JerseyGem

Symphony docks on the Starboard side every time except once per month (this is from the Captain's talk last week on the Symphony).  Once a month, they have to lower the lifeboats to make sure they're working properly. If you like dockside, your odds are better booking starboard but no guarantee.  We prefer not facing the dock.  

We were in 8140 on deck 8 (port) forward of the forward elevators.  I would book any cabin on deck 8 except for those right by the entrance to the aft elevator corridor because that's where Dazzles is located.  It's a great place to go for music, but it could be noisy right by that area.  Deck 8 was great for a quick walk to the Central Park area.  

First- many more hits than misses! We had a great cruise.  However, there are a few things we did not know before hand that might help future cruisers.  You all may already know them, but we hadn't cruised Royal in almost two years, and this was our first Oasis class ship.   

The Symphony docks on her starboard side every time except once a month when they are required to lower the starboard life boats.  (From the Captain at his talk)
There's no clothesline in the shower.  Instead there are two small hooks under the controls.
A small part of the bathroom light stays on when you turn off the light- a perfect nightlight. 
Paper straws are available when requested.  Some complained; I thought they were fine.
Wonderland's Happy Hour: the 2 for $13 is only available for their four signature cocktails. 
Hooked lunch is $15 per person.  The oyster appetizers (6 raw or 6 baked with assorted toppings) were great.  Crab cakes were so-so.  We sat at the railing overlooking the Solarium     Bistro- rather noisy.  Ask for the sides of the restaurant  if you want some privacy.
Cabin walls are metal, so magnets worked well to hold up caps, papers, etc.
Ice buckets are only supplied when requested.  
DH uses a C Pap.  There was an outlet right by the bed (no need for extension cord).
Solarium Bistro- you order your omelet from the waiter standing near the omelet station and are given a number for your table.  They'll bring it to you when ready. 
All the shows were great. As always mentioned on CruiseCritic: make ressies ahead of time! 

Theater seats in the upper balcony seemed to be a little reclined.  Be careful if you're sleepy- much too comfortable.  

For Flight : sit in 6th to 8th rows, center.
Due to "technical" problems AquaNation didn't run at all (if offered, do it early in the cruise- don't wait until last days).
We had cabin 8140- OV balcony- a perfect location convenient to Central Park but quiet. I'd book it again. 

While no one can predict the weather this far out, on our many trips in October or early November, the weather has been delightful.  Not too hot, less crowded (unless two mega-ships are in port), and the water is still warm enough to swim.  Of course, we've been lucky to travel in years without hurricanes in that area!

We did this last Saturday after disembarking the Symphony OTS.  All the Miami excursions (Hop On and Everglades) met in the Schooner lounge at 7:30 AM.  We were taken off the ship in groups to retrieve our luggage (all in one special area), quickly go through customs/immigration, and exit for our shuttle.  At that point, there was considerable disorganization.  No one outside the terminal seemed to know where we should go.  Finally, we found someone for the Everglades trip who pointed us in  the right direction.  It was a somewhat long walk (with luggage) to a truck where our bags were re-tagged and loaded.  Then on to the bus that took all Hop On tours to Bayside in Miami.  Once there, you could choose either loop  (downtown Miami or South Beach).  We had enough time to do both, eat a quick lunch at Bayside (several restaurants, stores, etc.), listen to a local band for awhile and then stand in line to retrieve our luggage from the truck, bring it to the right bus (going to FLL), load and when full- finally off to the airport.  We did not get off during  either loop, and our wait between loops wasn't too long (but you will be waiting in the sun). 

We used the 3 PM shuttle to FLL.  Shuttles left at 1, 3 and 5 PM (although they actually didn't leave promptly because people returned at 3 PM thinking they would just hop on the bus to the airport- no one warned us about the long line to retrieve luggage).  Several other cruiselines use the same company, so there were several trucks with luggage (one per ship), but just one long line to retrieve luggage from all the luggage trucks.  We had a 7 PM flight, so the 3 PM shuttle was perfect for the trip to FLL.  

Ship -Symphony of the Seas

Deck -8

Stateroom # -8140

Stateroom Category –Ocean view balcony (I think 8D)

Starboard or Port Side - port 

Quiet Stateroom? Yes

Was stateroom a connecting stateroom? -No 

Balcony View - great views- no obstructions

Balcony Size? Normal 

Was wind a problem? -no 

Any specific problems with this cabin? -not a problem, but be aware that cabin didn't have clotheslines in the shower, just two hooks for hanging wet suits. No hand cream provided, just soaps and shampoo.

Any other comments? -Sofa is by the balcony.  This deck has Central Park in the middle, which was very handy.  The cabin is a little forward of the forward elevators (no noise from elevator area or Central Park).  I loved the location on Deck 8 and would book this again without hesitation.  

16 hours ago, lattegirl10 said:

Deck 8 was a great choice.  We usually get decks 9 and above but deck 8 will be our deck of choice for now on.  Yes there was a night light in the bathroom.  I didn't notice hand cream in the room. 

 

On a different note- I spotted 2 pets on this cruise.  One was riding the on the scooter of its owner without a vest or anything, poor thing had to sit there while its owner played in the casino with all the smoke.  And the other was sitting in a chair on the outside patio of chops having a romantic dinner with its owner.... 

 

I also noticed kids on deck 15 using the soda machines as water fountains after playing basketball by putting there mouth under the dispenser and wetting there hair and hands. 

 

I saw people in the Windjammer walk by the buffet lines and cough over the food without covering there mouth, so keep all of these things in mind when traveling.  

Yuck!   I've seen similar situations on cruises (but not quite as bad as those basketball kids!).  Some people must leave their brains and morals behind when they go on vacation.  And I love dogs but can't imagine taking them on a cruise (excepting working dogs- seeing eye & true therapy dogs, etc.).    Having developed the noro-virus on a cruise years ago, I'm overly cautious now.  I try to avoid the buffet (or at least take my serving from the back of the food trays, away from the front where people cough, sneeze or sample).  

I'll pack hand cream.  Thanks!  Lynn  

Thanks for the review and the tip about the usb ports.  We'll be in an oceanview balcony on deck 8 in January.    It looks like deck 8 will be convenient to many of the indoor activities (that is, not too many stairs to walk to get there).  Any other hints? Was  hand cream provided? Nightlight in the bathroom?

I always have to put my fingers on the screen three or four times because the sensitivity is never right. We have had machines not work after entering all the info, too. Attendant had to shut the machine off and move us to another.

Fingerprints: At the end of our interview for Global Entry, the agent looked at my fingers (and fingerprints), sighed, and said to use hand cream before using the machines or I'd be rejected (that is, my prints wouldn't take). The first time I actually entered the USA using the Global Entry machines (Phila), I forgot to do so- rejected! The Customs Officer who reviewed that entry said to use hand cream the next time I used the machines.

I thought it was just an excuse for faulty machines- but ever since then, I've rubbed on hand cream right beforehand- and have not had any trouble with the machines accepting my fingerprints. I have no idea why, but it works for me!

We love river cruising (10 so far with Grand Circle Travel). We now ocean cruise only once or twice a year so we can fit in the river cruises (time-wise and money-wise). Check out the River Cruise forums on CruiseCritic for information.

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?s=&daysprune=7&f=191

For us, river cruises are not as relaxing as ocean cruises (where we frequently end up on a beach - reading or relaxing in the surf). On most river cruises, you will be grouped with other passengers (20 to 40 of you per group) to go on guided walking tours of the towns you visit. You will probably have free time after lunch to go back into the towns for shopping or in-depth touring (on your own). Most sailing is done over night- unless you're on a scenic stretch of the river.

Many river cruise companies offer last minute specials (maybe one or two months in advance or as quickly as a week). Once you're retired, you may be flexible enough to take advantage of these specials at a significant cost savings. Check out their websites.

In countries using the Euro, I've found that it varies from fifty Euro cents to one Euro. This past week in Paris, a few public toilets were 80 Euro cents (and, of course, I'd saved my 50's and 1's!). Your program director or local tour guide will tell you what's needed (and may even be able to find the free toilets or make change if you arrive at an untended one).

We will be traveling on a river cruise (Grand European) in May and I have heard from a friend who was in France last year that Americans receive a hostile reception by virtue of being Americans, and are incessantly drilled about our politics. Is this typical? Can anyone give me a report on their experiences recently? Thanks in advance.

We've traveled in Europe many times, lived in Germany for 3 years, and still have family living and working in Germany. Many people are quite curious about our politics (and many know more than most Americans about our current political issues). They understand that what's happening in one country (even across the Atlantic) has repercussions around the world. I've never been "incessantly drilled" as happened to your friend, but I have been asked (frequently) who I voted for, who I currently supported, what was my stand on assorted issues, etc. They're curious. Give as much information as you care to disclose, then ask them about the same issues in their country. You may be surprised that they really do want to talk to an American about what's happening throughout our world.

As for a "hostile reception"- yes, it can happen, in France, America, etc. Several people have already posted ways to negate this (say a greeting when entering- Bon Jour, Guten Tag, etc. ) (ask the Program Director on your cruise for the appropriate greeting in each country). Also, we try to learn to say (in the other language): I don't speak.................... Does anyone here speak English?

Please don't let your friend's unfortunate experience in France deter you from enjoying your river cruise.

Don’t smile too much seriously? Facial expression is a common language. I never heard anyone complain about smiling. Sorry - it’s what I do. It’s who I am. I smile a lot because I am generally happy. I love life. I love traveling and seeing new things. And it causes me to smile. I’ve found smiles, like laughter, to be infectious and that’s a good thing.

 

Quite frankly, if someone has a problem with smiling, I don’t want them to be around them. I also say, good morning/afternoon and please and thank you a lot ... always with a smile.

 

 

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Yes, smiling too much and in the wrong situations will definitely mark you as an American. In many cultures, it will appear that you are laughing at them or consider them "funny" (not in a good way). This is especially true for river cruises in Russia. Don't glare, but certainly a neutral face is more welcoming than the typical wide-open laughing smile. Of course, this all refers to meeting strangers. Once you become friends, smile away.

Our first river cruise with with Grand Circle Cruise Line. On their Great Rivers of Europe cruise we sailed from Vienna to Amsterdam. For us, this was the perfect region to sample wines, beers and to see so much history. We had a wonderful time and are now hooked on river (and small ship) cruising. We leave soon for our 11th trip with them.

Ocean Blue was a disappointment (almost everything was served at room temp); service was very slow and inattentive. We loved Wasabi, Cagney's and La Cucina (the lamb chops were excellent, the veal only so-so). The wait staff at Le Bistro messed up our order several times (wrong drinks, wrong appetizer- all plopped down in front of us without any concern that we didn't order that item). Teppanyaki is fun if you have a group (or manage to be seated with interesting passengers).

Cagney's wait staff are very slow getting drinks- bring a glass of wine with you from the bar next door!

We avoid Moderno, but others love it.

We have plugged a small nightlight into the bathroom outlet that is designed for shavers (show the nightlight to the cabin steward- he/she will tell you if it's OK). The outlet is up high- so the light is high but right by the mirror so it does shine the light around. We also plug our electric toothbrushes into the outlet. We actually prefer to bring a battery Christmas candle (bigger than a tea light- 8 inches) as it gives enough light for us; we can also move it to the balcony at night (ambiance!).

Also, consider a nightlight in the cabin to help them find the bathroom. I also have a small flashlight that I put on the bed table (by my glasses) to help find the bathroom and that step!

For the ropes course: no open-toed sandals or mules (regular tie-on or velcro sneakers are best). For the water slides: no jewelry (includes rings) and no metal decorations on bathing suits.

For those who like a large mug of coffee or tea to take back to the cabin each morning: bring a thermal mug (travel mug). The BA's coffee cups are small.

Scooters: Someone who must always (or almost always) use a scooter to get around would have a difficult time on a river ship as well as in most of the historic and/or cultural parts of towns that will be on the itinerary. Many gangplanks are steep and narrow (frequently with strips of wood to prevent slipping); a scooter wouldn't fit well.

However, if she can walk (even slowly) down or up the gangplanks, you could hire a taxi to take you on a driving tour of the areas at each port. Maybe with an option to get out and walk (slowly) into some of the churches or museums.

One thing to remember is that any accommodations for the disabled which you can expect in the USA are not mandated outside the USA (the first A in ADA stands for Americans). I've seen many fellow Americans on the river ships who were surprised that other countries do not require such accommodations for those with mobility concerns.

I’m leaving the 29th for GCT Burgundy to Provence cruise. Looking forward to it too!

I'm CPT Trips wife- we just booked GCT's Burgundy to Provence for next March. Let us know about anything special we should do or see. We did a Vantage river cruise (Lyon to Avignon) a year or so ago, so we'll be revisiting some cities. But the GCT trip includes so much more than Vantage!

Definitely plan on layers (to strip or add as the weather/venues change). Also, we carry a small backpack to hold the un-needed layers. I prefer a longer coat, since many of the markets have areas to sit and savor your Glühwein. When I sit in a short jacket, the small of my back gets cold air!

Gloves- I use silk glove liners under mittens. If I want to do something that requires dexterity, I slip off the mittens. Also, I bring disposable hand warmers for really cold days. Last year, we only had a few really cold days, but we lasted all day while many took shelter back on the ship.

We were on a GCT cruise (Rhine) and will do the Danube with them this Christmas. The ship was too warm for us, most noticeably at lunchtime. We'd return from the morning walk dressed for the cold and needed to stop by the cabin to strip and change before facing the very warm dining room. Then redressed before heading out for the afternoon. We complained (as did others), and the temp was lowered only a little. Some people did like the extra warmth, but I thought those who needed warmth could have left on their sweaters rather than many of us needing to strip to tee shirts.

We charged our electric toothbrushes (Phillips Sonicare) without any issues. Just make sure the light is on (that is, your keycard is in the slot by the door to power-up the cabin). The outlet is very high, so many people probably missed it.

Thanks for the quick responses! My friend doesn't want to pack a dress or skirts (too much hassle), so she'll be happy to hear that pants are OK. Plus her husband is casual- no jacket or ties like on ocean cruising!

Lynn

DH and I have only cruised on GCT and Vantage. A friend is going on her first river cruise soon- on Avalon- and asked me for packing advice. I've heard that Avalon is a more upscale line, so I don't know how to advise her about evening attire. Will basic black slacks with an assortment of nice tops be OK for dinners or do ladies dress up more. If it's warm, are capris OK for dinners? Are there special nights (like a Welcome Dinner or Farewell Dinner)? For her husband, will he be required to have a jacket and tie?

Any other suggestions?

Thanks! Lynn

The BA is a great ship! (Yes, there are a few design flaws- but still a great ship!) Everyone has given great advice. My suggestion is to always read the Freestyle Daily (delivered each evening for the next day) because so much is going on- especially at night. Don't assume each evening will be the same. And if you don't make ressies in advance for a show, there is a stand-by line, so don't think you'll miss out on it.

My last tip- go to your Meet & Greet.

Have a great cruise, Lynn

When you check in, you should be given that day's Welcome Aboard schedule which will show which restaurants are open (and the time frames). A more detailed Freestyle Daily will be in your cabin. As mentioned, either Taste or Savor will be open (plus the buffet and O'Sheehan's).

Beaches: as mentioned above, get a shuttle to Horseshoe Bay right at the end of the dock. Beach chairs: only if you intend to go to one of the beaches without facilities.

On a closed loop cruise, this is normally at the passenger's discretion, and hopefully none of the issues hoopics mentioned will occur. However, one thing for you to note is that when you apply for a child's passport in the US, both parents are required to be present at a passport application. If both parents are not going on the cruise, I honestly don't know what would happen if you were stranded ashore and if the government would require the other parent to fly to wherever the child was to submit a passport application.

If only one parent is going on the cruise, she/he will need to bring a document from the other parent (who is mentioned on the birth cert) giving the traveling parent permission to leave the country with the child. Contact NCL for the proper wording of the document (I think it needs to be notarized- at least it was on Celebrity).

So if stranded in Bermuda- you hopefully have all you need to get a passport (without TOO much hassle).

We cruised the BA to Bermuda in May with 3 yr old and 6 month old granddaughters (and parents). No problem with just having the Birth Certs for the girls..