DesertRose01

In the last couple of months, a user posted a spreadsheet they built to keep track of the fluctuation of the different cruise items prices and the savings. At the time, I thought what a great idea of a future cruise. Of course, now I can't find it... Anyone knows what/who i'm talking about?

37 minutes ago, CeleBrat said:

New to Royal (actually, cruised once with them back in 1992) and I'm confused as to why MTD reservations are done BEFORE you get in the ship.  I discovered it just last week but then found dining was only available from 7:30pm or later.

 I believe MTD starts at 6:45 (can't remember where I saw it). The logic behind that seems simple enough. Give enough time for the early diners rush to pass and before the late diners come in. I like eating early when at home, but when on vacation, I enjoy having supper around 7, then going to a show. 

If my family and I (8 in total) want to spend a few hours on the 7 mile beach, which spot is the best to head to, where they have chairs and a snack bar?

Thanks!

Cane Garden Beach.....we grabbed a taxi...8 per person, maybe 15-20 'adventures' drive. Beach Chairs are 5 and 5 for umbrella. As you can see from pictures very busy so not a place to sit back and relax but great place for kids. Water is rough today given the bad weather recently but kids enjoy jumping the waves. Happy with our decision to come here. Lots of taxis available to go back and little shops for souvenirs

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

Cane Garden Beach was great! I think it was so busy because many were sent there. We were scheduled to go on the Baths excursion, but it was cancelled. We then asked for a taxi to Brewer's Bay, but a cop, seeing we had children (9 and 12) told us not to go there because the waves were too high, due to the weather. They recommended Cane Garden Beach.

Enjoying the review! I'm disheartened to hear that the smoke smell is so bad on the Escape. The stink is something that bothers my entire family, and I'm considering whether to ditch this cruise or not. On a scale of 1-10, how bad is the smoke situation on decks 6-7-8, and how often to you find yourself having to go through there? If I can avoid smokers, I'll do it; but if it's a constant walk through a disgusting area, no way.

Hi AliceIn, we just came back from our week on the Escape. you can't smell the smoke (or barely) on decks 6 and 8. However, you do smell it on deck 7. Since our rooms were forward, to go to the MDR, we would take the stairs or elevator to deck 8, cross to the aft of the boat, then take the stairs one floor down, avoiding the Casino. When we did cross it, it was the smell (and not the smoke) that was bothersome - although I imagine it depends of the hour.

I'm relaxed and haven't shoveled snow in a week . I'll take that any week

There are a few threads asking what to wear in the evening, but I am more curious as to what people pack for the at-sea days. When I am on a resort, I'm only concerned with packing bathing suits and cover ups for myself and my boys, since we spend our days at the beach. However, what is the popular attire for lounging around the boat on at-sea days?

The math is weird-- how many days is the cruise?

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

7 nights. It's also Canadian money if that makes a difference lol

That's like NCL saying, we're changing this policy "for your convenience". I don't understand how having prepaid gratuities is more convenient. With 3 or 4 drinks a day, you are better off taking the "free" drinks. Think of it this way: 14.22 pppd for drinks and 13.50 pppd for DSC-- $27.72 will cover both DSC and all drinks. Looks better to me!

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

Thank you Denatravels. I sent an email to my TA and this is what she replied. I'm truly confused. Maybe it is because of the promos?

------

With current promo( pre-paid service charge) : you and your husband save ...$247.16.

With the Beverage package and 3 & 4th free your price will go up by $507.50 as you & your husband will now pay $247.16 for the base service charge and $260.34 for beverage service charge.

Taking all the above in consideration, you need to calculate if you feel you will drink for more than $500.00 ( you and your husband). If you think you will exceed these amounts than yes it is worth it but otherwise you are better off just paying for what you consume. ------

Any thoughts?

I'm not sure why the travel I booked with keeps insisting that it's more convenient for me to take the Free gratuities over the drinking package. My husband and I are not planning on drinking all day, but we will enjoy 2-3 drinks per day, and some wine at supper. We chose 2 promos, since we have a balcony room: 3 and 4th guests free, for our kids and free gratuities. After reading this thread, I'm wondering if we aren't better off changing the free gratuities for a drinking package.

My sister was scheduled to go on the Sky this morning. She got a phone call last night saying that embarcation would be delayed or something to that effect. However on Wednesday night, she got a call from American Airlines saying that all flights to Miami were cancelled. She had to cancel the cruise since there was no way of getting there (on time). Luckily she had insurance and it seems as though she'll get her money back.

Thanks for the review! Very interesting. Did your kids watch the Brat Pack show? I heard it's PG14 with a couple of inappropriate scenes. I'd like to go with my kids 9 and 12 but I'm not sure how inappropriate the show is!

I'll be cruising on the Escape with 2 kids (9 and 12) in March. My youngest is somewhat picky, but he won't be happy with the kids menu (nuggets and burgers).

Do the chefs onboard tolerate small changes to their menu items? For example, if there is a piece of fish or meat with a sauce I know my son won't like, can I request it without the sauce?

Thanks!