NJMetsFan

Don't bother with the downy wrinkle release. I brought a bottle and 6 of us on the ship never needed it. If you pack right and take your clothes out and hang them up you'll be fine. I ironed a few things before packing.

I posted my experience on the ship from a few weeks ago under a different thread if u search for it. You can text via iMessage if others have apple phones or iPads. My kids used FaceTime audio and it worked. Put your phone on airplane mode and turn on wifi. You can buy a limited minutes package from Verizon for cruise ships just check their site if you want a fallback. If u are stopping at San Juan, PR is part of the Verizon's network so you can make regular calls and texts from there.

They did the last night on Liberty a few weeks ago but not as elaborate as past cruises 7 or 8 years ago. Was only a handful of staff. My waiter was not involved. He was scrambling around working his butt off

I brought a case of Poland Spring on in Bayonne a few weeks ago. No issues. Just slapped a luggage tag on it and it made its way to my room. I would try it. The worst that's going to happen is to lose $5 for the water. The risk vs saving well over $100 if you purchased the water is worth it

I didn't see it online at any time leading up to my cruise on Liberty (left 7/30) I got on the ship early, had lunch at the WJ and prob around 12:30 went to the excursions desk and booked it. I figured there would be none left. There were both over the water and beach cabanas available

I booked mine at the excursion desk when I went a few weeks ago right when I got on. Couldn't book in advance

I would play it safe and walk off your luggage and get out of there asap. Last weekend we got off the ship around 8 and had no traffic getting out of the Bayonne area. When we got on the ship the week before we arrived around 10 and there was a traffic backup getting out and many people still waiting to be picked up. I agree with the OP that you never know with LaGuardia. I'd rather get to the airport at 10 and wait than stress out about possibly getting there an hour before for my flight but that's just me. They do plan to get everyone off quickly. If you don't want to walk off your luggage request an early time.

Big G thanks. I did my research but I'm always paranoid about missing the ship back. I was giving my thoughts on my experience. Too many "know it alls" on these boards.

We went yesterday doing the ships tour. First off, save your money. There are shuttles going to and from the beach for $7 per person. We paid double that to get on a 25 person beat up bus. I will say throughout our guide was good and spoke during the whole ride about the island and culture. On the way back he drove past the lighthouse and took a partially different route. I would suggest getting to the beach as early as possible. We had the 9 am time and met down at the dock at 8:45. Of course one couple was late and we waited 10 minutes for them before we left - probably couldn't get their rude lazy asses out of bed. We got to the beach around 9:30. It was fairly wide open but by the time we left at 12:30 it was packed. We rented chairs and an umbrella for $11 each - definitely a racket they have. The water is beautiful and the pink sand they talk about can only be noticed right by the water where you can see the tiny pieces of pink coral. There is s large rock formation when you enter the beach you can climb and get some nice photos from. Some people including my daughter were cliff jumping which looked pretty cool but of course at your own risk. She said you had to jump out to avoid the rocks. If you walk down the beach further past the next set of rock formations there are some nice secluded beaches and rock formations with cracks you could walk through and get some great pictures. I recommend at least walking down there and checking it out. If u just have towels and bags it's a great place to park away from the crowds but not to carry chairs and umbrellas. There were lifeguards on duty when we're were there possibly because there were rip currents. No lifeguards were at the secluded beaches. It was a nice time at the beach but by 12:30 you could feel the humidity increasing. Get there early if you want to rent an umbrella and chairs. They could run out. Horseshoe Bay Beach gets two thumbs up. I suggest getting there early by taking the $7 shuttle and leaving by 2 to avoid having any angst if the ship departs at 4. We do know people on the ship who did it and said there were no issues. Go to ground transportation when u get off and ask for the $7 shuttle.

Been using it since leaving Bayonne and the service is decent but don't expect to stream any video. We are using it to communicate on the ship with iMessage. FaceTime audio works ok - not so much video. The price is a ripoff but I was willing to pay it. We did two devices for $30 per day. It went up from what I read where it was $22.50 I believe. Surfing speed is okay. Think it compares to 2G service maybe a little better. Think one device was $20/day

Why can't people just follow the rules? It clearly states No Shorts in the MDR, that means No Shorts. You are eating in a beautiful dining room and being waited on hand and foot, if you want to wear shorts, go on a different vacation.

 

 

 

I wear whatever I want at dinner every other night of the year, usually pajamas, but for one week I get dressed up and enjoy the atmosphere of the MDR and being pampered. It's part of the experience of cruising.

So be pampered. To most vacation means relaxation and not dressing like they have to do everyday to work. What does it matter what anyone else wears?

Should be in your opinion. Sadly, you do not own the cruise line and do not set policy. The policy is no shorts in the MDR at dinner, "nice" or otherwise. Can you imagine the poor employees at the entrance trying to determine if someone's shorts are "nice" or not?

Guess what? It should be in my opinion too. If enough people have opinions then RCCL might change its policy.

I'm going in a few weeks and you can select the time and day. This should show up at some point under the entertainment section of your planner. From what I've read you don't necessarily have to reserve in advance but I did.

Thanks - I'm assuming the Yes for #3 is the dress code is a little more lax the first night?

1) Are there any restrictions for suitcase size or weight?

2) Any restrictions on the number of suitcases you bring? Yes I know these have to be stored in a limited space.

3) Is the dress code a little more lax in the MDR the day we embark, meaning will anyone care if you wear shorts? We have the first seating at 5:30 which doesn't leave a lot of time after the muster drill and time spent on deck for sail away. Who knows if the suitcases will arrive on time either.

Thanks

It was actually 6 changed to 530 and I don't want the hassle of booking different times every night. It was 6 when I booked and they changed it. I booked this cruise a year ago. I don't want to change my seating only to find out there are late times left and then lose my original seating time.

I just found out the first seating time changed for my cruise from 5:30-6. Is it really going to matter if I show up at 6? I feel like we'll have to rush to make it by 5:30. I also just got an email from rccl stating I'm signed up for My Time Dining which I am not. It notes I can log on and reserves times. My time online says 5:30. Have others had this happen?

It's been about 8 years since I've been there but that was when they tendered you in. I've read a few posts about needing water shoes because of rocks in the water. I don't recall that was an issue. Sorry to hijack the post but does anyone have any comments on that. There is a lot more to do there now, of course for a fee - zip line, a gravity roller coaster and a water slide.

Check out you tube and search Labadee. There are a bunch of videos you can view showing the entire peninsula and excursions

Thanks leftwriter and too bad the Mets blew it today!

Did you use the wireless internet? How was it?

Any excursions you would recommend?

Thanks - yes I know and it's not cheap either.

I've read the wireless internet is pretty bad on LOS. I was thinking of getting it for me and my family so we can iMessage on the ship to keep in touch throughout the day. Does anyone know if it's effective for that purpose or is it too slow? Any ship areas where the internet doesn't work? Thanks!

Wear whatever you want and don't listen to people like the previous poster who have nothing better to do than judge other people. The fact they would let it bother them that someone isn't dressed like they are is comical. You're not responsible for anyone else's enjoyment on your vacation but your own as long as you're not being offensive or annoying.

Just made reservation for July 30 cruise on Liberty.

Thanks - I just booked for 7/30 as well. Was not up when I checked earlier in the week.