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Well I'm glad I asked - we are definitely OUT from under the pier!:halo::halo::halo:

Someone told us there was a section of beach for Diamond cruisers - myth? Last time were there, we were directed to the area for suite guests. (obviously no entry for us.) Certainly large enough beach area to find some quiet space if you really look for it, but was hoping we'd save ourselves some time this trip. Thanks!

Did anyone who has sailed Oasis lately find there was a deal for specialty dining packages once aboard? We have an OBC and I'd like to use that but obviously can't use it until we're on the ship. 3N - to 5N range from $85 - $115pp on the web site - wondering if its the same on the ship?.

Been many years since we've been on a Celebrity ship. We have a lovely OBC and I'm wondering what sort of deals do they offer for multiple nights dining in the specialty restaurants once you're actually on board? On line I saw 4 nights for $137pp. Pre Cruise is pre pay and I'd rather use our nice on-board credit!

thanks in advance!

Do they still decorate the ship for the holidays and would you know when? Thanksgiving week??

Can someone tell me if Regal has decent internet speed? Able to access in your stateroom? Any chance I could use MagicJack? TYIA!

It was offered on another social media site that there is an area beyond the water slides that is D and above - BUT I saw no signs there this past weekend. We walked and explored a lot of this beautiful little island and yes, there are lots & lots of loungers - we were wondering about this section for future trips when we were on one of the mega ships when that first area is sure to fill up.

Answers have ranged from: yes there is and there is a special tram that take you there but only for D+, pinnacle and suite guests all the way to flat out No never heard of it. The myth lives on.

...And BTW some of the answers we got were from staff who worked on the island!

One of the staff on the ship told us there was an area designated for Diamond and above on Coco Cay. We tromped all over yesterday and saw a lot of this gorgeous little island but no special area. Answers would vary depending on who we ask - go to the right - go to the left - go straight you can't miss it. LOL were we being punked?? It didn't matter since we were coming off Enchantment but with larger ships those chairs fill fast......

BTW wonderful vista if you go right off the tender, through the straw market and basically straight to Coco Willie's go past slides and hammocks!

In typical tropical style we had a squall yesterday that POURED - sounded like a stampede of rain on the water. Then it cleared for an absolutely awesome day. Saw an iguana behind the hut you sign in for wave runners. Had pina colada, floated in the warm clear water. The truth is you really don't know even if they says it's gonna rain (predicted 80% chance for us) it may clear so fast you forgot it even rained......then there's the other times when the wind whips up and the waves are just too rough for the tenders to safely operate. Go with an optimistic open mind - you will have a great time!!

Loved your review - you have a delightful way of describing it all! Was Chops the only specialty restaurant? Haven't been on that ship in over a year and I can't remember. :cool:

Probably want your cabin attendant to empty the mini fridge. I did my own - left everything in clear view then put it back last night. Got home and found I was charged for the whole thing. Did NOT show up on my final bill, just my credit card. It took weeks to get it credited. I do think there are news channels in multiple languages too!

If you just close the page without logging out the reservation seems to sit in limbo for about 30 minutes.

I have booked "W" suite guarantee twice. First time I did not understand it completely (and my TA did not explain it completely). Here's the thing, as long as you are happy with *ANY* JS - book it. Mostly it means a JS with the outside possibility of getting something larger. I will only book it when it's significantly less than the current JS pricing since they will be picking my cabin.

They really do read your letters! I sent one (snail mail) to M Bayley's office regarding some things that happened on FOS. Some good, some not so good. I received a personal phone call about a month later. They take your suggestions very seriously. I felt like I was heard!

I like to be able to search for my cruises from port of departure. When I clicked in to weekend getaways it gave me everything without the ability to filter. It's pretty to look at, but not as useful as I'd like. Also would like to be able to easily find deck plans.....

Used it on FOS and it was spotty at best. We got the cheapest plan (with voice only) thinking we could pick up our messages on our office phone. Not so much. Plan did include the Islands we visited and we had much better luck once docked rather than going through cellular at sea. We connected to office phone but could not dial in code to collect messages when at sea.

We are leaving for our FIRST cruise on the Oasis of the Sea on Sat Mar 21 (It's actually our first "real" vacation). Our package comes with complimentary dinner at one of the specialty restaurants. I was trying to make online reservations for this at 150 Central Park and I am wondering if I need to enter a promo code because it looks like I have to put in a credit card. Also, I was trying to make reservations for some other events like the Prohibition Event and a second dinner at a specialty restaurant. Do I have to pay for these in advance?

 

We are also having a difficult time deciding on whether or not to purchase a drink package. We are not heavy drinkers but may have around 3 (alcoholic) drinks per day on vaca, hard liquor/ wine/ beer. Is the drink package something you highly recommend? And if not, should we at least get the Royal Replenish package. If so, what is considered “premium” coffee (we love our coffee drinks). Do you know what the average price is for a martini made with a brand name vodka or a mojito for example.

 

 

I am so sorry for the 20 questions. Not only is this our first cruise but it is our first “real” vacation and we don’t know what we are doing.

First off, let me tell you how to cruise: Board Ship. Rest Relax Repeat. ;)

OK. If you make dinner reservations prior to boarding you will have to pay ahead of time rather than part of your reservations (or OBC). Haven't been on that ship, but spent time prior to muster drill running around making the reservations I wanted and got everything. There is a thread today with drink prices that looks pretty darn comprehensive and updated. You can make your decision from there. Me and the hubby are not big drinkers so the wine we carried on, plus what we purchased didn't make the package worth it to us. Bombay Martini was around $12 if I remember correctly. Bon Voyage!

You are really pressing it with that flight. If all your stars align you could make it. If the ship is delayed at all, or if it isn't cleared by customs quickly you will need a plan B. Matter of fact - think of a plan B now!!

This was the best show I never expected to see on a cruise ship! A lot of people walked out and there will probably be a fair number of complaints, so I hope that everybody who enjoyed it said so on their post-cruise survey.

I was on Feb 1st sailing and saw this band and they were AWESOME!!! (and exactly right I never expected a show like that) Sadly, there were a very large number of senior citizens who ran for the exits and undoubtedly threw they're loyal rumps around complaining....I felt really bad for the performers who HAD to have seen them tottling for the doors, but the folks who stayed were rewarded with a great show. This is the literal rock and the hard place RC is right now. Who do you please? The older loyal cruisers - or the "new" younger cruisers -the mere gold, platinum and emerald? Really, you can't please all the people all the time.

BTW, I did write in my post cruise survey that this cover band was the best and most entertaining show (on a ship) I've seen in a long time.

Sometimes your C & A discount is not the best one and I was not able to use my C & A discount with the current sale. I choose to pay a little more for the cabin but got an OBC that made a sweeter deal! (Choose wisely Grasshopper!)

I always suggest mid ship - sleeping cabins above and below for the quietest least "motion" cabin. Some folks say they feel more at the higher decks so look to be as close to the middle of the ship as possible. :cool:

Brilliance of Sea GS - 1536...... tell me somethin good! Little concerned about noise. Usually book sleeping cabins above and below but not an option on this ship for a suite......

The CCL ships you're talking about are older ships and although will be well kept will have an older feel. Enchantment had a pretty serious drydock in 05 that they stretched the ship - you will see it clearly at the pool deck area. Personally I really love Enchantment - not too big or too little. I guess for you, you'd have to take departure port into consideration. Which one of the 3 would be the best to leave from? Are you working towards loyalty points on either line? The slightly longer cruises will give you a little bit less of the booze cruise atmosphere and are a better deal than the weekend cruises. What ever you decide - have a great time!!

Here's good wishes to those about to board Brilliance of the Seas - wishing y'all smooth sailing!!

parking that cell phone in the safe - you are dismissed from the muster drill.

standing on the balcony watching the ship cut through the waves (flying fish!)

full moon shining on the water

knowing I have my Honey all to myself (afternoon "naps" ;))

standing on the deck while the ship comes in to a port.

PS Cozumel Shuffle is not near as much fun anymore since pedicabs became available...