keishashadow

Yes, have checked in & out at their front desk multiple times when cruising. Not recently tho. Note/you can’t charge back to the room in that case make sure to bring a CC to Atlantis, most places didn’t accept cash our last visit. Well, Except casino slots lol I’d book online, making sure to price out all the various discount rates. lastly, would email then & get written conf they are still offering the included day passes to Atlantis

Looking at the menus for upcoming cruise, there are nights I’d prefer to the skip the entree entirely and have 2 (or 3 appetizers such as salad, soup and escargot or shrimp), then skip directly to dessert. Wonder if it’s even worth asking if they could accommodate that request now? Last thing I want to do is over stress the waitstaff. I’m sure they have their hands full explaining the new rules to guests.

Nice for those that live near airports offering the service. At least for week or so trips at those prices versus checking another bag. Always good to have options Out of curiosity did just double check the ‘international’ one near us, it doesn’t offer thst service curious tho as to security, assume they’d put the bags thru TSA level of inspection before accepting

Those ideas would be options to consider, however neither offered at either of my area airports ‘Wasteful’ strikes me as a rather subjective term. In my universe it surely doesn’t apply to taking at least one checked bag (preferably one per person) for any vacation travel over a 3 or 4 days. Unless there is a washer & dryer unit in my room, I’ll go as far to classify it as a non-negotiable need, not a want. for those that prefer to pack light, ‘carry on’!

No major issues with any of our RCCL sailings, thus far lol. After reading several uncomplimentary threads re the Independence, appears we may be in the minority here but, enjoyed the Independence enough to rebook her for 3 day this summer. Oasis our current favorite. Love the layout of the solariums on that class. Covid cancelled our sailing on the Allure, thrilled to work it in this November if only for four nights.

How was the steak?

Had no idea, thanks for posting. So, in theory, I could laminate that pic they returned with the passport and take off the ship with the sea pass. No worries about losing DL.

Not necessarily… In many of the larger northern cities in the US, parking is at a distinct premium (both spaces & price) at the airport proper. Ours is infamous for lousy shuttle service from the long term lot. Not about to walk a mile+ lugging a suitcase to reach the terminal It’s not unusual to find big clusters of offsite parking garages & surface lots, solely for flyers, located several miles away from large airports. Since our home airport is a good 15 miles out of the city & in a rural area, it’s no more than 10 min or so shuttle run from them, even if a good 7 from the airport. However, you do have to wait for said shuttle outside at all of them. Below zero and wind from being up high = it’s c-o-l-d. We do have packable down coats specifically for travel. Still, they take up room in the luggage. I do swear by compression bags to help the cause when packing. Our outer wear comes off as soon as we hit the airport & into a checked bag it goes. FA friend mentioned they get a kick out of guests who look like the pillsbury dough boy when boarding flights. Her theory, they are trying save $ on paying for a carryon roller lol. Lastly, we never fly into port the day of a cruise. It’s nice to start trip out stress free and enjoy the port city. Have had one too many flights delayed or cancelled outright in the last 3 years. That winter gear comes along for the ride. Sorry to veer OT here, back to topic at hand… my thots on the longshoremen: as OT described, that sounds quite heavy-handed. However, most travelers realize it’s generally considered customary in the US to tip everyone who touches a suitcase. My DH also overtips (land and sea), we’ve both moonlighted in tip-able positions in the service industry way back in the day and enjoy paying it forward now…just how we roll

I’m of the to each their own, just couldn’t resist pulling out the mom joke.

Somewhere, his mother is cringing over the thot of her child wearing dirty underwear…what if he got in an accident? 🤪 I admit to often just wearing a insulated vest & gloves in harsh weather when I’m driving, etc. It’s the outdoor wait for the shuttle back to our car @ the airport, usually late at night, when I appreciate a warm coat…especially after my blood has thinned out from the warmer climes. That first blast of icy air is a real jolt lol

Other than summer travel, when you fly from the north, your travel clothing needs are decidedly different. I’m surely not going to dress down from my at-home norm on a cruise. Do limit myself on shoes & sandals. Have learned to pack lightweight clothing, often jersey style material that packs well & is lightweight. The mr travels a bit lighter, mixes & matches separates. However, I seriously cannot imagine the thot of not putting on clean underwear every day. 🤢

Was a bit disappointed the KSF program didn’t apply to any of the shorter cruises I’ve priced, ones many families tend to patronize in FL as an add on to their land vacations. My vote: DCL as #1 and CCL #2 (their kids’ clubs are ranked surprisingly high. my kids & GC would patronize them when “bored” on sea days over the years. We couldn’t run to the adult pool area quick enough 🙂 I’ve been in cabins on various lines that are wildly outdated as to cabin decor, often having some rust issues. The mr who served in the navy just laughs, says it comes with the territory. However, never landed in any cabin I’d consider dirty, on any cruise line & I’m that person who travels with Clorox wipes, predating the pandemic. If I did notice a glaring issue, I’d immediately bring it to the attention of housekeeping and expect resolution. Wonder if people stay mum & let it be a deal breaker instead of letting them address it? You travel enough, there will be problems, it’s how they respond to make it right that determines if I give them another chance. Lots of providers out their vying for our business. as for those “vested” in a particular travel brand… if you feel you are not getting a great experience; where is the value in continuing to patronize a brand? If it’s all about the perks you feel have been hard-earned, then you need to weigh them carefully as a whole going forward. What’s the point of being disgruntled on a vacation? interesting to read the comments from some of those passengers in the higher reward groups, many who indicate their rather frugal spending habits when onboard the cruise. Reminds me of comments re Disney from their annual pass holders/vacation club members . Many of them also feel greatly devalued by recent changes by the provider. Frequent visitors typically spend less per diem on the extras vs those who may just book once a year or less. I get it, travel providers are struggling. They need to rely more on that sort of increased discretionary spending, over & above the base elements of a vacation, to keep the lights on and the stockholders happy. That said, I do think the OP drastically overpaid for the cruise in question. That’s her business, no shade there. Surely, as an experienced cruiser, she didn’t think it through as to the likely demographics of her fellow passengers during spring break. No idea if she priced out other options that might be a good fit for her needs. I’m sure she will approach planning the next vacation differently. That said, I’m knowingly doing the same thing this July on IOS too, as needing to work with planned land trip with GD. 🥴 However, I’m going into it with my eyes wide open. Paying thru the nose & anticipate it’s going to be a zoo, ship full of kids near 4th of July holiday.

Personal preference, don’t like drinking out of a can. Want water in part to take off ship in port. Wonder if you can elect to not accept canned vs bottled water if that’s what’s delivered to stateroom?

There’s an interesting phenom you often see exhibited by those on vacation, whether land or sea. Can strike even those that are normally upstanding & level-headed when at home. Variation of any/all: *I’ve been cooped up due to the pandemic, *I deserve special treatment cause I’m: diamond, platinum, annual pass, stockholder, you name it. Not to be confused with whatever perks are extended to reward the faithful. *I spent a crap ton of money on this trip, going to grab the gusto all leading up to: I’m going to do whatever the hell I want, because it’s my vacation”. AKA: fellow passengers & travel provider be dammed school of thot. Parents, teach your children well, as that sort of attitude surely filters down to one’s spawn. On the other hand… Kids will be kids, that’s when you put on the emergency brake. Otherwise, you may encounter being called to task down the road for their actions. Even the most responsible kids can slip a bit into behaviors they would never normally exhibit (both at home & on vacation), especially if peer pressure is heightened. If you don’t believe that, you are deluding yourself. IMO, ultimately, It’s how kids respond to being corrected and learn to accept responsibility for their actions that counts. until those who act out are held to account, there is no incentive for change. OT: Granted, have hunkered down from cruising for nearly 3 years, however, I am wondering where are the security guards that used to be visibly patrolling on the ships? TBH, I had always hoped there were plainclothes ones milling about too.

I have a nine, three & four night insides booked on RCCL for this year. Had thot to upgrade to balcony (as was always our usual pre pandemic) after final payment when prices dropped…silly me. Appears there is still a lot of pent up demand, especially for the shorter cruises when the kiddos are out of school. The pp rate for us & 12 yo GD on the three night in July on IOS is now approx $2,200 for an inside. I booked it for $1,800 a few months ago, had thot it would surely drop in price.🤯 The surrounding weeks options are just as pricey. For just the mr & me: I’m paying the same amount of money on a 9 night for early May as the July short cruise. Note, I’ve booked that same time frame in the past, nowhere near that astronomical pricing. Could be the coco cay waterpark that is also driving up the cost. Caught a great rate for a four night on the allure in November around $900 🙂

Any recent reviews of Salt Life Tour’s excursion to Dickinson Bay? cruising early May. Not sure if there is lobster season in Antigua Recent reviews On TA (& a couple of tour sellers seem mostly positive), with some demerits for their repurposed van. I’ve been in worse in the islands, not a deal breaker $65 pp via senior disc to Dickinson beach (believe the ‘bikini beach bar’ is located next to Sandals) Price includes lounger, umbrella, a rum punch and lobster lunch on the beach (which I’ve been promising the mr for years) realize it could be more $ than on our own, thinking in the same ballpark. Regardless, last port, would be nice to just show up. Usually, do beaches on our own Was initially going to head to beachLimerz on Ft James beach, based upon a video review here. Change in ownership and recent reviews have me seriously rethinking it. Also, it seems pricer for that elusive lobster Appreciate any input & other recommendations that would fit our needs. Note: not one to put labels upon others, would like to think we don’t fall into the dreaded T’erds 🥴 category I’ve seen referenced multiple times here.🤪 However, we are indeed looking for a casual beach bar with decent (tasting & priced) grilled lobster. One that also will provide loungers & umbrella in some fashion…included or a beach vendor. An umbrella is an absolute must for us

Last time we went with them, they had it scheduled so we saw one big one come in and another take off.

Treat to hear they are still offering a top notch tour, thanks!

Last time in St M, years ago, selected Bernard’s for Adventure Island Tour 2. Thot it a great overview of the island and lot of fun. Just booked it for May. Any recent reviews? Noticed the confirmation came from “Junglebee” but, does reference Bernard’s in it.

Just read this in RCCL blog in comments??? https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2015/09/29/everything-about-the-flowrider-royal-caribbean-ships Doesn’t sound quite ‘right’ to me, thinking perhaps some sour grapes. “We just came back from the cruise on Freedom of the Seas (Apr 2022). it was a complete disappointment for us to discover, that ONLY boogie boarding (knee-boarding) is available for free on that FlowRider feature. It is not disclosed anywhere on their website or the RC app, but stand-up surfing is allowed for free ONLY for the advanced riders. If you are a beginner or an intermediate - you're required to book a private lesson for an additional $552! False advertising at it's best! We only found out about that while on the cruise, you're not made aware of that prior to sailing. My son picked this cruise specifically because of the FlowRider and was completely denied doing stand-up surfing unless we book a private lesson. Needless to say he was left very, very upset.”

Hadn’t heard of that, will have to google, thanks! Good to know the current policy. The staff that operate the flow riders (on land) have all referenced this, said it’s a different animal than surfing in the ocean. Just booked the waterpark pass at coco cay, she can get an ample share of thrills there. I personally would prefer to be firmly planted in a lounger on the beach with the cold one in hand but, it’s ‘her trip’ lol

Oh, I’ve seen kids & adults alike take that wild ride backwards when they lose their balance. All arms and legs flailing about, never pretty. However, haven’t personally viewed obvious injuries other than a bruised ego. I do cringe when I watch parental figures cajoling their very reluctant appearing kids to try it out. Sadly, they are usually the ones who do seem to tank the most. However, I’ve also seen fit looking people on cruises randomly face plant, seemingly falling over their own feet on cruises, multiple times 😮…balance, medical issue, over served, who can say? Even tho small in height for her age, she has the weight of her taller friends due to very low body fat/muscles being dense. It’s very common in gymnasts when conditioned for competition. Other than amusement park attractions, where you often physically need the height to meet safety requirements as to seating; I don’t quite get the specific height requirement RCCL chose for a water feature. However, it’s their equipment, their rules, their ship. it doesn’t really matter if it’s an arbitrary number or fact based by the manufacturer. Just wondering if the stated height was loosely enforced or not. As soon as I found out they use 58 inches, made her aware of the height requirement. There was no argument from her, nor will there be if turned away. Just not how our family rolls lol. Even so, she asked if she could be measured when onboard JIK, which is absolutely fine by me. She is very self-disciplined & well versed in waiting to be able to ride the most aggressive theme park coasters. That magical number is generally 56 inches, which is what threw us off, thought it was pretty much industry wide. Thanks for the input!

I want to set expectations accordingly. GD is a competitive gymnast, heavily muscled with amazing balance. However, as most, is small for her age. Just realized she’s almost an inch under the height requirement to stand on RCCL’s flow rider. 😮 Told her to hang from the bars longer in the next few months to try to stretch lol With her mastery of balance, is quite proficient at using flow rider. We haven’t experienced a height restriction anywhere on land, in the past. The operators just normally ‘size up’ her abilities after a go of boogie boarding and have let her stand for the last 5 years, if not longer. i do realize the height requirement is there for a reason aboard the ships. IMO it’s not the best indicator as body types and ability can differ wildly within the same height & age bracket. Always, safety first, especially in athletics. Curious if anyone has experienced a bit of wiggle room as to height for their teens when using the flow rider aboard RCCL?

Can you request a ‘real’ refrigerator to keep RX meds cold or are we stuck with the one in the cabin & hoping it will work good enough? Booked on Adventure, Independence & Allure this year.

Have a great cruise, report back please lol Most grilled/baked sea food entrees should have option for the sauce on the side, especially if it’s related to medical reasons (as in diabetic or allergy)? I’m not above carrying a small container of creole seasoning to surreptitiously give those sans sauce entrees (that without it, often taste blandly unseasoned, no fault of the chef), some life.