Maya57

We took a cruise to Cuba a few years ago on a RCCL ship,  First tip is LEAVE YOUR CREDIT/DEBIT card home or on the ship.  It is not accepted anywhere in Cuba.  Getting off the ship was time consuming.  The computers were very slow and took turns in crashing require rebooting. But after about a half hour or more we were cleared to go in.  Then we had to go to money exchange.  The exchange rate is different (additional fee for U.S. money then other currency.  The exchange currency is called CUC.  They say that only CUC can be used by tourist, Cuban's use their  own currency.  I think its illegal but many, not all of the vendors will take U.S. currency but at a terrible exchange rate.,
Once off the ship and money exchanged your on you own. We walked all over the Plaza and back streets. No problems in fact the people were friendly and happy to Americans (spending money).  The next day we took a tour, which is government controlled but very interesting
We were told that are not permitted to travel to the beaches and resort areas   Taking a tours was not requied
Another tip is do not exchange too much monru no place to excange it back.

We will be  going again Feb 18 sailing.

ENJOY THE CRUISE.
 

Great video

Your not the first one that said the show "We Will Rock You" was not very good.

Just heard from cruisesr getting off of the Anthem that they now are charging $5 for the wrist bands. Boy you talk about nickle and dimimg.

Hey everyone! Just wondering how many out there have booked the Seaside? We've been reading about all the great plans for this ship and it looked so marvelous with the glass bottom walkways and everything. We just up and booked for February 10th, 2018 to celebrate our birthdays. We couldn't be more excited. Just 779 days to go! :eek:

 

Hope CC gets 2018 countdowns and Seaside roll calls section up soon so we can all start plotting and planning for the fun. :D Since we can't start up our roll call threads yet, how about everyone tell something about what they're looking forward to on their first cruise on the Seaside?

Hi Ya TravelinGert. We are also on the Feb 10, sailing. A roll call for this sailing has been started why not join it.

We just got off the Divina a week ago, out of Miami. Lots of announcements were in 5 languages, most of them were just in English. We loved being surrounded by non-Americans, and ate mostly in the main dining room, occasionaly at the buffet. A lot of Italians/Europeans are not used to lining up to get food like in a soup kitchen, so their buffet "etiquette" was not American. Expect it to be different, not a Carnivalized ship. We did, and loved it!

 

The food was very good, in the dining room there was escargot, lobster, steak, several fish dishes - and pasta too. All of it was good. We didn't ask for water but our glasses were filled as soon as we sat down (and we drank it). We liked that servers were not pushy or annoying about alcoholic drinks, they asked once, we declined, and that was it. We loved that too.

 

The desert choices on the buffet were actually better than in the main dining room, but all tasted delicious. The coffee was also good and strong - those that liked it weaker asked for Americano coffee, or for some hot water to dilute it. It was never a problem. Enjoy your cruise!

We got of the Divina 2 weeks ago. The only announcements in multiple languages were safety announcements like life boat drill. When Captain said had his welcome party and farewell speech he did in multiple languages. I got the feeling he was showing off.

All other announcements were in English.

Pizza at the buffet was very good. This was our 4th time on the ship and think they have come a long way to cater to the American guest.

I have been on 28 Royal Caribbean cruises but cannot compare the 2. It really all depends on what you are looking for in a cruise. I think they are both excellent choice

I was on the Quantum back in April and got my Stock holders OBC.

RCI has a shareholders relations web site, it use be listed their

There are several cruise lines that offer veteran discounts. It usually is not across the board but on selective ships, and/or dates.

I have not had problems getting this discount when applicable. All I needed was a copy of my DD214.

We used premiere parking last year and it worked out really well. On our return we had a little of a wait simply because everyone was trying to go at once and they were short a driver. Overall it was a good experience and my car was safe!!!!!! Google Premiere parking Miami cruise terminal.

There are 2 Premier parking facilities. The one on 7th Ave is getting fair reviews 50, 50.

The one on 2nd ave is getting excellent reviews

The cost including taxes is about $10.00 a day

which train station and how much was UBER?

Don't know about the train station but I took UBER from the airport hotel and it was excellent. It cost something like $23.00 including tip. The hotel shuttle was about $24.00 plus tip and had to wait a hour or two.

UBER driver was very good, helpful with a nice clean SUV.

I would definitely use them again.

We are new to the line!! Any tips??

I have been on numerouse cruises and cruise lines. First tip is do not compare the ship or line with other ships or lines. Each ship has its good and bad just enjoy what they have.

On deck 15 back of ship they have the infinity pool. This is a great place to get away from the noise and music at the main pool area.

Not sure if they fixed it or not but when purchasing cloths on board watch out for sizes, they had European sizes which is different then U.S. sizes. Not only size difference but the cut of clothes is different.

Best tip is enjoy yourself, this is my 4th on the Divina so you know I enjoyed it.

I could not agree with you more

Was on the Divina in December 2013, loved it so much we are going again 11/12/14 and again 02/22/15

We are Diamond plus on Royal and Elite on Celebrity and Princess

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Does Jewel of the sea still have. Cigar bar?

I could be wrong but I don't think any of the major cruise lines have Cigar bar anymore

They have very restricted small area where cigar smoking is permitted

This will be my 3rd cruise on Celebrity, but my first lengthly one. (Previous two cruises were 2-nighters on the Century.) So I plan to utilize the Elite benefits as best as possible.

 

I don't think I'll be getting a non-alcohol package, but will make that decision on board. In the meantime, I'm trying to find affordable ways to enjoy espressos, cappucinos and teas without forking over too much money. (I'm very budget minded when it comes to cruises.)

 

Can someone describe what you can find at the "Captain's Club Lounge for coffeehouse style breakfast?" What food and drink is offered?

At breakfast, Michaels Club is used for Eite members. The loyalty host stands by the door allowing only Elite members in. You Seaspass will say Eite.

They offer, at no cost Expresso,s Cappucinos, Latte, and smoothy's.

In the evenings, between 5:00pm and 7:00pm they offer cocktails, depending on muber of Elte guest on board it will be in Michael's club or a larger lounge