vacationlover_mn

On 11/15/2023 at 2:47 PM, coaster said:

Carnival just announced cancellation of Colon stop.

 

https://cruiseradio.net/carnival-conquest-skips-cruise-port-due-to-local-protests/

My MIL is on that sailing.  Overall, it’s been a drama filled cruise- people upset over the extra sea day, at least 2 different medical emergencies requiring the boat to rush to the next island, rough seas, etc.  

Since we love UDP- excited about this!

Not gonna lie- I did cancel our upcoming excursion there, not because I’m afraid, but because I am a hard core pre planner, and want firm plans for our trip.

Thanks for sharing!  My friend had a not great experience this year on that chartered cruise (she was not part of the charter), and glad to see our upcoming cruise is not included!

My general advice for UDP-

Look at the app to see which specialty restaurants are available

On paper, before the cruise, write out where you want to go, and when, including lunch on sea days

As soon as you board, take that paper to the closest specialty restaurant, and make your reservations 

If you change your mind about where you want to eat or when, once onboard, go to desired restaurant and change

that to that specific restaurant 

You do not need JR or Playmakers reservations 

2 hours ago, js said:

Thank you. So, even if it is sea day, I can have dinner at a specialty and then later in the evening go to Playmakers (which I'm guessing is the sports bar) and use the $20 or whatever daily amount it is? I thought that was only for port days and I appreciate your help since I'm just trying to learn it all since we have been away from RCCL for a while.

Thank you.

 

Yes.    Not just port days to do this.  Also, on port days, you can do UDP lunch at Jonny Rockets, Playmakers.

4 minutes ago, js said:

Hi.

I see the restaurants that are on the Odyssey but can anyone please let me know what restaurants will accept and can I go to without paying 

extra charges if I have the UDP. Is the hibachi place an extra charge? 

Can I go to the same restaurant twice in a row or three times during the cruise, etc.?
I can, as of today, only make the ressies for the restaurants once I get onboard. Is this also correct?

Thank you so much!

 

I can answer parts of your questions with certainty.  You can visit the same restaurant several times on your trip.  Make your reservations as soon as you board.  If you want to change up your plans, you can change the reservations later.  Some places, like Playmakers will give you a daily spend amount.  One thing we often do is have dinner at a normal specialty restaurant, then wings or something similar at playmakers later.  One thing we like to do is have embarkation lunch at playmakers (and we loved the one on Odyssey :))

5 hours ago, cruisegirl1 said:

No free drinks at Hideaway Beach either.  Let him know unless he likes surprises when he sees the final day invoice.   😀

If you have any RCCL loyalty status you can use the drink benefits at Hideaway beach. 

Have fun

M

I already warned him that we’ll have to use our vouchers there 😉

On 11/12/2023 at 2:18 PM, OCSC Mike said:

 

There is a 3-hour complimentary nightly open bar (usually 5-8pm or so).

 

On Oasis class, you also get free beer, wine, seltzer, soda, bottled water in the SL from 11am-11pm daily.

Thanks for the info about oasis class!  Didn’t realize that soda and bottled water were also free during the day 🙂

As 2 adults, no kids, who love quiet beaches, had the drink package, and paid under $100- we loved it!  I’m skipping it for my cruise with mom (she’s thrifty, and I am positive she’ll love the free beaches).  On my next cruise with DH, it’s $150, we won’t have the drink package, so we’re going to try Hideway Beach, just to see what it’s like, since I got a great deal on it ($40).  If it’s too loud, we’ll just grab a slice from the new pizza place and leave.

fun fact- DH thought free drinks were included at the beach club!  He didn’t realize it was because we had the drink package.

I know OP was talking about the Odyssey, but on a related note…

While my DH and I LOVE the big ships, I am a little worried, my mom (78) will get worn out on the oasis.  It’s not really her age, but she is a bit out of shape and has asthma.  I made sure we got a somewhat central room by the elevators and stairs, so hopefully that helps 🙂.  But, I’m 100% sure she will be blown away by how awesome everything is 🙂

On 11/9/2023 at 6:58 AM, vjmatty said:

Sounds like people have differing experiences on different ships at different times. Just like the call center.

Exactly!  And, by the way, EVERY time I’ve called the call center (at least 10-15 times), my call has been picked up right away, and they immediately resolve whatever I’ve called about 🙂

On a related note- I am cruising with my mom next month, and she can’t swim in deep water (she panics if she thinks it’s over her head).  On our 2 excursions that are boat rides, I’m going to make sure she has a life jacket within easy reach.  

Several months ago, I booked a Breezes day pass, for next February, directly from their website.  I got a confirmation email, stating my date and rate, but didn’t have to give them a credit card number.  The email also didn’t have a reservation number on it.

My question is- is this normal?  It’s so weird that they didn’t make me pay anything in advance.

Second question- can we pay using a credit card when we arrive?

I went in this morning, and none of the Blue Lagoon Excursions are showing for my Feb Mariner cruise.  It’s still showing my excursion as booked, but I think I’ll cancel.

Yes

I had heard that on the Panama Canal, Conquest cruises, there is free dining at

the specialty restaurants for lunch on embarkation day.  I’ve googled around, and can’t find any info about this.Is it true?

Weird thing- we have 3 upcoming cruises, with prepaid grats, and didn’t get the email?

Posting on behalf of my MIL.  Note, I tried searching around the web, and couldn’t find a definite answer.  Also tried posting on a popular social media site, but post was removed by admin?

I see carnival has 3 WiFi package levels.  Which is the cheapest, that allows you to text people not onboard?

Thanks!

What is a good way to get from Port Canaveral to the Orlando airport?  Approx cost for 2 people with one large bag and 2 carry ins?    Our flight leaves around 3pm, and we aren’t the type who likes to “cut it close”.

I often book trips as soon as they are released on the site.  I was SO hoping Icon suites would be reasonable for 2026, but OMG, so high!!!  When I checked the day they were released, it was over $17,000 for what I wanted, hundreds more than a comparable 2025 cruise 😞. I was hoping I’d catch an amazing deal, like what I did for wonder when I booked 2025 way in advance.  

On 10/15/2023 at 2:44 PM, h20skibum said:

I don't think I have been in the D (excuse me, the Crown) Lounge for anything except a morning latte, since they went to the voucher system. 

 

Those deck 4 lounges do not hold the same appeal as those larger venues with a view.

Just curious- is the Diamond lounge open for latte’s super early, like the suite lounge?  Like 4/5am?

I would be so nervous right now.  if I had booked the Miray cruise!!

Saw Life At Sea in the news today… I’m confused… I thought they had a ship already… but now I see that they haven’t actually closed on the sale, and have no ship??!!

Fun fact- when I got my drivers license, right after getting married, I accidentally signed my maiden name.  Did lots of traveling and whatnot, with this.  No one noticed (not even me!!).  About 2 years in, a store at the Mall of America checked my license to use a credit card, noticed the mistake, and wouldn’t let me make the (like $100) purchase!!!