Grandma Dazzles

Just returned from the Serenade. Wonderful cruise with a hardworking staff trying to keep everyone safe. Over the years have seen many towel animals - this was a new one! Traveling solo and returning to my dimly lit cabin around midnight this was scared the heck out of me for a moment - then such a good laugh!  Gabriel on deck 10, awesome steward. 

Just got off the Serenade Friday. It was a great cruise - staff were cleaning everywhere continually.  Feel sorry for them - really busting their butts trying to keep passengers safe and happy.  
 

Surprised they sailed again, but at the time (only a few days ago), ports were accepting ships - no one is really to blame - this whole pandemic is setting new rules for everyone almost hourly.  Met a lot of B2B cruisers and several from Europe, Australia and Canada. Many were here on extended vacations and had planned trips to Disney, Vegas, etc.

Personally feel fine, but choosing to stay home, and monitoring myself. I am retired, which helps, but not many places open any way.  Prayers for all those affected in any way. 

I would say a light sweater.  The closer you sit to the ice too is colder.  It’s definitely colder than the rest of the ship, but not freezing. 

Check your spam - might be there. 

She will have a lot to keep her busy!  Incidentally, a 3-1/2 year old isn’t a toddler - just mentioning because unless people catch the age in your original comment they are going to give you information for younger kids. She is old enough for Adventure Ocean, if you want to send her. Lots to do for the whole family. 

Someone just posted this photo on another cruise website showing a TSA line outside the building at FLL with an approximate 1 to 2 hour wait to check bags and clear TSA.  I guess it doesn’t always work so easily!

G

Would suggest working with the TA who booked the cruise, or RC directly if you didn’t use a TA.  Some things might depend on muster stations and also said you “think” your cabin sleeps 4 - no one can advise you without knowing for sure how many the cabin holds.  If it doesn’t hold 3 or 4 you cannot add a person.  I think you need to start with that and go from there regarding drink package. 
 

You are also looking at different pricing for the cabin, and also penalties for canceling. 

Be aware that an 18-year-old is an adult. May not have access to teen club. RC’s teen center does not allow18-year-olds. 

2 hours ago, fletch1027 said:

Looks like Miami isn't an option (unless this RCI FAQ page is out of date). Fort Lauderdale, Port Canaveral & Seattle

 

https://www.royalcaribbean.com/faq/questions/does-royal-caribbean-offer-luggage-valet

Used out of Miami last year in April - Navigator of the Seas. 

Excellent program. It’s called luggage valet and is available through certain airlines.  Highly recommend. 

You move to the next level after you complete your cruise. 

42 minutes ago, NthernLgts said:

Thank you for the responses.  I still think it’s a goofy policy to require both to purchase as the same concerns should be applicable to every drink package they sell.  We’ll figure something out, probably drag a couple bottles of wine on board at a minimum.

Unfortunately the sharing of packages by many cruisers, especially the alcoholic drinks, made the rules necessary.  At least if you call you have the option of one alcoholic package and one refreshment package.  

5 hours ago, snaefell said:

I understand why they do it but it can be a real pain,when we boarded Quantum in October my Wife asked about buying the Deluxe Package for herself as I don't drink but besides being quoted a 'silly' price they insisted that I buy the refreshment package which was a waste as I don't drink coffee or soda so we just bought drinks as & when we wanted.

Just FYI the refreshment package covers much more than coffee and soda.  Refreshment package includes fresh squeezed orange juice, bottled water, specialty 

coffee, soda, virgin cocktails, etc.  Bottled water is useful for taking on shore. 

26 minutes ago, habsexpos said:

Seriously?.....I build web sites and am an expert with digital media. I still like the paper brochures. If RC had a better website where you can "save" potential cruises when browsing that may help. But until then I like using post-its in a paper brochure. Also, if someone wants a paper brochure they'll drive to a local travel agency and get one....so no real environmental savings. 

Post is from 2018. Very few hard copies any more, including at travel agents.  I am not an expert in digital media and I have no problem saving what I need or writing down in a notebook - surely if you are an expert you should be able to manage!  Brochures were outdated as soon as they were published. 

Another point that no one has mentioned. I honestly feel that RC like many other businesses is in a no win situation. 
 

Original poster is upset that an “American “ company didn’t celebrate how he expected Christmas to be celebrated with appropriate (to him) Christmas food. He places a lot of blame on the Americans!

Unfortunately it’s not politically correct any more to mention the word “Christmas.”  It’s not a Christmas dinner - it’s a holiday dinner; it’s a holiday tree; and my goodness don’t wish anyone a Merry Christmas.  I don’t think RC advertises Christmas cruises - it’s a holiday cruise. Another thread was complaining about the lack of Hanukkah celebrations. Christmas carols are religious songs. 

i think any company in this day and age has to tread a very fine line. Personally don’t agree but it’s the way it is. 

Understanding that the 18-year-old is an adult and can take care of himself, I would still recommend anyone traveling with a friend (of any age), or a family member whom they don’t really know/see frequently, have basic medical information on that person.
 

In an emergency if the person is hurt, unconscious, it can be very helpful to know if someone has allergies, has a medical condition, etc. to pass along to attending physician. 

Depends how many people need/have requested wheelchairs. They only have so many available to use.  Wheelchair people are usually located together and have to wait until a passenger is wheeled on board, taken to where they requested, e.g. Windjammer, and then “pusher” returns to the area for the next person.  

Haven’t done a Christmas cruise, but I wouldn’t expect turkey.  Thanksgiving is when Americans eat turkey!  More likely to get beef/ham or in US.  
 

By the way, I am British by birth - my family eats turkey, Yorkshire pudding, Christmas cake and Christmas pudding !

18 hours ago, clubbs said:

I have only been in one cruise and that was 15 yrs ago. They did not offer a drink package then. Do both people in the cabin have to get the package?  My wife drinks but not enough to justify the package. 

If you book on line you both have to purchase the package. However, if you call RC they will allow one person to purchase the alcohol package and one person to purchase the Refreshment package, which includes bottled water, soda, fresh squeezed juice, virgin cocktails and specialty coffee. 

MDR breakfast on the Navigator. 

Love the MDR for breakfast. You can order off the menu, or there is an extensive buffet; you can do a little of both.  

11 minutes ago, Milwaukee Eight said:

Ok, so we can say a DL was actually converted to a SL but not the CL on Navigator. 

Yes, but there is no CL any more.  It’s DL and Suite lounge. 

1 hour ago, Milwaukee Eight said:

On what ship was the CL converted to an SL?  I’m pretty sure on Freedom Class ships the CL’s are being converted to cabins. 

On the Navigator the DL was converted into a concierge/suite lounge - I am referring to the one with the beautiful windows and outdoor area on deck 13 - Viking Lounge are.  The cigar lounge is now the DL on deck 5 - small - no windows etc.  Star lounge was used as an overflow lounge some nights, but definitely not as nice to sit in during the day.   Access was for Pinnacle and suite guests only - diamond plus was not allowed access.  Old CL lounge appeared to be used by loyalty ambassador, and people booking cruises, but not sure if this is permanent.