Ret MP

Cabanas are not included in a Suite fare. And yes, I'd book in advance. I don't know how fast they go there. I don't know about having your parents join you. No matter the answers here, I'm sure that if you ask at the entrance to Barefoot Beach, it may be a different answer, especially with a $20.00 - $50.00 in your hand.

Never mind, I just found it, it does!

Does it mention if you have access to the Suite Class buffet or not? If you pay that much money for a Cabana, I'd hope so.

Question, and I honestly don't know the answer to this question: What does "Access to the Thermal Suite" mean? Does that mean you can go into the Sauna and/or Steam room only or do you have access to all amenities and offerings in the Spa, included?

I don't think I've ever got a straight answer to this. And this is not a sarcastic question, I really am curious about it as I would like to deal with a small TA (preferably local) but the Big Box TA do offer those large OBCs, like up to $1,500.00. So, why/how does Big Box TAs offer the big OBCs and the smaller ones don't or can't come even close. At least not the ones I've talked to. Your post that says, "Junior suites and above are the same price with or without a TA", really made my curiosity peak about this.

Agreed, but sometimes a medical emergency just can't wait, while in a city, possibly, hours away from the ship and the ship is still at port, or not. If they need to fly you back to the U.S. under an emergency bases to save your limb and/or life, only having a Passport will allow that, if you don't have the passport, it causes unwanted and dangerous delays. I just prefer to take away as many obstacles as possible, especially for my loved ones. I'm old, it doesn't matter anymore.

It's not looking to good, is it! I'm feeling the pain!

And I did state from the start that if that's your thing, go for it. I'm not finding fault with how or why you travel the way you do. I'm only trying to point out that the amenities are far from the same and yes, I said the Star is more expensive.

Don't get me wrong with the Following, I'm not trying to sell you Royal or anything else. Just saying that there are different stroke for different folks. If MSC is your thing, good for you and go for it. The following is the Amenities of the Yacht Club on MSC as advertised: https://www.msccruisesusa.com/cruise/msc-yacht-club Dedicated priority check-in and check-out as well as priority departure and return on excursion days Yep, the Genie provides that! 24-hour butler service and dedicated concierge Yep, the Genie is available 24 hours, may not be dedicated but that's Okay, I've never wanted the Genie and he/she wasn't available or another just as qualified Genie wasn't available. Room Service available 24 hours a day Yep, Star Class does that! Premium Extra Drink Package (includes all drinks up to $/€ 13 on all ships) Yep, Star Does that! Premium Internet package (Browse - 2 devices Unlimited Internet Package) Yep, Star does that, too. But, they offer it for as many people are staying in the room! Complimentary access to the Thermal Suite in the MSC Aurea Spa I don't do Spa's. I've heard that they did or did offer one free visit to the Thermal Spa. But, I don't know for sure. Relaxation amenities in each suite (including bathrobe, and slippers) Yep, Star does that! Pillow menu Yep, Star does that! Other personal touches: luggage packing/unpacking service, newspaper directly delivered in stateroom on request Yep, Star does that. I don't know about un-packing my underwear though. I don't want anybody unpacking my or my wife's underwear. MSC for Me wristband (where available) Yep, Royal had that but it went away (COVID and or Supply Chain) I'm hearing that they may be coming back. 1 free cruise change * The free cruise change is applicable either on the cruise dates or on the destination. Such change needs to be performed up to 1 month before departure, for a new cruise to sail within 3 months from the original departure. Any cruise change shall be requested through our contact center. To me, that's a non-benefit benefit! It has to be changed up to one month before departure. What's the chances of getting what you want with only one month left before departure and finding another within 3 months of original departure date? Possible? Yes, of course. But, no guarantees. Example: On our JANUARY 2024 cruise on the Harmony, all the Star Class Aqua Theater Suites are sold out, ALREADY, more than a year out. You know what I don't see? A dining package that allows you to eat in any/all specialty restaurants and other upcharge restaurants as often as you want. Included! Unlimited laundry service Gratuities The mini bar can be stocked with your favorite beer(s) and some other alcohol items (wine coolers for example). Included! Coffee machine Priority access (move to the head of the line) to the various activities, like the Zip Line, Flow Rider, Rock Climbing Wall, North Star, Rip Cord et al. And so so so much more! Bottom line. Yes, you can pay less on other, non-"luxury" cruise lines, but you aren't going to get the "WHOLE PACKAGE/EXPERIENCE" like you get on Royal in general and Royal Star Class Service and Amenities.

RCCL treats people based upon their cabin code/classification/category. The Genie(s) treat Star Class people almost like royalty, that's for sure and don't have time for the rest. But, if you want to be treated like you are Star Class, you must pay for it, thousands of dollars for it. Once again, not bragging, just fact. I've paid from as little as $300.00 per person (Ocean View Balcony) and up to ~$32,000.00 (4 Bedroom Family Villa, Star Class, 13 people) and most categories in between (I've never done an interior but want to one day) and I have always felt that I was treated accordingly. Not badly, just accordingly. Has every cruise been perfect? No. But, overall I'm very happy with the service I've received at all levels.

And if you don't want the Genie to escort you to places, you can tell him/her not to. But, all the other amenities will be done and much more than what is listed in the Star Class Amenities list. Much more.

YES!!!!

I have never, ever experienced that. I'd like to know what Genie(s) gave you that impression. What I've noticed is that they show up at many venues to make sure you get into the venue and are served properly, and all is well. This is literally the first negative comment I've ever read about a genie(s), at least not like that. I've read a couple and only a couple that people didn't think they got enough attention from their Genie. But never about too much attention. But, you are entitled to you own opinion and expectations.

That's you decision and I respect that. However, I'll keep you in my prayers should you ever need an emergency evac while you are in port somewhere.

I suggest you go back to post #69 and before and catch-up as to why I got involved in this conversation and what has transpired since. The you may understand but I have my doubts. And yes, that is exactly what I'm going to do, MOVE ON! Too many non-expert experts in this thread! And it doesn't seem to do any good to try to get people to understand what is/was going on. I'm out!

Really? You have no clue!

I'm not missing anything. As I've stated over and over again, I'm not discussing what the ship or anybody else does. My comments are only about Law Enforcement. The crew was only doing what Law Enforcement was asking of them, that included not telling the subject what, EXACTLY, was going on. Believe it or not, many criminals are not very smart. If a subject is questioned by CBP about the purchase, it is possible that the subject could make a spontaneous statement that he didn't have the money to pay the Duty and - - excuse after excuse. Hence, based upon the spontaneous statement of an offense/the intent. How many LEOs in here have pulled driven by someone on a sidewalk and noticed a "Crack Pipe" sticking out of their pocket? I'm sure there has been plenty or similar type stupidity. A traffic stop and a gun poking out from under the seat. Oh how about the LEO asks for permission to search the vehicle or person and the subject says sure, go ahead and they know that they have contraband in the vehicle or on the person. Stupid, for sure. EDITED IN: And I was responding to nelblu who's OP was about CBP and all he wanted was a explanation.

IF I get off the ship in a foreign port, I ALWAYS take my passport, DL, and at least one C.C. I also take a minimal amount of cash. And, of course, the Sea Pass Card. But, we all have our own ways and reasons for doing things.

Much appreciate your appreciation.

It's worthy of research!!!!! Do you or should you or anybody else rely on a social media Internet site for authoritative information? I certainly hope not. I look at these type posts and their responses as a starting point. More often than not, it's good information but not always complete information. If someone provides a link to an authoritative website, like IRS.GOV or Royalcaribbean.com, et al, I'll go there/research what I'm looking for, to start with. I would never take a post in a social media site as gospel. Hell, while I spend an hour here and an hour there in this site, I may research many things before I post. Not that I'm an authoritative resource, but I try to provide a starting point for some, and I actually love research, it keep this old mind working. However, I'm not perfect and I'd hope that people research what I say/post/link to as well as every other post in here, not just mine.

If you actually read my post completely, you'd see that I said that. So, your point is?

Talk about an over reaction and exaggeration, WOW! NO ONE said that anybody/everybody should be knowledgeable of every page of every law out there. Hell, I know I am not. What I've said and have eluded to is that the information is out there, if you are interested in trying to stay out of issues. AND BTW, Royal does inform it's passengers to research the DUTY requirements for their home country. I'm very active on my cell phone. For example: I didn't know the laws about transporting Mesquite wood from Texas to Alabama, I wanted to use in my fire pit, so I got out my handy dandy cell phone and went to each state's website and looked at their laws about introducing and burning out of state wood. I don't know the local construction codes, I call or look-up what I need before I build or modify. I wanted to run power to my shed, I called to get them come out to see where the underground utilities are, before I dig. I could go on and on. But, nothing I have and could give examples to is something that you or anybody else can't do. It's really simple, all it take is a call or a search, as I've stated/eluded to. I NEVER SAID YOU OR ANYBODY ELSE SHOULD KNOW ALL THE LAWS or even that I know all the laws! In this event, the OP's, there was no harm, no foul. We don't know what went on behind the scenes at the CPB office, we don't know why they did what they did, we don't know if the subject is on a watch list, and we only have the one side of the story. CBP, obviously, didn't find any "criminal" intent (intent is a key word here) and let the subject go. I'm sure we all want our Law Enforcement do their job, if they followed all laws and regulations, they are doing their job. There was a reason for what they did. It could have been something like at the airport when TSA pulls you out of the line for further inspection/investigation only because you were chosen for a random inspection/investigation which can happen even if you are Pre-Check, Global, or King of the Universe. The important part of this is that WE, none of us, know what or why they initiated further inspection/investigation. Again, no one expects anyone to be knowledgeable about every law, regulation or whatever that is out there. That is one reason why the law gives the Law Enforcement Officer/system discretion. And yes, once you break a law, that makes you are an offender, some civil, some criminal. Just because you weren't caught doesn't change anything. And some times a crime may have been committed but the "intent" (if it is a requirement of the crime) can't be established/proven. And generally, intent can't be proven until you actually talk to the subject. Hence, being pulled aside and asked questions. There are many crimes that don't require ANY intent at all, the mere fact that you did it is the crime, doesn't matter why.

I have a tendency to leave things at restaurant dining tables, most notably, cameras and sunglasses. So, I purchased a very cheap camera (Fujifilm XPS, I think) on a cruise, that's after I left an expensive one on the table and didn't get it back. I've had the cheap one for about a decade now and it does everything I want it to. I've added a "selfie stick" to my accessories because it stabilizes better when walking and videoing. Yep, my phone goes into the safe right after the Muster Drill and the cabin is ready for us. I try not to see it again until debarkation time, along with my wallet. I love only carrying a Sea Pass Card in a plastic sheath on a lanyard around my neck. That's one of many reasons I won't be getting off the ship in Nassau.

It's definitely not the Disney World that I spent my honeymoon at 48+ years ago, that's for sure. I really don't like what it has become. I don't think I'll be back in this lifetime.