cruzgryphon

With respect to signing on the Set Sail pass it was like that for my Explorer cruise in September. I think what happened is they moved the currency exchange question (for people with non US dollar credit cards) to the main check in part and thus have an electronic signature to go off. Aside from that I didn't see any need to sign the Set Sail pass.

Make sure you ask before you buy the card. On some ships it's one punch/ shot of espresso (so a medium sized latte with two shots would count as 2 punches) - that's what it was last month when I was on the Explorer. On other ships it's one punch/ drink (which makes it worth it to buy the card).

One thing to be careful about with the Coffee Card is whether they punch based on numbers of shots of espresso or per drink. Different ships do it differently. If they do it by espresso shot it isn't worth it because a medium or large drink will cost you two punches/ drink (unless you ask them to only put one shot). So just be aware of it and ask (there's no cost savings by purchasing it on the cruise planner - same price as purchasing on board).

200% would be fine but 230% is a bit too much.

 

 

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Need to be a little careful with the comparison since your 230% also includes a drink package. Don't know how much it is in the UK, but it's something to consider. I sail solo most of the time and in North America the standard is pretty much 200% but without any drink packages or anything like that.

I've encountered variations on this before. I was told just to put down in transit foreign for the address and you shouldn't have any problems (at least I've never had any problems).

Just booked my first RCCL cruise - in canadian funds - was that a mistake? Seemed like a good idea at the time - but if/when the CDN dollar goes up in relation to US funds - would it not be better to book in US funds? Is this just a gamble? (cruise is not til nov 2018)

I tried that a couple of times and kept getting burned on fluctuations in the dollar. Now I just book in Canadian dollars.

I was on the Explorer last month and they were charging by shot of espresso. So a large could be as much as 3 punches depending on how they make it. Definitely not worth it to get the coffee card. Or if you are interested - buy it on the ship after asking if they charge by espresso shot or not. Same price if you buy it on the ship or via cruise planner.

I would do it ahead of time. Waiting until you get on the ship - there's always a risk that things are full and that you'll get on the waiting list.

As others have noted - Diamond Lounge followed very closely by the balcony discount :D

Be careful with the coffee card. According to Royal Caribbean it's supposed to be 1 punch per shot of espresso. So a medium size latte would count as two punches since two shots of espresso. Not all ships are doing this though. Some are still one punch per drink irrespective of size. Best to wait until you onboard and find out. Also it should be cheaper onboard ship ($31US - can't remember if that includes the 18% or not).

They technically still have formal nights. You'll find however a wide range in dress on those nights in the MDR from jeans to tuxes. It's whatever you're comfortable with to be honest (or whatever you want to fly with).

I found that sometimes in the bars and stuff, depending on the server, you could get things not on the list. For example a couple of weeks ago on the Explorer I was able to get medium sized Latte's and Frappucinos during the "Happy hour" for free.

You'll need to get your travel agent or whoever you booked with to call and get the diamond cabin discount for you. The onboard perks will all be automatic with your change.

Does anyone know the status of this hotel: BEST WESTERN PLUS Fort Lauderdale Airport South Inn and Suites

I did a search (here, google others sites) but couldn't find anything on it post hurricane.

TIA

Keep in mind "last" is a relative term.Ignore any emails etc. about boarding by deck and stuff like that. Royal never enforces them. I'm not an early boarder but from what I've heard people have been checking in around 11am and getting on board by around 11:30am to 11:45. You might get some more specific information if you let us know the ship and embarkation port.

Just keep in mind that your cabin won't be ready until about 1pm to 1:30pm. So you might get on early but won't be able to go to your cabin.

Thanks everyone for the feedback. Given the prices I jumped at $18 Canadian per day (about $14 US/ day).

$18 per day. Diamond discount is either one free 24-hour period or $20 off a package. You may want to skip the first day because you're in port and can use your cellular. If there are two of you, you can use one free day and then use the $20 off for a 4-day package.

Hey Bob,

Is that $18 US or Canadian per day? If it's US then I'm getting a great deal at $17 CAD/ day.

Thanks,

Aly

I did a search but couldn't find the information I'm looking for. Does anyone know what the cost of Voom Surf and Stream for 1 device is if bought on ship without any discounts? I'm trying to determine if it's better to get it now for my 6 night Freedom cruise at the discounted rate of $17.99 Canadian or wait 'til I get on the ship and use my Diamond discount to get it. TIA for any help/ suggestions.

Assuming you're not in a suite, there's a bar of soap and one of those body/hair conditioner dispensers. Would recommend that you bring your own shampoo.

Hi all,

I'll be on the Explorer round trip out of Seattle on Friday. The ship stops in Victoria the day before returning to Seattle. Do any Canadians (or anyone else for that matter) have any insights on the following:

If we get off in Victoria I understand we clear Canadian Customs. For Canadian citizens does that count as returning to Canada for duty free purposes? If so does that mean that the next day when we get off in Seattle and return home that day that we've only been out of the country for a day and thus have the much, much lower duty free allowance?

TIA for any insights on this one.

Just curious - if you do MTD and you're solo, can I ask to sit at a large table with other people or would they just seat me solo at a table for 2?

Is it just you or are you cruising with someone? If they have a iPhone or android you could work around it that way.

 

 

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Just me. I thought about asking the concierge at the hotel - but then I remembered I tried that once before and they wouldn't do it.

Under $15, and they're supposed to but you'll get "machine broken" plenty of times.

 

UberX or Lyft will be a bit cheaper and no payment issues.

Thanks. If it's only $15 then I'll pay cash (thought it was going to be like $40 - hence thinking that a credit card might be easier).

I'm a die hard BlackBerry guy - so no Uber or Lyft for me.

I would use an Uber or Lyft. Both are plentiful and cheaper than the cabs.

Thanks for the advice, but I'm a die hard BlackBerry guy and so can't use Uber or Lyft.