MikeMA

Just not a huge fan of having to drive home 4 hours after cruising for 7 days. I understand it's not all that bad, but I just prefer to fly or let someone else drive. Thank you for the info. I will keep it handy.

We actually ended up booking with Carnival instead. We've sailed on the Magic before and the Dream is her sister ship. Flying into NOLA and will stay at a hotel by the airport the day before. Then the following day they have shuttles to pier for $12 pp or an Uber for about $30-35. Couldn't beat the price we got. Came in about $1700 less than any sailings on the Adventure and they had reduced deposit. Factor in driving down and parking etc and I'll save about 500 even after paying for airfare.

We are looking at next Summer in the Adventure of the Seas. Late July or early Aug. Before booking though we want to see on what the options are. So far in my research I have found using Peter Oan from Providence to Newark and then taxi or Uber to cape liberty. Bus was $49/pp each way then taxi Im reading about $45-50 each way. Basically for 4 it looks like about $500-$550 for transportation. Sound right? Looking for simplest option as we'll have two young kids with us so hopping too much around isn't ideal.

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Hi all I cruised on the Explorer of the Seas out of Cape Liberty about 9 years ago. We took a bus from Providence straight to the pier. I have discovered the company Ent Tours is no longer in service. I was wondering if there is another option from Providence or even Boston that doesn't involve making too many switches. I don't mind a bus going close to port and then having to take a short Uber or Taxi. I really hope there is something out there. Thanks for any help

For 1400 pounds you can get a nice sitter for your child and leave them at home or do a shorter less expensive cruise to see how the baby does in the first place. As a parent of two boys, and I've traveled with them on many cruises, traveling with a 9 month old is doable, but you have to bring everything from a car seat, to a stroller, to bottles, cleaning supplies for said bottles, lots of diapers, wipes, etc. Beaches are a nightmare with a crawling 9 month old. You will have to lug so much stuff along. A baby won't be able to use any of the pools or water play areas. You will have to pay for babysitting on top of their passage. The baby may be teething at this stage, irritable and in need of a doctor. The ship's doctor is available for a very expensive fee. Usually $90 for a visit, plus medications.

 

Three people (and a baby's stuff) will be sharing a very small space. If you don't have a balcony to help air it out- it will stink from the soiled diapers. Most nine months old need naps by day and go to bed early at night. You will be in a small cabin (at least one of you) from bedtime on. So you'll miss a lot of nightlife, shows, etc. You will be watching tv, which may keep the child awake, or trying to read on a kindle. You can do that at home.

 

I'd either wait until your child is older, go on a less expensive "trial" cruise to see how she adjusts to sleeping on a ship, taking showers (not baths) and the stimulation on the ship. I understand not wanting to leave a child for 14 days. You may want to wait. Honeymoons should be romantic right? Seriously discuss your options with your mate.

I disagree with a large portion of this. Having just done a cruise with an 8 month old I can say we enjoyed it. Yes we had to make adjustments to our schedules to accommodate naps and bedtimes etc And yes we had to pack 1 extra small suitcase for diapers, wipes, bottle supplies, and food etc.. But many if the things you mentioned are simply ill information.

We found the beach quite fun with our baby we rented a clamshell for short money and laid a blanket down with some toys and he was very entertained. We brought him to the shore and let him splash around and play. It was a little different than if we had been alone, but certainly not a hassle or bad experience.

About 1/2 of the fleet now have baby pools in their kids area. We just got off the Freedom which had one. The pools have special filters to allow non potty trained babies to be able to use them. Our son loved it. I suggest just researching ships that have these.

Again about 1/2 the fleet have nurseries now. For $8/hr you can use them to have some alone time. Although we didn't use it every night, we did for 3 nights on our cruise 1 to enjoy a formal dinner alone and the other 2 after dinner to enjoy a show and a little casino time. We usually did 2 1/2-3 hr stints. The nursery staff is trained and certified and they only allow in a certain #of children per staff member. They give you a phone to carry in case of any ques or emergencies. Then they give you notes at pickup. They will also change diapers and feed your baby if needed. We thought the staff was great. So again yes you have to adjust your schedule, but you def still can create some alone/romantic time. Also your room will prob have a curtain to separate you from the babies crib/playpen so you can turn the tv on after the baby goes down.

We packed all basic meds we might need including baby Tylenol and Motrin diaper rash cream etc etc an inflatable bathtub for the shower at the advice of other parents on here was great advice. Also we brought the arm n hammer disposable diaper trash bags for diaper changes. You can buy like 42ct for $5. They hid any smell so the cabin ventilation etc was no issue.

Would I necessarily do a 14 night cruise, prob not. Mainly because the babies schedule does get messed up. But I can tell you our 8 night was enjoyable. Just go in knowing your cruise will be altered a little from the norm, pack accordingly, and choose a ship with the proper baby amenities/venues. If you do this I think you will still have a fun trip.

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You have the option to do that at any time.

 

 

 

Biker, who is waiting for the tip police.

Lol Biker I like the humor. While I agree we could do this by going to guest services I wouldn't want to insult the staff. I would prefer Royal pass a policy on it. I'd say children under 1 year no grats.

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We used Galveston Express it left the port at 9:00am roughly. Arrived at Hobby 9:55am. If you call them and speak to the manager(Keith I believe it was) he will explain. Was a nice service.

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We made an 11:45am flight at Hobby with plenty of time to spare. Even with busy customs we were at the airport at 9:55am.

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Last year we stayed at the Best Western Plus at Hobby Airport. It had a free airport shuttle and free hot breakfast. Hotel was clean and only about a mile from the airport. We paid $98 after all taxes etc. Then we used Galveston Express for transportation to port. Even with port transfers it came out about $150 cheaper than staying in Galveston.

This fall we scored a great deal at the Marriott Farefield suites at Hobby. $84 total after taxes/fees. Includes airport shuttle and breakfast as well. Using Galveston Express again as it was only a 30-35 min ride from hotel to port.

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Kids/Toddlers, I could see that, but 9 months old... I doubt that.

 

dp

This is exactly right. We just got off the Freedom with our 8 month old. I can tell you the dining staff did zero for the baby the whole cruise and the only thing he ate all cruise from Royal was crackers and a few pieces of dinner rolls. In addition we had connecting staterooms and one of them was for the kids. We told the cabin Steward to skip morning service in their room just in case the baby was napping. Throw in the fact we had our own crib sheets etc etc. there's no doubt the baby was very little work for any staff.

I think at a minimum tips should be reduced for babies under 1. I get that a baby takes up a "guest spot" and the ship doesn't make money from amenities like the casino etc and can somewhat understand charging them almost full price. But the gratuities should be waived or at least reduced for them.

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No problem - glad I could help out in a small way with the spreadsheet & the teen compass. :)

 

I love my TG-4 camera, but it was odd that it didn't come with a lens cap. When I bought the filter adapter kit at least that came with a lens cap

 

Regarding the GPS app, search for "Location Tracker Lite" in the iTunes store (not sure if it is available on Android)...

Found the App. Thank you

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Day 1 – Let’s go cruising! (cont)

 

This was the first time we have cruised with friends and had the opportunity to combine reservations for MTD, coordinate excursions, and stuff like that. We were cruising with three great friends of ours that flew in from Moscow, Idaho and met us on board.

 

In regards to MTD and combining reservations into one table for five, I was able to do it all on line and the process was very smooth and there were no screw-ups or anything like that when we were on board. Reading that last line back again, I’m not sure what that says for RCI’s reputation when something gets labeled a surprising fantastic success because “nothing was screwed up”. :-) We were also able to keep the same table and wait staff for 7 of the 8 nights, with the only hiccup being the night that we ate very late, which was also a good thing.

 

After dinner, we headed to the Schooner Bar for movie theme trivia. My wife & I love trivia, and I would classify ourselves as “moderately crazy”. We love winning, hate losing, however we don’t pull a nutty when we don’t win – meaning I have never talked back or argued with the staff over answers and stuff like that. I’m on vacation to be stress free after all! :-)

 

That being said, our group of five won that trivia. After trivia, we were hanging around relaxing at the Schooner Bar when I noticed way too many lights out the window on the horizon and in an odd direction for the way we should be heading. We went out to the bow area to check it out and sure enough the lights were Miami and we were heading towards them. Conveniently enough, I had my GPS app running and here’s what it looked like around 9pm:

 

 

 

The Miami skyline looming closer:

 

 

 

A few minutes after this, Captain Toni came on the PA to say that due to a medical emergency (our first cruise with a medical emergency), we were indeed heading towards Miami to sync up with a Coast Guard ship to pick up the affected person.

 

Sure enough, here it comes into view (apologies for the crappy cell phone picture quality):

 

 

 

 

 

Coast Guard pulling up alongside the ship

 

 

 

After that, Captain Toni came on again and mentioned that this would not affect our arrival time into Labadee on Monday morning. We then headed to the welcome aboard show, which was good and what you would expect for a typical welcome aboard.

 

On the way back I checked my app again and noticed that we were indeed turned and heading full steam towards Labadee once again:

 

 

 

Tomorrow – in search of adventure on our first of three sea days on this cruise…

 

Could you tell me which gps app you use. Looks good.

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I appreciate all of the responses. We are flying in so unfortunately cannot buy/bring one. If we are passing a Walmart/target on the way to port maybe, buy doubtful. Hopefully the duvet under the sheet will be enough or I'll be sore.

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Oh boy. This doesn't sound good. Maybe I will make a call to Royal. I had surgery fairly recently and my shoulder could not handle a harder bed for 8 nights.

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Hey all,

I was wondering if any of you could help me or enlighten me if something has happened in The last 2 months. I had shoulder surgery a few months back and sleep on a soft temperpedic mattress. In the past few cruises I requested and have received a mattress topper or egg crate for our bed. My mom sailed recently and had emailed Royal about 3 weeks prior to her cruise requesting hers and had no problem. It was perfect when she arrived and found the bed with a memory foam topper that her Steward said he applied.

Fast forward to this past Sunday I emailed

Royal special needs to request for our upcoming Freedom sailing. I received this email back stating that fleet wide that now have double mattress toppers. Anybody have feedback? I can tell you that on my Mothers cruise they certainly did not have double toppers. A co-worker sailed the Allure in December and although he said the bed was ok, he told me there was definitely not a double topper. Seems like I'm stuck for now until inboard and try it out. Anyone sailed the Freedom recently that can confirm or contradict. Thank you

I saw that but I'm looking for actual times from people who have used them. I've booked shuttles in the past and they never match the time scheduled.

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Hi all,

We are booked on the RC Liberty OS in October. Was hoping somebody who used these shuttle services could tell me what time they arrived at the airport. I'm trying to book airfare and flight times are either 11/1130 or not until 3pm. Was hoping I might make the earlier flight but not sure what time the early shuttle got everyone to the airport. They are at Hobby airport. There is also a 11:55 at Bush.

Thank you

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I think and this is just conjecture that this is related to one of the recent drownings or near drownings aboard in the past few years. I was recently on Majesty which had added the H20 zone/water slides and they had a crew member watching (doing nothing else) when ever it was open. Crew members are very busing on turn around day and maybe they can't spare a person. I did notice on Oasis last spring the beach pool had a lot more kids than normal until after muster, but I didn't look to see if it was open.

Bill, I can understand safety first. I guess my gripe is that Royal could spare 2 or 3 crew to watch the splash area for the kids. We sailed the Carnival Magic last year and they were open immediately. This is with them having 3 adult water slides as 2 toddler slides. The Freedom's area is wide open and much easier to monitor. We have early seating for dinner so for us that means no water park until day 2 which is a little disappointing.

With that said we will still make do and have a great time. I realize there are other options, I just wanted to voice my opinion on the original post.

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Thank you for the review. Much appreciated as we sail in April. Can you tell me more about the new Beach Bungalows. We booked one for our April cruise on the Freedom. Was the bar close by for Soda and drinks? Lunch close by? Enough space for 4 Adults and 2 children?How was the water for toddlers (calm or too rough) ?

Ok I'm done lol Sorry (can you tell we really need our vacation lol)

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Thanks so much for the review and tips. We sail April 1st with our children 4 1/2, and 8 months old. My mom and also cousins with their daughter 6 will be joining us. Your info on the nursery and water area fir the kids were great. I also enjoyed all the menu/food pics.

If you don't mind me asking where did you find out about the walking tour in St Kitts? Did you book ahead of time? And approximate price? Thank you again.

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I would definitely be up for something new if the price was right. We've been kinda eyeing Royal, but Carnival always has such a great price. "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." Lol. But my coworker (she's a travel agent) said it might be nice for me to "jump ship" so I can compare lines.

We sail both lines. To be honest, Royal is a little bit fancier, dining room service and atmosphere slightly a step up(food now about the same), and ship amenities slightly more variety(rock climbing wall, flowrider, and ice skating rinks. Carnival on the other hand a few more free options like Guys burgers and Blue Iguana. Entertainment Carnival has a comedian and solo guitarist every night(something Royal doesn't). Atmosphere is more lax not quite as fancy(still very good as I will book w them again).

I find the kids clubs amenities almost identical. Specialty restaurants just about the same. Cabins very similar with exception of maybe some of the higher end suites. Cabin steward's service was pretty much the same as Royal.

I recommend you give it a shot. We enjoy both lines.

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Oh wow this is disappointing. Doesn't make a whole lot of sense.

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I asked on John Heald's Facebook page: Months ago you said there would be sailings out of Boston in 2018, Any update?

 

 

 

His response: Nothing yet and I will ask the beards again and let you know. Thanks.

Thank you for the news[emoji106]

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On another note there is also a strong rumor that Royal Caribbean's Freedom of the Seas will be coming to the Northeast in the Summer 2018. If you feel like something new it may be an option.

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Barring something out of nowhere Boston for 2018 is dead. I was excited to by John's hints but unfortunately all the ships are accounted for. [emoji20]

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That stroller looks like the summer infant delite we paid 50.00 on eBay for it brand new in box. We will be traveling on anthem in May and will use that stroller as it reclines and is a deluxe umbrella stroller

 

 

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Thanks for the tip I'll take a look on EBay. We checked Babies R Us yesterday for this stroller and were told they no longer make it [emoji20]. We were hoping to only spend like $30-$40 just in case the airlines damage it. But if we have to go to $50 no big deal.

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