FinallyCruisinIn2014

We made it to COCO Cay last week on the Granduer, eventually. The tender process was a complete disaster. We were late arriving to the island, not a weather issue or our delayed boarding, so we don't know why. There didn't appear to be enough tender or they were not being directed to the correct places. Enchantment was in port with us. We had a 1 1/2 hr. plus wait for a tender after they announced the tender process had started, and we were on the second tender, and arrived after 11:30! Many people had missed their timed water park slots, and had to argue to get their children into the park. Many people we spoke with didn't arrive until after 1:30. We were taken down as a handicap traveler who couldn't do steps and the crew forgot to lock the elevators to deck 1. It was a mess as people were able to take the elevators by themselves to deck 1 where the tendering was taking place (therefore avoiding the line that had formed up to deck 6). There were several staff hiding between deck 1 and 2 where there were no passengers because they were as one lady said, "tired of the complaints". When this was brought to the attention of guest services, they said it normally works better, but they didn't do tender tickets this time. The process looked like something the crew had never done before. For something they do every week, you would think they'd have the process perfected! Once on the island, it was a great day, but getting there was the battle.

I'm thinking this was on Tuesday, April 8th? We were on Enchantment and with you there that day. For us, they announced early (8ish) that they were holding off the tenders. By 9ish they said they were attempting it (for a first time cruiser, the word "attempting" didn't sound very good!). but we made it over about 9:30 and our lines moved quickly on the boat. I spoke with a lady from the Granduer while on the Cay and she said their tenders were really slow. Ours moved quickly both on and off the island although it was a slightly rough trip both ways..... maybe it's always like that, I don't know.

But to answer the original op question: we are 1 for 1. The day was beautiful but the sea was rough - we rented snorkeling equipment and tried but it wasn't good snorkeling at all.

Love this thread - I had no idea you could do all this in the MDR :D

Question: I see people have gotten larger portions. I'm not a big eater but I love trying new things. If I see two entrees I'd like to try and can't decide, can they make me smaller (half or quarter) portions? I hate to waste food but I know I'll have a hard time decided what to get.

recent post said they came back to find an empty gas tank . . . they know it was not empty when they parked . . . they held their own keys so????? Siphoning gas from tanks?

:eek: Yikes! I didn't read that. I'm going in search of that post now - thanks!

Good for you! On our very first cruise the TA ordered us the Bon Voyage package. Not only were we surprised, we loved it! The couple next to us were very ticked off at their TA hadn't done anything for them ever and this was their 6th cruise! We got comments all week long welcoming us to our first cruise! The girls will love it! :)

Yeah :) Thank you! I'm excited for them to see it when they open their door :D

Maybe not most land resorts... but it's definitely the norm at Walt Disney World hotels. :) Way more elaborate than cruise ship doors! And the staff (the "Mousekeepers" :) ) often get in on the fun too, arranging stuffed anumals and whatnot into cute window displays while you're out for the day.

 

So, cruises aren't the only place we're silly. :D

 

 

-gina-

Yes! Exactly what I thought - apparently that poster has never been to Disney! Or a hotel/resort where some type of sporting event is going on. Hockey tournaments and dance competitions always have decorated doors all over the place :)

I decided to order it. I googled pictures and they look okay. Since we aren't wasting any money on excursions or anything, it's not a big deal to spend $31 to make their room festive.

I'll be sure to take pictures if anyone is interested for future cruises.

Found this thread with a search. I went to pre-pay at the park n cruise site and the park port canaveral came up on the google search. It is saying it is a paved lot. And yea, .04 cheaper per day ;)

Anyone recently park here?

thank you for everyone's opinions - they are all welcomed and appreciated!

I kind of figured they'd be $8 worth of decorations for $31 but then again, I have tried putting up decorations in a hotel room once (6 year old's birthday) What a pain in the butt it was - climbing on furniture, making sure to remember the tape, etc...

What got it started was my TA called and said most of the "gifts" were probably not something we'd really care about so she's just giving us some cash to spend as we see fit (my TA is my mom ;) ) so I started looking to see what they had and that's when I came across the room decorations and thought it would be fun for my girls. We'll see - I have another week to decide.

Does anyone have pictures by any chance?

Has anyone ever ordered the stateroom decorations?

How do they look?

does the cruiseline put them up in the room before you arrive?

I'm thinking about this for my girls' room since I put them "in a tiny, dark hole" of an inside stateroom (while we have a balcony across the hall) ;) says my teenager.

I was thinking about the Bon Voyage style. Any opinions, advice is appreciated!

What if there is no Johnny Rockets? Is the offer good for Ben and Jerry's or Lattitudes shakes?

Thank you so much!! Seriously! I have read a lot of reviews and while they were helpful and wonderful - YOU WIN! Best review and I'm so excited to get on the ship (and out of our new 8" of snow - ugh!!) I'm considering printing this all off so I can reread it on the way down (driving Michigan to Florida). But some (my family) would think that was obsessive ;)

No, it would be for the next sailing.

 

 

~Jacqui~ Sent from my iPhone using Forums

Thank you for answering :)

I was able to sign my DH and I up for Crown and Anchor, even though we've never sailed, because of our MLife membership (thank you CC members!!).

When I asked about my girls, they asked if they had MLife (no, it's a casino thing) so the rep told me I had to wait until we got on the ship to sign them up.

My question is - if I get them signed up right away will they receive the kid coupons for this sailing?

It says it's in 30 days, just 30...one month to go wha hoo!!!:D

 

Thanks!! I like to read reviews where you "cruise' virtually, so thats the kind a write with tips and planning ideas tossed in there! Glad you are enjoying!

Duh! Of course - we sail the 7th of April and today is the 7th. My brain is frozen from the Polar Vortex!!

Bummer about the buffet :( I've made a mental note to tell my family we are eating

first thing when it opens.

Absolutely LOVING this review!!! (and the pictures - they are "real" and I get a sense of being there)

We are going on our first cruise in, I can't remember - however many days it says down there - and reading this has me so excited!!

Black and white is fine.

Great! Thanks!!!

Do the tags have to be printed in color? Is there a meaning to the color of my tags specific to anything about my area/stateroom/deck, etc... ??

(I'm out of color, that's why I'm asking)

Its was behind the radisson at the port. Just a few blocks. Its pretty much just a public park. I guess some times during the year they have manatee's there. Its free to go. Then they have board walks along the water and you can see the port in the distance. I have a quick video of it if you would like to see it.

Oh, okay - thanks! Did you see Manatee? wondering if we should stop when we get off the ship on Friday.

Do all the ships have the same desserts?

Love the pictures so far - thanks!

Can't wait to read more.

Questions - you mentioned a "free" manatee park at PC? What is that and where is it?? :)

We use a garment bag for suits and dresses

The porters don't mind carrying those?

How do you all pack your dressier clothes? I was thinking about a valet bag but wasn't sure if I could use one as they aren't the easiest things to pile up with the other luggage from a porters point of view.

I read everything I can get my hands on about Enchantment so Thank You!

That's a bummer about the extra large group. We've dealt with those types of groups at Disney and it's a nightmare but at least you can change plans and avoid them on land!

Mind if I ask a few questions?

Did you snorkel or otherwise do any of the excursions on Coco Cay?

What did you do in the Bahamas with the kids?

What were the movies by the pool? I'm not sure how often this changes but I haven't heard about any movies for awhile.

thanks again :)

This is my first Royal Cruise and I am a lowly sapphire member at Mlife. I called the Royal Casino number 1-888-561-2234 and a very nice guy named Rick helped me out. He enrolled me in the Crown and Anchor club and said I will get the coupon booklet and can use priority boarding. Yay! So yes there are some benefits for low rolling first time RC cruisers! I love Cruise Critic! So much good info here!

I just did exactly this. I got a wonderful rep named Betty and she enrolled me in Crown and Anchor Gold and gave me my membership #. She said that my benefits will now be:

*Coupon booklet in my stateroom when we arrive

*Priority Check-in

*Welcome back party

*Private departure lounge with continental breakfast

*Meet the stars

*I can ask to be put on the upgrade list

Honestly, I have no idea what most of that means :) but for someone who has never cruised and is the lowest MLife status there is, I'll be happy and take it.

And if anyone can tell me a little more information about all my new "perks", I'd appreciate it. Priority check-in and upgrade list are self explanatory but the others I'd like to know details.

Oh, and just in case someone was wondering like I was, I asked if my freeplay on my MLife card would work in the ship's casino and was told no. No biggy. BUT..... should I make sure that I take my MLife card with me on the cruise? Is there a need for it?

This is my first Royal Cruise and I am a lowly sapphire member at Mlife. I called the Royal Casino number 1-888-561-2234 and a very nice guy named Rick helped me out. He enrolled me in the Crown and Anchor club and said I will get the coupon booklet and can use priority boarding. Yay! So yes there are some benefits for low rolling first time RC cruisers! I love Cruise Critic! So much good info here!

Thank you! I'm in the exact same boat ;) I'm going to call, too.

Do you know what is in the coupon booklet?