Back to cruising after a decade

[Mum2Mercury]

So we've been away from cruising for about a decade. First we were putting our kids through college, then Covid hit us. Now we're retired and are looking to "make up for lost time". I just booked a cheap cruise for September -- I'm going to love being able to travel any time! But we've been away for some time, and our lives are somewhat different now. I have some very specific questions before we cruise. THANKS IN ADVANCE to anyone who can help us.

- I understand we need to prove we are Covid vaxxed. No problem -- just had a booster; my arm literally still aches.  

- But we ALSO need to have a test within two days of boarding? The lengthy Covid document provided by RC contradicts itself at least twice. Is the easiest choice to go to Walgreen's and have a rapid test two days before? Then bring a negative print-out from Walgreen's?  Walk me through this, please!  
- We'll be cruising out of Miami. I sort of remember that they have -- had? -- free handicapped parking at their terminal. This didn't apply to us years ago, but now my husband has some mobility problems, and we do have a handicapped tag on our car.  Any information?
- My husband likes to drink beer, and the drink package might be a wise choice for him -- but $73 per day?  Ouch.  Thing is, I'll drink 3-4 cocktails over the course of the 8-night cruise; I don't drink fancy coffees or juice. I'm not trying to cheat anyone, but is it possible to buy the package for him and let me pay "as I go"?  Or do they still demand that everyone in the room has a package?
- RC allows two bottles of wine ... per person or per stateroom?
- Will I have any problem bringing soda cans from home?
- We like the lemonade and fruit punch that they used to serve in the Windjammer -- but we're now a diabetic family. Do they offer sugar-free?  I never noticed before.
- What are they charging for Spin Classes now?
- Do they still offer the wash-everything-in-this-bag for one price mid-way through the cruise?
- How do people tend to dress in the main dining room for dinner? I know the stated expectations -- I'm asking what's done.
- For a while Room Service was charging a delivery fee after X:00. Still true?
- Any advice on shore excursions on these islands? I've been poking around a bit online, and I don't see anything particularly exciting. Kralendijk, Bonaire ... Wilemstad, Curacao ... Oranjestad, Aruba
- What might I find surprising about RCCL having been away for a while?

Again, THANKS for any help y'all can give.

[gatour]

It is two bottles of wine per cabin.

You can bring on canned sodas as long as they are smaller than 17 oz.  I know that is an odd number but it is due to they allow you to bring bottled water and 17 oz is equilavant to 500 ml which is fairly common size for bottled water.

 

Mind you, that wine, soda, water must be carried on by you and/or spouse.  It can't be packed in checked luggage.

 

At least a few years ago when they reinstituted everyone of age in the cabin must purchase the alchohic drinks package.  However they would make exceptions.  You have to call RCCL and give a reason.  I did this a couple of times as a my is almost a non-drinker (at most on a 7 day cruise at most she only has two alchoholic drinks)

The rest of your questions I can't answer, and also I may be corrected by people that have sailed post covid.

[firefly333]

If your husband gets the drinks pkg before the cruise, you can call and purchase the refreshment pkg. It's still not that cheap imo. It includes everything but alcoholic drinks. Mocktails, coffees, etc. And yes you have to call, not online.

 

2 bottles of wine and 12 soda or water must be carried on. It's now enforced. 

 

They had various flavored waters I think were sugar free waters. I liked mango. Also fruit punch tea and lemonade. 

 

I didnt see spin classes offered. They had free exercise class at the pool in the morning and then water aerobics. Some dance classes. Didnt see spin offered. 

 

People only dress up if they want to. I've seen shorts. You can wear whatever you want on dress your best night. Whatever you feel is best.

[cruisinghawg]

I will try to answer some of your questions

Get your covid test as you stated, the pharmacy or wherever you get it should both email and text you the results. Tip print off the results as it will greatly enhance your check-in.

We have a handicap plate also but do not know of any free parking place. If you are traveling from terminal one just park by the elevators if possible.

As stated above you have to get permission for one to have a package and the other not.

2 bottles per cabin not per person.

No sugar free lemonade or fruit juices but sugar free tea was all I had.

Yes still offer washing bag but price is higher than a decade ago.

People dress as they see fit now-a-days. I haven't worn a jacket much less a tie for 10 years. Some may even come in shorts and flip-flops.

Yes they still charge a fee except for a continental breakfast. They did wave this for breakfast for a while so not sure if they have started this back or not.

Workers are tired which you can see from a few threads here so service is not like you remembered. Food in main dining room may not be as good as you remembered as many are opting for the pay venues. 

Check on the RC site for their sponsored excursions.

 

I will try to answer anything  else if I can.

[Mum2Mercury]

56 minutes ago, gatour said:

It is two bottles of wine per cabin.

You can bring on canned sodas as long as they are smaller than 17 oz.  I know that is an odd number but it is due to they allow you to bring bottled water and 17 oz is equilavant to 500 ml which is fairly common size for bottled water.

 

Mind you, that wine, soda, water must be carried on by you and/or spouse.  It can't be packed in checked luggage.

Good to know these details.  I'm guessing that they're trying to get people to bring aluminum cans rather than 20-oz plastic screw-top sodas, which are easier to fill with alcohol. 

 

I used to pack a cardboard box (like a paper box brought home from work) with our sodas, water, sunscreen, and other "consumables", and I'd have it delivered to the room.  This is a serious no-go now?  

THANKS. 

[Mum2Mercury]

52 minutes ago, firefly333 said:

If your husband gets the drinks pkg before the cruise, you can call and purchase the refreshment pkg. It's still not that cheap imo. It includes everything but alcoholic drinks. Mocktails, coffees, etc. And yes you have to call, not online.

 

2 bottles of wine and 12 soda or water must be carried on. It's now enforced. 

 

They had various flavored waters I think were sugar free waters. I liked mango. Also fruit punch tea and lemonade. 

 

I didnt see spin classes offered. They had free exercise class at the pool in the morning and then water aerobics. Some dance classes. Didnt see spin offered. 

 

People only dress up if they want to. I've seen shorts. You can wear whatever you want on dress your best night. Whatever you feel is best.

Yeah, I just made our ressies official, and I see that the alcohol package is $73/day/person.  That's out the door.  Instead I'm going to get us some OBC -- it'll be our personal alcohol package.  I'm settled on this. 

 

Two people are telling me the soda-carry on is enforced.  I'm a believer.  

 

Good to know the "included drinks" are available in sugar free.   

 

Bummer on spin.  

 

Sounds like things are more casual.  

THANKS. 

[Mum2Mercury]

38 minutes ago, cruisinghawg said:

I will try to answer some of your questions

Get your covid test as you stated, the pharmacy or wherever you get it should both email and text you the results. Tip print off the results as it will greatly enhance your check-in.

We have a handicap plate also but do not know of any free parking place. If you are traveling from terminal one just park by the elevators if possible.

As stated above you have to get permission for one to have a package and the other not.

2 bottles per cabin not per person.

Yes still offer washing bag but price is higher than a decade ago.

People dress as they see fit now-a-days. I haven't worn a jacket much less a tie for 10 years. Some may even come in shorts and flip-flops.

Yes they still charge a fee except for a continental breakfast. They did wave this for breakfast for a while so not sure if they have started this back or not.

Workers are tired which you can see from a few threads here so service is not like you remembered. Food in main dining room may not be as good as you remembered as many are opting for the pay venues. 

Check on the RC site for their sponsored excursions.

 

I will try to answer anything  else if I can.

And we upload that pharmacy info to the boarding document?  I'm just nervous about this because it's new, and it's essential that we "get it right". 

I probably just remember something wrong from years ago on the parking. 

Hmm, conflicting info from the last poster -- maybe we should bring the little powdered drink tubes we use at home /pour them into water.  Being a low-carb family, we try to avoid drinking sugar.  

Do you know what the washing-bag price is now? 

So room service is always a fee now -- except for continental breakfast?  

Yes, I'm seeing lots of "workers are tired" threads.  This is disheartening. 

 

THANKS. 

 

[firefly333]

5 minutes ago, Mum2Mercury said:

And we upload that pharmacy info to the boarding document?  I'm just nervous about this because it's new, and it's essential that we "get it right". 

I probably just remember something wrong from years ago on the parking. 

Hmm, conflicting info from the last poster -- maybe we should bring the little powdered drink tubes we use at home /pour them into water.  Being a low-carb family, we try to avoid drinking sugar.  

Do you know what the washing-bag price is now? 

So room service is always a fee now -- except for continental breakfast?  

Yes, I'm seeing lots of "workers are tired" threads.  This is disheartening. 

 

THANKS. 

 

You upload your vaccine card to the boarding info.

 

The test info I print out and bring with me.

 

Also they assume everyone has a scanner. To depart from the ship you get a little thing says scan to plan. I don't have a bulet in scanner so each time I have to go ask someone to add me to walk out early as I want. Download the app, menus can be seen on the app. Also you can scan them lol. But the app is where you now reserve shows once onboard.

[Diver2014]

You didn't indicate where you live but if you have a Florida disabled plate or meet Florida statutes, you are exempt from parking fees at POM.

 

For Disabled Persons

Miami-Dade County Ordinance requires all guests with a disabled parking permit or license tag to pay standard parking rates except as provided by Florida State Law. However, two hours of complimentary parking will be provided to vehicles displaying a disabled parking permit or license tag.

---

In accordance with Florida Statute 316.1964, ONLY vehicles with specialized equipment such as ramps, lifts, or foot or hand controls, for use by a person who has a disability, or any vehicle displaying a State of Florida license plate for disabled veterans Adobe PDF issued under s. 320.084, s. 320.0842, or s. 320.0845 or displaying the Florida Toll Exemption permit, is exempt from parking charges.

[Mum2Mercury]

3 minutes ago, firefly333 said:

You upload your vaccine card to the boarding info.

 

The test info I print out and bring with me.

 

Also they assume everyone has a scanner. To depart from the ship you get a little thing says scan to plan. I don't have a bulet in scanner so each time I have to go ask someone to add me to walk out early as I want. Download the app, menus can be seen on the app. Also you can scan them lol. But the app is where you now reserve shows once onboard.

I'm feeling secure about the Covid requirements now.  

 

I do have a scanner on my phone.  Good to know that's how it works now.  

 

What's the app?  Is it just the one I see in Google Play now that I'm looking? 

[firefly333]

8 minutes ago, Mum2Mercury said:

I'm feeling secure about the Covid requirements now.  

 

I do have a scanner on my phone.  Good to know that's how it works now.  

 

What's the app?  Is it just the one I see in Google Play now that I'm looking? 

Yes it's in google play if you have android. There is also a chat feature for 1.99 pp.

 

All the complete menus are in the app and the activities. The kids and vegan menu is below the regular menus if you scroll down. They did give out paper menus on rcl. App is very easy to use. It's where you upload a copy of your vaccine card, but you cant check in until 45 days before. 3rd step is your vaccine card.

[orville99]

32 minutes ago, Mum2Mercury said:

Yeah, I just made our ressies official, and I see that the alcohol package is $73/day/person.  That's out the door.

Current beer prices are approaching $10 each. If your husband is a beer drinker, he'd have to down 7-8/day to cover the drink package. Shaker drinks are currently $13 + 18& gratuity - so ~$15.25 each.

[Mum2Mercury]

37 minutes ago, Diver2014 said:

You didn't indicate where you live but if you have a Florida disabled plate or meet Florida statutes, you are exempt from parking fees at POM.

No, I'm not a Floridian, but maybe that was the thing I remembered from way back.  

Looks like I'm going to have to pay for parking.  

 

THANKS.

[Mum2Mercury]

22 minutes ago, firefly333 said:

Yes it's in google play if you have android. There is also a chat feature for 1.99 pp.

 

All the complete menus are in the app and the activities. The kids and vegan menu is below the regular menus if you scroll down. They did give out paper menus on rcl. App is very easy to use. It's where you upload a copy of your vaccine card, but you cant check in until 45 days before. 3rd step is your vaccine card.

I downloaded it on my phone and my husband's -- wow, this'll be useful. 

I'm just about to write "begin online cruise check in" on my (paper) calendar. 

 

Thanks -- this is an example me not knowing what I don't know.  

[Mum2Mercury]

20 minutes ago, orville99 said:

Current beer prices are approaching $10 each. If your husband is a beer drinker, he'd have to down 7-8/day to cover the drink package. Shaker drinks are currently $13 + 18& gratuity - so ~$15.25 each.

Ouch.  That's expensive.  

 

Plus we have three island stops on our cruise, and he's always been the type to ... um, shall we say "take maximum of the $2 beers near the dock"?  So that's three days when he would not use the drink package to its full advantage.  

 

Yeah, I'm committed to adding some OBC to our account when the time draws nearer, and we'll treat that as our drink package.  It makes much more sense for our needs.  

 

THANKS. 

[orville99]

7 minutes ago, Mum2Mercury said:

Thanks -- this is an example me not knowing what I don't know

No one knows what they don’t know until someone they know doesn’t know how to tell them they don’t know what you thought they knew that you need to know. Or something like that, but I don’t know….

[firefly333]

1 minute ago, Mum2Mercury said:

Ouch.  That's expensive.  

 

Plus we have three island stops on our cruise, and he's always been the type to ... um, shall we say "take maximum of the $2 beers near the dock"?  So that's three days when he would not use the drink package to its full advantage.  

 

Yeah, I'm committed to adding some OBC to our account when the time draws nearer, and we'll treat that as our drink package.  It makes much more sense for our needs.  

 

THANKS. 

Lol good luck finding those $2 beers near the pier. Most couldnt even find Corona in Mexico and were told because of the name stigma. I remember when beer was $1 and a can of coke $2 in mexico.

 

The drink pkg is good at coco cay if you visit any private islands. 

 

Chops the surf and turf is gone. Only steak is included, not lobster. There is a $21 surcharge for a 1.5 lbs lobster in chops ..on top of the cost of chops. 

 

Sirloin steak is on the every night menu in the Mdr. Free. If there is nothing else you like. It was my go to meal more than once.  I thought it was pretty good. The minute steak in WJ now they seem to cook it all medium... ruined it for me. I want me and had to wait so I quit getting it there. 

 

If you are comfortable with the app ...everything is in there except getting off the ship at the end. Put your phone on airplane mode. 

[Mum2Mercury]

Orville, you've confused me. 

 

FIrefly, no more $1-2 beers?  You're breaking my poor husband's heart!  Hasn't he suffered enough lately with the stroke?  We will probably stick to "included in the ticket" food, and -- trust me -- we won't feel ourselves hard pressed.  As for steaks, I ruined a good steak the other night -- still beating myself up. 

 

I downloaded the app -- I think we'll really enjoy it.  Yes, thanks for the reminder to put it on airplane mode.  My phone's getting old, and the battery isn't what it used to be.  Getting off the ship -- they still rely upon your Ship ID? 

 

THANKS, ALL.  You're giving me so much good information.  I'm starting to feel like I'm well informed again.  

[billslowsky]

29 minutes ago, firefly333 said:

Lol good luck finding those $2 beers near the pier. Most couldnt even find Corona in Mexico and were told because of the name stigma. I remember when beer was $1 and a can of coke $2 in mexico.

Look for Carib if you are out and about on an island.  It's the drinkable cheap stuff.  

 

For onboard sugar-free drinks, bring along Mio or something like that.  It's a concentrate you squirt into a glass or bottle of water.  Available at grocery stores, Target, Wal-Mart, most any where.  Crystal Light also.  Costs about $3, find a flavor you like before you go.  Small container, you might want a couple.

 

As someone else mentioned, 3 beers a day on the ship will run you about $30 per day.  See the thread about "Outrageous cost of beverage package" that's going on...

 

The reason for the "17 oz" limit on soda you bring onboard is that six packs of bottles sold in grocery store are usually 16.9 oz each (500 ml).  And yes, you lug them on.

[orville99]

7 minutes ago, Mum2Mercury said:

Getting off the ship -- they still rely upon your Ship ID? 

At port stops it is your sea pass card and a government issued id. Some ports also require your vaccination cards, and a few still require masks - but that is gradually changing. 

[ONECRUISER]

2 hours ago, Mum2Mercury said:

Good to know these details.  I'm guessing that they're trying to get people to bring aluminum cans rather than 20-oz plastic screw-top sodas, which are easier to fill with alcohol. 

 

I used to pack a cardboard box (like a paper box brought home from work) with our sodas, water, sunscreen, and other "consumables", and I'd have it delivered to the room.  This is a serious no-go now?  

THANKS. 

Yes, bring Drinks on you carry them on. Observed Checked Bags with Drinks in them end up held until Retrieved at Naughty table. Too Many, they held extra 12 Packs. This just last month. 

[Mum2Mercury]

31 minutes ago, billslowsky said:

For onboard sugar-free drinks, bring along Mio or something like that. 

 

The reason for the "17 oz" limit on soda you bring onboard is that six packs of bottles sold in grocery store are usually 16.9 oz each (500 ml).  And yes, you lug them on.

We like the powdered drink mixes, and I'll probably pack Stevia packets for tea as well.  

 

I'm glad I asked about bringing drinks onboard.  I was fully prepared to pack up a cardboard box of drinks like I've done in the past /dump it on the porters.  Now I find I AM the porter!  

 

THANKS. 

[Mum2Mercury]

23 minutes ago, orville99 said:

At port stops it is your sea pass card and a government issued id. Some ports also require your vaccination cards, and a few still require masks - but that is gradually changing. 

Okay, I wouldn't have thought we'd need to bring our vaxx cards ashore -- but, knowing, it's not a problem.  

I guess we should pack a box of masks.  

 

THANKS for helping me prepare!  

[Mum2Mercury]

12 minutes ago, ONECRUISER said:

Yes, bring Drinks on you carry them on. Observed Checked Bags with Drinks in them end up held until Retrieved at Naughty table. Too Many, they held extra 12 Packs. This just last month. 

All good information.  

 

THANKS. 

[Mapleleafforever]

3 hours ago, Mum2Mercury said:

So we've been away from cruising for about a decade. First we were putting our kids through college, then Covid hit us. Now we're retired and are looking to "make up for lost time". I just booked a cheap cruise for September -- I'm going to love being able to travel any time! But we've been away for some time, and our lives are somewhat different now. I have some very specific questions before we cruise. THANKS IN ADVANCE to anyone who can help us.

- I understand we need to prove we are Covid vaxxed. No problem -- just had a booster; my arm literally still aches.  

- But we ALSO need to have a test within two days of boarding? The lengthy Covid document provided by RC contradicts itself at least twice. Is the easiest choice to go to Walgreen's and have a rapid test two days before? Then bring a negative print-out from Walgreen's?  Walk me through this, please!  
- We'll be cruising out of Miami. I sort of remember that they have -- had? -- free handicapped parking at their terminal. This didn't apply to us years ago, but now my husband has some mobility problems, and we do have a handicapped tag on our car.  Any information?
- My husband likes to drink beer, and the drink package might be a wise choice for him -- but $73 per day?  Ouch.  Thing is, I'll drink 3-4 cocktails over the course of the 8-night cruise; I don't drink fancy coffees or juice. I'm not trying to cheat anyone, but is it possible to buy the package for him and let me pay "as I go"?  Or do they still demand that everyone in the room has a package?
- RC allows two bottles of wine ... per person or per stateroom?
- Will I have any problem bringing soda cans from home?
- We like the lemonade and fruit punch that they used to serve in the Windjammer -- but we're now a diabetic family. Do they offer sugar-free?  I never noticed before.
- What are they charging for Spin Classes now?
- Do they still offer the wash-everything-in-this-bag for one price mid-way through the cruise?
- How do people tend to dress in the main dining room for dinner? I know the stated expectations -- I'm asking what's done.
- For a while Room Service was charging a delivery fee after X:00. Still true?
- Any advice on shore excursions on these islands? I've been poking around a bit online, and I don't see anything particularly exciting. Kralendijk, Bonaire ... Wilemstad, Curacao ... Oranjestad, Aruba
- What might I find surprising about RCCL having been away for a while?

Again, THANKS for any help y'all can give.

The two eventually go hand in hand sadly.