A big Thank You-Tips

[PrincessWarrior]

Hello Everyone,

 

DH and I have landed safely in reality after having a wonderful time aboard Symphony of the Seas December 29th cruise.

 

I want to give Cruise critic commentators, reviewers, & tip advisors a huge shout out for helping us have a fantastic time.  It was not a perfect trip but your tips, warnings and advice were so very helpful, that I have to say Thank you!

 

Tips we used!!

PLASTIC BAGS-omg-omg-yes!!  We packed everything in plastic bags.  We have cloth-like older luggage. On the day we flew into Miami from LaGuardia it rained and when we retrieved our luggage in Miami it was Soaked..apparently it was out in the rain for some time..  plastic bags saved the day.

 

Unpack IMMEDIATELY and put suitcase UNDER the bed.  A no brainer NOW that I’ve done it. I unpacked my toiletries..duh!  I moved in my new apartment and it was a great thing to do.

 

Sign up for meet & mingle AND attend- We signed up along with 26 others. Ten of us showed up.  It was fun. I met (and sat) with a patriot fan and some folks from my beloved Steeler country.  There were a few alcoholic beverages for prizes.  Champagne, Wine, Beer and a Royal Caribbean back back, along with a nice coffee, juice and pastry set up.  It was at 9:30 am on day two.  I wasn’t happy about that BUT I signed us up and we must not be the folks who don’t show up.  We won a backpack. Who hoo!

 

PICTURE OF LUGGAGE -We had a late flight out of Miami. We booked an excursion that included luggage storage.  They couldn’t find our bags according to the number on our slip.  Attendant assured us they would find our bags.. he asked for a description, I pulled out my phone showed him the picture. He communicated the description according to their vernacular and our bags were found.  The bag I considered “kind of grayish” was described as light blue...

 

Find your seating-this tip didn’t work out so well...I went to view seating prior to dinner.  Although not completely happy,  I saw where we were seated and was happy to have a window seat for two.  The person who showed me the seat did warn me that it would not offer much of a view at night.  I swear the curtains were closed.  Fast forward to dinner.  Our window view had a romantic view of the track and life boat on my right side with a stunning view of the food staging area on my left.  I did not realize that the corner wall belonged to the food staging area.  The ship was filled and getting a new place was going to be impossible.  We decided (after some back & forth) to go with it and have some fun.  Our dinner attendants (Hi Hatz! Hi Imade!) were wonderful and did their best to keep noise level and mess away from us.  We did not eat in dining room on NYE.  He refused to be in a corner in his tux. I agreed.  

 

BOOK SHOWS EARLY-We were able to see all of the shows we booked.  We did miss 1977 due to Hairspray time change.  I thought we would have a half hour between shows.  We arrived too late to enter, otherwise good tip.  They did advise everyone with reservation to arrive early.  Fifteen minutes prior to start of show the doors were open to everyone reservation or no reservation.

 

HAVE FUN AND GO WITH THE FLOW. Yes, there were lines.  (6000 people one ship) Yes, some people are rude or perceived as rude.  (6000 people 6,000 different personalities and Lord knows how many different cultures). You are on vacation with your love(d) ones.  Keep the main thing-the main thing.

 

Two things I forgot to mention in my Cruise Critic and Royal Caribbean reviews-1) The Jazz club and the talent performing there was outstanding!

2.) Where are the salty snacks?  A never ending supply of items to cure the sweet tooth, but Lord help you, if you have a pretzel, potato chip or nut or any salt craving! I would have settled for a saltine...

 

All in all a wonderful trip.  We have booked our next cruise for 2020.  Family obligations and finances dictate we wait....However...the year is young!

 

 

 

 

 

[taglovestocruise]

5 minutes ago, PrincessWarrior said:

Hello Everyone,

 

2.) Where are the salty snacks?  A never ending supply of items to cure the sweet tooth, but Lord help you, if you have a pretzel, potato chip or nut or any salt craving! I would have settled for a saltine...

 

All in all a wonderful trip.  We have booked our next cruise for 2020.  Family obligations and finances dictate we wait....However...the year is young!

 

 

 

 

 

Park Cafe. People walk out with multiple bags of chips all day.. Just ask for nuts in Schooner bar. happy cruising. 

[PrincessWarrior]

O goodness!  That is funny, we did not make the Schooner Bar.  I will look for chips at Park Cafe.  Thanks for the Tip!!