RoyalFan2011

The MB20 cruise was organized by Rose Tours.  The Goo Goo Dolls was also on board with them.  The passengers were divided into two groups when we checked in, an A group and a B group.  Since the main theatre was not large enough for everyone, both bands played 4 times in the theatre, twice to each group.  Matchbox also did a Q&A on the Lido Deck along with another show for all the passengers.  It was the best 3 days ever and we made lifelong friends.  My daughter ended up on stage with Paul Doucette multiple times and went home with his guitar.  Still seems like a dream and wish they would do it again.

Back in 2013 I was on the Carnival Imagination for the Matchbox Twenty cruise.  I doubt another cruise will ever beat that experience, but it didn’t have any of the typical Carnival activities.  My daughter (20) and I are now booked on the Celebration for a cruise in June and I have lots of questions.  All my other cruises have been on Royal Caribbean so I want to make sure I am as prepared as possible.

• We have Your Time Dining.  Can we make an exact time booking online?  Or do we wait until we board or is it just go anytime and hope it’s not too busy?
• Is it cheaper to buy massages pre cruise or once we get onboard?
• We have never been to Amber Cove or Grand Turk.  Any recommendations for people that don’t really drink?
• When can we buy tickets for the roller coaster on board?
• How difficult is it to buy a cabana for a day on the Celebration?  I know they are offered to certain suite guests first.  Will they go on sale on line, or do we wait until we board?
• Royal has “The Key”, does Carnival have anything similar that makes boarding, departure, etc easier for those not in suites?

Thanks in advance for your help and I’m sure I’ll have more questions along the way!

Any idea when the 2026 Panama Canal cruises will be released?  It’s been on my bucket list and I think 2026 will be the year I can check it off the list.

I’ll be on my first cruise since the changes took place.  I’m the first to admit I am a very picky eater.  All I ever ate was the grilled chicken breast.  I might be ordering off the kids menu 😀

I just emailed the Diamond Lounge Concierge on the Mariner of the Seas with a few questions on our upcoming cruises.  The response time was really quick, but it was a template email that didn’t address either of my questions.  Has anyone had luck emailing them and getting actual questions answered?  I have never tried this in the past, so wasn’t sure what to expect.  Thanks.

I’ve always wondered how the people scanning the bags  know who is traveling together in which room.  I think I’ll have two bottles in two different bags and see what happens.  Thanks!

We have our first B2B in January and don’t plan on leaving the ship/cruise terminal on turnover day.  Can we bring 4 bottles of wine when we first board and have them store 2 bottles for our second leg?  

Are there any excursions in Cozumel where you can snorkel and potentially view sea turtles?

I thought since they are different classes of ships, there might be some differences. 

I am looking at booking a two bedroom grand suite on either the Mariner or Independence.  I’ve read that both ships have obstructed aft balconies.  Does one of the ships have better after views than the other?  We are looking at the 9th floor for both ships.  Thanks for your help!

Looking forward to your review.  We will be on the Harmony the week after you.

If anyone is either on the Harmony now, or will be in the next 2-3 weeks, can you take a picture of the spa packages?  We are really interested in massage therapies.  I’m curious if prices are less if we book in advance or it it better to wait.  Thanks!

Is is cheaper to buy a massage before the cruise or when on board?  I believe the pre-cruise prices are less, but not sure if the daily specials would be better.  Also curious if we booked ahead of time, would we still get our diamond+ discount?  Thanks for your advice in advance. 

 In the past there were four options on Barefoot Beach.

For our upcoming cruise in January I am seeing cabanas available for booking online for Barefoot Beach in Labadee.   We are in a suite and the last time we were in Labadee (pre Covid) we booked the cabana through the concierge.  Does anyone know if the concierge is still the person to contact for a cabana or do we book online?  The prices online are at least double what we paid in the past. 

Can anyone tell me if the. Park Cafe is open on the Allure?  My husband loves the roast beef sandwiches and salads there.  We cruise on Sunday.  Thanks!

We are on the Allure on 1/22.  Thanks for sharing all your thoughts!

We have the 2 room GS on the Allure in January. I am excited to hear you reviews on it.  

Thank you so much for all the great information!

I generally cruise with Royal Caribbean, but am seriously considering a NCL.  My daughter and I love the musical Six and would love to see it on a cruise.  How does entertainment work on NCL?  Can people see shows some than once?  Do you need reservations?  How many times is a production performed in a week?  Are there ever chances to meet the cast?  If you are in a certain type of cabin, does it help to get seats?  Thanks in advance for your help. 

How was your excursion?   We are thinking of booking directly as well. Would love to hear what you thought about it. 

Thanks.  I booked it today.  

Do any hotels offer day passes in San Juan?  We have a 4:45 flight after our cruise and don’t want to spend 4+ hours at the airport.  

Thank you!

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We have a stop in Grenada the week of Thanksgiving. Are people able to buy the local spices and chocolate and bring them back on the ship? I thought those might be some great Christmas presents. I have seen posts about buying rum, but can’t find information on buying spices and chocolate. Thanks in advance!

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