janazaz

So, what I'm understanding is on HOTS we all have to buy RCI's WiFi (Voom) for iPhone/Android if we want make absolutely sure text messaging goes through in order to stay in communication.  

I thought I was smart enough to figure this out by reading past posts, but I guess I'm not.  So, I'll just ask in simple terms.  I need to keep track of teenagers on Harmony.  I know about the RCI app that's FREE for texting purposes but it's my understanding it doesn't have "push notices" and isn't all that reliable.  If the kids have an iPhone what does Royal offer for WiFi while on the ship....is that VOOM? How does all of this work that makes sense and doesn't end up costing a ton of money.  Not interested in streaming, FB or any of the social media stuff...just need to make sure these teen girls can communicate back and forth by texting me when needed.

Better than walkie-talkies.  Will that work if you wanted to text anywhere other than within the ship....like back home as long as they have the recipient also has the RCI app?  Teen onboard will be asking. 

This is good news!   So, on Harmony if you have no intention of doing anything other than "texting" from person to person (plus the other little one-offs)  there is no need to buy the Voom package?  I've been trying to find a way to keep track of the other family members onboard without buying an internet package I can do without. 

Thanks for the responses. What’s the best way (party of 6] from MCO to get to Raddison, then Radisson to Pier, and back to MCO?  Uber was really expensive so ya I would be even more. I looked at goportcanaveral.com and their hotel selection at the pier is either sold out or they don’t have availability for this many hotel rooms. 

Which hotel have you stayed that is the best and closest to the Port of Canaveral?  Taking our family plus two granddaughters (10 & 14) on their first HOTS cruise in July.  We've never sailed out of this area. I think I'd like to stay closest to the pier if possible.  Are any hotels close enough to see the ships cruise into the harbor from the hotel rooms like in MIA?  In your opinion and experience  which is your choice hotel either near or farther away from the pier?  Maybe you know of recent reliable transfers you've used that worked well from MCO/Hotel/Pier/Back to MCO on debarkation?  I'm really open to suggestions since we booked this last minute.  Thank you!

One last question, what’s so special about it that it’s reserved for certain cruisers?

Thanks, Host Clarea. Is that GS and up? Guess I could look it up but thanks anyway. 

I keep seeing Coastal Kitchen mentioned. It’s been more than a few years since we’ve cruised and since I have been reading these boards. So, what is the CK all about?

Please don't shake your head at me, but I haven't been on this board in years and I'm now

planning a trip that says perfect day .  What is the "perfect day" all about?

What a Wonderful World (Louie Armstrong)

I have enjoyed your review so much. I especially appreciate your candor for the good, bad and ugly of the ship you sailed. You made me feel like I was

part of your family as I sailed through familiar and those not so familiar ports again. Best review EVER and I thank you!!

We are really looking forward to the huge aft balcony! I promise to take good care of the room for you!! Where is 1052?

Mid-ship, port side...two down from the CL. I'll be in the CL a lot! Best morning coffee & best adult drinks on the ship. That's the only draw back to 1600...it's a LONG walk back to the CL.

Such a small world. What cabin are you in the first week? I will come and look for you. Have you stayed in 1600 before? It truly looks awesome!

 

Is the owner's suite still open? Not too likely we will get upgraded ....I never win anything or get deals! Just lucky enough to stumble on this cruise and this cabin with beginners luck! I have no doubt we will love all of it. It has been a dream of mine since I was 19. Many years ago! Now I will just spend the next 2 weeks here trying to make the time pass faster!!!

 

This review has been fantastic. Thank you Max's Mom for taking all this time!

Nope, never have been in 1600 but I'm sure it'll be fantastic. The OS is still available! Still hoping you'll get the upgrade. Maybe I'll make a call to the "peeps" tomorrow. My luck, you'll reject it! (1052 for the first one).

Thank you as well. We'll keep our fingers crossed for you that there will be no tropical storms during that time!

Wouldn't mind a "little rain". Being from AZ it's a treat to see rain, but certainly not hoping for tropical storms or hurricanes.

I booked wayyyy back in April. It has been a very long wait!! I have never cruised and I looked at the deck plan and asked what the heck was wrong with the room as it was still avaliable. Rep assured me it was an awesome room.

 

We are not flying out till Monday so we may not be up and out till we have to be but we will keep you in mind!

 

Are you from Arizona as well? We live in Tucson.

YES! We are in Gilbert...SE Valley of PHX. Small, small world...We'll have to meet up. Still hoping you get upgraded to the OS so I can have this room B2B. :) You'll love cruising. Been on NCL and Crystal ships but have the most trips on RCL. Love this particular class of ships and I hope you will too.

What a great, great review! Thank you, thank you.....can't wait to board this ship for our B2B on Sept. 5th.

Nice try!!! Wish they had gone for it!! But I am soooo excited about that cabin I can hardly wait. We will take good care of it

I'm sure you (and we) are going to enjoy it! We booked last minute and couldn't believe we had two (only 2 left) great GS choices available. Could I ask that you to kindly "GET OUT" as quickly as you can???? :) ...(just kidding....).

Thanks for this wonderful review. We are in 1600 on the 9-5 sailing and I am getting great ideas for things to do from your review. Really appreciated and love seeing the cabin!!

We are doing a B2B Sept 5, then Sept 12th for our 40th anniversary. We have 1600 for the Sept 12 sailing. I asked they put you in the OS so we can have 1600 for both sailings so I don't have to move from the other GS! ;) Keep it in good condition for us. Can't wait!!!