Navigator Hints, tips, etc

[Clarea]

:

 

Now I am confused:rolleyes:

When we were on Adventure last year d+ were told no tickets just show your card and walk in to D+ section (same went for gs or higher cabins) needless to say we went to walk in and the first person turned us away. I queried it with another door person as that was what we had been told by both concierge and diamond host and they told the person that turned us away to let us in as we were correct.

 

Is this another of those policies that varies from ship to ship or is this becoming coming practice for d+/above and suite guests to not need tickets?:confused:

Varies ship to ship.

[Aunt D]

Would like to know if anyone has checked a case of water or soda with their luggage since dry dock.

 

Also would like to know if you can check on a box of wine instead of bottle and if the bladder would fit in the fridge in the room.

 

Does it cost extra to do the rock climb, flow rider, ice skate?

 

This will be my families first RCCL cruise, 4 previous on Carnival.

 

Thank you so much for starting this thread! I love taking notes from all these great ideas.

 

 

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[GinLovesToCruise]

I can not help with the first two questions, but I can confirm there is no additional fee for the rock climbing wall, flow rider or ice skating.

 

Hope you enjoy your cruise.

 

 

 

 

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[CarolChaCha]

Would like to know if anyone has checked a case of water or soda with their luggage since dry dock.

 

Also would like to know if you can check on a box of wine instead of bottle and if the bladder would fit in the fridge in the room.

 

Does it cost extra to do the rock climb, flow rider, ice skate?

 

This will be my families first RCCL cruise, 4 previous on Carnival.

 

Thank you so much for starting this thread! I love taking notes from all these great ideas.

 

 

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RCCL's "rules"--- Only 2 750ML size bottles of wine per stateroom

[Elvez]

For the past several cruises I have checked a shrink wrapped case of water and just taped a luggage tag on it....never had a problem having it delivered to the room. That said, rules change so it might not work this year. One year my doctor wrote a letter stating that I did need to have this particular water. I'm not a fan of Evian so won't drink as much as I need of it. Also, those huge bottles are very difficult to carry around. I don't care for the taste of the ship water so won't drink enough of that either.

Edited March 7, 2014 by Elvez

[Canadian Tyler]

Can you get the Tender Tickets from the Concierge too?

 

Erika

 

When I was on 02/23 there were no tickets for the tender to Belize, you just line up. Unless you have an excursions booked through the cruiseline, they got priority boarding. Not sure if Diamond and above have any perks like priority tender boarding but didn't see anyone other than excursions going to the front of the line.

[lattelady]

Sailed on the 2/23. Not a super-experienced cruiser (my 3rd in 23 years) but will add some comments based on some of the above questions.

 

1. We did self-departure and didn't even request it until after dinner on the last night. Our time slot was 8:00-8:30. We were concerned about getting an elevator with our luggage (a very valid concern but amazingly an empty one opened quickly for us) and got to our spot about 7:40. They shooed us on without even looking at our ticket (though I mentioned it was for 8:00). I was traveling with my sister and at the suggestion of the "shopping expert" on board, we did our customs declaration together. Declaring a watch I bought still put us over the exemption a bit but they processed us through without a duty tax.

 

2. We ended up with ice show tickets for 6:30 which conflicted with our early dining time. We were able to eat in the late sitting that evening with no problem. In fact, it was fun to meet some new people.

 

3. We didn't discover breakfast in the MDR until later in the week. It was fabulous and I'd suggest it every time it is open. Same with lunch.

 

4. We brought Brita filtered water containers to drink from and they worked just fine with the ship water.

 

5. My hubs and I are taking the same trip next month. I am going to try to find an excursion in Belize that picks up at the ship, just to streamline the process (if we snorkel). I heard that there are some.

 

6. My sister is a tea-aholic (remember, sis, admitting it is the first step!). Looking for iced tea in the morning caught servers off guard but it can be done. It just requires a little friendly persistence, especially in the Windjammer.

 

7. Our cabin was port-side which I think was the preferable side by just a smidge.

 

That's all I can think of right now. Obviously had a great time which is why I'm booked to go with my husband next month!

[lmares1968]

Question about Belize. Since RCI shore excursions have first priority on tenders, what time can others expect to get a tender? I've booked an excursion with a local company.

[rum & monkey]

Question about Belize. Since RCI shore excursions have first priority on tenders, what time can others expect to get a tender? I've booked an excursion with a local company.

 

Depends on how full the ships excursions are and how many tenders they are operating that day. We have tendered into Belize three times now and the first time we were going to do it on our own. We missed our excursion and it was 2 1/2 hours after the first ship excursion. We got into the port so late that we did not have time to go and do a lot of excursions we wanted to and had to just go do something that got us back in time. Ever since we always book a ship excursion on tendered stops and look for the earliest departure we can find.

[Llmtax2000]

I don't believe Navigator has the unlimited plans yet.

 

 

I believe this was added with the most recent dry dock.

 

 

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[rum & monkey]

Sailed on the 2/23. Not a super-experienced cruiser (my 3rd in 23 years) but will add some comments based on some of the above questions.

 

1. We did self-departure and didn't even request it until after dinner on the last night. Our time slot was 8:00-8:30. We were concerned about getting an elevator with our luggage (a very valid concern but amazingly an empty one opened quickly for us) and got to our spot about 7:40. They shooed us on without even looking at our ticket (though I mentioned it was for 8:00). I was traveling with my sister and at the suggestion of the "shopping expert" on board, we did our customs declaration together. Declaring a watch I bought still put us over the exemption a bit but they processed us through without a duty tax.

 

2. We ended up with ice show tickets for 6:30 which conflicted with our early dining time. We were able to eat in the late sitting that evening with no problem. In fact, it was fun to meet some new people.

 

3. We didn't discover breakfast in the MDR until later in the week. It was fabulous and I'd suggest it every time it is open. Same with lunch.

 

4. We brought Brita filtered water containers to drink from and they worked just fine with the ship water.

 

5. My hubs and I are taking the same trip next month. I am going to try to find an excursion in Belize that picks up at the ship, just to streamline the process (if we snorkel). I heard that there are some.

 

6. My sister is a tea-aholic (remember, sis, admitting it is the first step!). Looking for iced tea in the morning caught servers off guard but it can be done. It just requires a little friendly persistence, especially in the Windjammer.

 

7. Our cabin was port-side which I think was the preferable side by just a smidge.

 

That's all I can think of right now. Obviously had a great time which is why I'm booked to go with my husband next month!

 

We took the BEB2 Barrier Reef Snorkel and Beach and it did pick up at the side of the ship for the AM excursion (the afternoon one picks up in port). It was great because the barrier reef is the opposite direction of port. It also took us back to the ship which gave us time to take a shower and get all the salt water washed off before tendering into port for a little shopping and drinks with our new excursion friends.

[lattelady]

We took the BEB2 Barrier Reef Snorkel and Beach and it did pick up at the side of the ship for the AM excursion (the afternoon one picks up in port). It was great because the barrier reef is the opposite direction of port. It also took us back to the ship which gave us time to take a shower and get all the salt water washed off before tendering into port for a little shopping and drinks with our new excursion friends.

 

Thank you, rum & monkey! I can't find that tour listed but one that I have my eye on, BE51 Snorkeling Wonders of the Barrier Reef, does note that they drop off directly at the ship. Doesn't say anything about pick up. As soon as our TA gets us booked (hopefully today as we are holding our cabin), and I can access our reservation online, I will hopefully find BEB2 available!

[lmares1968]

Depends on how full the ships excursions are and how many tenders they are operating that day. We have tendered into Belize three times now and the first time we were going to do it on our own. We missed our excursion and it was 2 1/2 hours after the first ship excursion. We got into the port so late that we did not have time to go and do a lot of excursions we wanted to and had to just go do something that got us back in time. Ever since we always book a ship excursion on tendered stops and look for the earliest departure we can find.

 

Thanks for the answer. I'm cruising the week after Thanksgiving which I've read is usually not as busy as some other cruise weeks. So maybe we'll luck out ☺

[Kitty Mama]

I'm on the Navigator later this month but did a Panama Canal cruise in Nov. and while we didn't purchase booze and cigarettes we got caught in the "duty free" jewelry net. No matter what you are told, anything qualifying purchases over $800 per person is taxable. Fortunately I had all my receipts with me for documetation We paid less than $25 in taxes but we saw others in huge arguments over what they owed. Remember: There is a hard & fast rule about liquor and cigarettes. Most people, we were told, simply abandon their purchases rather than pay the taxes.

 

Lynn

[Ghengis Klown]

Anymore Navigator tips? quite spots, things people forget about, etc. I'm interested in what others have found.

[train460]

I also am hoping for the "secret" tip.

2 years ago we did the Triumph out of galveston and had read about several good ones. Like the unmarked door that took you onto a balcony that was always empty. Stuff like that. How to get cash from an atm, use your pass in the casino then cash out?. Have heard that it works surcharge free and others say your charged etc. I like the the tips about using a door hanger type bag in the bathroom to keep all our bathroom type products, (wife has been doing this for years). Things to see, do, or just to make the cruise a little more enjoyable. What i HAVE been seeing is 2 differant opinions on what can and can't be done. Like bringing an extension cord with to keep your batteries charged etc. some say bring, others say not allowed. I would like to hear from the ones that have done these kinds of things recently, not on "what they have heard".

Michael

[lattelady]

We didn't bring an extension cord but did bring one of those mini surge protector power strips that plug directly into the outlet (no cord) and have three spots for plugs and two USB ports. We also had a mini tower fan (maybe 12 inches tall) and a Bose speaker system. I am going to find a smaller speaker to take back next month. Anyway, no issues with anything.

 

We didn't find any secret doors but as relatively inexperienced cruisers, we were really just exploring.

 

We took the stairs most of the time. On day, my pedometer indicated 22 flights of stairs! Always did more than 10,000 steps.

 

Loved our stateroom on the hump. Near the aft elevators and stairs. Very convenient. So much storage in the room that we didn't need it all.

 

 

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[Cruiserbarbie]

Here's my promised info after reading all your threads (out trip-March 2-9, Jamaica, Grand Cayman and Cozumel)

-weather in Austin that week was horrible, freezing and rainy. We had sunny skies, 75-85 degrees or fabulous weather (came back this morning to 41 and drizzly)

-get tickets for the ice show early. Read the Cruise Compass but were first available about 1-3 on day of departure on a table on the Royal Promenade. Look for the crew member as we missed it among all the stuff going on. Tickets were still available on the next two day offerings.

-deck above the bridge was a great viewing area as was looking down on the Captain.

-the heliport view was a Leo and Kate Titanic position. Take deck 5 to the front and go down to 4. Keep trying if gate is closed.

-lots of loungers, lots of chairs, lots of space. Deck Crew picks up towels left on chairs to "save". Young adults seem to hang up on sports court area. Loved the adult only Solarium. Follow the stairs in the pool areas to get to above the fray loungers.

-take in the steam room, sauna and hot tub in Spa as well as larger showers.

-had snack on the Royal Promenade (sort of squeezed behind Ben and Jerry's) for complimentary croissant sandwiches, cookies and pastries.

-nice chapel with stained glass window. Go about 11am for the full effect.

-we had about 16 cokes for the cabin and no problem bringing on board.

-make note if you are a Crown & Anchor member if you are Gold and above. There is a special embarkation line for you.

-we asked for a table for 2 and got it.

-ship has wonderful signage and interactive locators at all elevators. This is the easiest ship I have gotten around in. Maps it for you.

-interactive displays shows you the menu in the MDR--this way you can plan your indulgences for the day or decide to do the specialty dining.

-fabulous seafood salad and lobster tail on day 6.

-5 ships in port in Cozumel. About 8pm or so, looked out the balcony window and saw 4 jewels (the ships actually did look like jewels and that is how I thought of them) lit up on the high seas and then they broke off and it was a sight!

-library was nice and spacious but books go VERY quickly. On honor system but open all the time.

-Windjammer- head to the back for food and tables as everyone seems to stop as soon as they come in.

-Embarcation quick and easy. We had 1 airline sized carryon each. At Sapphire Lounge at 710, line moved about 730, through customs in no time, got parking shuttle and by 805 was changing the clock in the car on the highway (DST)

-have seapass for embarkation. Cruise Compass tells you to have your seapass for embarcation as does crew while waiting and while exiting. You can't clear the ship without the seapass (that's how they know everyone is off and in port how they know everyone is on board). 2 ladies who moaned and groaned while we waited that they had a plane to catch were the ones who got delayed as they "didn't know" they had to have their seapass!!!

-entertainment was great. Loved the ice show, magician and Texas Tenors in particular although others were good as well.

[train460]

great tips. these are the kind that i was looking for when i first posted the question.

Thanks

Michael

[train460]

one thing i cannot find is, What are the extra prices for the specialty places on board and which one require an additional fee and which ones are included with the cruise price?

michael

[Aunt D]

one thing i cannot find is, What are the extra prices for the specialty places on board and which one require an additional fee and which ones are included with the cruise price?

michael

 

 

I'm not sure if all the prices are the same, but that is from the RCCL website today.

[Aunt D]

 

This might be better!

[JuliaMS]

This will be our first time boarding in Galveston. we have priority boarding passes from AAA and I am gold C&A. Does anyone know which one is better or will both take us to the same line?

[camreesmom]

Does the Navigator have the Park Cafe? We loved the roast beef sandwiches from there on the Oasis.

 

 

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[Clarea]

Does the Navigator have the Park Cafe? We loved the roast beef sandwiches from there on the Oasis.

No Park Cafe on Navigator. It was on the plans for a while, but did not make the final cut.