Robinhill

best place to eat dinner in Anchorage - GO!

I like Humpys- good food and reasonably priced for Alaska.

Should I pack our swim suits for our Alaska cruise that leaves Sept. 11. I think it might be too cold to go swimming, or even sit by the pool. Does anyone out there have any experience they can share.

Wolfpackmom- absolutely! They heat the outdoor pool and play movies on the big screen. When i took my then 6 year old grandson with me on a cruise in Alaska they played Monsters Inc one day while we were swimming and we had a ball. Glaciers all around and there we were in a nice, warm pool. Of course we did have to get out sometime......... brrrrrr

Remember there is the indoor solarium pool as well and they have certain designated times for kids to be able to swim in there as well.

Our daughter will be granted a wish through Make A Wish. She is considering Alaska, but would also like to go to the North Pole to see Santa. What is usually included in a Wish cruise? Port excursions? Onboard extras? We need to start saving but need to know about how much to budget. Did I say... we are so very excited? Also hoping to take the Great White Pass train, but didn't include that on the wish list.

I hope you all have a wonderful time. I do not know the details either but they usually do the wish in a big way so they will have many surprises most likely to make it the most memorable vacation.

Well, we decided to give a panoramic oceanview a shot, it's always interesting to stay in a new category. It was $100 pp more than a standard OV, and after the last price adjustment, we're now matching that price anyways.

 

For those that have stayed in a Vision Class Panoramic OV, do you think it's worth the extra money? Obviously it's a wash for us now, so any kind of upgrade is bonus.

Yes, i loved it and you still might see a price drop yet so i would get it. it is wonderful to have such an expansive view.

More questions for lucky Anthem cruisers! I was wondering how far before your cruise you were able to make reservations for the skydiving simulator? I think that from what I have seen you have to wait on line for North Star and for activities like bumper cars. Finally, looking for any information about Puzzle Break--is there an extra charge for it, and can you sign up in advance or do you need to sign up on board? I have our three big shows booked but being a compulsive planner/control freak I want to know what else I can set up ahead of time. Thanks!

What are the three big shows- i know We will Rock you, but what else? Thanks

Kyle, do you have a photo of it yet because I have this booked for February and would love to see a photo of it!

Surprised to see Alaska omitted from the list - it's always a popular destination.

Me too- do you think they are lumping Alaska in with the US West Coast

Just found out from our daughter who's presently on Liberty that RCCL has changed their internet policy for crown and anchor members. Diamond members use to get 30 free minutes to use how they pleased throughout the cruise....well now it's gone!!!!!!!!!! Instead someone came up with this crazy plan to give a one time 24 hours of unlimited internet. Don't know about others but I don't plan on sitting at the computer while on a cruise for most of my one day of free internet nor do I plan to use it during the midnight hours. We used the 30 minutes during our cruises just to keep in touch with family members back home and that amount of time was sufficient and we got to use it during the whole cruise so it was enough to check in especially with an elderly parent. Now the new plan is if I understood it correctly $15.00 per day for unlimited internet and there is no per minute plans nor any plans except for unlimited so for those of us who need to keep in touch with family members or wish to use the computer for a short period of time we are now going to have to add $15.00 per day even if you use it for just a few minutes per day.:( I believe if you don't want the free 24 hours Diamond members can get a credit of $29.99 but remember there is no per minute charge anymore and no packages just unlimited per day at a cost of $15.00. So if you do the math and take the credit it still will cost you close to $120 for a ten day cruise no matter if you use it for a short period of time. Don't know how others feel but we feel like RCCL is nickle and diming us once again. They know people need to keep in touch with family or require the internet for short periods and they also know most people aren't going to sit at the computer for hours on end while cruising but yet they offer this ridiculous plan and take away another perk to loyal customers. Hopefully they'll come to their senses on this like they did when Dynamic Dining upset a lot of customers and they'll end up offering an alternative or reinstate the 30 free anytime minutes. I have NO intention of spending $120.00 (150.00 minus discount) for a ten day cruise or more on longer cruises in order to be able to use the internet for less than 5 minutes per day. Unlimited internet is great for those that spend a long amount of time on the computer and can be an option but it's unfair of RCCL to take away our perk of 30 minutes free throughout the cruise and make purchasing unlimited internet mandatory because you need the internet for a few minutes. This is also true for Diamond Plus and Pinnacle but not sure of their discount amount. I called RCCL today and there representatives didn't even know about this new change. I had to get transferred to another dept. where they confirmed this. Was planning on booking one of their ships for our Europe cruise again but may switch to another line where they honor their loyal passengers and still give them the choice when to use their free minutes. Just thought others should know about this new policy.

This was not true for me on the April 10 cruise on the Grandeur- i am diamond and they loaded one hour free and i used it the entire cruise and had 3 minutes left! LOL

We have cruised on the Grandeur before. Wondering if the cabin safes still open with a credit card or whether they have been updated to ones using a PIN?

you choose a 4 digit pin and use that yourself. no card needed

Can I bring a case of water on the ship? How do I accomplish it?

You just walk on with it. i packed a few in my luggage and carried an 8 pack on with me. No problem at all. Also my allowed two bottles of wine. Easy, peasy! LOL have a great time.

The real benefit is the reduced deposit, if that isn't important to you then not a big deal.

 

$100 total deposit for 3 passengers on a 7 night cruise is a pretty good deposit reduction :)

Isn't the deposit $100 per passenger that you are booking onboard. How did you arrive at $100 total for all 3?

Are we allowed to bring on a container of distilled water onto the ship for my husbands CPAP machine? Does anyone have any tips for the best way to bring it thru security. I'm thinking a small 20 ounce bottle would be ok but has anyone else done this? What would you recommend?

You can bring it but they also will supply it. I travel with a friend with a CPAP machine and she always requests it and they bring it.

I have an older form, so I don't know if it's changed, but an 8-day cruise in a balcony used to get $150 OBC per stateroom.

Bob- thanks so much for the info!

Robin

The onboard credit depends on the length of the cruise. The deposit would be $100 per person.

Thanks Bob! It is an 8 day cruise.

Robin

Can anyone tell me if i am booking three people for a D1 balcony and i am Diamond how much the onboard credit would be and how much the deposit to book this cruise will be if I book while onboard a cruise. Thanks in advance

Email from RCI about minors traveling with someone other than their parents

I just wanted to share the email I got from RCI about minors traveling with someone other than their parents. I was always under the impression that if a minor was traveling with just one parent then the other parent had to sign a notarized letter saying they give their permission. I also thought that if a minor was traveling with someone other than their parents, then both parents had to give permission. Apparently that isn't the case. I know it says so in their FAQs, but I wanted it directly from RCI to me so I could print it and take it with me. I thought the info might be useful to someone else as well. Their email to me is at the beginning and my original email to them is at the end.

Dear Melissa:

Thank you for your email. We apologize for the delay in our response.

Adults who are not the parent or legal guardian of any minor child traveling with them must bring an original, notarized letter signed by at least one of the child's parents, as well as a copy of the signed notarized letter. The notarized letter must authorize the traveling adult to take the child on the specific cruise and must authorize the traveling adult to supervise the child and permit any emergency medical treatment that must be administered to the child. The copy of the notarized letter will be submitted during check-in. The original notarized letter will need to be kept by the guests onboard and may be requested by shipboard personnel for verification purposes during the sailing.

The adult authorized by the parent in the notarized letter will be able to take the child on shore excursions and sign any activity or shore excursion waivers. The letter does not have to list specific activities the child can participate in, but may indicate that the parent does not want their child to participate in a specific activity or shore excursion. If a non-parent adult is a legal guardian, the adult must present a certified certificate of guardianship with respect to the child.

Additionally, traveling adults are required to present either the child's valid passport and necessary visas or the child's birth certificate (the original or a certified copy). For minors 16 and 17 years of age on a United States closed-loop sailing, a form of photo identification issued by a government agency, such as a public school identification card or a driver's license, will also be required along with the birth certificate. Kindly note, it is the guests’ responsibility to identify and to obtain the necessary travel documentation before commencing their cruise vacation. As documentation requirements are subject to change, please refer to the “Before You Board” section of our website (http://www.royalcaribbean.com) for the most current documentation information.

We would like to invite the children you are traveling with to enjoy Adventure Ocean, one of the most comprehensive youth activity programs at sea. Run by an exceptional, energetic and educated staff, the program is tailored to fit four separate age groups. Adventure Ocean is included in the price of your cruise vacation and all activities are free! Also, you can rest assured your little ones are in good hands. Every member of our Adventure Ocean staff holds a college degree in education, recreation, or a related field and has experience working with children ages 3-17.

The Freedom of the Seas represents an absolute marvel of maritime engineering. The minute you step aboard you will witness the innovations available to you. Catch a first-run movie in the 3D movie theater, give Shrek a high-five as part of the DreamWorks Experience, or have an intimate evening full of delicious wine and decadent appetizers at the Vintages wine bar. No matter how you choose to spend your time, your cruise vacation on the Freedom of the Seas will be an unforgettable experience.

We would like to take the opportunity to welcome you back on Royal Caribbean International as a Gold member of our Crown & Anchor Society. Your membership level gives you access to exclusive onboard savings through our Ultimate Value Booklet, an invitation to our Welcome Back Party, Crown & Anchor savings on cruises, and much more. Visit http://www.royalcaribbean.com/cas/benefitsLoggedout.do for a full list of your benefits.

Melissa, thank you for choosing Royal Caribbean International. We look forward to welcoming you aboard the Freedom of the Seas in April.

Sincerely,

Martha Langner

Customer Service Representative

To be safe, it is suggested that the notarized letter be signed by both parents whose names are on the birth certificate. The letter should also spell out you have the authority to approve emergency medical care if it becomes needed.

To be safe, it is suggested that the notarized letter be signed by both parents whose names are on the birth certificate. The letter should also spell out you have the authority to approve emergency medical care if it becomes needed.

Actually, the letter only has to be signed by one parent. I have done this on five previous cruises with my grandsons

That's a lot of money for 2 or so hours sitting on a beach. We've done it, but our ship was in very early (and it was 10 years ago, $15).

well, not really. Generally i get there around 2 and stay until 6 or so. By the time you figure a chair rental at $10, an umbrella rental at $10, a float for $10, buffet lunch, two to three rum punches or beers or whatever- well it adds up. The food was very good with a good selection as well. To each his own. It's a nice beach, quiet and a nice pool and a close walk to the ship so there is no added taxi or bus expense.

My husband and I are going on a Princess northbound cruise in August, and then doing our own land tour afterwards. Below are our estimated costs for the land portion -

 

We booked car rental for about $50 a day including all insurance (booked 8 months in advance).

 

We are camping. Site costs are about $30 per night.

 

Food. Budgeting approx $50 for a restaurant meal (on the cheaper end of the scale).

 

From my research, fuel and food (groceries) seem similar to Australia (if not cheaper).

 

Research where you can do land based activities. I really want to go glacier kayaking. It is far cheaper to do that in Valdez than in other areas, so our itinerary now includes Valdez.

 

Make sure you budget for shuttle buses in Denali - they were more expenses than I expected.

 

Look into the discount books. It may or may be cheaper depending on your priorities. Make sure you double check the T&Cs.

wow your car rental is really low- do you mind if i ask if this was a one-way rental or round trip because my car rental for four days is 1200 (for a mini van that will fit 7) because it is from Fairbanks to Anchorage and not round trip. I feel like if i did round trip there is just too much time being used up just to return the car.

We will be arriving in Nassau on the Quantum in April. Unfortunately we pull into port at 2pm and will depart at midnight. We are part large active group ages teens to 40's. Looking to do a beach and relax but would like to be back on ship by 7 pm. I have been to Nassau several times and not too impressed with Junkanoo beach. Is there another beach option that we could spend 3 to 4 hours at that is easy to get to and rent chairs and umbrellas. Any ideas?? Cabbage beach, Cable beach? Looking for something nice. Thanks for any assistance.

I love the Colonial British Hilton. it is a 5-10 minute walk once you come out of the cruise port. Very easy. Daypass includes $40 lunch/drink including alcohol for adults and i think $20 or $30 for kids lunch, drinks etc. Includes beach chair, umbrella, all non-motorized water toys such as canoes, floats etc. Beautiful beach and they also have a great pool with round pool beds with canopies that are great for napping! LOL

32 days :)

4 for me. I leave on Friday April 10 out of Baltimore, Grandeur of the Seas 8 day carribean cruise. Woohoo!

Hi guys!

 

I was wondering how you obtain day passes for the British Colonial Hilton! We are going to be there on April 8th, 2015. This is our first cruise so we're a little new. Figured this would be the best option for beach time during spring break!

 

Thank you all in advance!

Happy Crusin'

Kaitlyn

 

 

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Kaitlyn- just google Nassau Hilton Beach Resort Day pass and you will get a link. I would put it here but i don't think you are allowed to do that. I have done this Beach day pass 3 times and it is really the way to go. Includes lunch, rum punch, and other drinks, chairs, umbrellas, floats, and all non-motorized water things such as canoes, etc. They have a beautiful pool with round pool beds with shade over them and then a lovely beach as well.

My DH & I are booked on this cruise. Just wondering as to what is a members cruise. Anything special? We are also booked on the cruise before, so doing a B2B.

Aggie- typically they deliver some freebee type things to your cabin on several of the days (although it has been about 9 years since i did one so it may have changed). They also have some special activities on board. There was a jewelry making class where we made a necklace, bracelet and earrings which was a free thing and they had a guest speaker and i forget what else but many raffles for stuff and just generally it was at a slightly higher level than just a regular cruise. They had many crown and anchor events.

Actually, to be serious I did find them on the C&A website under "Member Area" The next one is

 

 

12 Nights Fall Foliage Southbound Cruise September 15, 2015

• Leaving FromQuebec City, Quebec, Canada
  
• ShipSerenade of the Seas
  

I didn't see this today when I looked. Thanks for this info though!