrive a day ahead. - We pack light. - We don't spend extra on food. - We never put our luggage out in the hallway on the last night; rather, we use self-disembarkation. - Most importantly, we show up with the assumption we're going to have a good time -- and we always do.

Yes, you worded that better than I did: regardless of your arrival time, they're going to charge you for both arrival and departure day. That irks me, but nothing to do about it -- if, like us, you choose to park at the port. True for the terminal from which Independence sailed recently. Quit talking about it! They'll close this small loophole.

Though this affects only a small sliver of passengers, it's a good move. I have seen the lifeguards enforcing the adults-only rule. I can't remember which ship, but a man brought his toddler to the Solarium pool, and he'd barely let her touch her feet to the water before a lifeguard came over to him. He left without fireworks.

Doesn't sound like that great a deal to me; I think you'd have to drink an awful lot to "make this pay". Remember: - You already said, as a Diamond, you're already going to get 4 drinks/day for free. - This 30% is going to be off the full price, which is pretty high. - You can take advantage of other ways to save on drinks such as the 10-punch coffee card, the beer bucket by the pool, and the drink of the day. - You can bring a small amount of wine and soft drinks on board with you.

I don't think the exact time you enter matters; after all, they charge you as you enter -- so how could they know exactly what time you'll leave? Rather, if you're on a 6 night cruise, your car will be in the lot for a portion of 7 days. They charge you for the 7 days.

Port Canaveral is easy to navigate. Yes to arriving just before your boarding time. One odd thing about Port Canveral: you pay for parking when you enter the parking deck, not when you leave. They have no attendants, so have your credit card ready.