bonsai3s

As njkruzer said, you'll have access to the entire ship. Enjoy the ship before the new passengers board. Lunch starts at 12 noon, MDR...but we did have a b2b lunch in the Windjammer on the Navigator...they opened the WJ at 11:30am. * Back in the day, b2b lunches were sometimes at specialty restaurants. When in the MDR, there's a limited, but very nice, menu...and complimentary wine...not anymore. * On TAD, I enjoy the empty jacuzzi and a couple of Bloody Marys...nice.

Yes, we discovered this "hybrid brunch" recently on the Symphony. We usually eat lunch (late) around 1:15pm...on one sea day, we wanted to try the MDR for lunch. We show up at 1:15 and both of us smiled...no queue. We get to the podium and requested a table...the headwaiter said: "Sorry, we are closed". * Our fault...never even paid attention. We both looked at each other and said: "Duh!". Fortunately, there were plenty of other places to eat.

They have a salary.

Denversail...you are spot-on! ...great info.

$118.43...

DIY...Civitavecchia to Rome. * Take shuttle from ship to train station. * Purchase BIRG ticket...roundtrip train and access to Metro in Rome. 14€ * Approx.1 hr train ride. * Get off San Pietro (St. Peter) station. * 10-minute walk to St. Peter's Basilica/Vatican. * From St. Peter's Basilica, you can walk to Castel D'Angelo, cross the Tiber River, walk to Piazza Navona, then Pantheon, then Trevi Fountain. * Spanish Steps is nearby or you can take the Metro to the Collosseum. * You can take the train back to Civitavecchia from the Main Termini. This is just a brief summary...lots of other details in the Italy forum if you are interested.

Hi APDMOM! Many of the B2B passengers on the second TAD were angry...but tempers cooled down rather quickly after boarding...and upon reflection... * There were U.S. Health Inspectors onboard...putting the crew on edge. * It was the end of a TA...first time at FLL/PE...everyone, including crew members, had to meet with CBP. * I can't remember the exact number of B2B passengers, but it may have been over 200.

Agree with both BND and RobinMN. Our recent experience all on the Symphony....B5B. * First TAD...in Barcelona. We went to the Royal Theater, got our new seapass cards, then photo taken, "ding" out with the old cards, and back in with the new cards. On the way out of the theater, we asked: "Where do we go now?" The crew member smiled and answered: "You are free to roam". It took less than a minute! * Second TAD...now in FLL/PE. We went to the Royal Theater, got our new seapass cards, then waited. We walked off the ship and "ding" out...they took our old seapass cards (returned them a few days later), then waited downstairs in the terminal. All B2B passengers met with CBP and showed our passports. We were then told to sit down at the terminal...and wait. We walked back up onto the ship...another long queue formed approaching the gangway...because they were taking new photos as you "ding" in. Total time: approximately 3.5 hours. * Third TAD...FLL/PE. Same process...theater, walk-off...but this time we didn't have to meet with CBP...they used Facial Recognition. We again waited in the terminal before boarding. Total time: approximately 2 hours. * Fourth TAD...FLL/PE. Same process...theater, walk-off...facial recognition...no waiting...back onboard. Total time: approximately 1.5 hours.

1. No, they don't scan your seapass card...they ask your cabin number. You can politely ask the CK Host if your brother can join you...they will most likely accomodate you. 2. No limit to lobster at CK. We were just off the Symphony, and our CK staff asked if my wife wanted more lobster. * Tip: If you like lobster, try the lobster salad. CK menu is available in the Royal Caribbean App. * It may be difficult for you to get a reservation for the popular first night dinner...on the menu...filet mignon. Happy sailing!

Ok...Nancy, you had me laughing. To BlackForest...on the Navigator, Deck 2, across the hallway from the Loyalty Ambassador's desk...is a conference room. We usually find the door open and the room empty. * Not sure if you have to reserve it to use it. Happy sailing! * Promise not to tell anyone about this secret.

Agree...a Genie would've welcomed a wheelchaired person in the elevator. Shame on the passengers and Genie if they stopped the OP.

$114.21 today.

Khaki shorts and black polo shirt absolutely ok. He will not be turned away or ridiculed. We love Hooked and have eaten there many times for dinner...we've seen men wearing khaki shorts and polo shirts. Enjoy.

Off the grid...Niners vs Eagles on.

Mum2Mercury...after over 30 years of cruising, exactly our sentiments. We just spent 41 days onboard the Symphony. The gratuity increase (from $16 to $18) occurred during our time onboard...thus a lot of discussion amongst passengers. Many of the crew members openly expressed their feelings about tips. Some even gave us suggestions. Guest Services also provided important information and assistance. Based on what they told us...we came up with a perfect solution...that works for us...and made the crew happy. * My apologies, I am intentionally refraining from posting our perfect solution.

On the Symphony, we asked 6 different guest services staff...who the "other services" are? All of them said: "For crew members working in public areas...such as, restrooms, carpet cleaners, pool areas,..." * I am just posting what was said to us. If you ask yourself, perhaps you'll get a different answer.

Kbonner...I am not responding for island lady...but I for one, would love to know about casino masters. Politely asking, we don't gamble either. We only recently experienced that "casino masters get top priority way above all Pins"...there were 81 casino masters onboard our recent TA. Thank you.

Symphony, westbound TA, Nov. 29, 2023. * Daily coffee vouchers given. * CWO lunch was split to 2 days. * D+ only, at DL/CL during HH. * P HH at Dazzles. * Top 30 P full access to CK. * P breakfast at Chops.

Our friends smirked at us and our financial advisor questioned why we were considering on purchasing Royal Caribbean stocks during the pandemic...we bought shares anyway. I'll be the first to admit...we just got lucky. Bought shares at $30.10/share...today it is $110.43/share.

So true...just this past Thanksgiving sailing on the Symphony...we saw a little girl (around 10 yrs old), asking a stranger (a man) if he's seen "little ducks". We looked around and no sight of parents, siblings, or anyone else. My wife said: " That is just scary and insane that parents would allow a little girl go around the ship...by herself."

Slightly off topic...but regarding blood donation. On the Symphony earlier this week, the Captain announced a "Humanitarian" request for blood donation...18-55, male, O+, and a few other criterias. The next day, in Labadee, we had a Medivac...helicopter landed on the pier at Labadee. We were all hoping for the best.

Symphony of the Seas...Captain Angel Oviol Ruiz replaced Captain Rick Sullivan Nov. 18, 2023.

Yes, Jazz Club has been converted to a non-smoking casino. Jazz Club no longer exist on Symphony.

Gizbug, genuinely sorry to hear about all the issues...I am just politely asking if you spoke to anyone onboard regarding all your issues? Thanks. * Our first RCCL ship was Song of America.

Currently onboard the Symphony. Hooked not included. * As Biker19 said, it depends on your negotiating skills.